Sharks caught in the KwaZulu-Natal bather protection programme,South Africa. 14. The smooth hammerhead shark Sphyrna zygaena (Linnaeus)

The current study provides long-term catch-rate, biological and feeding data for smooth hammerhead sharks, Sphyrna zygaena, caught in South Africa’s KwaZulu-Natal bather protection programme. In total, 2 512 S. zygaena were caught in net installations between 1978 and 2014, and 72 S. zygaena were caught on drumlines between 2007 and 2014. There was no significant log-linear year trend in the net catch rate over time (slope = 0.0054, t = 1.808, p = 0.07). However, there was a significant temporal increase in mean size of the captured sharks (slope = 0.0012, t = 3.502, p < 0.001). A quasi-Poisson generalised additive mixed model showed that increasing latitude, winter months, colder sea temperatures and the deployment of drumlines all had a significant positive effect on the catch rate of sharks in nets. The size frequency of the catch was unimodal, with significantly more females caught in the nets and more males on the drumlines. The majority (93.1%) of all sharks caught were immature and measured between 80 and 120 cm precaudal length. Teleosts and cephalopods dominated the sharks’ diet in terms of all dietary indices. The prey species consumed indicate that immature S. zygaena are feeding primarily within the pelagic zone of shallow coastal habitats.     

Structure and dynamics of demersal fish assemblages over three decades (1985–2012) of increasing fishing pressure in Guinea

In a context of growing fishing pressures and recommendations for an ecosystem approach to fisheries, there is a need to monitor changes in fish communities over time. In this study, we analysed data from scientific trawl surveys carried out on the continental shelf off Guinea between 1985 and 2012. We performed factorial analyses and calculated biodiversity indices to characterise the changes in the structure and composition of fish communities that occurred over the 28-year period in this area, particularly given intensive fishing activities. We show that, over the study period, fish communities on the Guinean shelf were structured primarily according to spatial factors, with temporal changes being less pronounced than expected. However, a temporal analysis of biodiversity indices and species dominance showed that the intensification of fishing had significant effects on the general ecological features of the fish assemblages under study. There was a decrease in fish density and in mean trophic level. In addition, there were changes in species dominance, whereby large, slow-growing species with high commercial value were gradually replaced by smaller, fast-growing species of lesser commercial interest. These results from field observations are in line with some conclusions from previous modelling studies in the same geographical area, and provide further support for the hypothesis of a progressive ‘ecosystem effect of fishing’ occurring in Guinean waters.     

Genomic resources for the spotted ragged-tooth shark Carcharias taurus

Genomic data can be a useful tool in the management and conservation of biodiversity. Here, we report the development of genomic resources for the spotted ragged-tooth shark Carcharias taurus using genome-wide DNA data from Illumina next-generation sequencing. We explored two commonly used genetic marker types: microsatellites and mitochondrial DNA. A total of 4 394 putative microsatellites were identified, of which 10 were tested on 24 individuals and found to have ideal properties for population genetic analyses. Additionally, we reconstructed the first complete mitochondrial genome of a South African spotted ragged-tooth shark, and highlight the most informative gene regions to facilitate future primer design. The data reported here may serve as a resource for future studies and can ultimately be applied in the sustainable conservation and fisheries management of this apex predator.     

Cd concentration in the soft tissue vs. the nacreous layer of Mytilus californianus

The soft tissue of Mytilus californianus has the capacity to decrease its Cd concentration in the order of days. However, for medium-term (months) pollution surveys it is necessary to find alternative structures capable of integrating Cd concentrations during longer periods of time. The recently deposited nacreous layer of the shell of M. californianus is proposed as such a structure. Daily variability of Cd concentration in the soft tissue and in the recently deposited nacreous layer of a natural population of mussels was compared during a period of 26 days in organisms collected from an upwelling zone of British Columbia. Statistical analysis of the Cd concentrations indicated that the nacreous layer presented less significant differences between days than the associated soft tissue. Only one shell sample showed significant differences in Cd concentrations, probably related to environmental conditions and stress arising from mussel population density. Experimental results carried out in the laboratory confirmed that the recently deposited nacreous layer of M. californianus is a better medium-term indicator of Cd in seawater, especially at low concentration exposures of this element, those similar to the ones encountered in natural environments.     

Iron,manganese and trace metal concentrations in seaweeds from the central west coast of the Gulf of California

Concentrations of Co, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb and Zn in four macroalgae species (Ulva lactuca, Chondracanthus squarrulosus, Sargassum sinicola and Gracilariopsis lemaneiformis) were obtained for the first time from the central part of the west coast of the Gulf of California. Generally, no differences in metal concentrations were found among the different seaweed species, although spatial differences were apparent. Iron, Mn and Cu exhibited higher concentrations at the stations located in front of Angel de la Guarda Island, probably because of high vertical mixing processes present in the zone. The results were compared with dissolved metal concentrations reported for the Gulf of California (Cd, Mn and Fe) and the North Pacific Ocean. The resulting linear regression of the results vs. North Pacific Ocean concentrations indicated that the levels of Cu, Ni and Zn measured in this study were within its 95% confidence level. Furthermore, this comparison was capable of detecting dissolved Fe and Mn enrichments in Gulf of California waters relative to the North Pacific Ocean concentrations. Calculations of total masses of metals associated with algal biomass on the west coast of the Gulf of California indicated that the lowest masses were represented by Cu (108 ± 25 kg) and Ni (184 ± 52 kg), whereas Pb (1.1 ± 0.6 ton) and Fe (10.9 ± 8.5 ton) were the elements with the highest associated masses.     

Does one size fit all? An evaluation of length–weight relationships for New Zealand's freshwater fish species

Length–weight relationships are a fundamental tool for assessing populations and communities in fisheries science. Many researchers have collected length–weight data throughout New Zealand, yet parameters describing these relationships remain unpublished for many species of freshwater fish. We compiled 285,124 fish records from researchers and institutions across New Zealand to parameterise length–weight equations, using both power and quadratic models, for 53 freshwater species belonging to 13 families. The influence of location and sex on length–weight relationships was also assessed. Location, in particular, generated different length–weight relationships for 65% of the species examined. Length–weight equations were validated by comparing predicted weights against independently measured weights from 25 electrofished sites across New Zealand and the equations were highly accurate (R²>0.99). Recommendations are made about how to robustly apply this new resource which should assist freshwater fisheries researchers throughout New Zealand.     

Dissolved iron distributions in the central region of the Gulf of California,México

We report dissolved iron (Fe_d) concentrations measured in the upper 600 m in the central region of the Gulf of California (GC) under spring conditions. Our results showed the complex nature of Fe cycling within the GC. In the northern region of the study area, surface waters were relatively enriched, with Fe_d concentrations >5.0 nM, which can be partially explained by an atmospheric source. These concentrations are 12 times higher than those found in the adjacent Pacific Ocean. In contrast, Fe_d depth profiles in the southern region did not show any Fe_d surface enrichment (concentrations <1.5 nM) because of particle scavenging and higher stratification of the water-column. The most southern station in our area of study was the most stratified and showed an excess Fe_d and PO₄ with respect to NO₃, conditions favorable for nitrogen fixation. This station also showed the least negative surface value of N* of all stations. However, despite the adequate levels of Fe_d and PO₄ at that location, the surface temperature (22.6 °C) was probably not high enough for diazotrophs to develop. A slight increase in Fe_d levels in intermediate waters at the southern region was associated with the oxygen minimum zone. Finally, our results suggest that remineralization of organic matter is probably the major source of Fe_d in subsurface waters of the GC.     

Mapping and monitoring of urban landuse of Hisar Town,Haryana using remote sensing techniques

Aerial photographs for the year 1965 and 1975 and Landsat TM (FCC) 1986 data on 1:50,000 scale were used to map and monitor the pattern of growth and development of Hisar Town during the last 20 years. The different landuse categories identified are residential, commercial, industrial, recreational, vacant lands etc. The original shape of the town was nucleated one, but presently it is star-shaped, which is due to extension of the urban centre along the radiating roads. It has mainly elongated itself along the Delhi and Rajgarh roads. The presence of Government Livestock Farm (GLF), Equine Breeding Farm and HAU Farm towards North-west of the town has completely checked its growth on these sides. The total residential-cum-commercial area has nearly doubled during 1965–1975 and trebled by 1986. The change in net area under different types of urban land-use categories, described above has also been calculated. Degraded scrub lands and sandy wasteland on the fringes of the town have been identified where further development can be planned to avoid encroachment on good agricultural lands. Recommendations have been given for future urban planning of the town.     

豫西崤山早元古代中酸性侵入岩锆石/斜锆石U-Pb测年及其对熊耳火山岩系时限的约束

熊耳火山岩系是华北克拉通早元古代晚期重要的岩浆记录,其火山作用时限的厘定对于揭示华北该时期的构造格局与演化历史有重要意义。对侵入到熊耳火山岩系顶层马家河组的石英闪长岩体中的斜锆石与锆石和花岗斑岩体中的锆石进行了高精度SIMSU-Pb定年。三个样品共58个测点,石英闪长岩体中的斜锆石207Pb/206Pb平均年龄为1789±4Ma,锆石207Pb/206Pb平均年龄1778±12Ma,花岗斑岩体中的锆石207Pb/206Pb平均年龄为1786±8Ma。这些年龄数据表明石英闪长岩体从生成到侵位是一个短暂而连续的过程,这一岩体与花岗斑岩岩体基本同期。同时,由于这两个岩体侵入到了熊耳火山岩系最顶部的马家河组,因此可以限定熊耳火山岩系的上限。结合前人的年代学数据,我们提出熊耳火山岩系的岩浆作用时限在1770～1800Ma之间,峰期为1780Ma。这一研究结果从年代学上支持熊耳火山岩系形成于快速拉张的裂谷环境。