Holocene millenial-scale productivity record in the Mediterranean Sea

The calcareous nannofossil assemblages of Ocean Drilling Program Hole 963D from the central Mediterranean Sea have been investigated to document oceanographic changes in surface waters. The studied site is located in an area sensitive to large-scale atmospheric and climatic systems and to high- and low-latitude climate connection. It is characterized by a high sedimentation rate (the achieved mean sampling resolution is <70 years) that allowed the Sicily Channel environmental changes to be examined in great detail over the last 12 ka BP. We focused on the species Florisphaera profunda that lives in the lower photic zone. Its distribution pattern shows repeated abundance fluctuations of about 10-15%. Such variations could be related to different primary production levels, given that the study of the distribution of this species on the Sicily Channel seafloor demonstrates the significant correlation to productivity changes as provided by satellite imagery. Productivity variations were quantitatively estimated and were interpreted on the basis of the relocation of the nutricline within the photic zone, led by the dynamics of the summer thermocline. Productivity changes were compared with oceanographic, atmospheric, and cosmogenic nuclide proxies. The good match with Holocene master records, as with ice-rafted detritus in the subpolar North Atlantic, and the near-1500-year periodicity suggest that the Sicily Channel environment responded to worldwide climate anomalies. Enhanced Northern Hemisphere atmospheric circulation, which has been reported as one of the most important forcing mechanisms for Holocene coolings in previous Mediterranean studies, had a remarkable impact on the water column dynamics of the Sicily Channel.

Faecal pellet production of copepoda collected in water depth up to 100 meters in the eastern Mediterranean Sea in March and April 2008 during SES_GR1

The SES_UNLUATA_GR1-Mesozooplankton faecal pellet production rates dataset is based on samples taken during March and April 2008 in the Northern Libyan Sea, Southern Aegean Sea and in the North-Eastern Aegean Sea. Mesozooplankton is collected by vertical tows within the 0-100 m layer or within the Black sea water body mass layer in the case of the NE Aegean, using a WP-2 200 µm net equipped with a large non-filtering cod-end (10 l). Macrozooplankton organisms are removed using a 2000 µm net. A few unsorted animals (approximately 100) are placed inside several glass beaker of 250 ml filled with GF/F or 0.2 µm Nucleopore filtered seawater and with a 100 µm net placed 1 cm above the beaker bottom. Beakers are then placed in an incubator at natural light and maintaining the in situ temperature. After 1 hour pellets are separated from animals and placed in separated flasks and preserved with formalin. Pellets and are counted and measured using an inverted microscope. Animals are scanned and counted using an image analysis system. Carbon- Specific faecal pellet production is calculated from a) faecal pellet production, b) individual carbon: Animals are scanned and their body area is measured using an image analysis system. Body volume is then calculated as an ellipsoid using the major and minor axis of an ellipse of same area as the body. Individual carbon is calculated from a carbon- total body volume of organisms (relationship obtained for the Mediterranean Sea by Alcaraz et al. (2003) divided by the total number of individuals scanned and c) faecal pellet carbon: Faecal pellet length and width is measured using an inverted microscope. Faecal pellet volume is calculated from length and width assuming cylindrical shape. Conversion of faecal pellet volume to carbon is done using values obtained in the Mediterranean from: a) faecal pellet density 1,29 g cm**3 (or pg µm**3) from Komar et al. (1981); b) faecal pellet DW/WW=0,23 from Elder and Fowler (1977) and c) faecal pellet C%DW=25,5 Marty et al. (1994).

Faecal pellet production of copepoda collected at different water depth in the eastern Mediterranean Sea during SES_GR2

The SES_GR2-Mesozooplankton faecal pellet production rates dataset is based on samples taken during August and September 2008 in the Northern Libyan Sea, Southern Aegean Sea and the North-Eastern Aegean Sea. Mesozooplankton is collected by vertical tows within the 0-100 m layer or within the Black sea water body mass layer in the case of the NE Aegean, using a WP-2 200 µm net equipped with a large non-filtering cod-end (10 l). Macrozooplankton organisms are removed using a 2000 µm net. A few unsorted animals (approximately 100) are placed inside several glass beaker of 250 ml filled with GF/F or 0.2 µm Nucleopore filtered seawater and with a 100 µm net placed 1 cm above the beaker bottom. Beakers are then placed in an incubator at natural light and maintaining the in situ temperature. After 1 hour pellets are separated from animals and placed in separated flasks and preserved with formalin. Pellets are counted and measured using an inverted microscope. Animals are scanned and counted using an image analysis system. Carbon- Specific faecal pellet production is calculated from a) faecal pellet production, b) individual carbon: Animals are scanned and their body area is measured using an image analysis system. Body volume is then calculated as an ellipsoid using the major and minor axis of an ellipse of same area as the body. Individual carbon is calculated from a carbon- total body volume of organisms (relationship obtained for the Mediterranean Sea by Alcaraz et al. (2003) divided by the total number of individuals scanned and c) faecal pellet carbon: Faecal pellet length and width is measured using an inverted microscope. Faecal pellet volume is calculated from length and width assuming cylindrical shape. Conversion of faecal pellet volume to carbon is done using values obtained in the Mediterranean from: a) faecal pellet density 1,29 g cm**3 (or pg µm**3) from Komar et al. (1981); b) faecal pellet DW/WW=0,23 from Elder and Fowler (1977) and c) faecal pellet C%DW=25,5 Marty et al. (1994).

Faecal pellet production of copepoda collected in water depth up to 20 meters in the eastern Mediterranean Sea in March and April 2008 during SES_GR1

The SES_GR1-Mesozooplankton faecal pellet production rates dataset is based on samples taken during April 2008 in the North-Eastern Aegean Sea. Mesozooplankton is collected by vertical tows within the Black sea water body mass layer in the NE Aegean, using a WP-2 200 µm net equipped with a large non-filtering cod-end (10 l). Macrozooplankton organisms are removed using a 2000 µm net. A few unsorted animals (approximately 100) are placed inside several glass beaker of 250 ml filled with GF/F or 0.2 µm Nucleopore filtered seawater and with a 100 µm net placed 1 cm above the beaker bottom. Beakers are then placed in an incubator at natural light and maintaining the in situ temperature. After 1 hour pellets are separated from animals and placed in separated flasks and preserved with formalin. Pellets are counted and measured using an inverted microscope. Animals are scanned and counted using an image analysis system. Carbon- Specific faecal pellet production is calculated from a) faecal pellet production, b) individual carbon: Animals are scanned and their body area is measured using an image analysis system. Body volume is then calculated as an ellipsoid using the major and minor axis of an ellipse of same area as the body. Individual carbon is calculated from a carbon- total body volume of organisms (relationship obtained for the Mediterranean Sea by Alcaraz et al. (2003) divided by the total number of individuals scanned and c) faecal pellet carbon: Faecal pellet length and width is measured using an inverted microscope. Faecal pellet volume is calculated from length and width assuming cylindrical shape. Conversion of faecal pellet volume to carbon is done using values obtained in the Mediterranean from: a) faecal pellet density 1,29 g cm**3 (or pg µm**3) from Komar et al. (1981); b) faecal pellet DW/WW=0,23 from Elder and Fowler (1977) and c) faecal pellet C%DW=25,5 Marty et al. (1994).

The Shrimp Export Boom and Small-Scale Fishermen in Myanmar

This paper examines the impact of the recent shrimp export boom in Myanmar on the economic state of small-scale fishermen. Results indicate that there has been an active increase in shrimp fishing stimulated by expanding export demand. With this, the income of shrimp fishermen has increased dramatically in the past 10 years. However, future prospects appear gloomy due to the possibility of over exploitation of shrimp resources.

Coasts, Mediterranean Sea Region, East, 1680-1689 (Raster Image)

This layer is a georeferenced raster image of the historic paper map entitled: Orientalior districtus Maris Mediterranei = T' Ooster gedeelte van de Middelandse Zee. It was published by Fred. de Wit, between 1680 and 1689. Scale [ca. 1:4,500,000]. Covers Mediterranean Sea, Black Sea, and coasts of Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East. Map in Latin and Dutch.The image inside the map neatline is georeferenced to the surface of the earth and fit to the World Miller Cylindrical projected coordinate system. All map collar and inset information is also available as part of the raster image, including any inset maps, profiles, statistical tables, directories, text, illustrations, index maps, legends, or other information associated with the principal map. This map shows features such as drainage, cities and other human settlements, territorial boundaries, shoreline features, and more. Includes index.This layer is part of a selection of digitally scanned and georeferenced historic maps from the Harvard Map Collection. These maps typically portray both natural and manmade features. The selection represents a range of originators, ground condition dates, scales, and map purposes.

Coasts, Mediterranean Sea Region, West, 1680-1689 (Raster Image)

This layer is a georeferenced raster image of the historic paper map entitled: Occidentalior Tractus Maris Mediterranei = Wester gedeelte van de Middelandse Zee. It was published by Fred. de Wit, between 1680 and 1689. Scale [ca. 1:4,500,000]. Scale [ca. 1:4,500,000]. Covers Mediterranean Sea and coasts of Europe and North Africa. Map in Latin and Dutch. The image inside the map neatline is georeferenced to the surface of the earth and fit to the World Miller Cylindrical projected coordinate system. All map collar and inset information is also available as part of the raster image, including any inset maps, profiles, statistical tables, directories, text, illustrations, index maps, legends, or other information associated with the principal map. This map shows features such as drainage, cities and other human settlements, territorial boundaries, shoreline features, and more. Includes index.This layer is part of a selection of digitally scanned and georeferenced historic maps from the Harvard Map Collection. These maps typically portray both natural and manmade features. The selection represents a range of originators, ground condition dates, scales, and map purposes.

Mediterranean Sea Region, West, 1690-1699 (Raster Image)

This layer is a georeferenced raster image of the historic paper map entitled: Accuratissima occidentalioris districtus maris Mediterranei tabula, authore Iusto Danckerts. It was published by Iusto Danckerts, between 1690 and 1699. Scale [ca. 1:5,300,000]. Covers the western Mediterranean Sea region. Map in Latin. The image inside the map neatline is georeferenced to the surface of the earth and fit to the World Miller Cylindrical projected coordinate system. All map collar and inset information is also available as part of the raster image, including any inset maps, profiles, statistical tables, directories, text, illustrations, index maps, legends, or other information associated with the principal map. This map shows features such as drainage, cities and other human settlements, roads, shoreline features, and more. Relief shown pictorially.This layer is part of a selection of digitally scanned and georeferenced historic maps from the Harvard Map Collection. These maps typically portray both natural and manmade features. The selection represents a range of originators, ground condition dates, scales, and map purposes.

Mediterranean Sea Region, East, 1690-1699 (Raster Image)

This layer is a georeferenced raster image of the historic paper map entitled: Accuratissima orientalioris districtus maris Mediterranei tabula, authore Iusto Danckerts. It was published by Iusto Danckerts, between 1690 and 1699. Scale [ca. 1:5,300,000]. Covers the eastern Mediterranean Sea region. Map in Latin. The image inside the map neatline is georeferenced to the surface of the earth and fit to the World Miller Cylindrical projected coordinate system. All map collar and inset information is also available as part of the raster image, including any inset maps, profiles, statistical tables, directories, text, illustrations, index maps, legends, or other information associated with the principal map. This map shows features such as drainage, cities and other human settlements, roads, shoreline features, and more. Relief shown pictorially.This layer is part of a selection of digitally scanned and georeferenced historic maps from the Harvard Map Collection. These maps typically portray both natural and manmade features. The selection represents a range of originators, ground condition dates, scales, and map purposes.

Mediterranean Sea Region, 1690-1699 (Raster Image)

This layer is a georeferenced raster image of the untitled historic paper map: [Mediterranean sea], authore Iusto Danckerts. It was published by Iusto Danckerts, between 1690 and 1699. Scale [ca. 1:5,300,000]. Covers the Mediterranean Sea region. Map in Latin. Source map issued on two sheets, now pasted together. The image inside the map neatline is georeferenced to the surface of the earth and fit to the World Miller Cylindrical projected coordinate system. All map collar and inset information is also available as part of the raster image, including any inset maps, profiles, statistical tables, directories, text, illustrations, index maps, legends, or other information associated with the principal map. This map shows features such as drainage, cities and other human settlements, roads, territorial features, shoreline features, and more. Relief shown pictorially.This layer is part of a selection of digitally scanned and georeferenced historic maps from the Harvard Map Collection. These maps typically portray both natural and manmade features. The selection represents a range of originators, ground condition dates, scales, and map purposes.

Mediterranean Sea Region, 1700-1710 (Raster Image)

This layer is a georeferenced raster image of the historic paper map entitled: Carte nouvelle de la mer Mediterranée : divisée en mer de Levant et de Ponant, subdivisés en leurs principales parties ou mers : avec les observations des Mrs. de l'Académie, dressée par ... Sanson. It was published by chez Pierre Mortier, between 1700 and 1710. Scale [ca. 1:4,375,000]. Covers the Mediterranean Sea and Black Sea regions. Map in French. The image inside the map neatline is georeferenced to the surface of the earth and fit to the World Miller Cylindrical projected coordinate system. All map collar and inset information is also available as part of the raster image, including any inset maps, profiles, statistical tables, directories, text, illustrations, index maps, legends, or other information associated with the principal map. This map shows features such as drainage, cities and other human settlements, roads, territorial boundaries, shoreline features, and more. Relief shown pictorially.This layer is part of a selection of digitally scanned and georeferenced historic maps from the Harvard Map Collection. These maps typically portray both natural and manmade features. The selection represents a range of originators, ground condition dates, scales, and map purposes.

Coasts, Mediterranean Sea Region, 1709 (Raster Image)

This layer is a georeferenced raster image of the historic paper map entitled: Carte de la mer Mediterranée : presentée à Monseigneur le Bailli de Noailles, Lieutenant General des Galeres de France, par Nicolas Therin et H. Michelot, pilotes entretenus sur les Galeres du Roy. It was published by Chez Pierre Mortier, ca. 1709. Scale [ca. 1:3,600,000]. Covers Mediterranean Sea and coasts of Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East. Map in French. The image inside the map neatline is georeferenced to the surface of the earth and fit to the World Miller Cylindrical projected coordinate system. All map collar and inset information is also available as part of the raster image, including any inset maps, profiles, statistical tables, directories, text, illustrations, index maps, legends, or other information associated with the principal map. This map shows features such as drainage, cities and other human settlements, territorial boundaries, shoreline features, and more. Includes index.This layer is part of a selection of digitally scanned and georeferenced historic maps from the Harvard Map Collection. These maps typically portray both natural and manmade features. The selection represents a range of originators, ground condition dates, scales, and map purposes.

Coasts, Mediterranean Sea Region, 1763 (Raster Image)

This layer is a georeferenced raster image of the historic paper map entitled: Carte de la mer Méditerranée : appuyée sur les observations astronomiques, combinées avec les itinéraires anciens et modernes, par M. Bonne, Mtre. de Mathemat., Membre de la Société litéraire militaire, Ingénieur-Géographe. It was published by Chez Lattré in 1763. Scale [ca. 1:6,000,000]. Covers Mediterranean Sea region, part of the Black Sea, and coasts of Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East. Map in French.The image inside the map neatline is georeferenced to the surface of the earth and fit to the World Miller Cylindrical projected coordinate system. All map collar and inset information is also available as part of the raster image, including any inset maps, profiles, statistical tables, directories, text, illustrations, index maps, legends, or other information associated with the principal map. This map shows features such as drainage, cities and other human settlements, shoreline features, and more.This layer is part of a selection of digitally scanned and georeferenced historic maps from the Harvard Map Collection. These maps typically portray both natural and manmade features. The selection represents a range of originators, ground condition dates, scales, and map purposes.

Coasts, Mediterranean Sea and Black Sea Region, 1814 (Raster Image)

This layer is a georeferenced raster image of the historic paper map entitled: Carte réduite de la mer Méditerranée et de la mer Noire : dédiée et présentée a S.A.R. M. le duc d'Angoulême..., par P. Lapie, géographe, Directeur du Cabinet topographique du Roi ; gravé par P.A.F. Tardieu. It was published by Rey et Gravier, libraires Quai des Augustins, no. 55 in 1814. Scale [ca. 1:35,500]. Covers Mediterranean Sea, Black Sea, and coasts of Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East. Map in French. The image inside the map neatline is georeferenced to the surface of the earth and fit to the World Miller Cylindrical projected coordinate system. All map collar and inset information is also available as part of the raster image, including any inset maps, profiles, statistical tables, directories, text, illustrations, index maps, legends, or other information associated with the principal map. This map shows features such as drainage, cities and other human settlements, shoreline features, and more. Relief shown pictorially. Depths shown by soundings. Includes also inset map of the Sea of Azov.This layer is part of a selection of digitally scanned and georeferenced historic maps from the Harvard Map Collection. These maps typically portray both natural and manmade features. The selection represents a range of originators, ground condition dates, scales, and map purposes.