Composition and abundance of shrimp species (penaeidea and caridea) in Fortaleza Bay, Ubatuba, São Paulo, Brazil

The abundance and spatio-temporal distribution of the caridean and penaeid fauna from Fortaleza Bay, Ubatuba, São Paulo, Brazil, were analyzed. Seven transects were sampled over a one year period from November 1988 to October 1989. A total of 17047 shrimps were captured, representing 13 species belonging to 5 families. The interaction of temperature and type of sediment was fundamental in determining the presence and abundance of shrimp species in the area.

Comparative sediment quality assessment in different littoral ecosystems from Spain (Gulf of Cadiz) and Brazil (Santos and Sao Vicente estuarine system)

The goal of this work was to establish comparisons among environmental degradation in different areas from Southern Spain (Gulf of Cadiz) and Brazil (Santos and Sao Vicente estuary), by using principal component analyses (PCA) to integrate sediment toxicity (amphipods mortality) and chemical-physical data (Zn, Cd, Pb; Cu, Ni, Co, V, PCBs, PAHs concentrations, OC and fines contents). The results of PCA extraction of Spanish data showed that Bay of Cadiz, CA-1 did not present contamination or degradation; CA-2 exhibited contamination by PCBs, however it was not related to the amphipods mortality. Ria of Huelva was the most impacted site, showing contamination caused principally by hydrocarbons, in HV-1 and HV-2, but heavy metals were also important contaminants at HV-1, HV-2 and HV-3. Algeciras Bay was considered as not degraded in GR-3 and -4, but in GR-3' high contamination by PAHs was found. In the Brazilian area, the most degraded sediments were found in the stations situated at the inner parts of the estuary (SSV-2, SSV-3, and SSV-4), followed by SSV-6, which is close to the Submarine Sewage Outfall of Santos - SSOS. Sediments from SSV-1 and SSV-5 did not present chemical contamination, organic contamination or significant amphipod mortality. The results, of this investigation showed that both countries present environmental degradation related to PAHs: in Spain, at Ria of Huelva and Gudarranque river's estuary areas; and in Brasil, in the internal portion of the Santos and Sao Vicente estuary. The same situation is found for heavy metals, since all of the identified metals are related to toxicity in the studied areas, with few exceptions (V for both Brazil and Spain, and Cd and Co for Brazilian areas). The contamination by PCBs is more serious for Santos and Sao Vicente estuary than for the investigated areas in Gulf of Cadiz, where such compound did not relate to the toxicity. (c) 2006 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Reproductive biology of Plagioscion magdalenae (Teleostei: Sciaenidae) (Steindachner, 1878) in the bay of Marajo, Amazon Estuary, Brazil

Plagioscion magdalenae (pescada-curuca) é um sciaenídeo bentopelágico, de importância comercial, amplamente distribuído na bacia do rio Amazonas. O objetivo deste trabalho foi descrever a biologia reprodutiva dessa espécie na baía do Marajó, estuário Amazônico, Brasil. Neste estudo foi determinado o estádio do desenvolvimento gonadal, tamanho de primeira maturação gonadal (L₅₀), proporção entre sexos, época e o tipo de desova. A coleta foi realizada bimestralmente no período de dezembro de 2005 a outubro de 2006. Foi examinado um total de 251 exemplares, variando entre 220 e 590 mm de comprimento total (CT). A relação peso-comprimento para fêmeas, machos e sexos agrupados foi altamente significativa, com alometria positiva. O L₅₀ foi de 279 mm considerando sexos agrupados, 305 e 269 mm CT para fêmeas e machos respectivamente. A proporção entre sexos para o total de indivíduos foi favorável aos machos (2,02 machos: 1 fêmea). Macroscopicamente, as gônadas foram classificadas em imatura, em maturação, matura e desovada. Considerando-se as avaliações macro e microscópicas das gônadas, foi registrado um período prolongado de desova, principalmente entre agosto e fevereiro.

Distribuição do mercúrio em sedimentos de fundo no Estuário de Santos SP/Brasil

Amostras de sedimentos de fundo foram coletadas e analisadas para o mercúrio no Estuário de Santos-SP. Os resultados analíticos foram revistos para contaminação antropogênica de alguns setores da área estuarina como resultado de resíduos petroquímico e metalúrgico derivados do distrito industrial de Cubatão, das atividades siderúrgicas do Estado de São Paulo (COSIPA), do porto de Santos e, finalmente, das descargas dos efluentes do emissário submarino dentro da baía de Santos. Os valores para o fator de contaminação médio (FC) obtidos para os sedimentos de fundo variam de 1 a 3, principalmente para os canais de Santos e São Vicente; entretanto, na baía de Santos, os valores de FC (abaixo de 1) indicam baixa contaminação, exceto na área de descarga do emissário submarino.

Influence of the tidal and rainfall cycles on the population structure and density of Mesacanthion hirsutum gerlach (nematoda, thoracostomopsidae) on a tropical sandy beach (Tamandaré Bay, Pernambuco, Brazil)

A estrutura populacional (machos, fêmeas e juvenis) e densidade de Mesacanthion hirsutum Gerlach foram estudadas durante as marés (baixa, enchente, alta e vazante) de dois ciclos de maré consecutivos, em quatro meses diferentes do ano (Maio, Julho, Setembro e Novembro). As variações de densidade de Mesacanthion hirsutum mostraram associação com o ciclo de chuvas, com densidades mais baixas durante Julho e Setembro e significativamente maiores em Maio e Novembro. A estrutura populacional constituiu-se em sua maior parte por juvenis indicando uma reprodução continua durante todo o período de estudo. Não foram encontradas diferenças significativas entre os períodos claros e escuros do dia, contudo maiores densidades foram detectadas durante as marés altas e vazantes demonstrando que a espécie pode estar se dispersando através da coluna d'água e/ou migrando dentro do sedimento.

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in a large South American industrial coastal area (Santos Estuary, Southeastern Brazil): Sources and depositional history

Located in southeastern Brazil, the Santos Estuary has the most important industrial and urban population area of South America. Since the 1950`s, increased urbanization and industrialization near the estuary margins has caused the degradation of mangroves and has increased the discharge of sewage and industrial effluents. The main objectives of this work were to determine the concentrations and sources of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in sediment cores in order to investigate the input of these substances in the last 50 years. The PAHs analyses indicated multiple sources of these compounds (oil and pyrolitic origin), basically anthropogenic contributions from biomass, coal and fossil fuels combustion. The distribution of PAHs in the cores was associated with the formation and development of Cubatao industrial complex and the Santos harbour, waste disposal, world oil crisis and the pollution control program, which results in the decrease of organic pollutants input in this area. (C) 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

LEAD DISTRIBUTION AND ISOTOPE SIGNATURE IN BOTTOM SEDIMENTS OF GUAMA RIVER AND GUAJARA BAY (BELEM - PARA)

LEAD DISTRIBUTION AND ISOTOPE SIGNATURE IN BOTTOM SEDIMENTS OF GUAMA RIVER AND GUAJARA BAY (BELEM - PARA). Lead analyses in bottom sediments from the hydrographic system of Belem (Para) indicated low contents of this metal for the sediments from the Guama river, with no significant anthropogenic contribution. A concentration of 18.1 +/- 1.5 mg kg(-1) and Pb-206/Pb-207 isotopic signature of 1.196 +/- 0.002 are assigned for Pb from natural sources. On the other hand, the significant increase of Pb contents in the sediments from the Guajara bay, together with the decrease of Pb-206/Pb-207 ratios (1.172 < Pb-206/Pb-207 < 1.188) point to an anthropogenic lead contribution, originated by the industrial and urban activities of the city of Belem.

Population biology and diet of the puffer fish Lagocephalus laevigatus (Tetraodontiformes: Tetraodontidae) in Caraguatatuba Bay, south-eastern Brazil

This study describes the spatio-temporal distribution, population biology, and diet of the puffer fish Lagocephalus laevigatus in Caraguatatuba Bay, south-eastern Brazil. Monthly samples were taken between August 2003 and October 2004 by trawls in two areas, south and north, at depths of 1 to 4 m. The fish were measured and their sex and reproductive stage determined. The abundance of this species was compared between areas and among months, and the items in the diet were identified and quantified. Lagocephalus laevigatus was rare in Caraguatatuba Bay, where only 199 small individuals (4.8 to 15.4 cm) were obtained in the entire study period, suggesting that this species uses the estuary as a nursery. None of the specimens of L. laevigatus captured in Caraguatatuba Bay were sexually mature. Higher densities of L. laevigatus in the bay were recorded in the south area and between October and December 2003, i.e. in the spring, suggesting that spawning may occur from late winter to spring (August through to November). The diet items consumed by L. laevigatus in Caraguatatuba Bay were, as expected from the current literature, crustaceans, mainly amphipods, and fish. However, the most-consumed item was the sea whip Leptogorgia setacea (Cnidaria). This feeding habit may be related to the presence of toxins (tetrodotoxin and saxitoxin) that are frequently found in the skin and viscera of L. laevigatus, which may be sequestered from the sea whip, which possibility still needs to be specifically evaluated.

POPULATION BIOLOGY AND DIET OF THE SOUTHERN KINGCROAKER Menticirrhus americanus (LINNAEUS, 1758) (PERCIFORMES: SCIAENIDAE) IN CARAGUATATUBA BAY, SOUTHEASTERN BRAZIL

This study evaluated the spatio-temporal distribution, population biology and diet of Menticirrhus americanus in Caraguatatuba Bay. Samples were taken monthly between August 2003 and October 2004, by trawling in two previously selected areas. The northern area is more exposed to wave activity and is influenced by a river, functioning as a small estuary. In contrast, the southern area is relatively sheltered from wave energy and influenced to a lesser degree by smaller rivers. The fishes' length was measured, and the sex and gonadal stage macroscopically identified. The abundance of this species was compared between areas and among months. The diet was identified and quantified. M. americanus occurred in equal proportions in the two study areas, being most abundant in April 2004, followed by December 2003 and January 2004. The population was dominated by small immature individuals. The few individuals in maturation or mature that were captured showed no seasonal pattern of distribution. This species had a varied diet, feeding on worms (nemerteans, sipunculans and echiurans), mollusks (bivalves and cephalopods), polychaetes, crustaceans and fish. The presence of intact nematodes in the intestine suggests that these are parasites. The results demonstrated that M. americanus has a homogeneous spatial and temporal distribution in Caraguatatuba Bay, being uniformly distributed between the south and north areas as well as across the months. This species can be considered a carnivorous predator, showing a preference for consuming benthic sandy-beach species such as glycerids and other polychaetes, crustaceans, and bivalve siphons.

Population biology and diet of the southern kingcroaker Menticirrhus americanus (Linnaeus, 1758) (Perciformes: Sciaenidae) in Caraguatatuba Bay, southeastern Brazil

This study evaluated the spatio-temporal distribution, population biology and diet of Menticirrhus americanus in Caraguatatuba Bay. Samples were taken monthly between August 2003 and October 2004, by trawling in two previously selected areas. The northern area is more exposed to wave activity and is influenced by a river, functioning as a small estuary. In contrast, the southern area is relatively sheltered from wave energy and influenced to a lesser degree by smaller rivers. The fishes' length was measured, and the sex and gonadal stage macroscopically identified. The abundance of this species was compared between areas and among months. The diet was identified and quantified. M. americanus occurred in equal proportions in the two study areas, being most abundant in April 2004, followed by December 2003 and January 2004. The population was dominated by small immature individuals. The few individuals in maturation or mature that were captured showed no seasonal pattern of distribution. This species had a varied diet, feeding on worms (nemerteans, sipunculans and echiurans), mollusks (bivalves and cephalopods), polychaetes, crustaceans and fish. The presence of intact nematodes in the intestine suggests that these are parasites. The results demonstrated that M. americanus has a homogeneous spatial and temporal distribution in Caraguatatuba Bay, being uniformly distributed between the south and north areas as well as across the months. This species can be considered a carnivorous predator, showing a preference for consuming benthic sandy-beach species such as glycerids and other polychaetes, crustaceans, and bivalve siphons.

Population biology of the barbel drum Ctenosciaena gracilicirrhus (Metzelaar, 1919) (Perciformes: Sciaenidae) in Caraguatatuba Bay, Southeastern Brazil

This study evaluated the population biology of Ctenosciaena gracilicirrhus (Perciformes: Sciaenidae) in a shallow non-estuarine coastal area of southeastern Brazil. Monthly samples were taken from October 2003 through October 2004, in two distinct areas at depths from 1 to 4 m. C. gracilicirrhus was generally among the most abundant fish species during the period. Its density was significantly higher in a single sampling month, May 2004, in the South area, which may be explained by its migratory behavior together with its preference for deeper areas. Such behavior may lead to bias in community estimates that use few or only seasonal samples. C. gracilicirrhus individuals ranged from 4.0 to 10.2 cm long, with a main mode from 7.5 to 9.0 cm and a significant decrease in mean size from June onward. The estimation of body growth parameters was compromised by this population feature. Similarly, the prey spectrum was difficult to determine because of the deteriorated condition of the stomach contents, although crustaceans were clearly the most important items ingested. Amphipoda was the only subgroup that could be identified more precisely, mainly by the construction of their tubes.

Modulation of sea surface temperature warming in the Bay of Biscay by Loire and Gironde Rivers

The influence of Loire and Gironde River discharges over the sea surface temperature (SST) in the eastern Bay of Biscay (0.6º–36.6ºW, 44.2º–47.8ºW) was analyzed by means of two complementary databases (MODIS and OISST1/4). The area influenced by river plume showed a different SST when compared with the adjacent oceanic area for the months when the plume attains its highest extension (December, January, and February). Ocean was observed to warm at a rate of approximately 0.3ºC dec−1 while temperature at the area influenced by the rivers cooled at a rate of −0.15ºC dec−1 over the period 1982–2014. The mere presence of a freshwater layer is able to modulate the warming observed at adjacent ocean locations since the coastal area is isolated from the rest of the Bay. This nearshore strip is the only part of the Bay where changes in SST depend on North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO) but not on North Atlantic SST represented by the Atlantic Multidecadal Oscillation (AMO). These different cooling-warming trends are even more patent over the last years (2002–2014) under atmospheric favorable conditions for plume enhancement. River runoff increased at a rate on the order of 120 m3s−1dec−1 over that period and southwesterly winds, which favor the confinement of the plume, showed a positive and significant trend both in duration and intensity. Thus, the coastal strip has been observed to cool at a rate of −0.5°C dec−1.

Assessing natural mortality of Bay of Biscay anchovy from survey population and biomass estimates

La fermeture de la pêche de l’anchois (Engraulis encrasicolus) du Golfe de Gascogne entre 2005 et 2010, en raison de la faible biomasse du stock, a été une opportunité pour estimer la mortalité naturelle à partir de données de campagnes halieutiques issues de l’observation de la présence d’oeufs (DEPM) et de mesures acoustiques, utilisées pour l’évaluation de cette population depuis 1987. En considérant que la mortalité naturelle est constante au cours du temps et que la capturabilité des deux campagnes est identique pour tous les âges, la mortalité naturelle peut être estimée par des modèles log-linéaires appliquées aux séries temporelles de nombres aux âges issues des campagnes, et par des modèles d’évaluations de stock prenant en compte la saison. L’analyse suggère des valeurs de M autour de 0.9 comme mortalité naturelle courante à tous les âges. Cependant, nous avons des éléments forts indicateurs que la mortalité aux âges 2 et plus (M2+) est remarquablement plus forte qu’à l’âge 1 (M1) ce qui suppose un signe de mortalité sénescente, une possibilité qui a déjà été évoquée il y a longtemps pour ce type d’espèce à vie courte.

Water renewal mechanisms of the Bay of Algeciras in the Strait of Gibraltar

The Bay of Algeciras (BA) is a marine environment subject to high levels of anthropogenic pressure. Here we analyze observations collected at the Bay and the results of an ocean circulation model to investigate its circulation and variability. Special attention is paid to the identification of the mechanisms enhancing the exchange of water with the adjacent Strait of Gibraltar and therefore contributing to maintain satisfactory levels of water quality.

Integrating science through Bayesian Belief Networks : case study of Lyngbya in Moreton Bay

Bayesian Belief Networks (BBNs) are emerging as valuable tools for investigating complex ecological problems. In a BBN, the important variables in a problem are identified and causal relationships are represented graphically. Underpinning this is the probabilistic framework in which variables can take on a finite range of mutually exclusive states. Associated with each variable is a conditional probability table (CPT), showing the probability of a variable attaining each of its possible states conditioned on all possible combinations of it parents. Whilst the variables (nodes) are connected, the CPT attached to each node can be quantified independently. This allows each variable to be populated with the best data available, including expert opinion, simulation results or observed data. It also allows the information to be easily updated as better data become available ----- ----- This paper reports on the process of developing a BBN to better understand the initial rapid growth phase (initiation) of a marine cyanobacterium, Lyngbya majuscula, in Moreton Bay, Queensland. Anecdotal evidence suggests that Lyngbya blooms in this region have increased in severity and extent over the past decade. Lyngbya has been associated with acute dermatitis and a range of other health problems in humans. Blooms have been linked to ecosystem degradation and have also damaged commercial and recreational fisheries. However, the causes of blooms are as yet poorly understood.