Environmental Science › Global and Planetary Change

Marine Bivalve and Aquaculture Studies

Works Count: 46406

Wikipedia

Description

This cluster of papers explores the impact of aquaculture, particularly oyster farming, on marine ecosystems, food supply, and sustainability. It covers topics such as the role of aquaculture in global seafood production, environmental effects of shellfish farming, ecosystem services provided by oyster reefs, and the potential for integrating seaweed biofiltration in mariculture. The cluster also addresses issues related to food security, ecological engineering in aquaculture, and the influence of aquaculture on marine infectious diseases.

Keywords

Aquaculture; Oyster Reefs; Ecosystem Services; Marine Environment; Sustainability; Bivalve Molluscs; Food Security; Environmental Impact; Shellfish Farming; Global Fisheries

13C and 18O isotopic disequilibrium in biological carbonates: I. Patterns

1989-01-01

Ted A. McConnaughey

Loss, Status and Trends for Coastal Marine Habitats of Europe

2007-06-20

Michael W. Beck , Laura Airoldi

Over the centuries, land reclamation, coastal development, overfishing and pollution have nearly eliminated European wetlands, seagrass meadows, shellfish beds, biogenic reefs and other productive and diverse coastal habitats. It is … Over the centuries, land reclamation, coastal development, overfishing and pollution have nearly eliminated European wetlands, seagrass meadows, shellfish beds, biogenic reefs and other productive and diverse coastal habitats. It is estimated that every day between 1960 and 1995, a kilometre of European coastline was developed. Most countries have estimated losses of coastal wetlands and seagrasses exceeding 50% of the original area with peaks above 80% for many regions. Conspicuous declines, sometimes to virtual local disappearance of kelps and other complex macroalgae, have been observed in several countries. A few dominant threats have led to these losses over time. The greatest impacts to wetlands have consistently been land claim and coastal development. The greatest impacts to seagrasses and macroalgae are presently associated with degraded water quality while in the past there have been more effects from destructive fishing and diseases. Coastal development remains an important threat to seagrasses. For biogenic habitats, such as oyster reefs and maerls, some of the greatest impacts have been from destructive fishing and overexploitation with additional impacts of disease, particularly to native oysters. Coastal development and defence have had the greatest known impacts on soft-sediment habitats with a high likelihood that trawling has affected vast areas. The concept of 'shifting baselines', which has been applied mostly to the inadequate historical perspective of fishery losses, is extremely relevant for habitat loss more generally. Most habitat loss estimates refer to a relatively short time span primarily within the last century. However, in some regions, most estuarine and near-shore coastal habitats were already severely degraded or driven to virtual extinction well before 1900. Native oyster reefs were ecologically extinct by the 1950s along most European coastlines and in many bays well before that. These shellfish reefs are among the most endangered coastal habitats, but they receive some of the least protection. Nowadays less than 15% of the European coastline is considered in 'good' condition. Those fragments of native habitats that remain are under continued threat, and their management is not generally informed by adequate knowledge of their distribution and status. There are many policies and directives aimed at reducing and reversing these losses but their overall positive benefits have been low. Further neglecting this long history of habitat loss and transformation may ultimately compromise the successful management and future sustainability of those few fragments of native and semi-native coastal habitats that remain in Europe.

Rearing of Bivalve Mollusks

1963-01-01

Victor L. Loosanoff , Harry Davis

Chemical ecology of the settlement of benthic marine invertebrates

1993-10-01

Joseph R. Pawlik

Aquaculture--A Gateway for Exotic Species

2001-11-23

Rosamond L. Naylor , Susan L. Williams , Donald R. Strong

Aquaculture is a fast-growing segment of the world food economy and a leading vector of aquatic invasive species in the United States and abroad. Surprisingly, little national or international oversight … Aquaculture is a fast-growing segment of the world food economy and a leading vector of aquatic invasive species in the United States and abroad. Surprisingly, little national or international oversight exists even for deliberate introductions of exotic species in aquaculture. The authors of this Policy Forum propose a policy agenda on exotic introductions as aquaculture expands that includes scientific risk assessment for all nonnative introductions and single-agency oversight for the prevention, containment, and monitoring of ecologically harmful species.

Production and consumption of biological particles in temperate tidal estuaries

1996-12-01

C.H.R. Heip , Nico Goosen , P.M.J. Herman +3 more

Freshwater Carbonate Sedimentation

1978-01-01

Kerry Kelts , K. J. Hsü

Decline of the Chesapeake Bay oyster population: a century of habitat destruction and overfishing

1994-01-01

B. L. Rothschild , Jerald S. Ault , Philippe Goulletquer +1 more

The oyster population in the Maryland portion of Chesapeake Bay, USA, has declined by more than 50-fold since the early part of this century.The paper presents evidence that the mechanical … The oyster population in the Maryland portion of Chesapeake Bay, USA, has declined by more than 50-fold since the early part of this century.The paper presents evidence that the mechanical destruction of habitat and stock overfishing have been important factors in the decline, even though it is commonly thought that 'water quality' and, more recently, oyster diseases are critical.Quantitative analyses show that the long-term decline of oysters largely results from habitat loss associated with intense fishing pressure early in this century, and stock overfishing from early in the century through recent times.Furthermore, the major ecological effects on Chesapeake Bay occurred well before World War 11, before industrialization and the reported prevalence of disease.To effect the recovery of the ailing Chesapeake Bay oyster stock, a 4-point management strategy is proposed.

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Isotope paleontology: growth and composition of extant calcareous species

1991-09-01

Gerold Wefer , Wolfgang Berger

The mussel watch — A first step in global marine monitoring

1975-07-01

Edward D. Goldberg

Carbon isotopes in biological carbonates: Respiration and photosynthesis

1997-02-01

Ted A. McConnaughey , Jim Burdett , Joseph F. Whelan +1 more

13C and 18O isotopic disequilibrium in biological carbonates: II. In vitro simulation of kinetic isotope effects

1989-01-01

Ted A. McConnaughey

Fish Stress and Health in Aquaculture

1998-09-01

Alan G. Heath , George K. Iwama , Alan D. Pickering +2 more

Biology of Intertidal Animals

1971-02-01

A. Nelson-Smith , R. C. Newell

The oyster genome reveals stress adaptation and complexity of shell formation

2012-09-19

Guofan Zhang , Xiaodong Fang , Ximing Guo +7 more

The Pacific oyster Crassostrea gigas belongs to one of the most species-rich but genomically poorly explored phyla, the Mollusca. Here we report the sequencing and assembly of the oyster genome … The Pacific oyster Crassostrea gigas belongs to one of the most species-rich but genomically poorly explored phyla, the Mollusca. Here we report the sequencing and assembly of the oyster genome using short reads and a fosmid-pooling strategy, along with transcriptomes of development and stress response and the proteome of the shell. The oyster genome is highly polymorphic and rich in repetitive sequences, with some transposable elements still actively shaping variation. Transcriptome studies reveal an extensive set of genes responding to environmental stress. The expansion of genes coding for heat shock protein 70 and inhibitors of apoptosis is probably central to the oyster's adaptation to sessile life in the highly stressful intertidal zone. Our analyses also show that shell formation in molluscs is more complex than currently understood and involves extensive participation of cells and their exosomes. The oyster genome sequence fills a void in our understanding of the Lophotrochozoa. The sequencing and assembly of the highly polymorphic oyster genome through a combination of short reads and fosmid pooling, complemented with extensive transcriptome analysis of development and stress response and proteome analysis of the shell, provides new insight into oyster biology and adaptation to a highly changeable environment. Oysters are keystone species in estuarine ecology and among the most important aquaculture species worldwide. The sequencing and assembly of the genome of the Pacific oyster, Crassostrea gigas, are now reported. Comparisons with other genomes reveal an expansion of defence genes as an adaptation to life as a sessile species in the intertidal zone, a surprisingly complex pathway for shell formation and dramatic evolution of genes related to larval development, highlighting their adaptive significance for marine invertebrates.

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Temperature or Transport? Range Limits in Marine Species Mediated Solely by Flow

2000-06-01

Brian Gaylord , Steven D. Gaines

A model is presented to explore how the form of selection arising from competition for resources is affected by spatial resource heterogeneity. The model consists of a single species occupying … A model is presented to explore how the form of selection arising from competition for resources is affected by spatial resource heterogeneity. The model consists of a single species occupying two patches connected by migration, where the two patches can differ in the type of resources that they contain. The main goal is to determine the conditions under which competition for resources results in disruptive selection (i.e., selection favoring a polymorphism) since it is this form of selection that will give rise to the evolutionary diversification of resource exploitation strategies. In particular, comparing the conditions giving rise to disruptive selection when the two patches are identical to the conditions when they contain different resources reveals the effect of spatial resource heterogeneity. Results show that when the patches are identical, the conditions giving rise to disruptive selection are identical to those that give rise to character displacement in previous models. When the patches are different, the conditions giving rise to disruptive selection can be either more or less stringent depending upon demographic parameters such as the intrinsic rate of increase and the migration rate. Surprisingly, spatial resource heterogeneity can actually make forms of evolutionary diversification such as character displacement less likely. It is also found that results are dependent on how the resource exploitation strategies and the spatial resource heterogeneity affect the population dynamics. One robust conclusion however, is that spatial resource heterogeneity always has a disruptive effect when the migration rate between patches is low.

Relationships between seston, available food and feeding activity in the common mussel Mytilus edulis

1979-01-01

J. Widdows , P. Fieth , CM Worrall

The boron/chlorinity ratio of deep-sea water from the Pacific Ocean

1974-02-01

Leif R. Uppström

INTEGRATING SEAWEEDS INTO MARINE AQUACULTURE SYSTEMS: A KEY TOWARD SUSTAINABILITY

2001-12-01

Thierry Chopin , Alejandro H. Buschmann , C. Halling +7 more

The rapid development of intensive fed aquaculture (e.g. finfish and shrimp) throughout the world is associated with concerns about the environmental impacts of such often monospecific practices, especially where activities … The rapid development of intensive fed aquaculture (e.g. finfish and shrimp) throughout the world is associated with concerns about the environmental impacts of such often monospecific practices, especially where activities are highly geographically concentrated or located in suboptimal sites whose assimilative capacity is poorly understood and, consequently, prone to being exceeded. One of the main environmental issues is the direct discharge of significant nutrient loads into coastal waters from open‐water systems and with the effluents from land‐based systems. In its search for best management practices, the aquaculture industry should develop innovative and responsible practices that optimize its efficiency and create diversification, while ensuring the remediation of the consequences of its activities to maintain the health of coastal waters. To avoid pronounced shifts in coastal processes, conversion, not dilution, is a common‐sense solution, used for centuries in Asian countries. By integrating fed aquaculture (finfish, shrimp) with inorganic and organic extractive aquaculture (seaweed and shellfish), the wastes of one resource user become a resource (fertilizer or food) for the others. Such a balanced ecosystem approach provides nutrient bioremediation capability, mutual benefits to the cocultured organisms, economic diversification by producing other value‐added marine crops, and increased profitability per cultivation unit for the aquaculture industry. Moreover, as guidelines and regulations on aquaculture effluents are forthcoming in several countries, using appropriately selected seaweeds as renewable biological nutrient scrubbers represents a cost‐effective means for reaching compliance by reducing the internalization of the total environmental costs. By adopting integrated polytrophic practices, the aquaculture industry should find increasing environmental, economic, and social acceptability and become a full and sustainable partner within the development of integrated coastal management frameworks.

Microbial lipids of an intertidal sediment—I. Fatty acids and hydrocarbons

1980-08-01

John K. Volkman , R.B. Johns , F.T. Gillan +2 more

Metabolic rates of epipelagic marine copepods as a function of body mass and temperature

2001-09-01

T. Ikeda , Yoshiaki Kanno , K. Ozaki +1 more

The Elementary Chemical Composition of Marine Organisms

1955-08-19

Carl L. Hubbs , A. P. Vinogradov , Julia Efron +2 more

Juvenile mortality in benthic marine invertebrates

1997-01-01

LA Gosselin , Pei‐Yuan Qian

MEPS Marine Ecology Progress Series Contact the journal Facebook Twitter RSS Mailing List Subscribe to our mailing list via Mailchimp HomeLatest VolumeAbout the JournalEditorsTheme Sections MEPS 146:265-282 (1997) - doi:10.3354/meps146265 … MEPS Marine Ecology Progress Series Contact the journal Facebook Twitter RSS Mailing List Subscribe to our mailing list via Mailchimp HomeLatest VolumeAbout the JournalEditorsTheme Sections MEPS 146:265-282 (1997) - doi:10.3354/meps146265 Juvenile mortality in benthic marine invertebrates Gosselin LA, Qian PY Thirty years ago, Thorson (1966; Neth J Sea Res 3:267-293) calculated that juvenile mortality in marine bivalves could exceed 98.6%. Subsequently, juvenile mortality rates have been assumed to be high and to influence the evolution of life history traits. However, there have been no attempts to establish whether high juvenile mortality is common or to determine if interspecific trends in juvenile mortality exist. To address this issue, we reviewed 30 studies of age-specific mortality among bivalves, gastropods, barnacles, ascidians, bryozoans and echinoderms. High juvenile mortality is widespread among benthic marine invertebrates, with 20 of the 30 studies reporting levels of juvenile mortality >90%. Mortality is particularly high during the first moments of juvenile life, and can exceed 30% during the first day. Pooling survivorship data from all species revealed a general trend, with survivorship decreasing exponentially during the first days or weeks of juvenile life until, by the age of 4 mo, virtually all cohorts were reduced to <20% of their initial numbers; mortality remained low thereafter. We suggest that extreme vulnerability at the onset of juvenile life is a shared trait that is largely responsible for the survivorship trend. Natural variation within this trend would be largely due to variation in intensity of mortality factors. Predation and desiccation are well-documented causes of juvenile mortality, but the current lack of data on factors such as ultraviolet radiation, diseases, and 'internal' causes (energy depletion, developmental and physiological defects) precludes a ranking of factors as selective pressures. Methods used to quantify juvenile mortality vary considerably in the level of resolution they can achieve within the early juvenile period. Studies of early juvenile mortality should ideally monitor the fate of individuals from the onset of juvenile life, using sampling intervals <=1 d. Mapping and imaging techniques can provide accurate results for sessile organisms, whereas mark and recapture can be effective for motile animals with limited dispersal. Early juvenile mortality has been shown to influence population abundance and distribution as well as community structure. Juvenile mortality is also expected to be an important determinant of age at maturity, but only among species maturing within 4 mo of postlarval life since mortality remains low after the age of 4 mo. A compilation of data on age at first reproduction in 92 species revealed a bimodal grouping of species: 22% of species maturing within 45 d after beginning juvenile life, and 60% maturing after at least 1 yr. The influence of juvenile mortality on age at maturity will differ substantially among these 2 groups and will therefore not be equal or directly comparable among all species. Given the magnitude of early juvenile mortality and the similarities in mortality patterns across diverse taxa and habitats, a better understanding of early juvenile mortality should help researchers to understand how population parameters are regulated and help elucidate the significance of traits that characterize populations and species. Mortality factors · Survivorship · Early juvenile · Selective pressures · Population parameters · Life history traits · Age at maturity Full text in pdf format PreviousNextExport citation RSS - Facebook - Tweet - linkedIn Cited by Published in MEPS Vol. 146. Publication date: January 30, 1997 Print ISSN:0171-8630; Online ISSN:1616-1599 Copyright © 1997 Inter-Research.

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Oxygen isotope fractionation between synthetic aragonite and water: Influence of temperature and Mg2+ concentration

2007-05-04

Sang‐Tae Kim , James R. O’Neil , Claude Hillaire‐Marcel +1 more

Introduction of Non-Native Oysters: Ecosystem Effects and Restoration Implications

2005-09-13

Jennifer L. Ruesink , Hunter S. Lenihan , Alan C. Trimble +4 more

▪ Abstract Oysters have been introduced worldwide to 73 countries, but the ecological consequences of the introductions are not fully understood. Economically, introduced oysters compose a majority of oyster harvests … ▪ Abstract Oysters have been introduced worldwide to 73 countries, but the ecological consequences of the introductions are not fully understood. Economically, introduced oysters compose a majority of oyster harvests in many areas. Oysters are ecosystem engineers that influence many ecological processes, such as maintenance of biodiversity, population and food web dynamics, and nutrient cycling. Consequently, both their loss, through interaction of overharvest, habitat degradation, disease, poor water quality, and detrimental species interactions, and their gain, through introductions, can cause complex changes in coastal ecosystems. Introductions can greatly enhance oyster population abundance and production, as well as populations of associated native species. However, introduced oysters are also vectors for non-native species, including disease-causing organisms. Thus, substantial population, community, and habitat changes have accompanied new oysters. In contrast, ecosystem-level consequences of oyster introductions, such as impacts on flow patterns, sediment and nutrient dynamics, and native bioengineering species, are not well understood. Ecological risk assessments for future introductions must emphasize probabilities of establishment, spread, and impacts on vulnerable species, communities, and ecosystem properties. Many characteristics of oysters lead to predictions that they would be successful, high-impact members of recipient ecosystems. This conclusion leaves open the discussion of whether such impacts are desirable in terms of restoration of coastal ecosystems, especially where restoration of native oysters is possible.

Oyster Reefs at Risk and Recommendations for Conservation, Restoration, and Management

2011-02-01

Michael W. Beck , Robert D. Brumbaugh , Laura Airoldi +7 more

Native oyster reefs once dominated many estuaries, ecologically and economically.Centuries of resource extraction exacerbated by coastal degradation have pushed oyster reefs to the brink of functional extinction worldwide.We examined the … Native oyster reefs once dominated many estuaries, ecologically and economically.Centuries of resource extraction exacerbated by coastal degradation have pushed oyster reefs to the brink of functional extinction worldwide.We examined the condition of oyster reefs across 144 bays and 44 ecoregions; our comparisons of past with present abundances indicate that more than 90% of them have been lost in bays (70%) and ecoregions (63%).In many bays, more than 99% of oyster reefs have been lost and are functionally extinct.Overall, we estimate that 85% of oyster reefs have been lost globally.Most of the world's remaining wild capture of native oysters (> 75%) comes from just five ecoregions in North America, yet the condition of reefs in these ecoregions is poor at best, except in the Gulf of Mexico.We identify many cost-effective solutions for conservation, restoration, and the management of fisheries and nonnative species that could reverse these oyster losses and restore reef ecosystem services.

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Larval experience and latent effects--metamorphosis is not a new beginning

2006-03-29

Jan A. Pechenik

For many years ecologists have documented the remarkable within-species variation inherent in natural systems-for example, variability in juvenile growth rates, mortality rates, fecundities, time to reproductive maturity, the outcomes of … For many years ecologists have documented the remarkable within-species variation inherent in natural systems-for example, variability in juvenile growth rates, mortality rates, fecundities, time to reproductive maturity, the outcomes of competitive interactions, and tolerance to pollutants. Over the past 20 years, it has become increasingly apparent that at least some of this variation may reflect differences in embryonic or larval experiences. Such experiences may include delayed metamorphosis, short term starvation, short term salinity stress, or exposure to sublethal concentrations of pollutants or sublethal levels of ultra violet irradiation. Latent effects-effects that have their origins in early development but that are first exhibited in juveniles or adults-have now been documented among gastropods, bivalves, echinoderms, polychaetes, crustaceans, bryozoans, urochordates, and vertebrates. The extent to which latent effects alter ecological outcomes in natural populations in the field, and the mechanisms through which they are mediated are largely unexplored.

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Ecosystem services related to oyster restoration

2007-01-01

L. D. Coen , R. Dan Brumbaugh , David Bushek +5 more

MEPS Marine Ecology Progress Series Contact the journal Facebook Twitter RSS Mailing List Subscribe to our mailing list via Mailchimp HomeLatest VolumeAbout the JournalEditorsTheme Sections MEPS 341:303-307 (2007) - doi:10.3354/meps341303 … MEPS Marine Ecology Progress Series Contact the journal Facebook Twitter RSS Mailing List Subscribe to our mailing list via Mailchimp HomeLatest VolumeAbout the JournalEditorsTheme Sections MEPS 341:303-307 (2007) - doi:10.3354/meps341303 Ecosystem services related to oyster restoration Loren D. Coen1,*, Robert D. Brumbaugh2,**, David Bushek3, Ray Grizzle4, Mark W. Luckenbach5, Martin H. Posey6, Sean P. Powers7, S. Gregory Tolley8 1South Carolina Department of Natural Resources, Marine Resources Research Institute, 217 Fort Johnson Road, Charleston, South Carolina 29412, USA 2The Nature Conservancy, University of Rhode Island, Narragansett Bay Campus, South Ferry Road, Narragansett, Rhode Island 02882-1197, USA 3Haskin Shellfish Research Laboratory, Rutgers University, 6959 Miller Avenue, Port Norris, New Jersey 08349, USA 4Jackson Estuarine Laboratory, University of New Hampshire, 85 Adams Point Road, Durham, New Hampshire 03824, USA 5Virginia Institute of Marine Sciences, College of William and Mary, PO Box 350, Wachapreague, Virginia 23480, USA 6Department of Biology and Marine Biology, University of North Carolina, 601 S. College Road, Wilmington, North Carolina 28403, USA 7Department of Marine Sciences, University of South Alabama, and Dauphin Island Sea Lab, 101 Bienville Blvd, Dauphin Island, Alabama 36528, USA 8Florida Gulf Coast University, Coastal Watershed Institute, 10501 FGCU Blvd South, Fort Myers, Florida 33965, USA *Email: [email protected]**Authors after Coen in alphabetical order ABSTRACT: The importance of restoring filter-feeders, such as the Eastern oyster Crassostrea virginica, to mitigate the effects of eutrophication (e.g. in Chesapeake Bay) is currently under debate. The argument that bivalve molluscs alone cannot control phytoplankton blooms and reduce hypoxia oversimplifies a more complex issue, namely that ecosystem engineering species make manifold contributions to ecosystem services. Although further discussion and research leading to a more complete understanding is required, oysters and other molluscs (e.g. mussels) in estuarine ecosystems provide services far beyond the mere top-down control of phytoplankton blooms, such as (1) seston filtration, (2) benthicpelagic coupling, (3) creation of refugia from predation, (4) creation of feeding habitat for juveniles and adults of mobile species, and for sessile stages of species that attach to molluscan shells, and (5) provision of nesting habitat. KEY WORDS: Crassostrea virginica · Restoration · Chesapeake Bay · Filter-feeders · Water quality · Ecosystem services Full text in pdf format PreviousExport citation RSS - Facebook - Tweet - linkedIn Cited by Published in MEPS Vol. 341. Online publication date: July 04, 2007 Print ISSN: 0171-8630; Online ISSN: 1616-1599 Copyright © 2007 Inter-Research.

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Sulfate-Reducing Bacteria: Principal Methylators of Mercury in Anoxic Estuarine Sediment

1985-08-01

Geoffrey C. Compeau , Richárd Bartha

Substrate-electron acceptor combinations and specific metabolic inhibitors were applied to anoxic saltmarsh sediment spiked with mercuric ions (Hg 2+ ) in an effort to identify, by a direct approach, the … Substrate-electron acceptor combinations and specific metabolic inhibitors were applied to anoxic saltmarsh sediment spiked with mercuric ions (Hg 2+ ) in an effort to identify, by a direct approach, the microorganisms responsible for the synthesis of hazardous monomethylmercury. 2-Bromoethane sulfonate (30 mM), a specific inhibitor of methanogens, increased monomethylmercury synthesis, whereas sodium molybdate (20 mM), a specific inhibitor of sulfate reducers, decreased Hg 2+ methylation by more than 95%. Anaerobic enrichment and isolation procedures yielded a Desulfovibrio desulfuricans culture that vigorously methylated Hg 2+ in culture solution and also in samples of presterilized sediment. The Hg 2+ methylation activity of sulfate reducers is fully expressed only when sulfate is limiting and fermentable organic substrates are available. To date, sulfate reducers have not been suspected of Hg 2+ methylation. Identification of these bacteria as the principal methylators of Hg 2+ in anoxic sediments raises questions about the environmental relevance of previous pure culture-based methylation work.

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Ecological engineering in aquaculture — Potential for integrated multi-trophic aquaculture (IMTA) in marine offshore systems

2009-09-19

Max Troell , Alyssa Joyce , Thierry Chopin +3 more

Separating the grain from the chaff: particle selection in suspension- and deposit-feeding bivalves

2004-03-01

J. Evan Ward , Sandra E. Shumway

Infectious Diseases Affect Marine Fisheries and Aquaculture Economics

2014-09-24

Kevin D. Lafferty , C. Drew Harvell , Jon M. Conrad +6 more

Seafood is a growing part of the economy, but its economic value is diminished by marine diseases. Infectious diseases are common in the ocean, and here we tabulate 67 examples … Seafood is a growing part of the economy, but its economic value is diminished by marine diseases. Infectious diseases are common in the ocean, and here we tabulate 67 examples that can reduce commercial species' growth and survivorship or decrease seafood quality. These impacts seem most problematic in the stressful and crowded conditions of aquaculture, which increasingly dominates seafood production as wild fishery production plateaus. For instance, marine diseases of farmed oysters, shrimp, abalone, and various fishes, particularly Atlantic salmon, cost billions of dollars each year. In comparison, it is often difficult to accurately estimate disease impacts on wild populations, especially those of pelagic and subtidal species. Farmed species often receive infectious diseases from wild species and can, in turn, export infectious agents to wild species. However, the impact of disease export on wild fisheries is controversial because there are few quantitative data demonstrating that wild species near farms suffer more from infectious diseases than those in other areas. The movement of exotic infectious agents to new areas continues to be the greatest concern.

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Circulation in the Mediterranean Sea

2005-01-01

Claude Millot , Isabelle Taupier‐Letage

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Culture of Marine Invertebrate Animals

1975-01-01

Walter L. Smith , Matoira H. Chanley

Chemosynthetic symbionts of marine invertebrate animals are capable of nitrogen fixation

2016-10-24

Jillian M. Petersen , Anna Kemper , Harald R. Gruber‐Vodicka +7 more

Chemosynthetic symbioses are partnerships between invertebrate animals and chemosynthetic bacteria. The latter are the primary producers, providing most of the organic carbon needed for the animal host's nutrition. We sequenced … Chemosynthetic symbioses are partnerships between invertebrate animals and chemosynthetic bacteria. The latter are the primary producers, providing most of the organic carbon needed for the animal host's nutrition. We sequenced genomes of the chemosynthetic symbionts from the lucinid bivalve Loripes lucinalis and the stilbonematid nematode Laxus oneistus. The symbionts of both host species encoded nitrogen fixation genes. This is remarkable as no marine chemosynthetic symbiont was previously known to be capable of nitrogen fixation. We detected nitrogenase expression by the symbionts of lucinid clams at the transcriptomic and proteomic level. Mean stable nitrogen isotope values of Loripes lucinalis were within the range expected for fixed atmospheric nitrogen, further suggesting active nitrogen fixation by the symbionts. The ability to fix nitrogen may be widespread among chemosynthetic symbioses in oligotrophic habitats, where nitrogen availability often limits primary productivity.

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Marine mussels: Their ecology and physiology

1977-05-01

S.J. de Groot

Advances in Marine Biology

1970-10-01

E. Naylor , F. S. Russell , Maurice Yonge

Advances in Marine Biology

2011-01-01

Studies on dissimilatory sulfate-reducing bacteria that decompose fatty acids

1981-07-01

Friedrich Widdel , Norbert Pfennig

The future of food from the sea

2020-08-19

Christopher Costello , Ling Cao , Stefan Gelcich +7 more

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Physiology of Mollusca

1964-01-01

Karl M. Wilbur , C. M. Yonge

Conservation of resources: A new attempt at conceptualizing stress.

1989-01-01

Stevan E. Hobfoll

Identifying Marine Phytoplankton

1997-01-01

The mussel, mytilus: Ecology, Physiology, genetics and culture

1993-06-01

Elizabeth Gosling

Physiological Energetics of Marine Molluscs

1983-01-01

B. L. Bayne , R. C. Newell

Performance Evaluation of a CO₂ Degassing Column Using Different Packing Media in Seawater Recirculating Aquaculture Systems

2025-06-25

Deokgyu KIM , Youhee KIM , Seongdeok Park +2 more | Journal of Fisheries and Marine Sciences Education

The impact of marine heatwaves and hypoxia on behavior and physiology of Manila clam Ruditapes philippinarum

2025-06-24

Yi Liu , Jeffrey S. Ren , Xinmeng Wang +3 more | Marine Pollution Bulletin

Experimental study on internal force between the floater and bag of a square closed flexible fish cage in regular waves

2025-06-24

Kangnian Wang , Yunzhou Han , Shenyi Bai +2 more | Ocean Engineering

Sustainable Aquaculture

2025-06-24

Sneha Siwach , Apoorva , Meenu Chaurasia +7 more | CRC Press eBooks

Isolation, identification, and pathogenicity of <i>Pseudoalteromonas aliena</i> associated with oyster disease outbreaks in summer

2025-06-23

Shuyi Mu , Jiejie Sun , Lei Gao +7 more | Microbiology Spectrum

With the continuous expansion of oyster farming scale, disease has become one of the main obstacles to restricting the development of oyster farming. In the present study, 20 bacterial strains … With the continuous expansion of oyster farming scale, disease has become one of the main obstacles to restricting the development of oyster farming. In the present study, 20 bacterial strains were identified from Crassostrea gigas with pustulosis, among which Pseudoalteromonas aliena emerged as the predominant strain, characterized by its rod-shaped morphology and possession of flagella. P. aliena exhibited α-hemolytic activity at 28°C and displayed high susceptibility to all 20 chemotherapeutic agents tested. After P. aliena infection, the oyster mortality rate increased. The gills were swollen and eroded, and the mantle was green with pustules after P. aliena infection. The gill filaments exhibited swelling and necrotic cells, and the mantle showed a loose histological structure with cavities and disruption of epithelial cells. The extracellular products (ECPs) from P. aliena had urease, protease, and amylase activities. The potential virulence proteins identified from ECPs were GroL, ClpB, and HtpG proteins. After injection with ECPs, there was an increase in the oyster mortality rate, and the observed symptoms in gill filaments and mantle were consistent with those observed after P. aliena infection. In addition, the mRNA expressions of inflammation- and programmed cell death-related genes were significantly upregulated in gills and mantle. The relative abundances of Vibrio, Arcobacter, and Pseudoalteromonas also exhibited a significant increase in the gills and mantle. The results demonstrated that P. aliena was the pathogenic bacterium for oysters, and its pathogenicity mechanism was systematically clarified, which provided valuable insights for the prevention and control of bacterial disease in oysters.IMPORTANCEDisease has currently emerged as one of the principal impediments to restricting the development of the oyster breeding industry. In the present study, Pseudoalteromonas aliena was identified from Crassostrea gigas with pustulosis. After P. aliena infection, the oyster mortality rate increased. The gills were swollen and eroded, and the mantle was green with pustules. Extracellular products (ECPs) from P. aliena had urease, protease, and amylase activities. The potential virulence proteins identified from ECPs were GroL, ClpB, and HtpG proteins. After injection with ECPs, the oyster mortality rate increased. The mRNA expressions of inflammation- and programmed cell death-related genes in gills and mantle increased significantly, and the relative abundances of Vibrio, Arcobacter, and Pseudoalteromonas exhibited a significant increase after P. aliena infection. The results demonstrated that P. aliena was the pathogenic bacterium for oysters, and its pathogenicity mechanism was systematically clarified, which provided valuable insights for the prevention and control of bacterial disease in oysters.

Rapid appraisal of brackishwater aquaculture (Rap-BWAC) for assessing sustainable development of brackishwater aquaculture in coastal areas

2025-06-20

Tamrin Tamrin , Joshian N. W. Schaduw , Adnan S. Wantasen +2 more | Ocean & Coastal Management

First report of mass mortality event caused by Eomarteilia granula in Manila clam Ruditapes philippinarum reared in subtidal and bottom cages on the south coast of Korea

2025-06-20

Hyemi Lee , Hyun-Sil Kang , Nobuhisa Kajino +3 more | Estuarine Coastal and Shelf Science

Scared strong: using predator cues to bolster shellfish restoration

2025-06-19

C.S. Russell , Benjamin A. Belgrad , Delbert L. Smee | Restoration Ecology

Oysters, Crassostrea virginica , are economically and ecologically valuable but have severely declined, and restoration is needed. As with the restoration and aquaculture of many shellfish species, restored oyster reefs … Oysters, Crassostrea virginica , are economically and ecologically valuable but have severely declined, and restoration is needed. As with the restoration and aquaculture of many shellfish species, restored oyster reefs are often impeded by predation losses, reducing restoration success and restricting locations where restored reefs are viable. Like many organisms, shellfish can modify their morphology to reduce predation risk by detecting and responding to chemical signals emanating from predators and injured prey. Oysters grow heavier, stronger shells in response to predation risk cues, which improves their survival. We tested if using predator cues to trigger shell hardening in oysters could be performed over a scale suitable for oyster reef restoration and improve oyster survival long‐term. We constructed an intertidal oyster reef using oysters grown in a nursery for 4 weeks while exposed to either exudates from Blue crab ( Callinectes sapidus ) predators or grown in controls without predator cues. Oysters grown with predators were 65% harder than those grown in controls, and after 1 year in the field, had a 60% increase in survival. Predation losses on the restored reef were significant, and the benefit of predator induction for survival was highest at intermediate tidal elevations, presumably due to intermediate levels of predation and abiotic stress. Our results suggest that manipulating the morphology of cultivated or restored species can be an effective tool to improve survival in habitats where consumers impede restoration success.

Numerical investigation of pre-tension effects in mooring systems on global responses of gravity-type fish farms

2025-06-18

Xueliang Wen , Andrè Gjerde , Muk Chen Ong | Ocean Engineering

Brachiopod shells as archives of seasonality: insights from growth lines, microstructure, δ13C and δ18O values in Calloria inconspicua

2025-06-18

Claudio Garbelli , Miles D. Lamare , Elizabeth M. Harper | Marine Biology

Local Adaptation and Transcriptomic Plasticity of the Copepod<i>Acartia tonsa</i>Under Low Salinity Stress

2025-06-17

Alexandra Hahn , Jennifer C. Nascimento‐Schulze , Georgia Avgerinou +2 more | bioRxiv (Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory)

Abstract Salinity—an essential factor shaping marine species distributions—is rapidly shifting due to global change, yet the mechanisms of salinity tolerance and adaptation remain poorly understood. We investigated local adaptation in … Abstract Salinity—an essential factor shaping marine species distributions—is rapidly shifting due to global change, yet the mechanisms of salinity tolerance and adaptation remain poorly understood. We investigated local adaptation in the calanoid copepod Acartia tonsa , a broadly distributed marine species that thrives in the brackish Baltic Sea. Using a common-garden design, we compared physiological and transcriptomic responses to low salinity between populations from the North Sea (>25 PSU) and the Baltic Sea (<15 PSU). Baltic copepods exhibited significantly higher survival under low salinity, indicating local adaptation. While both populations shared a core osmoregulatory strategy involving active ion transport and regulation of amino acids, transcriptomic profiles revealed population-specific differences. Baltic individuals showed a reduced overall gene expression response, yet maintained higher relative expression of osmoregulatory genes—suggesting higher plasticity and a primed response. In contrast, North Sea copepods exhibited broader transcriptional shifts, including downregulation of metabolic and developmental pathways after prolonged stress exposure, possibly reflecting energy conservation mechanisms. These findings reveal that A. tonsa possesses both a plastic osmoregulatory strategy and population-level adaptation that enable survival in extreme salinity conditions. While both populations tolerate short-term exposure to low salinity, local adaptation has enhanced the Baltic population’s resilience. This suggests that A. tonsa is broadly tolerant of moderate climate-driven salinity declines across most of its distribution. However, our data also indicate potential range contractions in the lowest salinity zones of the Baltic Sea, underscoring the importance of identifying physiological and genetic thresholds in climate resilience studies.

Disentangling the role of chromosome inversions in the structure of flat oyster (Ostrea edulis): origin, adaptation and phylogeography

2025-06-17

Inés M. Sambade , Vivian Hlordzi , Andrés Blanco +6 more | bioRxiv (Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory)

Chromosomal inversions are large-scale structural variants that disrupt recombination and contribute to population differentiation and local adaptation. In this study, we characterized the genomic features, frequency, and evolutionary significance of … Chromosomal inversions are large-scale structural variants that disrupt recombination and contribute to population differentiation and local adaptation. In this study, we characterized the genomic features, frequency, and evolutionary significance of chromosomal inversions in the European flat oyster (Ostrea edulis), a species of ecological and commercial relevance. Using a low-density SNP array (~5K), we obtained confident genotyping data across the native European distribution of the species. The breakpoints of the inversions at chromosome (C) 2, C5 and C8, spanning 27, 7 and 35 Mb, respectively, were precisely mapped by combining linkage disequilibrium in a large sample and long-read sequencing. This enabled us to identify the SNPs and genes within the inversions for comparative population genomics and functional evaluation. A north to south cline was observed for the three inversions, although with low-moderate correlation between them. Strong signals for divergent selection were detected for the three inversions, although with specific profiles suggestive of adaptive peaks around highly divergent SNPs across the inversion length. The three inversions seem to be old considering genetic diversity and differentiation between arrangements. Phylogeographic events and adaptation to the current environment seem underlying the structural pattern observed. Gene content and enrichment analyses within inversions suggest that these polymorphisms may play a role in the immune system and response to different stressors including parasite resistance. Our results provide new insights into the genomic architecture of adaptation in O. edulis and highlight the potential of structural variants as targets for conservation and selective breeding.

Terrigenous inputs link nutrient dynamics to microbial communities in a tropical lagoon

2025-06-17

Christian John , Nyssa J. Silbiger , Thomas C. Adam +7 more | bioRxiv (Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory)

Nutrient availability drives community structure and ecosystem processes, especially in tropical lagoons that are typically oligotrophic but often receive allochthonous inputs from land. Terrestrially-derived nutrients are introduced to tropical lagoons … Nutrient availability drives community structure and ecosystem processes, especially in tropical lagoons that are typically oligotrophic but often receive allochthonous inputs from land. Terrestrially-derived nutrients are introduced to tropical lagoons by surface runoff and submarine groundwater discharge, which are influenced by seasonal precipitation. Lagoon habitats are distributed along an onshore-offshore gradient; terrigenous inputs presumably diminish along the same continuum. We characterized nutrient enrichment in the lagoons of a tropical high island, Moorea, French Polynesia, using spatially distributed measurements of nitrogen content in the tissues of a widespread macroalga during the rainy season over four years. We used synoptic water column sampling to identify associations among macroalgal nutrient content and the composition of inorganic macronutrients, dissolved organic matter, and microbial communities. We paired these data with quantifications of land use in nearby watersheds to uncover links between terrestrial factors, aquatic chemistry, and microbial communities. Algal N content was highest near shore and near large, human-impacted watersheds, and lower at offshore sites. Sites with high algal N had water columns with high nitrite + nitrate, silicate, and increased humic organic matter (based on a fluorescence humification index), especially following rain. Microbial communities were differentiated among nearshore habitats and covaried with algal N and water chemistry, supporting the hypothesis that terrigenous nutrient enrichment shapes microbial dynamics in otherwise oligotrophic tropical lagoons. This study reveals that land-sea connections create nutrient subsidies that are important for lagoon biogeochemistry and microbiology, indicating that changes in land use or precipitation will modify ecosystem processes in tropical lagoons.

Effects of Perkinsus olseni parasitism and environmental conditions on the gonad maturation and reproductive effort of female Manila clam (Ruditapes philippinarum) on the west and south coasts of Korea

2025-06-14

Thatchaneshkanth Subramaniam , Hyun-Ki Hong , Kyung-Il Park +2 more | Journal of Invertebrate Pathology

Eastern oysters alter inducible defense mechanism of shell strengthening with age

2025-06-13

Sarah H. Roney , Gary H. Dickinson , Benjamin A. Belgrad +1 more | Journal of Experimental Biology

Eastern oysters, Crassostrea virginica, use inducible defenses in the form of strengthened shells to reduce their risk of predation. Inducible defenses often have trade-offs between the costs and benefits associated … Eastern oysters, Crassostrea virginica, use inducible defenses in the form of strengthened shells to reduce their risk of predation. Inducible defenses often have trade-offs between the costs and benefits associated with the organism's fitness, since developing defenses requires energetic resources. Shell strength is a product of the amount of material laid by the animal (thickness) and the material properties of the shell (e.g. hardness and fracture resistance). Previous studies have suggested that oysters may trade-off between shell thickness or shell hardness as a mechanism for increasing shell strength against predation, which are hypothesized to have different energetic requirements. The current study analyzed the shell structural (thickness of composite layers) and micromechanical properties (microhardness and crack propagation tested within individual shell layers) of predator-induced and non-induced juvenile oysters at 4 and 8 weeks post settlement to determine which shell strengthening mechanism oysters use in response to predator cues. Younger juveniles did not display any significant differences in micromechanical shell properties or shell thickness as a result of induction, though some marginal differences were detected. In contrast, older juveniles use a combination of increased hardness and thickness in shell defense, where induced oysters were 33% thicker overall and 12% harder within their outer prismatic layer. This suggests that oysters alter shell strength using multiple defense mechanisms depending on age, and we postulate that animals switch mechanisms when necessary to balance the advantages and associated costs of defense with an individual's physiological needs for growth.

Different responses of the TGF-β superfamily genes in the warm-water noble scallop Chlamys nobilis to acute and chronic low temperature stress

2025-06-13

Shitong Liu , Dewei Cheng , Meizhen Chen +7 more | Aquaculture

Species diversity of oysters (Mollusca, Bivalvia) in the intertidal zone of Hainan Island revealed by DNA barcoding analysis

2025-06-13

Xin Heng , Fengping Li , Dizhi Xie +3 more | ZooKeys

The family Ostreidae (Mollusca, Bivalvia) is an important component of marine ecosystems. The unique location and marine environment of Hainan Island provide diverse habitats for oysters. However, in recent years, … The family Ostreidae (Mollusca, Bivalvia) is an important component of marine ecosystems. The unique location and marine environment of Hainan Island provide diverse habitats for oysters. However, in recent years, oyster resources of Hainan Island have been under severe threats due to environmental pollution and habitat destruction. To better protect and utilize these biological resources, this study conducted systematic identification of naturally distributed oysters on Hainan Island using DNA barcoding technology. The results revealed the presence of 17 lineages, belonging to 14 species of oysters. The interspecies genetic distances for the COI gene sequences ranged from 10.09% to 31.72%, with notable DNA barcode gaps observed between intra- and interspecies. Additionally, the interspecies genetic distances for the 28S rRNA gene sequences varied between 0.24% and 14.03%. The DNA barcoding analysis indicated the existence of cryptic lineages within Saccostrea cuccullata (Born, 1778). Furthermore, the study highlighted that Saccostrea malabonensis (Faustino, 1932) is the most prevalent and dominant species along the Hainan Island coastline, attributed to its ability to adapt to a wide range of salinity levels. When comparing the species diversity of oysters between the western and eastern coasts of Hainan Island, it was found to be higher on the western coast. This disparity is likely influenced by geographical factors and human activities. Specifically, the western coast, situated in the Beibu Gulf, benefits from relatively stable water quality and numerous river inflows, providing abundant phytoplankton and optimal growth conditions for oyster larvae. Conversely, the eastern coast experiences frequent human activities, such as aquaculture and tourism, which may contribute to the decline in species diversity in this region. Overall, this study enhances our understanding of the species diversity of oysters on Hainan Island and provides scientific evidence that is crucial for the development, protection, and sustainable utilization of these valuable oyster resources.

Variation in environmental characteristics of waters among oyster and mussel culture areas in Pilar Bay, Capiz

2025-06-13

Stephanie S. Pimentel , Efren L. Linan , Raesa Mae B. Matias | Marine and Fishery Sciences (MAFIS)

This study assessed the ongoing environmental suitability and zonation of oyster (Crassostrea iredalei) and mussel (Perna viridis) culture areas within Pilar Bay, Capiz, with the aim of identifying optimal areas … This study assessed the ongoing environmental suitability and zonation of oyster (Crassostrea iredalei) and mussel (Perna viridis) culture areas within Pilar Bay, Capiz, with the aim of identifying optimal areas for continued or potential expansion of shellfish farming. The study was conducted in the municipalities surrounding Pilar Bay. In situ measurements of physicochemical parameters, including temperature, salinity, dissolved oxygen (DO), pH, oxidation-reduction potential (ORP), and conductivity, were conducted monthly across seven sampling sites from January to December 2023. Data were analyzed statistically using SPSS, and a geotagged map of the oyster and mussel culture areas was generated. Results showed significant differences in physicochemical parameters across months and sites, except for dissolved oxygen and salinity. Variations in environmental characteristics were attributed to freshwater influx from frequent precipitation, flooding, and tidal fluctuations. Water quality evaluation revealed that all sites station were capable and moderately suitable for oyster culture, except Pinamihagan (sites 1 and 2), which were categorized as poor. For mussel culture, Buntod (Site 1) emerged as the most suitable site, rated as excellent.

Research on the Impact of Resource Availability: A Case Study of Lamprey

2025-06-12

Huachang Liang , Caihua Qiu , Qingqing Huang +2 more | International Journal of Biology and Life Sciences

The changes in resource availability significantly affect the development of one's own population. This article aims to study the availability of lamprey resources, which affects the reproductive success rate and … The changes in resource availability significantly affect the development of one's own population. This article aims to study the availability of lamprey resources, which affects the reproductive success rate and sex ratio of lamprey, and further affects the lamprey population, other populations, and even the entire ecosystem. In order to achieve our research objectives, we used a reproductive success model and a resource utilization efficiency model to simulate the population density changes of lampreys under different resource conditions, and analyzed the specific impact of resource availability on population density, other species diversity, and ecosystem stability.

Multi‐dimensional tolerance to low temperature for high‐latitude invasion success by the rapidly expanding golden mussel

2025-06-12

Miaolian Zhang , Shiguo Li , Hualong Wang +3 more | Journal of Animal Ecology

Abstract Many invasive species are capable of rapidly advancing invasion forefronts, often into areas with challenging or extreme environmental conditions. Understanding the mechanisms driving these invasions is essential for predicting … Abstract Many invasive species are capable of rapidly advancing invasion forefronts, often into areas with challenging or extreme environmental conditions. Understanding the mechanisms driving these invasions is essential for predicting their future spread and developing effective conservation strategies. A notable example is the recent range expansion of the golden mussel ( Limnoperna fortunei ) from low‐ to high‐latitude regions, which poses significant threats to the integrity of global freshwater ecosystems and socio‐economic sustainability. Successful invaders often utilize a variety of physiological, behavioural and ecological strategies to survive and thrive in harsh environments. To investigate the multi‐dimensional mechanisms underlying low‐temperature tolerance for high‐latitude invasion success, we collected golden mussels from their northernmost invasive range. The mussels were exposed to a control temperature of 25°C and low temperatures of 15°C and 5°C. We conducted multi‐level analyses, including behavioural (survival and valve activity), morphological (filament ultrastructure), biochemical (enzyme content) and molecular (transcriptome and metabolome) changes in the gill, a key organ involved in low‐temperature response. We observed low mortality rates (<30%) across all stressed groups, indicating the golden mussel's tolerance to low temperatures. Upon initial exposure, the golden mussels significantly reduced their valve‐opening rate, effectively blocking cold water outside their bodies. Microscopic observations and staining analyses revealed significant changes in the gill filaments, including alterations in cilia, filament cells and junction distances, suggesting functional morphological adjustments following the behavioural response of valve closure. The energy conserved through these morphological changes, along with actively generated energy, was utilized to enhance tolerance at the biochemical and molecular levels. This energy‐intensive tolerance mechanism involved apoptosis inhibition, membrane fluidity enhancement, improved antioxidant capacity and elevated immune regulation, as evidenced by enzyme assays and integrated transcriptomic and metabolomic analyses. These adjustments interacted and coordinated, demonstrating highly systematic and complementary responses to the low temperature stress. Our study elucidates the multi‐dimensional mechanisms employed by golden mussels to cope with extreme temperature conditions in high‐latitude regions, highlighting the integrated strategies that facilitate their survival in harsh environments. These findings offer valuable insights for developing management strategies for regions characterized by extreme environmental conditions for invasive species.

Integrated management of aquaculture systems: A literature overview for application to the context of the Gulf of Nicoya, Costa Rica

2025-06-12

Robles-Herrera A.E , Ángel Herrera-Ulloa , Rudi Radrigan +2 more | Integrated Environmental Assessment and Management

Abstract The concept of integrated management emerged in the 1980s and was adopted by the United Nations Programme within Agenda 21, with a strong connection to the ecosystem-based approach. Both … Abstract The concept of integrated management emerged in the 1980s and was adopted by the United Nations Programme within Agenda 21, with a strong connection to the ecosystem-based approach. Both integrated coastal management and integrated agriculture management derive from this model and are adapted to different contexts and uses, including planning, decision-making and efficient production. The blue economy model leverages integrated management in aquaculture and fishing. In Costa Rica’s Gulf of Nicoya, this model is promoted for application to aquaculture. This paper gives an overview of integrated aquaculture management practices around the world. For this, we applied a meta-analysis using a bibliometric methodology. The review reveals that most of the experiences are from East and South Asia and Europe, with China being the primary proponent. The practices found are related to production management practices and integrated coastal management. A large number of documents are associated with the ecosystem-based approach. The research is related not only to the principal commercial species but also to alternative species like octopus, sponges and algae. The practices found in the documents reviewed can be classified as either ecosystem management, production maximisation, technology, integrated multi-sector or spatial planning. Turning an eye to Costa Rica, the conditions explored reveal a lack of information about aquaculture management, in addition to a complex administrative and legal framework. Therefore, it is necessary to study aquaculture management to make an integrated aquaculture management proposal. The global practices establish a base platform for the theoretical underpinning of an eventual proposal for the Gulf of Nicoya, Costa Rica.

Transitory protonephridia during nephrogenesis in Mytilus (Mollusca, Bivalvia)

2025-06-11

Bernhard Ruthensteiner , Natalie Baeumler , Gerhard Haszprunar | Zoomorphology

Traits and metabolic constraints affect marine animal forest structure

2025-06-05

Mark P. Johnson , Jessica Alfenas Ferreira | Mediterranean Marine Science

The term marine animal forests (MAFs) describes a diverse range of 3-dimensional habitats dominated by benthic suspension feeders. The ecosystem functions of MAFs are broadly understood, but an overall framework … The term marine animal forests (MAFs) describes a diverse range of 3-dimensional habitats dominated by benthic suspension feeders. The ecosystem functions of MAFs are broadly understood, but an overall framework remains to be developed. We present an equation that generalizes the relationships among species’ height, depth of occurrence and mean water temperature in terms of the metabolic theory of ecology (MTE). The applicability of the equation to field observations collated from the literature (n = 284) was tested using a multiple regression of colony density (log of numbers m-2) against transformed depth, height and temperature as predictors. Morphology was also examined both as a factor and when interacting with the effect of colony height. The model explained 39.7% of the variability in colony density with significant effects of morphology and height. Colony density decreased with taller individuals (slope -0.760, SE 0.1677). Typical mass-height scaling in MAF species suggests that the observed slope is less than the slope that would be predicted by the MTE. A detailed evaluation requires further estimates of metabolic rates in MAF species. Some morphologies, particularly planar and bushy sea rods, reach higher colony densities than expected for their size. These morphologies have been associated with environments where food supply may be higher due to currents or turbidity. Morphology-environment associations may therefore allow traits to be incorporated into an overall description of MAF ecosystems. With further improvements in observations of both colony density and metabolic scaling with size, a comprehensive description of energy flow in MAFs could be possible.