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Fariñas-Franco JM, Cook RL, Gell FR, Harries DB, Hirst N, Kent F, MacPherson R, Moore C, Mair JM, Porter JS, Sanderson WG. Are we there yet? Management baselines and biodiversity indicators for the protection and restoration of subtidal bivalve shellfish habitats. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 863:161001. [PMID: 36539096 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.161001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2022] [Revised: 12/08/2022] [Accepted: 12/13/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Biodiversity loss and degradation of natural habitats is increasing at an unprecedented rate. Of all marine habitats, biogenic reefs created by once-widespread shellfish, are now one of the most imperilled, and globally scarce. Conservation managers seek to protect and restore these habitats, but suitable baselines and indicators are required, and detailed scientific accounts are rare and inconsistent. In the present study the biodiversity of a model subtidal habitat, formed by the keystone horse mussel Modiolus modiolus (L.), was analysed across its Northeast Atlantic biogeographical range. Consistent samples of 'clumped' mussels were collected at 16 locations, covering a wide range of environmental conditions. Analysis of the associated macroscopic biota showed high biodiversity across all sites, cumulatively hosting 924 marine macroinvertebrate and algal taxa. There was a rapid increase in macroinvertebrate biodiversity (H') and community evenness (J) between 2 and 10 mussels per clump, reaching an asymptote at mussel densities of 10 per clump. Diversity declined at more northern latitudes, with depth and in coarser substrata with the fastest tidal flows. Diversity metrics corrected for species abundance were generally high across the habitats sampled, with significant latitudinal variability caused by current, depth and substrate type. Faunal community composition varied significantly between most sites and was difficult to assign to a 'typical' M. modiolus assemblage, being significantly influenced by regional environmental conditions, including the presence of algal turfs. Within the context of the rapid global increase in protection and restoration of bivalve shellfish habitats, site and density-specific values of diversity are probably the best targets for conservation management and upon which to base monitoring programmes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jose M Fariñas-Franco
- Institute of Life and Earth Sciences, Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh, Scotland EH14 4AS, UK; Marine and Freshwater Research Centre and Department of Natural Resource and the Environment, School of Science and Computing, Atlantic Technological University, Old Dublin Road, Galway H91 T8NW, Ireland.
| | - Robert L Cook
- Institute of Life and Earth Sciences, Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh, Scotland EH14 4AS, UK
| | - Fiona R Gell
- Fisheries Directorate, Department of Environment Food and Agriculture, Isle of Man Government, St John's, Isle of Man
| | - Dan B Harries
- Institute of Life and Earth Sciences, Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh, Scotland EH14 4AS, UK
| | - Natalie Hirst
- Institute of Life and Earth Sciences, Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh, Scotland EH14 4AS, UK
| | - Flora Kent
- Institute of Life and Earth Sciences, Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh, Scotland EH14 4AS, UK; Scottish Natural Heritage, Silvan House, 231 Corstorphine Rd, Edinburgh EH12 7AT, UK
| | - Rebecca MacPherson
- Institute of Life and Earth Sciences, Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh, Scotland EH14 4AS, UK
| | - Colin Moore
- Institute of Life and Earth Sciences, Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh, Scotland EH14 4AS, UK
| | - James M Mair
- Institute of Life and Earth Sciences, Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh, Scotland EH14 4AS, UK
| | - Joanne S Porter
- International Centre for Island Technology, Heriot-Watt University, Franklin Road, Stromness, Orkney KW16 3AN, UK
| | - William G Sanderson
- Institute of Life and Earth Sciences, Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh, Scotland EH14 4AS, UK
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2
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Janiga M, Janiga M. Different accumulation of some elements in the fry and adults of alpine bullheads (Cottus poecilopus). ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2023; 30:44724-44732. [PMID: 36696058 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-023-25460-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2022] [Accepted: 01/17/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Skulls of alpine bullhead sampled from the Javorinka stream in the Tatra Mountains, West Carpathians, were analyzed to determine concentrations of S, Cl, K, Ca, P, Rb, Zn, Mn, Mb, Fe, Ti, Sn, Co, Ni, Cu, As, Se, Pb, Sb, Ba, Hg, Cr, Ag, and Cd. The stage of development is the most influential factor determining element concentrations in the sampled bullhead, as fry were more polluted than adult fish. The different diets consumed by fry and adult bullhead plays a key role in the accumulation of chemical elements in their bodies. Young bullheads live in small natural embankments containing higher levels of a mixture of sedimentary minerals and microorganisms than in running water. Thus, newly hatched bullheads may serve as excellent indicators of water quality in mountain creeks or streams, as they can indicate the higher pollution of water or prey in their habitats (small bays with sandy bottoms) when compared to the preferred habitat of adult individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Janiga
- Institute of High Mountain Biology, University of Žilina, Tatranská Javorina 7, 059 56, Tatranská Javorina, Slovakia.
| | - Marián Janiga
- Institute of High Mountain Biology, University of Žilina, Tatranská Javorina 7, 059 56, Tatranská Javorina, Slovakia
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3
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Hodapp D, Armonies W, Dannheim J, Downing JA, Filstrup CT, Hillebrand H. Individual species and site dynamics are the main drivers of spatial scaling of stability in aquatic communities. Front Ecol Evol 2023. [DOI: 10.3389/fevo.2023.864534] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
IntroductionAny measure of ecological stability scales with the spatial and temporal extent of the data on which it is based. The magnitude of stabilization effects at increasing spatial scale is determined by the degree of synchrony between local and regional species populations.MethodsWe applied two recently developed approaches to quantify these stabilizing effects to time series records from three aquatic monitoring data sets differing in environmental context and organism type.Results and DiscussionWe found that the amount and general patterns of stabilization with increasing spatial scale only varied slightly across the investigated species groups and systems. In all three data sets, the relative contribution of stabilizing effects via asynchronous dynamics across space was higher than compensatory dynamics due to differences in biomass fluctuations across species and populations. When relating the stabilizing effects of individual species and sites to species and site-specific characteristics as well as community composition and aspects of spatial biomass distribution patterns, however, we found that the effects of single species and sites showed large differences and were highly context dependent, i.e., dominant species can but did not necessarily have highly stabilizing or destabilizing effects on overall community biomass. The sign and magnitude of individual contributions depended on community structure and the spatial distribution of biomass and species in space. Our study therefore provides new insights into the mechanistic understanding of ecological stability patterns across scales in natural species communities.
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4
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Coolen JWP, Vanaverbeke J, Dannheim J, Garcia C, Birchenough SNR, Krone R, Beermann J. Generalized changes of benthic communities after construction of wind farms in the southern North Sea. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2022; 315:115173. [PMID: 35526396 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2022.115173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2021] [Revised: 04/11/2022] [Accepted: 04/23/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Over the last years, the development of offshore renewable energy installations such as offshore wind farms led to an increasing number of man-made structures in marine environments. Since 2009, benthic impact monitoring programs were carried out in wind farms installed in the southern North Sea. We collated and analyzed data sets from three major monitoring programs. Our analysis considered a total of 2849 sampling points converted to a set of biodiversity response metrics. We analyzed biodiversity changes related to the implementation of offshore wind farms and generalized the correlation of these changes with spatial and temporal patterns. Our results demonstrate that depth, season and distance to structure (soft-bottom community) consistently determined diversity indicators and abundance parameters, whereas the age and the country affiliation were significantly related to some but not all indices. The water depth was the most important structuring factor for fouling communities while seasonal effects were driving most of the observed changes in soft-sediment communities. We demonstrate that a meta-analysis can provide an improved level of understanding of ecological patterns on large-scale effects of anthropogenic structures on marine biodiversity, which were not visible in single monitoring studies. We believe that meta-analyses should become an indispensable tool for management of offshore wind farm effects in the future, particularly in the view of the foreseen development of offshore renewable energies. This might lead to a better picture and more comprehensive view on potential alterations. However, this requires a modern open-source data policy and data management, across institutions and across national borders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joop W P Coolen
- Wageningen Marine Research, P.O. Box 57, 1780 AB, Den Helder, the Netherlands; Wageningen University, Aquatic Ecology and Water Quality Management Group, Droevendaalsesteeg 3a, 6708 PD, Wageningen, the Netherlands.
| | - Jan Vanaverbeke
- Royal Belgian Institute for Natural Science, Operational Directorate Natural Environment, Vautierstraat 29, 1000, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Jennifer Dannheim
- Alfred Wegener Institute Helmholtz Centre for Polar and Marine Research, Department of Functional Ecology, Am Handelshafen 12, 27570, Bremerhaven, Germany; Helmholtz Institute for Functional Marine Biodiversity, Oldenburg, Germany
| | - Clement Garcia
- Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (Cefas), Pakefield Road, Lowestoft, NR330HT, United Kingdom
| | - Silvana N R Birchenough
- Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (Cefas), Pakefield Road, Lowestoft, NR330HT, United Kingdom
| | - Roland Krone
- Reefauna, Schleusenstraße 3, 27568, Bremerhaven, Germany
| | - Jan Beermann
- Alfred Wegener Institute Helmholtz Centre for Polar and Marine Research, Department of Functional Ecology, Am Handelshafen 12, 27570, Bremerhaven, Germany; Helmholtz Institute for Functional Marine Biodiversity, Oldenburg, Germany
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5
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Yan J, Sui J, Xu Y, Li X, Wang H, Zhang B. Assessment of the benthic ecological status in adjacent areas of the Yangtze River Estuary, China, using AMBI, M-AMBI and BOPA biotic indices. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2020; 153:111020. [PMID: 32275566 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2020.111020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2019] [Revised: 02/20/2020] [Accepted: 02/21/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
The main environmental variables of bottom seawater and macrobenthic invertebrates were investigated from February 2015 to January 2016 to evaluate the benthic ecological status in adjacent areas of the Yangtze River Estuary, China. Diverse ecological assessment results were given by the AZTI Marine Biotic Index (AMBI), multivariate-AMBI (M-AMBI) and benthic opportunistic polychaetes amphipods (BOPA) index, showing that the M-AMBI was the most suitable in the study area. A clear spatial distribution pattern related to the distance from the estuary and the coasts was found both for the benthic ecological status and the eutrophication-related bottom seawater environmental variables, indicating that the study area was under eutrophication pressure. Two major disturbed regions (one was east of the Yangtze River Estuary, and the other was east of Zhejiang Province) were discovered, which was probably mainly caused by the Changjiang Diluted Water (CDW). No significant seasonal changes were found in the ecological status.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia Yan
- Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao 266071, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China; Laboratory for Marine Biology and Biotechnology, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao 266000, China; Center for Ocean Mega-Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 7 Nanhai Road, Qingdao 266071, China
| | - Jixing Sui
- Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao 266071, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China; Laboratory for Marine Biology and Biotechnology, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao 266000, China; Center for Ocean Mega-Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 7 Nanhai Road, Qingdao 266071, China
| | - Yong Xu
- Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao 266071, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China; Laboratory for Marine Biology and Biotechnology, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao 266000, China; Center for Ocean Mega-Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 7 Nanhai Road, Qingdao 266071, China.
| | - Xinzheng Li
- Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao 266071, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China; Laboratory for Marine Biology and Biotechnology, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao 266000, China; Center for Ocean Mega-Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 7 Nanhai Road, Qingdao 266071, China.
| | - Hongfa Wang
- Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao 266071, China
| | - Baolin Zhang
- Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao 266071, China
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6
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Flanagan AM, Flood RD, Maher NP, Cerrato RM. Quantitatively characterizing benthic community-habitat relationships in soft-sediment, nearshore environments to yield useful results for management. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2019; 249:109361. [PMID: 31480009 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2019.109361] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2019] [Revised: 07/01/2019] [Accepted: 08/03/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Effective management of benthic habitats is important for maintaining heathy and functional aquatic ecosystems. To provide managers with the best possible information, characterizing benthic habitats at the community level is essential; yet, acquiring the data sets needed to achieve this task is resource intensive and, at times, prohibitively expensive. Thus, thoughtful assessments of which data to collect and utilize in benthic habitat characterization studies are needed. Environmental data sets commonly used to characterize benthic habitats include a range of variables from water depth and sediment grain size to seabed features identified by sonar backscatter. The objective of this study was to identify the most useful environmental variables for characterizing infaunal benthic habitats and to determine how to best utilize these variables in analyses (e.g., by comparing continuous vs. categorical explanatory variables). The modeling approach used multivariate regression tree and redundancy analysis along with a critical cross-validation step for model evaluation. Results indicated that models with more than ~7 environmental predictors overfitted the data sets analyzed and that categorizing continuous predictors into categorical ones influenced the proportion of infaunal community variation explained by each model. Habitats identified and characterized on the basis of sonar backscatter explained more of the infaunal community variation than any model that used a combination of other environmental variables (e.g., water depth & sediment grain size) or those constructed using categorical habitat classes from existing classification schemes. We therefore recommend maximizing the potential of sonar-derived variables for characterizing infaunal benthic habitats in nearshore, soft-sediment ecosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
- A M Flanagan
- School of Marine and Atmospheric Sciences, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, 11794-5000, USA.
| | - R D Flood
- School of Marine and Atmospheric Sciences, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, 11794-5000, USA
| | - N P Maher
- The Nature Conservancy, Long Island Chapter, Cold Spring Harbor, NY, 11724, USA
| | - R M Cerrato
- School of Marine and Atmospheric Sciences, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, 11794-5000, USA
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7
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Tsikopoulou I, Moraitis ML, Geropoulos A, Papadopoulou KN, Papageorgiou N, Plaiti W, Smith CJ, Karakassis I, Eleftheriou A. Long-term changes in the structure of benthic communities: Revisiting a sampling transect in Crete after 24 years. MARINE ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2019; 144:9-19. [PMID: 30501903 DOI: 10.1016/j.marenvres.2018.11.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2018] [Revised: 11/09/2018] [Accepted: 11/15/2018] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
A bathymetric transect in the north coast of Crete first studied in 1989, was revisited 24 years later. Identical sampling design, season, techniques and protocols were followed in both studies in order to minimize bias in the long-term comparisons. This comprehensive macrofaunal dataset (4 stations, 2 sampling seasons, 7 replicates in each study) revealed changes in benthic diversity and community composition between the sampling periods. The recorded changes were higher at the stations located close to the coastal zone. In addition, while benthic communities showed lower total abundance during the recent sampling period, species abundances were more evenly distributed indicating that some species dominated the historical communities. In spite of these changes, the ecological status remained above the threshold values for good ecological status. The results indicated that changes in the benthic community seem to have been driven by local anthropogenic factors and natural variability rather than by large-scale factors such as nutrients influxes in the entire Mediterranean Basin.
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Affiliation(s)
- I Tsikopoulou
- Marine Ecology Laboratory, Department of Biology, University of Crete, GR 70013, Heraklion, Greece.
| | - M L Moraitis
- Marine Ecology Laboratory, Department of Biology, University of Crete, GR 70013, Heraklion, Greece
| | - A Geropoulos
- Marine Ecology Laboratory, Department of Biology, University of Crete, GR 70013, Heraklion, Greece
| | - K N Papadopoulou
- Hellenic Centre for Marine Research, Institute of Marine Biological Resources, GR 71003, Heraklion, Greece
| | - N Papageorgiou
- Marine Ecology Laboratory, Department of Biology, University of Crete, GR 70013, Heraklion, Greece
| | - W Plaiti
- Hellenic Centre for Marine Research Institute of Marine Biology, Biotechnology and Aquaculture, GR 71003, Heraklion, Greece
| | - C J Smith
- Hellenic Centre for Marine Research, Institute of Marine Biological Resources, GR 71003, Heraklion, Greece
| | - I Karakassis
- Marine Ecology Laboratory, Department of Biology, University of Crete, GR 70013, Heraklion, Greece
| | - A Eleftheriou
- Marine Ecology Laboratory, Department of Biology, University of Crete, GR 70013, Heraklion, Greece; Hellenic Centre for Marine Research Institute of Marine Biology, Biotechnology and Aquaculture, GR 71003, Heraklion, Greece
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8
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Obolewski K, Glińska-Lewczuk K, Szymańska M, Mrozińska N, Bąkowska M, Astel A, Lew S, Paturej E. Patterns of salinity regime in coastal lakes based on structure of benthic invertebrates. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0207825. [PMID: 30475866 PMCID: PMC6257944 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0207825] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2018] [Accepted: 11/05/2018] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The macrozoobenthic diversity patterns along a brackish-freshwater salinity gradient have been identified, considering effects of differences in the level of hydrological connection of coastal lakes with the sea on the structure of benthic invertebrate communities. The study is based on samples from six coastal lakes located along the southern coast of the Baltic Sea in Poland. The analysis of environmental and biological data confirmed the existence of stable phases (brackish water vs. freshwater), but as a result of periodical intrusion of seawater, adaptation of animal communities takes place, which was reflected in low values of the predictors describing them (number of taxa, density and diversity). Redundancy analysis indicates that values of conductivity and salinity are the major factors that determine the abundance of dominant groups of benthic fauna. The gradient of hydrological connection of the lakes with the sea accounted for 50% of the variance in biological data, physico-chemical variables for 25%, trophic variables for 15%, and only 9% of the variance was unexplained. The major implication of our results is that coastal lakes that differ only slightly in salinity can have alternative, regional patterns of diversity of structure of benthic fauna. Periodical inflow of brackish waters initiates adaptive cycles of benthic fauna, and their frequency is strongly linked with the hydrological regime. The rhythm of the inflow of seawater is variable, so that management and protection of coastal lakes are extremely complicated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Krystian Obolewski
- Departament of Hydrobiology, Kazimierz Wielki University, Bydgoszcz, Poland
- * E-mail:
| | - Katarzyna Glińska-Lewczuk
- Department of Water Resources, Climatology and Environmental Management, University of Warmia and Mazury, Olsztyn-Kortowo, Poland
| | - Monika Szymańska
- Departament of Hydrobiology, Kazimierz Wielki University, Bydgoszcz, Poland
| | - Natalia Mrozińska
- Departament of Hydrobiology, Kazimierz Wielki University, Bydgoszcz, Poland
| | - Martyna Bąkowska
- Departament of Hydrobiology, Kazimierz Wielki University, Bydgoszcz, Poland
| | - Aleksander Astel
- Department of Environmental Chemistry, Pomeranian University in Słupsk, Słupsk, Poland
| | - Sylwia Lew
- Department of Microbiology, University of Warmia and Mazury, Olsztyn-Kortowo, Poland
| | - Ewa Paturej
- Department of Tourism, Recreation and Ecology, University of Warmia and Mazury, Olsztyn-Kortowo, Poland
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9
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Equbal J, Lakra RK, Savurirajan M, Satyam K, Thiruchitrambalam G. Testing performances of marine benthic biotic indices under the strong seasonality in the tropical intertidal habitats, South Andaman, India. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2018; 135:266-282. [PMID: 30301038 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2018.07.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2018] [Revised: 07/05/2018] [Accepted: 07/11/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Understanding the natural variability and its influence on the performance of marine biotic indices used for the health assessment of marine ecosystem is the prime concern. This study addresses the seasonal variability of univariate and multimetric indices by using macrobenthic data collected from three intertidal habitats for two years (July 2013-July 2015). The univariate indices viz., abundance, richness, Shannon index and ES (100) showed strong seasonal variability. For the multimetric indices, the seasonal variability was low and appeared site specific. W-statistics, AMBI and M-AMBI showed highest constancy whilst BENTIX and BOPA exhibited wide - ranging. A general tendency could be inferred as majority of indices showed improvement in benthic quality (poor - moderate and good - high) from turbulent monsoon to stable dry period. The results are discussed concerning possible consequences especially related to the benthic community and biotic indices in intertidal habitats under the influence of sewage discharge and monsoonal effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jawed Equbal
- Department of Ocean Studies and Marine Biology, Pondicherry University, Port Blair 744112, Andaman Islands, India
| | - Raj Kiran Lakra
- Department of Ocean Studies and Marine Biology, Pondicherry University, Port Blair 744112, Andaman Islands, India
| | - M Savurirajan
- Department of Ocean Studies and Marine Biology, Pondicherry University, Port Blair 744112, Andaman Islands, India
| | - Kunal Satyam
- Department of Ocean Studies and Marine Biology, Pondicherry University, Port Blair 744112, Andaman Islands, India
| | - Ganesh Thiruchitrambalam
- Department of Ocean Studies and Marine Biology, Pondicherry University, Port Blair 744112, Andaman Islands, India..
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10
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Dias HQ, Sukumaran S, Srinivas T, Mulik J. Ecological quality status evaluation of a monsoonal tropical estuary using benthic indices: comparison via a seasonal approach. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2018; 25:22672-22688. [PMID: 29851015 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-018-2344-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2017] [Accepted: 05/16/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
The use of biotic indices has garnered attention during the last decade due to its extensive application in evaluating ecological quality status (EcoQS) of marine waters and estuaries. Three seasonal surveys were conducted in the Kundalika estuary, India to evaluate the ecostatus using five benthic indices and comparing their effectiveness considering the estuarine salinity gradient and seasonality. All indices gave divergent results displaying a wide range of classes (good to bad) across salinity zones and seasons. Comparatively, M-AMBI discriminated the EcoQS suitably than other indices. Hence, a seasonally averaged approach for M-AMBI was proposed to obtain a final mean EcoQS which assigned moderate status to the euhaline and poly-mesohaline zones and poor status to the oligohaline zone. Considering the high degree of spatial heterogeneity and seasonality in the estuary, the monsoon data was found to lower the EcoQS due to natural stress in some cases; the exclusion of the monsoon season resulted in a more valid ecostatus. Therefore, this approach which combines information from the non-monsoon seasons stands out in providing a useful basis for ecological management by scrutinizing responses of macrobenthos. Also, we suggest salinity zone-wise evaluation for more effective classification chiefly in tropical monsoonal estuaries. An effort to establish a final EcoQS was performed; however, future in-depth studies are necessary to ascertain the reliability of the successful biotic index (M-AMBI) in estuaries with different stressors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heidy Q Dias
- Regional Centre Andheri (W), CSIR-National Institute of Oceanography, Mumbai, 400053, India
| | - Soniya Sukumaran
- Regional Centre Andheri (W), CSIR-National Institute of Oceanography, Mumbai, 400053, India.
| | - Tatiparthi Srinivas
- Regional Centre Andheri (W), CSIR-National Institute of Oceanography, Mumbai, 400053, India
| | - Jyoti Mulik
- Regional Centre Andheri (W), CSIR-National Institute of Oceanography, Mumbai, 400053, India
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11
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Punzo E, Gomiero A, Tassetti AN, Strafella P, Santelli A, Salvalaggio V, Spagnolo A, Scarcella G, De Biasi AM, Kozinkova L, Fabi G. Environmental Impact of Offshore Gas Activities on the Benthic Environment: A Case Study. ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2017; 60:340-356. [PMID: 28488088 DOI: 10.1007/s00267-017-0886-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2016] [Accepted: 04/29/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Multidisciplinary monitoring of the impact of offshore gas platforms on northern and central Adriatic marine ecosystems has been conducted since 1998. Beginning in 2006, 4-5 year investigations spanning the period before, during, and after rig installation have explored the effects of its construction and presence on macrozoobenthic communities, sediment, water quality, pollutant bioaccumulation, and fish assemblages. In this study, sediment samples collected at increasing distance from an offshore gas platform before, during and after its construction were subjected to chemical analysis and assessment of benthic communities. Ecological indices were calculated to evaluate the ecological status of the area. Ecotoxicological analysis of sediment was performed to establish whether pollutants are transferred to biota. The study applied a before-after control-impact design to assess the effects of rig construction and presence and provide reference data on the possible impacts of any further expansion of the gas extraction industry in the already heavily exploited Adriatic Sea. Only some of the metals investigated (barium, chromium, cadmium, and zinc) showed a different spatial and/or temporal distribution that may be platform-related. In the early phases, the sediment concentrations of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons were below the detection limit at all sites; they then became detectable, but without significant spatial differences. The present findings suggest that the environmental effects of offshore gas platforms may be difficult to quantify, interpret, and generalize, because they are influenced by numerous, often local, abiotic, and biotic variables in different and unpredictable ways.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Punzo
- National Research Council (CNR), Institute of Marine Sciences (ISMAR), Largo Fieradella Pesca 1, 60125, Ancona, Italy.
| | - A Gomiero
- National Research Council (CNR), Institute of Marine Sciences (ISMAR), Largo Fieradella Pesca 1, 60125, Ancona, Italy
- International Research Institute of Stavanger (IRIS)-Environment, Mekjarvik 12, N-4070, Randaberg, Norway
| | - A N Tassetti
- National Research Council (CNR), Institute of Marine Sciences (ISMAR), Largo Fieradella Pesca 1, 60125, Ancona, Italy
| | - P Strafella
- National Research Council (CNR), Institute of Marine Sciences (ISMAR), Largo Fieradella Pesca 1, 60125, Ancona, Italy
| | - A Santelli
- National Research Council (CNR), Institute of Marine Sciences (ISMAR), Largo Fieradella Pesca 1, 60125, Ancona, Italy
| | - V Salvalaggio
- National Research Council (CNR), Institute of Marine Sciences (ISMAR), Largo Fieradella Pesca 1, 60125, Ancona, Italy
| | - A Spagnolo
- National Research Council (CNR), Institute of Marine Sciences (ISMAR), Largo Fieradella Pesca 1, 60125, Ancona, Italy
| | - G Scarcella
- National Research Council (CNR), Institute of Marine Sciences (ISMAR), Largo Fieradella Pesca 1, 60125, Ancona, Italy
| | - A M De Biasi
- Consorzio per il Centro Interuniversitario di Biologia Marina ed Ecologia Applicata (CIBM), Livorno, Italy
| | - L Kozinkova
- Consorzio per il Centro Interuniversitario di Biologia Marina ed Ecologia Applicata (CIBM), Livorno, Italy
| | - G Fabi
- National Research Council (CNR), Institute of Marine Sciences (ISMAR), Largo Fieradella Pesca 1, 60125, Ancona, Italy
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12
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Mulik J, Sukumaran S, Srinivas T, Vijapure T. Comparative efficacy of benthic biotic indices in assessing the Ecological Quality Status (EcoQS) of the stressed Ulhas estuary, India. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2017; 120:192-202. [PMID: 28511940 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2017.05.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2017] [Revised: 05/04/2017] [Accepted: 05/05/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Ecostatus of Ulhas estuary, one of the most polluted estuaries along the industrialized and urbanized northwest coast of India, was evaluated by six widely accepted benthic indices viz. H'(log2), AMBI, M-AMBI, BENTIX, BOPA and BO2A to test their efficiency in a tropical setting. The mesohaline zone, which presented eutrophic conditions, was classified as 'bad' by all indices due to the azoic status. Despite significant correlations obtained between indices, there were discrepancies in the accurate level of EcoQS assigned to each station. AMBI was observed to be most efficient in indicating a clear spatial variability from a 'poor' to 'bad' ecological quality status in the middle and upstream zones to an improved status in the downstream region. Limitations of all indices are discussed in light of their suitability for assessing the estuarine environmental condition. The present results could provide a fillip to environmental improvement initiatives currently being undertaken in the estuary.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jyoti Mulik
- CSIR-National Institute of Oceanography, Regional Centre Andheri (W), Mumbai 400 053, India
| | - Soniya Sukumaran
- CSIR-National Institute of Oceanography, Regional Centre Andheri (W), Mumbai 400 053, India.
| | - Tatiparthi Srinivas
- CSIR-National Institute of Oceanography, Regional Centre Andheri (W), Mumbai 400 053, India
| | - Tejal Vijapure
- CSIR-National Institute of Oceanography, Regional Centre Andheri (W), Mumbai 400 053, India
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13
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Kusche H, Hillgruber N, Rößner Y, Focken U. Plant protein-based feeds and commercial feed enable isotopic tracking of aquaculture emissions into marine macrozoobenthic bioindicator species. ISOTOPES IN ENVIRONMENTAL AND HEALTH STUDIES 2017; 53:261-273. [PMID: 28316254 DOI: 10.1080/10256016.2016.1267166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2015] [Accepted: 09/01/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Brittle stars (Ophiura spp.) and other benthic macrofauna were collected in a prospective mariculture area in the North Sea to determine if these taxa could be used as indicator species to track nutrients released from future offshore aquaculture sites. We analysed natural carbon and nitrogen stable isotopic signatures in tissues from macrofauna and compared these to six feed ingredients and four experimental diets made thereof, as well as to a commercial feed with and without lipid and carbonate removal. Our data suggest practicability of using isotopic signatures of Ophiura spp. to track aquaculture-derived organic material if plant-based fish diet ingredients and commercial feed were used for fish farming in the German Exclusive Economic Zone. Diets with high fish meal content would not be detected in Ophiura spp. using isotopic measures due to the similarity with the marine background. Our data provide valuable baseline information for studies on the impact of offshore aquaculture on the marine environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Henrik Kusche
- a Thünen Institute of Fisheries Ecology , Ahrensburg , Germany
| | | | - Yvonne Rößner
- a Thünen Institute of Fisheries Ecology , Ahrensburg , Germany
| | - Ulfert Focken
- a Thünen Institute of Fisheries Ecology , Ahrensburg , Germany
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14
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Wang L, Fan Y, Yan C, Gao C, Xu Z, Liu X. Assessing benthic ecological impacts of bottom aquaculture using macrofaunal assemblages. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2017; 114:258-268. [PMID: 27667175 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2016.09.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2016] [Revised: 09/07/2016] [Accepted: 09/16/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Bottom aquaculture of bivalves is a high-yield culture method, which is increasingly adopted by shellfish farmers worldwide. However, the effects of bottom aquaculture on benthic ecosystems are not well-known. Manila clam (Ruditapes philippinarum), is a widely distributed bottom aquaculture mollusk species. To assess the ecological impacts of Manila clam bottom aquaculture, clams and other macrofaunal assemblages were investigated during four cruises (July and November 2011, February and May 2012) at six sampling sites in Jiaozhou Bay, China. Correlation analysis showed that macrofaunal assemblages had significant negative correlations with the abundance of Manila clams. However, according to the results of several biotic indices, a low disturbance was detected by Manila clam bottom aquaculture. In conclusion, AMBI (AZTI'S Marine Biotic Index) and M-AMBI (Multivariate AZTI Marine Biotic Index) indices are more suitable for assessing ecological quality than polychaete/amphipod ratios when the disturbance is slight, such as at a bivalve bottom aquaculture.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lu Wang
- College of Marine Life Sciences, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, PR China
| | - Ying Fan
- College of Marine Life Sciences, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, PR China
| | - Cunjun Yan
- College of Marine Life Sciences, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, PR China
| | - Chunzi Gao
- College of Marine Life Sciences, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, PR China
| | - Zhaodong Xu
- College of Marine Life Sciences, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, PR China
| | - Xiaoshou Liu
- College of Marine Life Sciences, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, PR China.
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15
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Borja Á, Chust G, Rodríguez JG, Bald J, Belzunce-Segarra MJ, Franco J, Garmendia JM, Larreta J, Menchaca I, Muxika I, Solaun O, Revilla M, Uriarte A, Valencia V, Zorita I. 'The past is the future of the present': Learning from long-time series of marine monitoring. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2016; 566-567:698-711. [PMID: 27239713 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2016.05.111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2016] [Revised: 05/16/2016] [Accepted: 05/16/2016] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Using a long-term (1995-2014) monitoring network, from 51 sampling stations in estuaries and coasts of the Basque Country (Bay of Biscay), the objective of this investigation was to assess the responsiveness of 83 variables in water (18), sediments (27), biota (26), phytoplankton (2), macroinvertebrates (5) and fishes (5) to different human pressures and management actions. We used a total of 3247 series of data to analyse trends of improvement and worsening in quality. In a high percentage of the cases, the management actions taken have resulted in positive effects in the environment, as shown by the trend analysis in this investigation. Overall, much more trends of improvement than of worsening have been observed; this is true for almost all the media and biological components studied, with the exception of phytoplankton; and it applies as well to almost all the stations and water bodies, with the exception of those corresponding to areas with water treatment pending of accomplishment. In estuaries with decreasing human pressures during the period, the percentage of series showing quality improvement was higher (approx. 30%) than those showing worsening of quality (12%). Moreover, in those water bodies showing an increase of pressure, variables which can be considered indicators of anthropogenic effects showed negative trends (quality worsening). On the other hand, some of the variables analysed were more affected by natural variability than by changes in pressures. That was the case of silicate, nitrate and suspended solids, which followed trends correlated to salinity, which, in turn, was related to the rainfall regime during the study period.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ángel Borja
- AZTI, Marine Research Division, Herrera Kaia Portualdea s/n, 20110 Pasaia, Spain.
| | - Guillem Chust
- AZTI, Marine Research Division, Herrera Kaia Portualdea s/n, 20110 Pasaia, Spain
| | - José G Rodríguez
- AZTI, Marine Research Division, Herrera Kaia Portualdea s/n, 20110 Pasaia, Spain
| | - Juan Bald
- AZTI, Marine Research Division, Herrera Kaia Portualdea s/n, 20110 Pasaia, Spain
| | | | - Javier Franco
- AZTI, Marine Research Division, Herrera Kaia Portualdea s/n, 20110 Pasaia, Spain
| | - Joxe Mikel Garmendia
- AZTI, Marine Research Division, Herrera Kaia Portualdea s/n, 20110 Pasaia, Spain
| | - Joana Larreta
- AZTI, Marine Research Division, Herrera Kaia Portualdea s/n, 20110 Pasaia, Spain
| | - Iratxe Menchaca
- AZTI, Marine Research Division, Herrera Kaia Portualdea s/n, 20110 Pasaia, Spain
| | - Iñigo Muxika
- AZTI, Marine Research Division, Herrera Kaia Portualdea s/n, 20110 Pasaia, Spain
| | - Oihana Solaun
- AZTI, Marine Research Division, Herrera Kaia Portualdea s/n, 20110 Pasaia, Spain
| | - Marta Revilla
- AZTI, Marine Research Division, Herrera Kaia Portualdea s/n, 20110 Pasaia, Spain
| | - Ainhize Uriarte
- AZTI, Marine Research Division, Herrera Kaia Portualdea s/n, 20110 Pasaia, Spain
| | - Victoriano Valencia
- AZTI, Marine Research Division, Herrera Kaia Portualdea s/n, 20110 Pasaia, Spain
| | - Izaskun Zorita
- AZTI, Marine Research Division, Herrera Kaia Portualdea s/n, 20110 Pasaia, Spain
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16
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Bian B, Zhou Y, Fang BB. Distribution of heavy metals and benthic macroinvertebrates: Impacts from typical inflow river sediments in the Taihu Basin, China. ECOLOGICAL INDICATORS 2016; 69:348-359. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ecolind.2016.04.048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/01/2023]
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17
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O'Carroll JPJ, Quinn C, Forde J, Patterson A, O'Beirn FX, Kennedy R. Impact of prolonged storm activity on the Ecological Status of intertidal benthic habitats within oyster (Crassostrea gigas) trestle cultivation sites. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2016; 110:460-469. [PMID: 27373942 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2016.06.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2015] [Revised: 05/31/2016] [Accepted: 06/02/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
The Ecological Status (ES; sensu the Water Framework Directive) of intertidal benthic communities within six oyster trestle cultivation sites was found to be negatively impacted along the access routes to trestles in a 2013 study. All cultivation sites occur within Natura 2000 sites. The current study revisited four of the 2013 cultivation sites in February 2014 one month after the storm activity of winter 2013/14 to test if the compaction effect along access routes persisted after the storms. Three levels of the fixed factor treatment were sampled; immediately below the trestles, along the access route and 300m away from any anthropogenic activity. The compaction effect at the Access treatment persisted in spite of the major storm activity. The current study showed the IQI to be effective for assessing the impacts of aquaculture and highlights the IQI as a tool for monitoring Conservation Status of intertidal communities under the Habitats Directive.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jack P J O'Carroll
- Marine Ecosystems Research Laboratory, Zoology, Ryan Institute, National University of Ireland, Galway, University Rd., Galway, Ireland.
| | - Christina Quinn
- Marine Ecosystems Research Laboratory, Zoology, Ryan Institute, National University of Ireland, Galway, University Rd., Galway, Ireland
| | - James Forde
- RPS Group, Lyrr 2, IDA Business and Technology Park, Mervue, Galway, Ireland
| | - Adrian Patterson
- Marine Ecosystems Research Laboratory, Zoology, Ryan Institute, National University of Ireland, Galway, University Rd., Galway, Ireland
| | - Francis X O'Beirn
- Benthos Ecology, Marine Environment and Food Safety Services, Marine Institute, Rinville, Oranmore, Co. Galway, Ireland
| | - Robert Kennedy
- Marine Ecosystems Research Laboratory, Zoology, Ryan Institute, National University of Ireland, Galway, University Rd., Galway, Ireland
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18
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Sivadas SK, Nagesh R, Gupta GVM, Gaonkar U, Mukherjee I, Ramteke D, Ingole BS. Testing the efficiency of temperate benthic biotic indices in assessing the ecological status of a tropical ecosystem. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2016; 106:62-76. [PMID: 27016331 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2016.03.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2015] [Revised: 03/02/2016] [Accepted: 03/14/2016] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
The objectives of the present study were to evaluate the ecological status of tropical coastal waters using the temperate benthic indices and examine the effect of seasonal variability on the performance of benthic indices. Macrobenthic samples were collected from northwest to southeast coast of India during 2003-2012 and we tested different univariate indices, ecological strategies, indicator species and multimetric indices. AMBI and multimetric indices performed satisfactorily in evaluating the ecological status. Seasonal variability on the biotic indices was observed during the southwest monsoon and fall intermonsoon period due to recruitment. Therefore, we recommended the non-monsoon period (January-May) as a suitable time of the year to use the indices for effective assessment of the Indian coastal waters. Results show that, the temperate benthic indices are efficient in assessing the tropical environmental status. However, complementary use of different indices is suggested for accurate assessment of the environmental status.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sanitha K Sivadas
- Biological Oceanography Division, CSIR-National Institute of Oceanography, Goa, India.
| | - Rahul Nagesh
- Biological Oceanography Division, CSIR-National Institute of Oceanography, Goa, India
| | - G V M Gupta
- Centre for Marine Living Resources and Ecology, Ministry of Earth Sciences, Kochi, India
| | - Udaykumar Gaonkar
- Biological Oceanography Division, CSIR-National Institute of Oceanography, Goa, India
| | - Indranil Mukherjee
- Center for Ecological Research, Kyoto University, Hirano 2-509-3, Otsu 520-2113, Shiga, Japan
| | - Darwin Ramteke
- Geological Oceanography Division, CSIR-National Institute of Oceanography, Goa, India
| | - Baban S Ingole
- Biological Oceanography Division, CSIR-National Institute of Oceanography, Goa, India
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19
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Forde J, O'Beirn FX, O'Carroll JP, Patterson A, Kennedy R. Impact of intertidal oyster trestle cultivation on the Ecological Status of benthic habitats. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2015; 95:223-233. [PMID: 25960277 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2015.04.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2014] [Revised: 04/10/2015] [Accepted: 04/11/2015] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
A considerable number of Ireland's shellfish production areas co-occur with or are adjacent to Natura 2000 sites which are protected under European legislation. To investigate the general interaction between trestle oyster cultivation and the surrounding intertidal environment, six sites were selected within designated Natura 2000 sites. At each trestle site three Treatment areas were sampled. One Treatment area corresponded to potential impacts associated with cultivation activities occurring at trestle structures (designated the Trestle Treatment) while one Treatment area corresponded to potential impacts due to cultivation activities occurring along access routes (the Access Treatment). An area not subject to any known anthropogenic activity was used as a control (the Control Treatment). Potential impacts associated with Trestle Treatment areas included changes in sediment total organic matter (TOM) levels underneath trestles due to the bio-deposition of faecal/pseudofaecal material while the predominant impact associated with Access Treatment areas was compaction of sediments due to heavy vehicle traffic. In this study, macrobenthic communities at the sites were highly variable and exhibited low levels of diversity which prevented the detection of general effects of cultivation activity on community structure, diversity and secondary production. To overcome this variability, the Infaunal Quality Index (IQI) was used to assess impacts on Ecological Status (ES) of benthic communities (sensu Water Framework Directive). Relative to Control and Trestle Treatment areas, activities occurring at Access Treatment areas had a significant negative impact on ES. This study highlights the potential of the IQI for the management of aquaculture activity and provides validation for the use of the IQI in Irish intertidal environments. This study also highlights the IQI as a potential tool for assessing the conservation status of designated habitats in Natura 2000 sites.
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Affiliation(s)
- James Forde
- RPS Group, Lyrr 2, IDA Business and Technology Park, Mervue, Galway, Ireland.
| | - Francis X O'Beirn
- Marine Environment & Food Safety Services, Marine Institute, Rinville, Oranmore, Galway, Ireland
| | - Jack Pj O'Carroll
- Marine Ecosystems Research Laboratory, Zoology, Ryan Institute, National University of Ireland, Galway, University Rd., Galway, Ireland
| | - Adrian Patterson
- Marine Ecosystems Research Laboratory, Zoology, Ryan Institute, National University of Ireland, Galway, University Rd., Galway, Ireland
| | - Robert Kennedy
- Marine Ecosystems Research Laboratory, Zoology, Ryan Institute, National University of Ireland, Galway, University Rd., Galway, Ireland
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20
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Elliott M, Borja Á, McQuatters-Gollop A, Mazik K, Birchenough S, Andersen JH, Painting S, Peck M. Force majeure: Will climate change affect our ability to attain Good Environmental Status for marine biodiversity? MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2015; 95:7-27. [PMID: 25837772 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2015.03.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2015] [Accepted: 03/09/2015] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
The EU Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD) requires that Good Environmental Status (GEnS), is achieved for European seas by 2020. These may deviate from GEnS, its 11 Descriptors, targets and baselines, due to endogenic managed pressures (from activities within an area) and externally due to exogenic unmanaged pressures (e.g. climate change). Conceptual models detail the likely or perceived changes expected on marine biodiversity and GEnS Descriptors in the light of climate change. We emphasise that marine management has to accommodate 'shifting baselines' caused by climate change particularly during GEnS monitoring, assessment and management and 'unbounded boundaries' given the migration and dispersal of highly-mobile species. We suggest climate change may prevent GEnS being met, but Member States may rebut legal challenges by claiming that this is outside its control, force majeure or due to 'natural causes' (Article 14 of the MSFD). The analysis is relevant to management of other global seas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Elliott
- Institute of Estuarine & Coastal Studies, University of Hull, Hull HU6 7RX, UK.
| | - Ángel Borja
- AZTI-Tecnalia, Marine Research Division, Herrera Kaia, Portualdea s/n, 20110 Pasaia, Spain
| | | | - Krysia Mazik
- Institute of Estuarine & Coastal Studies, University of Hull, Hull HU6 7RX, UK
| | - Silvana Birchenough
- Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science, Pakefield Road, Lowestoft, Suffolk NR33 OHT, UK
| | - Jesper H Andersen
- NIVA Denmark Water Research, Winghouse, Ørestads Boulevard 73, 2300 Copenhagen S, Denmark
| | - Suzanne Painting
- Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science, Pakefield Road, Lowestoft, Suffolk NR33 OHT, UK
| | - Myron Peck
- Institut für Hydrobiologie und Fischereiwissenschaft, Olbersweg 24, 22767 Hamburg, Germany
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21
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Aguado-Giménez F, Gairín JI, Martinez-Garcia E, Fernandez-Gonzalez V, Ballester Moltó M, Cerezo-Valverde J, Sanchez-Jerez P. Application of "taxocene surrogation" and "taxonomic sufficiency" concepts to fish farming environmental monitoring. Comparison of BOPA index versus polychaete assemblage structure. MARINE ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2015; 103:27-35. [PMID: 25460059 DOI: 10.1016/j.marenvres.2014.10.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2014] [Revised: 10/27/2014] [Accepted: 10/31/2014] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
"Taxocene surrogation" and "taxonomic sufficiency" concepts were applied to the monitoring of soft bottoms macrobenthic assemblages influenced by fish farming following two approaches. Polychaete assemblage evaluation through multivariate analysis and the benthic index BOPA were compared. Six fish farms along the Spanish Mediterranean coast were monitored. Polychaete assemblage provided a suitable picture of the impact gradient, being correlated with total free sulphides. BOPA did not support the impact gradient described by the polychaete assemblage, providing erroneous categorizations. The inclusion of several polychaete families, which were locally identified as indicative of affection to recalculate BOPA, resulted in an improved diagnosis and correlation with the impact gradient. Nevertheless, frequent misclassifications occurred. These results suggest that the structure of polychaete families, sulphides and granulometry conform an appropriate strategy for fish farming monitoring. Biotic indices need to be specifically designed for concrete activities, and regionally validated, because of the environmental plasticity of benthic invertebrates.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Aguado-Giménez
- Instituto Murciano de Investigación y Desarrollo Agrario y Alimentario (IMIDA), Estación de Acuicultura Marina, Puerto de San Pedro del Pinatar, 30740, Murcia, Spain.
| | - J I Gairín
- IRTA Investigación y Tecnología Agroalimentaria, Ctra, De Poblenou Km 5.5, 43450, Sant Carlos de la Rápita, Tarragona, Spain
| | - E Martinez-Garcia
- Departamento de Ciencias del Mar y Biología Aplicada, Universidad de Alicante, Ap. 99, 03080, Alicante, Spain
| | - V Fernandez-Gonzalez
- Departamento de Ciencias del Mar y Biología Aplicada, Universidad de Alicante, Ap. 99, 03080, Alicante, Spain
| | - M Ballester Moltó
- Instituto Murciano de Investigación y Desarrollo Agrario y Alimentario (IMIDA), Estación de Acuicultura Marina, Puerto de San Pedro del Pinatar, 30740, Murcia, Spain
| | - J Cerezo-Valverde
- Instituto Murciano de Investigación y Desarrollo Agrario y Alimentario (IMIDA), Estación de Acuicultura Marina, Puerto de San Pedro del Pinatar, 30740, Murcia, Spain
| | - P Sanchez-Jerez
- Departamento de Ciencias del Mar y Biología Aplicada, Universidad de Alicante, Ap. 99, 03080, Alicante, Spain
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22
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Fitch JE, Cooper KM, Crowe TP, Hall-Spencer JM, Phillips G. Response of multi-metric indices to anthropogenic pressures in distinct marine habitats: the need for recalibration to allow wider applicability. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2014; 87:220-229. [PMID: 25127499 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2014.07.056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2013] [Revised: 07/23/2014] [Accepted: 07/24/2014] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
Sustainable exploitation of coastal ecosystems is facilitated by tools which allow reliable assessment of their response to anthropogenic pressures. The Infaunal Quality Index (IQI) and Multivariate-AMBI (M-AMBI) were developed to classify the ecological status (ES) of benthos for the Water Framework Directive (WFD). The indices respond reliably to the impacts of organic enrichment in muddy sand habitats, but their applicability across a range of pressures and habitats is less well understood. The ability of the indices to predict changes in response to pressures in three distinct habitats, intertidal muddy sand, maerl and inshore gravel, was tested using pre-existing datasets. Both responded following the same patterns of variation as previously reported. The IQI was more conservative when responding to environmental conditions so may have greater predictive value in dynamic habitats to provide an early-warning system to managers'. Re-calibration of reference conditions is necessary to reliably reflect ES in different habitats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jayne E Fitch
- Environment Agency, Kingfisher House, Goldhay Way, Peterborough PE2 5ZR, UK.
| | - Keith M Cooper
- The Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science, Lowestoft Laboratory, Pakefield Road, Suffolk NR33 0HT, UK.
| | - Tasman P Crowe
- Earth Institute and School of Biology and Environmental Science, Science Centre West, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland.
| | - Jason M Hall-Spencer
- Marine Biology and Ecology Research Centre, Plymouth University, Plymouth PL4 8AA, UK.
| | - Graham Phillips
- Environment Agency, Kingfisher House, Goldhay Way, Peterborough PE2 5ZR, UK.
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23
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Ganesh T, Rakhesh M, Raman AV, Nanduri S, Moore S, Rajanna B. Macrobenthos response to sewage pollution in a tropical inshore area. ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING AND ASSESSMENT 2014; 186:3553-3566. [PMID: 24464401 DOI: 10.1007/s10661-014-3638-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2013] [Accepted: 01/13/2014] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
Organic sewage pollution is the major stressor that affects benthic communities in the coastal waters. In the present study involving a once-off sampling (July-August 2003) of a sewage treatment plant (STP) outfall and areas 6 km farther into the sea, we tried to estimate the severity of organic pollution on marine macrobenthos over a pollution gradient in the inshore waters (station depths, 5-30 m) off a heavily urbanized tropical city, on the east coast of India. Multivariate ordination analyses revealed two different groups of faunal assemblages. Group I is associated with sites impacted by the sewage outfall and group II with the locations 3-6 km away in the open sea. Polychaetes and amphipods were the predominant fauna with significant taxonomic differences between the assemblages. Despite the homogeneity in sediment texture, the two-fold increase in sediment organic matter near the sewage outfall area supported r-strategists, while group II locations favoured K-strategists. Approximation through benthic opportunistic polychaetes amphipods (BOPA) index and information on the key taxa responsible for the observed assemblage patterns corroborated these findings. Thus, the present findings revealed how organic sewage pollution influences benthic diversity in coastal waters by supporting communities of opportunistic characteristics. We advocate inclusion of community traits and compatible analytical tools (statistical approaches) in studies of similar nature so that the observations could be compared and broad remedial measures could be evolved.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Ganesh
- Marine Biological Laboratory, Department of Zoology, Andhra University, Waltair, 530003, India
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Spagnolo A, Punzo E, Santelli A, Scarcella G, Strafella P, Grati F, Fabi G. Offshore platforms: comparison of five benthic indicators for assessing the macrozoobenthic stress levels. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2014; 82:55-65. [PMID: 24708896 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2014.03.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2013] [Revised: 02/06/2014] [Accepted: 03/13/2014] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
Within the European Water Framework Directive, many studies have been conducted to evaluate the sensitivity/robustness of a variety of indices in relation to natural or anthropogenic disturbance events. However, these indices have rarely been applied to verify the impacts of disturbances in offshore environments, though the Marine Strategy Framework Directive recommends their use for assessing benthic community conditions and functionality. The aim of this paper was to determine which biotic indicator performed the best for detecting the impacts of offshore structures on benthic populations in the Adriatic Sea. The impacts of four rigs were investigated six months after their installation, and the H', AMBI, m-AMBI, BENTIX, and BOPA indices were assessed. Although these five indices delivered some contradictory results because of the differences in their structure and discrepancies in their assignment of species sensitivity, the BENTIX, H' and BOPA indices appear to evaluate stress levels better than the AMBI and m-AMBI indices, which tend to provide results that are slightly overly optimistic.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Spagnolo
- National Council of Researches - Institute of Marine Sciences (CNR-ISMAR), L.go Fiera della Pesca, 60125 Ancona, Italy.
| | - E Punzo
- National Council of Researches - Institute of Marine Sciences (CNR-ISMAR), L.go Fiera della Pesca, 60125 Ancona, Italy.
| | - A Santelli
- National Council of Researches - Institute of Marine Sciences (CNR-ISMAR), L.go Fiera della Pesca, 60125 Ancona, Italy.
| | - G Scarcella
- National Council of Researches - Institute of Marine Sciences (CNR-ISMAR), L.go Fiera della Pesca, 60125 Ancona, Italy.
| | - P Strafella
- National Council of Researches - Institute of Marine Sciences (CNR-ISMAR), L.go Fiera della Pesca, 60125 Ancona, Italy.
| | - F Grati
- National Council of Researches - Institute of Marine Sciences (CNR-ISMAR), L.go Fiera della Pesca, 60125 Ancona, Italy.
| | - G Fabi
- National Council of Researches - Institute of Marine Sciences (CNR-ISMAR), L.go Fiera della Pesca, 60125 Ancona, Italy.
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Zhang L, Liu J. In situ relationships between spatial-temporal variations in potential ecological risk indexes for metals and the short-term effects on periphyton in a macrophyte-dominated lake: a comparison of structural and functional metrics. ECOTOXICOLOGY (LONDON, ENGLAND) 2014; 23:553-566. [PMID: 24488270 DOI: 10.1007/s10646-014-1175-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/03/2014] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
Heavy metals may adversely affect the structure and function of the periphyton community in lake ecosystems. We carried out samplings of three habitats at eight sites located in the Lake Baiyangdian that is strongly influenced by wastewater discharge (Sites 1 and 2), aquaculture and densely populated villages (Sites 3, 6, and 8), and the least disturbed (Sites 4, 5, and 7). Cu, Ni, Pb, Zn, Hg, Cd, and Cr were determined in these samples, and the periphyton community was simultaneously studied. The contamination factor (C f (i) ) was estimated for every metal as the ratio between pre-industrial records from sediments (C n (i) ) and present concentration values (C (i) ), and the individual potential risk (E r (i) ) was calculated by multiply the toxic response factor (Tr (i) ) and C f (i) for a given substance were based on Hakanson's methodology. The RI was obtained for each sampling site by summing the values of E r (i) first and the average was calculated across the sampling sites. The results showed that the RI for all three habitats was lower than 94, and they are in decreasing order: wastewater discharge, aquaculture and densely populated villages, and the least anthropogenic impacted. When the three sampling seasons were compared, August appeared to show the highest risk, followed by April and November. The RI values showed negative correlations (r = -0.444 to -0.851, p < 0.05) with the structural and functional metrics. The best correlation was detected between chlorophyll c/chlorophyll a (Chl c/a) ratio and E r (i) Hg (r = -0.851, p < 0.01). Our results suggest the periphyton community can be used in bio-monitoring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lulu Zhang
- State Key Joint Laboratory of Environmental Simulation and Pollution Control and School of Environment, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, 100875, China
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Zhang L, Liu J, Li Y, Zhao Y. Applying AQUATOX in determining the ecological risk assessment of polychlorinated biphenyl contamination in Baiyangdian Lake, North China. Ecol Modell 2013. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ecolmodel.2013.06.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
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Stringell TB, Bamber RN, Burton M, Lindenbaum C, Skates LR, Sanderson WG. A tool for protected area management: multivariate control charts 'cope' with rare variable communities. Ecol Evol 2013; 3:1667-76. [PMID: 23789076 PMCID: PMC3686200 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.585] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2012] [Revised: 03/27/2013] [Accepted: 03/29/2013] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Performance assessment, impact detection, and the assessment of regulatory compliance are common scientific problems for the management of protected areas. Some habitats in protected areas, however, are rare and/or variable and are not often selected for study by ecologists because they preclude comparison with controls and high community variability makes meaningful change detection difficult. Shallow coastal saline lagoons are habitats that experience comparatively high levels of stress due to high physical variability. Lagoons are rare, declining habitats found in coastal regions throughout Europe (and elsewhere) where they are identified as one of the habitats most in need of protected area management. The infauna in the sediments of 25 lagoons were sampled. Temporal and spatial variation in three of these [protected] lagoons was investigated further over 5 years. In a multivariate analysis of community structure similarities were found between some lagoons, but in other cases communities were unique or specific to only two sites. The protected lagoons with these unique/specific communities showed significant temporal and spatial variation, yet none of the changes observed were attributed to human impacts and were interpreted as inherent variability. Multivariate control charts can operate without experimental controls and were used to assess community changes within the context of 'normal' lagoon variability. The aim of control chart analysis is to characterize background variability in a parameter and identify when a new observation deviates more than expected. In only 1 year was variability more than expected and corresponded with the coldest December in over 100 years. Multivariate control charts are likely to have wide application in the management of protected areas and other natural systems where variability and/or rarity preclude conventional analytical and experimental approaches but where assessments of condition, impact or regulatory compliance are nonetheless required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas B Stringell
- Marine and Freshwater Science Group, Natural Resources Wales Maes y Ffynnon, Ffordd Penrhos, Bangor, LL57 2DN, U.K ; Centre for Ecology & Conservation, University Exeter Campus Penryn, Cornwall, TR10 9EZ, U.K
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Forde J, Collins PC, Patterson A, Kennedy R. Comparison of granulometric methods and sampling strategies used in marine habitat classification and Ecological Status assessment. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2012; 64:1018-1028. [PMID: 22436325 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2012.01.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2011] [Revised: 01/16/2012] [Accepted: 01/21/2012] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
Sediment particle size analysis (PSA) is routinely used to support benthic macrofaunal community distribution data in habitat mapping and Ecological Status (ES) assessment. No optimal PSA Method to explain variability in multivariate macrofaunal distribution has been identified nor have the effects of changing sampling strategy been examined. Here, we use benthic macrofaunal and PSA grabs from two embayments in the south of Ireland. Four frequently used PSA Methods and two common sampling strategies are applied. A combination of laser particle sizing and wet/dry sieving without peroxide pre-treatment to remove organics was identified as the optimal Method for explaining macrofaunal distributions. ES classifications and EUNIS sediment classification were robust to changes in PSA Method. Fauna and PSA samples returned from the same grab sample significantly decreased macrofaunal variance explained by PSA and caused ES to be classified as lower. Employing the optimal PSA Method and sampling strategy will improve benthic monitoring.
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Affiliation(s)
- James Forde
- Marine Ecosystems Research Laboratory, Zoology, Ryan Institute, National University of Ireland, Galway, University Rd., Galway, Ireland.
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Andrade H, Renaud PE. Polychaete/amphipod ratio as an indicator of environmental impact related to offshore oil and gas production along the Norwegian continental shelf. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2011; 62:2836-2844. [PMID: 22000480 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2011.08.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2011] [Revised: 08/22/2011] [Accepted: 08/25/2011] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
Benthic faunal data is regularly collected worldwide to assess the ecological quality of marine environments. Recently, there has been renewed interest in developing biological indices able to identify environmental status and potential anthropogenic impacts. In this paper we evaluate the performance of a general polychaete/amphipod ratio along the Norwegian continental shelf as an environmental indicator for offshore oil and gas impacts. Two main trends are apparent: first, a contamination gradient is discernible from where production takes place compared to stations 10,000 m away. Second, the quality of the marine environment has improved over time. These results are consistent with monitoring reports employing a combination of uni- and multi-variate statistics. Thus, we consider this ratio as a relatively simple, useful and potentially cost-effective complement to other more demanding assessment techniques. Because of its strong theoretical basis, it may also be useful for detecting ecological change as a result of other activities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hector Andrade
- Akvaplan-niva, Fram Centre for Climate and the Environment, 9296 Tromsø, Norway.
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Paganelli D, Forni G, Marchini A, Mazziotti C, Occhipinti-Ambrogi A. Critical appraisal on the identification of Reference Conditions for the evaluation of ecological quality status along the Emilia-Romagna coast (Italy) using M-AMBI. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2011; 62:1725-1735. [PMID: 21683420 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2011.05.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2010] [Revised: 05/11/2011] [Accepted: 05/20/2011] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
According to the European Water Framework Directive, the ecological status (ES) of a water body is determined by comparing observation data with undisturbed Reference Conditions (RCs). Defining RCs is crucial when evaluating the ES of a water body as it strongly affects the final outcome of any index application. Identifying RCs by observing real sites is not feasible in many marine environments, such as the Emilia-Romagna coast (Italy, N-Adriatic Sea). We used a statistical approach on a large dataset to derive RCs for the application of the benthic index M-AMBI in this area. We then applied M-AMBI to samples collected along a gradient of presumed environmental disturbance. The results put 14.8% of the Emilia-Romagna samples in "High" ES, 60.2% in "Good", 23.0% in "Moderate" and 2.0% in "Poor", showing a spatial gradient of improving quality. These results are in agreement with the extensive ecological knowledge available for this area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniele Paganelli
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Terra e dell' Ambiente, University of Pavia, Via S. Epifanio 14, 27100 Pavia, Italy
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Kennedy R, Arthur W, Keegan BF. Long-term trends in benthic habitat quality as determined by Multivariate AMBI and Infaunal Quality Index in relation to natural variability: a case study in Kinsale Harbour, south coast of Ireland. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2011; 62:1427-1436. [PMID: 21621798 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2011.04.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2010] [Revised: 04/11/2011] [Accepted: 04/15/2011] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
Benthic Ecological Quality Ratios (EQR) are important tools for assessing the ecological status of coastal and transitional water bodies. Here, we use spatial and time-series data from Kinsale Harbour, Ireland to examine the effects of sample processing methodologies on the outputs of two EQRs: Multivariate AMBI (M-AMBI) and Infaunal Quality Index (IQI). Both EQRs were robust to changes in sieve size from 1mm to 0.5mm, and to changes in the taxa identified in spatial calibration. Both EQRs classified habitat quality in Kinsale as generally Good or High with no evidence of significant change over the time series (1981-2006). IQI classified the ecological status as higher than M-AMBI. There was a significant relationship between IQI and M-AMBI in spatial calibration, but no significant relationship between them in time series. Further research into the behaviour of EQRs in relation to natural variability over long time-scales is needed to discriminate anthropogenic impacts reliably.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert Kennedy
- Zoology Department, Ryan Institute, School of Natural Sciences, National University of Ireland, Galway, Ireland.
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Van Hoey G, Borja A, Birchenough S, Buhl-Mortensen L, Degraer S, Fleischer D, Kerckhof F, Magni P, Muxika I, Reiss H, Schröder A, Zettler ML. The use of benthic indicators in Europe: from the Water Framework Directive to the Marine Strategy Framework Directive. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2010; 60:2187-96. [PMID: 21051051 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2010.09.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2010] [Revised: 09/07/2010] [Accepted: 09/09/2010] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
The Water Framework Directive (WFD) and the Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD) are the European umbrella regulations for water systems. It is a challenge for the scientific community to translate the principles of these directives into realistic and accurate approaches. The aim of this paper, conducted by the Benthos Ecology Working Group of ICES, is to describe how the principles have been translated, which were the challenges and best way forward. We have tackled the following principles: the ecosystem-based approach, the development of benthic indicators, the definition of 'pristine' or sustainable conditions, the detection of pressures and the development of monitoring programs. We concluded that testing and integrating the different approaches was facilitated during the WFD process, which led to further insights and improvements, which the MSFD can rely upon. Expert involvement in the entire implementation process proved to be of vital importance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gert Van Hoey
- ILVO-Fishery, Biological Environmental Research Division, Ankerstraat 1, 8410 Ostend, Belgium.
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