A framework for mapping and monitoring human-ocean interactions in near real-time during COVID-19 and beyond

The human response to the COVID-19 pandemic set in motion an unprecedented shift in human activity with unknown long-term effects. The impacts in marine systems are expected to be highly dynamic at local and global scales. However, in comparison to terrestrial ecosystems, we are not well-prepared to document these changes in marine and coastal environments. The problems are two-fold: 1) manual and siloed data collection and processing, and 2) reliance on marine professionals for observation and analysis. These problems are relevant beyond the pandemic and are a barrier to understanding rapidly evolving blue economies, the impacts of climate change, and the many other changes our modern-day oceans are undergoing. The "Our Ocean in COVID-19″ project, which aims to track human-ocean interactions throughout the pandemic, uses the new eOceans platform (eOceans.app) to overcome these barriers. Working at local scales, a global network of ocean scientists and citizen scientists are collaborating to monitor the ocean in near real-time. The purpose of this paper is to bring this project to the attention of the marine conservation community, researchers, and the public wanting to track changes in their area. As our team continues to grow, this project will provide important baselines and temporal patterns for ocean conservation, policy, and innovation as society transitions towards a new normal. It may also provide a proof-of-concept for real-time, collaborative ocean monitoring that breaks down silos between academia, government, and at-sea stakeholders to create a stronger and more democratic blue economy with communities more resilient to ocean and global change.

Evaluating the effectiveness of teeth and dorsal fin spines for non-lethal age estimation of a tropical reef fish, coral trout Plectropomus leopardus

This study investigated whether teeth and dorsal fin spines could be used as non-lethal methods of age estimation for a vulnerable and highly valued tropical fisheries species, coral trout Plectropomus leopardus. Age estimation of individuals from 2 to 9 years old revealed that dorsal spines represent an accurate ageing method (90% agreement with otoliths) that was more precise [average per cent error (APE) = 4·1, coefficient of variation (c.v.) = 5·8%] than otoliths (APE = 6·2, c.v. = 8·7%). Of the three methods for age estimation (otoliths, dorsal spines and teeth), spines were the most time and cost efficient. An aquarium-based study also found that removing a dorsal spine or tooth did not affect survivorship or growth of P. leopardus. No annuli were visible in teeth despite taking transverse and longitudinal sections throughout the tooth and trialling several different laboratory methods. Although teeth may not be suitable for estimating age of P. leopardus, dorsal spines appear to be an acceptably accurate, precise and efficient method for non-lethal ageing of individuals from 2 to 9 years old in this tropical species.

An appraisal of methods used in the examination of retail samples of cows milk

The use of the methylene blue test for the examination of cows milk was investigated in an inter-laboratory survey. A poor relationship was found between results of these tests and total viable counts. Coliforms were detected in a large number of pasteurized milks, indicating frequent post-pasteurization contamination. No relationship was found between the results of the methylene blue test and the presence of coliforms. Results from this survey highlight the need for reappraisal of the methylene blue test as a statutory method for the examination of milk. A total viable count and coliform test are suggested for providing information regarding dairy hygiene and the quality of the product at the point of retail sale.

Epstein-Barr virus reactivation in renal transplant recipients

Renal transplant recipients at Tygerberg Hospital were investigated to determine the importance of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) as a pathogen in these patients. All 106 patients investigated were shown to have EBV antibodies before transplantation and most had serological evidence of reactivation of the infection after transplantation. A mild clinical illness was present in a few patients concomitant with EBV reactivation, which may suggest that this virus has a role in the morbidity of some renal transplant recipients. Lymphoblastoid cell lines were established from 11 renal transplant recipients; 5 of these cell lines were shown to be virus producers and 1 is thought to have unique properties.

The microbiology of cooked prawns and shrimps on retail sale

In an inter-laboratory survey, 148 samples of cooked prawns and shrimps were obtained at the point of sale to the consumer. Salmonellae and Vibrio parahaemolyticus were not detected. Yersinia enterocolitica was isolated from three samples. Results for total viable count and presence of Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus complied well with available guidelines for imported cooked prawns, suggesting that the risk of food poisoning from retail samples of these foods in the South of England is minimal.

Pre-operative assessment of cardiac patients for non-cardiac surgery

Non-cardiac surgery presents significant risks to patients with cardiac diseases. With the improvement in anaesthetic techniques and intensive care facilities, many cardiac patients who in the past would have been considered as being at too great a risk are now being considered for non-cardiac surgery. Smaller centres must still practise strict selection of patients if they do not possess an intensive care unit with facilities for full haemodynamic monitoring. We present a review of the recent literature and current practice at our hospital to assist clinicians in assessing these patients for anaesthesia. However, the final decision whether the patient is fit for anaesthesia still rests with the anaesthetist.

The microbiology of selected retail food products with an evaluation of viable counting methods

In an inter-laboratory survey, the pour plate, surface spread, agar droplet and spiral plate methods were used in parallel with the surface drop method for enumeration of micro-organisms in foods. Good agreement was obtained between all surface methods of enumeration, but there was poor agreement between molten agar methods and the surface drop method. A total of 1143 samples of food that were ready for consumption at the point of retail sale were examined. Eight types of food products were chosen: meat pasties, sausage rolls, real-cream slices, synthetic-cream slices, mayonnaise-based coleslaws, faggots, patés and continental sausages. The results of this survey suggest that the upper limit for an acceptable viable count should vary according to the food product. Salmonellae were not isolated on any occasion. Potentially harmful organisms were not isolated at levels expected to constitute a public health hazard. Information concerning the nature of the product, the total viable count, the presence or absence of pathogenic, toxigenic or indicator organisms, the spectrum of the bacterial flora and the relative predominance of each organism must all be considered when assessing the microbiological acceptability of retail 'ready to eat' products.