13 research outputs found
The prebiotic inulin modulates gut microbiota but does not ameliorate atherosclerosis in hypercholesterolemic APOE*3-Leiden. CETP mice
Functional Genomics of Systemic Disorder
Bivalve aquaculture transfers in Atlantic Europe. Part B: Environmental impacts of transfer activities
For centuries human populations have moved live shellfish around the world for consumption or
aquaculture purposes; being relayed from their area of origin for growout or sale. This is in contrast to
the inadvertent anthropogenic spreading of species via e.g. ballast waters. There are inherent risks
associated with transfer of shellfish including introducing of alien species, diseases, pests, bacteria and
viruses associated with the translocated species in addition to the potential impact on genetic integrity
and biodiversity of local stocks. Many examples of severe ecological impacts have been documented
worldwide owing to the intentional or unintentional translocation of animals. It is therefore important to
develop risk reduction methods which have not yet been documented to be incorporated into current
fish health or environmental legislation. This part of the study describes the impacts of transfer activities
of cultured bivalve shellfish along the European Atlantic coast; identifies hitch hiker species, fouling
organisms or infectious agents which can be translocated with a target species. Further, the study
highlights the need for thorough, standard risk reduction measures designed to minimise the impact on
ecosystems worldwide. In a companion paper details of actual transfer activities in Atlantic Europe are
presented and all levels of legislation dealing with transfer activities on a global, regional and national
scale are carefully reviewed
Nutrient concentrations and planktonic diatom-flagellate relations in the Oosterschelde (SW Netherlands) during and after the construction of a storm-surge barrier
Effects of the alien Pacific oyster (Crassostrea gigas) on subtidal macrozoobenthos communities
Feeding current characteristics of three morphologically different bivalve suspension feeders, Crassostrea gigas, Mytilus edulis and Cerastoderma edule, in relation to food competition
Long-term sustainability assessment of micro-hydro projects: Case studies from Venezuela
Radical changes in the Wadden Sea fauna and flora over the last 2000 years
Humans have interacted with the Wadden Sea since its origin 7,500 years ago. However, exploitation, habitat alteration and pollution have strongly increased since the Middle Ages, affecting abundance and distribution of many marine mammals, birds, fish, invertebrates and plants. Large whales and some large birds disappeared more than 500 years ago. Most small whales, seals, birds, large fish and oysters were severely reduced by the late 19th and early 20th centuries, leading to the collapse of several traditional fisheries. In the 20th century, conservation efforts have enabled some breeding birds and seals to recover. But other species declined further due to continuing exploitation, habitat destruction, pollution and eutrophication. Moreover, complex three-dimensional habitats such as oyster banks, Sabellaria reefs and subtidal eelgrass beds have been lost completely. In contrast, several opportunistic species such as gulls, polychaetes, green algae and exotic invaders increased during the 20th century. Taken together, multiple human impacts have caused dramatic losses of large predators and habitat-building species in the Wadden Sea over the last 500 years. Although still of high natural value and global importance, the Wadden Sea is a fundamentally changed ecosystem. On the other hand, reduced hunting pressure, increased habitat protection and reduced river pollution have enabled the recent recovery of several species and an increase in environmental quality. These successes, together with a historical vision of what was once possible, should guide current and future conservation, restoration and management efforts towards a more sustainable interaction between man and the sea