An investigation on aquatics diversity and density in marine artificial reef, Moloo area of Bandar-e-Lengeh, Persian Gulf

Over-fishing of marine resources has endangered many commercial fish species in the world. Setting up artificial reefs is now considered an important way for marine stocks and fishing enhancement. The present study was designed to monitor fish abundance and species changes around a small and newly established artificial reef system in Moloo area at Bandar- e-Lengeh during two years after installation in September 2005. The anificial reef includes three types of concrete structures arranged in a seven by three grid. Each cross point was considered as a sampling station and two other stations were also selected from two sides of the system as control points. The CPUE and frequency of fishes in transect 7 with a mixed structure showed significant differences with Other 6 transects (P0.01). Although there were differences CPUE averages of different seasons, the ANOVA test of difference significance was negative. The t-test showed no significant differences between the abundance and of different species per trap per day and seasons. The dominant species were Epinephelus coioides, Plectorhinchus shoran Diagrama pictum, Siganus javus

Evaluating the potential of a bivalve species from the intertidal zone of the Persian Gulf for biomonitoring of trace elements using a nondestructive analytical method

This study was carried out in order to evaluate the potential of the soft and hard tissues of a bivalve species (Callista umbonella) for biomonitoring of different elements in coastal areas of northern part of the Persian Gulf as well as to assess the possible use of PIXE (Proton Induced X-ray Emission) method in this regard. The bivalve specimens and surficial sediment samples were collected from three sampling sites located on the intertidal zone of Hormozgan Province in August 2014. Concentrations of the elements were determined using the non-destructive method, PIXE. Assessment of total organic matter (TOM) and grain size were also carried out in the sediment samples. Based on the results, of the 17 elements measured in the soft tissues, (Al, Br, Ca, Cl, Cr, Fe, K, Mg, Mn, Na, O, P, S, Si, Sr, Ti and Zn) in the case of P, Fe, Br and O significant differences were observed between the sampling sites. Of the 14 elements measured in the shells (Al, Br, Ca, Cl, Cu, Fe, Mg, Mn, Na, K, O, S, Si and Sr) only in the case of Si significant differences between the sites could be detected and of the 14 elements measured in the surface sediments (Al, Ca, Cl, Cr, Fe, Mg, Mn, Na, Ni, K, O, S, Si and Ti) in the case of Na, Mg, S, Cl, K , Ca, Ti and Fe significant differences were found between the sites. In each of the above cases, order of the elements accumulation was assessed and possible causes of the differences evaluated. In order to classify the elements based on their levels in the sediments, soft tissues and shells the multivariate analyses (principal component analysis and cluster analysis) were used. According to the gained results, C. umbonella can be considered as a potential candidate species for biomonitoring of a number of elements in the coastal area of the Persian Gulf

The growth of faunal aquatics on artificial reefs in Bandar Lengeh Area, Persian Gulf

The growth of organisms on seven different artificial reef structures was surveyed from 2004-2006 in Hormuzgan offshore waters (Bandar Lengeh area). The organisms consisted of 12 groups the main of which included Barnacle (Megabalanus tintinnabulum), Sponges with five families and Tunicates. The highest density was observed in 2005, amounting to some 409.224g wet weight on each structure. However, a decrease was observed afterwards in the total mass of aquatics living on the structures. Some organisms such as crabs, polychaets, bivalves and fish larvae showed an increasing in size in the first year. Bivalves showed a decreasing trend in density but otherwise an increasing trend in size over time. Artificial shape of the reefs was not effective on the total density of the organisms living on the structures. Total density of live organisms on different parts of the artificial reefs (surface, middle and bottom) was not statistically significant (P>0.05). Numbers of crabs on mixed artificial reefs were higher than the other artificial reefs. This was also the same for barnacles

Monitoring of commercial marine stocks around Hormuzgan (bandar-e-Lengeh) artificial reefs

Over-fishing of marine resources has endangered many commercial fish species in the world; with aquaculture development, setting up artificial reef systems is an important way for marine stocks and fishing enhancement. The present study was designed to monitor fish abundance and species changes around a small and newly established artificial reef system in Moloo area at Bandar-e-Lengeh during two years after installation (Sep. 2005 to Sep. 2007). The artificial reef includes three types of concrete structures arranged in a seven by three grid. Each cross point considered as a sampling station and two other stations selected from two sides of the system as control stations. Based on obtained results CPUE (P = 0.00001), frequency (P = 0.001) and species diversity of captured fishes (P = 0.024) showed significant differences between three types of sampling traps. With type of structures, The CPUE and frequency of fishes in transect 7(mixed structures) showed the significant differences with other six transects (p= 0.001, P = 0.009). No diversity relationships were seen between transects (p= 0.100). In this study there were no significant differences between depths. Although the means of CPUE between seasons were different, but the ANOVA test could not show the significant differences because of the differention between variances. The T-Test showed no significant differences between the numbers per trap per day dominant species (Epinephelus coioides, Plectorhinchus shotaf, Diagrama pictum, Siganus javus) in different seasons. Movie prepared from artificial reefs showed diversity of fish were more than that of fishing by trap. Although fishes increased but there was no enough causes evidences for product in artificial reefs. Therefore, the study need to continue in this area

Laboratories risks evaluation of Persian Gulf and Oman Sea Ecological Research Center

In this study, to assess and classify risks associated with working in the laboratories of Persian Gulf and Oman Sea Ecological Research Center, the method of "Failure Mode Effects Analysis" (FMEA) as well as some statistical methods were used. The results of the risk assessment in the 11 affiliated laboratories showed that the risk levels in all cases, except for benthos laboratory, could be evaluated as moderate or high and therefore appropriate corrective actions must be implemented. Based on the results of the Kruskal-Wallis tests both before and after the corrective actions, there were significant differences between the laboratories from the viewpoint of risk priority number (RPN). The post hoc tests showed the lowest risk levels for the benthose and histology laboratories, while the highest risks identified in the laboratory of instrumental analysis. The results of the classification of the laboratories using cluster analysis are largely similar to those of the posthoc tests. According to Mann-Whitney U test, only in the case of the samples preparation laboratory, significant differences between the values of the RPN before and after the corrective actions could be observed (p> 0.05), however, the risk levels still remained high. In general it can be concluded that FMEA is an effective method for risk assessment in the research laboratories and appropriate statistical methods can also be used for complementary analysis

Assessment of dominant species food relation in habitats of commercial shrimp in Hormuzgan Province waters (Persian Gulf)

Shrimp is one of the most important aquatic animals,that have decreased their stocks in Hormozgan province, especially the eastern province . Evalution of food interaction in shrimp habitats (Estuaries of Tyab, Yek shabeh, Laft and Khouran) was studied with Ecopaht with Ecosim software (ver. 6.5) in Hormuzgan province. After entering the input components (Biomass,P/B and Q/B), model was balanced and outputs were extracted. Results of trophic levels, was close to previous research in these areas for all species in estuaries. Maximum of ecotrophic efficiency was belonged to phytoplankton and other preys that were observed in predator stomachs. Biological future of food web estimated to be threatened based on omnivore index of planktonivore groups. Maximum food competition between the four food models was estimated in detritivores communities in Laft estuary, that may be related to the low density of mangrove in this region. Khamir estuary ecosystem could be more stable, because each impacting group had its own separate ecological niche and special predation territory. key indices in each of four food models were related to phytoplankton communities, this key role has been demonstrated much better in Yek Shovy estuary than others. Future of commercial shrimp stocks will be expected to be in better condition in Khoran estuary compared to other three ones, due to selection of separate ecological niche by predators and High biomass of detritus in this estuary

Influence of heel design in an orthopedic shoe on ground reaction forces during walking

Background: One of the treatments prescribed for musculoskeletal patients is orthopedic shoe. The use of an orthopedic shoe is thought to produce a more typical ground reactive force pattern. Objectives: This study was designed to determine the influence of three heel designs of an orthopedic shoe on the ground reaction forces during walking in healthy subjects. Study design: Quasi-experimental. Method: In total, 30 healthy adults (12 males, 18 females) walked at a self-selected pace for six trials in each of the three shoe conditions having three different heels which included the following: standard heel, beveled heel, and positive posterior heel flare. For each trial, ground reaction force parameters were recorded using a force plate. Results: Repeated measures analysis of variance indicated that the impact force was significantly reduced for the positive posterior heel flare condition by 8 and 13 compared with standard and beveled heels, respectively (p < 0.001). The first peak of vertical force showed a significant reduction in the beveled heel by 5 and 4 compared with the standard heel and the positive posterior heel flare, respectively (p < 0.001). Loading rate was significantly reduced in the beveled heel and the positive posterior heel flare conditions (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Positive posterior heel flare reduced impact force due to its geometry flexibility, while a beveled heel reduced first peak of vertical force. The findings of this study show that the shape of the heel therefore has the potential to modify impact loads during walking. Clinical relevance This study provides new evidence that by changing shape in the heel of orthopedic shoe impact loads are reduced during walking. Thus, these findings indicate that use of heel design may be beneficial for various musculoskeletal disorders, including key public health problems. © International Society for Prosthetics and Orthotics International