New records of distribution and co‐occurrence of freshwater calanoid copepods in New Zealand (note)

Calamoecia lucasi was found with Boeckella propinqua in the Kaihoka Lakes, Nelson, and Boeckella hamata with Boeckella triarticulata in Lake Elterwater, Marlborough. These are the first records of C. lucasi in the South Island, New Zealand, and of B. hamata co‐occurring with B. triarticulata.     

Argulus Japonicus Thiele, 1900 (Crustacea: Branchiura)—A new record for New Zealand

A single mature female of Argulus japonicus is recorded. The specimen was probably introduced with goldfish from South East Asia. Differences between its actual morphology and details in several published accounts are discussed. Discrepancies are believed to be due to errors or omissions in the latter.     

Icebergs south‐East of New Zealand in 1967 (note)

Sightings of 85 icebergs south‐east of New Zealand in February and March 1967 are reported, with associated sea surface temperatures.     

Can additional abundance indices improve harvest control rules for New Zealand rock lobster (Jasus edwardsii) fisheries?

Although New Zealand rock lobster (Jasus edwardsii) fisheries can be assessed with a sophisticated Bayesian length‐based model, these assessments are expensive and time consuming; they cannot be conducted for each area every year. Harvest control rules are increasingly important management tools in New Zealand rock lobster fisheries. Recent work has developed and evaluated procedures for rebuilding or maintaining lobster stocks based on criteria agreed by stakeholders. Most management procedures depend on a single abundance index, often catch per unit of effort (CPUE). When management procedures react slowly to changes in vulnerable biomass, allowable catches get out of phase with the stock, causing large oscillations in both catches and CPUE. Lags between data and management actions and “latent years” are features of rules that reduce responsiveness. This study explores ways to improve the responsiveness of harvest control rules by using additional data to predict changes in vulnerable biomass. Four data sets are examined: CPUE trends, pre‐recruit indices, puerulus settlement indices, and size frequencies. Only pre‐recruit indices, which were explored with a simple delay‐difference model based on parameter estimates from recent assessments, appeared to have immediate potential for use in improving management procedures.     

A multi‐stock,length‐based assessment model for New Zealand rock lobster (Jasus Edwardsii)

We describe a multi‐stock, length‐based Bayesian assessment model for New Zealand spiny lobster (Jasus edwardsii) fisheries. This model allows simultaneous modelling of two or more stocks with a mixture of common and stock‐specific parameters: recruitment is always stock‐specific, but any other parameter can be specified as either common or stock‐specific. Common parameters are estimated from a wider base than they would be in a single‐stock model. The model's time step is flexible and can be changed during the period being modelled to accommodate better data quality in recent data. Other options include the capacity to estimate movements among stocks, allow density‐dependent growth, and choose among likelihood functions for the various data sets, between finite and instantaneous fishing dynamics and between two forms of selectivity curve.     

Evidence for seiches and short‐period internal waves in lake Tekapo,South Island,New Zealand

Vertical temperature profiles obtained in April 1971 along the length of Lake Tekapo suggest the presence of an internal seiche. A simple model gives a theoretical period of 48 h. Successive vertical temperature profiles made at 5‐min intervals over 70 min showed in‐phase fluctuations in the isotherms both above and below the thermocline. The fluctuations had an average period of 12.7 min and could have been generated by a surface sieche operating between the southern end of the lake and Motuariki Island, situated about 7.6 km from the southern end.     

三种■属(Seriola)鱼类表型特征比较分析

为全面了解■属鱼类表型性状的种间差异,描述了我国养殖的黄条■(Seriola lalandi)、高体■(Seriola dumerili)和五条■(Seriola quinqueradiata)的形态学特征,测量了群体的表型数据,通过单因素方差分析、通径分析、主成分分析、判别分析和聚类分析等多元统计方法,对3种■鱼共计190尾样品的形态种质特征和可量可数性状进行了比较研究。单因素方差分析显示,除叉长/体长(FL/SL)、体长/尾柄长SL/PL)、头长/眼间距(HL/ID)和下颌长/上颌长(LJL/UJL)外,其余9个指标均存在显著性差异(P<0.05)。通径分析显示,黄条■的体长(SL)、体高(BH)、尾柄长(PL)和尾柄高(PD)是主要影响其体质量的4个表型性状;高体■的体长(SL)、体高(BH)、眼间距(ID)、下颌长(LJL)和眼后头长(POL)是主要影响其体质量的5个表型性状;五条■的体高(BH)、下颌长(LJL)和全长(TL)是主要影响其体质量的3个表型性状。主成分分析构建了4个主成分,其中第一项主成分贡献率为34.974%,其他3个主成分的贡献率依次为23.897%、...     

Distributions and associations of benthic invertebrates in a sheltered water soft‐bottom environment (Marlborough sounds,New Zealand)

Distribution patterns of benthic invertebrates in the Marlborough Sounds are related to depth and sediment grade. The assemblage of species found living in this sheltered water soft‐bottom area is characterised by two species of polychaete of the genus Asychis, Echinocardium cordatum, and Amphiura rosea The relationship of this association in the Marlborough Sounds to similar associations in other areas is briefly discussed.     

Occurrence of gravel in the stomachs of two New Zealand stream‐dwelling fish (note)

Gravel occurred in. the stomachs of 17.8% of 924 Galaxias vulgaris and 2.8% of 430 Philypnodon breviceps taken from the Glentui River, Canterbury, between June 1970 and November 1971. It is suggested that differences in feeding habits and feeding locality are responsible for the difference in occurrence of gravel in the stomachs of the two fish species. Galaxias vulgaris feeds in the water column in riffles and, being a drift feeder, is more likely to ingest inedible material by accident than is P. breviceps, which feeds on the bottom in sheltered or quiet stretches of the river.     

Trematode parasites of Otago Harbour (New Zealand) soft‐sediment intertidal ecosystems: Life cycles,ecological roles and DNA barcodes

Parasites, in particular trematodes (Platyhelminthes: Digenea), play major roles in the population dynamics and community structure of invertebrates on soft‐sediment mudflats. Here, we provide a list of the 20 trematode species currently known to infect molluscs, crustaceans and polychaetes from Otago Harbour (New Zealand) soft‐sediment intertidal areas, as well as information on their transmission modes, life cycles, andknown ecological impacts. Several of the host‐parasite species combinations recorded here are reported for the first time. We also provide DNA barcodes, based on sequences of the cytochrome oxidase subunit l (CO1) gene, for 19 of the 20 trematode species, to facilitate future identification of these parasites in marine ecological studies.     

The proposed introduction of the large‐mouth black bass micropterus salmoides (lacepede) into New Zealand

Known characteristics of the largemouth black bass, Micropterus salmoides (Lacépède), in its natural habitats in North America and as an introduction in other areas are discussed in relation to the suggestion that the fish should be introduced into New Zealand. It is concluded that much more research on the New Zealand ecosystems is necessary before a realistic assessment can be made of the likely effects of the predatory bass on indigenous fish and on trout fisheries.     

Dividing the algal soup: is there niche separation between native bivalves (Echyridella menziesii) and non-native Daphnia pulex in New Zealand?

ABSTRACT

New Zealand's native freshwater mussels (kākahi, kāeo) are considered to be in decline, yet the mechanisms driving this are unclear. The widespread establishment of highly efficient filter-feeding, non-native Daphnia in New Zealand lakes may have led to competition for algae with kākahi. We conducted a controlled laboratory experiment to determine whether differences exist in algal resources utilised by kākahi and North American Daphnia pulex. Echyridella menziesii (adults and juveniles) and D. pulex were exposed to mixed algal samples for three hours to determine whether similar algal resources were removed by the grazers. Relative to controls, both adult and juvenile E. menziesii removed a broad range of algal taxa including diatoms, green algae and filamentous species, ranging in size from 33.6 to 348.0?μm. High densities of D. pulex were unable to cause depletion of these same algae species. Our results suggest niche overlap is limited between the two grazers; E. menziesii utilises larger particles than D. pulex.     

Diets of alpine galaxias (Galaxias paucispondylus Stokell) and longjawed galaxias (G. prognathus Stokell) in a South Island,New Zealand,high‐country stream

Thedietsofthealpinegalaxias(Galaxias paucispondylus Stokell, 1938) and the longjawed galaxias (G. prognathus Stokell, 1940) were studied in Deep Creek, a high‐country stream in the central South Island of New Zealand. Both species are small, slender fish with entirely freshwater life cycles. Their diets were very similar and consisted of aquatic invertebrates, dominated by the larvae of Deleatidium spp. (Ephemeroptera), Hydrobiosis spp. (Trichoptera), and Chironomidae (Diptera). Although diets partly reflected what was available in the stream, both fish selected soft‐bodied prey in preference to cased or harder shelled prey. Both species are probably nocturnal feeders.     

Foraminiferal evidence for a pre‐middle eocene age of the chatham rise,New Zealand

Several sediment samples collected from the crest and slope of the Chatham Rise, and from the Chatham Islands, to the east of New Zealand, contain Globigerina linaperta‐Globorotalia increbescens foraminiferal faunas of upper Middle and middle Upper Eocene age. The foraminiferal faunas from the Chatham Islands, which include Rectuvigerina, Latibolivina, Dyocibicides, Discorbinella, Patellina, and Wadella, indicate shallow‐water palaeodepths, probably equivalent to the outer shelf (50–150 m). A faunal assemblage from near the crest of the rise is likewise indicative of shallow water, although distinct differences in the benthonic foraminiferal ifauna suggest slightly deeper‐water biofacies than the Eocene of the Chatham Islands. In contrast, a fauna of similar age from 1,100 m on the southern slope of the Chatham Rise contains a much deeper‐water benthonic foraminiferal assemblage including Osangularia, Vulvulina, Stilostomella, hispidocostate Uvigerina, and smooth‐shelled Bulimina, indicative of lower middle bathyal depths (1,500–2,500 m).

The nature and distribution of the assemblages, together with previous work by Norris (1964) and Cullen (1965), indicates that the Chatham Rise has been a significant structure since at least the Middle Eocene, with some uplift occurring since then.     

Prey availability and diet of juvenile brown trout (Salmo trutta) in relation to riparian willows (Salix‐spp.) in three New Zealand streams

Macroinvertebrate benthos and drift and the diet of juvenile brown trout (Salmo trutta) were investigated in willowed and non‐willowed sections of three New Zealand streams during summer. The abundance and biomass of the principal macroinvertebrate taxa in the benthos and daytime drift differed in relation to riparian willow (Salix spp.) density, but the trends were not consistent across all three streams. Crustacea, Ephemeroptera, Trichoptera, and Diptera comprised a major proportion of the diet of juvenile trout. Diets of trout from non‐willowed and willowed sections were dissimilar in three of five pair‐wise comparisons. In all three streams, juvenile trout fed selectively, with the amphipod Paracalliope fluviatilis, ephemeropteran Deleatidium, and trichopterans Aoteapsyche and Hydrobiosidae being the preferred prey. Their avoidance of the gastropod Potamopyrgus antipodarum, trichopteran Oxye‐thira albiceps, coleopteran Hydora, and drift of terrestrial origin appeared to occur in all streams. Total abundance and biomass of invertebrates drifting during the day described the potential prey available to juvenile brown trout better than did the abundance and biomass of benthic invertebrates.     

Synthetic shorelines in New Zealand? Quantification and characterisation of microplastic pollution on Canterbury's coastlines

Microplastics are persistent environmental contaminants found in marine environments worldwide. Microplastic particles isolated from coastlines in the Canterbury region of New Zealand were quantified and characterised. Sediment samples were collected from 10 locations representing exposed-beach, estuarine and harbour environments in both urban and non-urban settings. Particles were isolated from sediments using an NaCl density-separation procedure and quantified and characterised with a combination of optical/fluorescence imaging and micro-Raman spectroscopy. Microplastics were detected at eight out of 10 locations, at concentrations ranging from 0–45.4 particles kg^?1 of dry sediment. The majority of microplastics were identified as polystyrene (55%), polyethylene (21%) and polypropylene (11%). Microplastic concentrations in exposed-beach environments were significantly greater than in harbour and estuarine environments.     

Recoveries of drift cards released from: Oil rigs around New Zealand, 1975–76 (note)

Drift cards were released in batches of 50 every 2 d at drilling sites off the north and south Taranaki coast (May‐October 1975), Banks Peninsula (July‐August 1975), and in Tasman (January‐March 1976) and Hawke Bays (November 1975‐January 1976). The shortest distance “despatch to recovery” trajectories indicate that only in the South Taranaki Bight are the trajectories predominantly unidirectional, the surface drift being southwards on the west coast of the North Island south of Cape Egmont. The trajectories of cards despatched in both Tasman and Hawke Bays highlight the variable nature of the surface drift in these bays.     

Variation in sunscreen compounds (mycosporine‐like amino acids) for marine species along a gradient of ultraviolet radiation transmission within doubtful sound,New Zealand

We examined the response of four species of New Zealand marine algae (Ecklonia radiata, Apophlaea lyallii, Rhodymenia spp., Ulva lactuca) and a sea urchin (Evechinus chloroticus) to spatial variation in ultraviolet radiation (UV‐R) by examining the concentration of UV‐R absorbing compounds known as mycosporine‐like amino acids (MAAs). The purpose was to understand how, and the degree to which, local marine species could potentially respond to any future increases in incident UV‐R in the New Zealand marine environment. The research was undertaken in Doubtful Sound, where we observed a gradient of water column UV‐R transmission along the 40 km length of the fiord. We examined spatial differences in MAAs along the UV‐B gradient in the macrophytes and temporal changes in MAAs in sea urchin gonads. Among the algae, thallus MAA concentrations (nmol mg^–1 protein) ranged from 12.5 to 87.8 in E. radiata, from 433.1 to 1446.4 in A. lyallii, 12.7 to 103.4 in Rhodymenia spp., but were not detected in U. lactuca. For E. chloroticus, gonadal MAA concentrations ranged from 83.9 to 224.3 nmol mg^–1 protein spatially, and over the year from 1.85 to 14.12 nmol mg^–1 dry weight (DW) depending on site and gametogenic cycle. Laboratory manipulations indicated that concentrations of MAAs in E. chloroticus gonads and eggs are influenced by diet. MAA concentration could be correlated with UV‐B intensities in two of the algal species. E. chloroticus MAA concentrations could also be correlated with UV‐B transmission, which we concluded was a reflection of the greater ingestion and accumulation of MAA‐rich macrophytes at those sites where higher ambient UV‐R induced greater MAA concentrations to occur in the algae. Given this, we suggest that one response of marine species to increases in UV‐B would be an increase in the synthesis and/or accumulation of MAAs for photoautotrophs and a dietary accumulation of those MAAs in E. chloroticus, an important herbivore in this system.