Offshore Structure Specific Performance Targets

Offshore structures exist in the harshest environments and each region is unique in the severity and development of extreme weathers. This had led to challenges in the identification of a single criterion that's internationally applicable. ADNOC Offshore and Kent, formerly Atkins Oil and Gas, worked closely in 2010 to develop a high-level generalised regional criterion for the Arabian Gulf and in 2020, a major project was conducted to develop a structure-specific criterion that resulted in considerable improvement in risk levels and financial gains. For each of ADNOC Offshore's 480 structures, a Response Based Metocean Analysis (RBMA) was conducted adopting Tromans and Vanderschuren (1995) approach. Structure specific hindcast data at 3-hour intervals over a period of 37 years was analysed, isolating storms and executing hydrodynamic analyses considering joint environmental conditions. Through adopting a combination of peak-over-threshold method and Markov-Chain-Monte-Carlo (MCMC) simulations, convolution of long-term (storms) and short-term (wave probabilities within a storm) was conducted resulting in the generation of the Hazard Curves that account for the possible uncertainties associated with variations in each of the distributions. The structure specific response based metocean analysis resulted in a considerable improvement in the criteria for ADNOC Offshore’s structures. The resulting Hazard Curve ratios (10,000-year to 100-year response parameter ratio) for approximately 95% of the structures were evaluated lower as compared to the 2010 generalised study. It was observed that the water current profiles had a significant impact on the hazard ratios, and specially for assets in the vicinity of the islands. Based on the resulting hazard ratios a detailed risk assessment was conducted and compliance and life extension of most of ADNOC Offshore structures was justified without the need for physical strengthening of their assets. Through the use of machine-learning algorithms associated with serval statistical sampling techniques, extreme value analysis was conducted in conjunction with the MCMC approach and resulted in what is likely to be the largest offshore fleet application of the method.

Phylogeography of an Amazonian Cichlid supports strong structuration by water current and past evolution by vicariance associated to the Amazon's formation.

Amazonia is characterized by very heterogeneous riverscapes dominated by two drastically divergent water types: black (ion-poor, dissolved organic carbonate rich and acidic) and white (nutrient rich and turbid) waters. Recent phylogeographic and genomic studies have associated the ecotone formed by these environments to ecologically driven speciation in fish species. With the objective of better understanding the evolutionary forces behind the Amazonian Teleostean diversification, we sampled 240 Mesonauta festivus from 12 sites on a wide area of the Amazonian basin. These sites included three confluences of black and white water environments to seek for repeated evidences of ecological speciation at these ecotones. Our genetic dataset of 41,268 SNPs is contrasting with previous results and supports a low structuring power of water types. Conversely, we detected a strong pattern of isolation by unidirectional downstream water current and evidence of past events of vicariance potentially linked to the Amazon River formation and salt-water incursions that occurred 2.5 Mya. Using a combination of population genetic, phylogeographic analysis and environmental association models, we decomposed the spatial variance from the environmental genetic variance specifically to assess which evolutive forces have shaped inter-population differences in M. festivus’ genome. Our sampling design comprising four major Amazonian rivers and three confluences of black and white water rivers supports the possibility that past studies potentially confounded ecological speciation with a site effect unrepresentative of the full Amazonian watershed. While ecological speciation admittedly played a role in Amazonian fish species diversification, we argue that neutral evolutionary processes explain most of the divergence between M. festivus populations.

Fish Assemblages in Seagrass (Zostera marina L.) Meadows and Mussel Reefs (Mytilus edulis): Implications for Coastal Fisheries, Restoration and Marine Spatial Planning

Seagrass meadows and mussel reefs provide favorable habitats for many fish species, but few studies have compared the associated fish assemblages directly and examined the influence of environmental variables. Knowledge of fish assemblages associated with disparate habitats is needed for the conservation of coastal fisheries and marine spatial planning. Catch per unit effort data derived from fyke nets showed similar species richness and diversity in seagrass meadows and mussel reefs, suggesting that both habitats support elevated marine biodiversity of mobile fauna. However, it was shown that fish assemblage structure differed between those habitats, and also fish abundance in seagrass meadows was significantly higher than in mussel reefs by comparing the data with a multivariate extension of Generalized Linear Models (GLM). Furthermore, employing underwater video recordings to compare fish abundances in high and low water current speed mussel reefs with a Generalized Linear Mixed Model with negative binomial distribution, data revealed similar fish abundances (in terms of the MaxN metric) despite the variation in current speed, probably because the mussel formations provide sufficient shelter, even from high water currents. The commercially important species Atlantic cod (G. morhua), however, was significantly more abundant in the low water current mussel reef. Therefore, restoration efforts targeting G. morhua could benefit from restoring low current mussel reefs. Our study provides input for the conservation of coastal recreational and commercial fisheries, habitat restoration and marine spatial planning where certain habitats may be prioritized.

Fish Fauna of Kankai River of Jhapa District, Eastern Nepal

This study explored fish diversity in the Kankai River of the Jhapa district. Fishes were collected by cast net (mesh 0.5cm) from three sampling sites: Domukha, Kotihom and Bengdada in rainy and winter seasons. Water temperature, pH and water velocity were recorded at each site. A total of 20 fish species belonging to 4 orders and eight families were recorded. Cypriniformes has recorded as the dominant order with 16 species, followed by Siluriformes with two species and Perciformes, and Synbranchiformes with a single species each. The value of Shannon’s diversity Index (H’) was higher in winter (3.06; Domukha) than a rainy season (1.06; Bengdada), indicating higher diversity in winter than rainy season. Only a slight variation in pH was recorded during the study period, i.e. 7.9 (highest) and 7.8 (lowest). The highest and the lowest temperatures recorded in the rainy season were 280C and 270C, and that of winter were 170C and 150C. The highest and the lowest water current recorded in the rainy season were 0.75 m/s and 0.68 m/s, and that of winter were 0.55 m/s and 0.52 m/s. It should be noted that to have comprehensive fish diversity status, future investigation covering more seasons and more sampling sites is essential.

Studies on New Zealand Bivalve Larvae, with Observations on the Adults, and on the Hydrology of Bay of Islands and Wellington Harbour

<p>1) Observations made on some hydrological parameters at Bay of Islands and Wellington Harbour during 1970-71 are presented and discussed. The parameters include water temperature, salinity, dissolved oxygen content and turbidity. The water current system in Bay of Islands is also discussed and a proposed pattern presented. The hydrology of Bay of Islands and Wellington Harbour are compared. Bay of Islands is topographically lees isolated from oceanic influence than Wellington Harbour, and there is a more marked change from estuarine to oceanic hydrological conditions within the bay. Monthly mean surface seawater tempe ratures at Bay of Islands exceed those of Wellington Harbour by about 4 degrees C. Water temperature stratification is more marked in Bay of Islands than Wellington Harbour, suggesting less efficient water mixing. Salinities are lower in Wellington harbour (normally about 33.5 - 34.5 parts per thousand) than the main basin of Bay of Islands (normally about 3S.5. parts per thousand). Turbidities in estuarine areas of Bay of Islands are similar to those for most of Wellington Harbour ( 3 - 6 metres Secchi Disc visibility values), but are much Less in outer basin areas (Secchi Disc visibility values may exceed 15 metres). Dissolved oxygen content is high in both harbours, frequently exceeding 100 per cent saturation in surface water. The results suggest that although both harbours are hydrologically quite homogeneous, Wellington Harbour is more efficiently mixed than Bay of Islands. (2) Benthic and shore collections of marine bivalve molluscs were made in Bay of Islands, and benthic collections were made in Wellington Harbour, during 1970-72. The species occurring are recorded and discussed, and the distribution of some common species in Wellington Harbour is related to sediment types. A list of bivalve molluscs collected in Bay of Islands is presented, and additional species to previous Wellington Harbour species lists are recorded. Invertebrate marine communities described for New Zealand are discussed, and the bivalve fauna of both harbours is visually compared to these communities. The observations at fifty four anchor dredge benthic stations in Wellington Harbour are then treated statistically, and compared to the visual assessments. It appears that the great variability in Wellington Harbour sediments makes identity of classical communities in the harbour almost impossible. However, station groups (groups of stations with similar bivalve species present) are evident, and their distribution in Wellington Harbour correlate closely to sediment type distribution. Lists of the most abundant bivalve species occurring in both harbours, deduced from all the observations presented in this study, are given. (3) Observations were made on the occurrence of common late stage bivalve larvae in the plankton at Bay of Islands and Wellington Harbour during 1979 - 71. Three stations in Bay of Islands and four stations in Wellington Harbour were sampled approximately monthly. The bivalve larvae in shorter series of plankton samples from Raumati Beach, Dargaville Beach, Mahurangi, Ohiwa Harbour, Raglan Harbour and Kaipara Harbour during 1971 - 72 were also analysed. Twenty-nine species of bivalve larvae from these plankton samples are described. Twenty-three species of late stage bivalve larvae are provisionally identified, the identifications being based on the larval hinge structure, the distribution and abundance of the larvae in relation to adult stocks, and in some cases by correlation with the adult gonad or condition index cycle. The broad seasonal pattern of occurrence of twenty five species of late stage bivalve larvae in the plankton at Bay of Islands, Wellington Harbour and Raumati Beach is presented. (4) Ecological studies made on bivalve larvae at Bay of Islands and Wellington Harbour during 1970 - 71, are presented and compared to other published studies from overseas. Included are observations on the vertical meso-distribution of bivalve larvae over tidal cycles in estuarine and non-estuarine localities of l2m to l5m depth, the daytime vertical meso-distribution of bivalve larvae in non-estuarine water 20m- 30m in depth, the effect of light on the vertical meso-distribution of bivalve larvae in water 15m- 30min depth, and the horizontal mega-distribution of bivalve larvae in Wellington Harbour and Bay of Islands. The observations suggest that in estuarine areas, the effect of alternating tides on the vertical distribution of bivalve larvae far outweighs the effects of any other factors. During the flood tide, bivalve larvae rise from the bottom into the water column and are carried up the estuary by the tide. During the ebb tide the larvae settle and remain on the bottom. In non-estuarine areas, no such vertical migration was observed. Gravity, light and water currents, in particular, affect the vertical distribution of bivalve larvae in these areas. The horizontal mega-distribution of bivalve larvae within Wellington Harbour is fairly uniform. In Bay of Islands, bivalve larvae occur in greatest densities near the shores, while much of the central basin is almost devoid of larvae. This distribution is due to the proximity of the adult stocks to the regions of most larvae, and to the prevailing water current pattern within the bay.</p>

Studies on New Zealand Bivalve Larvae, with Observations on the Adults, and on the Hydrology of Bay of Islands and Wellington Harbour

<p>1) Observations made on some hydrological parameters at Bay of Islands and Wellington Harbour during 1970-71 are presented and discussed. The parameters include water temperature, salinity, dissolved oxygen content and turbidity. The water current system in Bay of Islands is also discussed and a proposed pattern presented. The hydrology of Bay of Islands and Wellington Harbour are compared. Bay of Islands is topographically lees isolated from oceanic influence than Wellington Harbour, and there is a more marked change from estuarine to oceanic hydrological conditions within the bay. Monthly mean surface seawater tempe ratures at Bay of Islands exceed those of Wellington Harbour by about 4 degrees C. Water temperature stratification is more marked in Bay of Islands than Wellington Harbour, suggesting less efficient water mixing. Salinities are lower in Wellington harbour (normally about 33.5 - 34.5 parts per thousand) than the main basin of Bay of Islands (normally about 3S.5. parts per thousand). Turbidities in estuarine areas of Bay of Islands are similar to those for most of Wellington Harbour ( 3 - 6 metres Secchi Disc visibility values), but are much Less in outer basin areas (Secchi Disc visibility values may exceed 15 metres). Dissolved oxygen content is high in both harbours, frequently exceeding 100 per cent saturation in surface water. The results suggest that although both harbours are hydrologically quite homogeneous, Wellington Harbour is more efficiently mixed than Bay of Islands. (2) Benthic and shore collections of marine bivalve molluscs were made in Bay of Islands, and benthic collections were made in Wellington Harbour, during 1970-72. The species occurring are recorded and discussed, and the distribution of some common species in Wellington Harbour is related to sediment types. A list of bivalve molluscs collected in Bay of Islands is presented, and additional species to previous Wellington Harbour species lists are recorded. Invertebrate marine communities described for New Zealand are discussed, and the bivalve fauna of both harbours is visually compared to these communities. The observations at fifty four anchor dredge benthic stations in Wellington Harbour are then treated statistically, and compared to the visual assessments. It appears that the great variability in Wellington Harbour sediments makes identity of classical communities in the harbour almost impossible. However, station groups (groups of stations with similar bivalve species present) are evident, and their distribution in Wellington Harbour correlate closely to sediment type distribution. Lists of the most abundant bivalve species occurring in both harbours, deduced from all the observations presented in this study, are given. (3) Observations were made on the occurrence of common late stage bivalve larvae in the plankton at Bay of Islands and Wellington Harbour during 1979 - 71. Three stations in Bay of Islands and four stations in Wellington Harbour were sampled approximately monthly. The bivalve larvae in shorter series of plankton samples from Raumati Beach, Dargaville Beach, Mahurangi, Ohiwa Harbour, Raglan Harbour and Kaipara Harbour during 1971 - 72 were also analysed. Twenty-nine species of bivalve larvae from these plankton samples are described. Twenty-three species of late stage bivalve larvae are provisionally identified, the identifications being based on the larval hinge structure, the distribution and abundance of the larvae in relation to adult stocks, and in some cases by correlation with the adult gonad or condition index cycle. The broad seasonal pattern of occurrence of twenty five species of late stage bivalve larvae in the plankton at Bay of Islands, Wellington Harbour and Raumati Beach is presented. (4) Ecological studies made on bivalve larvae at Bay of Islands and Wellington Harbour during 1970 - 71, are presented and compared to other published studies from overseas. Included are observations on the vertical meso-distribution of bivalve larvae over tidal cycles in estuarine and non-estuarine localities of l2m to l5m depth, the daytime vertical meso-distribution of bivalve larvae in non-estuarine water 20m- 30m in depth, the effect of light on the vertical meso-distribution of bivalve larvae in water 15m- 30min depth, and the horizontal mega-distribution of bivalve larvae in Wellington Harbour and Bay of Islands. The observations suggest that in estuarine areas, the effect of alternating tides on the vertical distribution of bivalve larvae far outweighs the effects of any other factors. During the flood tide, bivalve larvae rise from the bottom into the water column and are carried up the estuary by the tide. During the ebb tide the larvae settle and remain on the bottom. In non-estuarine areas, no such vertical migration was observed. Gravity, light and water currents, in particular, affect the vertical distribution of bivalve larvae in these areas. The horizontal mega-distribution of bivalve larvae within Wellington Harbour is fairly uniform. In Bay of Islands, bivalve larvae occur in greatest densities near the shores, while much of the central basin is almost devoid of larvae. This distribution is due to the proximity of the adult stocks to the regions of most larvae, and to the prevailing water current pattern within the bay.</p>

Improvement in the Sediment Management of a Lagoon Harbor: The Case of Marano Lagunare, Italy

Port silting is a common and natural process which often causes serious inconveniences for safe navigation and requires expensive dredging operations to keep the port operative. Sediment deposition is closely related to the exchange water between the basin and the surrounding environment; one way to limit deposits is by reducing the flow entering the port. However, this may be in contrast with the need for adequate sediment quality, which in turn is closely related to an appropriate water current. This seems to be particularly important in lagoon environments, where sediments are often polluted, making its disposal more complicated and costly. The present paper investigates the situation of the port of Marano Lagunare (Italy) by means of a bidimensional morphological-hydrodynamic and spectral coupled model. To reduce the sediment input into the port, the closure of a secondary port entrance is usually suggested. However, this work demonstrates that a complete dredging of the secondary port inlet allows for an increase in water circulation or efficiency renewal, which ensures a better oxygenation at the bottom of the canals.

Relationship between macrobenthos and abiotic characteristics of river Alaknanda in a stretch from Chamoli to Devprayag in Garhwal Himalayan region of Uttarakhand, India

Macrobenthos is the best water quality indicator for ecosystem health assessment. The present study aimed to examine the interrelationship between macrobenthos and different water quality parameters of the river Alaknanda at Garhwal Himalaya. Four demarcated sampling zones viz. zone-A (Chamoli to Nandprayag), zone-B (Karanprayag to Rudraprayag), zone-C (Rudraprayag to Srinagar) and zone-D (Srinagar to Devprayag) were taken from its approximately 170 km long stretch during 2016-2018. River water characteristics were analyzed for the important parameters viz. substratum, water temperature (WT), water velocity, pH, electrical conductivity (EC), total dissolved solids (TDS), calcium (Ca), and magnesium (Mg) using standard methods. The results indicated that the river water velocity was the highest 1.02 m/s at zone-C, TDS of 114.19 mgl-1 was maximum at zone-A ; and Ca and Mg were recorded highest 23.17 mgl-1 and 5.44 mgl-1 at zone-A and zone-B, respectively. All abiotic parameters (pH, EC, TDS, DO, Ca and Mg) were recorded to be below BIS/WHO limits. A total of 27 macrobenthos taxa belonging to the five orders such as Coleoptera (6 ind./m2), Diptera (5 ind./m2), Ephemeroptera (8 ind./m2), Hemiptera (4 ind./m2), and Odonata (4 ind./m2) were recorded. Macrobenthos represented an important relationship between the water current and water temperature. The lowest number was reported at zone-C due to the river's high water velocity (1.02 m/s). The changes like biota loss, presence of some pollution indicator species (Cloeon sp., Bateis sp., Emphemera sp.) at zone-C, in sediment structure of habitat were due to the anthropogenic activities on the riverbank of different zones. The study will help in the conservation of macrobenthos diversity of the river Alaknanda.