Early scale growth characteristics of the New Zealand snapper,chrysophrys auratus (Forster), with reference to selection of a scale‐sampling site

Scales from 17 body areas of juvenile snapper, Chrysophyrs auratus (Forster), were examined to determine scale growth characteristics, with the aim of denning the most suitable body site for routine scale‐sampling. Least‐square regressions of fish length on scale measurement from 0+ fish were calculated for several body areas, and back‐calculations were made to fish length at first annulus (L₁) from a sample of 1+ fish, using both the “uncorrected” and “corrected” formulae.

The overall fish/scale relationship is curvilinear, but high correlation coefficients show that fish/scale regressions from 0+ snapper may be taken as essentially linear. Such regressions give hypothetical fish lengths at scale formation of 8–23 mm. Mid‐body scales form at 10–14 mm, caudal scales earlier, head scales later.

Back‐calculated L₁ values from each area were compared with the mean for the whole body. Using the uncorrected formula there is a general trend for them to be lower than the mean at the head and higher at the tail, while the mid‐body region shows minimum variation from the mean. These variations are caused at least partly by differences in time of scale formation. The corrected formula gives smaller L₁ variations and a mean back‐calculated L₁almost identical to an observed L₁ from independent length frequency data.

The observed variations in scale structure and growth suggest that the “pectoral area”, bounded by the lateral line and the ventral edge of the pectoral fin, is the most suitable site for scale sampling.     

Comparison of the growth rates of two stocks ot snapper (Chrysophrys auratus) in south‐east Australian waters using capture‐recapture data

Between 1957 and 1962, 4155 snapper, Chrysophrys auratus (Bloch & Schneider), were tagged and released at a number of sites in Victoria. By the end of June 1972, 210 had been recaptured, and knowing their lengths at release and recapture and the periods at liberty, we determined the von Bertalanffy growth parameters K and L ₈ ^. The values (with 95% confidence limits) were: eastern stock ‐ K = 0.071 ± 0.040, L₈ = 968 ± 325 mm; western stock ‐ K = 0.068 ± 0.023, L₈ = 1079 ± 209 mm; combined stocks ‐ K = 0.062 ± 0.019, L ₈ = 1119 ± 215 mm. No difference between the stocks was apparent when we compared the estimates of K and L ₈ separately; however, when the estimates of K and L ₈ were compared together, a Wilcoxon's test gave a significance probability of 1.5%, indicating a difference in growth rate between the stocks. For the range of lengths of snapper recaptured, this difference was evidently caused by faster growth of snapper from the western stock.     

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.     

Managed realignment as compensation for the loss of intertidal mudflat: A short term solution to a long term problem?

Intertidal mudflats are critical to the functional ecology of estuaries yet large areas are being lost as a result of land claim, erosion and coastal squeeze. This study examines whether managed realignment (at Paull Holme Strays, Humber estuary) can realistically achieve compensation for the loss of intertidal mudflat in the long term. Typical estuarine species quickly colonised the site with the total number of species recorded from the site as a whole being almost equal to that in the reference area within one year. Comparable biomass between the two areas was achieved after 2 years. However, organism abundance remains an order of magnitude lower within the realignment site compared to outside. Community structure within the realignment has changed from one characterised by terrestrial/freshwater organisms and early colonising species to one composed of typically estuarine species. However, the developing benthic communities only represent those typical of the estuary in areas of low elevation and high inundation frequency. Rapid accretion has favoured saltmarsh colonisation in much of the realignment site and this is expected to increase as accretion proceeds with invertebrate colonisation being inhibited by increasing elevation. Hence, realignment to restore intertidal mudflats can only be a short term solution in sites of high tidal elevation and in a dynamic and turbid estuary with high natural accretion rates, such as the Humber.     

Evidence of a significant wind‐driven circulation in Akaroa Harbour. Part 2: Results from the application of a width averaged hydrodynamic numerical model (CE‐QUAL‐W2)

Results from the application of the two‐dimensional, laterally‐averaged hydrodynamic model, CE‐QUAL‐W2 to Akaroa Harbour, New Zealand were compared with 3 months of temperature and current data to investigate the connection between significant wind‐driven circulation and vertical mixing. Results indicate that in general, CE‐QUAL‐W2 reproduced realistic values for width‐averaged along‐Harbour current speeds and water column temperature structure. However, during periods of strong winds, the mixed layer depth was predicted to be shallower than observed; c. one‐third as compared to c. one‐half. Simulations of tidally‐driven flow highlighted the restrictions of the two‐dimensionality imposed by the model, though this type of flow was not found to result in appreciable mixing of the water column. Data from an independent field survey supported the validity of the use of CE‐QUAL‐W2 under (at least) light‐to‐moderate sea‐breeze conditions.     

Sieve‐bucket for rapid field separation of macrofauna from bottom samples (note)

A lidded, 18‐litre sieve bucket was used to separate benthic macroinvertebrates from samples of mud taken with an Ekman grab. The device is operated in shallow water near the shore, and an entire Ekman grab sample (up to 10 litres) can be sieved in 5–10 min.     

Spatial dynamics of the South Australian rock lobster (Jasus edwardsii) fishery under a quota‐based system

The southern rock lobster, Jasus edwardsii, is South Australia's most valuable fisheries resource, with an annual landed value of c. AU$100 million. Approximately 80% of this revenue comes from the southern zone (SZ) rock lobster fishery, which has been managed under an individual transferable quota system since 1993. The total allowable commercial catch is currently set at 1900 tonnes. Long‐term spatial trends in catch and effort were analysed over the period 1970–2005 to investigate possible changes in the spatial dynamics of the fleets as a result of quota introduction. Data indicate that the fishery contracted into three main Marine Fishing Areas (MFAs) after 1993. In particular, the long‐term catch average in MFA 51 decreased from 185.4 tonnes pre‐quota to 59.8 tonnes post quota. This MFA is located in the northern region of the SZ and is one of the furthest MFAs from the main fishing ports in the region. The fishery is also spatially contracted within MFAs. Approximately 80% of the annual catch comes from <60m depth despite catch rates being 2–3 times greater in offshore sites as evidenced from both fishery‐dependent and independent sources. Such trends appear driven by recent market preferences that select for small (<1 kg), red‐coloured lobster that are primarily located on inshore grounds. As a result, fishers now target inshore sites to maximise returns under the quota‐based system. The observed shift in the spatial dynamics of the SZ has clear implications for the biological performance indicators on which the fishery is managed. Specifically, the results highlight the need for a fishery‐independent assessment of the resource that provides estimates of catch rate and biomass independent of current harvest strategies. Preliminary results from a trial survey undertaken in 2005/06 and 2006/07 show higher lobster abundance in lowly exploited offshore sites compared with inshore areas. These trends highlight the need for refined spatial management of the resource, which is the focus of the new management plan for the fishery.     

Structural styles of Albian rafts in the Espírito Santo Basin (SE Brazil): Evidence for late raft compartmentalisation on a ‘passive’ continental margin

In recent years, hydrocarbon exploration offshore SE Brazil has been focusing on Lower Cretaceous strata deformed by gravity gliding above Aptian salt. A three-dimensional (3D) seismic volume from the Espírito Santo Basin, SE Brazil is here used to: a) test the parameters considered to control raft tectonics on a margin tectonically reactivated in the Cenozoic, and b) investigate the impact of prolonged halokinesis on raft deformation. Offshore Espírito Santo, the combined effects of halokinesis and multiple (Andean) tectonic phases are expressed by local collapse, fault reactivation and late segmentation of Albian rafts. As a result of this deformation we observe four main raft geometries: a) rolled-over rafts, b) tabular rafts, c) collapsed rafts, and d) folded and tilted rafts on the flanks of salt rollers. This work shows that salt rollers formed buttresses to moving Albian-Cenomanian rafts, with withdrawal of salt from underneath some of the rafts leading to their collapse and welding onto pre-salt strata. This process occurred in the studied part of the Espírito Santo Basin with minimum control of post-raft overburden thickness on raft compartmentalisation. Salt withdrawal from underneath the rafts is an important phenomenon as it enhanced connectivity between pre-salt and post-salt units, potentially promoting the migration of hydrocarbons from syn-rift source units into post-salt reservoirs.     

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.     

Stock structure of bluenose (Hyperoglyphe antarctica) off the north‐east coast of New Zealand based on the results of a detachable hook tagging programme

In late 1987, bluenose (Hyperoglyphe antarctica) were tagged with streamers attached to fish hooks, at six commercial fishing grounds between Gisborne and Cape Palliser, New Zealand. The tagged hooks were fished on commercial trot lines, but were attached with traces of 5.5 kg breaking strain nylon that broke when the fish took the hook and struggled to escape. Based on catches from full strength control lines fished simultaneously with the detachable gear, 1971 bluenose were tagged. In the subsequent 8.5 years, 44 tagged bluenose (where both the sites of tagging and recapture where known) were recaptured. All but seven of these returns occurred in the first year after tagging, indicating that the rate of long‐term tag retention was not good. Bluenose appeared to be relatively sedentary in the short term, but were capable of quite rapid and extensive movement. Four tagged fish had travelled distances in excess of 450 km, with movements to both the north and south of the tagging area. These data indicate that bluenose off the eastern coast of New Zealand between North Cape and Kaikoura probably comprise a single biological stock.     

Three-dimensional inversion of marine magnetic anomalies: Implications for crustal accretion along the Mid-Atlantic Ridge (28°–31°30′ N)

We present magnetic field data collected over the Mid-Atlantic Ridge in the vicinity of the Atlantis Fracture Zone and extending out to 10 Ma-old lithosphere. We calculated a magnetization distribution which accounts for the observed magnetic field by performing a three-dimensional inversion in the presence of bathymetry. Our results show the well-developed pattern of magnetic reversals over our study area. We observe a sharp decay in magnetization from the axis out to older lithosphere and we attribute this decay to progressive low temperature oxidation of basalt. In crust which is 10 Ma, we observe an abrupt increase in magnetic field intensity which could be due to an increase in the intensity of magnetization or thickness of the magnetic source layer. We demonstrate that because the reversal epoch was of unusually long duration, a two-layer model comprised of a shallow extrusive layer and a deeper intrusive layer with sloping polarity boundaries can account for the increase in the amplitude of anomaly 5. South of the Atlantis Fracture Zone, high magnetization is correlated with bathymethic troughts at segment end points and lower magnetization is associated with bathymetric highs at segment midpoints. This pattern can be explained by a relative thinning of the magnetic source layer toward the midpoint of the segment. Thickening of the source layer at segment endpoints due to alteration of lower oceanic crust could also cause this pattern. Because we do not observe this pattern north of the fracture zone, we suggest it is a result of the nature of crustal formation process where mantle upwelling is focused. South of the fracture zone, reversals along discontinuity traces only continue to crust 2 Ma old. In crust >2 Ma, we observe bands of high, positive magnetization along discontinuity traces. We suggest that within the discontinuity traces, a high, induced component of magnetization is produced by serpentinized lower crust/upper mantle and this masks the contribution of basalts to the magnetic anomaly signal.     

Skin diseases in Guiana dolphins (Sotalia guianensis) from the Paranaguá estuary,Brazil: A possible indicator of a compromised marine environment

We report on the presence of lobomycosis-like disease (LLD) and nodular skin disease (NSD) in a community of Guiana dolphins (Sotalia guianensis) inhabiting the biologically and chemically contaminated Paranaguá estuary (Brazil) and on their absence in the community living in the cleaner Cananéia estuary. Prevalence rates of LLD and NSD were 3.9% and 12.6%, respectively, in 103 photo-identified (PI) dolphins from the Paranaguá estuary in the period 2006–2007. Adults and calves were affected. Lobomycosis-like lesions may be extensive and form large plaques. Skin nodules were sometimes ulcerated and associated with cutaneous traumas suggesting that traumatic injuries may play a role in the pathogenesis of this condition. In two adult dolphins, NSD evoked the beginning of LLD. In 1996–2007 none of the 200 PI Cananéia S. guianensis had LLD or NSD, a highly significant difference. Interestingly, these dolphins were reported to harbour relatively low concentrations of organochlorines. LLD and NSD are possibly indicators of environmental changes.     

Water temperature as a factor limiting the distribution of Potamopyrgus antipodum (Gastropoda‐Prosobranchia) in the New Zealand thermal region

Potamopyrgus antipodum has been found in thermal waters only at temperatures below 28°c. Experimental work indicates that 28°c represents the temperature at which snail activity is first curtailed when temperatures are progressively raised. Although the reduction in available oxygen found at high temperatures appears to have some effect on snail activity, the increase in temperature itself is the major factor depressing activity and consequently limiting snail distribution. No difference in the temperature at which activity is reduced has been found between snails living at different environmental temperatures. When temperature was raised 1°c/24 hours, heat death occurred at 30–32°c.     

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.     

An evaluation of acoustic seabed classification techniques for marine biotope monitoring over broad-scales (>1 km) and meso-scales (10 m–1 km)

Acoustic seabed classification is a useful tool for monitoring marine benthic habitats over broad-scales (>1 km²) and meso-scales (10 m²–1 km²). Its utility in this context was evaluated using two approaches: by describing natural changes in the temporal distribution of marine biotopes across the broad-scale (4 km²), and by attempting to detect specific experimentally-induced changes to kelp-dominated biotopes across the meso-scale (100 m²). For the first approach, acoustic backscatter mosaics were constructed using sidescan sonar and multibeam echosounder data collected from Church Bay (Rathlin Island, Northern Ireland) in 1999, 2008 and 2009. The mosaics were manually segmented into acoustic facies, which were ground-truthed using a drop-video camera. Biotopes were classified from the video by multivariate exploratory analysis and cross-tabulated with the acoustic facies, showing a positive correlation. These results were integrated with bathymetric data to map the distribution of seven unique biotopes in Church Bay. Kappa analysis showed the biotope distribution was highly similar between the biotope maps, possibly due to the stability of bedforms shaped by the tidal regime around Rathlin Island. The greatest biotope change in this approach was represented by seasonal and annual changes in the growth of the seagrass, Zostera marina. In the second approach, sidescan sonar data were collected before and after the removal of 100 m² of kelp from three sites. Comparison of the data revealed no differences between the high-resolution backscatter imagery. It is concluded that acoustic seabed classification can be used to monitor change over broad- and meso-scales but not necessarily for all biotopes; its success depends on the type of acoustic system employed and the biological characteristics of the target biotope.     

A growth model for a hyalid amphipod Hyale perieri in the coastal water of Alexandria (Egypt)

Abstract-The growth rate of the hyalid amphipod Hyale perieri was studied on the bases of Ikeda'sgrowth model which is based on the inter moult period (IP) and moult increament (ΔBL). To applythis approach, laboratory experiments were carried out at three temperatures regimes (15℃, 20℃,25℃) to gain accurate data of IP and BL. The total number of specimens used in this study was 86 at15℃, 24 at 20℃ and 70 at 25℃. The number of flagellar segments of both antennae of the Hyaleperieri could not be used as an index of growth (instar criterion). The obtained results indicated that,the predicted IP of the specimens was inversely related to temperature and in good agreement with theobserved values at the experimental temperatures. IP data obtained from laboratory-reared specimes arecombined with ΔBL data to establish a growth model for Hyale perieri from its release from the mar-supium (1.64 mm BL) to the maximum size (12.67 mm BL) as a function of temperature. The maxi-mum numbers of consecutive moults     

Comparative study of digestion methods EPA 3050B (HNO₃--H₂O₂--HCl) and ISO 11466.3 (aqua regia) for Cu, Ni and Pb contamination assessment in marine sediments

Knowing the metal extraction capacity of a digestion method is crucial for a better environmental interpretation of metal concentrations determined in sediments. One of the main problems at the present is the lack of harmonization of information obtained by two of the most popular sediment partial digestion methods: ISO 11466.3 (aqua regia) and EPA 3050B (HNO?--H?O?--HCl). In the present work, the amount of Cu, Ni and Pb leached by using both methods was compared with the total content of those elements in marine sediments collected, as an example, from the Cienfuegos Bay, Cuba. Similar amounts of Cu were extracted by both methods; while leaching of Ni and Pb were different. Generally, the EPA method extracted more Ni than the ISO method. In contrast, Pb was extracted in a larger amount by the ISO method. Some explanations are given for the observed results. X-ray Diffraction, X-ray Fluorescence, Particle Induced X-ray Emission Spectrometry and Energy Dispersive X-ray coupled to Scanning Electron Microscopy were employed for this purpose. On the other hand, none of the methods studied extracted simultaneously the fraction of all the metals, probably provided by human activity (Theoretical Anthropogenic Fraction) in both sediments studied. The use of ISO 11466.3 or EPA 3050B is recommended since the analytical performance parameters of both, in combination with Flame Atomic Absorption Spectrometry, are adequate. For a better environmental interpretation of the analytical results, information on the extraction efficiency of the selected method for specific elements and sediments under study should also be provided, together with the determined concentrations.