The skin is a significant but overlooked anatomical reservoir for vector-borne African trypanosomes

The role of mammalian skin in harbouring and transmitting arthropod-borne protozoan parasites has been overlooked for decades as these pathogens have been regarded primarily as blood-dwelling organisms. Intriguingly, infections with low or undetected blood parasites are common, particularly in the case of Human African Trypanosomiasis caused by Trypanosoma brucei gambiense. We hypothesise, therefore, the skin represents an anatomic reservoir of infection. Here we definitively show that substantial quantities of trypanosomes exist within the skin following experimental infection, which can be transmitted to the tsetse vector, even in the absence of detectable parasitaemia. Importantly, we demonstrate the presence of extravascular parasites in human skin biopsies from undiagnosed individuals. The identification of this novel reservoir requires a re-evaluation of current diagnostic methods and control policies. More broadly, our results indicate that transmission is a key evolutionary force driving parasite extravasation that could further result in tissue invasion-dependent pathology

Identifying and mitigating potential risks for Marine Stewardship Council assessment and certification

The assessment of a fishery against the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) standard requires a large amount of technical knowledge and fishery information. Failure to meet the minimum requirements or to provide the necessary information may result in 'conditions' being placed on a fishery, which can increase the overall cost of maintaining certification. Thus, it is prudent for the fishery client to have a thorough understanding of any potential areas of weakness prior to undergoing assessment. This study investigates patterns in the types of conditions received by MSC certified fisheries to identify common risk areas based on general fishery characteristics, such as target species, fishing method and geographic region.\ud \ud Fisheries targeting crab/lobster, large pelagic finfish and flatfish, and fisheries operating in the UK/Europe and the NE Pacific regions, received more conditions related to the target species' stock status (MSC Principle 1) than other groups investigated. Ecosystem (MSC Principle 2) conditions were more frequently received by fisheries using demersal trawl or longline methods compared to hand collection, line fishing or other types of netting. A high proportion of shrimp and crab/lobster fisheries, fisheries in the NW Atlantic region and dredge fisheries received Governance/Management (MSC Principle 3) conditions.\ud \ud Case studies from five types of frequently-certified fisheries are used to identify mitigation strategies for common high-risk areas. The identification and mitigation of risk areas has important implications particularly for small-scale and developing-country fisheries that have limited resources and therefore need to minimise the number of conditions received. Similarly, the identification of common risks areas highlights where more explicit guidance needs to be incorporated into future reviews of the MSC standard, e.g. Harvest Control Rules, to assist prospective fisheries and to ensure consistency in assessments

Exmouth Gulf Prawn Managed Fishery

This report provides a comprehensive description of the Exmouth Gulf Prawn Managed Fishery (EGPMF) in Western Australia and contains information relevant to assist the assessment of this fishery against the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) standard (v1.3) for sustainable fishing. The EGPMF uses demersal otter trawl gear to target predominantly brown tiger prawns (Penaeus esculentus) and western king prawns (Penaeus latisulcatus)

Western Australian Silver-lipped Pearl Oyster (Pinctada maxima) Industry

This report provides a comprehensive description of the pearling (Pinctada maxima) industry in Western Australia. The pearling industry is comprised of the wild capture and cultivation of the silver-lipped pearl oyster Pinctada maxima in Western Australia’s northwest region

Exmouth Gulf Prawn Managed Fishery

This report provides a comprehensive description of the Exmouth Gulf Prawn Managed Fishery (EGPMF) in Western Australia and contains information relevant to assist the assessment of this fishery against the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) standard (v1.3) for sustainable fishing. The EGPMF uses demersal otter trawl gear to target predominantly brown tiger prawns (Penaeus esculentus) and western king prawns (Penaeus latisulcatus)

Shark Bay Prawn Managed Fishery

This report provides a comprehensive description of the Shark Bay Prawn Managed Fishery (SBPMF) and contains information relevant to assist the assessment of this fishery against the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) standard (v1.3) for sustainable fishing. The SBPMF is located in Shark Bay, Western Australia and uses demersal otter trawl gear to predominantly target brown tiger prawns (Penaeus esculentus) and western king prawns (Penaeus latisulcatus)

Shark Bay Prawn Managed Fishery

This report provides a comprehensive description of the Shark Bay Prawn Managed Fishery (SBPMF) and contains information relevant to assist the assessment of this fishery against the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) standard (v1.3) for sustainable fishing. The SBPMF is located in Shark Bay, Western Australia and uses demersal otter trawl gear to predominantly target brown tiger prawns (Penaeus esculentus) and western king prawns (Penaeus latisulcatus)

Western Australian Silver-lipped Pearl Oyster (Pinctada maxima) Industry

This report provides a comprehensive description of the pearling (Pinctada maxima) industry in Western Australia. The pearling industry is comprised of the wild capture and cultivation of the silver-lipped pearl oyster Pinctada maxima in Western Australia’s northwest region