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Li W, Song J, Tu H, Jiang S, Pan B, Li J, Zhao Y, Chen L, Xu Q. Genome sequencing of Coryphaenoides yaquinae reveals convergent and lineage-specific molecular evolution in deep-sea adaptation. Mol Ecol Resour 2024; 24:e13989. [PMID: 38946220 DOI: 10.1111/1755-0998.13989] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2024] [Revised: 05/30/2024] [Accepted: 06/17/2024] [Indexed: 07/02/2024]
Abstract
Abyssal (3501-6500 m) and hadal (>6500 m) fauna evolve under harsh abiotic stresses, characterized by high hydrostatic pressure, darkness and food shortage, providing unique opportunities to investigate mechanisms underlying environmental adaptation. Genomes of several hadal species have recently been reported. However, the genetic adaptation of deep sea species across a broad spectrum of ocean depths has yet to be thoroughly investigated, due to the challenges imposed by collecting the deep sea species. To elucidate the correlation between genetic innovation and vertical distribution, we generated a chromosome-level genome assembly of the macrourids Coryphaenoides yaquinae, which is widely distributed in the abyssal/hadal zone ranging from 3655 to 7259 m in depth. Genomic comparisons among shallow, abyssal and hadal-living species identified idiosyncratic and convergent genetic alterations underlying the extraordinary adaptations of deep-sea species including light perception, circadian regulation, hydrostatic pressure and hunger tolerance. The deep-sea fishes (Coryphaenoides Sp. and Pseudoliparis swirei) venturing into various ocean depths independently have undergone convergent amino acid substitutions in multiple proteins such as rhodopsin 1, pancreatic and duodenal homeobox 1 and melanocortin 4 receptor which are known or verified in zebrafish to be related with vision adaptation and energy expenditure. Convergent evolution events were also identified in heat shock protein 90 beta family member 1 and valosin-containing protein genes known to be related to hydrostatic pressure adaptation specifically in fishes found around the hadal range. The uncovering of the molecular convergence among the deep-sea species shed new light on the common genetic innovations required for deep-sea adaptation by the fishes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenhao Li
- Key Laboratory of Sustainable Exploitation of Oceanic Fisheries Resources, Ministry of Education, College of Marine Living Resource Sciences and Management, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Hadal Science and Technology, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, China
- Key Laboratory of Exploration and Utilization of Aquatic Genetic Resources, Ministry of Education, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jie Song
- Key Laboratory of Sustainable Exploitation of Oceanic Fisheries Resources, Ministry of Education, College of Marine Living Resource Sciences and Management, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Hadal Science and Technology, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, China
| | - Huaming Tu
- Key Laboratory of Exploration and Utilization of Aquatic Genetic Resources, Ministry of Education, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, China
- International Research Center for Marine Biosciences (Ministry of Science and Technology), Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, China
| | - Shouwen Jiang
- Key Laboratory of Exploration and Utilization of Aquatic Genetic Resources, Ministry of Education, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, China
- International Research Center for Marine Biosciences (Ministry of Science and Technology), Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, China
| | - Binbin Pan
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Hadal Science and Technology, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jiazhen Li
- Key Laboratory of Exploration and Utilization of Aquatic Genetic Resources, Ministry of Education, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yongpeng Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Exploration and Utilization of Aquatic Genetic Resources, Ministry of Education, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, China
| | - Liangbiao Chen
- Key Laboratory of Exploration and Utilization of Aquatic Genetic Resources, Ministry of Education, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, China
- International Research Center for Marine Biosciences (Ministry of Science and Technology), Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, China
| | - Qianghua Xu
- Key Laboratory of Sustainable Exploitation of Oceanic Fisheries Resources, Ministry of Education, College of Marine Living Resource Sciences and Management, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Hadal Science and Technology, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, China
- International Research Center for Marine Biosciences (Ministry of Science and Technology), Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, China
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Carreras-Colom E, Follesa MC, Carugati L, Mulas A, Bellodi A, Cau A. Marine macro-litter mass outweighs biomass in trawl catches along abyssal seafloors of Sardinia channel (Italy). ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2024; 31:43405-43416. [PMID: 38886271 PMCID: PMC11222263 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-024-33909-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2023] [Accepted: 06/01/2024] [Indexed: 06/20/2024]
Abstract
This study provides new insights onto spatial and temporal trends of seafloor macro-litter in the abyssal seafloor of Sardinian channel, in central western Mediterranean (Italy). Trawl surveys were conducted at depths between 884 and 1528 m, thus focusing on one of the least investigated marine environments. None of the considered sites was litter free, with plastics being numerically dominant (57% of items), followed by metal (11%) and glass (16%). Recorded densities and weight ranged between 49.9 and 499 items km-2 and 1.4 and 1052 kg km-2. In the most contaminated sites, the weight of the litter collected in nets represented up to nine times the biomass of benthic megafauna, and, overall, in 60% of hauls macro-litter mass outweighed the biomass collected. Moreover, we report that megafauna was observed to be more abundant in sites where macro-litter presence was more severe. More studies are needed to elucidate the nature of this correlation, with biota being more abundant in hotspots of accumulation of seafloor macro-litter.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ester Carreras-Colom
- Departament de Biologia Animal, Biologia Vegetal I Ecologia, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Cerdanyola del Vallès, 08193, Barcelona, Spain
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Cagliari, Via Tommaso Fiorelli 1, 09126, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Maria Cristina Follesa
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Cagliari, Via Tommaso Fiorelli 1, 09126, Cagliari, Italy
- ConISMa, ULR Cagliari, Consorzio Interuniversitario per le Scienze del Mare, Roma, Italy
| | - Laura Carugati
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Cagliari, Via Tommaso Fiorelli 1, 09126, Cagliari, Italy
- ConISMa, ULR Cagliari, Consorzio Interuniversitario per le Scienze del Mare, Roma, Italy
| | - Antonello Mulas
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Cagliari, Via Tommaso Fiorelli 1, 09126, Cagliari, Italy
- ConISMa, ULR Cagliari, Consorzio Interuniversitario per le Scienze del Mare, Roma, Italy
| | - Andrea Bellodi
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Cagliari, Via Tommaso Fiorelli 1, 09126, Cagliari, Italy
- ConISMa, ULR Cagliari, Consorzio Interuniversitario per le Scienze del Mare, Roma, Italy
| | - Alessandro Cau
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Cagliari, Via Tommaso Fiorelli 1, 09126, Cagliari, Italy.
- ConISMa, ULR Cagliari, Consorzio Interuniversitario per le Scienze del Mare, Roma, Italy.
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Blanluet A, Game ET, Dunn DC, Everett JD, Lombard AT, Richardson AJ. Evaluating ecological benefits of oceanic protected areas. Trends Ecol Evol 2024; 39:175-187. [PMID: 37778906 DOI: 10.1016/j.tree.2023.09.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2023] [Revised: 08/31/2023] [Accepted: 09/01/2023] [Indexed: 10/03/2023]
Abstract
Oceans beyond the continental shelf represent the largest yet least protected environments. The new agreement to increase protection targets to 30% by 2030 and the recent United Nations (UN) High Seas Treaty try to address this gap, and an increase in the declaration of oceanic Marine Protected Areas (oMPAs) in waters beyond 200 m in depth is likely. Here we find that there is contradictory evidence concerning the benefits of oMPAs in terms of protecting pelagic habitats, providing refuge for highly mobile species, and potential fisheries benefits. We discover a mismatch between oMPA management objectives focusing on protection of pelagic habitats and biodiversity, and scientific research focusing on fisheries benefits. We suggest that the solution is to harness emerging technologies to monitor inside and outside oMPAs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arthur Blanluet
- School of the Environment, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD, 4072, Australia; The Nature Conservancy, South Brisbane, Queensland 4101, Australia.
| | - Edward T Game
- The Nature Conservancy, South Brisbane, Queensland 4101, Australia
| | - Daniel C Dunn
- School of the Environment, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD, 4072, Australia; Centre for Biodiversity and Conservation Science (CBCS), The University of Queensland, St Lucia, 4072, QLD, Australia
| | - Jason D Everett
- School of the Environment, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD, 4072, Australia; Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization (CSIRO) Environment, Queensland Biosciences Precinct (QBP), St Lucia, QLD 4067, Australia; Centre for Marine Science and Innovation, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Amanda T Lombard
- Institute for Coastal and Marine Research, Nelson Mandela University, Gqeberha, South Africa
| | - Anthony J Richardson
- School of the Environment, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD, 4072, Australia; Centre for Biodiversity and Conservation Science (CBCS), The University of Queensland, St Lucia, 4072, QLD, Australia; Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization (CSIRO) Environment, Queensland Biosciences Precinct (QBP), St Lucia, QLD 4067, Australia
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4
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Haddock SHD, Choy CA. Life in the Midwater: The Ecology of Deep Pelagic Animals. ANNUAL REVIEW OF MARINE SCIENCE 2024; 16:383-416. [PMID: 38231738 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-marine-031623-095435] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2024]
Abstract
The water column of the deep ocean is dark, cold, low in food, and under crushing pressures, yet it is full of diverse life. Due to its enormous volume, this mesopelagic zone is home to some of the most abundant animals on the planet. Rather than struggling to survive, they thrive-owing to a broad set of adaptations for feeding, behavior, and physiology. Our understanding of these adaptations is constrained by the tools available for exploring the deep sea, but this tool kit is expanding along with technological advances. Each time we apply a new method to the depths, we gain surprising insights about genetics, ecology, behavior, physiology, diversity, and the dynamics of change. These discoveries show structure within the seemingly uniform habitat, limits to the seemingly inexhaustible resources, and vulnerability in the seemingly impervious environment. To understand midwater ecology, we need to reimagine the rules that govern terrestrial ecosystems. By spending more time at depth-with whatever tools are available-we can fill the knowledge gaps and better link ecology to the environment throughout the water column.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven H D Haddock
- Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute, Moss Landing, California, USA;
| | - C Anela Choy
- Scripps Institution of Oceanography, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA;
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5
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Turko AJ, Firth BL, Craig PM, Eliason EJ, Raby GD, Borowiec BG. Physiological differences between wild and captive animals: a century-old dilemma. J Exp Biol 2023; 226:jeb246037. [PMID: 38031957 DOI: 10.1242/jeb.246037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2023]
Abstract
Laboratory-based research dominates the fields of comparative physiology and biomechanics. The power of lab work has long been recognized by experimental biologists. For example, in 1932, Georgy Gause published an influential paper in Journal of Experimental Biology describing a series of clever lab experiments that provided the first empirical test of competitive exclusion theory, laying the foundation for a field that remains active today. At the time, Gause wrestled with the dilemma of conducting experiments in the lab or the field, ultimately deciding that progress could be best achieved by taking advantage of the high level of control offered by lab experiments. However, physiological experiments often yield different, and even contradictory, results when conducted in lab versus field settings. This is especially concerning in the Anthropocene, as standard laboratory techniques are increasingly relied upon to predict how wild animals will respond to environmental disturbances to inform decisions in conservation and management. In this Commentary, we discuss several hypothesized mechanisms that could explain disparities between experimental biology in the lab and in the field. We propose strategies for understanding why these differences occur and how we can use these results to improve our understanding of the physiology of wild animals. Nearly a century beyond Gause's work, we still know remarkably little about what makes captive animals different from wild ones. Discovering these mechanisms should be an important goal for experimental biologists in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andy J Turko
- Department of Biology, Wilfrid Laurier University, Waterloo, ON, Canada, N2L 3C5
| | - Britney L Firth
- Department of Biology, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON, Canada, N2L 3G1
| | - Paul M Craig
- Department of Biology, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON, Canada, N2L 3G1
| | - Erika J Eliason
- Department of Ecology, Evolution and Marine Biology, University of California, Santa Barbara, Goleta, CA 93117, USA
| | - Graham D Raby
- Department of Biology, Trent University, Peterborough, ON, Canada, K9L 0G2
| | - Brittney G Borowiec
- Department of Biology, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON, Canada, N2L 3G1
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Stenvers VI, Hauss H, Bayer T, Havermans C, Hentschel U, Schmittmann L, Sweetman AK, Hoving HJT. Experimental mining plumes and ocean warming trigger stress in a deep pelagic jellyfish. Nat Commun 2023; 14:7352. [PMID: 37990021 PMCID: PMC10663454 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-43023-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2023] [Accepted: 10/30/2023] [Indexed: 11/23/2023] Open
Abstract
The deep pelagic ocean is increasingly subjected to human-induced environmental change. While pelagic animals provide important ecosystem functions including climate regulation, species-specific responses to stressors remain poorly documented. Here, we investigate the effects of simulated ocean warming and sediment plumes on the cosmopolitan deep-sea jellyfish Periphylla periphylla, combining insights gained from physiology, gene expression and changes in associated microbiota. Metabolic demand was elevated following a 4 °C rise in temperature, promoting genes related to innate immunity but suppressing aerobic respiration. Suspended sediment plumes provoked the most acute and energetically costly response through the production of excess mucus (at ≥17 mg L-1), while inducing genes related to aerobic respiration and wound repair (at ≥167 mg L-1). Microbial symbionts appeared to be unaffected by both stressors, with mucus production maintaining microbial community composition. If these responses are representative for other gelatinous fauna, an abundant component of pelagic ecosystems, the effects of planned exploitation of seafloor resources may impair deep pelagic biodiversity and ecosystem functioning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vanessa I Stenvers
- GEOMAR, Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel, Wischhofstraße 1-3, 24148, Kiel, Germany.
- Department of Invertebrate Zoology, National Museum of Natural History, Smithsonian Institution, Washington, DC, P.O. Box 37012, USA.
| | - Helena Hauss
- GEOMAR, Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel, Wischhofstraße 1-3, 24148, Kiel, Germany
- Norwegian Research Centre AS (NORCE), Stavanger, Norway
| | - Till Bayer
- GEOMAR, Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel, Wischhofstraße 1-3, 24148, Kiel, Germany
| | - Charlotte Havermans
- HYIG ARJEL, Functional Ecology, Alfred Wegner Institute Helmholtz Centre for Polar and Marine Research, Am Handelshafen 12, 27570, Bremerhaven, Germany
| | - Ute Hentschel
- GEOMAR, Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel, Wischhofstraße 1-3, 24148, Kiel, Germany
| | - Lara Schmittmann
- GEOMAR, Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel, Wischhofstraße 1-3, 24148, Kiel, Germany
| | - Andrew K Sweetman
- Seafloor Ecology and Biogeochemistry Research Group, Scottish Association for Marine Science (SAMS), Oban, Scotland, UK
| | - Henk-Jan T Hoving
- GEOMAR, Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel, Wischhofstraße 1-3, 24148, Kiel, Germany
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7
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Moualek F, Belanger D, Babin M, Parent GJ, Ponton DE, Amyot M, Senay C, Robert D, Lu Z. Spatial distribution and speciation of mercury in a recovering deepwater redfish (Sebastes mentella) population from St. Lawrence Estuary and Gulf, Canada. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2023; 337:122604. [PMID: 37742864 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2023.122604] [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: 06/13/2023] [Revised: 09/14/2023] [Accepted: 09/21/2023] [Indexed: 09/26/2023]
Abstract
Mercury (Hg) pollution poses a significant threat to the environment, particularly in the form of methylmercury (MeHg). However, little is known about the distribution and influencing factors of Hg in deep-sea (>200m) fish, which is crucial for assessing potential health risks to fish and humans. In Canada, the deepwater redfish (Sebastes mentella) has been designated as an endangered species. After a 25-year fishing moratorium, the redfish population in the St. Lawrence Estuary and Gulf is recovering, and resuming of commercial fishing and human consumption are expected. This study aimed to investigate the distribution of MeHg and total Hg (THg) in the muscle of redfish, as well as the factors influencing its distribution, and to assess the potential human health risks associated with redfish consumption. The redfish samples (n = 123) were collected by Fisheries and Oceans Canada in 2019. The concentrations of THg and MeHg in redfish muscle were determined to be 93.3 ± 183 ng/g (mean ± SD, wet weight) and 78.2 ± 149 ng/g, respectively. Large redfish (>30 cm) accumulated 20 to 30 times more Hg than small redfish (17-30 cm). Small redfish from the Estuary-Western Gulf had higher levels of MeHg and THg than those from the Laurentian Channel and the Northeast Gulf, but the Hg availability to redfish among the three areas were similar. Significant predictors of MeHg concentrations in redfish muscle were determined to be fish length, muscle moisture, δ15N, and N%. MeHg consumption by the general population with an average fish consumption rate is not anticipated to have adverse effects. This study establishes a baseline for future Hg monitoring in the deep water environments in this region. Further research is required to elucidate the cause-effect relationships between various environmental/biological parameters and Hg accumulation in deep-sea biota.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fella Moualek
- Institut des Sciences de la Mer de Rimouski, Université du Québec à Rimouski, Rimouski, Québec, G5L 3A1, Canada
| | - Dominic Belanger
- Département de Sciences Biologiques, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Québec, H3T 1J4, Canada
| | - Mathieu Babin
- Institut des Sciences de la Mer de Rimouski, Université du Québec à Rimouski, Rimouski, Québec, G5L 3A1, Canada
| | - Geneviève J Parent
- Maurice Lamontagne Institute, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Mont-Joli, Québec, G5H 3Z4, Canada
| | - Dominic E Ponton
- Département de Sciences Biologiques, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Québec, H3T 1J4, Canada
| | - Marc Amyot
- Département de Sciences Biologiques, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Québec, H3T 1J4, Canada
| | - Caroline Senay
- Maurice Lamontagne Institute, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Mont-Joli, Québec, G5H 3Z4, Canada
| | - Dominique Robert
- Institut des Sciences de la Mer de Rimouski, Université du Québec à Rimouski, Rimouski, Québec, G5L 3A1, Canada
| | - Zhe Lu
- Institut des Sciences de la Mer de Rimouski, Université du Québec à Rimouski, Rimouski, Québec, G5L 3A1, Canada.
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Bridges AEH, Barnes DKA, Bell JB, Ross RE, Voges L, Howell KL. Filling the data gaps: Transferring models from data-rich to data-poor deep-sea areas to support spatial management. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2023; 345:118325. [PMID: 37390730 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2023.118325] [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: 02/21/2023] [Revised: 06/02/2023] [Accepted: 06/03/2023] [Indexed: 07/02/2023]
Abstract
Spatial management of the deep sea is challenging due to limited available data on the distribution of species and habitats to support decision making. In the well-studied North Atlantic, predictive models of species distribution and habitat suitability have been used to fill data gaps and support sustainable management. In the South Atlantic and other poorly studied regions, this is not possible due to a massive lack of data. In this study, we investigated whether models constructed in data-rich areas can be used to inform data-poor regions (with otherwise similar environmental conditions). We used a novel model transfer approach to identify to what extent a habitat suitability model for Desmophyllum pertusum reef, built in a data-rich basin (North Atlantic), could be transferred usefully to a data-poor basin (South Atlantic). The transferred model was built using the Maximum Entropy algorithm and constructed with 227 presence and 3064 pseudo-absence points, and 200 m resolution environmental grids. Performance in the transferred region was validated using an independent dataset of D. pertusum presences and absences, with assessments made using both threshold-dependent and -independent metrics. We found that a model for D. pertusum reef fitted to North Atlantic data transferred reasonably well to the South Atlantic basin, with an area under the curve of 0.70. Suitable habitat for D. pertusum reef was predicted on 20 of the assessed 27 features including seamounts. Nationally managed Marine Protected Areas provide significant protection for D. pertusum reef habitat in the region, affording full protection from bottom trawling to 14 of the 20 suitable features. In areas beyond national jurisdiction (ABNJ), we found four seamounts that provided suitable habitat for D. pertusum reef to be at least partially protected from bottom trawling, whilst two did not fall within fisheries closures. There are factors to consider when developing models for transfer including data resolution and predictor type. Nevertheless, the promising results of this application demonstrate that model transfer approaches stand to provide significant contributions to spatial planning processes through provision of new, best available data. This is particularly true for ABNJ and areas that have previously undergone little scientific exploration such as the global south.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amelia E H Bridges
- School of Biological and Marine Sciences, University of Plymouth, Drake Circus, Plymouth, PL4 8AA, UK; British Antarctic Survey, NERC, Cambridge, UK; Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (Cefas), Pakefield Road, Lowestoft, UK.
| | | | - James B Bell
- Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (Cefas), Pakefield Road, Lowestoft, UK
| | - Rebecca E Ross
- Benthic Communities Research Group, Institute of Marine Research (IMR), Bergen, Norway
| | - Lizette Voges
- South East Atlantic Fisheries Organisation, Swakopmund, Namibia
| | - Kerry L Howell
- School of Biological and Marine Sciences, University of Plymouth, Drake Circus, Plymouth, PL4 8AA, UK
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Consales G, Bottaro M, Mancusi C, Neri A, Sartor P, Voliani A, D'Agostino A, Marsili L. Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) in three bathyal chondrichthyes from the North-Western Mediterranean Sea. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2023; 196:115647. [PMID: 37832499 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2023.115647] [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: 07/05/2023] [Revised: 10/04/2023] [Accepted: 10/06/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023]
Abstract
The deep-sea can act as a sink for legacy contaminants such as organochlorines (OCs), causing damages in its inhabitants for their persistence and their prolonged effects in the organisms. HCB, DDT and its isomers, and 28 PCBs congeners were detected in muscle and embryonic tissues of three deep-sea chondrichthyes Chimaera monstrosa (n = 16), Dalatias licha (n = 12) and Etmopterus spinax (n = 51) sampled in Ligurian and Tyrrhenian Sea (Mediterranean Sea). Contaminant distribution in E. spinax and C. monstrosa was PCBs > DDTs ≫ HCB while in D. licha was DDTs > PCBs ≫ HCB. Statistically significant differences were highlighted in OC levels among the species, but no such differences were found among sexes. Ratios between DDT isomers highlighted an historical input of the pesticide in the environment. For the first time was also demonstrated maternal transfer in deep water chondrichthyes, specifically in E. spinax where was highlighted that transfer of contaminants increases with increasing compound's Log Kow.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guia Consales
- Department of Physical Sciences, Earth and Environment, University of Siena, Via Mattioli 4, Siena 53100, Italy; Department of Integrative Marine Ecology, Genoa Marine Centre, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Italian National Institute for Marine Biology, Ecology and Biotechnology, Villa del Principe, Piazza del Principe 4, 16126 Genoa, Italy
| | - Massimiliano Bottaro
- Department of Integrative Marine Ecology, Genoa Marine Centre, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Italian National Institute for Marine Biology, Ecology and Biotechnology, Villa del Principe, Piazza del Principe 4, 16126 Genoa, Italy.
| | - Cecilia Mancusi
- Department of Physical Sciences, Earth and Environment, University of Siena, Via Mattioli 4, Siena 53100, Italy; ARPAT Regional Agency for Environmental Protection of Tuscany, Via Marradi 114, 57126 Livorno, Italy
| | - Alessandra Neri
- Department of Physical Sciences, Earth and Environment, University of Siena, Via Mattioli 4, Siena 53100, Italy; Consortium for the Inter-University Center of Marine Biology and Applied Ecology "G.Bacci", Viale Nazario Sauro 4, 57128, Livorno, Italy
| | - Paolo Sartor
- Consortium for the Inter-University Center of Marine Biology and Applied Ecology "G.Bacci", Viale Nazario Sauro 4, 57128, Livorno, Italy
| | - Alessandro Voliani
- ARPAT Regional Agency for Environmental Protection of Tuscany, Via Marradi 114, 57126 Livorno, Italy
| | | | - Letizia Marsili
- Department of Physical Sciences, Earth and Environment, University of Siena, Via Mattioli 4, Siena 53100, Italy; Inter-University Center of Cetacean Research (CIRCE), Via Mattioli 4, Siena 53100, Italy
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10
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Baco AR, Ross R, Althaus F, Amon D, Bridges AEH, Brix S, Buhl-Mortensen P, Colaco A, Carreiro-Silva M, Clark MR, Du Preez C, Franken ML, Gianni M, Gonzalez-Mirelis G, Hourigan T, Howell K, Levin LA, Lindsay DJ, Molodtsova TN, Morgan N, Morato T, Mejia-Mercado BE, O’Sullivan D, Pearman T, Price D, Robert K, Robson L, Rowden AA, Taylor J, Taylor M, Victorero L, Watling L, Williams A, Xavier JR, Yesson C. Towards a scientific community consensus on designating Vulnerable Marine Ecosystems from imagery. PeerJ 2023; 11:e16024. [PMID: 37846312 PMCID: PMC10576969 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.16024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2022] [Accepted: 08/13/2023] [Indexed: 10/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Management of deep-sea fisheries in areas beyond national jurisdiction by Regional Fisheries Management Organizations/Arrangements (RFMO/As) requires identification of areas with Vulnerable Marine Ecosystems (VMEs). Currently, fisheries data, including trawl and longline bycatch data, are used by many RFMO/As to inform the identification of VMEs. However, the collection of such data creates impacts and there is a need to collect non-invasive data for VME identification and monitoring purposes. Imagery data from scientific surveys satisfies this requirement, but there currently is no established framework for identifying VMEs from images. Thus, the goal of this study was to bring together a large international team to determine current VME assessment protocols and establish preliminary global consensus guidelines for identifying VMEs from images. An initial assessment showed a lack of consistency among RFMO/A regions regarding what is considered a VME indicator taxon, and hence variability in how VMEs might be defined. In certain cases, experts agreed that a VME could be identified from a single image, most often in areas of scleractinian reefs, dense octocoral gardens, multiple VME species' co-occurrence, and chemosynthetic ecosystems. A decision flow chart is presented that gives practical interpretation of the FAO criteria for single images. To further evaluate steps of the flow chart related to density, data were compiled to assess whether scientists perceived similar density thresholds across regions. The range of observed densities and the density values considered to be VMEs varied considerably by taxon, but in many cases, there was a statistical difference in what experts considered to be a VME compared to images not considered a VME. Further work is required to develop an areal extent index, to include a measure of confidence, and to increase our understanding of what levels of density and diversity correspond to key ecosystem functions for VME indicator taxa. Based on our results, the following recommendations are made: 1. There is a need to establish a global consensus on which taxa are VME indicators. 2. RFMO/As should consider adopting guidelines that use imagery surveys as an alternative (or complement) to using bycatch and trawl surveys for designating VMEs. 3. Imagery surveys should also be included in Impact Assessments. And 4. All industries that impact the seafloor, not just fisheries, should use imagery surveys to detect and identify VMEs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy R. Baco
- Earth, Ocean, and Atmospheric Sciences, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL, United States
| | | | | | - Diva Amon
- SpeSeas, D’Abadie, Trinidad and Tobago
- Marine Science Institute, University of California, Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, California, United States
| | - Amelia E. H. Bridges
- School of Biological and Marine Science, University of Plymouth, Plymouth, United Kingdom
| | - Saskia Brix
- Senckenberg am Meer, German Center for Marine Biodiversity Research (DZMB), Senckenberg Nature Research Society, Hamburg, Germany
| | | | - Ana Colaco
- Okeanos-University of the Azores, Horta, Portugal
| | | | - Malcolm R. Clark
- National Institute of Water & Atmospheric Research, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Cherisse Du Preez
- Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Sidney, Canada
- University of Victoria, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
| | | | | | | | - Thomas Hourigan
- National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration, Washington, D.C., United States
| | - Kerry Howell
- School of Biological and Marine Science, University of Plymouth, Plymouth, United Kingdom
| | - Lisa A. Levin
- Scripps Institution of Oceanography, University of California, San Diego, California, United States
| | - Dhugal J. Lindsay
- Japan Agency for Marine-Earth Science and Technology, Yokosuka, Japan
| | | | - Nicole Morgan
- Earth, Ocean, and Atmospheric Sciences, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL, United States
| | - Telmo Morato
- Okeanos-University of the Azores, Horta, Portugal
| | - Beatriz E. Mejia-Mercado
- Earth, Ocean, and Atmospheric Sciences, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL, United States
| | | | - Tabitha Pearman
- South Atlantic Environmental Research Institute, Stanley, Falkland Islands
| | - David Price
- Okeanos-University of the Azores, Horta, Portugal
- The National Oceanography Centre, Southampton, United Kingdom
- University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom
| | - Katleen Robert
- Fisheries and Marine Institute of Memorial University, St. John’s, Canada
| | - Laura Robson
- Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough, United Kingdom
| | - Ashley A. Rowden
- National Institute of Water & Atmospheric Research, Wellington, New Zealand
- Victoria University of Wellington, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - James Taylor
- Senckenberg am Meer, German Center for Marine Biodiversity Research (DZMB), Senckenberg Nature Research Society, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Michelle Taylor
- School of Life Sciences, University of Essex, Essex, United Kingdom
| | - Lissette Victorero
- Norwegian Institute for Water Research, Bergen, Norway
- University of Aveiro, CESAM, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Les Watling
- University of Hawaii at Manoa, Honolulu, United States
| | | | - Joana R. Xavier
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
- CIIMAR, Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research, CIIMAR, University of Porto, Matsosinhos, Portugal
| | - Chris Yesson
- Zoological Society of London, London, United Kingdom
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11
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Maier SR, Brooke S, De Clippele LH, de Froe E, van der Kaaden AS, Kutti T, Mienis F, van Oevelen D. On the paradox of thriving cold-water coral reefs in the food-limited deep sea. Biol Rev Camb Philos Soc 2023; 98:1768-1795. [PMID: 37236916 DOI: 10.1111/brv.12976] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2022] [Revised: 04/26/2023] [Accepted: 05/01/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
The deep sea is amongst the most food-limited habitats on Earth, as only a small fraction (<4%) of the surface primary production is exported below 200 m water depth. Here, cold-water coral (CWC) reefs form oases of life: their biodiversity compares with tropical coral reefs, their biomass and metabolic activity exceed other deep-sea ecosystems by far. We critically assess the paradox of thriving CWC reefs in the food-limited deep sea, by reviewing the literature and open-access data on CWC habitats. This review shows firstly that CWCs typically occur in areas where the food supply is not constantly low, but undergoes pronounced temporal variation. High currents, downwelling and/or vertically migrating zooplankton temporally boost the export of surface organic matter to the seabed, creating 'feast' conditions, interspersed with 'famine' periods during the non-productive season. Secondly, CWCs, particularly the most common reef-builder Desmophyllum pertusum (formerly known as Lophelia pertusa), are well adapted to these fluctuations in food availability. Laboratory and in situ measurements revealed their dietary flexibility, tissue reserves, and temporal variation in growth and energy allocation. Thirdly, the high structural and functional diversity of CWC reefs increases resource retention: acting as giant filters and sustaining complex food webs with diverse recycling pathways, the reefs optimise resource gains over losses. Anthropogenic pressures, including climate change and ocean acidification, threaten this fragile equilibrium through decreased resource supply, increased energy costs, and dissolution of the calcium-carbonate reef framework. Based on this review, we suggest additional criteria to judge the health of CWC reefs and their chance to persist in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra R Maier
- Greenland Climate Research Centre, Greenland Institute of Natural Resources, Kivioq 2, PO Box 570, Nuuk, 3900, Greenland
- Department of Estuarine and Delta Systems, Royal Netherlands Institute for Sea Research (NIOZ), Korringaweg 7, Yerseke, 4401 NT, The Netherlands
| | - Sandra Brooke
- Coastal & Marine Laboratory, Florida State University, 3618 Coastal Highway 98, St. Teresa, FL, 32327, USA
| | - Laurence H De Clippele
- Changing Oceans Research Group, School of GeoSciences, University of Edinburgh, Grant Institute, King's Buildings, Edinburgh, EH9 3FE, UK
| | - Evert de Froe
- Centre for Fisheries Ecosystem Research, Fisheries and Marine Institute at Memorial University of Newfoundland, 155 Ridge Rd, St. John's, NL A1C 5R3, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada
- Department of Ocean Systems, Royal Netherlands Institute for Sea Research (NIOZ), PO Box 59, Den Burg (Texel), 1790 AB, The Netherlands
| | - Anna-Selma van der Kaaden
- Department of Estuarine and Delta Systems, Royal Netherlands Institute for Sea Research (NIOZ), Korringaweg 7, Yerseke, 4401 NT, The Netherlands
| | - Tina Kutti
- Institute of Marine Research (IMR), PO box 1870 Nordnes, Bergen, NO-5817, Norway
| | - Furu Mienis
- Department of Ocean Systems, Royal Netherlands Institute for Sea Research (NIOZ), PO Box 59, Den Burg (Texel), 1790 AB, The Netherlands
| | - Dick van Oevelen
- Department of Estuarine and Delta Systems, Royal Netherlands Institute for Sea Research (NIOZ), Korringaweg 7, Yerseke, 4401 NT, The Netherlands
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12
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Santiago BCF, de Souza ID, Cavalcante JVF, Morais DAA, da Silva MB, Pasquali MADB, Dalmolin RJS. Metagenomic Analyses Reveal the Influence of Depth Layers on Marine Biodiversity on Tropical and Subtropical Regions. Microorganisms 2023; 11:1668. [PMID: 37512841 PMCID: PMC10386303 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11071668] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2023] [Revised: 06/07/2023] [Accepted: 06/10/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
The emergence of open ocean global-scale studies provided important information about the genomics of oceanic microbial communities. Metagenomic analyses shed light on the structure of marine habitats, unraveling the biodiversity of different water masses. Many biological and environmental factors can contribute to marine organism composition, such as depth. However, much remains unknown about microbial communities' taxonomic and functional features in different water layer depths. Here, we performed a metagenomic analysis of 76 publicly available samples from the Tara Ocean Project, distributed in 8 collection stations located in tropical or subtropical regions, and sampled from three layers of depth (surface water layer-SRF, deep chlorophyll maximum layer-DCM, and mesopelagic zone-MES). The SRF and DCM depth layers are similar in abundance and diversity, while the MES layer presents greater diversity than the other layers. Diversity clustering analysis shows differences regarding the taxonomic content of samples. At the domain level, bacteria prevail in most samples, and the MES layer presents the highest proportion of archaea among all samples. Taken together, our results indicate that the depth layer influences microbial sample composition and diversity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bianca C F Santiago
- Bioinformatics Multidisciplinary Environment-IMD, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal 59078-400, Brazil
| | - Iara D de Souza
- Bioinformatics Multidisciplinary Environment-IMD, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal 59078-400, Brazil
| | - João Vitor F Cavalcante
- Bioinformatics Multidisciplinary Environment-IMD, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal 59078-400, Brazil
| | - Diego A A Morais
- Bioinformatics Multidisciplinary Environment-IMD, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal 59078-400, Brazil
| | - Mikaelly B da Silva
- Food Engineering Department, Federal University of Campina Grande, Campina Grande 58401-490, Brazil
| | | | - Rodrigo J S Dalmolin
- Bioinformatics Multidisciplinary Environment-IMD, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal 59078-400, Brazil
- Department of Biochemistry-CB, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal 59078-970, Brazil
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13
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Pinheiro M, Martins I, Raimundo J, Caetano M, Neuparth T, Santos MM. Stressors of emerging concern in deep-sea environments: microplastics, pharmaceuticals, personal care products and deep-sea mining. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 876:162557. [PMID: 36898539 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.162557] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2023] [Revised: 02/16/2023] [Accepted: 02/26/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Although most deep-sea areas are remote in comparison to coastal zones, a growing body of literature indicates that many sensitive ecosystems could be under increased stress from anthropogenic sources. Among the multiple potential stressors, microplastics (MPs), pharmaceuticals and personal care products (PPCPs/PCPs) and the imminent start of commercial deep-sea mining have received increased attention. Here we review recent literature on these emerging stressors in deep-sea environments and discuss cumulative effects with climate change associated variables. Importantly, MPs and PPCPs have been detected in deep-sea waters, organisms and sediments, in some locations in comparable levels to coastal areas. The Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea are the most studied areas and where higher levels of MPs and PPCPs have been detected. The paucity of data for most other deep-sea ecosystems indicates that many more locations are likely to be contaminated by these emerging stressors, but the absence of studies hampers a better assessment of the potential risk. The main knowledge gaps in the field are identified and discussed, and future research priorities are highlighted to improve hazard and risk assessment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marlene Pinheiro
- CIIMAR/CIMAR-LA - Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research, Avenida General Norton de Matos S/N, 4450-208 Matosinhos, Portugal; FCUP - Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Porto, Rua do Campo Alegre S/N, 4169-007 Porto, Portugal
| | - Irene Martins
- CIIMAR/CIMAR-LA - Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research, Avenida General Norton de Matos S/N, 4450-208 Matosinhos, Portugal
| | - Joana Raimundo
- CIIMAR/CIMAR-LA - Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research, Avenida General Norton de Matos S/N, 4450-208 Matosinhos, Portugal; IPMA - Portuguese Institute for Sea and Atmosphere, Avenida Alfredo Magalhães Ramalho 6, 1495-165 Algés, Portugal
| | - Miguel Caetano
- CIIMAR/CIMAR-LA - Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research, Avenida General Norton de Matos S/N, 4450-208 Matosinhos, Portugal; IPMA - Portuguese Institute for Sea and Atmosphere, Avenida Alfredo Magalhães Ramalho 6, 1495-165 Algés, Portugal
| | - Teresa Neuparth
- CIIMAR/CIMAR-LA - Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research, Avenida General Norton de Matos S/N, 4450-208 Matosinhos, Portugal.
| | - Miguel M Santos
- CIIMAR/CIMAR-LA - Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research, Avenida General Norton de Matos S/N, 4450-208 Matosinhos, Portugal; FCUP - Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Porto, Rua do Campo Alegre S/N, 4169-007 Porto, Portugal.
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14
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Stuckless B, Hamel JF, Aguzzi J, Mercier A. Intra- and Interspecific Foraging and Feeding Interactions in Three Sea Stars and a Gastropod from the Deep Sea. BIOLOGY 2023; 12:774. [PMID: 37372059 DOI: 10.3390/biology12060774] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2023] [Revised: 05/23/2023] [Accepted: 05/23/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023]
Abstract
Competitive interactions come in a variety of forms and may be modulated by the size and number of individuals involved, and/or the resources available. Here, intra- and interspecific competitive behaviours for food (i.e., foraging/food search and feeding/food ingestion) were experimentally characterized and quantified in four co-existing deep-sea benthic species. Three sea stars (Ceramaster granularis, Hippasteria phrygiana, and Henricia lisa) and one gastropod (Buccinum scalariforme) from the bathyal Northwest Atlantic were investigated using video trials in darkened laboratory conditions. A range of competitive or cooperative behaviours occurred, depending on species (conspecific or heterospecific), comparative body size, and the number of individuals involved. Contrary to expectations, small individuals (or smaller species) were not always outcompeted by larger individuals (or larger species) when foraging and feeding. Moreover, faster species did not always outcompete slower ones while scavenging. Overall, this study sheds new light on scavenging strategies of co-existing deep-sea benthic species in food-limited bathyal environments, based on complex behavioural inter- and intraspecific relationships.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brittney Stuckless
- Department of Ocean Sciences, Memorial University, St. John's, NL A1C 5S7, Canada
| | - Jean-François Hamel
- Society for the Exploration and Valuing of the Environment (SEVE), Portugal Cove-St. Philip's, NL A1M 2B7, Canada
| | - Jacopo Aguzzi
- Instituto de Ciencias del Mar (ICM-CSIC), Paseo Marítimo de la Barceloneta, 08012 Barcelona, Spain
- Zoological Station, Anton Dohrn (SZN), Villa Comunale, 80121 Naples, Italy
| | - Annie Mercier
- Department of Ocean Sciences, Memorial University, St. John's, NL A1C 5S7, Canada
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15
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Vigo M, Navarro J, Aguzzi J, Bahamón N, García JA, Rotllant G, Recasens L, Company JB. ROV-based monitoring of passive ecological recovery in a deep-sea no-take fishery reserve. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 883:163339. [PMID: 37087018 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.163339] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2022] [Revised: 02/24/2023] [Accepted: 04/03/2023] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
In the context of marine conservation, trawl fishing activity is the most important ecosystem stressor in demersal Mediterranean waters. Limited management measures in bottom trawling have caused deep-sea stocks of the iconic Norway lobster Nephrops norvegicus to decrease over the last decade. This crustacean acts as an umbrella species for co-existing megafauna. Here, we used non-invasive Remote Operated Vehicle (ROV) video-surveys to investigate the status of a pilot deep-sea no-take reserve implemented in the northwestern Mediterranean by quantifying demographic indicators of Norway lobsters and the co-existing benthic community, seafloor restoration, and the presence of marine litter. The results revealed that in the no-take reserve the Norway lobster stock showed higher abundance and biomass, and slightly larger body sizes than in the control area without fishing prohibition. Some taxa, such as the fishes Helicolenus dactylopterus and Trigla lyra and anemones of the family Cerianthidae, increased in abundance. We also observed that all trawling marks were smoothed and most of the seafloor was intact, clear indicators of the recovery of the muddy seafloor. The accumulation of marine debris and terrestrial vegetation was similar in the no-take reserve and the fished area. On the basis of the results of this study, we suggest that the use of no-take reserves might be an effective measure for recovering the Norway lobster stock, its co-existing megafauna community, and the surrounding demersal habitat. We also suggest that ROV video-survey might be a useful, and non-invasive method to monitor megafauna and seafloor status in protected deep-sea environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Vigo
- Institut de Ciències del Mar (ICM), CSIC, Passeig Marítim de la Barceloneta 37-49, 08003 Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Joan Navarro
- Institut de Ciències del Mar (ICM), CSIC, Passeig Marítim de la Barceloneta 37-49, 08003 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Jacopo Aguzzi
- Institut de Ciències del Mar (ICM), CSIC, Passeig Marítim de la Barceloneta 37-49, 08003 Barcelona, Spain; Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn (SZN), Naples, Italy
| | - Nixon Bahamón
- Institut de Ciències del Mar (ICM), CSIC, Passeig Marítim de la Barceloneta 37-49, 08003 Barcelona, Spain
| | - José Antonio García
- Institut de Ciències del Mar (ICM), CSIC, Passeig Marítim de la Barceloneta 37-49, 08003 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Guiomar Rotllant
- Institut de Ciències del Mar (ICM), CSIC, Passeig Marítim de la Barceloneta 37-49, 08003 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Laura Recasens
- Institut de Ciències del Mar (ICM), CSIC, Passeig Marítim de la Barceloneta 37-49, 08003 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Joan B Company
- Institut de Ciències del Mar (ICM), CSIC, Passeig Marítim de la Barceloneta 37-49, 08003 Barcelona, Spain
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16
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Lauritano C, Montuori E, De Falco G, Carrella S. In Silico Methodologies to Improve Antioxidants' Characterization from Marine Organisms. Antioxidants (Basel) 2023; 12:710. [PMID: 36978958 PMCID: PMC10045275 DOI: 10.3390/antiox12030710] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2023] [Revised: 03/02/2023] [Accepted: 03/07/2023] [Indexed: 03/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Marine organisms have been reported to be valuable sources of bioactive molecules that have found applications in different industrial fields. From organism sampling to the identification and bioactivity characterization of a specific compound, different steps are necessary, which are time- and cost-consuming. Thanks to the advent of the -omic era, numerous genome, metagenome, transcriptome, metatranscriptome, proteome and microbiome data have been reported and deposited in public databases. These advancements have been fundamental for the development of in silico strategies for basic and applied research. In silico studies represent a convenient and efficient approach to the bioactivity prediction of known and newly identified marine molecules, reducing the time and costs of "wet-lab" experiments. This review focuses on in silico approaches applied to bioactive molecule discoveries from marine organisms. When available, validation studies reporting a bioactivity assay to confirm the presence of an antioxidant molecule or enzyme are reported, as well. Overall, this review suggests that in silico approaches can offer a valuable alternative to most expensive approaches and proposes them as a little explored field in which to invest.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Lauritano
- Ecosustainable Marine Biotechnology Department, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Via Acton 55, 80133 Napoli, Italy
| | - Eleonora Montuori
- Ecosustainable Marine Biotechnology Department, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Via Acton 55, 80133 Napoli, Italy
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, Viale F. Stagno d’Alcontres 31, 98166 Messina, Italy
| | - Gabriele De Falco
- Ecosustainable Marine Biotechnology Department, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Via Acton 55, 80133 Napoli, Italy
| | - Sabrina Carrella
- Ecosustainable Marine Biotechnology Department, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Via Acton 55, 80133 Napoli, Italy
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17
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Lyu L, Fang K, Zhu Z, Li J, Chen Y, Wang L, Mai Z, Li Q, Zhang S. Bioaccumulation of emerging persistent organic pollutants in the deep-sea cold seep ecosystems: Evidence from chlorinated paraffin. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2023; 445:130472. [PMID: 36455324 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2022.130472] [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: 09/28/2022] [Revised: 11/16/2022] [Accepted: 11/23/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Persistent organic pollutants (POPs) are highly toxic and can accumulate in marine organisms, causing nonnegligible harm to the global marine ecosystem. The Cold seep is an essential marine ecosystem with the critical ecological function of maintaining the deep-sea carbon cycle and buffering global climate change. However, the environmental impact of emerging POPs in the deep-sea cold seep ecosystem is unknown. Here, we investigated the potential pollution of chlorinated paraffins (CPs) and their bioaccumulation in the cold seep ecosystem. High concentrations of CPs were detected in the cold seep ecosystems, where CPs bioaccumulated by the keystone species of deep-sea mussels can be released into the surface sediment and vertically migrate into the deeper sediment. Furthermore, more toxic CPs were accumulated from transforming other CPs in the cold seep ecosystem. Our study provides the first evidence that high concentrations of POPs are bioaccumulated by deep-sea mussels in the cold seep ecosystem, causing adverse ecological effects. The discovery of CPs bioaccumulation in the deep-sea cold seep ecosystem is a crucial mechanism affecting deep-sea carbon transport and cycling. This study has important guiding significance for revealing the deep-sea carbon cycle process, addressing global climate change, and making deep-sea ecological and environmental protection policies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lina Lyu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Tropical Marine Bio-resources and Ecology, South China Sea Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510301, Guangdong, China
| | - Kejing Fang
- Guangzhou Institute of Energy Conversion, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, 510640, Guangdong, China
| | - Zhenchang Zhu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Water Quality Improvement and Ecological Restoration for Watersheds, School of Ecology, Environment and Resources, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Jie Li
- CAS Key Laboratory of Tropical Marine Bio-resources and Ecology, South China Sea Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510301, Guangdong, China
| | - Yu Chen
- Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Guangzhou), Guangzhou 511458, Guangdong, China
| | - Lin Wang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Tropical Marine Bio-resources and Ecology, South China Sea Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510301, Guangdong, China
| | - Zhimao Mai
- CAS Key Laboratory of Tropical Marine Bio-resources and Ecology, South China Sea Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510301, Guangdong, China
| | - Qiqi Li
- CAS Key Laboratory of Tropical Marine Bio-resources and Ecology, South China Sea Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510301, Guangdong, China
| | - Si Zhang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Tropical Marine Bio-resources and Ecology, South China Sea Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510301, Guangdong, China; Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Guangzhou), Guangzhou 511458, Guangdong, China.
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18
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Riesgo L, Sanpera C, García-Barcelona S, Sánchez-Fortún M, Coll M, Navarro J. Understanding the role of ecological factors affecting mercury concentrations in the blue shark (Prionace glauca). CHEMOSPHERE 2023; 313:137642. [PMID: 36572364 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2022.137642] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2022] [Revised: 12/21/2022] [Accepted: 12/22/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Human activities have increased environmental concentrations of pollutants in marine ecosystems, which can cause harmful effects on marine organisms. Top predators are particularly susceptible to bioaccumulation and biomagnification of pollutants through the food webs and are described as good sentinels for monitoring metal accumulation such mercury (Hg) in marine ecosystems. However, to be used as sentinels, it is important to understand the main ecological factors affecting the concentrations of pollutants in these organisms. In the present study, our main objective was to investigate the effect of body size, sex, trophic niche and geographic area on Hg concentrations in a top marine top predator, the blue shark (Prionace glauca). We analysed Hg in muscle samples from male and female blue sharks of different body sizes collected from the waters surrounding the Canary Islands and the South of Portugal, in the Atlantic Ocean, to waters of the north-western Mediterranean Sea. The results revealed that the sampling area was an important factor explaining Hg concentrations, showing higher values in the Mediterranean blue sharks. We also found a positive relationship between Hg concentrations and body size of blue sharks, indicating a bioaccumulation process of this pollutant in relation with body size. Moreover, we observed a relationship between Hg concentrations and δ13C values, a proxy of the use of inshore-offshore marine habitats. Individuals with depleted δ13C values that potentially foraged in offshore waters showed higher Hg values. Importantly, most of the analysed blue sharks presented Hg concentrations that exceeded the limits established by the European Union for human consumption.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lola Riesgo
- Institut de Ciències Del Mar (ICM), CSIC, Barcelona, Spain; Departament de Biologia Evolutiva, Ecologia I Ciències Ambientals, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Carola Sanpera
- Departament de Biologia Evolutiva, Ecologia I Ciències Ambientals, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | | | - Moisès Sánchez-Fortún
- Departament de Biologia Evolutiva, Ecologia I Ciències Ambientals, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Marta Coll
- Institut de Ciències Del Mar (ICM), CSIC, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Joan Navarro
- Institut de Ciències Del Mar (ICM), CSIC, Barcelona, Spain.
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19
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Taviani M, Foglini F, Castellan G, Montagna P, McCulloch MT, Trotter JA. First assessment of anthropogenic impacts in submarine canyon systems off southwestern Australia. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 857:159243. [PMID: 36208760 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.159243] [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: 06/08/2022] [Revised: 09/30/2022] [Accepted: 10/01/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
We assessed the anthropogenic impacts on southwestern Australian submarine canyons by quantifying macro-litter discovered during Remotely Operated Vehicle surveys. The study area encompasses the Bremer canyon systems and Perth Canyon. The categories of macro-litter identified by our study are plastic, metal, aluminium, glass, fabric, mixed, derelict fishing gear, and unclassified. The anthropogenic impacts in the canyons explored is minimal, especially in the Bremer canyon systems, whereas Perth Canyon has comparatively more macro-litter, presumably due to intense maritime traffic and nearby urban development. On a global scale, however, the environmental status of southwestern Australian canyons is relatively pristine. This analysis provides a baseline for the monitoring and enduring stewardship of these habitats where lush and diverse biota, including deep-sea corals, thrive.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Taviani
- Istituto di Scienze Marine (ISMAR), Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (CNR), Bologna, Italy; Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Naples, Italy
| | - Federica Foglini
- Istituto di Scienze Marine (ISMAR), Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (CNR), Bologna, Italy
| | - Giorgio Castellan
- Istituto di Scienze Marine (ISMAR), Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (CNR), Bologna, Italy.
| | - Paolo Montagna
- Istituto di Scienze Polari (ISP), Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (CNR), Bologna, Italy
| | - Malcom T McCulloch
- Oceans Graduate School and UWA Oceans Institute, The University of Western Australia, Perth 6009, Australia; ARC Centre of Excellence in Coral Reef Studies, The University of Western Australia, Perth 6009, Australia
| | - Julie A Trotter
- Oceans Graduate School and UWA Oceans Institute, The University of Western Australia, Perth 6009, Australia
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20
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Duhamet A, Albouy C, Marques V, Manel S, Mouillot D. The global depth range of marine fishes and their genetic coverage for environmental DNA metabarcoding. Ecol Evol 2023; 13:e9672. [PMID: 36699576 PMCID: PMC9846838 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.9672] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2022] [Revised: 11/25/2022] [Accepted: 12/06/2022] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
The bathymetric and geographical distribution of marine species represent a key information in biodiversity conservation. Yet, deep-sea ecosystems are among the least explored on Earth and are increasingly impacted by human activities. Environmental DNA (eDNA) metabarcoding has emerged as a promising method to study fish biodiversity but applications to the deep-sea are still scarce. A major limitation in the application of eDNA metabarcoding is the incompleteness of species sequences available in public genetic databases which reduces the extent of detected species. This incompleteness by depth is still unknown. Here, we built the global bathymetric and geographical distribution of 10,826 actinopterygian and 960 chondrichthyan fish species. We assessed their genetic coverage by depth and by ocean for three main metabarcoding markers used in the literature: teleo and MiFish-U/E. We also estimated the number of primer mismatches per species amplified by in silico polymerase chain reaction which influence the probability of species detection. Actinopterygians show a stronger decrease in species richness with depth than Chondrichthyans. These richness gradients are accompanied by a continuous species turnover between depths. Fish species coverage with the MiFish-U/E markers is higher than with teleo while threatened species are more sequenced than the others. "Deep-endemic" species, those not ascending to the shallow depth layer, are less sequenced than not threatened species. The number of primer mismatches is not higher for deep-sea species than for shallower ones. eDNA metabarcoding is promising for species detection in the deep-sea to better account for the 3-dimensional structure of the ocean in marine biodiversity monitoring and conservation. However, we argue that sequencing efforts on "deep-endemic" species are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agnès Duhamet
- MARBECUniv Montpellier, CNRS, IRD, IfremerMontpellierFrance,CEFEUniv Montpellier, CNRS, EPHE‐PSL University, IRDMontpellierFrance
| | - Camille Albouy
- Ecosystem and Landscape Evolution, Institute of Terrestrial Ecosystems, Department of Environmental Systems ScienceETH ZürichZürichSwitzerland,Unit of Land Change ScienceSwiss Federal Research Institute WSLBirmensdorfSwitzerland
| | - Virginie Marques
- Ecosystem and Landscape Evolution, Institute of Terrestrial Ecosystems, Department of Environmental Systems ScienceETH ZürichZürichSwitzerland,Unit of Land Change ScienceSwiss Federal Research Institute WSLBirmensdorfSwitzerland
| | - Stephanie Manel
- CEFEUniv Montpellier, CNRS, EPHE‐PSL University, IRDMontpellierFrance
| | - David Mouillot
- MARBECUniv Montpellier, CNRS, IRD, IfremerMontpellierFrance,Institut Universitaire de FranceParisFrance
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21
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Shi P, Yang J, Sun D, Wang C. A simulation from offsite disturbance experiments on the metal resuspension process in the seafloor of the Western Pacific. CHEMOSPHERE 2023; 311:137042. [PMID: 36419264 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2022.137042] [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: 08/13/2022] [Revised: 10/23/2022] [Accepted: 10/25/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Deep-sea mining technology has developed rapidly in recent years. As an environmental concern of deep-sea mining, the impacts of sediment resuspension are not fully understood. To predict the threats to the deep-sea environment, the resuspension process of metals from solids to the dissolved phase was explored by conducting off-site artificial disturbance experiments in a nitrogen glove box. A magnetic stirring operation at 800 rpm for 20 min was set to simulate the resuspension process. Surface sediments from two multicore sampling stations (MC01 and MC08) were treated by two sediment-water ratios (1:3 and 1:10) simulating different disturbance intensities. The concentrations of dissolved metals in the overlying water before and after the perturbation experiment were analyzed after two filtration extraction methods (0.22 μm and 3 kDa). According to the observed behaviors, three groups of metals were distinguished: (1) metals whose concentrations were elevated after the disturbance, such as V, Rb, Mo, and Cd; (2) metals whose concentrations were depressed after the disturbance, such as Zn, Ga, Co, Cu, and Pb; and (3) metals whose behaviors were inconsistent between the stations, such as Li, Mn, Ni, and Cs. The disturbance-induced resuspension of metals was highly influenced by sediment compositions, such as the morphological states of metals in sediments and clay mineral composition. Instead, the particle concentration effect was less significant. Moreover, there was no evidence that colloids in the overlying water played a significant role in the remobilization of metals during the experiments. Considering the elevation of concentrations of V, Rb, Mo, and Cd in the overlying water after disturbance, the long-term impacts of these metals on the seafloor environments of the Western Pacific should be further explored in combination with temperature and pressure effects, as well as the tolerance of organisms to these metals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pengtao Shi
- School of Ocean Sciences, China University of Geosciences, Beijing, 100083, China
| | - Juan Yang
- School of Ocean Sciences, China University of Geosciences, Beijing, 100083, China.
| | - Dong Sun
- Key Laboratory of Marine Ecosystem Dynamics, Second Institute of Oceanography, Ministry of Natural Resources, Hangzhou, 310000, China
| | - Chunsheng Wang
- Key Laboratory of Marine Ecosystem Dynamics, Second Institute of Oceanography, Ministry of Natural Resources, Hangzhou, 310000, China
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22
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Ribeiro I, Antunes JT, Alexandrino DAM, Tomasino MP, Almeida E, Hilário A, Urbatzka R, Leão PN, Mucha AP, Carvalho MF. Actinobacteria from Arctic and Atlantic deep-sea sediments-Biodiversity and bioactive potential. Front Microbiol 2023; 14:1158441. [PMID: 37065153 PMCID: PMC10100589 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1158441] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2023] [Accepted: 03/07/2023] [Indexed: 04/18/2023] Open
Abstract
The deep-sea covers over 70% of the Earth's surface and harbors predominantly uncharacterized bacterial communities. Actinobacteria are the major prokaryotic source of bioactive natural products that find their way into drug discovery programs, and the deep-sea is a promising source of biotechnologically relevant actinobacteria. Previous studies on actinobacteria in deep-sea sediments were either regionally restricted or did not combine a community characterization with the analysis of their bioactive potential. Here we characterized the actinobacterial communities of upper layers of deep-sea sediments from the Arctic and the Atlantic (Azores and Madeira) ocean basins, employing 16S rRNA metabarcoding, and studied the biosynthetic potential of cultivable actinobacteria retrieved from those samples. Metabarcoding analysis showed that the actinobacterial composition varied between the sampled regions, with higher abundance in the Arctic samples but higher diversity in the Atlantic ones. Twenty actinobacterial genera were detected using metabarcoding, as a culture-independent method, while culture-dependent methods only allowed the identification of nine genera. Isolation of actinobacteria resulted on the retrieval of 44 isolates, mainly associated with Brachybacterium, Microbacterium, and Brevibacterium genera. Some of these isolates were only identified on a specific sampled region. Chemical extracts of the actinobacterial isolates were subsequently screened for their antimicrobial, anticancer and anti-inflammatory activities. Extracts from two Streptomyces strains demonstrated activity against Candida albicans. Additionally, eight extracts (obtained from Brachybacterium, Brevibacterium, Microbacterium, Rhodococcus, and Streptomyces isolates) showed significant activity against at least one of the tested cancer cell lines (HepG2 and T-47D). Furthermore, 15 actinobacterial extracts showed anti-inflammatory potential in the RAW 264.4 cell model assay, with no concomitant cytotoxic response. Dereplication and molecular networking analysis of the bioactive actinobacterial extracts showed the presence of some metabolites associated with known natural products, but one of the analyzed clusters did not show any match with the natural products described as responsible for these bioactivities. Overall, we were able to recover taxonomically diverse actinobacteria with different bioactivities from the studied deep-sea samples. The conjugation of culture-dependent and -independent methods allows a better understanding of the actinobacterial diversity of deep-sea environments, which is important for the optimization of approaches to obtain novel chemically-rich isolates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Inês Ribeiro
- CIIMAR - Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
- School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences (ICBAS), University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
- *Correspondence: Inês Ribeiro,
| | - Jorge T. Antunes
- CIIMAR - Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Diogo A. M. Alexandrino
- CIIMAR - Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
- Department of Environmental Health, School of Health, Polytechnic of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Maria Paola Tomasino
- CIIMAR - Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Eduarda Almeida
- CIIMAR - Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
- Department of Biology, FCUP - Faculty of Sciences of the University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Ana Hilário
- Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies and Department of Biology, University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Ralph Urbatzka
- CIIMAR - Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Pedro N. Leão
- CIIMAR - Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Ana P. Mucha
- CIIMAR - Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
- Department of Biology, FCUP - Faculty of Sciences of the University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Maria F. Carvalho
- CIIMAR - Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
- School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences (ICBAS), University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
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23
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Plastic pollution of four understudied marine ecosystems: a review of mangroves, seagrass meadows, the Arctic Ocean and the deep seafloor. Emerg Top Life Sci 2022; 6:371-387. [PMID: 36214383 DOI: 10.1042/etls20220017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2022] [Revised: 09/14/2022] [Accepted: 09/15/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Plastic pollution is now a worldwide phenomenon affecting all marine ecosystems, but some ecosystems and regions remain understudied. Here, we review the presence and impacts of macroplastics and microplastics for four such ecosystems: mangroves, seagrass meadows, the Arctic Ocean and the deep seafloor. Plastic production has grown steadily, and thus the impact on species and ecosystems has increased, too. The accumulated evidence also indicates that plastic pollution is an additional and increasing stressor to these already ecosystems and many of the species living in them. However, laboratory or field studies, which provide strong correlational or experimental evidence of ecological harm due to plastic pollution remain scarce or absent for these ecosystems. Based on these findings, we give some research recommendations for the future.
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24
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Buhl-Mortensen L, Houssa R, Weerakoon WRWMAP, Kainge P, Olsen MN, Faye S, Wagne MM, Myo Thwe S, Cudjoe Voado G, Grøsvik BE. Litter on the seafloor along the African coast and in the Bay of Bengal based on trawl bycatches from 2011 to 2020. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2022; 184:114094. [PMID: 36166859 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2022.114094] [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: 04/17/2022] [Revised: 08/17/2022] [Accepted: 08/25/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
We present the occurrence of seafloor litter on the coast of Africa and in the Bay of Bengal based on records from the EAF-NANSEN Programme in 2011 to 2020. Litter bycatch records from 534 bottom trawls were standardized to km2 before analysis. Three percent of the records indicated areas of high littering and the highest densities occurred from 100 to 300 m in depth and 50 to 100 km from the coast. Littering was lower in the Indian Ocean compared to Atlantic Africa. Plastic objects and fishing gear dominated the recorded items (47 % and 22 % respectively) but, regional differences were pronounced. Plastic dominated North Atlantic and East African records (58 % and 80 % respectively) and fishing gear dominated (69 %) in South Atlantic Africa while records from the Bay of Bengal were a mix of categories. The relation between littering and population density, marine industry, major cities, and rivers is discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Buhl-Mortensen
- Institute of Marine Research, P.O. Box 1870 Nordnes, N-5817 Bergen, Norway.
| | - R Houssa
- Institut National de Recherche Halieutique, Casablanca, Morocco
| | - W R W M A P Weerakoon
- National Institute of Oceanography and Marine Sciences (NIOMS), National Aquatic Resources Research and Development Agency (NARA), Colombo 15, Sri Lanka
| | - P Kainge
- National Marine Information and Research Centre (NatMIRC), Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources, Swakopmund, Namibia
| | - M N Olsen
- Institute of Marine Research, P.O. Box 1870 Nordnes, N-5817 Bergen, Norway
| | - S Faye
- Cheikh Anta Diop University, Dakar LPAO-SF, Senegal
| | - M M Wagne
- Institut Mauritanien de Recherches Océanographiques et de Pêches (IMROP), BP 22, Nouadhibou, Mauritanie; Unité Écobiologie Marine, Environnement, Santé et Nutrition (EBIOMESN), Faculté des Sciences et Techniques, Université de Nouakchott Al Aasriya, BP 880, Nouakchott, Mauritanie
| | - S Myo Thwe
- Analytical Laboratory Unit, Department of Fisheries, ShuuKhin Thar Road, Tharketa Township, Yangon Region, Yangon, P.O. Box 11231, Myanmar
| | - G Cudjoe Voado
- Environmental Protection Agency, Human Settlement Unit, P.O. Box MB 326, 91 Starlet Street Ministries, Accra, Ghana
| | - B E Grøsvik
- Institute of Marine Research, P.O. Box 1870 Nordnes, N-5817 Bergen, Norway
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25
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Assessing the feasibility of deep-seabed mining of polymetallic nodules in the Area of seabed and ocean floor beyond the limits of national jurisdiction, as a method of alleviating supply-side issues for cobalt to US markets. MINERAL ECONOMICS 2022. [PMCID: PMC9582397 DOI: 10.1007/s13563-022-00348-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
The growing importance of cobalt to the US economy has led to its categorisation as a critical mineral. Cobalt demand is increasing due to its requirement in lithium-ion batteries, which will significantly contribute to the energy transition. Supply is threatened for various reasons, primarily regarding supply chain concentrations, with the majority of the world’s cobalt originating in terrestrial deposits in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and being refined in China. There remain environmental and ethical concerns over the present supply chain. Previous discussions around reducing cobalt’s criticality have suggested diversifying processing locations to reduce geographical and jurisdictional reliance where possible. This study assesses the viability of extracting cobalt from polymetallic nodules (PMNs) located on the deep-seabed in the Area, as an alternative strategy to reduce cobalt’s criticality. Assessments are made of the viability of PMN extraction considering ongoing barriers to introduction, contrasted with current arguments supporting PMN extraction. PMN mining offers a more stable and decentralised alternative to current cobalt supply. There exist impediments to its introduction, notably potential environmental impacts, which remain poorly understood. Technical and political restrictions must also be overcome. It is argued that the wider environmental benefits of increased cobalt supply from PMN mining may offset its detrimental environmental impacts. It is suggested that PMN mining be used in a wider strategy to improve supply security of cobalt to US markets.
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26
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Spindola Vilela CL, Damasceno TL, Thomas T, Peixoto RS. Global qualitative and quantitative distribution of micropollutants in the deep sea. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2022; 307:119414. [PMID: 35598814 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2022.119414] [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: 02/06/2022] [Revised: 04/28/2022] [Accepted: 05/01/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Micropollutants (MPs) include a wide range of biological disruptors that can be toxic to wildlife and humans at very low concentrations (<1 μg/L). These mainly anthropogenic pollutants have been widely detected in different areas of the planet, including the deep sea, and have impacts on marine life. Because of this potential toxicity, the global distribution, quantity, incidence, and potential impacts of deep-sea MPs were investigated in a systematic review of the literature. The results showed that MPs have reached different zones of the ocean and are more frequently reported in the Northern Hemisphere, where higher concentrations are found. MPs are also concentrated in depths up to 3000 m, where they are also more frequently studied, but also extend deeper than 10,000 m. Potentially toxic metals (PTMs), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDTs), organotins, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) were identified as the most prevalent and widely distributed MPs at ≥200 m depth. PTMs are widely distributed in the deep sea in high concentrations; aluminum is the most prevalent up to 3000 m depth, followed by zinc and copper. PCBs, organotins, hexachlorocyclohexanes (HCHs), PAHs, and phenols were detected accumulated in both organisms and environmental samples above legislated thresholds or known toxicity levels. Our assessment indicated that the deep sea can be considered a sink for MPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caren Leite Spindola Vilela
- Department of General Microbiology, Paulo de Goes Institute of Microbiology, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Taissa Lopes Damasceno
- Department of General Microbiology, Paulo de Goes Institute of Microbiology, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Torsten Thomas
- Centre for Marine Science and Innovation & School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Raquel Silva Peixoto
- Department of General Microbiology, Paulo de Goes Institute of Microbiology, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; Red Sea Research Center (RSRC), Division of Biological and Environmental Science and Engineering (BESE), King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal, Saudi Arabia.
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27
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Fast and accurate mapping of fine scale abundance of a VME in the deep sea with computer vision. ECOL INFORM 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoinf.2022.101786] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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28
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Deep-sea infauna with calcified exoskeletons imaged in situ using a new 3D acoustic coring system (A-core-2000). Sci Rep 2022; 12:12101. [PMID: 35896776 PMCID: PMC9329462 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-16356-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2021] [Accepted: 07/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
The deep ocean is Earth’s largest habitable space inhabited by diverse benthic organisms. Infauna play crucial roles in shaping sedimentary structures, relocating organic matter, porewater chemistry, and hence biogeochemical cycles. However, the visualization and quantification of infauna in situ inside deep-sea sediment has been challenging, due to their sparse distribution and that deep-sea cameras do not visualize animals living below the sediment surface. Here, we newly developed a 3D acoustic “coring” system and applied it to visualize and detect burrowing bivalves in deep-sea sediments. The in situ acoustic observation was conducted at a dense colony of vesicomyid clams in a hydrocarbon seep in Sagami Bay, Japan, focusing on a patch of juvenile clams with a completely infaunal life style. We clearly observed strong backscatters from the top and lower edges of animals in our 3D acoustic data. At least 17 reflectors were identified in the survey area (625 cm2), interpreted to correspond to living clams. The estimated depths of the lower edge of clams ranged between 41 and 98 mm. The acoustic system presented here is effective for detecting and monitoring infauna with calcified exoskeletons. This novel tool will help us better assess and understand the distribution of deep-sea infauna, particularly those groups with hard exoskeletons, as well as biogeochemical cycles.
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29
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Amon DJ, Rotjan RD, Kennedy BRC, Alleng G, Anta R, Aram E, Edwards T, Creary-Ford M, Gjerde KM, Gobin J, Henderson LA, Hope A, Ali RK, Lanser S, Lewis K, Lochan H, MacLean S, Mwemwenikarawa N, Phillips B, Rimon B, Sarjursingh SA, Teemari T, Tekiau A, Turchik A, Vallès H, Waysang K, Bell KLC. My Deep Sea, My Backyard: a pilot study to build capacity for global deep-ocean exploration and research. Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci 2022; 377:20210121. [PMID: 35574849 PMCID: PMC9108943 DOI: 10.1098/rstb.2021.0121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The deep ocean is the largest ecosystem on the planet, constituting greater than 90% of all habitable space. Over three-quarters of countries globally have deep ocean within their Exclusive Economic Zones. While maintaining deep-ocean function is key to ensuring planetary health, deficiencies in knowledge and governance, as well as inequitable global capacity, challenge our ability to safeguard the resilience of this vast realm, leaving the fate of the deep ocean in the hands of a few. Historically, deep-ocean scientific exploration and research have been the purview of a limited number of nations, resulting in most of humankind not knowing the deep ocean within their national jurisdiction or beyond. In this article, we highlight the inequities and need for increased deep-ocean knowledge generation, and discuss experiences in piloting an innovative project ‘My Deep Sea, My Backyard’ toward this goal. Recognizing that many deep-ocean endeavours take place in countries without deep-ocean access, this project aimed to reduce dependency on external expertise and promote local efforts in two small island developing states, Trinidad and Tobago and Kiribati, to explore their deep-sea backyards using comparatively low-cost technology while building lasting in-country capacity. We share lessons learned so future efforts can bring us closer to achieving this goal. This article is part of the theme issue ‘Nurturing resilient marine ecosystems’.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diva J Amon
- SpeSeas, D'Abadie, Trinidad and Tobago.,Natural History Museum, London SW5 7BD, UK
| | - Randi D Rotjan
- Department of Biology, Boston University, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | | | - Gerard Alleng
- Inter-American Development Bank, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Rafael Anta
- Inter-American Development Bank, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Eriatera Aram
- Coastal Fisheries Division, Ministry of Fisheries & Marine Resources Development, Bairiki, Kiribati
| | - Thera Edwards
- Department of Geography and Geology, The University of the West Indies-Centre for Marine Sciences, Mona Campus, Kingston, Jamaica
| | - Marcia Creary-Ford
- The University of the West Indies-Centre for Marine Sciences, Mona Campus, Kingston, Jamaica
| | - Kristina M Gjerde
- IUCN Global Marine and Polar Programme and World Commission on Protected Areas, Cambridge, MA 02 02138, USA
| | - Judith Gobin
- The University of the West Indies, St Augustine Campus, Saint Augustine, Trinidad and Tobago
| | - Laura-Ashley Henderson
- The University of the West Indies, St Augustine Campus, Saint Augustine, Trinidad and Tobago
| | | | - Raquel Khan Ali
- The University of the West Indies, St Augustine Campus, Saint Augustine, Trinidad and Tobago
| | | | - Keith Lewis
- COAST Foundation, Chaguaramas, Trinidad and Tobago
| | - Hannah Lochan
- The University of the West Indies, St Augustine Campus, Saint Augustine, Trinidad and Tobago
| | | | | | - Brennan Phillips
- Department of Ocean Engineering and Graduate School of Oceanography, University of Rhode Island, Narragansett, RI 02882, USA
| | | | - Stacey-Ann Sarjursingh
- National Institute of Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology, Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago
| | - Tooreka Teemari
- Coastal Fisheries Division, Ministry of Fisheries & Marine Resources Development, Bairiki, Kiribati
| | - Aranteiti Tekiau
- Coastal Fisheries Division, Ministry of Fisheries & Marine Resources Development, Bairiki, Kiribati
| | - Alan Turchik
- Exploration Technology Lab, National Geographic Society, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Henri Vallès
- The University of the West Indies, Cave Hill Campus, Cave Hill, Barbados
| | - Kareati Waysang
- Phoenix Islands Protected Area Implementation Office, Tarawa, Kiribati
| | - Katherine L C Bell
- MIT Media Lab, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA.,Ocean Discovery League, Saunderstown, RI 02874, USA
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Gambi C, Canals M, Corinaldesi C, Dell'Anno A, Manea E, Pusceddu A, Sanchez-Vidal A, Danovaro R. Impact of resuspended mine tailings on benthic biodiversity and ecosystem processes: The case study of Portmán Bay, Western Mediterranean Sea, Spain. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2022; 301:119021. [PMID: 35192885 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2022.119021] [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: 11/18/2021] [Revised: 02/14/2022] [Accepted: 02/16/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Industrial seabed mining is expected to cause significant impacts on marine ecosystems, including physical disturbance and the generation of plumes of toxin-laden water. Portmán Bay (NW Mediterranean Sea), where an estimated amount of 60 Mt of mine tailings from sulphide ores were dumped from 1957 to 1990, is one of the most metal-polluted marine areas in Europe and worldwide. This bay can be used to assess the impact on marine ecosystems of particle settling from sediment plumes resulting from mine tailings resuspension. With this purpose in mind, we conducted a field experiment there to investigate subsequent effects of deposition of (artificially resuspended) contaminated sediments on (i) prokaryotic abundance and meiofaunal assemblages (in terms of abundance and diversity), (ii) the availability of trophic resources (in terms of organic matter biochemical composition), and (iii) a set of ecosystem functions including meiofaunal biomass, heterotrophic C production and C degradation rates. The results of this study show that mine tailings resuspension and plume deposition led to the decline of prokaryotic abundance and nematode's biodiversity. The later decreased because of species removal and transfer along with particle resuspension and plume deposition. Such changes were also associated to a decrease of the proteins content in the sediment organic matter, faster C degradation rates and higher prokaryotic C production. Overall, this study highlights that mine tailing resuspension and ensuing particle deposition can have deleterious effects on both prokaryotes and nematode diversity, alter biogeochemical cycles and accelerate C degradation rates. These results should be considered for the assessment of the potential effects of seabed mineral exploitation on marine ecosystems at large.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Gambi
- Università Politecnica Delle Marche, Dipartimento di Scienze Della Vita e Dell'Ambiente, 60131, Ancona, Italy.
| | - Miquel Canals
- University of Barcelona, CRG Marine Geosciences, Department of Earth and Ocean Dynamics, 08028, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Cinzia Corinaldesi
- Scienze e Ingegneria Della Materia, Dell'Ambiente Ed Urbanistica, Università Politecnica Delle Marche, 60131, Ancona, Italy
| | - Antonio Dell'Anno
- Università Politecnica Delle Marche, Dipartimento di Scienze Della Vita e Dell'Ambiente, 60131, Ancona, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Manea
- Institute of Marine Sciences, National Research Council, ISMAR-CNR, Arsenale, Tesa 104, Castello 2737/F, 30122, Venice, Italy
| | - Antonio Pusceddu
- Università Degli Studi di Cagliari, Dipartimento di Scienze Della Vita e Dell'Ambiente, 09126, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Anna Sanchez-Vidal
- University of Barcelona, CRG Marine Geosciences, Department of Earth and Ocean Dynamics, 08028, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Roberto Danovaro
- Università Politecnica Delle Marche, Dipartimento di Scienze Della Vita e Dell'Ambiente, 60131, Ancona, Italy; Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, 80121, Napoli, Italy
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Food from the Depths of the Mediterranean: The Role of Habitats, Changes in the Sea-Bottom Temperature and Fishing Pressure. Foods 2022; 11:foods11101420. [PMID: 35626990 PMCID: PMC9142132 DOI: 10.3390/foods11101420] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2022] [Revised: 05/06/2022] [Accepted: 05/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/10/2022] Open
Abstract
As part of the “Innovations in the Food System: Exploring the Future of Food” Special Issue, this paper briefly reviews studies that highlight a link between deep-sea fishery resources (deep-sea food resources) and vulnerable marine ecosystems (VME), species, and habitats in the Mediterranean Sea, providing new insights into changes in commercial and experimental catches of the deep-sea fishery resources in the central Mediterranean over the last 30 years. About 40% of the total landing of Mediterranean deep-water species is caught in the central basin. Significant changes in the abundance of some of these resources with time, sea-bottom temperature (SBT), and fishing effort (FE) have been detected, as well as an effect of the Santa Maria di Leuca cold-water coral province on the abundance of the deep-sea commercial crustaceans and fishes. The implications of these findings and the presence of several geomorphological features, sensitive habitats, and VMEs in the central Mediterranean are discussed with respect to the objectives of biodiversity conservation combined with those of management of fishery resources.
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Katona S, Paulikas D, Stone GS. Ethical opportunities in deep-sea collection of polymetallic nodules from the Clarion-Clipperton Zone. INTEGRATED ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT AND MANAGEMENT 2022; 18:634-654. [PMID: 34766726 PMCID: PMC9300171 DOI: 10.1002/ieam.4554] [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: 06/02/2021] [Revised: 10/22/2021] [Accepted: 11/04/2021] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
Abstract
Infrastructure supporting the transition of human societies from fossil fuels to renewable energy will require hundreds of millions of tons of metals. Polymetallic nodules on the abyssal seabed of the Clarion-Clipperton Zone (CCZ), eastern North Pacific Ocean, could provide them. We focus on ethical considerations and opportunities available to the novel CCZ nodule-collection industry, integrating robust science with strong pillars of social and environmental responsibility. Ethical considerations include harm to sea life and recovery time, but also the value of human life, indigenous rights, rights of nature, animal rights, intrinsic values, and intangible ecosystem services. A "planetary perspective" considers the biosphere, hydrosphere, and atmosphere, extends beyond mineral extraction to a life-cycle view of impacts, and includes local, national, and global impacts and stakeholders. Stakeholders include direct nodule-collection actors, ocean conservationists, companies, communities, interest groups, nations, and citizens globally, plus counterfactual stakeholders involved with or affected by intensification of terrestrial mining if ocean metals are not used. Nodule collection would harm species and portions of ecosystems, but could have lower life-cycle impacts than terrestrial mining expansion, especially if nodule-metal producers explicitly design for it and stakeholders hold them accountable. Participants across the value chain can elevate the role of ethics in strategic objective setting, engineering design optimization, commitments to stakeholders, democratization of governance, and fostering of circular economies. The International Seabed Authority is called to establish equitable and transparent distribution of royalties and gains, and continue engaging scientists, economists, and experts from all spheres in optimizing deep-sea mineral extraction for humans and nature. Nodule collection presents a unique opportunity for an ambitious reset of ecological norms in a nascent industry. Embracing ethical opportunities can set an example for industrial-scale activities on land and sea, accelerate environmental gains through environmental competition with land ores, and hasten civilization's progress toward a sustainable future. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2022;18:634-654. © 2021 The Authors. Integrated Environmental Assessment and Management published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of Society of Environmental Toxicology & Chemistry (SETAC).
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Daina Paulikas
- Minerals, Materials and Society Program, Department of Geography and Spatial Sciences, Pearson HallUniversity of DelawareNewarkDelawareUSA
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Reichelt-Brushett A, Hewitt J, Kaiser S, Kim RE, Wood R. Deep seabed mining and communities: A transdisciplinary approach to ecological risk assessment in the South Pacific. INTEGRATED ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT AND MANAGEMENT 2022; 18:664-673. [PMID: 34396697 DOI: 10.1002/ieam.4509] [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: 05/27/2021] [Revised: 06/18/2021] [Accepted: 08/09/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Deep-sea mineral extraction is a fledgling industry whose guiding principles, legislation, protocols, and regulations are still evolving. Responsible management of the industry is difficult when it is not clearly understood what biological and environmental diversity or ecosystem services may be at risk. But the industry's infancy provides an opportunity to address this challenge by stakeholder-led development and implementation of a multidisciplinary risk assessment framework. This article aims to present the findings of a workshop held in New Zealand that hosted stakeholders from a broad range of interests and regions in the South Pacific associated with the deep-sea mineral activity. The outputs provide stakeholder-informed ecological risk assessment approaches for deep-sea mining activities, identifying tools and techniques to improve the relevance of risk assessment of deep seabed mining projects to communities in the South Pacific. Discussions highlighted the importance of trust or respect among stakeholders, valuing the "life force" of the ocean, the importance of scientific data, and the complications associated with defining acceptable change. This research highlighted the need for a holistic transdisciplinary approach that connects science, management, industry, and community, an approach most likely to provide a "social license" to operate. There is also a need to revise traditional risk assessment methods to make them more relevant to stakeholders. The development of ecotoxicological tools and approaches is an example of how existing practices could be improved to better support deep-sea mineral management. A case study is provided that highlights the current challenges within the legislative framework of New Zealand. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2022;18:664-673. © 2021 SETAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda Reichelt-Brushett
- Faculty of Science and Engineering, Southern Cross University, Lismore, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Judi Hewitt
- National Institute of Water and Atmosphere (NIWA), Auckland, New Zealand
- Department of Statistics, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Stefanie Kaiser
- Department of Invertebrate Zoology and Hydrobiology, University of Lodz, Lodz, Poland
| | - Rakhyun E Kim
- Copernicus Institute of Sustainable Development, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Ray Wood
- Chatham Rock Phosphate, Wellington, New Zealand
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Romero-Romero S, García-Ordiales E, Roqueñí N, Acuña JL. Increase in mercury and methylmercury levels with depth in a fish assemblage. CHEMOSPHERE 2022; 292:133445. [PMID: 34968522 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2021.133445] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2021] [Revised: 12/22/2021] [Accepted: 12/24/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Despite their remoteness, deep-sea species bioaccumulate mercury, mostly in the form of the neurotoxin methylmercury (MeHg). Although the concentration of MeHg in the water column is known to increase with depth down to a maximum found at the base of the permanent thermocline, the knowledge of the relationship between MeHg content in marine species and their depth of occurrence is limited. We analyzed total mercury (THg) and MeHg concentrations in 25 species of fish inhabiting the Avilés Submarine Canyon and its adjacent shelf (Cantabrian Sea, North-East Atlantic) between 50 and 1868 m depth. THg concentrations ranged from 0.03 μg g-1 in wet weight (ww) in Chauliodus sloani and 4.0 μg g-1 ww in Coryphaenoides guentheri. 65% of the species analyzed exceeded 0.5 μg g-1 ww of MeHg, the maximum level for safe consumption recommended by FAO/WHO. THg and MeHg contents in muscle tissue increased with the depth of occurrence of fish and was influenced by their habitat so that demersal species had higher THg content than pelagic species inhabiting the same depth. MeHg accounted for an average 76 ± 3.9% of THg (mean ± SD), which is lower than that reported for other fish communities and can be explained by the high concentration of Hg present in sediments of the Nalón estuary, which discharges right off the Avilés Canyon head. The % of THg as MeHg was also strongly correlated with δ15N values, confirming that MeHg can be an indicator of the trophic identity of a species within the food web.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sonia Romero-Romero
- Área de Ecología, Dpto. de Biología de Organismos y Sistemas, Universidad de Oviedo, Catedrático Rodrigo Uría s/n, 33071, Oviedo, Asturias, Spain.
| | - Efrén García-Ordiales
- ISYMA Research Group, Mining, Energy and Materials Engineering School, Universidad de Oviedo, Oviedo, Spain
| | - Nieves Roqueñí
- ISYMA Research Group, Mining, Energy and Materials Engineering School, Universidad de Oviedo, Oviedo, Spain
| | - José Luis Acuña
- Área de Ecología, Dpto. de Biología de Organismos y Sistemas, Universidad de Oviedo, Catedrático Rodrigo Uría s/n, 33071, Oviedo, Asturias, Spain
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Quintanilla E, Rodrigues CF, Henriques I, Hilário A. Microbial Associations of Abyssal Gorgonians and Anemones (>4,000 m Depth) at the Clarion-Clipperton Fracture Zone. Front Microbiol 2022; 13:828469. [PMID: 35432234 PMCID: PMC9006452 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.828469] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2021] [Accepted: 02/18/2022] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Deep coral-dominated communities play paramount roles in benthic environments by increasing their complexity and biodiversity. Coral-associated microbes are crucial to maintain fitness and homeostasis at the holobiont level. However, deep-sea coral biology and their associated microbiomes remain largely understudied, and less from remote and abyssal environments such as those in the Clarion-Clipperton Fracture Zone (CCZ) in the tropical Northeast (NE) Pacific Ocean. Here, we study microbial-associated communities of abyssal gorgonian corals and anemones (>4,000 m depth) in the CCZ; an area harboring the largest known global reserve of polymetallic nodules that are commercially interesting for the deep-sea nodule mining. Coral samples (n = 25) belonged to Isididae and Primnoidae families, while anemones (n = 4) to Actinostolidae family. Significant differences in bacterial community compositions were obtained between these three families, despite sharing similar habitats. Anemones harbored bacterial microbiomes composed mainly of Hyphomicrobiaceae, Parvibaculales, and Pelagibius members. Core microbiomes of corals were mainly dominated by different Spongiibacteraceae and Terasakiellaceae bacterial members, depending on corals' taxonomy. Moreover, the predicted functional profiling suggests that deep-sea corals harbor bacterial communities that allow obtaining additional energy due to the scarce availability of nutrients. This study presents the first report of microbiomes associated with abyssal gorgonians and anemones and will serve as baseline data and crucial insights to evaluate and provide guidance on the impacts of deep-sea mining on these key abyssal communities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Quintanilla
- Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM), Department of Biology, University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Clara F. Rodrigues
- Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM), Department of Biology, University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Isabel Henriques
- Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM), Department of Biology, University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal
- Department of Life Sciences, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Ana Hilário
- Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM), Department of Biology, University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal
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Özata Uyar G, Yildiran H. The association among circadian rhythm, circadian genes and chrononutrition, its effect on obesity: a review of current evidence. BIOL RHYTHM RES 2022. [DOI: 10.1080/09291016.2022.2044631] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Gizem Özata Uyar
- Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Faculty of Health Sciences, Gazi University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Hilal Yildiran
- Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Faculty of Health Sciences, Gazi University, Ankara, Turkey
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Chouvelon T, Munschy C, Bruzac S, Caurant F, Churlaud C, Crochet S, Guillou G, Mauffret A, Méndez-Fernandez P, Niol J, Sireau T, Steinberg C, Wessel N, Spitz J. High inter-species variability in elemental composition of the twilight zone fauna varies implications for predators and exploitation by humans. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2022; 204:112379. [PMID: 34780788 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2021.112379] [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: 08/02/2021] [Revised: 11/09/2021] [Accepted: 11/10/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
While the importance of oceanic micronektonic species in biogeochemical cycles and in the transfer of matter in food webs is globally recognized, specific knowledge on elemental concentrations and their variability within this community is still poorly documented. Here, we report for the first time in the Bay of Biscay, North-East Atlantic, the body composition in various biological parameters and chemical elements of a meso-to bathypelagic micronektonic community. Stable carbon and nitrogen isotope compositions (δ13C, δ15N), C:N ratios, energy density, as well as the concentrations in 6 macro-minerals and 13 trace elements including essential (micro-nutrients) and non-essential elements (undesirables, with no know biological function) were measured in whole organisms of 4 crustacean and 11 fish species caught simultaneously around 800 m depth. The results showed a low variability of δ13C values, confirming that all studied species share the same habitat. On the contrary, large differences were observed among species for several elements. Trace elements showed the greatest variability (i.e. larger range of values), especially silver (Ag), arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), cobalt and vanadium. Significant differences were also revealed among taxa for Ag, As, Cd, copper and strontium concentrations (with crustaceans > fish), as well as for δ15N values and phosphorus concentrations (with fish > crustaceans). Although concentrations varied greatly among species, they could be grouped according to their energy density and composition in 19 chemical elements, through hierarchical clustering analysis. Six functional groups of species have been thus identified, reflecting contrasted nutritional benefit and/or exposure to undesirables for predators feeding on this deep pelagic community. Finally, the concentrations measured for the potentially toxic trace elements (undesirables) exceeded the existing European thresholds for Cd and to a lesser extent mercury (Hg), which point out potential risks in the perspective of a future exploitation of these deep living resources by humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiphaine Chouvelon
- Observatoire Pelagis, UMS 3462 La Rochelle Université/CNRS, 5 Allées de L'Océan, 17000, La Rochelle, France; Ifremer, Unité Biogéochimie et Écotoxicologie, Laboratoire de Biogéochimie des Contaminants Métalliques (BE/LBCM), Rue de L'Ile D'Yeu, BP 21105, 44311, Nantes Cedex 03, France.
| | - Catherine Munschy
- Ifremer, Unité Biogéochimie et Écotoxicologie, Laboratoire de Biogéochimie des Contaminants Organiques (BE/LBCO), Rue de L'Ile D'Yeu, BP 21105, 44311, Nantes Cedex 03, France
| | - Sandrine Bruzac
- Ifremer, Unité Biogéochimie et Écotoxicologie, Laboratoire de Biogéochimie des Contaminants Métalliques (BE/LBCM), Rue de L'Ile D'Yeu, BP 21105, 44311, Nantes Cedex 03, France
| | - Florence Caurant
- Observatoire Pelagis, UMS 3462 La Rochelle Université/CNRS, 5 Allées de L'Océan, 17000, La Rochelle, France; Centre D'Etudes Biologiques de Chizé (CEBC), UMR 7372 La Rochelle Université/CNRS, 405 Route de Prissé La Charrière, 79360, Villiers-en-Bois, France
| | - Carine Churlaud
- Littoral Environnement et Sociétés (LIENSs), UMR 7266 La Rochelle Université/CNRS, 2 Rue Olympe de Gouges, 17000, La Rochelle, France
| | - Sylvette Crochet
- Ifremer, Unité Biogéochimie et Écotoxicologie, Laboratoire de Biogéochimie des Contaminants Métalliques (BE/LBCM), Rue de L'Ile D'Yeu, BP 21105, 44311, Nantes Cedex 03, France
| | - Gaël Guillou
- Littoral Environnement et Sociétés (LIENSs), UMR 7266 La Rochelle Université/CNRS, 2 Rue Olympe de Gouges, 17000, La Rochelle, France
| | - Aourell Mauffret
- Ifremer, Unité Biogéochimie et Écotoxicologie (BE), Rue de L'Ile D'Yeu, BP 21105, 44311, Nantes Cedex 03, France
| | - Paula Méndez-Fernandez
- Observatoire Pelagis, UMS 3462 La Rochelle Université/CNRS, 5 Allées de L'Océan, 17000, La Rochelle, France
| | - Jasmin Niol
- Observatoire Pelagis, UMS 3462 La Rochelle Université/CNRS, 5 Allées de L'Océan, 17000, La Rochelle, France
| | - Teddy Sireau
- Ifremer, Unité Biogéochimie et Écotoxicologie, Laboratoire de Biogéochimie des Contaminants Métalliques (BE/LBCM), Rue de L'Ile D'Yeu, BP 21105, 44311, Nantes Cedex 03, France
| | - Claire Steinberg
- Ifremer, Unité Biogéochimie et Écotoxicologie, Laboratoire de Biogéochimie des Contaminants Métalliques (BE/LBCM), Rue de L'Ile D'Yeu, BP 21105, 44311, Nantes Cedex 03, France
| | - Nathalie Wessel
- Ifremer, Service Valorisation de L'Information pour La Gestion Intégrée et La Surveillance (VIGIES), Rue de L'Ile D'Yeu, BP 21105, 44311, Nantes Cedex 03, France
| | - Jérôme Spitz
- Observatoire Pelagis, UMS 3462 La Rochelle Université/CNRS, 5 Allées de L'Océan, 17000, La Rochelle, France; Centre D'Etudes Biologiques de Chizé (CEBC), UMR 7372 La Rochelle Université/CNRS, 405 Route de Prissé La Charrière, 79360, Villiers-en-Bois, France
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Freitas TBN, Leite TS, de Ramos B, di Cosmo A, Proietti MC. In an octopus's garden in the shade: Underwater image analysis of litter use by benthic octopuses. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2022; 175:113339. [PMID: 35093780 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2022.113339] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2021] [Revised: 01/07/2022] [Accepted: 01/08/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Benthic octopuses have been widely documented in artificial shelters for decades, and this use is apparently increasing. Despite any possible positive effects, the use of litter as shelter could have negative implications. In this work, we aimed to elucidate the interactions of octopuses with marine litter, identifying types of interactions and affected species and regions. To achieve this, we obtained 261 underwater images from 'citizen science' records, and identified 8 genera and 24 species of benthic octopuses interacting with litter. Glass objects were present in 41.6% of interactions, and plastic in 24.7%. Asia presented the highest number of images, and most records were from 2018 to 2021. Citizen science provided important evidence on octopus/marine litter interactions, highlighting its value and the need for more investigations on the subject. This information is fundamental to help prevent and mitigate the impacts of litter on octopuses, and identify knowledge gaps that require attention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tainah B N Freitas
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Oceanografia Biológica and Projeto Lixo Marinho, Instituto de Oceanografia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande - FURG, Avenida Itália Km 08, Rio Grande, RS, Brazil
| | - Tatiana S Leite
- Laboratório de Métodos de Estudos Subaquáticos e Cefalópodes, Departamento de Ecologia e Zoologia, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, SC, Brazil.
| | - Bruna de Ramos
- Departamento de Oceanografia, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco - UFPE, Recife, PE, Brazil
| | - Anna di Cosmo
- Department of Biology, University of Napoli Federico II, Complesso Universitario Monte Sant' Angelo, Via Cinthia, 80126 Napoli, Italy.
| | - Maíra C Proietti
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Oceanografia Biológica and Projeto Lixo Marinho, Instituto de Oceanografia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande - FURG, Avenida Itália Km 08, Rio Grande, RS, Brazil.
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Karthikeyan A, Joseph A, Nair BG. Promising bioactive compounds from the marine environment and their potential effects on various diseases. J Genet Eng Biotechnol 2022; 20:14. [PMID: 35080679 PMCID: PMC8790952 DOI: 10.1186/s43141-021-00290-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2021] [Accepted: 12/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Background The marine environment hosts a wide variety of species that have evolved to live in harsh and challenging conditions. Marine organisms are the focus of interest due to their capacity to produce biotechnologically useful compounds. They are promising biocatalysts for new and sustainable industrial processes because of their resistance to temperature, pH, salt, and contaminants, representing an opportunity for several biotechnological applications. Encouraged by the extensive and richness of the marine environment, marine organisms’ role in developing new therapeutic benefits is heading as an arable field. Main body of the abstract There is currently much interest in biologically active compounds derived from natural resources, especially compounds that can efficiently act on molecular targets, which are involved in various diseases. Studies are focused on bacteria and fungi, isolated from sediments, seawater, fish, algae, and most marine invertebrates such as sponges, mollusks, tunicates, coelenterates, and crustaceans. In addition to marine macro-organisms, such as sponges, algae, or corals, marine bacteria and fungi have been shown to produce novel secondary metabolites (SMs) with specific and intricate chemical structures that may hold the key to the production of novel drugs or leads. The marine environment is known as a rich source of chemical structures with numerous beneficial health effects. Presently, several lines of studies have provided insight into biological activities and neuroprotective effects of marine algae, including antioxidant, anti-neuroinflammatory, cholinesterase inhibitory activity, and neuronal death inhibition. Conclusion The application of marine-derived bioactive compounds has gained importance because of their therapeutic uses in several diseases. Marine natural products (MNPs) display various pharmaceutically significant bioactivities, including antibiotic, antiviral, neurodegenerative, anticancer, or anti-inflammatory properties. The present review focuses on the importance of critical marine bioactive compounds and their role in different diseases and highlights their possible contribution to humanity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akash Karthikeyan
- School of Biotechnology, National Institute of Technology Calicut, Calicut, Kerala, India
| | - Abey Joseph
- School of Biotechnology, National Institute of Technology Calicut, Calicut, Kerala, India
| | - Baiju G Nair
- School of Biotechnology, National Institute of Technology Calicut, Calicut, Kerala, India. .,Nanomedical Engineering Laboratory, Riken, Wako, Saitama, Japan.
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Ramirez-Llodra E, Trannum HC, Andersen GS, Baeten NJ, Brooks SJ, Escudero-Oñate C, Gundersen H, Kleiv RA, Ibragimova O, Lepland A, Nepstad R, Sandøy R, Schaanning MT, Shimmield T, Yakushev E, Ferrando-Climent L, Høgaas PH. New insights into submarine tailing disposal for a reduced environmental footprint: Lessons learnt from Norwegian fjords. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2022; 174:113150. [PMID: 34847414 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2021.113150] [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: 05/12/2021] [Revised: 09/21/2021] [Accepted: 11/12/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Submarine tailing disposal (STD) in fjords from land-based mines is common practice in Norway and takes place in other regions worldwide. We synthesize the results of a multidisciplinary programme on environmental impacts of STDs in Norwegian fjords, providing new knowledge that can be applied to assess and mitigate impact of tailing disposal globally, both for submarine and deep-sea activities. Detailed geological seafloor mapping provided data on natural sedimentation to monitor depositional processes on the seafloor. Modelling and analytical techniques were used to assess the behaviour of tailing particles and process-chemicals in the environment, providing novel tools for monitoring. Toxicity tests showed biological impacts on test species due to particulate and chemical exposure. Hypersedimentation mesocosm and field experiments showed a varying response on the benthos, allowing to determine the transition zone in the STD impact area. Recolonisation studies indicate that full community recovery and normalisation of metal leakage rates may take several decades due to bioturbation and slow burial of sulfidic tailings. The results are synthesised to provide guidelines for the development of best available techniques for STDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva Ramirez-Llodra
- Norwegian Institute for Water Research (NIVA), Gaustadalléen 21, NO-0349 Oslo, Norway; University of Agder, Center for Coastal Research, NO-4604 Kristiansand, Norway.
| | - Hilde Cecilie Trannum
- Norwegian Institute for Water Research (NIVA), Gaustadalléen 21, NO-0349 Oslo, Norway; REV Ocean, Oksenøyveien 10, NO-1366 Lysaker, Norway
| | - Guri S Andersen
- Norwegian Institute for Water Research (NIVA), Gaustadalléen 21, NO-0349 Oslo, Norway
| | - Nicole J Baeten
- Geological Survey of Norway (NGU), Postal Box 6315, Torgarden, NO-7491 Trondheim, Norway
| | - Steven J Brooks
- Norwegian Institute for Water Research (NIVA), Gaustadalléen 21, NO-0349 Oslo, Norway
| | - Carlos Escudero-Oñate
- Norwegian Institute for Water Research (NIVA), Gaustadalléen 21, NO-0349 Oslo, Norway; Institute for Energy Technology (IFE), Instituttveien 18, NO-2007 Kjeller, Norway
| | - Hege Gundersen
- Norwegian Institute for Water Research (NIVA), Gaustadalléen 21, NO-0349 Oslo, Norway
| | - Rolf Arne Kleiv
- NTNU Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Dept. of Geoscience and Petroleum, S.P. Andersens veg 15a, NO-7031 Trondheim, Norway
| | - Olga Ibragimova
- NTNU Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Dept. of Geoscience and Petroleum, S.P. Andersens veg 15a, NO-7031 Trondheim, Norway
| | - Aivo Lepland
- Geological Survey of Norway (NGU), Postal Box 6315, Torgarden, NO-7491 Trondheim, Norway
| | - Raymond Nepstad
- SINTEF Ocean, Postboks 4762 Torgard, N-7465 Trondheim, Norway
| | - Roar Sandøy
- Sibelco Nordic AS, Løkketangen 20A, NO-1337 Sandvika, Norway
| | | | - Tracy Shimmield
- British geological Survey, Lyell Centre, Research Avenue South, Edinburgh EH14 4AP, United Kingdom
| | - Evgeniy Yakushev
- Norwegian Institute for Water Research (NIVA), Gaustadalléen 21, NO-0349 Oslo, Norway
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Jones ES, Ross SW, Robertson CM, Young CM. Distributions of microplastics and larger anthropogenic debris in Norfolk Canyon, Baltimore Canyon, and the adjacent continental slope (Western North Atlantic Margin, U.S.A.). MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2022; 174:113047. [PMID: 34871899 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2021.113047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2021] [Revised: 10/04/2021] [Accepted: 10/07/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Anthropogenic debris has been reported in all studied marine environments, including the deepest parts of the sea. Finding areas of accumulation and methods of transport for debris are important to determine potential impacts on marine life. This study analyzed both sediment cores and Remotely Operated Vehicle video to determine the density and distribution of debris, including both micro- and macroplastics, in Norfolk and Baltimore canyons. The average microplastic density in Norfolk Canyon sediment was 37.30 plastic particles m-2 within the canyon and 21.03 particles m-2 on the adjacent slope, suggesting that microplastics could accumulate within submarine canyons. In video transects from both Norfolk and Baltimore canyons, the largest amounts of macroplastic were recorded near the canyon heads. Our findings contribute to a growing evidence base that canyons and their associated benthic invertebrate communities are important repositories and conduits for debris to the deep sea.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ellie S Jones
- Oregon Institute of Marine Biology, University of Oregon, U.S.A..
| | - Steve W Ross
- Center for Marine Science, University of North Carolina Wilmington, U.S.A
| | - Craig M Robertson
- School of Ocean Sciences, Bangor University, Menai Bridge, Anglesey LL59 5AB, U.K..
| | - Craig M Young
- Oregon Institute of Marine Biology, University of Oregon, U.S.A
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Cau A, Franceschini S, Moccia D, Gorule PA, Agus B, Bellodi A, Cannas R, Carugati L, Cuccu D, Dessì C, Marongiu MF, Melis R, Mulas A, Porceddu R, Porcu C, Russo T, Follesa MC. Scattered accumulation hotspots of macro-litter on the seafloor: Insights for mitigation actions. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2022; 292:118338. [PMID: 34637836 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2021.118338] [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: 10/05/2021] [Accepted: 10/08/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Marine litter is an ever-increasing problem that demands immediate reduction plans and mitigation actions that should act synergically to efficiently meet ambitious goals. Since the seafloor has been recognized as the major sink for marine debris, the study of litter accumulation dynamics represent a fundamental tool to evaluate possible removal actions. We analysed a 7 years (2013-2019) standardized data series collected along Sardinian fishing grounds through MEDiterranean International Trawl Survey, for which estimates of density and weight of seafloor macro-litter were calculated for over 707 hauls. Results show the absence of any temporal trend in seafloor macro-litter density and weight, but rather indicate a spatial and bathymetric segregation of different litter categories. Our data showed how different sources and physical features of macro-litter items (i.e., plastic and fishing gear, rubber, glass, metals, and cloth) led to spatially segregated accumulation hotspots. We also point out here how the identification of seafloor macro-litter hotspots using aggregated data that include plastic items could obscure the identification of other segregated but yet relevant hotspots of other macro-litter categories accumulated in the marine environment. These hotspots often occurred at shallower depths and closer to coastlines, thus representing potential spots where eventual future litter removal action could be prioritized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandro Cau
- Dipartimento di Scienze della vita e dell'ambiente, Università degli Studi di Cagliari, Via Tommaso Fiorelli 1, 09126, Cagliari, Italy; ConISMa, Piazzale Flaminio 9, 00196, Rome, Italy.
| | - Simone Franceschini
- Hawaii Institute of Marine Biology, University of Hawaii at Manoa, 46-007 Lilipuna Road, Kaneohe, HI, 96744, USA; Laboratory of Experimental Ecology and Aquaculture, Department of Biology, University of Rome Tor Vergata, via della Ricerca Scientifica snc, 00133, Rome, Italy; ConISMa, Piazzale Flaminio 9, 00196, Rome, Italy
| | - Davide Moccia
- Dipartimento di Scienze della vita e dell'ambiente, Università degli Studi di Cagliari, Via Tommaso Fiorelli 1, 09126, Cagliari, Italy; Laboratory of Experimental Ecology and Aquaculture, Department of Biology, University of Rome Tor Vergata, via della Ricerca Scientifica snc, 00133, Rome, Italy
| | - Pankaj A Gorule
- Dipartimento di Scienze della vita e dell'ambiente, Università degli Studi di Cagliari, Via Tommaso Fiorelli 1, 09126, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Blondine Agus
- Dipartimento di Scienze della vita e dell'ambiente, Università degli Studi di Cagliari, Via Tommaso Fiorelli 1, 09126, Cagliari, Italy; ConISMa, Piazzale Flaminio 9, 00196, Rome, Italy
| | - Andrea Bellodi
- Dipartimento di Scienze della vita e dell'ambiente, Università degli Studi di Cagliari, Via Tommaso Fiorelli 1, 09126, Cagliari, Italy; ConISMa, Piazzale Flaminio 9, 00196, Rome, Italy
| | - Rita Cannas
- Dipartimento di Scienze della vita e dell'ambiente, Università degli Studi di Cagliari, Via Tommaso Fiorelli 1, 09126, Cagliari, Italy; ConISMa, Piazzale Flaminio 9, 00196, Rome, Italy
| | - Laura Carugati
- Dipartimento di Scienze della vita e dell'ambiente, Università degli Studi di Cagliari, Via Tommaso Fiorelli 1, 09126, Cagliari, Italy; ConISMa, Piazzale Flaminio 9, 00196, Rome, Italy
| | - Danila Cuccu
- Dipartimento di Scienze della vita e dell'ambiente, Università degli Studi di Cagliari, Via Tommaso Fiorelli 1, 09126, Cagliari, Italy; ConISMa, Piazzale Flaminio 9, 00196, Rome, Italy
| | - Claudia Dessì
- Dipartimento di Scienze della vita e dell'ambiente, Università degli Studi di Cagliari, Via Tommaso Fiorelli 1, 09126, Cagliari, Italy; ConISMa, Piazzale Flaminio 9, 00196, Rome, Italy
| | - Martina F Marongiu
- Dipartimento di Scienze della vita e dell'ambiente, Università degli Studi di Cagliari, Via Tommaso Fiorelli 1, 09126, Cagliari, Italy; ConISMa, Piazzale Flaminio 9, 00196, Rome, Italy
| | - Riccardo Melis
- Dipartimento di Scienze della vita e dell'ambiente, Università degli Studi di Cagliari, Via Tommaso Fiorelli 1, 09126, Cagliari, Italy; ConISMa, Piazzale Flaminio 9, 00196, Rome, Italy
| | - Antonello Mulas
- Dipartimento di Scienze della vita e dell'ambiente, Università degli Studi di Cagliari, Via Tommaso Fiorelli 1, 09126, Cagliari, Italy; ConISMa, Piazzale Flaminio 9, 00196, Rome, Italy
| | - Riccardo Porceddu
- Dipartimento di Scienze della vita e dell'ambiente, Università degli Studi di Cagliari, Via Tommaso Fiorelli 1, 09126, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Cristina Porcu
- Dipartimento di Scienze della vita e dell'ambiente, Università degli Studi di Cagliari, Via Tommaso Fiorelli 1, 09126, Cagliari, Italy; ConISMa, Piazzale Flaminio 9, 00196, Rome, Italy
| | - Tommaso Russo
- Laboratory of Experimental Ecology and Aquaculture, Department of Biology, University of Rome Tor Vergata, via della Ricerca Scientifica snc, 00133, Rome, Italy; ConISMa, Piazzale Flaminio 9, 00196, Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Cristina Follesa
- Dipartimento di Scienze della vita e dell'ambiente, Università degli Studi di Cagliari, Via Tommaso Fiorelli 1, 09126, Cagliari, Italy; ConISMa, Piazzale Flaminio 9, 00196, Rome, Italy
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Esposito G, Prearo M, Renzi M, Anselmi S, Cesarani A, Barcelò D, Dondo A, Pastorino P. Occurrence of microplastics in the gastrointestinal tract of benthic by-catches from an eastern Mediterranean deep-sea environment. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2022; 174:113231. [PMID: 34933217 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2021.113231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2021] [Revised: 11/27/2021] [Accepted: 12/01/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Concern about microplastic pollution little is known about levels in deep-sea species; to fill this knowledge gap, levels of microplastics in the gastrointestinal (GI) tracts of 34 fish from eight different deep-sea by-catches: blackmouth catshark, lesser spotted dogfish, and velvet belly, armless snake eel, hollowsnout grenadier, phaeton dragonet, royal flagfin, and slender snipe eel were measured. All were collected at the same site (east Sardinia, Mediterranean Sea; 40°10'12.49″N, 9°44'12.31″E) using a bottom gillnet at depths between -820/250 and -1148 ft./350 m. Microplastics (MPs) were retrieved in 16 out of 34 fish. At least one microplastic item was found in 48% (33%, E. spinax - 75%, G. melastomus) of the samples. The most frequent was polyethylene (PE), with nine items (filaments, films, fragments) found in five specimens. This preliminary study of by-catches adds new data on MPs ingestion by species inhabiting a deep-sea environment of the Mediterranean.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppe Esposito
- The Veterinary Medical Research Institute for Piemonte, Liguria and Valle D'Aosta, Via Bologna 148, 10154 Torino, Italy
| | - Marino Prearo
- The Veterinary Medical Research Institute for Piemonte, Liguria and Valle D'Aosta, Via Bologna 148, 10154 Torino, Italy
| | - Monia Renzi
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, Via L. Giorgieri 10, 34127 Trieste, Italy.
| | - Serena Anselmi
- Bioscience Research Center, Via Aurelia Vecchia 32, 58015 Orbetello, Italy
| | - Alberto Cesarani
- Department of Agriculture, University of Sassari, Viale Italia 39/a, 07100 Sassari, Italy
| | - Damià Barcelò
- Institute of Environmental Assessment and Water Research, IDAEA - CSIC, C/ Jordi Girona 18 - 26, 08034 Barcelona, Spain; Catalan Institute for Water Research, ICRA - CERCA, Emili Grahit 101, 17003 Girona, Spain
| | - Alessandro Dondo
- The Veterinary Medical Research Institute for Piemonte, Liguria and Valle D'Aosta, Via Bologna 148, 10154 Torino, Italy
| | - Paolo Pastorino
- The Veterinary Medical Research Institute for Piemonte, Liguria and Valle D'Aosta, Via Bologna 148, 10154 Torino, Italy
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Nomaki H, Rastelli E, Ogawa NO, Matsui Y, Tsuchiya M, Manea E, Corinaldesi C, Hirai M, Ohkouchi N, Danovaro R, Nunoura T, Amaro T. In situ experimental evidences for responses of abyssal benthic biota to shifts in phytodetritus compositions linked to global climate change. GLOBAL CHANGE BIOLOGY 2021; 27:6139-6155. [PMID: 34523189 PMCID: PMC9293103 DOI: 10.1111/gcb.15882] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2021] [Revised: 08/04/2021] [Accepted: 08/30/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Abyssal plains cover more than half of Earth's surface, and the main food source in these ecosystems is phytodetritus, mainly originating from primary producers in the euphotic zone of the ocean. Global climate change is influencing phytoplankton abundance, productivity, and distribution. Increasing importance of picoplankton over diatom as primary producers in surface oceans (especially projected for higher latitudes) is projected and hence altering the quantity of organic carbon supplied to the abyssal seafloor as phytodetritus, consequences of which remain largely unknown. Here, we investigated the in situ responses of abyssal biota from viruses to megafauna to different types of phytoplankton input (diatoms or cyanobacteria which were labeled with stable isotopes) at equatorial (oligotrophic) and temperate (eutrophic) benthic sites in the Pacific Ocean (1°N at 4277 m water depth and 39°N at 5260 m water depth, respectively). Our results show that meiofauna and macrofauna generally preferred diatoms as a food source and played a relatively larger role in the consumption of phytodetritus at higher latitudes (39°N). Contrarily, prokaryotes and viruses showed similar or even stronger responses to cyanobacterial than to diatom supply. Moreover, the response of prokaryotes and viruses was very rapid (within 1-2 days) at both 1°N and 39°N, with quickest responses reported in the case of cyanobacterial supply at higher latitudes. Overall, our results suggest that benthic deep-sea eukaryotes will be negatively affected by the predicted decrease in diatoms in surface oceans, especially at higher latitudes, where benthic prokaryotes and viruses will otherwise likely increase their quantitative role and organic carbon cycling rates. In turn, such changes can contribute to decrease carbon transfer from phytodetritus to higher trophic levels, with strong potential to affect oceanic food webs, their biodiversity and consequently carbon sequestration capacity at the global scale.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hidetaka Nomaki
- X‐starJapan Agency for Marine‐Earth Science and Technology (JAMSTEC)YokosukaJapan
| | - Eugenio Rastelli
- Department of Marine BiotechnologyStazione Zoologica Anton DohrnFano Marine CentreFanoItaly
| | | | - Yohei Matsui
- X‐starJapan Agency for Marine‐Earth Science and Technology (JAMSTEC)YokosukaJapan
| | | | - Elisabetta Manea
- Institute of Marine SciencesNational Research Council (ISMAR‐CNR)VeniceItaly
| | - Cinzia Corinaldesi
- Department of Materials, Environmental Sciences and Urban PlanningPolytechnic University of MarcheAnconaItaly
| | - Miho Hirai
- X‐starJapan Agency for Marine‐Earth Science and Technology (JAMSTEC)YokosukaJapan
| | | | - Roberto Danovaro
- Department of Environmental and Life SciencesPolytechnic University of MarcheAnconaItaly
- Stazione Zoologica Anton DohrnNaplesItaly
| | - Takuro Nunoura
- Research Center for Bioscience and Nanoscience (CeBN)JAMSTECYokosukaJapan
| | - Teresa Amaro
- Department of Biology & CESAMUniversity of AveiroAveiroPortugal
- Hellenic Center for Marine Research (HCMR)HeraklionGreece
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45
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Inferring functional traits in a deep-sea wood-boring bivalve using dynamic energy budget theory. Sci Rep 2021; 11:22720. [PMID: 34811447 PMCID: PMC8608800 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-02243-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2021] [Accepted: 11/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
For species in the deep sea, there is a knowledge gap related to their functional traits at all stages of their life cycles. Dynamic energy budget (DEB) theory has been proven to be an efficient framework for estimating functional traits throughout a life cycle using simulation modelling. An abj-DEB model, which compared with the standard DEB model includes an extra juvenile stage between the embryo and the usual juvenile stages, has been successfully implemented for the deep-sea Atlantic woodeater Xylonora atlantica. Most of the core and primary parameter values of the model were in the range of those found for shallow marine bivalve species; however, in comparison to shallow marine bivalves, X. atlantica required less energy conductance and energy to reach the puberty stage for the same range of body sizes, and its maximum reserve capacity was higher. Consequently, its size at first reproduction was small, and better survival under starvation conditions was expected. A series of functional traits were simulated according to different scenarios of food density and temperature. The results showed a weak cumulative number of oocytes, a low growth rate and a small maximum body size but an extended pelagic larval duration under deep-sea environmental conditions. Moreover, DEB modelling helped explain that some male X. atlantica individuals remain dwarfs while still reproducing by changing their energy allocation during their ontogenetic development in favour of reproduction. The estimation of functional traits using DEB modelling will be useful in further deep-sea studies on the connectivity and resilience of populations.
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Gerdes K, Kihara TC, Martínez Arbizu P, Kuhn T, Schwarz-Schampera U, Mah CL, Norenburg JL, Linley TD, Shalaeva K, Macpherson E, Gordon D, Stöhr S, Messing CG, Bober S, Guggolz T, Christodoulou M, Gebruk A, Kremenetskaia A, Kroh A, Sanamyan K, Bolstad K, Hoffman L, Gooday AJ, Molodtsova T. Megafauna of the German exploration licence area for seafloor massive sulphides along the Central and South East Indian Ridge (Indian Ocean). Biodivers Data J 2021; 9:e69955. [PMID: 34720635 PMCID: PMC8516849 DOI: 10.3897/bdj.9.e69955] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2021] [Accepted: 08/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The growing interest in mineral resources of the deep sea, such as seafloor massive sulphide deposits, has led to an increasing number of exploration licences issued by the International Seabed Authority. In the Indian Ocean, four licence areas exist, resulting in an increasing number of new hydrothermal vent fields and the discovery of new species. Most studies focus on active venting areas including their ecology, but the non-vent megafauna of the Central Indian Ridge and South East Indian Ridge remains poorly known. In the framework of the Indian Ocean Exploration project in the German license area for seafloor massive sulphides, baseline imagery and sampling surveys were conducted yearly during research expeditions from 2013 to 2018, using video sledges and Remotely Operated Vehicles. New information This is the first report of an imagery collection of megafauna from the southern Central Indian- and South East Indian Ridge, reporting the taxonomic richness and their distribution. A total of 218 taxa were recorded and identified, based on imagery, with additional morphological and molecular confirmed identifications of 20 taxa from 89 sampled specimens. The compiled fauna catalogue is a synthesis of megafauna occurrences aiming at a consistent morphological identification of taxa and showing their regional distribution. The imagery data were collected during multiple research cruises in different exploration clusters of the German licence area, located 500 km north of the Rodriguez Triple Junction along the Central Indian Ridge and 500 km southeast of it along the Southeast Indian Ridge.
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Affiliation(s)
- Klaas Gerdes
- INES - Integrated Environmental Solutions, Wilhelmshaven, Germany INES - Integrated Environmental Solutions Wilhelmshaven Germany
| | - Terue Cristina Kihara
- INES - Integrated Environmental Solutions, Wilhelmshaven, Germany INES - Integrated Environmental Solutions Wilhelmshaven Germany
| | - Pedro Martínez Arbizu
- Senckenberg am Meer, German Centre for Marine Biodiversity Research, Wilhelmshaven, Germany Senckenberg am Meer, German Centre for Marine Biodiversity Research Wilhelmshaven Germany
| | - Thomas Kuhn
- Federal Institute for Geosciences and Natural Resources, Hannover, Germany Federal Institute for Geosciences and Natural Resources Hannover Germany
| | - Ulrich Schwarz-Schampera
- International Seabed Authority, Kingston, Jamaica International Seabed Authority Kingston Jamaica
| | - Christopher L Mah
- Smithsonian Institution National Museum of Natural History, Washington, DC, United States of America Smithsonian Institution National Museum of Natural History Washington, DC United States of America
| | - Jon L Norenburg
- Smithsonian Institution National Museum of Natural History, Washington, DC, United States of America Smithsonian Institution National Museum of Natural History Washington, DC United States of America
| | - Thomas D Linley
- Newcastle University, School of Natural and Environmental Sciences, Newcastle, United Kingdom Newcastle University, School of Natural and Environmental Sciences Newcastle United Kingdom
| | - Kate Shalaeva
- Natural History Museum London, London, United Kingdom Natural History Museum London London United Kingdom
| | - Enrique Macpherson
- Centro de Estudios Avanzados de Blanes (CEAB), Blanes, Girona, Spain Centro de Estudios Avanzados de Blanes (CEAB) Blanes, Girona Spain
| | - Dennis Gordon
- NIWA, Newmarket, Auckland, New Zealand NIWA Newmarket, Auckland New Zealand
| | - Sabine Stöhr
- Swedish Museum of Natural History, Stockholm, Sweden Swedish Museum of Natural History Stockholm Sweden
| | - Charles G Messing
- Department of Marine and Environmental Sciences, Nova Southeastern University, Dania Beach, United States of America Department of Marine and Environmental Sciences, Nova Southeastern University Dania Beach United States of America
| | - Simon Bober
- University of Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany University of Hamburg Hamburg Germany
| | - Theresa Guggolz
- University of Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany University of Hamburg Hamburg Germany
| | - Magdalini Christodoulou
- Senckenberg am Meer, German Centre for Marine Biodiversity Research, Wilhelmshaven, Germany Senckenberg am Meer, German Centre for Marine Biodiversity Research Wilhelmshaven Germany
| | - Andrey Gebruk
- P.P. Shirshov Institute of Oceanology, Moscow, Russia P.P. Shirshov Institute of Oceanology Moscow Russia
| | - Antonina Kremenetskaia
- P.P. Shirshov Institute of Oceanology, Moscow, Russia P.P. Shirshov Institute of Oceanology Moscow Russia
| | - Andreas Kroh
- Naturhistorisches Museum, Vienna, Austria Naturhistorisches Museum Vienna Austria
| | - Karen Sanamyan
- Far-Eastern Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky, Russia Far-Eastern Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky Russia
| | - Kathrin Bolstad
- Auckland University of Technology, Auckland, New Zealand Auckland University of Technology Auckland New Zealand
| | - Leon Hoffman
- Senckenberg am Meer, German Centre for Marine Biodiversity Research, Wilhelmshaven, Germany Senckenberg am Meer, German Centre for Marine Biodiversity Research Wilhelmshaven Germany
| | - Andrew J Gooday
- National Oceanography Centre, University of Southampton Waterfront Campus, Southampton, United Kingdom National Oceanography Centre, University of Southampton Waterfront Campus Southampton United Kingdom
| | - Tina Molodtsova
- P.P. Shirshov Institute of Oceanology, Moscow, Russia P.P. Shirshov Institute of Oceanology Moscow Russia
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Morton B. Mining the ocean's depths for a new world order? MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2021; 172:112891. [PMID: 34593257 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2021.112891] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2021] [Revised: 08/17/2021] [Accepted: 08/18/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Brian Morton
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
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48
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Sainio E, Lehtiniemi M, Setälä O. Microplastic ingestion by small coastal fish in the northern Baltic Sea, Finland. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2021; 172:112814. [PMID: 34392158 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2021.112814] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2021] [Revised: 07/26/2021] [Accepted: 08/01/2021] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
Abstract
Microplastic (MP) ingestion by four species of small coastal fish from the northern Baltic Sea was investigated. The digestive tract contents of 424 specimens, caught across eight sampling sites along the Finnish coastline were analysed for the occurrence of MP ingestion. MP were found in 38 fish individuals (9% of sampled fish). Specimens from the urban area of Helsinki displayed the highest prevalence of ingested plastics (27.5%). No relationship was found between the size or species of the fish and the presence of ingested MP particles nor the amount of MP in seawater. The comparison to a previous study conducted using the same research methods indicates that the ingestion of MP is more common in coastal fish than in offshore fish in the northern Baltic Sea.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erika Sainio
- Marine Research Centre, Finnish Environment Institute, Latokartanonkaari 11, FI-00790 Helsinki, Finland.
| | - Maiju Lehtiniemi
- Marine Research Centre, Finnish Environment Institute, Latokartanonkaari 11, FI-00790 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Outi Setälä
- Marine Research Centre, Finnish Environment Institute, Latokartanonkaari 11, FI-00790 Helsinki, Finland
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Pereira OS, Gonzalez J, Mendoza GF, Le J, Coscino CL, Lee RW, Cortés J, Cordes EE, Levin LA. The dynamic influence of methane seepage on macrofauna inhabiting authigenic carbonates. Ecosphere 2021. [DOI: 10.1002/ecs2.3744] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Olívia S. Pereira
- Integrative Oceanography Division and Center for Marine Biodiversity and Conservation Scripps Institution of Oceanography University of California San Diego San Diego California USA
| | - Jennifer Gonzalez
- Integrative Oceanography Division and Center for Marine Biodiversity and Conservation Scripps Institution of Oceanography University of California San Diego San Diego California USA
| | - Guillermo F. Mendoza
- Integrative Oceanography Division and Center for Marine Biodiversity and Conservation Scripps Institution of Oceanography University of California San Diego San Diego California USA
| | - Jennifer Le
- Integrative Oceanography Division and Center for Marine Biodiversity and Conservation Scripps Institution of Oceanography University of California San Diego San Diego California USA
| | - Connor L. Coscino
- Integrative Oceanography Division and Center for Marine Biodiversity and Conservation Scripps Institution of Oceanography University of California San Diego San Diego California USA
| | - Raymond W. Lee
- School of Biological Sciences Washington State University Pullman Washington USA
| | - Jorge Cortés
- Centro de Investigación en Ciencias del Mar y Limnología Universidad de Costa Rica San José Costa Rica
| | - Erik E. Cordes
- Department of Biology Temple University Philadelphia Pennsylvania USA
| | - Lisa A. Levin
- Integrative Oceanography Division and Center for Marine Biodiversity and Conservation Scripps Institution of Oceanography University of California San Diego San Diego California USA
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Cau A, Franceschini S, Moccia D, Gorule PA, Agus B, Bellodi A, Cannas R, Carugati L, Cuccu D, Dessì C, Marongiu MF, Melis R, Mulas A, Porceddu R, Porcu C, Russo T, Follesa MC. Scattered accumulation hotspots of macro-litter on the seafloor: Insights for mitigation actions. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2021:118232. [PMID: 34582917 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2021.118232] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2021] [Revised: 08/28/2021] [Accepted: 09/24/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Marine litter is an ever-increasing problem that demands immediate reduction plans and mitigation actions that should act synergically to efficiently meet ambitious goals. Since the seafloor has been recognized as the major sink for marine debris, the study of litter accumulation dynamics represents a fundamental tool to evaluate future removal actions. We analysed a 7 years (2013-2019) standardized data series collected along Sardinian fishing grounds through MEDiterranean International Trawl Survey, for which estimates of density and weight of seafloor macro-litter were calculated over 707 hauls. Results show the absence of any temporal trend in seafloor macro-litter density and weight, but rather indicate a spatial and bathymetric segregation of different litter categories. Our data showed how different sources and physical features of macro-litter items (i.e., plastic and fishing gears, rubber, glass, metal and textile) led to spatially segregated accumulation hotspots. These hotspots often occurred at shallower depths and closer to coastlines, representing spots where future litter removal action could be prioritized. We also point out here how the identification of seafloor macro-litter hotspots using aggregated data that include plastic items could indeed hide the identification of hotspots of other less abundant but yet detrimental macro-litter categories accumulated in the marine environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandro Cau
- Dipartimento di Scienze della vita e dell'ambiente, Università degli Studi di Cagliari, Via Tommaso Fiorelli 1, 09126, Cagliari, Italy; ConISMa, Piazzale Flaminio 9, 00196, Rome, Italy.
| | - Simone Franceschini
- Laboratory of Experimental Ecology and Aquaculture, Department of Biology, University of Rome Tor Vergata, via della Ricerca Scientifica snc, 00133, Rome, Italy; ConISMa, Piazzale Flaminio 9, 00196, Rome, Italy
| | - Davide Moccia
- Dipartimento di Scienze della vita e dell'ambiente, Università degli Studi di Cagliari, Via Tommaso Fiorelli 1, 09126, Cagliari, Italy; ConISMa, Piazzale Flaminio 9, 00196, Rome, Italy
| | - Pankaj A Gorule
- Dipartimento di Scienze della vita e dell'ambiente, Università degli Studi di Cagliari, Via Tommaso Fiorelli 1, 09126, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Blondine Agus
- Dipartimento di Scienze della vita e dell'ambiente, Università degli Studi di Cagliari, Via Tommaso Fiorelli 1, 09126, Cagliari, Italy; ConISMa, Piazzale Flaminio 9, 00196, Rome, Italy
| | - Andrea Bellodi
- Dipartimento di Scienze della vita e dell'ambiente, Università degli Studi di Cagliari, Via Tommaso Fiorelli 1, 09126, Cagliari, Italy; ConISMa, Piazzale Flaminio 9, 00196, Rome, Italy
| | - Rita Cannas
- Dipartimento di Scienze della vita e dell'ambiente, Università degli Studi di Cagliari, Via Tommaso Fiorelli 1, 09126, Cagliari, Italy; ConISMa, Piazzale Flaminio 9, 00196, Rome, Italy
| | - Laura Carugati
- Dipartimento di Scienze della vita e dell'ambiente, Università degli Studi di Cagliari, Via Tommaso Fiorelli 1, 09126, Cagliari, Italy; ConISMa, Piazzale Flaminio 9, 00196, Rome, Italy
| | - Danila Cuccu
- Dipartimento di Scienze della vita e dell'ambiente, Università degli Studi di Cagliari, Via Tommaso Fiorelli 1, 09126, Cagliari, Italy; ConISMa, Piazzale Flaminio 9, 00196, Rome, Italy
| | - Claudia Dessì
- Dipartimento di Scienze della vita e dell'ambiente, Università degli Studi di Cagliari, Via Tommaso Fiorelli 1, 09126, Cagliari, Italy; ConISMa, Piazzale Flaminio 9, 00196, Rome, Italy
| | - Martina F Marongiu
- Dipartimento di Scienze della vita e dell'ambiente, Università degli Studi di Cagliari, Via Tommaso Fiorelli 1, 09126, Cagliari, Italy; ConISMa, Piazzale Flaminio 9, 00196, Rome, Italy
| | - Riccardo Melis
- Dipartimento di Scienze della vita e dell'ambiente, Università degli Studi di Cagliari, Via Tommaso Fiorelli 1, 09126, Cagliari, Italy; ConISMa, Piazzale Flaminio 9, 00196, Rome, Italy
| | - Antonello Mulas
- Dipartimento di Scienze della vita e dell'ambiente, Università degli Studi di Cagliari, Via Tommaso Fiorelli 1, 09126, Cagliari, Italy; ConISMa, Piazzale Flaminio 9, 00196, Rome, Italy
| | - Riccardo Porceddu
- Dipartimento di Scienze della vita e dell'ambiente, Università degli Studi di Cagliari, Via Tommaso Fiorelli 1, 09126, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Cristina Porcu
- Dipartimento di Scienze della vita e dell'ambiente, Università degli Studi di Cagliari, Via Tommaso Fiorelli 1, 09126, Cagliari, Italy; ConISMa, Piazzale Flaminio 9, 00196, Rome, Italy
| | - Tommaso Russo
- Laboratory of Experimental Ecology and Aquaculture, Department of Biology, University of Rome Tor Vergata, via della Ricerca Scientifica snc, 00133, Rome, Italy; ConISMa, Piazzale Flaminio 9, 00196, Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Cristina Follesa
- Dipartimento di Scienze della vita e dell'ambiente, Università degli Studi di Cagliari, Via Tommaso Fiorelli 1, 09126, Cagliari, Italy; ConISMa, Piazzale Flaminio 9, 00196, Rome, Italy
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