Validation and interpretation of annual skeletal marks in loggerhead (Caretta caretta) and Kemp’s ridley (Lepidochelys kempii) sea turtles

Numerous studies have applied skeletochronology to sea turtle species. Because many of the studies have lacked validation, the application of this technique to sea turtle age estimation has been called into question. To address this concern, we obtained humeri from 13 known-age Kemp’s ridley (Lepidochelys kempii) and two loggerhead (Caretta caretta) sea turtles for the purposes of examining the growth marks and comparing growth mark counts to actual age. We found evidence for annual deposition of growth marks in both these species. Corroborative results were found in Kemp’s ridley sea turtles from a comparison of death date and amount of bone growth following the completion of the last growth mark (n=76). Formation of the lines of arrested growth in Kemp’s ridley sea turtles consistently occurred in the spring for animals that strand dead along the mid- and south U.S. Atlantic coast. For both Kemp’s ridley and loggerhead sea turtles, we also found a proportional allometry between bone growth (humerus dimensions) and somatic growth (straight carapace length), indicating that size-at-age and growth rates can be estimated from dimensions of early growth marks. These results validate skeletochronology as a method for estimating age in Kemp’s ridley and loggerhead sea turtles from the southeast United States.

Water quality and harmful algae in Southeastern coastal stormwater ponds

Several long-term monitoring studies describing the water quality and biological condition of Southeastern estuaries (National Estuarine Eutrophication Assessment Project, South Carolina Estuarine and Coastal Assessment Program (SCECAP), Environmental Monitoring and Assessment Program (EMAP), South Carolina Harmful Algal Bloom Program (SCHAB), South Carolina Tidal Creek Project, and others) have been developed. Many of the same water quality issues determined for open estuaries are also found in coastal stormwater ponds, and there are important interactions between the man-made ponds and the natural systems. Researchers have highlighted problems such as nutrient eutrophication, bacterial and chemical contamination, hypoxia, and harmful algal blooms (HABs). This technical memorandum summarizes the state-of-the-knowledge of water quality indicators (dissolved oxygen, nutrients, and chlorophyll a), and harmful algae in Southeastern coastal stormwater ponds. (PDF contains 31 pages)

Contributions to the biology of the engraulid Anchoa naso (Gilbert and Pierson, 1898) from Ecuadorian waters

ENGLISH: One phase of the duties of the Inter-American Tropical Tuna Commission is the gathering and interpretation of data concerning the life history of the commercially important bait species throughout the Eastern Pacific Ocean. During 1958 the Commission established a laboratory in Manta, Ecuador to study tuna. It was subsequently found that this fishery was dependent upon one species of anchovy, Anchoa naso, which was locally referred to as "colorado." During the calendar year 1959 approximately 380,000 scoops of bait were taken by the Manta tuna fleet (Schaefer, 1960), which at that time numbered about 23 vessels. Since then the fleet has increased by about 25 per cent and it is probable that the bait catch has increased also. Virtually nothing has been reported concerning the life history of this species. Hildebrand (1943) reviewed its taxonomy and reported standard lengths ranging from 32 to 135 mm. Peterson (1956) examined specimens from Central America and found them to range from 27 to 66 mm. He also indicated that the species spawned over a long period of time. The present report describes some aspects of the life history of Anchoa naso in Ecuadorian waters. The findings are based on 121 collections taken during the period March 1959 through June 1961. SPANISH: Una fase de las obligaciones de La Comisión Interamericana del Atún Tropical es la obtensión e interpretación de los datos concernientes a la historia natural de las especies de carnada comercialmente importantes en todo el Océano Pacifico Oriental. En el año de 1958 la Comisión estableció un laboratorio en Manta, Ecuador, para estudiar el atún. Se encontró subsecuentemente que esta pesquería dependía de una especie de anchoa, Anchoa naso, conocida localmente con el nombre de colorado. Durante el año calendario de 1959, la flota atunera de Manta, que en ese tiempo alcanzaba a unos 23 barcos, obtuvo aproximadamente 380,000 copas (scoops) de carnada (Schaefer, 1960). Desde entonces la flota ha aumentado en un 25 por ciento, y es probable que la captura de peces-cebo haya aumentado también. Nada se ha informado virtualmente sobre la historia natural de esta especie. Hildebrand (1943) revisó su taxonomia e informó sobre su longitud estándar, que varia entre los 32 y 135 mm. Peterson (1956) examinó especímenes de la América Central, y encontró que variaban entre los 27 y 66 mm. También indicó que la especie desova durante un largo periodo de tiempo. El presente informe describe algunos aspectos de la historia natural de la Anchoa naso en aguas ecuatorianas. Los hallazgos están basados en 121 recolecciones hechas durante el periodo de marzo de 1959 a junio de 1961. (PDF contains 30 pages.)

A guide to the interpretation of sea trout scales

The overall purpose of this guide is to provide a manual for the collection and interpretation of sea trout scales. A brief introduction considers the advantages and disadvantages of using scales to determine age and growth. To ensure that scales are interpreted in a consistent manner, all major terms are defined and a standard system for age notation is proposed. The methodology for the collection, mounting and interpretation of scales is described in detail, and this is followed by a section on the back-calculation of lengths at different ages. Each topic is discussed critically. The final part of this guide is an atlas illustrating scales from a wide range of sea trout and including not only excellent "type-scales" but also difficult and impossible scales.

Day and night abundance, distribution, and activity patterns of demersal fishes on Heceta Bank, Oregon

Most shallow-dwelling tropical marine fishes exhibit different activity patterns during the day and night but show similar transition behavior among habitat sites despite the dissimilar assemblages of the species. However, changes in species abundance, distribution, and activity patterns have only rarely been examined in temperate deepwater habitats during the day and night, where day-to-night differences in light intensity are extremely slight. Direct-observation surveys were conducted over several depths and habitat types on Heceta Bank, the largest rocky bank off the Oregon coast. Day and night fish community composition, relative density, and activity levels were compared by using videotape footage from a remotely operated vehicle (ROV) operated along paired transects. Habitat-specific abundance and activity were determined for 31 taxa or groups. General patterns observed were similar to shallow temperate day and night studies, with an overall increase in the abundance and activity of fishes during the day than at night, particularly in shallower cobble, boulder, and rock ridge habitats. Smaller schooling rockfishes (Sebastes spp.) were more abundant and active in day than in night transects, and sharpchin (S. zacentrus) and harlequin (S. variegatus) rockfish were significantly more abundant in night transects. Most taxa, however, did not exhibit distinct diurnal or nocturnal activity patterns. Rosethorn rockfish (S. helvomaculatus) and hagfishes (Eptatretus spp.) showed the clearest diurnal and nocturnal activity patterns, respectively. Because day and night distributions and activity patterns in demersal fishes are likely to influence both catchability and observability in bottom trawl and direct-count in situ surveys, the patterns observed in the current study should be considered for survey design and interpretation.

Precision and accuracy of fish length measurements obtained with two visual underwater methods

During the VITAL cruise in the Bay of Biscay in summer 2002, two devices for measuring the length of swimming fish were tested: 1) a mechanical crown that emitted a pair of parallel laser beams and that was mounted on the main camera and 2) an underwater auto-focus video camera. The precision and accuracy of these devices were compared and the various sources of measurement errors were estimated by repeatedly measuring fixed and mobile objects and live fish. It was found that fish mobility is the main source of error for these devices because they require that the objects to be measured are perpendicular to the field of vision. The best performance was obtained with the laser method where a video-replay of laser spots (projected on fish bodies) carrying real-time size information was used. The auto-focus system performed poorly because of a delay in obtaining focus and because of some technical problems.

Distribution and potential bioeffects of atrazine in coastal waters

Estuaries provide critical nursery habitat for many commercially and recreationally important fish and shellfish species. These productive, diverse ecosystems are particularly vulnerable to pollution because they serve as repositories for non–point-source contaminants from upland sources, such as pesticide runoff. Atrazine, among the most widely used pesticides in the United States, has also been one of the most extensively studied. There has not, however, been a specific assessment of atrazine in marine and estuarine ecosystems. This document characterizes the presence and transformation of atrazine in coastal waters, and the effects of atrazine on marine organisms. Review of marine and estuarine monitoring data indicate that atrazine is chronically present in U.S. coastal waters at relatively low concentrations. The concentrations detected have typically been below acute biological effects levels, and below the U.S. EPA proposed water quality criteria for atrazine. While direct risk of atrazine impacts are low, uncertainty remains regarding the effects of long-term low levels of atrazine in mixture with other contaminants. It is recommended that best management practices, such as the use of vegetative buffers and public education about pesticide use, be encouraged in the coastal zone to minimize runoff of atrazine into marine and estuarine waters.

Liver genomic responses to ciguatoxin: evidence for activation of Phase I and Phase II detoxification pathways following an acute hypothermic response in mice

Ciguatoxins (CTX) are polyether neurotoxins that target voltage-gated sodium channels and are responsible for ciguatera, the most common fish-borne food poisoning in humans. This study characterizes the global transcriptional response of mouse liver to a symptomatic dose (0.26 ng/g) of the highly potent Pacific ciguatoxin-1 (P-CTX-1). At 1 h post-exposure 2.4% of features on a 44K whole genome array were differentially expressed (p ≤ 0.0001), increasing to 5.2% at 4 h and decreasing to 1.4% by 24 h post-CTX exposure. Data were filtered (|fold change| ≥ 1.5 and p ≤ 0.0001 in at least one time point) and a trend set of 1550 genes were used for further analysis. Early gene expression was likely influenced prominently by an acute 4°C decline in core body temperature by 1 h, which resolved by 8 h following exposure. An initial downregulation of 32 different solute carriers, many involved in sodium transport, was observed. Differential gene expression in pathways involving eicosanoid biosynthesis and cholesterol homeostasis was also noted. Cytochrome P450s (Cyps) were of particular interest due to their role in xenobiotic metabolism. Twenty-seven genes, mostly members of Cyp2 and Cyp4 families, showed significant changes in expression. Many Cyps underwent an initial downregulation at 1 h but were quickly and strongly upregulated at 4 and 24 h post-exposure. In addition to Cyps, increases in several glutathione S-transferases were observed, an indication that both phase I and phase II metabolic reactions are involved in the hepatic response to CTX in mice.

Ciguatera Fish Poisoning: treatment, prevention and management

Ciguatera Fish Poisoning (CFP) is the most frequently reported seafood-toxin illness in the world, and it causes substantial physical and functional impact. It produces a myriad of gastrointestinal, neurologic and/or cardiovascular symptoms which last days to weeks, or even months. Although there are reports of symptom amelioration with some interventions (e.g. IV mannitol), the appropriate treatment for CFP remains unclear to many physicians. We review the literature on the treatments for CFP, including randomized controlled studies and anecdotal reports. The article is intended to clarify treatment options, and provide information about management and prevention of CFP, for emergency room physicians, poison control information providers, other health care providers, and patients.

Hydrology of western Collier County, Florida

The U.S. Geological Survey was requested in 1967 to locate areas that would most likely yield the greatest quantities of the best quality water to satisfy the projected municipal needs of western Collier County. The investigation included the following phases: (1) evaluation of existing data; (2) determination of the hydrologic and geologic characteristics of the subsurface materials; (3) collection of miscellaneous discharge data in the inland canal complex and interpretation of the data; and (4) determination of the quality of water. (PDF has 40 pages)

Fisheries management

These Guidelines have been produced to support the implementation of Article 7 of the Code of Conduct for Responsible Fisheries, with some reference to Article 12. They are addressed primarily to the decision-makers within fisheries management authorities and other interest groups, including fishing companies, fishers' organizations, concerned non-governmental organizations and others. The Guidelines provide a background to the need for fisheries management and an introduction to the activities encompassed by fisheries management. They introduce the major constraints experienced in fisheries and fisheries management and some of the fundamental concepts related to these. Biological, environmental, technological, socio-cultural and economic constraints and concepts are examined. Information is fundamental to responsible fisheries management and these Guidelines put emphasis on the range of data required for informed decisionmaking and examine aspects of the collection and interpretation of these data. Data are discussed in terms of three suggested scales in fisheries management: fisheries policy and development planning, formulation of management plans and implementation of management action. The range of possible management actions is outlined. This includes technical measures, such as gear restrictions, and more direct approaches in the form of direct catch limitation or effort limitation. The problems associated with open access fisheries are explained and comments made on the means to limit access and obstacles which may be encountered in this process. Finally, the Guidelines examine the management process. This section covers the process of agreeing on a management plan for a fishery, including the need for consultation and, where appropriate, cooperative decision-making. The need for periodic review of management plans is stressed. The importance of an effective legal framework, institutional and administrative structures and monitoring control and surveillance are described. (PDF contains 91 pages)

Internationales Otolithen-Symposium in Australien

The Third International Symposium on Fish Otolith Research and Application in Townsville, Australia, from 11 to 16 July 2004, gathered around 300 scientists from 30 nations (http://www.otolith2004.com). Mayor topics were: structure of otoliths and function; micro-Chemitry and composition; determination of age and growth and their validation; de-termination of age in fish from tropical habitats; influence of climate, ecology and population biology; statistik and modelling; stock assessment and fishery management; quality control in institutions carrying out age determinations, and data processing; and development of technologies. The symposium was preceeded by a workshop at the James Cook University, Townsville, to enhance the knowledge and skill of participants in theoretrical and practical aspects for prearation of otoliths and interpretation of annuli; difficulties in interpreting age in tropical fish; daily increments as well as shape and image analysis.

Technologies for Measuring Currents in Coastal Environments, Portland, Maine, October 26-28, 2005:workshop proceedings

The Alliance for Coastal Technologies (ACT) Workshop entitled "Technologies for Measuring Currents in Coastal Environments" was held in Portland, Maine, October 26-28, 2005, with sponsorship by the Gulf of Maine Ocean Observing System (GoMOOS), an ACT partner organization. The primary goals of the event were to summarize recent trends in nearshore research and management applications for current meter technologies, identify how current meters can assist coastal managers to fulfill their regulatory and management objectives, and to recommend actions to overcome barriers to use of the technologies. The workshop was attended by 25 participants representing state and federal environmental management agencies, manufacturers of current meter technologies, and researchers from academic institutions and private industry. Common themes that were discussed during the workshop included 1) advantages and limitations of existing current measuring equipment, 2) reliability and ease of use with each instrument type, 3) data decoding and interpretation procedures, and 4) mechanisms to facilitate better training and guidance to a broad user group. Seven key recommendations, which were ranked in order of importance during the last day of the workshop are listed below. 1. Forums should be developed to facilitate the exchange of information among users and industry: a) On-line forums that not only provide information on specific instruments and technologies, but also provide an avenue for the exchange of user experiences with various instruments (i.e. problems encountered, cautions, tips, advantages, etc). (see References for manufacturer websites with links to application and technical forums at end of report) b) Regional training/meetings for operational managers to exchange ideas on methods for measuring currents and evaluating data. c) Organize mini-meetings or tutorial sessions within larger conference venues. 2. A committee of major stakeholders should be convened to develop common standards (similar to the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) committee) that enable users to switch sensors without losing software or display capabilities. (pdf contains 28 pages)