Seabird distribution on the Humboldt Current in northern Chile in relation to hydrography, productivity, and fisheries

Factors affecting seabird distribution in the Humboldt Current upwelling system in northern Chile were studied in January 1999 using ship transect counts. Of 24 species recorded, the Peruvian booby (Sula variegata), the kelp gull (Larus dominicanus) and the Humboldt penguin (Spheniscus humboldti) were the most abundant. Species composition varied among different areas of the system and distribution patterns differed substantially among eight of the more abundant species. Most species showed links to variation in environmental factors (trawler distribution, SST and chlorophyll concentration). Principal component analysis identified a feeding-flock factor as the most important one for explaining observed distribution patterns. One-third of all birds recorded were associated in feeding flocks and 3% of all individuals were directly attending fishing vessels

Promoting Amphibian Conservation through the College Classroom: Detection of Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis among Local Amphibians

Many global amphibian declines have been linked to the fungal pathogen Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd). The knowledge on Bd distribution provides a fundamental basis for amphibian conservation planning. Yet, such Bd distribution information is currently insufficient, in particular at a regional scale. The college classroom provides an excellent opportunity to expand the knowledge of Bd distribution. Here we provide an example of such research projects to detect Bd prevalence among local amphibians in a college course setting and present the results of work conducted in central Pennsylvania, USA. We collected toe clips and conducted PCR assays of six species, Plethodon cinereus, Desmognathus fuscus, Notophthalmus viridescens, Lithobates catesbeianus, L. clamitans, and L. sylvaticus (59 individuals). Four groups of students independently conducted entire projects, orally presented their findings, and submitted manuscripts to the professor at the end of the semester. This example demonstrates that it is feasible for an undergraduate class to complete a Bd-detection project within a single semester. Such a project not only contributes to Bd research but also promotes conservation education among students through hands-on research experiences. We found Bd infection in only one sample of N. viridescens, but no sign of infection in the rest of the samples. As a relatively high prevalence of Bd has been reported in surrounding areas, our results suggest spatial heterogeneity in Bd occurrence at a regional scale and thus, the need for continued efforts to monitor Bd prevalence

Does shift in trophic strategy contribute to an enhanced bleaching resilience of corals regularly exposed to upwelling?

In the Andaman Sea internal waves of extraordinary amplitudes and frequencies break at the continental shelf and periodically introduce cold, nutrient-rich, hypoxic deep-sea water into the surface layer. The islands of the Andaman Sea shelter coral reefs from the effects of these large amplitude internal waves (LAIW) on eastern shores and separate them from the exposed reefs on western shores. Exposed reefs harbor corals with increased heat resistance, but which processes facilitate this resistance is not yet clear. As heterotrophic feeding has been shown to play an important role in warm water coral bleaching resilience and recovery, a shift in trophic strategy through LAIW-enriched organic matter flux may contribute to thermal resistance. In this thesis I utilized modern stable isotope and fatty acid analytics on separated coral host and Symbiodinium fractions to assess the trophic strategy of two coral species Porites lutea and Pocillopora verrucosa from both shore sites of two islands in the Andaman Sea (Miang and Racha). The results reveal a complex picture, with island and species-specific effects. Pocillopora does not show large differences in fatty acid trophic and health markers, with trophic markers indicating marginal higher heterotrophy on Rachas LAIW exposed but also on Miangs sheltered site. SIBER analysis on Pocillopora signals consistent trophic strategy on both sides. Porites do show a tendency of increased heterotrophy on Miangs LAIW exposed site and a smaller increase on Rachas exposed reefs. However, SIBER analysis of both islands pooled does not support this and instead indicates higher autotrophy. Health markers in LAIW exposed Porites are slightly elevated, in concert with higher biomass and fatty acids per surface they suggest a healthier phenotype. However, Pocillopora does not demonstrate this enhanced health status with LAIW exposure. As shift towards more heterotrophy seems to be nuanced and context-dependent it is most likely not the driving factor for the elevated heating resistance observed in LAIW exposed corals

Beiträge zur Kenntnis der Vegetationsverhältnisse der Dünen bei Danzig. 1, Die Dünentäler

25 cm

Emissionen der Warmwasserfischzucht

In der vorliegenden Untersuchung wurden erstmals repräsentative Frachtwerte der Emissionen bei der Warmwasserfischproduktion sowie Angaben zur Reinigungsleistung von Siebtrommelfiltern ermittelt. Gemeinsam mit den Wasserbehörden wurde ein überprüfbares System der Dokumentation und Eigenkontrolle der Produktion entwickelt. Die Veranlagung zur Abwasserabgabe erfolgt dabei auf der Grundlage einer modellgestützten rechnerischen Ermittlung der Frachten für die jeweilige Produktionsperiode bzw. das Veranlagungsjahr. Nach dem bisherigen System kann die Erhebung der Abwasserabgabe für die Betreiber von Fischzuchtanlagen um ein Mehrfaches zu hoch sein. Grund sind die auch auf der Basis von 24-Stunden-Mischproben großen Streuungen der Konzentrationsparameter und deshalb sehr stark schwankende Frachten an aufeinanderfolgenden Tagen. Die neue Methode der bilanzmäßigen Berechnung der Abwasserabgabe bedeutete für die untersuchte Anlage eine entscheidende Kostensenkung in der Warmwasserfischproduktion

Toronto

Diese Arbeit ist im Rahmen des von der Deutschen Forschungsgemeinschaft geförderten Projektes „Offene Stadt - Migration als Ressource der Stadtentwicklung. Räumliche Bedingungen für einen produktiven Umgang mit Zuwanderung“ entstanden

Population size of Humboldt penguins assessed by combined terrestrial and at-sea counts

The Humboldt Penguin (Spheniscus humboldti) has been reported as declining along its distributional range and has recently been classified as vulnerable. The actual size of the Humboldt Penguin population is still unknown, and a complete population assessment is required. Here we present a study combining both counts of molting birds on land and counts of birds at sea during the molting period. We conducted our study in the Coquimbo Region, Northern Chile, and found 7,619 birds on land and 2,700 at sea, adding up to a total of about 10,300 Humboldt Penguins during the molting season (February 1999). Since these numbers are much higher than all other recent estimates, we emphasize that assessment on land and at sea need to be combined to provide more reliable estimates