SYSTEMATICS OF GROUNDWATER OLIGOCHAETES (ANNELIDA, CLITELLATA) IN KARSTIC AREAS OF THE CANTABRIAN REGION/ ERREGIO KANTAURIARREKO EREMU KARSTIKOETAN DAUDEN LURPEKO OLIGOKETO (ANNELIDA, CLITELLATA) URT

This thesis deals with the oligochaete taxa (Annelida, Clitellata) from several karst units in the Cantabrian region, northern Iberian Peninsula. Groundwater oligochaetes are still poorly known fauna and the area seems to be a promising hotspot for groundwater taxa. Metodology is based on both morphological and molecular analyses. More than 7,000 specimens were collected from five karst units and >60 taxa were identified. Stygobiont oligochaete fauna in the northern Iberian Peninsula is diverse and mostly endemic (range areas <300 km). Three new stygogiont oligochaete species are described: Gianius navarroi Rodriguez & Achurra, 2010, Isochaetides gianii Rodriguez & Achurra, 2010 and Troglodrilus jugeti Achurra et al., 2012; and another four new taxa will be described in the near future. Taxonomic remarks on Lophochaeta ignota Stolc, 1886 and Troglodrilus galarzai (Giani & Rodriguez, 1988) are provided. The controversial separation of L. ignota and Heterochaeta costata Claparède, 1863 from Tubifex Lamarck, 1816 is corroborated by mitochondrial molecular data. Following the DNA barcoding method, individuals of the stygoxene species Stylodrilus heringianus Claparède, 1862 from different geographic areas are shown to represent a single metapopulation. The first phylogenetic analysis of the subfamily Tubificinae based on molecular data is attemped, which although incompletely resolved, evidences for the first time a close relationship between a stygobiont oligochaete (Troglodrilus Juget et al. 2006) and an estuarine especies (Heterochaeta costata Claparéde, 1863). A marine ancestor is hypothesised for Troglodrilus. Finally, Ereñozar karst unit (Biscay) is suggested to be a hotspot for groundwater oligochaetes (11 stygobiont taxa, of which 4 are endemic to the karst unit) and several biodiversity indices (Species richness, Rarity, Vulnerability and Complementarity) are shown to be useful tools for conservation management of groundwater habitats in that karst area.

Academic spin-offs incubation strategies: the case of the Andalusian region

[EN] The objective of this paper is to analyze the incubation strategies developed in the universities of Andalusia, a relatively low-income region of Spain, to promote the creation of university spin-offs. These strategies are also compared to the incubation models noted in the literature. The performance of the university spin-offs created and its relation to the incubation strategies developed by the university are also analysed. The analysis is based on data from a survey of nine public universities that carry out strategies for the promotion of university spin-offs. The result of the analysis shows that university spin-off incubation strategies in Andalusia present specific characteristics not covered by certain models that are well-known in the literature on innovation. Then, a new stage in the process of the university spin-off incubation is proposed. We consider it to be a pre-strategic stage to the academic spin-off incubation strategies. The analysis also finds certain environmental factors associated to those spin-offs promoted by Andalusian universities that achieve the highest level of performance. This result suggests that previous to making any decision involving investment into developing incubation strategies, universities should gauge whether they have sufficient resources and the possibilities of connecting with a Technology Park.

The calibration of a semi-quantitative approach to fish stock assessment in the North West Region of the NRA

(1) A total of 45 sites was sampled, each being fished using the semi-quantitative and quantitative techniques. (2) A significant relationship existed between the semi-quantitative and Quantitative results for all age groups of salmonids (R2 83.4% to 96.1%, p < 0.0001). (3) The results from each site were categorised according to an existing classification system for quantitative and semi-quantitative data. The semi-quantitative component of this system was modified using the results of this investigation. The degree of error associated with sites classified semi-quantitatively was found to be slightly less when using the modified system for 0+ salmon, > 0+ salmon and 0+ trout, ranging from 10.5% to 30%. (4) Insufficient data points were available for the analysis of coarse fish data.

Smoked marine fish from Western Region, Ghana: a value chain assessment

The value chain analysis of ths report focused on smoked marine fish- overwhelmingly the most important fish product originating in Western Region, Ghana. Smoked fish from Western Region is mainly destined for the domestic market where demand is very strong. Small quantities of smoked fish are destined for markets in Togo, Benin and Nigeria. The underlying objective of the fisheries value chain analysis is to identify opportunities for growth in the fisheries value chain, with an emphasis on those opportunities that have the potential to generate significant additional livelihoods, particularly at the level of the fishing communities and for low-income groups. The results from the value chain analysis will be used to identify pilot interventions to promote those livelihood outcomes. The main focus for the study is smoked fish (major species/product forms) destined for domestic markets. However, work will also be undertaken on the fresh fish trade and frozen fish to find out more about the significance of these value chains.

Variation in the isotopic signatures of juvenile gray snapper (Lutjanus griseus) from five southern Florida region

Measurements of 18O/16O and 13C/12C ratios in the carbonate of juvenile gray snapper (Lutjanus griseus) sagittal otoliths collected during 2001–2005 from different southern Florida regions indicated significant variations in the ratios between Florida Bay and surrounding areas. Annual differences in isotopic composition were also observed. Classification accuracy of individual otoliths to a region averaged 80% (63% to 96%), thereby enabling the probability of assigning an unknown individual to the appropriate juvenile nursery habitat. Identification of isotopic signatures in the otoliths of gray snapper from Florida Bay and adjacent ecosystems may be important for distinguishing specific portions of the bay that are crucial nursery grounds for juveniles. Separation of gray snapper between geographic regions and nursery sites is possible and has the potential to establish a link between adult gray snapper present on offshore reefs and larvae and juveniles at nursery habitats in Florida Bay or adjacent areas.