Article
Ecology
Lesli C. Hernandez-Mendoza, Luis Escalera-Vazquez, Daniel Arceo-Carranza
Summary: This study compares the trophic dynamics of a fish community in a mangrove ecosystem in the Mexican-Caribbean using different types of fish species as bioindicators. The results show that the feeding characteristics of fish are related to the conservation or restoration status of the mangroves and the trophic dynamics in the community.
FRONTIERS IN FORESTS AND GLOBAL CHANGE
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Kurt Villsen, Emmanuel Corse, Emese Meglecz, Gait Archambaud-Suard, Helene Vignes, Alexander V. Ereskovsky, Remi Chappaz, Vincent Dubut
Summary: Dietary studies are vital for understanding foraging strategies and have practical significance for conservation and habitat management. This study used a robust metabarcoding protocol to examine the diet of the critically endangered freshwater fish Zingel asper (the Rhone streber). The results showed that seasonal variation in ecological opportunity was the major driver of trophic niche variation in this species, while population density and ontogeny had minor effects. The study also revealed that Z. asper displayed a more opportunistic foraging strategy in autumn compared to summer and spring.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Louise Day, Anik Brind'Amour, Pierre Cresson, Bastien Chouquet, Herve Le Bris
Summary: Different habitats in estuarine nurseries contribute differently to juvenile fish feeding, with species like whiting, sea bass, plaice and common sole using both intertidal and subtidal grounds for foraging. The study reveals a lack of preference for specific habitats at the community scale, as the juvenile fish use habitats simultaneously or asynchronously throughout the year. Intertidal mudflats are found to be crucial feeding grounds, especially for sea bass and common sole, contributing significantly to their diet.
ESTUARIES AND COASTS
(2021)
Article
Marine & Freshwater Biology
Bianca Possamai, David J. Hoeinghaus, Alexandre M. Garcia
Summary: Biological communities in estuarine ecosystems are influenced by environmental factors such as salinity, rainfall, and river flow, with the El Nino phenomenon impacting species composition and diversity patterns globally. Food-chain length (FCL) is an important attribute in community ecology, with estuarine FCL showing resilience to environmental variability and climatic perturbations. In a shallow-water estuarine community, El Nino events were found to increase species and trophic guild richness, while FCL varied but did not follow the predicted trend during periods of higher rainfall.
ESTUARINE COASTAL AND SHELF SCIENCE
(2021)
Editorial Material
Ecology
Alan Whitfield
Summary: Baker & Sheaves criticize the Whitfield review for suggesting high predation pressure on juvenile fish in shallow estuarine nursery habitats, while research in South Africa supports the idea that shallow littoral areas provide refuge for small juveniles. More targeted research is needed to confirm the role of littoral estuarine waters as a universal keystone attribute.
MARINE ECOLOGY PROGRESS SERIES
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Melanie J. Davis, Isa Woo, Christopher S. Ellings, Sayre Hodgson, David A. Beauchamp, Glynnis Nakai, Susan E. W. De La Cruz
Summary: Climate change will have significant impacts on the estuarine habitat mosaic, affecting the growth and survival of fish species, particularly juvenile salmon. The study's bioenergetics model demonstrated that sea-level rise and increasing water temperatures will decrease fish growth rates, potentially resulting in smaller sizes and limited foraging capacity.
ESTUARIES AND COASTS
(2022)
Article
Fisheries
Kay Khine Soe, Siriporn Pradit, Sukree Hajisamae
Summary: Understanding trophic relationships of fish in estuarine ecosystem is crucial for sustainable resource management. This study investigated the feeding habits and trophic guilds of 29 dominant fish species at the mouth of Pattani Bay, Thailand, revealing that some species maintained consistent dietary preferences throughout the year while others showed seasonal changes.
JOURNAL OF FISH BIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Fisheries
Nina Larissa Arroyo, Amalia Cuadros, Gotzon Basterretxea, Joan Moranta
Summary: This study investigated the diet of white seabream settlers in six nursery areas in Minorca Island. The results showed that the juveniles mainly fed on crustaceans, particularly harpacticoid copepods, regardless of their location. The diet composition varied among different coves, but there were no significant differences between the north and south of the island. The study also found that the fish primarily relied on algae-based food sources rather than preying on sediment communities.
MEDITERRANEAN MARINE SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Daniel S. Swadling, Nathan A. Knott, Matthew D. Taylor, Melinda A. Coleman, Andrew R. Dayis, Matthew J. Rees
Summary: This study investigated the fish assemblages on 629 rocky reefs along a 417 km coastline in southeastern Australia. The results showed that Chrysophrys auratus preferred to inhabit reefs near estuaries, with smaller size and higher abundance. The length and abundance of Nemadactylus douglasii and Pseudocaranx georgianus were not influenced by the proximity or size of estuaries. Regardless of the distance to estuaries, marine reserves had higher abundances and larger Chrysophrys auratus. The study highlights the importance of estuaries for sustaining coastal fisheries recruitment.
JOURNAL OF APPLIED ECOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Ecology
Tali Sarah Berman, Moshe Inbar
Summary: This study found that large mammalian herbivores frequently ingest plant-dwelling arthropods while feeding, including herbivores, predators, and parasites. The ingested species varied seasonally and among individual animals, with a preference for immobile herbivorous species.
FRONTIERS IN ECOLOGY AND EVOLUTION
(2023)
Article
Ecology
Yureidy Cabrera-Paez, Consuelo M. Aguilar-Betancourt, Gaspar Gonzalez-Sanson, Angel Hinojosa-Larios
Summary: This study investigated the abundance and composition of fish assemblages in the shallow zones of four coastal lagoons in the Central Mexican Pacific, revealing significant differences in fish composition between lagoons, driven primarily by salinity and sediment particle size. Seasonal changes in fish assemblages may be influenced by both environmental and biological factors.
REGIONAL STUDIES IN MARINE SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Barbara Zorica, Daria Ezgeta-Balic, Olja Vidjak, Vedran Vuletin, Marija Sestanovic, Igor Isajlovic, Vanja Cikes Kec, Nedo Vrgoc, Chris Harrod
Summary: The study examined how the trophic ecology of nine economically important marine taxa varied across three distinct areas of the Adriatic Sea. The results showed that although there were spatial differences in what each species consumed, each species fed at a similar trophic position across locations, indicating a similar ecological function. The study also provided a first estimate of the predator-prey body mass ratio for this area.
FRONTIERS IN MARINE SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Jeremy Denis, Khalef Rabhi, Francois Le Loc'h, Frida Ben Rais Lasram, Kevin Boutin, Maria Kazour, Mamadou Diop, Marie-Christine Gruselle, Rachid Amara
Summary: This study characterizes and compares the feeding ecology of European eels in different salinity gradients in northern France estuaries. The research finds that eels mainly feed on crustaceans and fish, and their trophic level varies among different estuaries. The results are important for understanding the ecology and environmental adaptability of eels.
Article
Thermodynamics
Anthony A. DiCarlo
Summary: The study explores a new method to enhance the performance of Ground Heat Exchangers (GHE) by using irrigation pipes to adjust the soil's thermal conductivity field and connect it to the GSHP pipe. Results show that soil permeability, irrigation pipe location, and soil moisture content significantly impact the efficiency of the GSHP system.
APPLIED THERMAL ENGINEERING
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Benat Iglesias, Maite Louzao, Eneko Bachiller, Lucia Lopez-Lopez, Maria Santos, Guillermo Boyra, Eider Andonegi, Unai Cotano, Izaskun Preciado
Summary: In this study, the predator-prey interactions and trophic structure of the pelagic fish community in the Bay of Biscay were investigated using stomach content analysis and stable isotope analysis. The results showed that trophic guilds were more influenced by intra-specific affinities rather than seasonal variability. Vertically migrating meso- and macrozooplankton played an important role as a food source for the pelagic fish community, and there was high trophic overlap among most species. The trophic structure did not differ between spring and late summer, but the trophic positions were consistently lower in spring.
FRONTIERS IN MARINE SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Fisheries
I Machado, C. M. Teixeira, J. L. Costa, H. Cabral
Summary: The study aimed to identify ecologically relevant scales in the Celtic Seas and the Bay of Biscay and Iberian Coast, showing that the assessment of food web criteria varied at different scales and times. The implementation of criteria in Portuguese continental waters failed to achieve Good Environmental Status in certain areas, highlighting the importance of considering spatial and temporal assessments for a comprehensive evaluation.
ICES JOURNAL OF MARINE SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
D. Szalaj, A. Silva, P. Re, H. Cabral
Summary: This study used an ecosystem model to assess the future effects of multiple stressors on sardine and the Portuguese continental shelf ecosystem. The results showed that the greatest impact on sardine stock is caused by projected sea surface temperature rise. Changes in the biomass of sardine competitors and predators also had a significant impact on the ecosystem. These findings can assist in the long-term and strategic management of the Iberian sardine stock.
MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Luis M. F. Alves, Marco F. L. Lemos, Henrique Cabral, Sara C. Novais
Summary: Bioindicator species play a significant role in environmental pollution monitoring, and elasmobranch species are suitable for this purpose. By measuring contaminants and using biomarkers, scientists can gain insights into the impact of pollution on marine ecosystems.
MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Irina A. Duarte, Jerker Fick, Henrique N. Cabral, Vanessa F. Fonseca
Summary: The study reviewed bioconcentration of neuroactive pharmaceuticals in fish and the potential impact on ecosystems, finding that lipophilicity is not a reliable predictor for bioconcentration. Experimental parameters, species, and life stage significantly influence bioconcentration, with increased fish lethality correlating with higher bioconcentration. However, other effects such as growth, condition, behavior, and reproduction did not show clear correlations, likely due to insufficient and variable data.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Article
Physiology
Carolina Madeira, Marta Dias, Ana Ferreira, Raul Gouveia, Henrique Cabral, Mario S. Diniz, Catarina Vinagre
Summary: The research found that high temperature is the main factor influencing coral health, with thermotolerant and thermosensitive corals showing different responses at high temperatures. Additionally, there are complex interactions between temperature, predation, and species, affecting coral responses at physiological and molecular levels.
FRONTIERS IN PHYSIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Marine
Carolina P. Rocha, Henrique N. Cabral, Joao C. Marques, Ana M. M. Goncalves
Summary: World aquaculture food production is increasing every year, with Asia leading the global production. Europe is also experiencing rapid expansion in aquaculture, with Norway being the leading European producer. Portugal, despite being a traditional fishing country, has invested in the development of aquaculture and has become a significant producer. Most aquaculture facilities in Portugal operate in coastal systems, using extensive and semi-intensive rearing techniques.
JOURNAL OF MARINE SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING
(2022)
Article
Ecology
Vanessa Mendonca, Carolina Madeira, Marta Dias, Augusto A. Flores, Catarina Vinagre
Summary: Loss of species can cause significant changes in the structure and dynamics of food webs. This study compared the robustness of temperate and tropical ecosystems to species loss and found that tropical food webs are more robust. Removing highly connected species decreased the robustness of both temperate and tropical food webs.
MARINE ECOLOGY PROGRESS SERIES
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Irina A. Duarte, Patrick Reis-Santos, Jerker Fick, Henrique N. Cabral, Bernardo Duarte, Vanessa F. Fonseca
Summary: The contamination of surface waters by pharmaceuticals is a global issue caused by increased access and use of pharmaceuticals, which poses a threat to non-target species. Neuroactive pharmaceuticals, in particular, can bioaccumulate in fish and disrupt various processes, impacting fish populations and their ecosystems. This study investigates the presence and bioaccumulation of 33 neuroactive pharmaceuticals in multiple fish species from four different estuaries. The results show widespread occurrence and bioaccumulation of these pharmaceuticals in fish tissues, highlighting the urgent need for toxicity assessment in natural ecosystems.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2023)
Editorial Material
Environmental Studies
Yorgos Stratoudakis, Miguel Caetano, Claudia Afonso, Catia Bartilloti, Antonina dos Santos, Pedro Terrinha, Ivone Figueiredo, Miguel Miranda, Jose Lino Costa, Isabel Cacador, Vanessa Fonseca, Paula Chainho, Ricardo Melo, Bernardo Quintella, Maria Jose Costa, Andre B. Fortunato, Paula Freire, Marta Rodrigues, Luis Portela, Miguel Bessa Pacheco, Joaquim Pombo, Carla Palma, Anabela Oliveira, Antonio Goncalves Tavares, Filipe Porteiro, Ines Metelo, Jose Sa Fernandes, Maria da Conceicao, Henrique Cabral, Marina Cunha, Christopher Pham, Ines Carvalho
Summary: This report summarizes the current threats to the Tagus estuary and adjacent ecosystems, and presents prioritized actions to maintain or improve ecosystem services for a densely populated area near the deep ocean.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Luis M. F. Alves, Marco F. L. Lemos, Ariana B. Moutinho, Filipe R. Ceia, Juan Munoz-Arnanz, Begona Jimenez, Henrique Cabral, Sara C. Novais
Summary: Chemical pollution poses a major threat to marine ecosystems, especially to top predators like sharks, which are highly susceptible to exposure and accumulation of contaminants. This study examined the contamination levels, composition, and sources in blue sharks inhabiting the Northeast Atlantic, as well as the potential risk to human consumers. High levels of contaminants were found in most sampled sharks, with over 75% exceeding legal limits for human consumption. Consumption of meat from these sharks could potentially expose consumers to dangerous levels of methylmercury. Moreover, the assessment of single contaminants may underestimate the risk to human health, and the accumulation of contaminants in sharks appears to be influenced by their geographical distribution rather than other factors such as sex, size, or prey trophic level.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Joana Anastacio, Jose M. Candeias, Henrique Cabral, Isabel Domingos
Summary: Marine litter poses a threat to the marine environment, but the understanding of waste disposal patterns and processes in coastal areas is still limited. This study correlates the characteristics of eleven coastal areas in Portugal with the type and abundance of marine litter found, revealing that plastic is the dominant type of marine litter.
MARINE ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Nils Teichert, Anne Lize, Henrique Cabral, Anthony Acou, Thomas Trancart, Laure-Sarah Virag, Eric Feunteun, Alexandre Carpentier
Summary: The expression of life-history traits in fish is influenced by both current and past environmental conditions. This study investigates the effects of carry-over from larval traits and environmental conditions on the life-history traits of European seabass using otolith microstructure analysis. The results show that larval traits have a minor impact compared to the nursery environment on post-settlement traits.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Marine
Rita Almeida, Catarina S. Mateus, Maria Judite Alves, Joao P. Marques, Joana Pereira, Nuno Prista, Henrique Cabral, Pedro R. Almeida, Bernardo R. Quintella
Summary: This study analyzed the genetic structure of Argyrosomus regius in the Atlantic Ocean and found four distinct genetic groups, highlighting the need for specific fisheries management plans considering genetic structure information and the importance of international cooperation.
JOURNAL OF MARINE SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING
(2022)
Review
Fisheries
Elorri Arevalo, Henrique N. Cabral, Bertrand Villeneuve, Carl Posseme, Mario Lepage
Summary: Early life stages of fish, particularly eggs and larvae, are highly vulnerable, with mortality rates reaching up to 99%. Estuaries play a critical role in providing favorable environmental conditions for the survival and growth of these early life stages. However, there is a lack of comprehensive understanding regarding the occurrence and dynamics of fish larvae in temperate estuaries.
FISH AND FISHERIES
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Luis M. F. Alves, Ariana B. Moutinho, Luis J. Gomez, Ana L. Oropesa, Juan Munoz-Arnanz, Begona Jimenez, Marco F. L. Lemos, Vanessa F. Fonseca, Henrique Cabral, Sara C. Novais
Summary: This study aimed to determine if differences in contaminant body burden found in blue sharks from the Northeast Atlantic would result in differences in stress responses. The researchers found that sharks from the most contaminated zone exhibited more pronounced stress responses and similar differences were found in biomarker responses. These results suggest that blue sharks and these biomarkers have the potential to be used for pollution monitoring in different areas of the Atlantic.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)