An increase in snake pipefish (Entelurus aequoreus) in the northeast Atlantic: possible causes and effects

Climate induced changes in the planktonic community have been reported in the North Atlantic in recent years (Beaugrand et al., 2002), and similar responses has been seen in higher trophic levels (eg fish, Brander et al., 2003). Many of these responses have been identified by the use of the Continuous Plankton Recorder (CPR), and here we discuss recent results from the survey concerning pipefish, numbers of which have increased dramatically around the UK in recent years. This has also been reported in both the scientific and popular press, and anecdotally by many divers. Pipefish are easily recognized, being vermiform with a long slender ‘snout’ and an armoured outer layer, much like an elongated seahorse. This increase has raised many questions, why has it happened and what affects will it have on the ecosystem?

Effect Of Temperature On The Respiration Rate Of Meiofauna

The effect of temperature on respiration rate has been established, using Cartesian divers, for the meiofaunal sabellid polychaeteManayunkia aestuarina, the free-living nematodeSphaerolaimus hirsutus and the harpacticoid copepodTachidius discipes from a mudflat in the Lynher estuary, Cornwall, U.K. Over the temperature range normally experienced in the field, i.e. 5–20° C the size-compensated respiration rate (R c) was related to the temperature (T) in °C by the equation Log10 R c=-0.635+0.0339T forManayunkia, Log10 R c=0.180+0.0069T forSphaerolaimus and Log10 R c=-0.428+0.0337T forTachidius, being equivalent toQ 10 values of 2.19, 1.17 and 2.17 respectively. In order to derive the temperature response forManayunkia a relationship was first established between respiration rate and body size: Log10 R=0.05+0.75 Log10 V whereR=respiration in nl·O2·ind-1·h-1 andV=body volume in nl. TheQ 10 values are compared with values for other species derived from the literature. From these limited data a dichotomy emerges: species with aQ 10≏2 which apparently feed on diatoms and bacteria, the abundance of which are subject to large short term variability, and species withQ 10≏1 apparently dependent on more stable food sources.

Social impacts of a temperate fisheries closure: understanding stakeholders' views

The social dimensions of marine protected areas (MPAs) play an important role in MPA success, yet these social dimensions are little understood. We explore the social impacts arising from the establishment of an MPA using Lyme Bay (south west England) as a case study. Through a series of small group semi-structured interviews the social impacts experienced by fishermen (mobile and static gear), recreational users (divers and sea anglers) and recreation service providers (charter boat and dive businesses) were explored. The social impacts expressed varied according to activity in which the stakeholder group engaged. Negative themes included lengthening fishing trips, tension and conflict, fishermen identity, equity and uncertainty in the long-term. Positive themes included improved experiences for both commercial fishermen and recreational users, and expectations for long-term benefits. These impacts need to be understood because they influence stakeholder behaviour. Failure to interpret stakeholder responses may lead to poor decision-making and worsening stakeholder relations. These findings have implications for the success of the MPA in Lyme Bay, but also for the future network of marine conservation zones around the UK. Any assessment of MPA impacts must therefore identify social as well as economic and environmental change.

Assessing non-market benefits of seagrass restoration in the Gulf of Gdańsk

Seagrass meadows (Zostera marina) are an important ecosystem in the coastal environment of the Baltic Sea. This study employs a discrete choice experiment to value a set of non-market benefits provided by seagrass meadows in the Gulf of Gdańsk, Poland. The benefits valued in this study are a reduction of filamentous algae in the water and on the beach; access to seagrass meadows for boaters and divers; and improved water clarity. Results show significant willingness to pay for each attribute and differences of value estimates across different groups of survey respondents. It is discussed how to link choice attributes and estimated values with established ecosystem benefit categories in order to facilitate value transfer.