16 research outputs found
New tools and recommendations for a better management of harmful algal blooms under the European Marine Strategy Framework Directive
Marine harmful algal blooms (HABs), caused by various aquatic microalgae, pose significant risks to ecosystems, some socio-economic activities and human health. Traditionally managed as a public health issue through reactive control measures such as beach closures, seafood trade bans or closure of mollusc production areas, the multifaceted linkages of HABs with environmental and socio-economic factors require more comprehensive ecosystem-based management approach tools to support policies. This study promotes a coordinated understanding and implementation of HAB assessment and management under the Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD), targeting the achievement of Good Environmental Status (GES) in European marine waters. We introduce two novel tools: GES4HABs (GES for HABs) decision tree, and MAMBO (environMental mAtrix for the Management of BlOoms), a decision support matrix. These tools aim to streamline HABs reporting and prioritize resource allocation and management interventions. The GES4HABs decision tree defines a sequence of decision steps to identify HAB management strategies according to their state (evaluated against predefined baselines) and causes (anthropic or natural). MAMBO is proposed to address different HABs and their interaction with human and environmental pressures. The matrix utilizes two axes: natural trophic status and level of human influence, capturing major aspects such as nutrient supply. While acknowledging the limitations of this simplified framework, MAMBO categorizes marine regions into quadrants of varying management viability. Regions with high human influence and eutrophic conditions are identified as most suitable for effective management intervention, whereas regions with minimal or mixed human influence are deemed less amenable to active management. In addition, we explore and describe various indicators, monitoring methods and initiatives that may be relevant to support assessments of HAB status and associated pressures and impacts in the MSFD reporting. Finally, we provide some recommendations to promote the consideration of HABs in ecosystem-based management strategies, intensify efforts for harmonizing and defining best practices of analysis, monitoring and assessment methodologies, and foster international and cross-sectoral coordination to optimize resources, efforts and roles
The first cetacean sightings network in Spain: results of a co-operation within the Spanish Cetacean Society
3 pages, 2 tables.-- Fifteenth Annual Conference of the European Cetacean Society, Rome, Italy, 6-10 May 200ln 1999, the Spanish Cetacean Society (SEC) was created in order to co-ordinate the activities of different organisations and research groups in Spain, and to provide assistance to regional and national authorities in issues related to the conservation of the marine environment. In July 1999, the Spanish Ministry for the Environment appointed to the SEC the custody of a national database of shandings and sightings of cetaceans in order to standardise the methodology used by all groups involved in these activities, and to facilitate the exchange of information among researchers. The Sightings Working Group of the SEC has been, since then, developing and updating the cetacean sightings database with the participation of most research and conservation groups working in Spain. This is the fìrst time in Spain that most groups put together their information creating a National Sightings Network and giving a fairly complete vision of cetacean distribution throughout the whole country, showing the importance of co-ordinated co-operation in the context of conservationDGCN (National Environment Agency) of the Spanish Ministry for the EnvironmentN
Estudio de distribución y dinámica de las poblaciones de cetáceos en las aguas del sudeste español
Planktonic egg masses of the diamond-shaped squid Thysanoteuthis rhombus in the eastern Atlantic and the Mediterranean Sea
6 pages, 2 figures, 1 table.-- PDF of this article is free journal.Eight planktonic egg masses of the diamond-shaped Thysanoteuthis rhombus observed from 1995 to 2000 are described. Four were found in the western Mediterranean and the others were found off the Canary Islands. The egg masses from the Canary Islands are the first records for the eastern Atlantic. All were found near the surface at the end of summer and the beginning of autumn. The planktonic egg masses were dense, resilient oblong cylinders with rounded tips ranging from 80 to 130 cm in length and between 15 and 20 cm in diameter. Egg capsule dimensions ranged from 2.8 to 3.4 mm and total length of the newly hatched paralarvae was between 2.5 and 2.8 mm. Each egg mass contained an estimated 24 100–43 800 eggs. Some new characters that should help identification of the paralarvae, such as arm formulae, presence of an incipient keel-shaped membrane on some arms, and the type and chromatophore pattern are given. Ecological factors influencing the presence and distribution of these egg masses are discussed.Peer reviewe
Planktonic egg masses of the diamond-shaped squid Thysanoteuthis rhombus in the eastern Atlantic and the Mediterranean Sea
Eight planktonic egg masses of the diamond-shaped Thysanoteuthis rhombus observed from 1995 to 2000 are described. Four were found in the western Mediterranean and the others were found off the Canary Islands. The egg masses from the Canary Islands are the first records for the eastern Atlantic. All were found near the surface at the end of summer and the beginning of autumn. The planktonic egg masses were dense, resilient oblong cylinders with rounded tips ranging from 80 to 130 cm in length and between 15 and 20 cm in diameter. Egg capsule dimensions ranged from 2.8 to 3.4 mm and total length of the newly hatched paralarvae was between 2.5 and 2.8 mm. Each egg mass contained an estimated 24 100–43 800 eggs. Some new characters that should help identification of the paralarvae, such as arm formulae, presence of an incipient keel-shaped membrane on some arms, and the type and chromatophore pattern are given. Ecological factors influencing the presence and distribution of these egg masses are discussed
Replacing Foods with a High-Glycemic Index and High in Saturated Fat by Alternatives with a Low Glycemic Index and Low Saturated Fat Reduces Hepatic Fat, Even in Isocaloric and Macronutrient Matched Conditions
Background: Current guidelines aim to limit the dietary glycemic index (GI) and intake of saturated fatty acids (SFA). Several studies have shown favorable effects of low-GI or low-SFA diets on intrahepatic lipid content (IHL), but these studies were performed under overfeeding conditions or extreme differences in GI or SFA to maximize the contrast between diets. By combining changes in GI and SFA, we can mimic how people can improve their diet in a realistic setting. Objectives: We investigated the effect on liver fat content and substrate metabolism of both reducing GI and replacing SFA with polyunsaturated fat in practically realistic amounts under isocaloric conditions. Design and Methods: In a randomized crossover study, thirteen overweight participants consumed two diets, one high in GI and SFA (high GI/SFA) and one low in GI and SFA (low GI/SFA) with identical macronutrient composition, for two weeks each. Diets were equal in caloric content, consisted of habitual food items, and had a macronutrient composition that can be easily achieved in daily life. At the end of each intervention, IHL content/composition and liver glycogen were measured by magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Additionally, fasted and postprandial hepatic de novo lipogenesis and glycemic and metabolic responses were investigated. Results: IHL was significantly lower (-28%) after the two-week low-GI/SFA diet (2.4 +/- 0.5% 95% CI [1.4, 3.4]) than after the two-week high-GI/SFA diet (3.3 +/- 0.6% 95% CI [1.9, 4.7], p < 0.05). Although hepatic glycogen content, hepatic de novo lipogenesis, hepatic lipid composition, and substrate oxidation during the night were similar between the two diets, the glycemic response to the low-GI/SFA diet was reduced (p < 0.05). Conclusions: Changes in macronutrient quality can already have drastic effects on liver fat content and postprandial glycemia after two weeks and even when energy content and the percentage of total fat and carbohydrate remains unchanged
Unveiling the influence of the environment on the migration pattern of the Atlantic pomfret (Brama brama) in North-eastern Atlantic waters
Hydroclimatic variability is one of the main factors
that drives inter-annual changes in fish migration patterns.
This study analyses the relationship between climate-
oceanographic factors and migration of the
Atlantic pomfret (Brama brama) in NE Atlantic
waters. Geo-referenced catch data from logbooks of
longliners operating in European Atlantic waters from
2002 to 2013 were linked to environmental indices at
different temporal and spatial scales. Our results point
to a strong influence of temperature at 200 m depth as
the key factor along with the upwelling in the Galician
(NW Iberian) waters. However, sea surface temperature
(SST) indirectly affects the geographical
display of Atlantic pomfret migration, and large migrations
are observed in scenarios of high SSTs in the
migratory area (c. above 14.7°C). Migrations are constrained
during years when temperatures are below this
threshold. A longer time-series of annual landings
(1950–2013) supports this evidence and highlights the
significant influence of temperature at 200-m depth
along with the landings of the previous year. Length
frequency distributions suggest an increase in size
between consecutive seasons supporting the hypothesis
that migration is a feeding strategy and a return to
tropical waters of origin for spawning. Our study shows
that the temperature of intermediate waters is a key
variable in determining the northward migration of the Atlantic pomfret whereas density-dependence and
surface climatic conditions trigger secondary effects on
the migration pattern of this species.Versión del editor2,044