Feeding ecology of whelks on an intertidal sand flat in north‐eastern New Zealand

The dispersion patterns and feeding behaviour of intertidal whelks were investigated in north‐eastern New Zealand. Aggregations of whelks feeding on clams occurred regularly, with an average of 15–20 individuals per aggregation. Death of clams was attributable to predation in up to 50% of the aggregations, although scavenging of dead and moribund animals was the main activity of whelks. Laboratory and field studies showed that Lepsiella scobina (generally not considered a soft shore species) was the main whelk predator at Lews Bay, Whangateau Harbour, drilling a small neat hole through the clam shell. The distinction between Cominella spp. as predators or scavengers is not so clear. Reseeding of intertidal clams, Austrovenus stutchburyi, has been proposed as a technique for reestablishing populations in some degraded New Zealand estuaries. The impact of whelk predation has many implications for A. stutchburyi reseeding. Both L. scobina and Cominella adspersa may potentially prey on newly reseeded clams as they preferentially attacked small clams in the laboratory. On‐growing to a larger size before reseeding may be advantageous although large size was not found to protect prey from predation. Additionally, no seasonal trend in whelk activity was found.     

Wind‐wave development across a large shallow intertidal estuary: A case study of Manukau Harbour,New Zealand

Locally generated wind‐waves in estuaries play an important role in the sediment dynamics and the transport of biota. Wave growth in estuaries is complicated by tidally varying depth, fetch, and currents. Wave development was studied at six sites along a transect across Manukau Harbour, New Zealand, which is a large intertidal estuary with a tidal range of up to 4 m. Three meteorological masts were also deployed across the measurement transect to measure wave forcing by the wind. A spatial variation in wind speed by up to a factor of 2 was observed which has a significant effect on wave development at short fetches. The wind variation can be explained by the extreme change in surface roughness at the upwind land‐water boundary. The tidally varying depth results in non‐stationary wave development. At the long fetch sites wave development is dictated by the tidally varying depth with peak frequencies continuing to decrease after high water, whereas wave height is attenuated by bottom friction. The non‐dimensional energy and peak frequency parameters commonly used to describe wave growth, clearly exhibit depth limiting effects, but with wider scatter than in previous studies in simpler environments. The peak frequency predictions of Young & Verhagen (1996a) fit our data well. However, the wide variability of energy limits the usefulness of standard growth prediction curves in such situations, and highlights the requirement for a validated, shallow‐water numerical model.     

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.     

New and little‐known arietellidae (Copepoda: Calanoida) mainly from the south‐west pacific

Three species of Arietellidae are described from the south‐west Pacific: a new species of Paraugaptilus, a species which can not be separated from P. buchani, and Arietellus aculeatus. The identity of A. aculeatus is clarified by comparison of type material and material from the U.S. National Museum of Natural History, and an unidentified Atlantic species of Arietellus, evident from the comparison, is described.     

Distribution and number change of the Littorinidae (Gastropoda) on intertidal hard bed in the Jiulong River Estuary

There are 4 species of Littorinidae on the intertidal hard bed in the Jiulong River Estu-ary. They are Littorina scabra, L. brevicula, Nodilittorina pyramidalis pyramidalis and N.millegrana. Of these species, L. scabra is a dominant species. According to the results of in-vestigation, we find distribution patterns of the Littorinidae on intertidal hard bed in theestuary as follows: (1)There is no Littorinid species at Haicheng Station. (2)There is only Lit-     

Parasitic barnacles (Cirripedia: Rhizocephala) from New Zealand off‐shore waters

Nine genera and species of rhizocephalans were recorded from the off‐shore waters around New Zealand. Mitochondrial and nuclear gene sequences were used to examine base differences between the European and New Zealand species of Parthenopea. Serial sections to study the internal structures of the reproductive organs were made for the genera Thylacoplethus and Thompsonia. Two species, Parthenopea australis n. sp. and Thylacoplethus novaezealandiae n. sp. are new to science and described in detail. Parthenopea australis n. sp. is the first rhizocephalan species recorded from the vicinity of active cold seeps. Three rhizocephalans could not be identified as they were parasitised by hyperparasitic cryptoniscine isopods. The decapodhost species comprised the taxa Paguridae, Lithodidae, Galatheidae, Chirostylidae, and Callianassidae.     

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.     

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.     

Distribution and number change of the Littorinid(Gastropoda) on intertidal hard bed in the Jiulong Estuary, Fujian Province

-Among four species of Littorinid, Littorina scabra, L. brevicula, Nodiliitorina millegrana and N. pyramidalis pyramidalis, on the hard intertidal zone in the Jiulong Estuary, Fujian, L. scabra has the most extensive distribution both vertically and horizontally, and the highest anual average density. The uppermost limit of vertical distribution of N. pyramidalis pyramidalis is higher than the other three Littorinid. Desiccation is a main factor affecting the uppermost limit of vertical distribution of the Littorinid. The increasing wave action will raise the uppermost limit vertical distribution of Littorinid. With seasonal changes, the densities of the Littorinid also change in different tidal zonations. Difference in salinity is the main factor affecting the horizontal distribution of the Littorinid in the estuary.     

Ocnus sacculus new species (Echinodermata: Holothuroidea), a brood‐protecting holothurian from southeastern New Zealand

A new species in the dendrochirotid holothurian genus Ocnus sensu lato is described from approximately 600 m depth in Taiaroa Canyon, off Otago, New Zealand. Ocnus sacculus new species has single rows of tubefeet only in the 3 ventral radii. Body‐wall ossicles consist of cups, knobbed 4‐holed buttons, and multi‐layered plates averaging 0.7 mm in diameter. Three brood pouches lie anteriorly on the inner surface of the body wall in 3 dorsal interradii; the mid‐dorsal pouch is largest. The pouches apparently have no permanent contact with the exterior; presumably birth takes place by rupture of the body wall.     

Live (stained) benthic foraminifera from the Rhône prodelta (Gulf of Lion,NW Mediterranean): Environmental controls on a river-dominated shelf

In this paper, we investigate the ecology of live (rose Bengal stained) benthic foraminifera collected at 20 stations ranging from 15 to 100 m depth in the Rhône prodelta (Gulf of Lions, NW Mediterranean). These sites were sampled in September 2006, five months after the Rhône River annual flood. Statistical analyses based on foraminiferal communities (> 150 μm) divide our study area into six main biofacies directly related to environmental conditions. Miliolid species are abundant in the relict prodeltaic lobe which is characterised by sand with low organic matter content. Close to the river mouth, the limited oxygen penetration in the sediment combined with important hydro-sedimentary processes constitute stressful conditions for foraminiferal faunas dominated by opportunistic species (e.g. Leptohalysis scottii). With increasing distance from the river mouth, foraminiferal faunas (e.g. Nonionella turgida, Eggerella scabra) adapted to thrive in sediments enriched in Rhône-derived organic matter under more stable hydro-sedimentary conditions appear. In the distal part of the Rhône River influence, benthic species (e.g. Valvulineria bradyana, Textularia agglutinans) living in fine sediment enriched in both continental and marine organic compounds emerge. At the deepest stations located in the south-eastern part of our study area, benthic foraminiferal faunas (e.g. Bulimina aculeata, Melonis barleeanus, Bigenerina nodosaria) are highly diverse, underlining stable environmental conditions characterised by marine-derived organic matter supplies and relatively deep oxygen penetration depth in the sediment. We also compare foraminiferal faunas sampled in September 2006 with communities sampled in June 2005, one month after the Rhône River annual flood (Mojtahid et al., 2009). This comparison suggests that opportunistic species (e.g. B. aculeata, Cassidulina carinata, V. bradyana) have responded to organic matter inputs related to marine primary production in June 2005.     

New and little‐known species of Heterorhabdidae (Copepoda: Calanoida) from the southwest pacific

Three new species of calanoid copepods are described: two in Heterorhabdus and one in Disseta. The males of H. pustulifer and H. caribbeanensis are described and the identities of H. proximus, H. norvegicus and H. austrinus are clarified. H. spinifer is recorded for the second time. A key to the subgenus Heterorhabdus is provided.     

Within‐colony variation in skeletal mineralogy of Adeonellopsis sp. (Cheilostomata: Bryozoa) from New Zealand

Three colonies of the erect, robust branching, cheilostome bryozoan Adeonellopsis sp. were collected from Doubtful Sound, New Zealand, to investigate within‐colony variation in carbonate mineralogy. One‐hundred‐and‐twenty‐one sections from 9 branches were found to contain mostly aragonite, with calcite ranging from 1.1 to 7.3 wt% (mean ± SD = 2.4 ± 1.2 wt%, n = 120). The magnesium (Mg) content in calcite ranged from 5.3 to 13.1 wt% magnesium carbonate (8.8 ± 1.0 wt% MgCO₃; n = 120). Calcite content decreased with increasing age proximally along the branch, indicating that secondary thickening is achieved with aragonite. In contrast, an oscillating trend in Mg content along branches suggests that seasonal or interannual environmental parameters may influence this geochemical parameter. Mineralogical variability highlights the need for multiple samples from the same colony to be measured when determining quantitative carbonate mineralogy in bryozoans. Bimineralic bryozoans such as Adeonellopsis sp. may have lower preservation potential than monomineralic bryozoans, and consequently may not survive diagenesis to become fossils. Bimineralic species may also be more vulnerable to dissolution pressure and possible ocean acidification than monomineralic calcitic taxa.     

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.     

Demersally drifting invertebrates from Kongsfjorden,Svalbård (Arctic Ocean)–a comparison of catches from drift-pump and drift-nets

Demersally drifting organisms were collected at Ny Ålesund (Svalbård–Arctic Ocean) to study the taxon composition and relative abundances in the Arctic summer. Catch potentials of two collection devices for demersal drift were compared. A lowvolume submersible drift-pump and a drift-net unit were employed for the collection of demersally drifting biota, particularly for shallow aquatic habitats. With the exception of Appendicularia, Chaetognatha, Coelenterata, and Ctenophora, which were damaged at times, the pump catches were in good condition and sufficient for identification and quantification of less mobile fauna. A comparison of the two devices revealed that the drift-pump collected more specimens than the drift-net. However, the drift-net may have caused an underestimation of the abundances of invertebrates. No differences in identified taxon number and indices of richness, evenness and diversity were found. However, the proportion of invertebrate animals in the two devices was different for the three groups: zooplankton, macrofauna and meiofauna. At Svalbård, zooplankton, larvae of macrofauna, and meiofauna were successfully collected by the two collecting devices. However, the catchibility of the two devices in collecting various invertebrate taxa was different and, therefore, a sound ‘Device Effect’ was revealed.     

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.