Elemental signatures in the shells of early juvenile green-lipped mussels (Perna canaliculus) and their potential use for larval tracking

The seed for New Zealand's US$150 million green-lipped mussel (Perna canaliculus) aquaculture industry is almost entirely supplied by harvesting wild early juveniles (spat). The location of the broodstock populations producing these seed mussels is unknown because the larvae may have travelled > 100 km before settling. Identifying these broodstock populations via larval tracking is critically important to assuring the sustainability of this mussel industry, yet larval tracking is not easily performed with currently available methods. However, deducing elemental signatures of juvenile shells via laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS) has the potential to identify the natal origins of P. canaliculus larvae, yet validation of the technique work must be performed for each species before this can be achieved. To this end, eleven elemental ratios were analysed for early juvenile P. canaliculus shells collected from six sites from the west coast of the Northland and Auckland regions of northern New Zealand. Of these 11 ratios, seven (Zn:Ca, Mn:Ca, B:Ca, Sr:Ca, Mg:Ca, Ba:Ca and Cu:Ca) exhibited sufficient spatial variation for discriminate function analyses (DFA) to assign the juvenile mussels back to their region and site of collection 63–100% of the time. However, among open coast sites DFA analyses were unable to distinguish between juvenile mussels taken from sites that were 11 km apart, revealing that there are limits in the resolving power of elemental signatures for P. canaliculus. Collections of early juveniles at one site (Maori Bay) at four different times over six months revealed temporal stability in elemental signatures, with early juveniles able to be correctly assigned to the collection location regardless of month of collection. Now that such information has been obtained we are better positioned to track dispersing P. canaliculus larvae via elemental signatures and ultimately locate the source wild broodstock populations currently supplying the majority of the spat for New Zealand's mussel industry

Scanning tuneling microscopy tip-dependent image contrast of S/Pt(111) by controlled atom transfer

Sudden changes in the detailed appearance and corrugation of atomic-resolution scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) images are commonly observed. In particular, these effects for the Pt(111)({radical}3 {times} {radical} 3)R30{degrees}-sulfur structure have been studied. Corrugation changes have been investigated by the controlled transfer of atoms between tip and sample. Theoretical images simulations using electron scattering quantum chemical methods show that the image contrast is strongly dependent on the chemical identity of the STM tip atom. Observed changes in the sulfur images can be explained by changes from platinum-terminated to sulfur-terminated STM tips

Threats to seabirds of northern Aotearoa New Zealand

This report aims to assess current and emerging threats to seabirds in Northern New Zealand, particularly the wider Hauraki Gulf region, and to identify knowledge gaps. In doing so, both research and conservation action can be prioritized to best mitigate threats to seabirds in the region. 1. What are current threats to seabirds in Northern New Zealand? 2. What are the knowledge gaps regarding seabird species in Northern New Zealand? 3. What are the knowledge gaps regarding threats to seabirds in Northern New Zealand? This report has been prepared by Edin Whitehead (University of Auckland), with Nigel Adams (Unitec Institute of Technology), Karen Baird (Forest & Bird/BirdLife international, NNZST), Biz Bell (Wildlife Management International Ltd.), Stephanie Borrelle (NNZST, Ocean Conservancy/University of Toronto & University of Georgia), Brendon Dunphy (University of Auckland), Chris Gaskin (NNZST), Todd Landers (Auckland Council), Matt Rayner (Auckland Museum) & James Russell (University of Auckland

Energy citizenship for inclusive decarbonization: A transdisciplinary framework for creating transformation knowledge

Achieving the European Union’s vision of climate neutrality by 2050 dictates the need to transform the role that citizens can play in decarbonizing the energy system. Yet, “which citizens to involve in this process,” “when to involve them,” and “how to do so fairly and effectively,” are questions that still remain unclear to both experts and policymakers. Energy citizenship has been discussed as a concept that has the potential to galvanize the public for the energy transition. This potential has yet to be fulfilled, as there is a need to connect theory and concepts to the realities, challenges, and opportunities of the lives of citizens, under diverse circumstances. In this perspective, we argue that the concept of energy citizenship and its potential for contributing to low carbon transitions should be studied within a research framework that aims to produce transformative knowledge. We also introduce such a new transdisciplinary framework for creating transformative knowledge to explore and address questions relevant to the concept of energy citizenship. Our framework aims to produce knowledge that can be used to mobilize decarbonization actions for both individuals and collectives, by: (i). integrating different scales of analysis and action, i.e., at individual, collective, and national/ regional/ global levels, (ii). reconceptualizing the role of research and researchers, and finally, (iii). striving to be inclusive in a meaningful and innovative way

Energy citizenship for inclusive decarbonization: A transdisciplinary framework for creating transformation knowledge

Achieving the European Union’s vision of climate neutrality by 2050 dictates the need to transform the role that citizens can play in decarbonizing the energy system. Yet, “which citizens to involve in this process,” “when to involve them,” and “how to do so fairly and effectively,” are questions that still remain unclear to both experts and policymakers. Energy citizenship has been discussed as a concept that has the potential to galvanize the public for the energy transition. This potential has yet to be fulfilled, as there is a need to connect theory and concepts to the realities, challenges, and opportunities of the lives of citizens, under diverse circumstances. In this perspective, we argue that the concept of energy citizenship and its potential for contributing to low carbon transitions should be studied within a research framework that aims to produce transformative knowledge. We also introduce such a new transdisciplinary framework for creating transformative knowledge to explore and address questions relevant to the concept of energy citizenship. Our framework aims to produce knowledge that can be used to mobilize decarbonization actions for both individuals and collectives, by: (i). integrating different scales of analysis and action, i.e., at individual, collective, and national/ regional/ global levels, (ii). reconceptualizing the role of research and researchers, and finally, (iii). striving to be inclusive in a meaningful and innovative way.Policy AnalysisOrganisation & Governanc