Defining biodiversity gaps for North West Shelf marine invertebrates

After almost six decades of fieldwork on the North West Shelf (NWS), contemporary partnered expeditions have begun to discover and document the diverse marine biota of this area. Recent historical syntheses from the Western Australian Museum’s Kimberley Project indicate over 5500 species occur in an area that includes much of the northern NWS. This compendium of biodiversity provides a new and important baseline of marine knowledge for the region. However, when considered with other NWS studies, several long-standing research gaps are evident, particularly for marine invertebrate taxa. Here we highlight and discuss these gaps in knowledge that can be grouped into five major categories: geographic, faunal, ecological, methodological and engagement. By directing future research towards these gaps, we hope to build a more complete dataset for managers tasked with protecting the many significant marine ecosystems in this extensive region

A project-based, authentic classroom experience for environmental sciences

Project-based activities and authentic classroom experiences both foster deep and relevant learning. In the environmental sciences, authentic learning is generally achieved through carefully planned and assessed field-based activities. However, these are generally a once-only exercise as they are expensive and problematic to timetable. Hence it is difficult to run project-based activities, which require repeated observations that are truly authentic. Here we present an authentic project-based module in marine science designed in collaboration with the West Australian Museum (WAM). The project asks students to classify sections of a previously un-catalogued shell collection donated to Curtin University by a private collector within class time over 6 weeks. The mollusc curator at WAM was involved in the design of the project and the associated assessment to ensure an authentic experience. She also delivered initial lecture and laboratory material to students including information on working as a museum taxonomist. Students produce a catalogue of part of the shell collection in a standard museum format that can be built on by subsequent cohorts. Thus, students view the project through the prism of a long-term project with a defined goal beyond the immediate learning outcomes of the unit. While this module relied on the donation of a collection, it demonstrates a method of combining the deep learning associated with project-based learning and the engaging and relevant authentic activities preferred by students and demonstrated in the literature

Integrated taxonomy reveals new threatened freshwater mussels (Bivalvia: Hyriidae: Westralunio ) from southwestern Australia

The freshwater mussel Westralunio carteri (Iredale, 1934) has long been considered the sole Westralunio species in Australia, limited to the Southwest and listed as vulnerable on the IUCN Red List and under Australian legislation. Here, we used species delimitation models based on COI mtDNA sequences to confirm existence of three evolutionarily significant units (ESUs) within this taxon and conducted morphometric analyses to investigate whether shell shape differed significantly among these ESUs. “W. carteri” I was found to be significantly larger and more elongated than “W. carteri” II and “W. carteri” II + III combined, but not different from “W. carteri” III alone. We recognise and redescribe “W. carteri” I as Westralunio carteri (Iredale, 1934) from western coastal drainages and describe “W. carteri” II and “W. carteri” III as Westralunio inbisi sp. nov. from southern and lower southwestern drainages. Two subspecies are further delineated: “W. carteri” II is formally described as Westralunio inbisi inbisi subsp. nov. from southern coastal drainages, and “W. carteri” III as Westralunio inbisi meridiemus subsp. nov. from the southwestern corner. Because this study profoundly compresses the range of Westralunio carteri northward and introduces additional southern and southwestern taxa with restricted distributions, new threatened species nominations are necessary

Establishment of a taxonomic and molecular reference collection to support the identification of species regulated by the Western Australian Prevention List for Introduced Marine Pests

Introduced Marine Pests (IMP, = non-indigenous marine species) prevention, early detection and risk-based management strategies have become the priority for biosecurity operations worldwide, in recognition of the fact that, once established, the effective management of marine pests can rapidly become cost prohibitive or impractical. In Western Australia (WA), biosecurity management is guided by the “Western Australian Prevention List for Introduced Marine Pests” which is a policy tool that details species or genera as being of high risk to the region. This list forms the basis of management efforts to prevent introduction of these species, monitoring efforts to detect them at an early stage, and rapid response should they be detected. It is therefore essential that the species listed can be rapid and confidently identified and discriminated from native species by a range of government and industry stakeholders. Recognising that identification of these species requires very specialist expertise which may be in short supply and not readily accessible in a regulatory environment, and the fact that much publicly available data is not verifiable or suitable for regulatory enforcement, the WA government commissioned the current project to collate a reference collection of these marine pest specimens. In this work, we thus established collaboration with researchers worldwide in order to source representative specimens of the species listed. Our main objective was to build a reference collection of taxonomically vouchered specimens and subsequently to generate species-specific DNA barcodes suited to supporting their future identification. To date, we were able to obtain specimens of 75 species (representative of all but four of the pests listed) which have been identified by experts and placed with the WA Government Department of Fisheries and, where possible, in accessible museums and institutions in Australasia. The reference collection supports the fast and reliable taxonomic and molecular identification of marine pests in WA and constitutes a valuable resource for training of stakeholders with interest in IMP recognition in Australia. The reference collection is also useful in supporting the development of a variety of DNA-based detection strategies such as real-time PCR and metabarcoding of complex environmental samples (e.g. biofouling communities). ThePrevention List is under regular review to ensure its continued relevance and that it remains evidence and risk-based. Similarly, its associated reference collection also remains to some extent a work in progress. In recognition of this fact, this report seeks to provide details of this continually evolving information repository publicly available to the biosecurity management community worldwid

A Synoptical Classification of the Bivalvia (Mollusca)

The following classification summarizes the suprageneric taxono-my of the Bivalvia for the upcoming revision of the Bivalvia volumes of the Treatise on Invertebrate Paleontology, Part N. The development of this classification began with Carter (1990a), Campbell, Hoeks-tra, and Carter (1995, 1998), Campbell (2000, 2003), and Carter, Campbell, and Campbell (2000, 2006), who, with assistance from the United States National Science Foundation, conducted large-scale morphological phylogenetic analyses of mostly Paleozoic bivalves, as well as molecular phylogenetic analyses of living bivalves. Dur-ing the past several years, their initial phylogenetic framework has been revised and greatly expanded through collaboration with many students of bivalve biology and paleontology, many of whom are coauthors. During this process, all available sources of phylogenetic information, including molecular, anatomical, shell morphological, shell microstructural, bio- and paleobiogeographic as well as strati-graphic, have been integrated into the classification. The more recent sources of phylogenetic information include, but are not limited to, Carter (1990a), Malchus (1990), J. Schneider (1995, 1998a, 1998b, 2002), T. Waller (1998), Hautmann (1999, 2001a, 2001b), Giribet and Wheeler (2002), Giribet and Distel (2003), Dreyer, Steiner, and Harper (2003), Matsumoto (2003), Harper, Dreyer, and Steiner (2006), Kappner and Bieler (2006), Mikkelsen and others (2006), Neulinger and others (2006), Taylor and Glover (2006), Kříž (2007), B. Morton (2007), Taylor, Williams, and Glover (2007), Taylor and others (2007), Giribet (2008), and Kirkendale (2009). This work has also benefited from the nomenclator of bivalve families by Bouchet and Rocroi (2010) and its accompanying classification by Bieler, Carter, and Coan (2010).This classification strives to indicate the most likely phylogenetic position for each taxon. Uncertainty is indicated by a question mark before the name of the taxon. Many of the higher taxa continue to undergo major taxonomic revision. This is especially true for the superfamilies Sphaerioidea and Veneroidea, and the orders Pectinida and Unionida. Because of this state of flux, some parts of the clas-sification represent a compromise between opposing points of view. Placement of the Trigonioidoidea is especially problematic. This Mesozoic superfamily has traditionally been placed in the order Unionida, as a possible derivative of the superfamily Unionoidea (see Cox, 1952; Sha, 1992, 1993; Gu, 1998; Guo, 1998; Bieler, Carter, & Coan, 2010). However, Chen Jin-hua (2009) summarized evi-dence that Trigonioidoidea was derived instead from the superfamily Trigonioidea. Arguments for these alternatives appear equally strong, so we presently list the Trigonioidoidea, with question, under both the Trigoniida and Unionida, with the contents of the superfamily indicated under the Trigoniida.Fil: Carter, Joseph G.. University of North Carolina; Estados UnidosFil: Altaba, Cristian R.. Universidad de las Islas Baleares; EspañaFil: Anderson, Laurie C.. South Dakota School of Mines and Technology; Estados UnidosFil: Araujo, Rafael. Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Cientificas. Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales; EspañaFil: Biakov, Alexander S.. Russian Academy of Sciences; RusiaFil: Bogan, Arthur E.. North Carolina State Museum of Natural Sciences; Estados UnidosFil: Campbell, David. Paleontological Research Institution; Estados UnidosFil: Campbell, Matthew. Charleston Southern University; Estados UnidosFil: Chen, Jin Hua. Chinese Academy of Sciences. Nanjing Institute of Geology and Palaeontology; República de ChinaFil: Cope, John C. W.. National Museum of Wales. Department of Geology; Reino UnidoFil: Delvene, Graciela. Instituto Geológico y Minero de España; EspañaFil: Dijkstra, Henk H.. Netherlands Centre for Biodiversity; Países BajosFil: Fang, Zong Jie. Chinese Academy of Sciences; República de ChinaFil: Gardner, Ronald N.. No especifica;Fil: Gavrilova, Vera A.. Russian Geological Research Institute; RusiaFil: Goncharova, Irina A.. Russian Academy of Sciences; RusiaFil: Harries, Peter J.. University of South Florida; Estados UnidosFil: Hartman, Joseph H.. University of North Dakota; Estados UnidosFil: Hautmann, Michael. Paläontologisches Institut und Museum; SuizaFil: Hoeh, Walter R.. Kent State University; Estados UnidosFil: Hylleberg, Jorgen. Institute of Biology; DinamarcaFil: Jiang, Bao Yu. Nanjing University; República de ChinaFil: Johnston, Paul. Mount Royal University; CanadáFil: Kirkendale, Lisa. University Of Wollongong; AustraliaFil: Kleemann, Karl. Universidad de Viena; AustriaFil: Koppka, Jens. Office de la Culture. Section d’Archéologie et Paléontologie; SuizaFil: Kříž, Jiří. Czech Geological Survey. Department of Sedimentary Formations. Lower Palaeozoic Section; República ChecaFil: Machado, Deusana. Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro; BrasilFil: Malchus, Nikolaus. Institut Català de Paleontologia; EspañaFil: Márquez Aliaga, Ana. Universidad de Valencia; EspañaFil: Masse, Jean Pierre. Universite de Provence; FranciaFil: McRoberts, Christopher A.. State University of New York at Cortland. Department of Geology; Estados UnidosFil: Middelfart, Peter U.. Australian Museum; AustraliaFil: Mitchell, Simon. The University of the West Indies at Mona; JamaicaFil: Nevesskaja, Lidiya A.. Russian Academy of Sciences; RusiaFil: Özer, Sacit. Dokuz Eylül University; TurquíaFil: Pojeta, John Jr.. National Museum of Natural History; Estados UnidosFil: Polubotko, Inga V.. Russian Geological Research Institute; RusiaFil: Pons, Jose Maria. Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona; EspañaFil: Popov, Sergey. Russian Academy of Sciences; RusiaFil: Sanchez, Teresa Maria. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; Argentina. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba; ArgentinaFil: Sartori, André F.. Field Museum of National History; Estados UnidosFil: Scott, Robert W.. Precision Stratigraphy Associates; Estados UnidosFil: Sey, Irina I.. Russian Geological Research Institute; RusiaFil: Signorelli, Javier Hernan. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Centro Nacional Patagónico; ArgentinaFil: Silantiev, Vladimir V.. Kazan Federal University; RusiaFil: Skelton, Peter W.. Open University. Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences; Reino UnidoFil: Steuber, Thomas. The Petroleum Institute; Emiratos Arabes UnidosFil: Waterhouse, J. Bruce. No especifica;Fil: Wingard, G. Lynn. United States Geological Survey; Estados UnidosFil: Yancey, Thomas. Texas A&M University; Estados Unido

Dix nouvelles espèces de Cardiidae (Mollusca, Bivalvia) de Nouvelle-Calédonie et du Pacifique tropical ouest

La faune de l’Indo-ouest Pacifique tropical est exceptionnellement variée, mais mal connue, et l’étude soignée des compositions faunistiques amène à la mise en évidence de nouvelles espèces, grâce également à des approches nouvelles (espèces cryptiques décelées par analyse moléculaire) et/ou par des efforts de récolte rigoureux. Dans le but d’évaluer la biodiversité de la faune de mollusques de l’ouest Pacifique, des expéditions de récoltes systématiques et complètes ont été réalisées depuis 1978, centrées sur la Nouvelle-Calédonie. En nous basant sur les études passées des Cardiidae de l’ouest Pacifique, nous mettons en évidence dans la région un genre nouveau de Cardiidae (Pseudofulvia n. gen.) et 10 espèces nouvelles : Acrosterigma capricorne n. sp., Fulvia (Fulvia) colorata n. sp., F. (F.) vepris n. sp., F. (Laevifulvia) subquadrata n. sp., F. (L.) imperfecta n. sp., Pseudofulvia caledonica n. gen., n. sp., P. arago n. gen., n. sp., Ctenocardia gustavi n. sp., C. fijianum n. sp., C. (Microfragum) subfestivum n. sp. Les espèces nouvelles sont facilement différenciées de leurs congénères par des détails de la charnière, les dents, la forme de la zone lunulaire, le nombre et/ou l’ornementation des côtes, mais diffèrent souvent aussi par des caractères morphologiques plus généraux, comme la coloration, la forme et la taille. Ctenocardia gustavi n. sp., C. (Microfragum) subfestivum n. sp. et Pseudofulvia caledonica n. gen., n. sp. sont de dimensions relativement importantes, avec une large distribution à travers l’ouest Pacifique. Par contre Acrosterigma capricorne n. sp. et Pseudofulvia arago n. gen., n. sp. ne sont connus que des Îles Australes et, compte tenu de l’intensité des efforts de récolte dans la région, semblent être de distribution restreinte.The fauna of the tropical Indo-west Pacific is exceptionally diverse but poorly known with even relatively well-studied faunal components yielding new species after careful study, novel approaches (e.g., delineation of cryptic species via molecular analyses) and/or rigorous collection efforts. In an attempt to quantify the biodiversity of the western Pacific molluscan fauna, comprehensive, systematic collecting expeditions have been made since 1978, with a focus on New Caledonia. Building on earlier studies of cardiids from the western Pacific, we report one new genus of cardiid (Pseudofulvia n. gen.) and 10 new cardiid taxa from the area: Acrosterigma capricorne n. sp., Fulvia (Fulvia) colorata n. sp., F. (F.) vepris n. sp., F. (Laevifulvia) subquadrata n. sp., F. (L.) imperfecta n. sp., Pseudofulvia caledonica n. gen., n. sp., P. arago n. gen., n. sp., Ctenocardia gustavi n. sp., C. fijianum n. sp., C. (Microfragum) subfestivum n. sp. The new species are easily differentiated from conspecifics in details of hinge, dentition, lunular shape and area, rib number and/or rib ornamentation, but often differ in gross morphological features, such as coloration, shape and size as well. Ctenocardia gustavi n. sp., C. (Microfragum) subfestivum n. sp. and Pseudofulvia caledonica n. gen., n. sp. are relatively large-bodied, with a wide distribution throughout the western Pacific. In contrast, Acrosterigma capricorne n. sp. and Pseudofulvia arago n. gen., n. sp. are known only from the Austral Islands and considering the intensive collecting efforts in the region, they appear restricted in their distributions.</p

Anthropogenic Biotic Interchange in a Coral Reef Ecosystem: A Case Study from Guam

Guam is the administrative and economic hub of Micronesia, hosts one of the largest U.S. military bases in the Pacific, and lies at the crossroads among Pacific islands, the United States, and Asia. Although terrestrial introductions, exemplified by the brown tree snake, have received much attention, marine introductions have been little studied until now. We have documented a diverse assemblage of marine species brought to Guam by human-mediated transport: a few intentionally, most unintentionally. Sessile species dominate the nonindigenous biota. Because of Guam's tourism:'based economy, ballast water is not a major source of introductions, but ship's hulls have brought many invaders. A study of the fauna associated with two dry docks demonstrates the large impact of such structures, moved slowly from harbor to harbor after long residence times. The majority of nonindigenous species have remained confined to artificial substrata in the harbor, but some have invaded adjacent coral reef habitats and spread islandwide. Although several nonindigenous species are now well established, major impacts to reefs on Guam remain to be identified. Space on reefs is vastly dominated by indigenous species; in contrast artificial substrata often have an abundance of nonindigenous species

Ten new species of Cardiidae (Mollusca, Bivalvia) from New Caledonia and the tropical western Pacific

Vidal, Jacques, Kirkendale, Lisa (2007): Ten new species of Cardiidae (Mollusca, Bivalvia) from New Caledonia and the tropical western Pacific. Zoosystema 29 (1): 83-107, DOI: http://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.540169