New genera and species of benthic calanoid copepods from the New Zealand slope

Thirteen new species of benthic calanoid copepods are described from depths of 1,184–1,697 m off New Zealand. Seven species belong to previously described aetideid genera (Bradyidius—four spp., Comantenna—one sp., Pseudeuchaeta—two spp.) and the remainder represent new genera in three families: Aetideidae—three genera, four spp.; Arietellidae—one genus and sp.; Bathypontiidae—one genus and sp.     

Macrobenthic polychaete assemblages of the continental shelf and upper slope off the west coast of the South Island,New Zealand

Polychaete assemblages are described from replicate box‐core samples collected in summer 1983 at 18 stations on the continental shelf and upper slope (28–943 m) off the west coast of the South Island, New Zealand, south‐eastern Tasman Sea (c. 41–43°S, 169–172°E). Three main station groupings were identified by multivariate analysis: (1) inner shelf sandy stations characterised by Prionospio australiensis, Aricidea (Acesta) sp., Magelona cf. dakini, Paraprionospio aff. pinnata, Aglaophamus sp., Heteromastus filiformis, and Magelona sp.; (2) middle to outer shelf muddy stations characterised by Levinsenia cf. gracilis, Prionospio australiensis, Paraprionospio coora, Aglaophamus verrilli, and Auchenoplax mesos; and (3) upper slope sandy mud or mud stations characterised by Prionospio ehlersi. A combination of water depth and sediment clay content provided the best correlation with the biotic pattern. Spionidae was the most abundant family (49% of polychaete individuals), which may reflect the scope for opportunistic species in a shelf environment characterised by a high input of terrigenous sediment and episodic upwelling.     

Morphodynamic behaviour of a mixed sand–gravel ebb-tidal delta: Deben estuary,Suffolk, UK

The morphodynamics of inlets and ebb-tidal deltas reflect the interaction between wave and tidal current-driven sediment transport and significantly influence the behaviour of adjacent shorelines. Studies of inlet morphodynamics have tended to focus on sand-dominated coastlines and reference to gravel-dominated or ‘gravel-rich’ inlets is rare. This work characterises and conceptualises the morphodynamics of a meso-tidal sand–gravel inlet at the mouth of the Deben estuary, southeast England. Behaviour of the inlet and ebb-tidal delta over the last 200 yr is analysed with respect to planform configuration and bathymetry. The estuary inlet is historically dynamic, with ebb-tidal shoals exhibiting broadly cyclic behaviour on a 10 to 30 yr timescale. Quantification of inlet parameters for the most recent cycle (1981–2003) indicate an average ebb delta volume of 1 × 10⁶ m³ and inlet cross-sectional area of 775 m². Bypassing volumes provide a direct indicator of annual longshore sediment transport rate over this most recent cycle of 30–40 × 10³ m³ yr^− 1. Short-term increases in total ebb-tidal delta volume are linked to annual variability in the north to northeasterly wind climate. The sediment bypassing mechanism operating in the Deben inlet is comparable to the ‘ebb delta breaching’ model of FitzGerald [FitzGerald, D.M., 1988. Shoreline erosional–depositional processes associated with tidal inlets, in: Aubrey, D.G., Weishar, L. (Ed.), Hydrodynamics and Sediment Dynamics of Tidal Inlets. Springer-Verlag Inc., New York, pp. 186–225.], although the scales and rates of change exhibited are notably different to sand-dominated systems. A systematic review of empirical models of sand-dominated inlet and ebb-tidal delta morphodynamics (e.g. those of [O'Brien, M.P., 1931. Estuary tidal prisms related to entrance areas. Civil Engineering, 1, 738–739.; Walton, T.L., and Adams, W.D., 1976. Capacity of inlet outer bars to store sand. Proceedings of 15th Coastal Engineering Conference, 1919–1937.; Gaudiano, D.J., Kana, T.W., 2001. Shoal bypassing in mixed energy inlets: geomorphic variables and empirical predictions for nine South Carolina inlets. J. Coast. Res., 17, (2), 280–291.]) shows the Deben system to be significantly smaller yet characterised by a longer bypassing cycle than would be expected for its tidal prism. This is attributed to its coarse-grained sedimentology and the lower efficiency of sediment transporting processes.     

荣成天鹅湖大叶藻(Zostera marina)间2种小型腹足类的分类学研究

小型腹足类生物在我国种类繁多,但其相关研究在国内基本属于空白.本文对荣成天鹅湖大叶藻间的2种小型腹足类生物进行了形态学及分子生物学(16S和28S rRNA基因片段)研究.结果表明,根据形态学所鉴定的短剑螺属未定种Machaeroplax sp.,应为畦螺属未定种Lirularia sp.;分子生物学研究结果支持形态学对刺绣翼螺Alaba picta的鉴定.同时,与A.picta有一定形态学差异的其它4种相近形态的小型腹足类,在基因序列及遗传距离上与刺绣翼螺非常接近,亦应为刺绣翼螺Alaba picta.     

Book reviews

J. Albertz. Grundlagen der Interpretation von Luft‐und Satellitenbildern: eine Einfuhrung in die Fernerkundung (Fundamentals of Interpretation of Aerial and Satellite Images: An Introduction to Remote Sensing). Darmstadt: Wissenschaftliche Buchgesellschaft, 1991. 204 pp. Hardcover. U.S. $40.00–45.00. ISBN 3–534–07838–1.

International Symposium on Marine Positioning Proceedings, “Marine Positioning into the 1990's.” Marine Geodesy Committee/MTS, 1991. 594 pp. Hardcover. U.S. $139.00. ISBN 91–060360.     

An analytical approach for the calculation of random wave forces on submerged tunnels

This paper deals with the random forces produced by high ocean waves on submerged horizontal circular cylinders. Arena [Arena F, Interaction between long-crested random waves and a submerged horizontal cylinder. Phys Fluids 2006;18(7):1–9 (paper 076602)] obtained the analytical solution of the random wave field for two dimensional waves by extending the classical Ogilvie solution [Ogilvie TF, First- and second-order forces on a cylinder submerged under a free surface. J Fluid Mech 1963;16:451–472; Arena F, Note on a paper by Ogilvie: The interaction between waves and a submerged horizontal cylinder. J Fluid Mech 1999;394:355–356] to the case of random waves. In this paper, the wave force acting on the cylinder is investigated and the Froude Krylov force [Sarpkaya T, Isaacson M, Mechanics of wave forces on offshore structures, Van Nostrand Reinhold Co.; 1981], on the ideal water cylinder, is calculated from the random incident wave field. Both forces represent a Gaussian random process of time. The diffraction coefficient of the wave force is obtained as quotient between the standard deviations of the force on the solid cylinder and of the Froude Krylov force. It is found that the diffraction coefficient of the horizontal force C_do is equal to the C_dv of the vertical force. Finally, it is shown that, since a very large wave force occurs on the cylinder, it may be calculated, in time domain, starting from the Froude Krylov force. It is then shown that this result is due to the fact that the frequency spectrum of the force acting on the cylinder is nearly identical to that of the Froude–Krylov force.     

Book reviews

Mechanics of Sediment Transport. Edited by B. Mutlu Sumer and A. Muller. Proceedings of Euromech 156, Istanbul, 12–14 July 1982. Rotterdam: A. A. Balkema, 1983. 285 pp. $45.00.

Gear Drive Systems: Design and Application, Peter Lynwander, New York and Basel: Marcel Dekker, Inc., 1983. Price: $49.50.     

A Review of: “Place Matters:”

Oceanography, Units 1–16 edited by J. Stewart (Open University Press, 1977), 755 pp.

The Thermohaline Fine Structure of the Ocean by K. N. Fedorov (New York: Pergamon Press, Pergamon Marine Series. Volume 2, 1978). Translated from Russian by D. A. Brown, Technical Editor: J. S. Turner, 170 pp., no price listed.

The Ocean Basins and Margins edited by Alan E. M. Nairn and Francis G. Stehli, with William H. Kanes (New York: Plenum Press, Vol. 1–4A, 4B, 1973, 1979, 1975, 1977, and 1978) approx. 3,000 pp.

Recent Crustal Movements, 1977 edited by C.A. Whitten, R. Green, and B.K. Meade (New York: Elsevier Scientific Publishing Co., 1979), 663 pp., hardcover, $78.00.

The Alaskan Shelf‐Hydrographic, Sedimentary, and Geotechnical Environment by Ghanshyam Datt Sharma (New York: Springer Verlag, 1979), 498 pp., hardcover, $29.80.     

Studies on the larva of Oniscigaster wakefieldi (Ephemeroptera: Siphlonuridae) in Waitakere stream,Auckland

The larva of the primitive mayfly Oniscigaster wakefieldi, McLachlan 1873 (Ephemeroptera: Siphlonuridae) was studied in the Waitakere Stream, near Auckland, New Zealand, over a 17‐month period extending from July 1965— November 1966. A wide‐mouthed dragnet enabled monthly samples (average 46 specimens) to be collected for detailed studies of the larval growth pattern; this collecting method revealed that the species, previously thought to be rare, is numerous both in the study area and elsewhere in North Island, New Zealand.

O. wakefieldi has a univoltine life cycle with 20–25 larval instars. The larvae prefer different habitats according to their age and can be divided into three distinct groups: larvae 1–10 mm in length are found on finer sediments in quiet shallow water; 11–18 mm in length inhabit waters up to 50 cm deep where the substratum is mainly of pebbles (0.4–4.0 cm diameter) set in a silt matrix; and mature larvae 19–26 mm in length are found adjacent to dry emergent boulders, often at the base of riffles.

Three larval characters are described for the first time to separate the larvae of O. wakefieldi and O. distans. Sexual dimorphism is evident in O. wakefieldi populations by size difference; in the last larval instar, females average 4 mm longer than males. The known distribution of the species in North Island is illustrated.     

Measurement of oxygen production and demand in lake waters

An analysis of the New Zealand whale stranding record by M. W. Bradyn. Science and Research Series 29. ISSN 0113–3713, ISBN 0–478–01278–6. Available from Department of Conservation, Wellington. Price: $15.00.

Fish quality control by computer vision, edited by L. F. Pau and R. Olafsson. Published by Marcel Dekker, Inc.     

Book reviews

Detritus and microbial ecology in aquaculture. B7 Editors: D. J. W. Moriarty and R. S. V. Pullin, 1987. Proceedings for the Conference on Detrital Systems for Aquaculture, Italy, August 1985. 420 p. ISSN 0115–4389, ISBN 971–1022–29‐X. Price: US$12.50 surface. Available from ICLARM, MC P. O. Box 1501, Makati, Metro Manila, Philippines.

Coastal fishes of New Zealand, a diver's identification guide. By Malcolm Francis, 1988. Heinemann Reed, Octopus Publishing Group Ltd., Auckland. 63 p. Price: $29.95. ISBN 0–7900–0013‐X.

Lake managers handbook. Editor: W. N. Vant 1987, Water Quality Centre, Ministry of Works and Development, Hamilton. Water & Soil Miscellaneous Publication 103, 230 p., 53 figures, 12 colour plates. Price: $38.50. ISSN 0110–4705. Available from DSIR Publishing, P.O. Box 9741, Wellington, New Zealand.     

Abundance and degree of residency of humpback dolphins Sousa plumbea in Mossel Bay,South Africa

Indian Ocean humpback dolphins Sousa plumbea inhabit nearshore waters from South Africa to eastern India. Humpback dolphins are vulnerable to conservation threats due to their naturally small population sizes and use of nearshore habitats, where human activities are highest. We investigated the abundance and residency of this species inhabiting Mossel Bay, South Africa, using photographic mark-recapture. Data were collected during 81 surveys in Mossel Bay between 2011 and 2013. Open population modelling using the POPAN parameterisation produced a ‘super-population’ estimate of 125 individuals (95% CI: 61–260) and within-year estimates of between 33 and 86 individuals (2011: 71 [95% CI: 30–168]; 2012: 33 [15–73], 32 [15–70]; 2013: 46 [20–108]). Although less appropriate, closed capture models were also run for comparison with previous studies in the region and generated similar, but slightly smaller, population estimates within each year. We compared our catalogue with opportunistic data collected from East London, Plettenberg Bay, De Hoop and Gansbaai. The only catalogue matches attained were between Plettenberg Bay (n = 44 identified) and Mossel Bay (n = 67 identified), separated by 140?km. Population exchange was moderate, with nine individuals resighted in multiple years between these two areas. This study supports previous findings of long-range movements for this species and provides a baseline from which to assess future impacts on the population.     

Comments on a new taxonomy of Retropinna (Galaxioidei: Retropinnidae)

A recent taxonomy of Retropinna (Woods 1968: N.Z. Jl mar. Freshwat. Res. 2: 398–425) is based on the conclusion that variation in four taxonomic characters is related largely to environmental factors. Thus Woods treated all existing New Zealand species in the Retropinna retropinna complex as synonyms of R. retropinna (Richardson). Analysis of Woods’ data casts some doubt on the validity of this argument.     

Heavy metals in some New Zealand commercial sea fishes

To establish a base line against which future pollution may be measured, eight common commercial species of New Zealand sea fish were analysed for cadmium, chromium, copper, iron, lead, manganese, nickel, and zinc. One sample of edible muscle tissue was analysed for each of 70 samples of each species. The internal organs of up to five specimens of each species were also analysed. The fish studied were: kahawai, Arripis trutta, trevally, Caranx lutescens, tarakihi, Cheilodactylis macropterus, snapper, Chrysophrys auratus, moki, Latridopsis ciliaris, hapuku, Polyprion oxygeneios, kingfish, Seriola grandis and gurnard, Trigla kumu.

Although, none of the edible parts of the fish appeared to have trace element levels likely to be a public health problem (cadmium 0.002–0.02 ppm, chromium 0.01–0.04 ppm, copper 0.04–0.95 ppm, iron 0.9–13.5 ppm, lead ‘ 0.14–0.95 ppm, manganese 0.04–2.00 ppm, nickel 0.01–0.08 ppm, zinc 2.0–36.0 ppm), some of the organs (particularly the liver) had relatively high concentrations of elements such as cadmium (up to 54 ppm). Only if some industry were to seek to exploit internal organs of fish for human consumption would such levels become important. There was some evidence for a relationship between trace element concentrations and fish size for copper in kingfish and snapper, iron in hapuku, manganese in gurnard, and for zinc in kingfish and tarakihi. Some element pairs such as copper and zinc, iron and manganese, appeared to have concentrations which were mutually related. It was assumed that the elemental concentrations reported represent natural levels and are not the result of significant man‐made pollution because there are no major industries or large urban centres adjacent to the fishing grounds.     

Sustainable shellfish aquaculture in Saldanha Bay,South Africa

The carrying capacity for bivalve shellfish culture in Saldanha Bay, South Africa, was analysed through the application of the well-tested EcoWin ecological model, in order to simulate key ecosystem variables. The model was set up using: (i) oceanographic and water-quality data collected from Saldanha Bay, and (ii) culture-practice information provided by local shellfish farmers. EcoWin successfully reproduced key ecological processes, simulating an annual mean phytoplankton biomass of 7.5 µg Chl a l^–1 and an annual harvested shellfish biomass of about 3 000 tonnes (t) y^–1, in good agreement with reported yield. The maximum annual carrying capacity of Small Bay was estimated as 20 000 t live weight (LW) of oysters Crassostrea gigas, or alternatively 5 100 t LW of mussels Mytilus galloprovincialis, and for Big Bay as 100 000 t LW of oysters. Two production scenarios were investigated for Small Bay: a production of 4 000 t LW y^–1 of mussels, and the most profitable scenario for oysters of 19 700 t LW y^–1. The main conclusions of this work are: (i) in 2015–2016, both Small Bay and Big Bay were below their maximum production capacity; (ii) the current production of shellfish potentially removes 85% of the human nitrogen inputs; (iii) a maximum-production scenario in both Big Bay and Small Bay would result in phytoplankton depletion in the farmed area; (iv) increasing the production intensity in Big Bay would probably impact the existing cultures in Small Bay; and (v) the production in Small Bay could be increased, resulting in higher income for farmers.     

Temporal Dynamics and Biomass Partitioning in Three Adriatic Seagrass Species: Posidonia oceanica,Cymodocea nodosa,Zostera marina

Abstract. The temporal dynamics of three seagrasses, Posidonia oceanica, Cymodocea nodosa and Zostera marina, was studied in different areas of the Adriatic Sea by analysing phenological parameters and biomass trends in different compartments of seagrass systems. For this purpose, samplings were conducted in 1997 once per season at each station, Otranto (southern Adriatic Sea) and Grado (northern Adriatic Sea). Structural parameters and biomass of plant compartments differed among seagrasses both in absolute values and in seasonal variability. P. oceanica was the largest plant, showing the highest number of leaves per shoot, highest leaf surface, Leaf Area Index and shoot weight. Z. marina was intermediate in size and had the longest leaves, whereas C. nodosa was the smallest seagrass. P. oceanica accounted for the highest total biomass (mean ± SE: 1895.9 ± 180.2 g DW · m^–2; CV = coefficient of variation: 19.0 %), considerably more than C. nodosa (mean ± SE: 410.4 ± 88.4 g DW·m^–2; CV: 43.1 %) and Z. marina (mean ± SE: 312.1 ± 75.1 g DW · m^–2; CV: 48.1 %), although the two latter species displayed a higher seasonal variability. Similarly, other features, such as shoot density, leaf surface, LAI, shoot weight and relative contributions of above‐ and below‐ground compartments, were less variable across seasons in P. oceanica than in the two other seagrasses, while leaf length showed the highest seasonal fluctuation in P. oceanica. As for biomass partitioning, C. nodosa showed a higher proportion of the below‐ground relative to above‐ground biomass (up to 90 %), with a distinct seasonality, whereas in P. oceanica the proportion of below‐ground biomass (around 80 %) was fairly constant during the year. We infer that in P. oceanica the seasonal forcing is probably buffered by the availability of internal resources stored permanently during the year in the below‐ground. In C. nodosa and Z. marina, instead, growth processes seem to be amplified by a greater influence of environmental factors.     

The biology,life history and management needs of a large sciaenid fish,Argyrosomus coronus,in Angola

The West Coast dusky kob Argyrosomus coronus is an understudied yet important fishery species in Angola. During a five-year study (2005–2009), the species was recorded in all fishery sectors, but was most important in the inshore recreational fishery in southern Angola (Cunene Estuary to Namibe). Early juveniles (<300 mm total length, TL) were captured in the offshore artisanal fishery at Praia Pinda, whereas juveniles (300–600 mm TL), subadults (600–870 mm TL) and adults (>870 mm TL) were captured in all fisheries as far north as Namibe, and shoals of large adult fish (>1 000 mm TL) were occasionally captured in the offshore purse-seine commercial fishery between the Cunene Estuary and Lucira. Because some Argyrosomus species are morphologically cryptic, a DNA barcoding method was used to confirm the taxonomic status of the biological samples used in this study. The male:female sex ratio of examined samples was 1:1.4 (n = 225). The length-at-50% maturity was 823 mm and 904 mm TL for males and females respectively. Age-at-50% maturity was 4.4 and 4.3 years for males and females respectively. The periodicity of otolith ring formation was confirmed to be one year using a marginal zone and a chemical marking analysis. Growth (in mm TL) was best described by: L_t = 1 826(1—e^{?0.12(t + 1.60)}). Argyrosomus coronus fed predominantly on fish, mainly Sardinella aurita (62% frequency of occurrence). Early juveniles appeared to frequent the offshore zone (50–100 m depth), moving into the inshore region at approximately 300 mm TL. Juveniles and subadults were resident (57% recaptured at the same site) and were particularly abundant around the mouth of the Cunene Estuary as well as in central and northern Namibia. Adults undertake migrations that correspond with the movement of the Angola–Benguela frontal zone, moving north as far as Gabon in winter and returning to southern Angola in spring, when spawning appeared to take place offshore. There are currently no catch restrictions on A. coronus in Angolan waters. However, declining catches and increasing fishing effort suggest that some management intervention is required, commencing with a proposed closure of the Cunene Estuary mouth region to fishing.     

Fish populations of the Avon‐Heathcote Estuary

Breeding seasons and sizes at first maturity for nine species of fish in the Avon‐Heathcote Estuary, Christchurch, New Zealand, were: sand flounder, Rhombosolea plebeia, mid‐winter to spring at 200 mm+; yellow‐bellied flounder, Rhombosolea leporina, winter and spring at 260 mm+; common sole, Peltorhamphus novaeieelandiae, did not breed in the estuary but reached first maturity at 220 mm +; yellow‐eyed mullet, Aldrichetta forsteri, spawned twice a year, winter and summer, at 220 mm +; kahawai, Arripis trutta, bred outside the estuary at 520–540 mm +; spotty, Pseudolabrus celidotus, spring to autumn at 200 mm for males and 160 mm for females; cockabully, Tripterygion nigripenne, spring and early summer at 52–57 mm +; common bully, Gobiomorphus basalis, spring and early summer at 45–50 mm+; and globefish, Speroides richei, spring to autumn at 147 mm + for males and 120 mm + for females. The successive stages in gonad development are described for these species.

In pelagic species, e.g., flatfish and kahawai, x² analyses showed that for most months females are more numerous than males, and that migration is of major importance. In (littoral species, e.g., common bully and cockabully, there is a 1 : 1 sex ratio in the breeding season, but this ratio subsequently breaks down.

The Avon‐Heathcote estuary was used mainly as a nursery area by juvenile fish, although some species, such as sand flounder, yellow‐bellied flounder, yellow‐eyed mullet, and cockabully spawned in the estuary.     

Population size of neonate and juvenile dusky sharks Carcharhinus obscurus in the Port of Ngqura,South Africa

Identifying nearshore waters that serve as important habitats for neonate and juvenile sharks is crucial for effective fisheries management. This study examined the abundance of neonate and juvenile dusky sharks Carcharhinus obscurus within the Port of Ngqura, on the south-east coast of South Africa, between September 2006 and August 2007 using a combination of shore-angling catches and mark-recapture data. During this period, the port was non-operational and still undergoing construction. A total of 480 dusky sharks, ranging in size from 50 to 123 cm (precaudal length), was captured. Catch per unit effort was greatest between October and February, peaking in November at 0.51 sharks angler^–1 h^–1. Of the 219 C. obscurus tagged and released during the study period, 37 (16.9%) were recaptured. Sharks were at liberty from 0 to 409 days with the majority (89.2%) recaptured within the port. Using a Jolly-Seber open population model, the abundance of sharks within the port was estimated at 552 (95% CI: 422–765). Annual apparent survival probability was 0.38 (95% CI: 0.30–0.46), with an average annual recapture probability of 0.28 (95% CI: 0.19–0.39). This study demonstrates that the Port of Ngqura is an important summer habitat and core activity zone for both neonate and juvenile dusky sharks.     

Fishing methods for sustainable shrimp fisheries in the Canary Islands (North-West Africa)

During the past 20 years, experimental cruises have been conducted around the Canary Islands (North-West Africa) to investigate the biodiversity of the deep-sea ecosystem and to explore new fisheries resources. Although pandalid shrimps were shown to be very abundant in this region, information is lacking regarding the best fishing method for catching the different species of shrimp. Here, two types of traps were tested, a semi-floating shrimp trap and a traditional bottom trap, in an effort to improve the fishing gear effectiveness and to reduce the capture of non-target species. In total, nine species were captured, which were categorised into three main groups based on their depth of capture: Plesionika edwardsii, P. narval and P. holtuisi (100–400 m); P. ensis, P. martia, P. williamsi and Heterocarpus ensifer (400–800 m); and H. grimaldii and H. laevigatus (800–1 300 m). Significant differences were found in the capture of the different species: P. narval, P. ensis, P. edwardsii and H. ensifer were captured more readily using the semi-floating traps, whereas P. martia, P. williamsi, H. grimaldii and H. laevigatus were caught more efficiently with traditional bottom traps. This intra-specific difference in their capture was considered to be due to the differential motility of the species in the water column. There were indications that P. edwardsii and H. ensifer are an unexploited resource that has the potential to support a viable and sustainable fishery using semi-floating shrimp traps. Furthermore, the deeper-dwelling pandalid shrimps, H. laevigatus and H. grimaldi, could be a secondary target species using bottom traps.