Starvation percentages in field caught Sardina pilchardus larvae off southern Portugal

Starvation has been proposed as a major event only in small larvae that are learning to feed on planktonic prey. However, there are few comparisons of percentages of starving larvae either among locations, times or phases of larval development. The percentage of starvation of Sardina pilchardus larvae of different lengths was analysed in four distinct areas off southern Portugal. A highly sensitive fluorometric method for RNA/DNA quantification was applied to field caught S. pilchardus larvae during April and May 1992. Using in situ determination of critical RNA/DNA ratio (1.3), we classified as starving only a small percentage (2.22%) of first-feeding (<8 mm) sardine larvae, but bigger larvae appeared to be more vulnerable to starvation. We concluded that sardine larvae analysed were generally in good condition (total percentage of starving larvae - 4.64%), but with some variation within each region

The transatlantic introduction of weakfish Cynoscion regalis (Bloch & Schneider, 1801) (Sciaenidae, Pisces) into Europe

Weakfish Cynoscion regalis (Bloch and Schneider, 1801) is a sciaenid fish native to the east coast of North America and has been recently collected in three areas of the Iberian Peninsula (Europe). We aimed to i) provide the first report of the presence of weakfish in Europe, ii) hypothesize the most likely introduction vector, iii) discuss the potential for ecological overlap between weakfish and meagre Argyrosomus regius (Asso, 1801), the native Sciaenidae species, and iv) highlight the importance of citizen science in the detection of nonnative species. Weakfish were captured in the Sado estuary (July 2014), Gulf of Cadiz (November 2015) and the adjacent Guadiana estuary (June 2016), and in two Galician Rías (June 2016). Anglers reported that weakfish was present in the Sado estuary for “some” years, while their presence was only noticed recently in the other two areas. We hypothesize that ballast water was the introduction vector, that weakfish established a reproducing population in the non-native range, and that it dispersed from the Sado estuary, a central region of its current distribution range. The Sado estuary might have been the introduction area for weakfish via ballast water because there is a busy transoceanic commercial port in the estuary. Moreover, they are not used in European aquaculture facilities, nor in the aquarium trade. The collected specimens were ≤50 cm, with average lengths of 30 cm, which corresponds to a median age of 2 years and to individuals capable of reproducing. As a result, the year of introduction must be before 2012. Weakfish have a similar ecological niche to meagre, but the outcome of potential interactions is uncertain. Citizen science, especially the initiative of local fishermen, was critical to detect this non-native species.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

On the presence of the Ponto-Caspian hydrozoan Cordylophora caspia (Pallas, 1771) in an Iberian estuary: highlights on the introduction vectors and invasion routes

Several non-native invertebrate and vertebrate species have been detected in the Guadiana Estuary (SW-Iberian Peninsula, Europe) during the 21st century. In June 2015, the non-native hydroid Cordylophora caspia (Pallas, 1771) was detected for the first time in this estuary, which motivated an assessment of its distribution during late Spring and Summer 2016. The main goals of this paper were to: i) report the presence of Cordylophora caspia and its distribution in the Guadiana Estuary, ii) record the substrates colonized, salinity, and water temperatures at locations where the species was detected, iii) evaluate possible introduction vectors and invasion routes; and iv) discuss the potential impacts and management options. Cordylophora caspia occupied a 25-km stretch of the estuary with salinities between 0.2 and 13.8 and occupied a variety of human-made substrates. Shipping was the most likely introduction vector of C. caspia, which might have originated from populations in the Atlantic Ocean or the Mediterranean Sea. Currently, the potential ecological impacts are likely low since the population size is small due to an apparent shortage of suitable habitat. Economic effects are minimal at present because there are no major industries along the basin extracting water from the estuary. An integrated ecohydrological approach-i.e. freshets released from dams to control the populations of Cnidaria-was proposed to minimize or mitigate the potential negative effects of this species in the Guadiana Estuary.Delta Stewardship Council; Delta Science Program [1167]; Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT, Portugal) through the Jellyfisheries project [PTDC/MAR-BIO/0440/2014]; European Regional Development Fund (COMPETE program-Operational Competitiveness Programme); FCT [SFRH/BPD/108949/2015]; [UID/Multi/04326/2013]info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Citizen Science and Biological Invasions: A Review

Biological invasions are among the most challenging ecological and conservation riddles of our times. Fortunately, citizen science projects became a valuable tool to detect non-indigenous species (NIS), document their spread, prevent dispersion, and eradicate localized populations. We evaluated the most undisputed definitions of citizen science and proposed that a combination of two of them is a better reflection of what citizen science has become. Thus, citizen science is any environmental and/or biological data collection and analysis, including data quality control, undertaken by members of the general public, as individuals or as organized groups of citizens, with the guidance and/or assistance of scientists toward solving environmental and/or community questions. With this review, we also assessed how citizen science has been advancing biological invasions research and its focus, by analyzing 126 peer-reviewed articles that used citizen science methods or data concerning NIS. Most of the articles studied terrestrial species (68%) and terrestrial plants were the most studied group (22.7%). Surprisingly, most first detection reports were of non-indigenous marine fish probably due to the constraints in accessing aquatic ecosystems which delays the detection of new NIS. Citizen science projects running over broad geographical areas are very cost-effective for the early detection of NIS, regardless of the studied environment. We also discuss the applicability and need to adapt the methods and approaches toward the studied ecosystem and species, but also the profile of the participating citizens, their motivations, level of engagement, or social status. We recommend authors to better acknowledge the work done by contributing citizens, and the putative limitations of data generated by citizen science projects. The outreach planning of citizen science projects is also evaluated, including the use of dedicated web platforms vs. pre-existent and disseminated web platforms, while discussing how such outreach actions can be maximized. Lastly, we present a framework that contextualizes the contributions of citizen science, scientific research, and regional and national stakeholders toward the integrated management of biological invasions.FCT: SFRH/BD/140556/2018/ UIDB/04326/2020info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Tissue effect on RNA:DNA ratios of marine fish larvae

In some routine studies of larval condition based on RNA:DNA ratios, heads and/or guts are removed for further age and feeding analysis. Also, during capture larvae are often found with their eyes missing. In this work we analysed tissues effects (muscle, head, eye, gut and the whole larvae) on RNA:DNA ratios from different species (Sardina pilchardus, Engraulis encrasicolus, Atherina presbyter and Paralichthys orbignyanus) in different developmental stages and from different locations. For all species and development phases, it was shown that RNA :DNA ratios in the head were significantly lower than in muscle or gut. The comparison of RNA :DNA ratios of head with or without eyes did not show significant differences. In a comparison of results from muscle from two tail sections, RNA :DNA ratios were higher for the anterior section in Sardina pilchardus and Engraulis encrasicolus larvae. Caution is needed when RNA :DNA ratios are compared with other studies employing different dissection protocols. For the species studied we propose conversion factors to be applied to RNA:DNA ratio data when different body sections are analysed. We discuss the most appropriate tissues for assessing nutritional condition in fish larvae, based on trends in concentrations of nucleic acids and ratios during starvation experiments

Plankton community and copepod production in a temperate coastal lagoon: what is changing in a short temporal scale?

Coastal lagoons are often exposed to intense short-term environmental changes and strong anthropogenic pressures influencing zooplanktonic communities and production. However, most works focus on long-term temporal scales using monthly or seasonal sampling strategies. The present study analysed the structure of the mesozooplanktonic assemblages, the production (egg production rates) and physiological condition (RNA:DNA ratio) of the copepod Acartia clausi in a temperate coastal lagoon (Ria Formosa) during the summer, using an intensive sampling approach. Salinity was the main factor affecting the short-term variability of mesozooplankton composition, followed by tidal phase (ebb tides) and semilunar cycle (spring tides). There was a positive relationship between the abundance of Appendicularia and the cladoceran Penilia avirostris with the toxic dinoflagellate Gymnodinium catenatum, suggesting no deleterious effects. The egg production rate of A. clausi was influenced by salinity and ammonia concentration, with a positive correlation between the egg productivity and the macronutrient, showing a possible adaptation of this calanoid species. The RNA:DNA index was positively related to egg production rate, suggesting that it is a good proxy for the reproductive output of copepods, even in short-term periods. This study shows that different timescales need to be included in regular monitoring of planktonic assemblages in coastal lagoons in order to understand the influence of environmental and anthropogenic variables on marine organisms.Investigador FCT Program: IF/01546/2015. European Regional Development Fund (COMPETE program- Operational Competitiveness Programme), and Portuguese national funds from FCT through projects MODELA (PTDC/MAR/098643/2008), UID/Multi/04326/2016, UID/Multi/04326/2019 and UID/MAR/04292/2013.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

An ecohydrology model of the Guadiana Estuary (South Portugal)

A 1-D ecohydrology model is proposed that integrates physical, chemical and biological processes in the Guadiana Estuary during low flow conditions and that predicts the ecosystem health as determined by the following variables: river discharge, nutrients, suspended particulate matter, phytoplankton, zooplankton, bivalves, zooplanktivorous fish and carnivorous/omnivorous fish. Low flow conditions prevail now that the Alqueva dam has been constructed. The ecological sub-model is based on the non-linear Lotka-Volterra equation. The model is successful in capturing the observations of along-river changes in these variables. It suggests that both bottom-up and top-down ecological processes control the Guadiana Estuary ecosystem health. A number of sensitivity tests show that the model is robust and can be used to predict e within likely error bounds provided by the sensitivity tests e the consequences on the estuary ecosystem health of human activities throughout the river catchment, such as the irrigation farming downstream of the Alqueva dam, reclamation of the salt marshes by urban developments, and flow regulation by the Alqueva dam. The model suggests that the estuarine ecosystem health requires transient river floods and is compromised by flow regulation by the Alqueva dam. Remedial measures are thus necessary

First record of the nudibranch tenellia adspersa (Nordmann, 1845) in Portugal, associated with the invasive hydrozoan cordylophora caspia (Pallas, 1771)

The estuarine nudibranch Tenellia adspersa (Nordmann, 1845) was recorded for the first time in Portugal, while sampling for fouling fauna of artificial structures along the salinity gradient of the Guadiana estuary (SW Iberian Peninsula). Two specimens were found in association with the invasive hydrozoan Cordylophora caspia (Pallas, 1771) and kept in the laboratory for taxonomy purposes. After two days, batches of eggs were seen in C. caspia branches, while the nudibranchs were also actively feeding on the hydrozoan polyps. The fast generation times of T. adspersa, along with its food preference for C. caspia, might suggest a positive role of the nudibranch on controlling this invasive hydrozoan in the Guadiana estuary. Introduction routes and facilitation interactions are discussed.FCT: SFRH/BD/140556/2018/ PTDC/MAR-BIO/0440/2014/ UID/04326/2020/ (COMPETE - Operational Competitiveness Programme)/ DL57/2016/CP1361/CT0008.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Influence of starvation on the critical swimming behaviour of the Senegalese sole (Solea senegalensis) and its relationship with RNA/DNA ratios during ontogeny

Food availability can affect larval survival directly through starvation and indirectly through the effects on larval growth rate, swimming performance and vulnerability to predators. In the present study we evaluate the effects of starvation on growth, nutritional condition and swimming behaviour of the Senegalese sole (Solea senegalensis) throughout ontogeny (8 to 14 days after hatching). Biochemical analysis (RNA/DNA ratios) and behavioural experiments (critical swimming speed, Ucrit) were conducted on larvae reared under 3 feeding treatments: fed ad libitum, deprived of food for 48 hours and deprived of food for 96 hours. Growth was significantly affected by feeding treatment, while only slight decreases in RNA/DNA ratio and swimming performance were registered. Late stage larvae of the three feeding treatments had slower critical speeds than the pre-flexion and flexion stages, which is probably related to the benthic lifestyle acquired by the species at the end of the larval period. These physiological and behavioural changes are in accordance with previous results, which show that flatfish larvae are more resistant to starvation than pelagic species and that they become less active later in development

Aquatic species shows asymmetric distribution range shifts in native and non-native areas

Climate change is reshaping the geographical distribution of species across the globe. In marine ecosystems, climate change creates novel challenges to an environment impacted by numerous anthropogenic stressors. Forecasting shifts in species distribution, including the expansion of non-indigenous species under climate change scenarios, is a management challenge for today’s world.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio