scholarly journals Diversity, distribution and spatial structure of the cold-water coral fauna of the Azores (NE Atlantic)

2013 ◽  
Vol 10 (6) ◽  
pp. 4009-4036 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. Braga-Henriques ◽  
F. M. Porteiro ◽  
P. A. Ribeiro ◽  
V. de Matos ◽  
Í. Sampaio ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Spatial Structure ◽  
Cold Water ◽  
Current Knowledge ◽  
Fish Habitat ◽  
Sustainable Use ◽  
Distribution Patterns ◽  
Taxonomic Diversity ◽  
Conservation Policies ◽  
Coral Fauna ◽  
By Catch

Abstract. Cold-water corals are widely considered as important structural components of benthic habitats, potentially enhancing local abundance in a variety of fish and invertebrate species. Yet, current knowledge of the taxonomic diversity and distribution patterns of these vulnerable, slow-growing organisms is scarce and fragmented, limiting the effectiveness of spatial management and conservation measures. We have conducted an exhaustive compilation of records of alcyonaceans, antipatharians, scleractinians and stylasterids available through present day to assess the diversity, distribution and spatial structure of coral assemblages in the Azores exclusive economic zone (EEZ). The resulting database comprises 2501 entries concerning historical oceanographic expeditions and other published sources, as well as unpublished data from bottom longline by-catch. Our taxonomic inventory appears to be fairly complete for the explored habitats, accounting for 164 species (79 alcyonaceans, 58 scleractinians, 18 antipatharians and 9 stylasterids), nine of which were documented for the first time. The Azores EEZ harbours a mixed coral fauna with several zoogeographic origins, showing the closest affinity with the Lusitanian–Mediterranean region. Very few apparent endemics were found (14%), and only in part supported by consistent sampling. Coral diversity is particularly high between 300 and 900 m depths, in areas recognized as traditional fishing grounds or exploitable fish habitat within the 100-mile limit of the EEZ. The composition of coral assemblages shows significant geographical structure among longitudinal sections of the study area at comparable depths (100–1500 m). There is no evidence of a possible role of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge or latitudinal effects underlying this pattern, which suggests that it may instead reflect assemblage variability among features. Stronger changes in species composition were found along the bathymetric gradient. Notwithstanding the mix of partially overlapping steno- and eurybathic species that characterize the vertical distribution of corals, there is a distinct transition from shallow (100–600 m) to intermediate (600–1000 m) depths. The analysis presented here constitutes a valuable contribution for efficient conservation policies of coral-associated vulnerable marine ecosystems and their sustainable use as fishing areas.

scholarly journals Diversity, distribution and spatial structure of the cold-water coral fauna of the Azores (NE Atlantic)

2013 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. 529-590 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. Braga-Henriques ◽  
F. M. Porteiro ◽  
P. A. Ribeiro ◽  
V. de Matos ◽  
Í. Sampaio ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Spatial Structure ◽  
Cold Water ◽  
Current Knowledge ◽  
Fish Habitat ◽  
Sustainable Use ◽  
Distribution Patterns ◽  
Taxonomic Diversity ◽  
Conservation Policies ◽  
Coral Fauna ◽  
Mid Atlantic Ridge

Abstract. Cold-water corals are widely considered as important structural components of benthic habitats, potentially enhancing local abundance in a variety of fish and invertebrate species. Yet, current knowledge of the taxonomic diversity and distribution patterns of these vulnerable, slow-growing organisms is scarce and fragmented, limiting the effectiveness of spatial management and conservation measures. We have conducted an exhaustive compilation of records of alcyonaceans, antipatharians, scleractinians and stylasterids available until the present day to assess the diversity, distribution, and spatial structure of coral assemblages in the Azores Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). The resulting database comprises 2501 entries concerning historical oceanographic expeditions and other published sources, as well as recent data from longline bycatch. Our taxonomic inventory appears to be fairly complete for the explored habitats, accounting for 164 species (79 alcyonaceans, 58 scleractinians, 18 antipatharians and 9 stylasterids), nine of which were new records. The Azores EEZ harbours a mixed coral fauna with several zoogeographic origins, showing the closest affinity with the Lusitanian–Mediterranean region. Very few apparent endemics were found (14%), and only in part supported by consistent sampling. Coral diversity is particularly high between 300 and 900 m depths, in areas recognized as traditional fishing grounds or exploitable fish habitat within the 100-mile limit of the EEZ. The composition of coral assemblages shows significant geographical structure among longitudinal sections of the study area at comparable depths (100–1500 m). There is no evidence of a possible role of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge or latitudinal effects underlying this pattern, which suggests that it may instead reflect assemblage variability among features. Stronger changes in species composition were found along the bathymetric gradient. Notwithstanding the mix of partially overlapping steno- and eurybathic species that characterize the vertical distribution of corals, there is a distinct transition from shallow (100–600 m) to intermediate (600–1000 m) depths.The analysis here presented constitutes a~valuable contribution for efficient conservation policies of coral-associated vulnerable marine ecosystems and their sustainable use as fishing areas.

scholarly journals Prespawning Movements and Spawning Distribution of Sockeye Salmon in an Urbanizing Alaskan Lake

2015 ◽  
Vol 6 (2) ◽  
pp. 472-485 ◽  
Author(s):  
James D.M. Ray ◽  
Suresh A. Sethi ◽  
John H. Eiler ◽  
John E. Joyce
Keyword(s):  
Habitat Use ◽  
Sockeye Salmon ◽  
Planning Process ◽  
Current Knowledge ◽  
Fish Habitat ◽  
Black Bear ◽  
Distribution Patterns ◽  
Shoreline Development ◽  
Land Planning ◽  
Salmon Population

Abstract The efficacy of fish habitat conservation in land planning processes in Alaska is often constrained by the extent of current knowledge of fish distributions and habitat use. In response to requests for information from land and salmon resource management stakeholders regarding Auke Lake sockeye salmon (Oncorhynchus nerka) status and life history, we examined the prespawning movements and spawning distribution of adult sockeye salmon to provide ecological information needed for Auke Lake watershed management. We used radiotelemetry to track the movements of 80 fish in the Auke Lake watershed during 2012. The prespawning distribution of the fish was not random, indicating five spatially and temporally distinct high-use staging areas within the lake. The Auke Lake sockeye salmon population was dominated by stream-spawning fish (98.5%), with minimal lakeshore spawning (1.5%) observed in association with a small intermittent tributary of the lake. The prespawning distribution patterns identified in this study corroborate observations from Auke Lake 20 y ago, indicating consistent habitat use patterns by sockeye salmon in the lake. Telemetry data also indicate 12% of sockeye salmon expired in Auke Lake without spawning and that 14% of stream-spawning fish were preyed upon by black bear (Usrus americanus). The prespawning and spawning behavior by Auke Lake sockeye salmon suggest that discrete lake staging areas and stream spawning beds are important candidate habitats for protection during the land planning process for shoreline development surrounding the lake.

scholarly journals Soil Diversity (Pedodiversity) and Ecosystem Services

Land ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (3) ◽  
pp. 288 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elena A. Mikhailova ◽  
Hamdi A. Zurqani ◽  
Christopher J. Post ◽  
Mark A. Schlautman ◽  
Gregory C. Post
Keyword(s):  
Decision Making ◽  
Ecosystem Services ◽  
Sustainable Use ◽  
Taxonomic Diversity ◽  
Soil Survey ◽  
Original Research ◽  
Soil Taxonomy ◽  
Extrinsic Factors ◽  
Business Decision ◽  
Soil Diversity

Soil ecosystem services (ES) (e.g., provisioning, regulation/maintenance, and cultural) and ecosystem disservices (ED) are dependent on soil diversity/pedodiversity (variability of soils), which needs to be accounted for in the economic analysis and business decision-making. The concept of pedodiversity (biotic + abiotic) is highly complex and can be broadly interpreted because it is formed from the interaction of atmospheric diversity (abiotic + biotic), biodiversity (biotic), hydrodiversity (abiotic + biotic), and lithodiversity (abiotic) within ecosphere and anthroposphere. Pedodiversity is influenced by intrinsic (within the soil) and extrinsic (outside soil) factors, which are also relevant to ES/ED. Pedodiversity concepts and measures may need to be adapted to the ES framework and business applications. Currently, there are four main approaches to analyze pedodiversity: taxonomic (diversity of soil classes), genetic (diversity of genetic horizons), parametric (diversity of soil properties), and functional (soil behavior under different uses). The objective of this article is to illustrate the application of pedodiversity concepts and measures to value ES/ED with examples based on the contiguous United States (U.S.), its administrative units, and the systems of soil classification (e.g., U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Soil Taxonomy, Soil Survey Geographic (SSURGO) Database). This study is based on a combination of original research and literature review examples. Taxonomic pedodiversity in the contiguous U.S. exhibits high soil diversity, with 11 soil orders, 65 suborders, 317 great groups, 2026 subgroups, and 19,602 series. The ranking of “soil order abundance” (area of each soil order within the U.S.) expressed as the proportion of the total area is: (1) Mollisols (27%), (2) Alfisols (17%), (3) Entisols (14%), (4) Inceptisols and Aridisols (11% each), (5) Spodosols (3%), (6) Vertisols (2%), and (7) Histosols and Andisols (1% each). Taxonomic, genetic, parametric, and functional pedodiversity are an essential context for analyzing, interpreting, and reporting ES/ED within the ES framework. Although each approach can be used separately, three of these approaches (genetic, parametric, and functional) fall within the “umbrella” of taxonomic pedodiversity, which separates soils based on properties important to potential use. Extrinsic factors play a major role in pedodiversity and should be accounted for in ES/ED valuation based on various databases (e.g., National Atmospheric Deposition Program (NADP) databases). Pedodiversity is crucial in identifying soil capacity (pedocapacity) and “hotspots” of ES/ED as part of business decision making to provide more sustainable use of soil resources. Pedodiversity is not a static construct but is highly dynamic, and various human activities (e.g., agriculture, urbanization) can lead to soil degradation and even soil extinction.

scholarly journals Modeling the spatial structure of the endemic mara (Dolichotis patagonum) across modified landscapes

PeerJ ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 7 ◽  
pp. e6367 ◽  
Author(s):  
Milagros Antún ◽  
Ricardo Baldi
Keyword(s):  
Spatial Structure ◽  
Spatial Variation ◽  
Spatial Models ◽  
Distribution Patterns ◽  
Negative Consequences ◽  
Human Presence ◽  
Species Response ◽  
Conservation Actions ◽  
Density Surface ◽  
Abundance And Distribution

Across modified landscapes, anthropic factors can affect habitat selection by animals and consequently their abundance and distribution patterns. The study of the spatial structure of wild populations is crucial to gain knowledge on species’ response to habitat quality, and a key for the design and implementation of conservation actions. This is particularly important for a low-density and widely distributed species such as the mara (Dolichotis patagonum), a large rodent endemic to Argentina across the Monte and Patagonian drylands where extensive sheep ranching predominates. We aimed to assess the spatial variation in the abundance of maras and to identify the natural and anthropic factors influencing the observed patterns in Península Valdés, a representative landscape of Patagonia. We conducted ground surveys during the austral autumn from 2015 to 2017. We built density surface models to account for the variation in mara abundance, and obtained a map of mara density at a resolution of four km2. We estimated an overall density of 0.93 maras.km−2 for the prediction area of 3,476 km2. The location of ranch buildings, indicators of human presence, had a strong positive effect on the abundance of maras, while the significant contribution of the geographic longitude suggested that mara density increases with higher rainfall. Although human presence favored mara abundance, presumably by providing protection against predators, it is likely that the association could bring negative consequences for maras and other species. The use of spatial models allowed us to provide the first estimate of mara abundance at a landscape scale and its spatial variation at a high resolution. Our approach can contribute to the assessment of mara population abundance and the factors shaping its spatial structure elsewhere across the species range, all crucial attributes to identify and prioritize conservation actions.

Checklist of the oribatid mites (Acari: Oribatida) of the Republic of Colombia

Zootaxa ◽  
2022 ◽  
Vol 5087 (1) ◽  
pp. 35-58
Author(s):  
ANDRÉS A. SALAZAR-FILLIPPO ◽  
LADISLAV MIKO
Keyword(s):  
Latin America ◽  
Latin American ◽  
Current Knowledge ◽  
Distribution Patterns ◽  
Neotropical Region ◽  
Oribatid Mites ◽  
The Past ◽  
Real Community ◽  
The Republic ◽  
Latin American Countries

This checklist of oribatid mites of the Republic of Colombia compiles and provides a taxonomic update of all records known up to 2020. It includes 192 entries accounting for 68 named and 47 unnamed species belonging to 73 genera and 58 families of non-astigmatid oribatid mites. Specimens from the brachypyline supercohort were dominant (54.7%), followed by Mixonomata (30.7%). However, current knowledge is far from being complete and distribution patterns show large gaps throughout the country due to this lacking knowledge and most existing investigations only include group specific studies that prevent from any conclusions regarding the real community composition of oribatids in Colombia. From 32 political-administrative departments, oribatids have been reported in 20, but 5 account for 65% of the records. These are: Cundinamarca -including Bogotá D.C.- (24.4%), Magdalena (21.8%), Nariño (6.3%), La Guajira (6.3%), and Quindío (5.9%). Whereas most oribatid reports in the Neotropical region have taken place during the past five decades, a map presented in this document shows that Colombia still lags behind other Latin American countries. Mexico, Argentina, and Brazil, for instance, have reported the highest number of species for the region and are the only nations that possess national oribatid checklists in Latin America. The current work represents a national baseline of oribatids encouraging further study of this clearly underrepresented group.  

scholarly journals Evolutionary trends in onshore-offshore distribution patterns of mushroom coral species (Scleractinia: Fungiidae)

2012 ◽  
Vol 81 (4) ◽  
pp. 199-221 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bert W. Hoeksema
Keyword(s):  
Related Species ◽  
Coral Species ◽  
Environmental Gradients ◽  
Distribution Patterns ◽  
Similar Distribution ◽  
Closely Related Species ◽  
Species Association ◽  
Incidence Data ◽  
Coral Fauna ◽  
Mushroom Coral

A phylogenetically based comparative analysis of onshore-offshore distribution patterns of mushroom coral species (Scleractinia: Fungiidae) was made to reconstruct an evolutionary scenario for differentiation in fungiid shelf habitats. This phyloecological study integrates data on fungiid distribution patterns along environmental gradients on the Spermonde Shelf, SW Sulawesi, with a recently published phylogeny reconstruction of the Fungiidae. A mushroom coral fauna of 34 species was used to compare their distributions by use of 50-m2 belt quadrats in transects (1) from the mainland to the shelf edge, (2) around reefs with regard to predominant wind directions, and (3) over bathymetrical reef zones. Species association ordinations were made for each of the four shelf zones using both abundance and incidence data to examine whether closely related species cooccurred. Some closely related species or even sister species appeared to show very similar distribution patterns and to coexist in high abundances. These results indicate that there may not be community saturation and competitive exclusion among mushroom corals species, most of which are free-living. In reconstructions of fungiid habitat evolution, offshore reef slopes appear to be original (ancestral), whereas onshore habitats, shallow reef flats, and deep sandy reef bases seem to be derived. The latter is in contrast with an earlier hypothesis, in which deep sandy substrates were considered ancestral mushroom coral habitats.

scholarly journals New perspectives on the Late Triassic vertebrates of East Greenland: preliminary results of a Polish−Danish palaeontological expedition

2014 ◽  
Vol 35 (4) ◽  
pp. 541-552 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tomasz Sulej ◽  
Andrzej Wolniewicz ◽  
Niels Bonde ◽  
Błażej Błażejowski ◽  
Grzegorz Niedźwiedzki ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
21St Century ◽  
Current Knowledge ◽  
Taxonomic Diversity ◽  
Trace Fossils ◽  
Skeletal Remains ◽  
Late Triassic ◽  
East Greenland ◽  
Terrestrial Vertebrates ◽  
Preliminary Results ◽  
Dinosaur Tracks

Abstract The Fleming Fjord Formation (Jameson Land, East Greenland) documents a diverse assemblage of terrestrial vertebrates of Late Triassic age. Expeditions from the turn of the 21st century have discovered many important fossils that form the basis of our current knowledge of Late Triassic Greenlandic faunas. However, due to the scarcity and incompleteness of the fossils and their insufficient study, our understanding of the taxonomic diversity of the Fleming Fjord Formation is hindered. Here, we report the preliminary findings of a Polish-Danish expedition to the Fleming Fjord Formation that took place in 2014. Three areas were visited – the fairly well known MacKnight Bjerg and Wood Bjerg and the virtually unexplored Liasryggen. MacKnigth Bjerg and Liasryggen yielded fossils which promise to significantly broaden our knowledge of vertebrate evolution in the Late Triassic. Stem-mammal remains were discovered at Liasryggen. Other fossils found at both sites include remains of actinopterygians, sarcopterygians, temnospondyl amphibians and various archosaurs (including early dinosaurs). Numerous vertebrate trace fossils, including coprolites, pseudosuchian footprints, theropod and sauropodomorph dinosaur tracks, were also discovered. Newly discovered skeletal remains as well as abundant trace fossils indicate higher tetrapod diversity in the Late Triassic of Greenland than previously thought. Trace fossils also allow inferences of early theropod and sauropodomorph dinosaur behaviour.

Dispersal traits as benthic invertebrate assemblage drivers in a neotropical large river

2020 ◽  
Vol 193 (3) ◽  
pp. 275-283
Author(s):  
Miguel Saigo ◽  
Mercedes Marchese ◽  
Luciana Montalto
Keyword(s):  
Spatial Structure ◽  
Environmental Conditions ◽  
Distribution Patterns ◽  
Benthic Invertebrate ◽  
Large River ◽  
Species Dispersal ◽  
Dispersal Traits ◽  
Metacommunity Dynamics ◽  
Invertebrate Assemblage

Metacommunity theory is a mechanistic framework that explains the interdependence of local factors and regional processes as community drivers. Recent evidence suggests that dispersal mode is a key trait that potentially affects metacommunity dynamics. We analyzed the distribution patterns of benthic macroinvertebrates with different dispersal modes in the Middle Paraná, a neotropical large river. We assessed the relative importance of local environmental conditions and regional spatial structure as assemblage drivers. Aquatic and aerial dispersers presented Clementsian and Gleasonian structures, respectively. For both groups, local environmental conditions influenced community assembly, and spatial structure (overland distances) also affected the distribution of aerial dispersers. Our study highlights that the role of spatial structure as a driver of benthic metacommunities depends on species' dispersal modes. Aerial dispersers responded to regional spatial variables and it is likely that these organisms are also influenced by mass effects. Our results are consistent with current ideas of metacommunity dynamics in large rivers, where dispersal is not considered to limit the distribution of benthic organisms.

scholarly journals Pellet Production from Woody and Non-Woody Feedstocks: A Review on Biomass Quality Evaluation

Energies ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 13 (11) ◽  
pp. 2937 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rodolfo Picchio ◽  
Francesco Latterini ◽  
Rachele Venanzi ◽  
Walter Stefanoni ◽  
Alessandro Suardi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Energy Demand ◽  
Quality Evaluation ◽  
Current Knowledge ◽  
Raw Materials ◽  
Applied Pressure ◽  
Sustainable Use ◽  
Quality Analysis ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Pellet Quality ◽  
Pellet Production

Forest and agricultural biomass are important sources of renewable and sustainable fuel for energy production. Their increasing consumption is mainly related to the increase in global energy demand and fossil fuel prices but also to the limited availability of petroleum and the lower environmental impact of these biomass compared with other non-renewable fuels. In particular, the pellet sector has seen important developments in terms of both production and the number of installed transformation plants. In addition, pellet production from non-woody biomass is increasing in importance. One of the fundamental aspects for the correct and sustainable use of a biofuel is evaluation of its quality. This is even more important when dealing with pellet production, considering the broad spectrum of possible raw materials for pelletizing. Considering the significant number of papers dealing with pellet quality evaluation and improvement in the last decade, this review aims to give the reader an overall view of the most current knowledge about this large and interesting topic. We focused on pellets of agricultural and forestry origin and analyzed papers regarding the specific topic of pellet quality evaluation and improvement from the last five years (2016–2020). In particular, the review findings are presented in the following order: the influence of different agro-forest management systems on pellet quality; analysis of pellets from pure feedstocks (no blending or binders); the influence of blending and binders on pellet quality; and the influence of pre and post treatments. Finally, a brief discussion about actual research lacks in this topic and the possibilities for future research are presented. It is important to underline that the present review is focused on the influence of the biomass characteristics on pellet quality. The effects of the process parameters (die temperature, applied pressure, holding time) on pellet features are not considered in this review, because that is another very large topic deserving a dedicated paper.

scholarly journals Fishery Wastes as a Yet Undiscovered Treasure from the Sea: Biomolecules Sources, Extraction Methods and Valorization

Marine Drugs ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 18 (12) ◽  
pp. 622
Author(s):  
Gabriella Caruso ◽  
Rosanna Floris ◽  
Claudio Serangeli ◽  
Luisa Di Paola
Keyword(s):  
Fatty Acids ◽  
Bioactive Compounds ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Current Knowledge ◽  
Chemical Characterization ◽  
Short Chain Fatty Acids ◽  
Economic Feasibility ◽  
Added Value ◽  
By Catch ◽  
By Products

The search for new biological sources of commercial value is a major goal for the sustainable management of natural resources. The huge amount of fishery by-catch or processing by-products continuously produced needs to be managed to avoid environmental problems and keep resource sustainability. Fishery by-products can represent an interesting source of high added value bioactive compounds, such as proteins, carbohydrates, collagen, polyunsaturated fatty acids, chitin, polyphenolic constituents, carotenoids, vitamins, alkaloids, tocopherols, tocotrienols, toxins; nevertheless, their biotechnological potential is still largely underutilized. Depending on their structural and functional characteristics, marine-derived biomolecules can find several applications in food industry, agriculture, biotechnological (chemical, industrial or environmental) fields. Fish internal organs are a rich and underexplored source of bioactive compounds; the fish gut microbiota biosynthesizes essential or short-chain fatty acids, vitamins, minerals or enzymes and is also a source of probiotic candidates, in turn producing bioactive compounds with antibiotic and biosurfactant/bioemulsifier activities. Chemical, enzymatic and/or microbial processing of fishery by-catch or processing by-products allows the production of different valuable bioactive compounds; to date, however, the lack of cost-effective extraction strategies so far has prevented their exploitation on a large scale. Standardization and optimization of extraction procedures are urgently required, as processing conditions can affect the qualitative and quantitative properties of these biomolecules. Valorization routes for such raw materials can provide a great additional value for companies involved in the field of bioprospecting. The present review aims at collecting current knowledge on fishery by-catch or by-products, exploring the valorization of their active biomolecules, in application of the circular economy paradigm applied to the fishery field. It will address specific issues from a biorefinery perspective: (i) fish tissues and organs as potential sources of metabolites, antibiotics and probiotics; (ii) screening for bioactive compounds; (iii) extraction processes and innovative technologies for purification and chemical characterization; (iv) energy production technologies for the exhausted biomass. We provide a general perspective on the techno-economic feasibility and the environmental footprint of the production process, as well as on the definition of legal constraints for the new products production and commercial use.

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