Mapping of Submerged Aquatic Vegetation in Rivers From Very High Resolution Image Data, Using Object Based Image Analysis Combined with Expert Knowledge

The use of remote sensing for monitoring of submerged aquatic vegetation (SAV) in fluvial environments has been limited by the spatial and spectral resolution of available image data. The absorption of light in water also complicates the use of common image analysis methods. This paper presents the results of a study that uses very high resolution (VHR) image data, collected with a Near Infrared sensitive DSLR camera, to map the distribution of SAV species for three sites along the Desselse Nete, a lowland river in Flanders, Belgium. Plant species, including Ranunculus aquatilis L., Callitriche obtusangula Le Gall, Potamogeton natans L., Sparganium emersum L. and Potamogeton crispus L., were classified from the data using Object-Based Image Analysis (OBIA) and expert knowledge. A classification rule set based on a combination of both spectral and structural image variation (e.g. texture and shape) was developed for images from two sites. A comparison of the classifications with manually delineated ground truth maps resulted for both sites in 61% overall accuracy. Application of the rule set to a third validation image, resulted in 53% overall accuracy. These consistent results show promise for species level mapping in such biodiverse environments, but also prompt a discussion on assessment of classification accuracy.

Urban Ponds as an Aquatic Biodiversity Resource in Modified Landscapes

Urbanization is a global process contributing to the loss and fragmentation of natural habitats. Many studies have focused on the biological response of terrestrial taxa and habitats to urbanization. However, little is known regarding the consequences of urbanization on freshwater habitats, especially small lentic systems. In this study we examined aquatic macroinvertebrate diversity (family and species level) and variation in community composition between 240 urban and 782 non-urban ponds distributed across the UK. Contrary to predictions, urban ponds supported similar numbers of invertebrate species and families compared to non-urban ponds. Similar gamma diversity was found between the two groups at both family and species taxonomic levels. The biological communities of urban ponds were markedly different to those of non-urban ponds and the variability in urban pond community composition was greater than that in non-urban ponds, contrary to previous work showing homogenisation of communities in urban areas. Positive spatial autocorrelation was recorded for urban and non-urban ponds at 0-50 km (distance between pond study sites) and negative spatial autocorrelation was observed at 100-150 km, and was stronger in urban ponds in both cases. Ponds do not follow the same ecological patterns as terrestrial and lotic habitats (reduced taxonomic richness) in urban environments; in contrast they support high taxonomic richness and contribute significantly to regional faunal diversity. Individual cities are complex structural mosaics which evolve over long periods of time and are managed in diverse ways, promoting the development of a wide-range of environmental conditions and habitat niches in urban ponds which can promote greater heterogeneity between pond communities at larger scales. Ponds provide an opportunity for managers and environmental regulators to conserve and enhance freshwater biodiversity in urbanized landscapes whilst also facilitating key ecosystem services including storm water storage and water treatment.

Analysis of Alpha CA Genes in Early Vertebrates and ; High-Invertebrates

Carbonic anhydrases are enzymes that are ubiquitously found in all organisms that are engaged in catalyzing the hydration of carbon dioxide to form bicarbonate and proton and vice versa. They are crucial in the process of respiration, bone resorption, pH regulation, ion transport, and photosynthesis in plants. Out of the five classes of carbonic anhydrase α, β, γ, δ, ζ this study focused in the α carbonic anhydrases. This class of CAs constitute of 16 subfamilies in mammals that include 3 non-active enzymes known as Carbonic Anhydrase Related Proteins. The inactiveness of these enzymes is due to the loss of one or more Histidine residues in the active site. This thesis was conducted based on the aim of studying evolutionary analysis of carbonic anhydrase sequences from organisms spanning from the Cambrian age. It was carried out in two phases. The first phase was the sequence collection, which involved many biological sequence databases as a source. The scope of this segment included sequence alignments and analysis of the sequence manually and in an automated form incorporating few analysis tools. The second Phase was phylogenetic analysis and exploring the subcellular location of the proteins, which was key for the evolutionary analysis. Through the medium of the methods conducted with respect to the phases mentioned above, it was possible to accomplish the desired result. Certain thought-provoking sequences were come across and analyzed thoroughly. Whereas, Phylogenetics showed interesting results to bolster previous findings and new findings as well which lay bedrock for future intensified studies.

Medicinal Water? The occurrence and fate of pharmaceuticals in aquatic environments A short communication

Although very little is known about the transport, fate and toxic effects of medical compounds in aquatic environments, the presence of these compounds in potable water sources can no longer be overlooked. We can argue that trace concentrations of drugs in the water is relatively a minor problem, however, the current and future demands on global potable freshwater supplies will probably lead to greater incidents of indirect and direct water-reuse situations at the local, regional, and cross-border levels. It is important to remark that the solution of this emerging ecological issue does not rely on new and better wastewater treatment technologies, but a new paradigm of responsibility and the understanding of the relations between anthropogenic actions and their ecological effects as well. The objective of this brief communication is to present the state of the art of research conducted in the last decade in Europe and United States concerning the presence of pharmaceuticals products in aquatic environments.

Aquatic Faunal Survey of Camp Roberts Military Reservation and Camp San Luis Obispo National Guard Reservation, California with Emphasis on Rare Species

Final Report

AQUATIC OLIGOCHAETA (ANNELIDA, CLITELLATA) OF THE Great Smoky Mountains National Park, North Carolina and Tennessee

ID: 8906; issued December 19, 2000

The Aquatic Oligochaeta (Annelida, Clitellata) of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, North Carolina and Tennessee, USA

ID: 8987; Annual Project Report for 2003, Project No. DLIA 2003-14 issued August 17, 2004

Ecosystem structure of Gomishan Wetland

Gomishan Wetland is situated in the extreme southern part of the eastern coast of Caspian Sea. It is connected to the Caspian Sea, so its hydrological features are directly generated from the sea. The whole wetland area (which also consists of the northern part of the wetland that is situated in Turkmenistan republic) is calculated with the aid of the Satellite Images for the years of 1977, 1987 and 1998 respectively 5070, 16320 and 29520 hectares. To have better ideas about food chains in the aquatic ecosystem, five permanent stations was appointed in different parts of the wetland. During one year field study, at the beginning of each month, physical, chemical and biological characteristics of the water and the sediment was surveyed and different specimens were gathered, fixed and took to the laboratories for the relevant analyses. The factors measured in water samples were mainly consist of turbidity, pH, EC, DO, BOD, PO4, NO3, alkalinity, Cl and hardness . The factors measured from sediment samples were the percentage of Sand, Very Fine Sand, Silt, Clay, K, P, N, and Organic Carbon. Biological examinations of the water has been consist of planktonic sample collections, determination, counting and analysis of both phyto and zoo planktons of the wetland. For example the zooplanktons of the Gomishan Wetland are determined in 15 groups, belonging to 5 phyla. The seasonal changes are recognized considerable. The least density of the zooplanktons is occurred in February. The density of most of the groups is seen from the beginning of the summer until the mid autumn. The annual mean density for any 15-zooplankton groups and also the minimum and maximum density with %95 confidences, for each of them, is calculated for the environment of all of the stations and also for the whole wetland. The spatial distribution of the individuals within the population of each of the groups is introduced, according to regular or contagious or random distribution. Diversity indices are calculated for the zooplanktons living in the environment of the stations. Comparison of the wetland, with the southeastern Caspian Sea, from the point of view of zooplankton density and diversity is also obtained. Benthos invertebrates in each station from sediment samples were also extracted. The specimens were colored by Rose Bengal solvent and then were determinate and counted, in separate groups of macro and meio benthos. Among the macro benthos, the highest density was seen in the species of Fyrgula caspia. After that, more density was seen respectively in Apra ovata, Cerastoderma sp., Balanus sp., Nerds divesicolarr, lifytilaster lineatus and Dreissena sp. Among the meio benthos, the most density was seen in Foraminifera and then respectively in Ostracoda, Nernatoda and Bivalve larvae. The indices of diversity and distribution are also calculated. As the birds in this lagoon are of prime importance, all mid winter waterfowl censuses available from recent 13 years are gathered and analysis. Also a whole year (12 times, each at the beginning of one month) waterfowl census was undertaken, throughout the wetland. According to this study, the Eastern Ecosystem of the wetland, is supporting the most population (%75) of the waterfowls, the Middle Open Water Ecosystem and the Western Reed bed Ecosystem, are supporting respectively %14 and %11 of the population. Four of the species are found in the global threatened red list, and the wintering population of the 20 species of the site, in some years, are observed more than %I of the global populations. The Waterfowl Species Diversity and Similarity Indices are given also.

Aquatic ecology monitoring: water quality, fish, fish catch, sanitation and disease vectors: monitoring No.9, 9th – 12th September 2011

The results reported on were from a monitoring survey No. 9 undertaken between 9th and 12th September 2011 during construction period of the Bujagali Hydropower Project (BHPP). Two pre-construction, baseline surveys in April 2000 and April 2006 were conducted and so far, during construction phase of the project, eight monitoring surveys have been undertaken i.e. in September 2007, April 2008, April 2009, October 2009, April 2010, September 2010, April 2011 and the present one, in September 2011. Since 2009 biannual monitoring surveys have been conducted at an upstream and a downstream transect of the BHPP with emphasis on the following aspects: water quality determinants biology and ecology of fishes and food webs fish stock and fish catch including economic aspects of catch and sanitation/vector studies (bilharzias and river blindness)in addition to the above mentioned studies, a soil pH survey was undertaken on 15th October 2011 in the area behind the reservoir whose filling started a week earlier. The findings of pH status in the catchment of the dam are also contained in this report.

Invertebrate communities of Nabugabo Lakes: a vital support resource for the fisheries and ecosystem diversity

A field study of the invertebrate communities of the Nabugabo lakes(Nabugabo,Kayanja and Kayugi)showed the occurrence of copepoda, cladocera and rotifera(micro-invertebrates or zooplankton); Ephemeroptera and Diptera(macro-invertebrates or zoo-benthos). The most commonly encountered taxa were thermocyclops neglectus, moinamicrura,several rotiferan species(micro-invertebrates);P.adusta,chironomus, tanipodinae and trichoptera(macro- invertebrates). These organisms are assumed to be readily available as food sources for fishes in the Nabugabo lakes. Higher abundance and diversity of invertebrates occurred in Lake Nabugabo compared to Kayanja and Kayugi. There were no major differences in diversity and abundance of organisms between inshore and offshore areas of the different lakes. The highest diversity of macro-invertebrates(up to 15 taxa)was recovered from roots of macrophyte(higher water-based plants)such as Miscanthidium and Papyrus. The zooplankton of Nabugabo lakes typify a tropical assemblage with few species among genera and dominance of the communities by small-bodied organisms. Some taxa,common to many other water bodies such as Mesocyclops spp.,Calanoids(Copepoda), Caridina nilotica (Decapoda)were noticeably missing in the Nabugabo lakes community, probably due to environmental limitations including low conductivity and pH. Where they occur,these missing taxa have been shown to be key forage items for fishes and therefore their absence in Nabugabo lakes may have implications with respect to potential for fishery production. However other valuable invertebrate types such as cyclopoid copepods,ephemeroptera, chironomid and chaoborid larvae do occur in sufficiently high diversity and abundance to support viable fisheries resources. The high diversity and abundance of invertebrates associated with aquatic macrophytes such as Papyrus and Miscanthidium need to be protected through control of access and utilisation of shoreline vegetation.

Impact of dead and sunken water hyacinth on biotic communities, the aquatic environment and socioeconomic activities

The mobile water hyacinth, which was produced in growth zones, especially Murchison bay, was mainly exported to three sheltered storage bays (Thruston, Hannington and Waiya). Between 1996 and May 1998, the mobile form of water hyacinth occupied about 800 ha in Thruston bay, 750 ha in Hannington bay and 140 ha in Waiya bay). Biological control weevils and other factors, including localised nutrient depletion, weakened the weed that was confined to the bays and it sunk around October 1998. The settling to the bottom of such huge quantities of organic matter its subsequent decomposition and the debris from this mass was likely to have environmental impacts on biotic communities (e.g. fish and invertebrate), physico-chemical conditions (water quality), and on socio-economic activities (e.g. at fish landings, water abstraction, and hydro-power generation points). Sunken water hyacinth debris could also affect nutrient levels in the water column and lead to reduction in the content of dissolved oxygen. The changes in nutrient dynamics and oxygen levels could affect algal productivity, invertebrate composition and fish communities. Socio-economic impacts of dead sunken weed were expected from debris deposited along the shoreline especially at fish landings, water abstraction and hydropower generation points. Therefore, environmental impact assessment studies were carried out between 1998 and 2002 in selected representative zones of Lake Victoria to identify the effects of the sunken water hyacinth biomass.

Aquatic weeds hotspots in the Lake Victoria basin Uganda and on Lake Kyoga: implications for their management

Proliferation of invasive aquatic weeds has developed into a major ecological and socio economic issue for many regions of the world. As a consequence, inference on where to target control and other management efforts is critical in the management of aquatic weeds (Ibáñez et al., 2009). Notwithstanding, aquatic systems in Uganda in general and in the basins of Lakes Victoria and Kyoga in particular, have fallen victims to aquatic weeds invasion and subsequent infestation. If these aquatic weeds infestations are to be minimized and their impacts mitigated, management decisions ought to be based on up-to-date data and information in relation to location of infestation hotspots. Aquatic systems in the basins of the two production systems are important sources of livelihoods especially from fish production and trade yet they are prone to infestation by aquatic weeds. Thus, the invasion and subsequent infestation of aquatic ecosystems by aquatic weeds pose a major conservation threat to various aquatic resources (Catford et al., 2011; Kayanja, 2002). This paper examines the extent to which aquatic weeds have infested aquatic ecosystems in the basins of Lakes Victoria and Kyoga. The information is expected to guide management of major aquatic weeds through rational allocation of the scarce resources by targeting hotspots.

Urban ponds as an aquatic biodiversity resource in modified landscapes.

Urbanization is a global process contributing to the loss and fragmentation of natural habitats. Many studies have focused on the biological response of terrestrial taxa and habitats to urbanization. However, little is known regarding the consequences of urbanization on freshwater habitats, especially small lentic systems. In this study we examined aquatic macroinvertebrate diversity (family and species level) and variation in community composition between 240 urban and 784 non-urban ponds distributed across the UK. Contrary to predictions, urban ponds supported similar numbers of invertebrate species and families compared to non-urban ponds. Similar gamma diversity was found between the two groups at a family level, and while at a species level gamma diversity was higher in non-urban ponds, this difference was not statistically significant. The biological communities of urban ponds were markedly different to those of non-urban ponds and the variability in urban pond community composition was greater than that in non-urban ponds, contrary to previous work showing homogenisation of communities in urban areas. Positive spatial autocorrelation was recorded for urban and non-urban ponds at 0-50 km (distance between pond study sites) and negative spatial autocorrelation was observed at 100-150 km, and was stronger in urban ponds in both cases. Ponds do not follow the same ecological patterns as terrestrial and lotic habitats (reduced taxonomic richness) in urban environments; in contrast they support high taxonomic richness and contribute significantly to regional faunal diversity. Individual cities are complex structural mosaics which evolve over long periods of time and are managed in diverse ways, promoting the development of a wide-range of environmental conditions and habitat niches in urban ponds which can promote greater heterogeneity between pond communities at larger scales. Ponds provide an opportunity for managers and environmental regulators to conserve and enhance freshwater biodiversity in urbanized landscapes whilst also facilitating key ecosystem services including storm water storage and water treatment.

Aquatic weeds, their impacts on fisheries and environment, and their control

Weeds are plants growing in environments where they are undesirable. Aquatic weeds in fresh waters are nuisance or noxious plants growing in association with water in lakes, impoundment, rivers, canals, wetlands, etc. Some waterweeds cause very big financial loss through the socio economic, environmental and ecological impacts they inflict; and through the effort and expense required for their control. Other waterweeds are simply nuisance plants that cause minimal impacts. This paper is intended to introduce aquatic weeds outlining their characteristics, the main socio-economic and environmental impacts associated with them, and the control strategies often applied for their management.