Explosión demográfica de un hidrozoo exótico en una isla oceánica

The arrival of non-indigenous species into new areas is one of the main processes altering the oceans globally. Macrorhynchia philippina is a large-sized colonial hydrozoan of an invasive nature. To obtain a deeper understanding of the process of colonization of new areas, it is essential to describe the ecological pattern through scales of temporal and spatial variation. In this study, we describe the colonization by M. Philippina of an oceanic island (Gran Canaria Island, Canary Islands, eastern Atlantic). We describe the abundance and size structure patterns of M. Philippina in three nearshore habitats, rocky reefs, seagrass meadows and rhodolith seabeds, at times before (2014), during (2016) and after (2017) the demographic explosion of this species. On rocky reefs and rhodolith seabeds, the abundance of colonies increased dramatically in 2017 rel­ative to 2014, e.g. from 0 to 138 colonies/100 m2. On seagrass meadows, however, the colonies were smaller. In summary, M. Philippina shows an ecological plasticity to rapidly colonize different types of nearshore habitats, but with varying success.La aparición de especies exóticas es uno de los principales factores que alteran los océanos de forma global. Mac­rorhynchia philippina es un hidrozoo colonial de tamaño grande y naturaleza invasora. Para tener un mejor conocimiento del proceso de colonización es fundamental describir los patrones ecológicos a escalas de variación temporal y espacial. En este estudio, describimos el proceso de colonización por M. Philippina en una isla oceánica (Gran Canaria, Islas Canarias, Atlántico oriental). Se describen los patrones de abundancia y estructura de tallas de M. Philippina en tres hábitats costeros: arrecifes rocosos, praderas de fanerógamas marinas y fondos de rodolitos, antes (2014), durante (2016) y después (2017) de la explosión demográfica de la especie. Sobre arrecifes rocosos y en fondos de rodolitos, la abundancia de las colonias se incrementó drásticamente en 2017 con relación a 2014, e.g. desde 0 hasta 138 colonias/100 m2; este incremento fue menor en las praderas de fanerógamas marinas. En las praderas marinas, la longitud de las colonias fue más pequeña que sobre ar­recifes rocosos y fondos de rodolitos. Consecuentemente, la colonización rápida por M. Philippina demuestra su plasticidad ecológica para colonizar diferentes tipos de hábitats costeros, aunque con diferente éxito

Complementary sampling methods to improve the monitoring of Coastal Lagoons

Monitoring the ecological status of marine coastal lagoons requires the integration of multiple indices. However, the efficacy of monitoring programs is complicated by the diverse array of habitats that conform coastal lagoons. In this study, we compared four sampling methods (25-m and 50-m beach seines, beam trawl and Riley push net) in the Ria Formosa coastal lagoon (South Portugal) for assessing fish assemblage and diversity. We compared species richness and assemblage structure with species accumulation curves and multivariate analysis, and assessed diversity patterns using taxonomic, phylogenetic and functional diversity indices. Variation in fish assemblage structure was mostly explained by gear type, and almost all diversity metrics varied not only according to sampling method but also depending on habitat characteristics and season. Based on operational costs and diversity patterns captured by each gear, we conclude that the combined use of 25-m beach seine and beam trawl is the preferred approach. The proposed methodology will provide the data necessary for assessment of ecological status of coastal lagoons.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Distribution and population structure of the smooth‐hound shark, Mustelus mustelus (Linnaeus, 1758), across an oceanic archipelago: Combining several data sources to promote conservation

Abstract Sharks play a key role in the structure and functioning of marine ecosystems. More ecological information is essential to implement responsible management and conservation actions on this fauna, particularly at a regional level for threatened species. Mustelus mustelus is widely found in the eastern Atlantic Ocean and catalogued as “Vulnerable” by the IUCN European assessment. In this study, data on the distribution and population structure of this species across the islands of the Canarian archipelago, located along an east to west gradient in the north‐eastern Atlantic, were collected by taking advantage of “Local Ecological Knowledge,” in terms of sightings in coastal waters and long‐term imprints on the local gastronomic heritage, and decadal fisheries landings. Both sources of quantitative data (sightings and fisheries landings) demonstrated that adults of M. mustelus has a significantly larger presence in the eastern and central, than in the western islands of the archipelago. This is also reflected on local gastronomic legacies, with a larger number of recipes in the eastern and central islands. Adult smooth‐hound sharks were significantly more observed in sandy and sandy‐rocky bottoms, with individuals seen throughout the entire year, whereas juveniles aggregate on very shallow waters in spring and summer. Such aggregations require a special management strategy, as they play a key role in critical life stages; these sites should be protected from human perturbations. We also suggest a temporal fishing ban between April and October, when individuals tend to concentrate on nearshore waters. Because of the large differences in presence of this shark among the Canary Islands, management of the species should be adapted to the specific peculiarities of each island, rather than adopting a management policy at the entire archipelago‐scale. Overall, this study sets the basis for further investigation to promote conservation of this vulnerable shark in the study region

Levelling-up rhodolith-bed science to address global-scale conservation challenges

Global marine conservation remains fractured by an imbalance in research efforts and policy actions, limiting progression towards sustainability. Rhodolith beds represent a prime example, as they have ecological importance on a global scale, provide a wealth of ecosystem functions and services, including biodiversity provision and potential climate change mit-igation, but remain disproportionately understudied, compared to other coastal ecosystems (tropical coral reefs, kelp for-ests, mangroves, seagrasses). Although rhodolith beds have gained some recognition, as important and sensitive habitats at national/regional levels during the last decade, there is still a notable lack of information and, consequently, specific conservation efforts. We argue that the lack of information about these habitats, and the significant ecosystem services they provide, is hindering the development of effective conservation measures and limiting wider marine conservation success. This is becoming a pressing issue, considering the multiple severe pressures and threats these habitats are exposed to (e.g., pollution, fishing activities, climate change), which may lead to an erosion of their ecological function and eco-system services. By synthesizing the current knowledge, we provide arguments to highlight the importance and urgency of levelling-up research efforts focused on rhodolith beds, combating rhodolith bed degradation and avoiding the loss of associated biodiversity, thus ensuring the sustainability of future conservation programs.FINEP/Rede CLIMA 2019.00067, Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Cientifico e Tecnologico (CNPQ) LA/P/0101/2020, ANID/BASAL PID2021-124257OB-I00, Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Cientifico e Tecnologico (CNPQ) 01.13.0353-00, 'International Educational and Research Laboratory Program', University of Tsukuba 426215/2016-8, Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology, Japan (MEXT) Japan Society for the Promotion of Science CHIC FB210018, Fundacao para a Ciencia e a Tecnologia (FCT) 309651/2021-2, Ministry of Education, Universities and Research (MIUR) JPJSCCA20210006, 28-1-A1.049-16, 281DL02B20, CN00000033info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Erratum to: Guidelines for the use and interpretation of assays for monitoring autophagy (3rd edition) (Autophagy, 12, 1, 1-222, 10.1080/15548627.2015.1100356

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