scholarly journals Herbivory on the Invasive Alga Caulerpa cylindracea: The Role of Omnivorous Fishes

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jorge Santamaría ◽  
Fiona Tomas ◽  
Enric Ballesteros ◽  
Emma Cebrian
Keyword(s):  
Mediterranean Sea ◽  
Fish Species ◽  
Potential Role ◽  
Biotic Resistance ◽  
Main Food ◽  
Marine Habitats ◽  
Species Being ◽  
Rocky Bottoms ◽  
Invasive Alga

Herbivory has long been considered an important component of biotic resistance against macroalgae invasions in marine habitats. However, most of the studies on herbivory of invasive algae refer only to consumption by strictly herbivorous organisms, whereas consumption by omnivorous species has been largely ignored and rarely quantified. In this study, we assess whether the commonest omnivorous sparid species in the Mediterranean Sea are consuming the highly invasive alga, Caulerpa cylindracea, and determine both, its importance in their diet and their electivity toward it as a source of food. Our results confirm that three of the four fish species studied regularly consume C. cylindracea, but in most cases, the importance of C. cylindracea in the diet is low. Indeed, the low electivity values indicate that all species avoid feeding on the invasive alga and that it is probably consumed accidentally. However, despite animals and detritus being the main food for these sparid species, several individual specimens were found to have consumed high amounts of C. cylindracea. This suggests a potential role that these fish species, being really abundant in shallow rocky bottoms, may play in controlling, to some extent, the abundance of the invader.

scholarly journals Biotic Resistance Against Invasive Macroalgae: The Role of Omnivorous Sparid Fishes in the Herbivory on Caulerpa Cylindracea

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jorge Santamaría ◽  
Fiona Tomas ◽  
Enric Ballesteros ◽  
Emma Cebrian
Keyword(s):  
Mediterranean Sea ◽  
Fish Species ◽  
Potential Role ◽  
Biotic Resistance ◽  
Sea Bream ◽  
Main Food ◽  
Omnivorous Fish ◽  
Marine Habitats ◽  
Invasive Alga

Abstract Herbivory has long been considered an important component of biotic resistance against macroalgae invasions in marine habitats. However, most of the studies on herbivory of invasive algae refer only to consumption by strictly herbivorous organisms, whereas consumption by omnivorous organisms has been largely ignored and rarely quantified. In this study, we assess whether the commonest omnivorous sparid species in the Mediterranean Sea are consuming the highly invasive alga, Caulerpa cylindracea, and determine its importance in their diet and their electivity towards it as a source of food. Our results confirm that three of the four fish species we studied do, in fact, consume C. cylindracea, but in most cases, the importance of C. cylindracea in the diet was low. Indeed, the low electivity values confirm that all four fish species avoid feeding on the invasive alga and that it is probably consumed accidentally. However, despite animals and detritus being the main food for these sea bream species, several individual specimens were found to have consumed high amounts of C. cylindracea. This suggests a potential role that these fish species may play in controlling, to some extent, the abundance of the invader. We suggest that herbivory by omnivorous fish might complement the higher impact exerted by the strict herbivores, and together, they might contribute to the overall biotic resistance against the invader.

scholarly journals A little can be enough. Native fish from the Western Mediterranean Sea can act as a control agent for the invasive alga Caulerpa cylindracea

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jorge Santamaría ◽  
Fiona Tomas ◽  
Enric Ballesteros ◽  
Juan Manuel Ruiz ◽  
Jorge Terrados ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mediterranean Sea ◽  
Fish Species ◽  
Biotic Resistance ◽  
Stomach Contents ◽  
Control Agent ◽  
Western Mediterranean ◽  
Exclusion Experiment ◽  
Invasive Algae ◽  
Western Mediterranean Sea ◽  
Invasive Alga

In the Mediterranean Sea, different organisms can feed on invasive algae species, yet, how these species provide biotic resistance against algal invasions remains unclear. In this study, we analyzed fish stomach contents to determine which fish species feed on Caulerpa cylindracea and we performed an exclusion experiment to experimentally test how this grazing activity may limit invasive algae abundance and spread. Our results show that several fish species, many of them not considered strictly herbivores, feed on the invasive alga; however, the Ivlev´s Index suggests that its consumption was accidental except for Sarpa salpa. Additionally, the exclusion experiment demonstrated that fish species can limit C. cylindracea coverage at 10m but not at 30m deep; which is likely linked to the higher abundance and activity of these fish species at depths above 25m. These results are in agreement with the current distribution of C. cylindracea, which is much more abundant at depths from 25 to 50m. In this study we show that fish herbivory is a form of biotic resistance against C. cylindracea at shallow depths, not being able to completely remove it, but controlling its abundance.

scholarly journals A little can be enough. Native fish from the Western Mediterranean Sea can act as a control agent for the invasive alga Caulerpa cylindracea

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jorge Santamaría ◽  
Fiona Tomas ◽  
Enric Ballesteros ◽  
Juan Manuel Ruiz ◽  
Jorge Terrados ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mediterranean Sea ◽  
Fish Species ◽  
Biotic Resistance ◽  
Stomach Contents ◽  
Control Agent ◽  
Western Mediterranean ◽  
Exclusion Experiment ◽  
Invasive Algae ◽  
Western Mediterranean Sea ◽  
Invasive Alga

In the Mediterranean Sea, different organisms can feed on invasive algae species, yet, how these species provide biotic resistance against algal invasions remains unclear. In this study, we analyzed fish stomach contents to determine which fish species feed on Caulerpa cylindracea and we performed an exclusion experiment to experimentally test how this grazing activity may limit invasive algae abundance and spread. Our results show that several fish species, many of them not considered strictly herbivores, feed on the invasive alga; however, the Ivlev´s Index suggests that its consumption was accidental except for Sarpa salpa. Additionally, the exclusion experiment demonstrated that fish species can limit C. cylindracea coverage at 10m but not at 30m deep; which is likely linked to the higher abundance and activity of these fish species at depths above 25m. These results are in agreement with the current distribution of C. cylindracea, which is much more abundant at depths from 25 to 50m. In this study we show that fish herbivory is a form of biotic resistance against C. cylindracea at shallow depths, not being able to completely remove it, but controlling its abundance.

scholarly journals The point on Opaliopsis atlantis (Gastropoda: Epitoniidae) distribution: new data from the Mediterranean and implications

2020 ◽  
Vol 60 ◽  
pp. e20206059
Author(s):  
Salvatore Giacobbe ◽  
Walter Renda
Keyword(s):  
Mediterranean Sea ◽  
Deep Water ◽  
Potential Role ◽  
Geographic Range ◽  
Stepping Stones ◽  
Central Mediterranean ◽  
Deep Water Species ◽  
Transoceanic Dispersal ◽  
Water Species

Specimens of the rare amphi-Atlantic epitoniid Opaliopsis atlantis have been recorded in the Strait of Messina (central Mediterranean) from a hydrozoan stylasterid-rich habitat. The record, which adds a new site to the sporadic occurrences of this prevalently deep-water species, may be considered the first contextualized report from Mediterranean Sea. Opaliopsis atlantis displays a planktotrophic larval development functional for long-range colonization of favorable habitats. Its discontinuous distribution all over its broad geographic range highlights the potential role of Atlantic seamounts as stepping-stones for transoceanic dispersal. Although no conclusive information is yet available upon the feeding requirements of O. atlantis all over its range, we suggest that this cnidarian-ectoparasitic prosobranch could adapt to different hosts, as a strategy that may enhance its wide biogeographic distribution.

scholarly journals Rhodolith Beds Heterogeneity along the Apulian Continental Shelf (Mediterranean Sea)

2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (10) ◽  
pp. 813
Author(s):  
Giovanni Chimienti ◽  
Lucia Rizzo ◽  
Sara Kaleb ◽  
Annalisa Falace ◽  
Simonetta Fraschetti ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mediterranean Sea ◽  
Potential Role ◽  
Spatial Scales ◽  
Quantitative Information ◽  
Central Mediterranean ◽  
Ecosystem Goods And Services ◽  
Goods And Services ◽  
First Time ◽  
The Eu

Rhodolith beds represent a key habitat worldwide, from tropical to polar ecosystems. Despite this habitat is considered a hotspot of biodiversity, providing a suite of ecosystem goods and services, still scarce quantitative information is available thus far about rhodolith beds occurrence and ecological role, especially in the Mediterranean Sea. This study reports the composition and patterns of distribution of rhodolith assemblages found in four study areas along ca. 860 km of coast in the Central Mediterranean Sea. These rhodolith beds were studied for the first time and significant differences at all spatial scales have been highlighted, documenting the high variability of this habitat. Rhodolith species composition, morphology and distribution have been discussed considering the potential role of environmental factors in driving these patterns. The need for improving their protection is discussed to complement present conservation and management initiatives, particularly in the frame of the EU Marine Strategy Framework Directive.

Effects of sulfur on arsenic accumulation in seedlings of the mangrove Aegiceras conrniculatum

2015 ◽  
Vol 63 (8) ◽  
pp. 664 ◽  
Author(s):  
Guirong Wu ◽  
Haoliang Lu ◽  
Jingchun Liu ◽  
Chongling Yan
Keyword(s):  
Potential Role ◽  
Relative Concentration ◽  
Mangrove Forests ◽  
Arsenic Accumulation ◽  
Marine Habitats ◽  
Low Concentrations ◽  
Anaerobic Soils ◽  
Mangrove Seedlings ◽  
High Concentrations

Levels of arsenic (As) contamination are generally increasing in the sediments of mangrove forests, which represent some of the world’s most threatened marine habitats. The highly anaerobic soils of these important coastal ecosystems are sulfide-rich, yet the potential role of sulfur (S) in the accumulation of As within mangrove tissues is poorly understood. To investigate those dynamics, the present study evaluated the effect of supplemental S on the accumulation of As in mangrove (Aegiceras conrniculatum L.) seedlings. We applied treatments in a 4 × 4 completely randomised factorial design that consisted of four S concentrations (0, 1, 2 and 4 g kg–1, in the form of S monomer) combined with four As concentrations (0, 30, 60 and 150 mg kg–1, in the form of Na2HAsO4·7H2O). Three replicates of each treatment combination were conducted. The experiment demonstrated that the effect of S was inversely related to As accumulation in the seedlings; it enhanced As accumulation when applied at low concentrations, and decreased its accumulation when applied at high concentrations. Moreover, supplying S altered the relative concentration of the different forms of As in seedlings, namely As (V) and As (III), and significantly decreased their concentration in roots (P < 0.01). Taken together, our results suggest that the addition of exiguous S can mitigate the toxicity of As to mangrove seedlings, which has implications for the remediation of polluted coastal areas that are vegetated with mangrove forests.

scholarly journals Conservation and restoration of marine forests in the Mediterranean Sea and the potential role of Marine Protected Areas

2013 ◽  
Vol 4 (2) ◽  
pp. 83 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fabrizio Gianni ◽  
Fabrizio Bartolini ◽  
Laura Airoldi ◽  
Enric Ballesteros ◽  
Patrice Francour ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Protected Areas ◽  
Mediterranean Sea ◽  
Marine Protected Areas ◽  
Potential Role ◽  
Human Impacts ◽  
Public Awareness ◽  
Coastal Development ◽  
The Mediterranean ◽  
Artificial Restoration

Cystoseira species are some of the most important marine ecosystem-engineers, forming extended canopies comparable to land forests. Such forests are sensitive to human disturbances, like the decrease in water quality, the coastal development and the outbreak of herbivores. Conspicuous historical declines have been reported in many regions and several Cystoseira species are presently protected by European Union (EU) environmental policies. The aim of this work was to synthesize the conservation perspectives of Cystoseira forests in the Mediterranean Sea, focusing on the opportunities offered by artificial restoration and highlighting the potential role of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs). MPAs give a better protection to healthy forests than non-managed sites and may be a source of propagules for natural recovery and/or for non-destructive artificial restoration of nearby damaged forests. MPAs lacking Cystoseira forests may also represent preferential sites for reforestation. We proposed a flow-chart for the conservation and a reasoned restoration of Cystoseira in the Mediterranean Sea. The successful conservation of Cystoseira forests is still possible, via raising public awareness on the role of Cystoseira and reducing human impacts on coastal ecosystems. Such actions have to be coupled with more specific large-scale management plans, encompassing restoration actions and enforcement of protection within MPAs.

scholarly journals The Potential Role of Marine Fungi in Plastic Degradation – A Review

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Emna Zeghal ◽  
Annika Vaksmaa ◽  
Hortense Vielfaure ◽  
Teun Boekhout ◽  
Helge Niemann
Keyword(s):  
Potential Role ◽  
Marine Fungi ◽  
Polyaromatic Hydrocarbons ◽  
Microbial Colonization ◽  
Plastic Debris ◽  
Marine Habitats ◽  
Marine Realm ◽  
Plastic Degradation ◽  
Marine Plastic Debris

Plastic debris has been accumulating in the marine realm since the start of plastic mass production in the 1950s. Due to the adverse effects on ocean life, the fate of plastics in the marine environment is an increasingly important environmental issue. Microbial degradation, in addition to weathering, has been identified as a potentially relevant breakdown route for marine plastic debris. Although many studies have focused on microbial colonization and the potential role of microorganisms in breaking down marine plastic debris, little is known about fungi-plastic interactions. Marine fungi are a generally understudied group of microorganisms but the ability of terrestrial and lacustrine fungal taxa to metabolize recalcitrant compounds, pollutants, and some plastic types (e.g., lignin, solvents, pesticides, polyaromatic hydrocarbons, polyurethane, and polyethylene) indicates that marine fungi could be important degraders of complex organic matter in the marine realm, too. Indeed, recent studies demonstrated that some fungal strains from the ocean, such as Zalerion maritimum have the ability to degrade polyethylene. This mini-review summarizes the available information on plastic-fungi interactions in marine environments. We address (i) the currently known diversity of fungi colonizing marine plastic debris and provide (ii) an overview of methods applied to investigate the role of fungi in plastic degradation, highlighting their advantages and drawbacks. We also highlight (iii) the underestimated role of fungi as plastic degraders in marine habitats.

scholarly journals The potential role of small fish species in improving micronutrient deficiencies in developing countries: building evidence

2011 ◽  
Vol 14 (11) ◽  
pp. 1927-1938 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nozomi Kawarazuka ◽  
Christophe Béné
Keyword(s):  
Developing Countries ◽  
Nutritional Status ◽  
Fish Species ◽  
Fish Consumption ◽  
Potential Role ◽  
Small Fish ◽  
Major Public Health Problem ◽  
Micronutrient Deficiencies ◽  
The Impact

AbstractObjectiveTo build a comprehensive overview of the potential role of fish in improving nutrition with respect to certain micronutrient deficiencies in developing countries.DesignA comprehensive literature review was completed. For this the electronic library databases ASFA, CABD and Scopus were systematically searched and relevant references cited in these sources were carefully analysed. The search terms used were ‘fish’, ‘small fish species’, ‘micronutrients’, ‘food-based strategies’, ‘fish consumption’ and ‘developing countries’. The quality of data on nutritional analyses was carefully reviewed and data that lacked proper information on methods, units and samples were excluded.ResultsThe evidence collected confirmed the high levels of vitamin A, Fe and Zn in some of the small fish species in developing countries. These small fish are reported to be more affordable and accessible than the larger fish and other usual animal-source foods and vegetables. Evidence suggests that these locally available small fish have considerable potential as cost-effective food-based strategies to enhance micronutrient intakes or as a complementary food for undernourished children. However, the present review shows that only a few studies have been able to rigorously assess the impact of fish consumption on improved nutritional status in developing countries.ConclusionsFurther research is required in areas such as determination of fish consumption patterns of poor households, the nutritional value of local fish and other aquatic animals and the impact of fish intake on improved nutritional status in developing countries where undernutrition is a major public health problem.

scholarly journals Potential role of different fish species as vectors of koi herpesvirus (CyHV-3) infection

2019 ◽  
Vol 63 (4) ◽  
pp. 507-511 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marek Matras ◽  
Magdalena Stachnik ◽  
Ewa Borzym ◽  
Joanna Maj-Paluch ◽  
Michał Reichert
Keyword(s):  
Common Carp ◽  
Fish Species ◽  
Potential Role ◽  
Virus Transmission ◽  
Tissue Samples ◽  
Potential Vector ◽  
Koi Herpesvirus ◽  
History Of ◽  
Transmission Pathways

Abstract Introduction Koi herpesvirus (KHV) has infected farmed common carp in Poland clinically and asymptomatically since 2004. The role of non-carp species as vectors of virus transmission is well known except for in the case of KHV. The aim was to better understand this virus’ infection and transmission pathways in common carp, looking at the potential vector role of fishes kept with them. Material and Methods Eight species were experimentally infected with KHV by immersion in a suspension at 20°C ±1 and transferred to a tank after 45 minutes. Specimens were euthanised at intervals up to 56 days post infection (dpi) and tissue was examined for KHV DNA. Surviving infected fishes were introduced at intervals, each time into a separate tank, to naïve common carp for experimental infection. These were observed daily for symptoms, sacrificed along with controls after three months, and dissected to provide tissue samples. Also fish from 14 species collected from a farm with a history of KHV were sampled from 3 to 22 months after disease was confirmed. Organ sections from single fish were collected in a single tube. Results Viral DNA was detected in tench and roach samples up to 49 dpi, but in three-spined stickleback and stone maroko samples only up to 14 dpi. Transmission of KHV to naïve carp occurred after cohabitation. KHV DNA was detected in three fish species three months after the farm outbreak. Conclusion We confirmed that grass and Prussian carp, tench, roach, and brown bullhead can transfer the virus to naïve common carp.

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