Population dynamics of Mytilicola intestinalis in Mytilus edulis in south west England

The population dynamics of Mytilicola intestinalis Steuer in mussels (Mytilus edulis L.) from the River Lynher, Cornwall, England, have been studied over 3 years. By transplanting uninfested mussels from the River Erme, South Devon, into the Lynher mussel bed, the study was extended to the growth and development of new infestations under natural conditions. Female Mytilicola intestinalis are shown to breed twice, and two generations of parasites coexist for most of the year, with recruitment taking place in summer and autumn. One generation contributes its first brood to the autumn recruits before overwintering and contributing its second brood to the following summer's recruits. The other generation overwinters as juvenile and immature stages to contribute its two broods successively to the summer and autumn recruits. Environmental temperatures are believed to control the rates of development at all stages rather than acting as triggers in the onset or cessation of breeding at specific times. There is no evidence to support the contention that heavily infested mussels are killed, and parasite mortality is shown to be density-independent.     

Patterns of selective predation by juvenile,benthivorous fish on estuarine macrofauna

Benthic feeding on macrofauna was studied in juveniles of the sparids Lithognathus lithognathus and Rhabdosargus holubi in the upper reaches of the Gamtoos Estuary, South Africa. Fish and benthic macrofauna were sampled simultaneously, and the selection of invertebrate prey assessed. Both fish species strongly selected for corophioid amphipods and consumed other benthic taxa in low numbers. R. holubi also exploited aquatic autotrophs, while L. lithognathus had a narrow prey-spectrum, feeding almost exclusively on the tube-dwelling amphipod Grandidierella lignorum. G. lignorum was the most abundant prey species, both in the benthos and the fish's diet. This species also showed prominent behavioural differences between the sexes; males were markedly more active on the sediment surface than females, who rarely left their tubes during the day. Males switched from an infaunal to epifaunal microhabitat in search of receptive females, concurrently increasing their exposure to fish predators. Consequently, L. lithognathus selected significantly more males than female amphipods, causing a marked bias towards females in the sex ratio and age-structure of the amphipod population. Juvenile amphipods were less preyed upon, presumably as a result of lower prey-detection or capture efficiency by the predators. Accepting current notions about predation as an important structuring element for benthic communities, our data also stress the prominence of size-and sex-selective predation in structuring individual prey populations.     

Differential response of benthic macrofauna and meiofauna to hypoxia in the Gullmar Fjord basin

The response of benthic macro-and meiofauna to severe hypoxia was studied in the deep basis (115 m) of Gullmar Fjord, western Sweden. Abundances and bionasses of the faunal taxa, the redox-potential of the sediment, and the temperature, salinity and dissolved oxygen in the bottom water were recorded over the period 1977 to 1981. In the winter of 1979/80, when a depressed oxygen level of 0.21 ml l^-1 was recorded, the macrofaunal component of the fauna disappeared. The ensuing recolonization, with an initial peak of opportunistic capitellid polychaetes, proceeded slowly and the pre-collapse community was not reestablished within 1 1/2 yr after the hypoxia. In contrast, the permanent meiofauna exhibited no clear signs of being affected by the hypoxia. In the temporary meiofauna, polychaetes seemed to be negatively affected. The finding of a differential response of macro-and meiofauna confirms previous studies which indicate that macrofauna in general is more sensitive than meiofauna to low oxygen concentrations.     

The ecology of two sandy beaches in south west India. I. Seasonal changes in physical and chemical factors,and in the macrofauna

Changes during one year in the fauna of two beaches in south India are described in relation to the nutrient content of the water and sand, and the physical changes brought about by the south-west monsoon. At both beaches, the most stable conditions were reached in the pre-monsoon months when the greatest number of species occurred and when there was marked zonation. During the monsoon, erosion took place and only actively migrating species remained to form a permanent element of the beach fauna. Data on population density and biomass indicate markedly seasonal recruitment and rapid growth of individual species, most of which are suspension feeders.     

Seasonal fluctuations of benthic macrofauna in the apalachicola estuary,Florida, USA: The role of predation

Long-term monitoring studies revealed a negative correlation between the abundance of bottom-feeding fishes (Leiostomus xanthurus and Micropogonias undulatus) and benthic macrofaunal density, suggesting a causal relationship. To test this hypothesis, large (3x3 m) topless predator-exclusion cages (mesh opening=6 mm) of a design that produced minimal physical artifacts were constructed at two shallow mud-bottom oligohaline stations. Two-sided control cages and uncaged control areas were also sampled Experiments coincided with maximum abundances of bottom-feeding fishes in the spring and motile macroinvertebrates (penaeid shrimp) in the fall. During short-term (two-month) exclusion experiments in the spring and fall of 1980, large predators (those excluded by 6-mm mesh) were not a major factor in regulating the densities of most macrofaunal species. Predation may be important during other seasons, although this possibility was not tested. Densities of Leiostomus xanthurus and Penaeus setiferus during 1980 were lower than in previous years. Despite the reduced abundance of bottom-feeding fishes, macrofaunal densities still declined during late winter/early spring. It is postulated that increased river flow and lowered salinities during the late winter/early spring may contribute to the decline of macrofaunal densities by reducing larval recruitment.     

The megabenthic fauna in the deep sea south of New England,USA

Data from 105 benthic trawls made in an area south of New England, USA between 40 and 5000 m show the fauna to be zoned with depth, areas of rapid faunal change separating regions of relative faunal homogeneity. Distinct faunal assemblages with characteristic catch rates, diversity, and dominant species are found on the shelf (40 to 264 m), upper continental slope (283 to 650 m), middle continental slope (653 to 1290 m), lower continental slope (1380 to 1947 m), the transitional region from slope to rise (2116 to 2481 m), the upper continental (2504 to 3113 m), the middle continental rise (3244 to 3470 m), and lower continental rise to abyssal plain (3879 to 4986 m). Catch rates and diversity are greatest on the lower continental slope and transition to the upper rise, and are lowest at the greatest depths. Dominance, particularly by echinoderms, is an important aspect of community structure. The 3 major taxa represented (decapod crustaccean, echinoderms, and fishes) do not always display the same patterns within and between assemblages. Generalities derived from study of a single group need not apply to all segments of the deep-ocean community. Overall patterns in the megafauna are similar to those described in other groups and areas, but species assemblages are not the same everywhere and perhaps too much has been made of the horizontal extent of zones. Trophic level is related to degree of zonation, but where predators are generalists their ranges may be wide rather than restricted. Diversity patterns can be understood in terms of the interrelationships of predation, competition, environmental heterogeneity, and trophic level. Faunal zones are of importance as the geographical units within which evolution, community development, and diversification take place.This research was supported by the National Science Foundation under Grant OCE76-21878, the Office of Naval Research under Contract N00014-74-C0262, and, in part, by the United States Department of Energy under Contract No. EY-76-C-02-0016 and the Canadian Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Cancil under Grant A-7230     

Trace metals in fish,sediment and water from the south west coast of the Arabian sea,Pakistan

Concentrations of ten metals (As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb, Zn and Hg) in the edible muscle of Arius maculatus captured from eight different near‐shore and off‐shore sites off the south west coast of the Arabian Sea, Pakistan, were determined by atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Relevant water and sediment samples from the sites were also analysed for the metals. Zinc showed the highest metal concentration (6.763 μg/g, wet weight) in the muscle of the fish, while Mn and Hg showed lowest level (0.019 μg/g, wet weight). Of all the metals investigated, largest scatter (measured as σ) was observed for Zn (σ = 2.058 /μg/g) in fish muscle, for Fe and Mn in sediment (σ = 27481 and 44.50 μg/g) and for As in water (σ = 0.270 μg/L). The metal distribution data pertaining to water, fish and sediment were examined on the basis of simple metal correlations. The statistical study revealed that Ni, Cr, Pb and Cu had significant positive correlations (r > 0.830 at ρ = 0.01). The finding substantiated a trace metal concentration gradient in the area, thereby indicating that the local marine environment is contaminated by anthropogenic sources.     

Leaching of copper,chromium and arsenic in a soil of south west Victoria,Australia

The movement of copper, chromium and arsenic originating from samples of the wood preservative Tanalith® through mildly acidic, sandy loam soil was investigated. Small, undisturbed soil cores (of dimensions 15 × 15 × 15 cm) were removed from the topsoil of a paddock adjacent to the Glenelg River in the Western District of Victoria, Australia. The paddock soils were thin (<30cm) greyish brown, mildly acidic, sandy loams with a moderate organic carbon content (2–5%) overlying a limestone cap. Tanalith® was applied to the surface of the cores which were then irrigated with deionised water at approximately 30 mm day^‐1. Copper concentrations in all leachate remained at background levels throughout the experiment, and this element was found to be immobilised in the top 4 cm of the soil. Up to 29% of the applied dose of chromium was detected in the leachate, with breakthrough occurring within 20 days of Tanalith® application. Up to 13% ofthe applied dose ofarsenic was detected in the leachate, although in this case breakthrough was not observed until 25 days after Tanalith® application and leachate concentrations were still rising when the experiment came to a close. Significant concentrations of arsenic and chromium were found in the top 6 cm of the soil profile.     

Aerobic heterotrophic bacterial diversity in sediments of Rajakkamangalam estuary, south west coast of India

The abundance of aerobic heterotrophic bacterial population in the sediment sample of six experimental stations (S1 to S6) at Rajakkamangalam estuary was studied for a period of one year from March, 1998 to February, 1999. The important bacterial genera encountered were Pseudomonas, Bacillus, Vibrio, Escherichia, Micrococcus, Enterobacter, Salmonella, Aeromonas, Shigella, Klebsiella, Proteus, Alkaligenes, Staphylococcus, Citrobacter and Flavobacterium. The bacterial population based on numerical counts showed wide fluctuations in their distribution at different stations. Among the bacterial genera Pseuaomonas was found to be the dominant genus during the experimental period. The qualitative and quantitative distribution of microflora in the sediment samples are discussed.     

Morphology,fluid motion and predation by the scyphomedusa Aurelia aurita

Although medusan predators play demonstrably important roles in a variety of marine ecosystems, the mechanics of prey capture and, hence, prey selection, have remained poorly defined. A review of the literature describing the commonly studied medusa Aurelia aurita (Linnaeus 1758) reveals no distinct patterns of prey selectivity and suggests that A. aurita is a generalist and feeds unselectively upon available zooplankton. We examined the mechanics of prey capture by A. aurita using video methods to record body and fluid motions. Medusae were collected between February and June in 1990 and 1991 from Woods Hole, Massachusetts and Narragansett Bay, Rhode Island, USA. Tentaculate A. aurita create fluid motions during swimming which entrain prey and bring them into contact with tentacles. We suggest that this mechanism dominates prey selection by A. aurita. In this case, we predict that medusae of a specific diameter will positively select prey with escape speeds slower than the flow velocities at their bell margins. Negatively selected prey escape faster than the medusan flow velocity draws them to capture surfaces. Faster prey will be captured by larger medusac because flow field velocity is a function of bell diameter. On the basis of prey escape velocities and flow field velocities of A. aurita with diameters of 0.8 to 7.1 cm, we predict that A. aurita will select zooplankton such as barnacle nauplii and some slow swimming hydromedusae, while faster copepods will be negatively selected.     

粤西三座重要供水水库沉积物营养盐负荷与重金属污染特征

为揭示粤西3座供水水库（高州水库、鹤地水库、大水桥水库）沉积物营养盐负荷及重金属污染特征,于2008年6月在各水库大坝前湖泊区采集柱状沉积物,运用SMT法、碱性过硫酸钾消解法、烧失法和ICP-MS法分别测定其柱状沉积物中氮磷营养盐、有机质和7种重金属（Cu、Pb、Zn、Cd、Ni、Cr与Hg）的含量,并采用潜在生态风险指数法对表层重金属污染的潜在生态风险进行评价,同时通过相关性分析重金属的可能来源。结果表明：3座水库沉积物总氮质量分数为1.13~3.37 mg·g-1,有机质为11.83~20.37 mg·g-1,其表层总氮、有机质的质量分数大小顺序为高州水库〉大水桥水库〉鹤地水库,总磷的质量浓度在0.22~0.77 mg·g-1之间,其表层总磷质量分数大小顺序为高州水库〉鹤地水库〉大水桥水库,在垂直剖面上,总氮、总磷与有机质的质量分数在16 cm至表层沉积物垂直断面显著高于其他断面,表明近些年来水库内源营养盐负荷逐渐加重。重金属质量分数平均值均高于广东省土壤环境背景值,总体呈现随深度增加而降低的趋势,但3座水库间重金属质量分数差异较大,其中鹤地和高州水库的Zn和Pb污染相对严重（质量分数分别为Zn：353.15、693.35 mg·kg-1;Pb：74.51、127.91 mg·kg-1）,大水桥水库的Cr和Ni污染相对严重（质量分数分别为Cr：238.69 mg·kg-1;Ni：251.06 mg·kg-1）。潜在生态风险评价表明,3座水库Cd和Hg具有高的生态危害,应引起重视,其他重金属则处于轻微的生态危害等级。同时沉积物高有机质的质量浓度经矿化分解可能加剧水体重金属生态危害。根据相关性分析和其他相关资料可知,粤西农业区大量化肥农药面源污染汇入造成水库初级生产力提高并最终沉降可能是沉积物营养盐、有机质与重金属的主要来源。     

Habitat-mediated variation in predation risk by the American marten

The probability of prey encounter, attack, capture, and kill are often hypothesized to depend on habitat structure, but field evidence in terrestrial systems is rare. We tested whether predation efficiency by the American marten (Martes americana) and fear of predation by their primary prey, the red-backed vole (Clethrionomys gapperi), differed between 20- to 50-year-old regenerating forest stands and older uncut stands. Our results showed that the frequency of prey encounter, prey attack, and prey kill were higher in old uncut forests, despite the fact that small-mammal density was similar to that in younger logged forests. These differences in predation efficiency were linked to higher abundance of coarse woody debris, which seems to offer sensory cues to martens, thereby increasing the odds of hunting success. Red-backed voles in regenerating forest stands exhibited increased wariness compared to voles living in old uncut forest, suggestive of a behavioral response to habitat-mediated variation in predation risk.     

Burrow morphology,biometry, age and growth of piddocks (Mollusca: Bivalvia: Pholadidae) on the south coast of England

Biometry and growth of three piddock species Pholas dactylus, Barnea candida and B. parva, from chalk and clay substrata were investigated between 1999 and 2000 at five low shore locations along the south coast of England. Piddock burrow shape was significantly different (P<0.01) amongst the locations. Burrows at Lyme Regis showed the largest (height/maximum diameter) ratio (4.86±2.00) whilst those at Compton the lowest (3.73±1.62). Using the method of Bhattacharya, the population structure of P. dactylus, B. candida and B. parva was separated into eight, three and five modal size classes, respectively. Age and shell growth were determined from the number and spacing, respectively, of annual growth lines present in acetate peel replicas of shell sections. The von Bertalanffy growth (VBG) equation fitted the size at age data obtained for P. dactylus and B. candida (L and K were 79.3±13.8 mm and 0.0011±0.22 and 29.6±1.5 mm and 1.17±0.47, respectively) whilst the size at age data for B. parva were linearly related and did not fit the assumptions of the VBG equation. Male and female gonads were mature and piddocks competent to spawn between June and September 1999, with settlement of juveniles observed between November 1999 and February 2000. A significant relationship between burrow aperture diameter and age of the occupant piddock was established for the three species. Burrow morphology and spatial distribution of burrows were influenced by substratum hardness and population density. Based on estimates at Lyme Regis, piddocks are capable of removing up to 41% of the shore substratum to a depth of 85 mm over their lifespan (12 years), significantly compromising the structural stability of the soft rock shores they inhabit and contributing to bioerosion.Communicated by O. Kinne, Oldendorf/Luhe     

Utilisation of mangroves and seagrasses by fishes in the Negombo Estuary,Sri Lanka

In two years of sampling, 10 287 fishes belonging to 62 species (39 families) were collected from mangroves and seagrasses of the Negombo Estuary. Of the species collected, 70% were marine, 27% estuarine and 3% freshwater. Aplocheilus melastigma, Ambassis dayi, Etroplus suratensis, E. maculatus, Bathygobius fuscus and Arothron immaculatus constituted 90% of the catch. Sixteen species were caught only from mangroves, 6 only from seagrasses, and 40 from both. The number of species, individuals, biomass and diversity were higher in seagrasses than in mangroves. Gobies and some siganids moved to the mangrove habitat as they grew, but cichlids, triacanthids, some eleotrids and tetraodontids preferred seagrasses. The number of species and individuals caught increased at the beginning of the north-east monsoon when the rainfall was low. The number of species and individual numbers were positively correlated with salinity and dissolved oxygen and negatively correlated with water temperature. Of the 33 species examined, seagrasses formed >25% of the gut content in juvenile Lates calcarifer, Apogon thermalis, E. suratensis, E. maculatus, Siganus javus, Butis butis and Bathygobius fuscus. Mangrove litter was the main gut content of the family Syngnathidae. E. suratensis, E. maculatus and S. javus from seagrasses contained more filamentous algae than seagrasses in their stomachs. S. javus collected from mangroves also contained more seagrasses in their stomachs than mangrove litter, indicating that the association of juvenile fishes with mangroves or seagrasses may not be obligate in estuaries subject to low tidal fluctuations.     

Meio- and macrofauna communities in three sandy beaches of the northern Adriatic Sea protected by artificial reefs

Interactions between meio- and macrofaunal assemblages and food availability were investigated in relation to tourism pressures on three beaches of the northern Adriatic Sea. All beaches were characterised by the presence of artificial reefs, freshwater inputs and tourism pressures. Beach sediments displayed high organic loads and low protein and chlorophyll a contributions to the bulk of the organic matter. Consequently, the organic matter was of mostly refractory composition and, thus, of scarce nutritional quality. Macrofaunal community structure and biomass were related to the quantity and nutritional quality of sedimentary organic matter, whereas meiofauna was apparently not. No relationships were found between physical variables and the metazoan communities. Most likely, the presence of artificial reefs reduced the physical impact of waves on the beach assemblages, whereas the presence of synergistic human impacts, including freshwater inputs and the tourism pressure, negatively influenced both the meio- and the macrofaunal assemblages.     

Importance of predation by infaunal polychaetes in controlling the structure of a soft-bottom community in Maine,USA

Field manipulations in a Maine, USA intertidal mud flat showed that Nereis virens adults were an important factor in regulating the abundance of Corophium volutator, an amphipod which comprised 63% of the total number of individuals in the benthic community. Removal of N. virens adults resulted in an increase in C. volutator abundance, while addition of N. virens adults led to a decrease. There was a significant negative correlation between the abundance of N. virens adults and that of C. volutator. C. volutator was also negatively correlated with the density of all the other infaunal species combined. These results suggest that there is at least a 3-level interactive system (N. virens —C. volutator — other infaunal species) within the infauna in Maine; N. virens is a factor in controlling the abundance of C. volutator, and C. volutator may play a role in regulating the densities of other infaunal species. Models of generalized cropping in soft-bottom systems may be too simple if they ignore complex trophic relationships within the infauna.     

Selective predation and caloric consumption by the siphonophore Rosacea cymbiformis in nature

Individuals of the siphonophore Rosacea cymbiformis (Chiaje, 1822) were collected in surface waters of the Gulf of California during July/August 1978, off Southern California during May 1980, and in the Sargasso Sea during July 1979. Specimens were preserved within 30 min after capture, and the ingested prey in the gastrozooids were examined microscopically and identified to the closest practical taxon. Most gastrozooids (50 to 84%) contained recognizable prey organisms. The prey were primarily copepods, but crab zoeae, pelagic molluscs, juvenile shrimps and mysids were also commonly eaten. There were significant differences between the sizes and types of prey organisms that had been ingested and that were available in the environment of the siphonophores. Electivity indices for the prey demonstrated that the large and/or active prey were selected. The feeding selectivity exhibited by the siphonophores probably depends upon speed and diameter of the prey, which affect the frequency of contact with the siphonopore tentacles. Behavioral observations suggest that R. cymbiformis feeds primarily in the light. Digestion experiments indicate that most prey remain in the gastrozooids for 8 h or more before egestion. The caloric values of common prey types were derived from their length to dry weight regressions. The caloric consumption of R. cymbiformis during the 4 to 6 h feeding period following sunrise was estimated to be from 0.109 to 0.365 cal per gastrozooid; the daily caloric consumption was projected to be at least 2.4 to 8.2 times that required to balance metabolism.     

The ecology of two sandy beaches in south west India. III. Observations on the population of Donax incarnatus and D. spiculum

The biology of two species of Donax, D. incarnatus Gmelin and D. spiculum Reeve on two beaches in south west India is described. Two year groups of D. incarnatus were present on both beaches, from settlements during the monsoon period in 1967 and 1968. At Shertallai, both groups were studied through the year, and data on growth, mortality and production are presented. At Cochin, the rate of growth was slower and the maximum size attained smaller, but mortality during the early monsoon precluded study of D. incarnatus through a full year. D. spiculum occurred at Cochin mainly during the pre-monsoon period, and at Shertallai during the post-monsoon. The species has a shorter life-span than D. incarnatus, but its irregular occurrence did not allow detailed production estimates.     

Distribution and abundance of zooplankton in relation to petroleum hydrocarbon content along the coast of Kollam (Quilon), south west coast of India

In the present study we examine status, impact and trends in prevailing situation of coastal ecosystem of Chavara, Neendakara, Tangasseri and Paravur zones of Kollam coast in terms of zooplankton density and petroleum hydrocarbon content (PHC). Zooplankton samples and water samples were collected during the period May 2003 to June 2004. The numerical count of zooplankton made and PHC content estimated. Paravur offshore recorded the maximum zooplankton count (1390 no./m3) and Tangasseri nearshore the lowest (700.5 no/m3). The petroleum hydrocarbon content was highest at Tangasseri nearshore (21.95 microg/l) and lowest at Paravur offshore (9.40 microg/l). We also observe statistically significant negative correlation between zooplankton density and PHC for a few organisms. The overall impact appears minor, yet, coastal ocean monitoring imperative for sustainable development.     

Blue eggs do not reduce nest predation in the song thrush,Turdus philomelos

Summary Many passerine birds with open cup-shaped nests lay blue or blue-green eggs. In thrushes, blue eggs may be cryptic and provide camouflage by imitating spots of light on green leaves. Alternatively, egg coloration may be selectively neutral because nest predators detect nests and not eggs, or it may be maladaptive because organisms are not always well adapted to their present environment. I evaluated these hypotheses by studying predation on artificial song thrush (Turdus philomelos) nests with quail eggs, painted either white, blue, or spotted (cryptic to a human eye). Corvids were the major nest predators. For concealed as well as exposed nests, I found no differences in the predation rates of nests with white, blue, or spotted eggs. Predators apparently detected the nests, and not the eggs, first. In a second experiment, I placed egg groups without nests in trees to study the effect of color per se. The predation rate of the spotted egg groups was significantly lower than that of the white and blue egg groups, for concealed as well as exposed egg groups. These results suggest that blue eggs in the song thrush are not cryptic but may be selectively neutral or even maladaptive with regard to nest predation.