Optimization Mathematical Model of Pile Forces for Offshore Piled Breasting Dolphins

An optimization mathematical model of the pile forces for piled breasting dolphins in the open sea under various loading conditions is presented. The optimum layout with the well distributed pile forces and the least number of piles is achieved by the multiplier penalty function method. Several engineering cases have been calculated and compared with the result of the conventional design method. It is shown that the number of piles can be reduced at least by 10%—20% and the piles‘ bearing state is improved greatly.     

Genetic diversity and population structure of the franciscana dolphin,Pontoporia blainvillei,in Southern Buenos Aires,Argentina

The franciscana dolphin, Pontoporia blainvillei, is endemic to the coastal waters of the southwestern Atlantic Ocean and the most endangered dolphin in the area. Four Franciscana Management Areas (FMAs) are currently recognised; however, results of genetic studies suggest the requirement for additional FMAs and highlight the need for more detailed studies in the southern extreme of the species distribution. With this aim, we studied the genetic diversity and population structure of the species analysing an mtDNA control region fragment (434?bp) in 44 individuals collected in four sampling sites located in Southern Buenos Aires. Haplotype diversity (H?=?0.75?±?0.05) was mostly higher than the observed in endangered or near threatened odontocetes. Population structure analyses suggest that three different genetic populations should be recognised within FMA IV: Northern, Eastern and Southern Buenos Aires. Altogether, these results should be taken into account in future conservation plans for the species.     

Distribution and relative density of cetaceans in the Hauraki Gulf,New Zealand

Understanding species distributions, and how they change in space and time, is vital when prioritising conservation or management initiatives. We assessed the distribution and density patterns of common dolphins (Delphinus sp.), bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) and Bryde’s whales (Balaenoptera edeni) in the Hauraki Gulf, New Zealand. Dedicated boat-based surveys were conducted in the inner Hauraki Gulf (IHG) and off Great Barrier Island (GBI) during 2010–2012. Generalised linear models were used to investigate temporal changes in relative densities and kernel density estimation was implemented to examine spatial trends. Common dolphins were widely distributed during all seasons, with higher densities observed during winter and spring in the IHG but during autumn off GBI. There was inter-annual variation in Bryde’s whale distribution, with high densities recorded off GBI in 2011. Bottlenose dolphins were infrequently sighted in the IHG but regularly encountered off GBI, with the highest densities during spring and summer.     

基于PSR 模型的厦门湾中华白海豚资源评价

中华白海豚(Sousa chinensis Osbeck,1765)为国家Ⅰ级重点野生保护动物,厦门湾作为其在中国的主要分布区之一,自20世纪80年代以来,海岸带开发活动和环境污染程度均不断加大,导致此海域中华白海豚的生存环境不断恶化,种群数量日趋减少,资源状况面临严重威胁。作者采用PSR(压力-状态-响应)模型框架,对厦门湾中华白海豚资源面临的主要环境压力、当前的资源状态以及采取的保护响应措施进行了一个较全面的评价,评价结果认为:围填海工程、船只交通、水下爆破作业和陆源排污等人类活动给厦门湾中华白海豚带来了生境缩小、身体伤害、环境污染和饵料短缺等严重影响,厦门市已采取的保护政策响应包括就地保护、迁地保护和公共管理等方面,目前种群资源数量稳定在80头左右并有潜力扩大。基于评价结果,作者提出了加强保护的建议和策略,可为厦门以外海区的中华白海豚保护工作提供参考。     

Morphology and affiliation of the centric diatom Anaulus birostratus (Grunow) Grunow from South Africa

The morphology of a rectangular, pillow-shaped, centric diatom from the surf zone in False Bay and Algoa Bay was studied with the light microscope and by scanning and transmission electron microscopy. Acid-cleaned (i.e. free of organic material), and critical-point- and freeze-dried material was used. Certain important features were seen. There was a large variation in cell size and shape. Threads connecting the cells in chains, an external organic layer covering the cell, and chromatophore colour, number and shape are reported for the species, probably for the first time. Valve, girdle and areolar structure was studied in detail, and the notch seen with the light microscope in the middle part of the valve was identified with the electron microscope as a labiate process, the off-centre position of this process being distinctive of the species. The geographical distribution of the species, as described in available literature, is discussed.     

The KwaZulu-Natal sardine run: shoal distribution in relation to nearshore environmental conditions, 1997–2007

The nearshore presence of sardine Sardinops sagax on the KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) coast was investi-gated using sightings data collected by the KZN Sharks Board from 1997 to 2007. The spatio-temporal distribution of sardine was described in relation to that of their predators and to environmental conditions, and subjected to generalised linear model (GLM) and generalised additive model (GAM) analyses. Variables describing spatio-temporal conditions performed best in the models (r² = 0.52) with seasonal effects, specifically June and July, making the greatest contribution towards sardine presence. The contribution of the years 2003, 2006 and 2007, and the KZN North Coast, was signif-icantly lower. The predator variables were highly significant (r² = 0.48) with Cape gannets Morus capensis, followed by the sharks/gamefish and common dolphins Delphinus capensis, being most closely associated with sardine presence. Environmental variables were not as influential in the GLM models (r² = 0.23), but some variables were useful in describing conditions favouring sardine presence, namely calm current conditions, light north-westerly land breezes and stable atmospheric conditions. Increasing sea surface temperature (SST), moderate north to south currents, large swells and turbid water had a negative impact upon sardine presence. North-easterly and north-westerly winds and north to south currents had a cooling effect upon nearshore SSTs, whereas south-easterly winds and increasing air temperatures caused nearshore warming. Results are discussed in the context of developing an understanding of the mechanisms that govern fine-scale movements of sardine shoals during the KZN sardine run, with a view to predicting such movements.