scholarly journals Radiocarbon in otoliths of tropical marine fishes: Reference Δ14C chronology for north Caribbean waters

PLoS ONE ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (5) ◽  
pp. e0251442
Author(s):  
Virginia R. Shervette ◽  
Katherine E. Overly ◽  
Jesús M. Rivera Hernández
Keyword(s):  
Gulf Of Mexico ◽  
Validation Studies ◽  
Reef Fishes ◽  
Age Validation ◽  
Regional Patterns ◽  
Temporal Relationships ◽  
Fish Samples ◽  
Original Goal ◽  
Reef Fish Species ◽  
The Tropics

Reef fishes support important fisheries throughout the Caribbean, but a combination of factors in the tropics makes otolith microstructure difficult to interpret for age estimation. Therefore, validation of ageing methods, via application of Δ14C is a major research priority. Utilizing known-age otolith material from north Caribbean fishes, we determined that a distinct regional Δ14C chronology exists, differing from coral-based chronologies compiled for ageing validation from a wide-ranging area of the Atlantic and from an otolith-based chronology from the Gulf of Mexico. Our north Caribbean Δ14C chronology established a decline series with narrow prediction intervals that proved successful in ageing validation of three economically important reef fish species. In examining why our north Caribbean Δ14C chronology differed from some of the coral-based Δ14C data reported from the region, we determined differences among study objectives and research design impact Δ14C temporal relationships. This resulted in establishing the first of three important considerations relevant to applying Δ14C chronologies for ageing validation: 1) evaluation of the applicability of original goal/objectives and study design of potential Δ14C reference studies. Next, we determined differences between our Δ14C chronology and those from Florida and the Gulf of Mexico were explained by differences in regional patterns of oceanic upwelling, resulting in the second consideration for future validation work: 2) evaluation of the applicability of Δ14C reference data to the region/location where fish samples were obtained. Lastly, we emphasize the application of our north Caribbean Δ14C chronology should be limited to ageing validation studies of fishes from this region known to inhabit shallow water coral habitat as juveniles. Thus, we note the final consideration to strengthen findings of future age validation studies: 3) use of Δ14C analysis for age validation should be limited to species whose juvenile habitat is known to reflect the regional Δ14C reference chronology.

scholarly journals Eye lens Δ14C validates otolith-derived age estimates of Gulf of Mexico reef fishes

2021 ◽  
Vol 78 (1) ◽  
pp. 13-17
Author(s):  
William F. Patterson ◽  
Beverly K. Barnett ◽  
Thomas C. TinHan ◽  
Susan K. Lowerre-Barbieri
Keyword(s):  
Reef Fishes ◽  
Eye Lens ◽  
Lens Protein ◽  
Lutjanus Campechanus ◽  
Age Validation ◽  
Bomb Radiocarbon ◽  
Reef Fish Species ◽  
Eye Lens Protein ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Age Estimates

We tested whether Δ14C values of eye lens protein (crystallin) formed in early life could be utilized to validate marine bony fish age estimates via the bomb radiocarbon chronometer. The slope of the relationship between red snapper (Lutjanus campechanus; n = 8; 0 to 27 years old), otolith and eye lens core Δ14C values was not significantly different than 1, which was also true for seven additional reef fish species (n = 21; 0 to 24 years old). Results demonstrate eye lens core Δ14C can be utilized to validate age estimates of marine fishes, which will be useful in numerous age validation applications.

Growth of Selected Cross-Contaminating Bacterial Pathogens on Beef and Fish at 15 and 35°C+

1994 ◽  
Vol 57 (4) ◽  
pp. 337-340 ◽  
Author(s):  
AJIBOLA O. FAPOHUNDA ◽  
KENNETH W. MCMILLIN ◽  
DOUGLAS L. MARSHALL ◽  
W. M. WAITES
Keyword(s):  
Escherichia Coli ◽  
Clostridium Perfringens ◽  
Aeromonas Hydrophila ◽  
Growth Response ◽  
Cross Contamination ◽  
Limited Growth ◽  
E Coli ◽  
Fish Samples ◽  
Conditioning Temperature ◽  
The Tropics

Isolates of Escherichia coli and Clostridium perfringens from beef and Aeromonas hydrophila from fish were examined for their ability to survive and grow as cross-contaminates on nonnative tissues at simulated ambient (35°C) and aging/conditioning (15°C) temperatures of handling and retailing found in the tropics. Growth of all isolates over a 10-h period was greater (P < 0.05) on their native tissues at both temperatures. The aging/conditioning temperature effectively limited growth of E. coli and A. hydrophila to less than l-logl0 CFU/g and prevented growth of C. perfringens on beef and fish samples. All three isolates demonstrated characteristic mesophilic growth response on both tissues at 35°C during the 10-h retail period. The study suggests that two muscle food products could be jointly handled to efficiently use available storage/haulage capacity in tropical countries. Potential savings in space, labor and energy would be made if cross-contamination between the two products is minimized by available packaging and sanitizing technologies.

Lessons learned from data-limited evaluations of data-rich reef fish species in the Gulf of Mexico: implications for providing fisheries management advice for data-poor stocks

2019 ◽  
Vol 76 (9) ◽  
pp. 1624-1639 ◽  
Author(s):  
Skyler R. Sagarese ◽  
William J. Harford ◽  
John F. Walter ◽  
Meaghan D. Bryan ◽  
J. Jeffery Isely ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Gulf Of Mexico ◽  
Reef Fish ◽  
Fish Species ◽  
Stock Assessment ◽  
Lessons Learned ◽  
Management Objectives ◽  
Trade Offs ◽  
Data Limitations ◽  
Management Procedures ◽  
Reef Fish Species

Specifying annual catch limits for artisanal fisheries, low economic value stocks, or bycatch species is problematic due to data limitations. Many empirical management procedures (MPs) have been developed that provide catch advice based on achieving a stable catch or a historical target (i.e., instead of maximum sustainable yield). However, a thorough comparison of derived yield streams between empirical MPs and stock assessment models has not been explored. We first evaluate trade-offs in conservation and yield metrics for data-limited approaches through management strategy evaluation (MSE) of seven data-rich reef fish species in the Gulf of Mexico. We then apply data-limited approaches for each species and compare how catch advice differs from current age-based assessment models. MSEs identified empirical MPs (e.g., using relative abundance) as a compromise between data requirements and the ability to consistently achieve management objectives (e.g., prevent overfishing). Catch advice differed greatly among data-limited approaches and current assessments, likely due to data inputs and assumptions. Adaptive MPs become clearly viable options that can achieve management objectives while incorporating auxiliary data beyond catch-only approaches.

Understanding the Importance of Microphysics and Macrophysics for Warm Rain in Marine Low Clouds. Part I: Satellite Observations

2009 ◽  
Vol 66 (10) ◽  
pp. 2953-2972 ◽  
Author(s):  
Terence L. Kubar ◽  
Dennis L. Hartmann ◽  
Robert Wood
Keyword(s):  
Gulf Of Mexico ◽  
Radar Data ◽  
Droplet Radius ◽  
Liquid Water Path ◽  
Cloud Radar ◽  
Warm Rain ◽  
Moderate Resolution ◽  
Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer ◽  
Cloud Tops ◽  
The Tropics

Abstract The importance of macrophysical variables [cloud thickness, liquid water path (LWP)] and microphysical variables (effective radius re, effective droplet concentration Neff) on warm drizzle intensity and frequency across the tropics and subtropics is studied. In this first part of a two-part study, Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) optical and CloudSat cloud radar data are used to understand warm rain in marine clouds. Part II uses simple heuristic models. Cloud-top height and LWP substantially increase as drizzle intensity increases. Droplet radius estimated from MODIS also increases with cloud radar reflectivity (dBZ) but levels off as dBZ > 0, except where the influence of continental pollution is present, in which case a monotonic increase of re with drizzle intensity occurs. Off the Asian coast and over the Gulf of Mexico, re values are smaller (by several μm) and Neff values are larger compared to more remote marine regions. For heavy drizzle intensity, both re and Neff values off the Asian coast and over the Gulf of Mexico approach re and Neff values in more remote marine regions. Drizzle frequency, defined as profiles in which maximum dBZ > −15, increases dramatically and nearly uniformly when cloud tops grow from 1 to 2 km. Drizzle frequencies exceed 90% in all regions when LWPs exceed 250 g m−2 and Neff values are below 50 cm−3, even in regions where drizzle occurs infrequently on the whole. The fact that the relationship among drizzle frequency, LWP, and Neff is essentially the same for all regions suggests a near universality among tropical and subtropical regions.

scholarly journals Red fluorescence increases with depth in reef fishes, supporting a visual function, not UV protection

2014 ◽  
Vol 281 (1790) ◽  
pp. 20141211 ◽  
Author(s):  
Melissa G. Meadows ◽  
Nils Anthes ◽  
Sandra Dangelmayer ◽  
Magdy A. Alwany ◽  
Tobias Gerlach ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Light Emission ◽  
Reef Fishes ◽  
Marine Fishes ◽  
Fluorescent Light ◽  
Red Fluorescence ◽  
Visual Contrast ◽  
Uv Irradiance ◽  
Reef Fish Species ◽  
Nm Range

Why do some marine fishes exhibit striking patterns of natural red fluorescence? In this study, we contrast two non-exclusive hypotheses: (i) that UV absorption by fluorescent pigments offers significant photoprotection in shallow water, where UV irradiance is strongest; and (ii) that red fluorescence enhances visual contrast at depths below −10 m, where most light in the ‘red’ 600–700 nm range has been absorbed. Whereas the photoprotection hypothesis predicts fluorescence to be stronger near the surface and weaker in deeper water, the visual contrast hypothesis predicts the opposite. We used fluorometry to measure red fluorescence brightness in vivo in individuals belonging to eight common small reef fish species with conspicuously red fluorescent eyes. Fluorescence was significantly brighter in specimens from the −20 m sites than in those from −5 m sites in six out of eight species. No difference was found in the remaining two. Our results support the visual contrast hypothesis. We discuss the possible roles fluorescence may play in fish visual ecology and highlight the possibility that fluorescent light emission from the eyes in particular may be used to detect cryptic prey.

scholarly journals DNA-based identification of predators of the corallivorous Crown-of-Thorns Starfish (Acanthaster cf. solaris) from fish faeces and gut contents

2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Frederieke J. Kroon ◽  
Carine D. Lefèvre ◽  
Jason R. Doyle ◽  
Frances Patel ◽  
Grant Milton ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Coral Reef ◽  
Reef Fish ◽  
Fish Species ◽  
Coral Reef Fish ◽  
Coral Cover ◽  
Fish Predation ◽  
Reef Fishes ◽  
Positive Control ◽  
Gut Contents ◽  
Reef Fish Species

Abstract The corallivorous Crown-of-Thorns Starfish (CoTS, Acanthaster spp.) has been linked with the widespread loss of scleractinian coral cover on Indo-Pacific reefs during periodic population outbreaks. Here, we re-examine CoTS consumption by coral reef fish species by using new DNA technologies to detect Pacific Crown-of-Thorns Starfish (Acanthaster cf. solaris) in fish faecal and gut content samples. CoTS DNA was detected in samples from 18 different coral reef fish species collected on reefs at various stages of CoTS outbreaks in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, nine of which had not been previously reported to feed on CoTS. A comprehensive set of negative and positive control samples confirmed that our collection, processing and analysis procedures were robust, although food web transfer of CoTS DNA cannot be ruled out for some fish species. Our results, combined with the (i) presence of CoTS spines in some samples, (ii) reported predation on CoTS gametes, larvae and settled individuals, and (iii) known diet information for fish species examined, strongly indicate that direct fish predation on CoTS may well be more common than is currently appreciated. We provide recommendations for specific management approaches to enhance predation on CoTS by coral reef fishes, and to support the mitigation of CoTS outbreaks and reverse declines in hard coral cover.

scholarly journals Turtle cleaners: reef fishes foraging on epibionts of sea turtles in the tropical Southwestern Atlantic, with a summary of this association type

2010 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
pp. 187-192 ◽  
Author(s):  
Cristina Sazima ◽  
Alice Grossman ◽  
Ivan Sazima
Keyword(s):  
Reef Fish ◽  
Fish Species ◽  
Sea Turtles ◽  
Reef Fishes ◽  
Oceanic Islands ◽  
Southwestern Atlantic ◽  
Cleaning Symbiosis ◽  
Turtle Species ◽  
Fernando De Noronha ◽  
Reef Fish Species

In the present study we record several instances of reef fish species foraging on epibionts of sea turtles (cleaning symbiosis) at the oceanic islands of Fernando de Noronha Archipelago and near a shipwreck, both off the coast of Pernambuco State, northeast Brazil. Nine reef fish species and three turtle species involved in cleaning are herein recorded. Besides our records, a summary of the literature on this association type is presented. Postures adopted by turtles during the interaction are related to the habits of associated fishes. Feeding associations between fishes and turtles seem a localized, albeit common, phenomenon.

scholarly journals Factors affecting migratory bird routes over the Gulf of Mexico

1994 ◽  
Vol 4 (2-3) ◽  
pp. 251-262 ◽  
Author(s):  
John H. Rappole ◽  
Mario A. Ramos
Keyword(s):  
Gulf Of Mexico ◽  
Central America ◽  
Gulf Coast ◽  
Bird Species ◽  
Migratory Bird ◽  
Factors Affecting ◽  
Migratory Flight ◽  
Prevailing Wind Direction ◽  
Northern Gulf Coast ◽  
The Tropics

SummaryOver half of the 332 migratory bird species that breed in North America and winter in the tropics are affected by the obstacle to migratory flight presented by the Gulf of Mexico. Landbird migration in the vicinity of the Gulf is considered from an historical perspective, and in light of netting and observational data from the western Gulf coast. A trans-Gulf crossing from the northern Gulf coast to, or over, Yucatan is the most commonly followed fall route for eastern Nearctic migrants that winter in Central America. The spring route for these species is different, involving a more westerly trans–Gulf course for some individuals, and a circum–Gulf route for others. Prevailing wind direction and the probability of meeting turbulence over the Gulf are suggested as the main selective factors affecting route form for Gulf–area migrants.

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