Accounting for false mortality in telemetry tag applications

Deaths of animals in the wild are rarely observed directly, which often limits understanding of survival rates. Telemetry transmitters offer field ecologists the opportunity to observe mortality events in cases as the absence of animal movement. When observations of mortality are based on factors such as the absence of animal movement, live individuals can be mistaken for dead, resulting in biased estimates of survival. Additionally, tag failure or emigration might also influence estimates of survival in telemetry studies. Failing to account for mis-classification, tag failure, and emigration rates can result in overestimates of mortality rates by up two-fold, even when the data are corrected for obviously mistaken entries. We use a multi-state capture–recapture model with a misclassification parameter in estimating both the rate of permanent emigration and/or tag failure and the rate at which individuals are mistakenly identified as dead. We use this method on an annual telemetry survey of three species of native fish in the Murray river, Australia: Murray cod (Maccullochella peelii), trout cod (Maccullochella macquariensis) and golden perch (Macquaria ambigua). Evidence for higher mortality rates in the first year post-implantation occurred for Murray cod and golden perch, which is likely an effect of tagging and/or the transmitter, or transmitters shedding. Using simulations, we confirm that our model approach is robust to a broad range of misclassification and transmitter failure rates. With these simulations we also demonstrate that misclassification models that do not account for emigration will likely be erroneous if live and dead animals have different probabilities of detection. These findings will have a broad interest to ecologists wishing to account for multiple sources of misclassification error in capture-mark-recapture studies, with the caveat that the specifics of the approach are dependent on species, transmitter types and other aspects of experimental design which may or may not be amenable to the misclassification framework

Humpback and Fin Whaling in the Gulf of Maine from 1800 to 1918

The history of whaling in the Gulf of Maine was reviewed primarily to estimate removals of humpback whales, Megaptera novaeangliae, especially during the 19th century. In the decades from 1800 to 1860, whaling effort consisted of a few localized, small-scale, shore-based enterprises on the coast of Maine and Cape Cod, Mass. Provincetown and Nantucket schooners occasionally conducted short cruises for humpback whales in New England waters. With the development of bomb-lance technology at mid century, the ease of killing humpback whales and fin whales, Balaenoptera physalus, increased. As a result, by the 1870’s there was considerable local interest in hunting rorquals (baleen whales in the family Balaenopteridae, which include the humpback and fin whales) in the Gulf of Maine. A few schooners were specially outfitted to take rorquals in the late 1870’s and 1880’s although their combined annual take was probably no more than a few tens of whales. Also in about 1880, fishing steamers began to be used to hunt whales in the Gulf of Maine. This steamer fishery grew to include about five vessels regularly engaged in whaling by the mid 1880’s but dwindled to only one vessel by the end of the decade. Fin whales constituted at least half of the catch, which exceeded 100 animals in some years. In the late 1880’s and thereafter, few whales were taken by whaling vessels in the Gulf of Maine

Sensory and ATP derivative-based indicators for assessing the freshness of Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) and cod (Gadus morhua)

peer-reviewedIrish Journal of Agricultural and Food Research | Volume 58: Issue 1 Sensory and ATP derivative-based indicators for assessing the freshness of Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) and cod (Gadus morhua) Colin Fogarty , Conor Smyth , Paul Whyte , Nigel Brunton and Declan Boltonemail DOI: https://doi.org/10.2478/ijafr-2019-0008 | Published online: 31 Oct 2019 PDF Abstract Article PDF References Recommendations Abstract To estimate the shelf life of fresh fish, the processor must know the period of time between catch/harvest and arrival at the processing plant. This information is not always available, necessitating the provision of methods to estimate the time since catch or harvest. The objectives of this study were therefore to develop and/or validate sensory and ATP derivative-based methods for rapidly assessing the freshness of fish. A quality index method (QIM; raw fish) and a quantitative descriptive analysis (QDA; cooked fish) were developed and validated (against bacterial count [total viable count (TVC)] and time) for salmon (Salmo salar) and cod (Gadus morhua). The production of inosine monophosphate (IMP), inosine and hypoxanthine (Hx) and associated ratios (IMP/Hx, K1-value or H-value) were also investigated for use as freshness markers. There was a linear relationship between QIM and TVC (R2 = 0.93 for salmon and R2 = 0.89 for cod), QIM and time (R2 = 0.96 for salmon and R2 = 0.98 for cod), QDA and TVC (R2 = 0.93 for salmon and R2 = 0.77 for cod) and QDA and time (R2 = 0.94 for salmon and R2 = 0.87 for cod), suggesting that the QIM and QDA schemes developed could be used to monitor/assess freshness. The H-value also increased linearly with TVC (R2 = 0.88 for salmon and R2 = 0.89 for cod) and time (R2 = 0.93 for salmon and R2 = 0.84 for cod). It was therefore concluded that both the QIM/QDA approach and monitoring ATP degradation, specifically expressed as the H-value, could be used as rapid methods to assess the freshness of salmon and cod arriving at the processing plan

Valuing the Protection of Victorian Forests: Murray River Red Gums, and East Gippsland

The Victorian Environmental Assessment Council, in developing recommendations for the Victorian Government on the future management of public lands forests along he Murray River, and in East Gippsland, commissioned an analysis of environmental protections values. This paper reports the results of a choice modeling application that provides that analysis. Values for improved environmental conditions, as described by attributes relating to the forest composition, its wildlife characteristics and recreational opportunities, were estimated for sub-samples of households in Melbourne and in various regions around Victoria. The usefulness of the results as inputs to benefit cost analyses of policy alternatives is assessed.forests, Victoria, choice modeling, benefit cost analysis, Environmental Economics and Policy,

Factorial aerobic scope is independent of temperature and primarily modulated by heart rate in exercising Murray Cod (Maccullochella peelii peelii)

Several previous reports, often from studies utilising heavily instrumented animals, have indicated that for teleosts, the increase in cardiac output ( ) during exercise is mainly the result of an increase in cardiac stroke volume (VS) rather than in heart rate (fH). More recently, this contention has been questioned following studies on animals carrying less instrumentation, though the debate continues. In an attempt to shed more light on the situation, we examined the heart rates and oxygen consumption rates ( ; normalised to a mass of 1 kg, given as ) of six Murray cod (Maccullochella peelii peelii; kg) equipped with implanted fH and body temperature data loggers. Data were determined during exposure to varying temperatures and swimming speeds to encompass the majority of the biological scope of this species. An increase in body temperature (Tb) from 14°C to 29°C resulted in linear increases in (26.67-41.78 μmol min−1 kg−1) and fH (22.3-60.8 beats min−1) during routine exercise but a decrease in the oxygen pulse (the amount of oxygen extracted per heartbeat; 1.28-0.74 μmol beat−1 kg−1). During maximum exercise, the factorial increase in was calculated to be 3.7 at all temperatures and was the result of temperature-independent 2.2- and 1.7-fold increases in fH and oxygen pulse, respectively. The constant factorial increases in fH and oxygen pulse suggest that the cardiovascular variables of the Murray cod have temperature-independent maximum gains that contribute to maximal oxygen transport during exercise. At the expense of a larger factorial aerobic scope at an optimal temperature, as has been reported for species of salmon and trout, it is possible that the Murray cod has evolved a lower, but temperature-independent, factorial aerobic scope as an adaptation to the largely fluctuating and unpredictable thermal climate of southeastern Australia

Management of freshwater fisheries

This report found that the Department of Primary Industries is not discharging its legislative responsibilities to deliver balanced and sustainable outcomes for freshwater recreational fisheries.While it is demonstrably delivering improved recreational freshwater fishing outcomes, it is not paying sufficient attention to the protection and conservation of ecological processes, habitats and supporting ecosystems in these fisheries. DPI\u27s reporting of performance in managing recreational freshwater fisheries is output focused and not comprehensive. It offers little insight into the impact of its activities in managing risks and achieving balanced sustainable outcomes for recreational freshwater fisheries. In a comprehensive internal review in 2010, DPI identified a range of planning and management issues associated with its current approach to fisheries management. This resulted in the development of a draft fisheries statement that identified the key steps and actions for the improved planning and management of fisheries. While the draft statement addresses the key principles for ecologically and sustainably managed fisheries, the proposed steps and actions are to be implemented only across select commercial and high-risk fisheries. Consequently, recreational freshwater fisheries will continue to not be managed in the most efficient and effective way to protect fishery resources and habitats for future generations

The role of sand lances (Ammodytes sp.) in the Northwest Atlantic ecosystem: a synthesis of current knowledge with implications for conservation and management

© The Author(s), 2020. This article is distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License. The definitive version was published in Staudinger, M. D., Goyert, H., Suca, J. J., Coleman, K., Welch, L., Llopiz, J. K., Wiley, D., Altman, I., Applegate, A., Auster, P., Baumann, H., Beaty, J., Boelke, D., Kaufman, L., Loring, P., Moxley, J., Paton, S., Powers, K., Richardson, D., Robbins, J., Runge, J., Smith, B., Spiegel, C., & Steinmetz, H. The role of sand lances (Ammodytes sp.) in the Northwest Atlantic ecosystem: a synthesis of current knowledge with implications for conservation and management. Fish and Fisheries, 00, (2020): 1-34, doi:10.1111/faf.12445.The American sand lance (Ammodytes americanus, Ammodytidae) and the Northern sand lance (A. dubius, Ammodytidae) are small forage fishes that play an important functional role in the Northwest Atlantic Ocean (NWA). The NWA is a highly dynamic ecosystem currently facing increased risks from climate change, fishing and energy development. We need a better understanding of the biology, population dynamics and ecosystem role of Ammodytes to inform relevant management, climate adaptation and conservation efforts. To meet this need, we synthesized available data on the (a) life history, behaviour and distribution; (b) trophic ecology; (c) threats and vulnerabilities; and (d) ecosystem services role of Ammodytes in the NWA. Overall, 72 regional predators including 45 species of fishes, two squids, 16 seabirds and nine marine mammals were found to consume Ammodytes. Priority research needs identified during this effort include basic information on the patterns and drivers in abundance and distribution of Ammodytes, improved assessments of reproductive biology schedules and investigations of regional sensitivity and resilience to climate change, fishing and habitat disturbance. Food web studies are also needed to evaluate trophic linkages and to assess the consequences of inconsistent zooplankton prey and predator fields on energy flow within the NWA ecosystem. Synthesis results represent the first comprehensive assessment of Ammodytes in the NWA and are intended to inform new research and support regional ecosystem‐based management approaches.This manuscript is the result of follow‐up work stemming from a working group formed at a two‐day multidisciplinary and international workshop held at the Parker River National Wildlife Refuge, Massachusetts in May 2017, which convened 55 experts scientists, natural resource managers and conservation practitioners from 15 state, federal, academic and non‐governmental organizations with interest and expertise in Ammodytes ecology. Support for this effort was provided by USFWS, NOAA Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary, U.S. Department of the Interior, U.S. Geological Survey, Northeast Climate Adaptation Science Center (Award # G16AC00237), an NSF Graduate Research Fellowship to J.J.S., a CINAR Fellow Award to J.K.L. under Cooperative Agreement NA14OAR4320158, NSF award OCE‐1325451 to J.K.L., NSF award OCE‐1459087 to J.A.R, a Regional Sea Grant award to H.B. (RNE16‐CTHCE‐l), a National Marine Sanctuary Foundation award to P.J.A. (18‐08‐B‐196) and grants from the Mudge Foundation. The contents of this paper are the responsibility of the authors and do not necessarily represent the views of the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, New England Fishery Management Council and Mid‐Atlantic Fishery Management Council. This manuscript is submitted for publication with the understanding that the United States Government is authorized to reproduce and distribute reprints for Governmental purposes. Any use of trade, firm or product names is for descriptive purposes only and does not imply endorsement by the U.S. Government

Reducing dementia risk by targeting modifiable risk factors in mid-life: study protocol for the Innovative midlife intervention for dementia deterrence (In-MINDD) randomised controlled feasibility trial

Background Dementia prevalence is increasing as populations live longer, with no cure and the costs of caring exceeding many other conditions. There is increasing evidence for modifiable risk factors which, if addressed in mid-life, can reduce the risk of developing dementia in later life. These include physical inactivity, low cognitive activity, mid-life obesity, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol. This study aims to assess the acceptability and feasibility and impact of giving those in mid-life, aged between 40 and 60 years, an individualised dementia risk modification score and profile and access to personalised on-line health information and goal setting in order to support the behaviour change required to reduce such dementia risk. A secondary aim is to understand participants’ and practitioners’ views of dementia prevention and explore the acceptability and integration of the Innovative Midlife Intervention for Dementia Deterrence (In-MINDD) intervention into daily life and routine practice. Methods/design In-MINDD is a multi-centre, primary care-based, single-blinded randomised controlled feasibility trial currently being conducted in four European countries (France, Ireland, the Netherlands and the UK). Participants are being recruited from participating general practices. Inclusion criteria will include age between 40 and 60 years; at least one modifiable risk factor for dementia risk (including diabetes, hypertension, obesity, renal dysfunction, current smoker, raised cholesterol, coronary heart disease, current or previous history of depression, self-reported sedentary lifestyle, and self-reported low cognitive activity) access to the Internet. Primary outcome measure will be a change in dementia risk modification score over the timescale of the trial (6 months). A qualitative process evaluation will interview a sample of participants and practitioners about their views on the acceptability and feasibility of the trial and the links between modifiable risk factors and dementia prevention. This work will be underpinned by Normalisation Process Theory. Discussion This study will explore the feasibility and acceptability of a risk profiler and on-line support environment to help individuals in mid-life assess their risk of developing dementia in later life and to take steps to alleviate that risk by tackling health-related behaviour change. Testing the intervention in a robust and theoretically informed manner will inform the development of a future, full-scale randomised controlled trial

Desenho em série com meninas que apresentam comportamento oposicionista desafiante em sala de aula

Este estudio investigó las correlaciones entre la participación en sesiones terapéuticas de dibujo en serie, no dirigido, y la presencia o ausencia de mejoría en el comportamiento oposicionista desafiante (COD) de cinco niñas, de ocho a diez años de edad, estudiantes de una escuela pública en Londres, Inglaterra. Cada niña participó en quince sesiones individuales de cuarenta minutos, una vez por semana. A las niñas se les invitó a dibujar lo que ellas quisieran y a contarle a la investigadora la historia de su dibujo. Los profesores completaron el cuestionario sobre COD para evaluar si las niñas presentaban dicha conducta. Se identificaron cambios en el comportamiento y respuestas emocionales de las niñas en el aula a través del Cuestionario Semanal sobre COD, el cual fue respondido por sus profesores. Estos docentes también completaron el Cuestionario de Capacidades y Dificultades (SDQ, por sus siglas en inglés) antes de la primera y después de la décima quinta sesión. Se utilizó el método casaárbol- persona (HTP, por sus siglas en inglés) durante las sesiones uno, ocho y quince, y sus resultados fueron interpretados por la investigadora. Al terminar el estudio, los profesores respondieron el Formulario Final de las sesiones de dibujo. Cuatro niñas presentaron mejoría en sus síntomas de COD, mientras que una de ellas mostró solo un ligero progreso. Los resultados sugieren que el uso de dibujos en serie y no dirigidos promueve que las niñas con COD expresen sus pensamientos y emociones de una forma simbólica y dentro de un ambiente seguro, lo que reduce la frecuencia y la intensidad de sus respuestas emocionales y comportamentales en el aula.This study investigated the correlations between participation in therapy sessions involving non-directive serial drawing and subsequent improvements, or lack thereof, in the oppositional defiant behavior (ODB) of five girls aged eight to ten years in an inner-city school in London, England. Each child individually attended fifteen forty-minute sessions on a weekly basis. Each child was invited to draw anything that she wished and then to tell the story of her drawing to the researcher. The class teachers completed the ODB Questionnaire to determine a baseline measurement of this conduct. Changes in the girls' emotional and classroom behaviors were identified based on the ODB Weekly Questionnaire completed by their teachers. The teachers also completed a Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) before the first therapy session and after the fifteenth. The House-Tree-Person (HTP) method was used on sessions one, eight and fifteen, and the results were assessed by the researcher. At the end of the study, the teachers completed the Drawing Sessions End Form. Four of the five girls showed improvements in their ODB symptoms, and one demonstrated a slight progress. Results suggested that the use of non-directive drawing encourages girls with ODB to express their thoughts and emotions in a symbolic way within a safe environment, which reduces the frequency and intensity of their emotional and behavioral outbursts in the classroom. Key words: serial drawings, emotional difficulties, behavioral problems.Este estudo pesquisou as correlações entre a participação em sessões terapêuticas de desenho em série, não dirigido, e a presença ou ausência de melhoria, no comportamento oposicionista desafiante COD) de cinco meninas, de oito a dez anos de idade, estudantes de uma escola pública em Londres, Inglaterra. Cada menina participou em quinze sessões individuais de quarenta minutos, uma vez por semana. As meninas foram estimuladas para desenhar o que quisessem e contar à pesquisadora a história do seu desenho. Os professores completaram o questionário sobre COD para avaliar se as meninas apresentavam essa conduta. Identificara-se mudanças no comportamento e respostas emocionais das crianças na sala de aula através do Questionário Semanal sobre COD, que foi respondido por seus professores. Estes docentes também completaram o Questionário de Capacidades e Dificuldades (SDQ, pelas suas siglas em inglês) antes da primeira e depois da décima quinta sessão. Utilizou-se o método casa-árvore-pessoa (HTP, pelas suas siglas em inglês) durante a primeira, oitava e décima-quinta sessão, e seus resultados foram interpretados pela pesquisadora. Depois de terminar o estudo, os professores responderam o Formulário Final das sessões de desenho. Quatro meninas apresentaram melhoria em seus sintomas de COD, enquanto que uma delas mostrou somente um leve progresso. Os resultados sugerem que o uso de desenhos em série e não dirigidos permite que as meninas com COD expressem seus pensamentos e emoções de uma forma simbólica e dentro de um ambiente seguro, o que reduz a frequência e a intensidade de suas respostas emocionais e comportamentais em sala de aula