Moving Seascapes: The Architecture and Biology of Fishing and Canning on the Portuguese Coast

When they fish, humans play an active part in the dynamics of marine ecosys-tems, and architecture is subsequently involved in the processing of their catch. Our goal is to develop the idea of Fishing Architecture as a useful concept for understanding the interconnected relationship between architecture and fish-ing. By analysing the architectural and ecological outcomes of fisheries and can-ning industry, we will try to assess the complex relationship between human ac-tivities and environmental transformations. How can we represent the intricate relationship between the sea and the coast? This text seeks to state this hypothe-sis and incorporate ecological information into the analysis of the development of the sardine canning industry in Matosinhos. Based on the knowledge of ma-rine ecology, we hope to find an original perspective from which to visualize and evaluate urban developments and their environmental impacts.

Scars of hope and forewarn of a bleak future: Post-mortem findings of dugongs (Dugong dugon) belonging to a relict population in the Gulf of Kachchh, India

A relict dugong population resides in the Gulf of Kachchh in Gujarat state of India. Very little is known on this population stemming from a lack of focused studies and inadequate examinations of previous strandings. In this study, crucial ecological information is gathered through a systematic necropsy on stranded dugongs in the gulf. As indicated through dorsal tusk-rake scars on both the carcasses, this study presents the first records of derivative physical evidence to the presence of a socially interacting population. Progressive healing and differences in the width of the scars indicated more than two individuals had participated in a sexual agnostic or courtship event. Conversely, our findings report that both the animals suffered relative effects of asphyxiation after fishing net entanglement. An implication of a prior pathological condition(s) in the form of dermal cysts, swollen mesenteric lymph nodes, and endoparasites are also reported. Stomach content was examined for a qualitative dietary characterization. Other potential threats along with fishing net microfilaments found in the stomach contents of both dugongs are discussed in brief.

International legal guarantees for the realization of human and citizen rights to environmental information

In the article considered guarantees of the right on access to ecological information fixed in international legal documents. Also made a research on state of implementation such international instruments in national Ukrainian legislation, separate legal instruments of realization the right to get ecological information. Made examples of successful defence of the broken right on access to ecological information. In order to exercise the right to information, it is important not only to have the norms enshrined in the legislation, but also the system of guarantees and opportunities for their implementation, which should be provided by public authorities. International legal documents establish only general approaches to the protection of rights, and their further development and consolidation is undoubtedly entrusted to national authorities. The analysis of the current national legislation allows to state that in general the international legal norms have found the reflection in national regulatory legal acts. However, over time, approaches to understanding environmental information, expanding its list, the subjects who have the right to receive it, so work in this direction should continue in order to increase the possibility of exercising the right of access to such information. Keywords: ecolaw, right on access to ecological information, guarantees of right on access to ecological information, international guarantees of right on access to ecological information

Taxonomical clarification of Tetrix gibberosa (Wang & Zheng), a high-backed pygmy grasshopper species from eastern PR China (Orthoptera: Tetrigidae)

Tetrix gibberosa (Wang & Zheng) is a high-backed pygmy grasshopper species from eastern PR China. Due to its reduced hind wings and pleomorphism (length changes of hind wings and the hind pronotal process, which is generally called macropterous and brachypterous morphs), the species have been described into different species which involve several taxonomically confused genera. This study clarifies its taxonomy and distribution and provides ecological information for the species. At the same time, we comment the relationships of related genera in the subfamily Tetriginae, including Tetrix Latreille, Exothotettix Zheng & Jiang, Alulatettix Liang, Aalatettix Zheng & Mao, Formosatettix Tinkham, and Formosatettixoides Zheng. Additionally, we report for the first time that nematodes can parasitize pygmy grasshoppers. New synonyms are proposed: Tetrix gibberosa (Wang & Zheng, 1993) = Alulatettix bulbosus Zheng & Zhong, 2001, syn. nov., = Exothotettix jiangxiensis Liang & Jia, 2008, syn. nov., = Tetrix glochinota Zhao, Niu & Zheng, 2010, syn. nov., = Alulatettix nigromarginalis Zhang, Deng & Zha, 2014, syn. nov., = Alulatettix flavotibialis Zhang, Deng & Zha, 2014, syn. nov..

Cremastra saprophytica (Orchidaceae: Epidendroideae), a new leafless autonomously self-pollinating orchid species from Gifu Prefecture, Japan

A new species of Cremastra (Orchidaceae), C. saprophytica, is described from Gifu Prefecture, Japan. The new species is similar to C. aphylla in having a leafless and mycoheterotrophic habit. However, it is distinguishable from C. aphylla by its green stem, more closed perianth tube, smaller lateral lobes of lip, smaller callus of lip positioned at base of the midlobe and absence of a rostellum and viscidium. An illustration and ecological information on the new species are provided. A key to the Cremastra species is also provided.

Investigation into the Presence of Symbiodiniaceae in Antipatharians (Black Corals)

Here, we report a new broad approach to investigating the presence and density of Symbiodiniaceae cells in corals of the order Antipatharia subclass Hexacorallia, commonly known as black corals. Antipatharians are understudied ecosystem engineers of shallow (<30 m depth), mesophotic (30–150 m) and deep-sea (>200 m) reefs. They provide habitat to numerous organisms, enhancing and supporting coral reef biodiversity globally. Nonetheless, little biological and ecological information exists on antipatharians, including the extent to which global change disturbances are threatening their health. The previous assumption that they were exempted from threats related to the phenomenon known as bleaching was challenged by the recent findings of high densities of dinoflagellates within three antipatharian colonies. Further studies were thus necessary to investigate the broader uniformity of these findings. Here we report results of an integrated methodology combining microscopy and molecular techniques to investigate the presence and estimate the density of Symbiodiniaceae cells within two antipatharians species—Cupressopathes abies and Stichopathes maldivensis—from both shallow and mesophotic reefs of SW Madagascar. We found that Symbiodiniaceae-like cells were present within samples of both species collected from both shallow and mesophotic reefs, although the overall cell density was very low (0–4 cell mm−3). These findings suggest that presence or high abundance of Symbiodiniaceae is not characteristic of all antipatharians, which is relevant considering the bleaching phenomenon affecting other corals. However, the possibility of higher densities of dinoflagellates in other antipatharians or in colonies exposed to higher light irradiance deserves further investigation.

Taxonomic revision of the Pteronia adenocarpa group (Astereae, Asteraceae)

This study presents a taxonomic revision of the Pteronia adenocarpa group. Six species are recognised within this group, namely P. adenocarpa, P. armatifolia, P. elongata, P. hutchinsoniana, P. stoehelinoides and P. viscosa. The group is distinct in its characteristic basally hairy cypselae, as opposed to the glabrous-glossy, glandular and/or variously hairy cypselae with the hairs evenly distributed throughout the surface found in the remaining species of the genus. We here present a detailed taxonomic treatment with descriptions, nomenclature, diagnostic characters, geographical distribution and maps, ecological information as well as the key to the species.

Uses and traditional knowledge of Dendropogonella rufescens (Bryophyta: Cryphaeaceae) in a Zapotec community of southeastern Mexico

Background: Uses and traditional knowledge (TK) are essential for the protection and management of natural resources. There are extensive records of traditional uses involving mainly vascular plants, while for mosses are scarce. This study documents the TK and uses of Dendropogonella rufescens in San Juan Luvina, Oaxaca, Mexico. Questions: For what purpose and how D. rufescens is used in San Juan Luvina? Can TK provide ecological information for this species? How is TK maintained among the members of the community? Studied species: Dendropogonella rufescens (Schimp.) Britt. (Bryophyta). Study site and dates: San Juan Luvina, Oaxaca, Mexico. March 2020. Methods: We conducted interviews with inhabitants from three age categories (15-41, 42-68, and 69-95 years). Interviews included questions about the length of time the community has used the plant, harvesting practices, traditional use per se, and plant recycling after traditional use. Results: Results include historical information about the use of the plant and TK grouped in seven categories (ceremonial, construction, craft, environmental, fuel, medicinal, and ornamental). These results include new reports of TK of bryophytes in Mexico. Conclusions: For the uses and TK reported, D. rufescens is essential for the cultural identity of the community of San Juan Luvina. D. rufescens TK could use to develop conservation strategies for bryophytes. As our findings suggest, TK and uses of bryophytes should be recorded because they are likely to disappear.

Hyporheic ostracods (Crustacea, Ostracoda) from Texas (USA) with six new species

Between 2015 and 2017, 58 ostracod taxa were collected at 30 locations in 111 samples from the hyporheic zone of surface streams in Texas, U.S.A. Six new species (Bradleycypris foresteri n. sp., Bradleystrandesia macula n. sp., Pseudocandona lordi n. sp., Indocandona rusti n. sp., Stenocypris sancari n. sp., Cyclocypris dalyana n. sp.) are described based on carapace and soft body parts. Additionally, 17 species and two genera (Vestalenula and Indocandona) are presented as new records for Texas, and Indocandona rusti n. sp. is the first record of the genus outside India. Taxonomic positions of the new species are discussed along with ecological information. One-hundred and six nonmarine ostracod species are now reported from Texas. However, ongoing studies suggest that actual species richness is much higher.