Global phylogeography and evolution of chelonid fibropapilloma-associated herpesvirus

A global phylogeny for chelonid fibropapilloma-associated herpesvirus (CFPHV), the most likely aetiological agent of fibropapillomatosis (FP) in sea turtles, was inferred, using dated sequences, through Bayesian Markov chain Monte Carlo analysis and used to estimate the virus evolutionary rate independent of the evolution of the host, and to resolve the phylogenetic positions of new haplotypes from Puerto Rico and the Gulf of Guinea. Four phylogeographical groups were identified: eastern Pacific, western Atlantic/eastern Caribbean, mid-west Pacific and Atlantic. The latter comprises the Gulf of Guinea and Puerto Rico, suggesting recent virus gene flow between these two regions. One virus haplotype from Florida remained elusive, representing either an independent lineage sharing a common ancestor with all other identified virus variants or an Atlantic representative of the lineage giving rise to the eastern Pacific group. The virus evolutionary rate ranged from 1.62x10(-4) to 2.22x10(-4) substitutions per site per year, which is much faster than what is expected for a herpesvirus. The mean time for the most recent common ancestor of the modern virus variants was estimated at 192.90-429.71 years ago, which, although more recent than previous estimates, still supports an interpretation that the global FP pandemic is not the result of a recent acquisition of a virulence mutation(s). The phylogeographical pattern obtained seems partially to reflect sea turtle movements, whereas altered environments appear to be implicated in current FP outbreaks and in the modern evolutionary history of CFPHV.DNER-PR; US NMFS (NMFS-NOAA) [NA08NMF4720436]; US-Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS); Sociedad Chelonia; WIDECAST; US Environmental Protection Agency (US-EPA); Lisbon Oceanarium, Portugal; Interdisciplinary Research Center for Animal Health of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine of the Technical University of Lisbon (FMV/TUL)info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Amblyraja georgiana, Antarctic Starry Skate

The Antarctic Starry Skate (Amblyraja georgiana) is a medium-sized (to 115 cm total length) deepwater skate that occurs in the Southeast Pacific Ocean off southern Chile, in the Southwest Atlantic Ocean off southern Argentina and the Falkland Islands (Malvinas), in the Atlantic and Pacific Antarctic Oceans from South Georgia Island and the Antarctic Peninsula to the Ross Sea, and in the Indian Antarctic off the Crozet Islands. It is demersal on continental and insular slopes at depths of 20?1,255 m, and is captured as bycatch in trawl and longline fisheries, particularly those targeting Patagonian Toothfish (Dissostichus eleginoides). There are no population size estimates for this skate, and it is not clear what the current population trend is. Although estimates of bycatch around South Georgia and the Ross Sea are comprised of a low percentage of overall estimated stock biomass, the demographic consequences are unknown and require further research. Furthermore, catch levels in other areas are unknown, and some specimens previously referred to as this species may include cryptic individuals of a yet-to-be-described species. Overall, it is not clear what level of fishing mortality this species is exposed to across its range, and further research is needed on distribution, population size and trend, and threats. Therefore, the Antarctic Starry Skate is assessed as Data Deficient.Fil: Pollom, R.. University Fraser Simon; CanadáFil: Acuña, E.. Universidad Católica del Norte; ChileFil: Bustamante, C.. Universidad de Antofagasta; ChileFil: Chiaramonte, Gustavo Enrique. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Oficina de Coordinación Administrativa Parque Centenario. Museo Argentino de Ciencias Naturales "Bernardino Rivadavia". Estación Hidrobiológica de Puerto Quequén (sede Quequén); ArgentinaFil: Cuevas, J.M.. Wildlife Conservation Society; Estados UnidosFil: Herman, K.. Georgia Aquarium; Estados UnidosFil: Pompert, J.. No especifíca;Fil: Velez Zuazo, X.. No especifíca

Batoid fishery in Peru (1950-2015): Magnitude, management and data needs: Pesquería de batoideos en Perú (1950-2015): Magnitud, manejo y necesidades de información

Historical landings from the Food and Agriculture Organization (1950–2015) were used to estimate the contribution of the Peruvian batoid fishery to the eastern Pacific Ocean, and species-specific landings from Instituto del Mar del Peru (1997-2015) were used to identify the most-landed species, their landings sites and monthly variation throughout the year, and fishing gear types most used. The regulatory and research landscape were evaluated toward identifying potential gaps that may be hindering conservation and management of batoids in Peru. Results showed that in the eastern Pacific, Peru ranked second, after Chile, for batoid landings from 1950 to 2015. Of the twenty-three species of marine batoids that interact with Peruvian fisheries, the most landed taxonomic groups, from 1997 to 2015, were: Myliobatis spp. (i.e., M. chilensis and M. peruvianus; 45% of batoids landings), Mobula spp. (primarily M. mobular, and secondarily M. thurstoni, M. munkiana, M. tarapacana; 28%), Pseudobatos planiceps (6%), and Hypanus dipterurus (6%). Most of these species are landed in northern Peru, where gillnets are the most-used fishing gear to capture them. Batoid landings occurred year-round; yet, for H. dipterurus and P. planiceps landings were highest during the austral summer. Only three management measures exist for batoids fisheries in Peru for three species (i.e., M. birostris, Pristis pristis, Rhinoptera steindachneri) and two taxa (i.e., Mobula and Myliobatis) which are not fully enforced. Batoid research in Peru is limited, with only 25 publications from 1978 to 2022, in which the most studied species are Mobula birostris, M. chilensis and M. peruvianus. This study establishes an information baseline for batoids in Peru that can help guide their management, research, and conservation. &nbsp

Schroederichthys bivius, Narrowmouth Catshark

The Narrowmouth Catshark (Schroederichthys bivius) is a small (to 82 cm total Length) catshark that occurs in the Southeast Pacific and Southwest Atlantic from Valdivia, Chile, south around Cape Horn and north to southern Brazil. It is demersal on the continental shelf and upper slope at depths of 12-359 m (mostly <130 m). It is occasionally caught as bycatch of industrial and artisanal trawlers in Chile, Uruguay, Argentina, and the Falkland Islands (Malvinas). It is not typically utilized and is usually discarded dead. Overall, this catshark is caught throughout most of its range in small numbers. Its small size and presumably productive life history, combined with a lack of evidence of a population reduction, indicates that it is likely able to withstand limited exposure to fishing pressure. The population is suspected to be stable, therefore, the Narrowmouth Catshark is assessed as Least Concern.Fil: Dulvy, N. K.. University Fraser Simon; CanadáFil: Acuña, E.. Universidad Católica del Norte; ChileFil: Bustamante, C.. Universidad de Antofagasta; ChileFil: Chiaramonte, Gustavo Enrique. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Oficina de Coordinación Administrativa Parque Centenario. Museo Argentino de Ciencias Naturales "Bernardino Rivadavia". Estación Hidrobiológica de Puerto Quequén (sede Quequén); ArgentinaFil: Cuevas, J. M.. Wildlife Conservation Society; Estados UnidosFil: Herman, K.. Georgia Aquarium; Estados UnidosFil: Pompert, J.. Georgia Seafoods; Países BajosFil: Velez Zuazo, X.. Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute; Estados Unido

Genetic composition and origin of juvenile green turtles foraging at Culebra, Puerto Rico, as revealed by mtDNA

Marine migratory species encounter a range of threats as they move through coastal and oceanic zones. Understanding the connectivity and dispersal patterns of such species is critical to their effective conservation. Here we analyzed the temporal genetic composition and the most likely origin of juvenile green turtles foraging at Puerto Manglar and Tortuga Bay, Culebra, Puerto Rico, using mitochondrial DNA control region sequences. We identified 17 haplotypes, of which CM-A3 (51.5%), CM-A5 (19.4%) and CM-A1 (13.6%) were the most common. Haplotype (h) and nucleotide (π) diversities were 0.680 and 0.008, respectively. There was no evidence of significant variation in the genetic composition of these aggregations throughout seven years (2000-2006), suggesting that relative contributions from source populations did not significantly change during this period. Mixed Stock Analysis (MSA), incorporating 14 Atlantic nesting populations as possible sources, indicated four main contributing stocks to the Culebra foraging grounds: Costa Rica (34.9%), Mexico (29.2%), East Central Florida (13.2%), and Suriname (12.0%). The regional pattern of connectivity among Wider Caribbean rookeries and Culebra was further evidenced by a second MSA using Atlantic Regional Management Units (RMUs) as sources, with 94.1% of the mixed stock attributed to this area. This study addresses the information gap on the connectivity of the green turtle in the North Atlantic, and establishes an important baseline that can be used to determine future changes in stock composition.Department of Natural and Environ-mental Resources of Puerto Rico; US National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS-NOAA, Section 6, grant NA08NMF4720436); US Fish and Wildlife Service, Chelonia Inc, and WIDECAST. Work was conducted under permits by NMFS-NOAA (permit nos. 1253, 1518, 14949) and DNER (06-EPE-016). ARP had the support of the Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technologyinfo:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Bathyraja meridionalis, Darkbelly Skate

The Darkbelly Skate (Bathyraja meridionalis) is a large (to 158 cm total length) that occurs in the Southeast Pacific Ocean off Magallanes Province, Chile, in the Southwest Atlantic Ocean from Buenos Aires to Tierra del Fuego, Argentina and westward to the Falkland Islands (Malvinas), and in the Antarctic Atlantic Ocean around the Shag Rocks and South Georgia. It is demersal on continental and insular shelves and slopes at depths of 65?2,240 m, and is captured in demersal trawl and longline fisheries targeting skates, Patagonian Toothfish, and other finfishes. It has substantial refuge at depth and its population is suspected to be stable. Therefore, the Darkbelly Skate is assessed as Least Concern.Fil: Pollom, R.. University Fraser Simon; CanadáFil: Dulvy, N. K.. University Fraser Simon; CanadáFil: Acuña, E.. Universidad Católica del Norte; ChileFil: Bustamante, C.. Universidad de Antofagasta; ChileFil: Cuevas, J. M.. Wildlife Conservation Society; Estados UnidosFil: Chiaramonte, Gustavo Enrique. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Oficina de Coordinación Administrativa Parque Centenario. Museo Argentino de Ciencias Naturales "Bernardino Rivadavia". Estación Hidrobiológica de Puerto Quequén (sede Quequén); ArgentinaFil: Herman, K.. Georgia Aquarium; Estados UnidosFil: Pompert, J.. No especifíca;Fil: Velez Zuazo, X.. No especifíca

Bathyraja magellanica, Magellan Skate

The Magellan Skate (Bathyraja magellanica) is a medium-sized (to 105 cm total length) skate that occurs in the Southeast Pacific Ocean from Puerto Montt, Chile to Cape Horn and in the Southwest Atlantic Ocean from San Matías Gulf to Tierra del Fuego, Argentina, off the Falkland Islands (Malvinas), and on the Burdwood Bank. It is demersal on the continental shelf and slope at depths of 30?600 m. It is captured in demersal trawl fisheries, however it has some refuge at depth and the population trend is suspected to be stable. Therefore, the Magellan Skate is assessed as Least Concern.Fil: Pollom, R.. University Fraser Simon; CanadáFil: Dulvy, N. K.. University Fraser Simon; CanadáFil: Acuña, E.. Universidad Católica del Norte; ChileFil: Bustamante, C.. Universidad de Antofagasta; ChileFil: Chiaramonte, Gustavo Enrique. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Oficina de Coordinación Administrativa Parque Centenario. Museo Argentino de Ciencias Naturales "Bernardino Rivadavia". Estación Hidrobiológica de Puerto Quequén (sede Quequén); ArgentinaFil: Cuevas, J. M.. Wildlife Conservation Society; Estados UnidosFil: Herman, K.. Georgia Aquarium; Estados UnidosFil: Pompert, J.. Georgia Seafoods; Países BajosFil: Velez Zuazo, X.. Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute; Estados Unido

Bathyraja griseocauda, Graytail Skate

The Greytail Skate (Bathyraja griseocauda) is a large (to 157 cm total length) skate that occurs in the Southeast Pacific and Southwest Atlantic Oceans from Coquimbo, Chile south around Cape Horn and north to Uruguay, including the Falkland Islands (Malvinas), and is demersal on the mid-continental shelf and upper slope at depths of 30?1,010 m. It is captured in trawl and longline fisheries targeting skates, squid, shrimp, scallops, hake, and Patagonian Toothfish (Dissostichus eleginoides) that are inadequately managed and together operate throughout its range. Its large body size and relatively unproductive life history make it particularly vulnerable to overfishing. In the Southeast Pacific, this skate is captured and discarded dead in inadequately managed fisheries that operate throughout that portion of its range. In the Southwest Atlantic, where large skates are typically utilized or exported for human consumption, the catch-per-unit-effort (CPUE) for this skate in the Falkland Islands (Malvinas) multi-species skate fishery declined consistently and substantially from 120 to 23 kg/hr between 1994 and 2006, and increased to 70 kg/hr in 2013 due to a change in the area fished. Although no later data are available, this fishery continues and is still not managed at the species level. In Argentina, there are no species-specific data, but rays in general declined in CPUE in the 1990s and early 2000s. Overall, due to the level of inadequately managed fishing pressure it is exposed to across its range, its large size and relatively unproductive life history, the decline in CPUE of rays in general in some areas, and the noted decline in CPUE (although succeeded by an increase) of this species in the Falkland Islands, it is suspected that this skate has undergone a population reduction of 50?79% over the past three generations (69 years). Therefore, the Greytail Skate is assessed as Endangered A2bd.Fil: Pollom, R.. University Fraser Simon; CanadáFil: Dulvy, N. K.. University Fraser Simon; CanadáFil: Acuña, E.. Universidad Católica del Norte; ChileFil: Bustamante, C.. Universidad de Antofagasta; ChileFil: Chiaramonte, Gustavo Enrique. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Oficina de Coordinación Administrativa Parque Centenario. Museo Argentino de Ciencias Naturales "Bernardino Rivadavia". Estación Hidrobiológica de Puerto Quequén (sede Quequén); ArgentinaFil: Cuevas, J. M.. Wildlife Conservation Society; Estados UnidosFil: Herman, K.. Georgia Aquarium; Estados UnidosFil: Paesch, L.. Direccion Nacional de Recursos Acuaticos ; UruguayFil: Pompert, J.. No especifíca;Fil: Velez Zuazo, X.. No especifíca

Bathyraja macloviana, Patagonian Skate

The Patagonian Skate (Bathyraja macloviana) is a small (to 71 cm total length) skate that occurs in the Southeast Pacific Ocean off Magallanes, Chile and in the Southwest Atlantic Ocean from Uruguay to Tierra del Fuego, Argentina and the Falkland Islands (Malvinas) and is demersal on the inner continental shelf and upper slope at depths of 50?515 m. It is captured in demersal trawl fisheries targeting skates, finfish, and squid. Skates are typically not recorded or managed at the species level. For example, in Argentina, there are no species-specific data, but catch-per-unit-effort of rays, in general, declined in the 1990s and early 2000s. In the Falkland Islands (Malvinas) target skate fishery, this species increased in relative abundance in catch compared to other larger species, but there are no data on absolute changes in density or biomass from that area. Little is known about the Chilean portion of the population, but it is captured there and is typically discarded dead. Overall, due to the level of inadequately managed fishing pressure it is exposed to, declines in skates in general in some parts of its range, and its relatively small size that likely makes it productive enough to withstand some fishing pressure, it is suspected that this skate has undergone a population reduction of 20?29% over the past three generations (28.5 years). Therefore, the Patagonian Skate is assessed as Near Threatened, nearly meeting the threshold for Vulnerable A2bd.Fil: Pollom, R.. University Fraser Simon; CanadáFil: Dulvy, N. K.. University Fraser Simon; CanadáFil: Acuña, E.. Universidad Católica del Norte; ChileFil: Bustamante, C.. Universidad de Antofagasta; ChileFil: Chiaramonte, Gustavo Enrique. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Oficina de Coordinación Administrativa Parque Centenario. Museo Argentino de Ciencias Naturales "Bernardino Rivadavia". Estación Hidrobiológica de Puerto Quequén (sede Quequén); ArgentinaFil: Cuevas, J.M.. No especifíca;Fil: Herman, K.. Georgia Aquarium; Estados UnidosFil: Paesch, L.. No especifíca;Fil: Pompert, J.. No especifíca;Fil: Velez Zuazo, X.. Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute; Estados Unido

Amblyraja doellojuradoi, Southern Thorny Skate

The Southern Thorny Skate (Amblyraja doellojuradoi) is a small (to 69 cm total length) deepwater skate that occurs in the Southeast Atlantic Ocean from Uruguay to Southern Argentina and the Burdwood Bank, including the Falkland Islands (Malvinas). It is demersal on the mid- and outer continental shelf and upper slope at depths of 50?1,000 m. This skate is captured as bycatch in demersal trawl fisheries and possibly on longlines targeting hake, squid, and Patagonian Toothfish (Dissostichus eleginoides), and is increasingly retained for human consumption. It has some refuge at depth and is not suspected to be undergoing a reduction in population size at this time. Therefore, the Southern Thorny Skate is assessed as Least Concern.Fil: Pollom, R.. University Fraser Simon; CanadáFil: Dulvy, N. K.. University Fraser Simon; CanadáFil: Acuña, E.. Universidad Católica del Norte; ChileFil: Bustamante, C.. Universidad de Antofagasta; ChileFil: Chiaramonte, Gustavo Enrique. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Oficina de Coordinación Administrativa Parque Centenario. Museo Argentino de Ciencias Naturales "Bernardino Rivadavia". Estación Hidrobiológica de Puerto Quequén (sede Quequén); ArgentinaFil: Cuevas, J. M.. Wildlife Conservation Society; Estados UnidosFil: Herman, K.. Georgia Aquarium; Estados UnidosFil: Paesch, L.. Direccion Nacional de Recursos Acuaticos ; UruguayFil: Pompert, J.. No especifíca;Fil: Velez Zuazo, X.. No especifíca