Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Rick D. Stuart-Smith, Graham J. Edgar, Ella Clausius, Elizabeth S. Oh, Neville S. Barrett, Michael J. Emslie, Amanda E. Bates, Nic Bax, Daniel Brock, Antonia Cooper, Tom R. Davis, Paul B. Day, Jillian C. Dunic, Andrew Green, Norfaizny Hasweera, Jamie Hicks, Thomas H. Holmes, Ben Jones, Alan Jordan, Nathan Knott, Meryl F. Larkin, Scott D. Ling, Peter Mooney, Jacqueline B. Pocklington, Yanir Seroussi, Ian Shaw, Derek Shields, Margo Smith, German A. Soler, Jemina Stuart-Smith, Emre Turak, John W. Turnbull, Camille Mellin
Summary: Warming seas, marine heatwaves, and habitat degradation have dynamic and widespread impacts on marine biodiversity, with the extent of these impacts varying regionally. Temperature-related changes are most evident in temperate and subtropical reefs, while low latitude coral reefs are affected by habitat changes. Scaling up ecological monitoring is crucial for understanding the diverse drivers of large-scale biodiversity change and connecting disjointed systems of biodiversity observation, indicator research, and governance.
Review
Ecology
Mai Lazarus, Jonathan Belmaker
Summary: Several common indices captured similar complexity facets, while an innovative family of structural diversity indices, representing the diversity of physical elements, captured distinct complexity facets not represented by existing indices. No single index was consistently superior; however, vertical relief was consistently included as a top predictor of fish assemblage structure. Interestingly, the most commonly used index, rugosity, was a poor predictor.
METHODS IN ECOLOGY AND EVOLUTION
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Pablo J. Merlo, Leonardo A. Venerus, Alejo J. Irigoyen
Summary: We used BRUVS to investigate the changes in fish assemblages along the Northern Patagonian coast. Our results showed that species richness and abundance decreased with increasing distance from rocky reefs. Some species, such as Acanthistius patachonicus and Sebastes oculatus, were indicative of reef ledges and were less abundant or disappeared at greater distances. Callorinchus callorynchus and Odontesthes spp. were found only at distances >15-20 m from reefs, while Galeorhinus galeus was distributed evenly throughout the surveyed area. These findings have practical implications for monitoring demersal habitats with BRUVS.
MARINE ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Kaylee P. Smit, Anthony T. F. Bernard, Kerry J. Sink, Alexander Dyer, Amanda T. Lombard
Summary: This study used effective no-take MPAs to identify suitable indicators for condition assessments of rocky reefs in South Africa. The results showed that size-based metrics were more responsive to human pressures compared to traditionally-used structural metrics. The study also identified assemblage patterns and indicators that can be used to infer the ecological condition of rocky reef ecosystems.
ECOLOGICAL INDICATORS
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
J. E. Jardine, M. Palmer, C. Mahaffey, J. Holt, S. L. Wakelin, A. Dusterhus, J. Sharples, J. Wihsgott
Summary: The North Atlantic Storm Track brings frequent high winds and rainfall to northwest European shelf seas. It was found that storms trigger stratification through enhanced surface buoyancy from rainfall, and this accounts for 88% of the seasonal stratification from 1982 to 2015. The stratification onset is also influenced by large-scale climate oscillations, such as the Atlantic Multidecadal Variability (AMV). The impact of changing storm activity on shelf seas has significant implications for marine productivity and ecosystem function.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Article
Ecology
Matthew M. Holland, Alistair Becker, James A. Smith, Jason D. Everett, Iain M. Suthers
Summary: The study reveals that schooling fish prefer to aggregate near artificial and natural reefs with enhanced vertical relief and direct exposure to prevailing currents. They are more likely to appear near artificial reefs at night, aggregating more closely around the reef during the day.
MARINE ECOLOGY PROGRESS SERIES
(2021)
Article
Fisheries
M. J. Kingsford, M. Byrne
Summary: Rocky reefs in NSW consist of kelp forests and urchin-grazed barrens, which support a diverse range of species. The presence of barrens habitat is determined by the feeding activities of herbivorous invertebrates, especially the black sea urchin. This habitat has remained stable for decades and is crucial for reef-based organisms. However, in Tasmania, the situation regarding the black sea urchin differs from that in NSW, and this should be considered in the management approach for this species in both states.
MARINE AND FRESHWATER RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Eugenio Di Franco, Antonio Di Franco, Antonio Calo, Manfredi Di Lorenzo, Luisa Mangialajo, Simona Bussotti, Carlo Nike Bianchi, Paolo Guidetti
Summary: The study assessed the impacts of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) on benthic assemblages, habitat complexity, and fish populations, showing that protection did not significantly affect overall benthic assemblages but helped protect important erect algae species. Additionally, the research found that protection positively influenced fish biomass independently of habitat complexity.
ECOLOGICAL INDICATORS
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
M. Santos, A. Amorim, V. Brotas, J. P. C. Cruz, C. Palma, C. Borges, L. R. Favareto, V. Veloso, M. L. Damaso-Rodrigues, P. Chainho, P. M. Felix, A. C. Brito
Summary: Estuaries are highly productive ecosystems that are influenced by anthropogenic pressures. This study investigated the effects of physico-chemical drivers on the phytoplankton community structure in the Sado Estuary. The results showed that temperature, turbidity, salinity, and nutrient availability were the main drivers affecting the phytoplankton community. Diatoms, cryptophytes, and dinoflagellates were the dominant phytoplankton groups in the estuary.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2022)
Article
Marine & Freshwater Biology
M. Paula Sgarlatta, Arturo Ramirez-Valdez, Lydia B. Ladah, Luis E. Calderon-Aguilera
Summary: This study explores the relationship between functional diversity of fish communities and habitat complexity in temperate reefs and finds that small-scale spatial factors in kelp forests have an impact on functional richness, while habitat complexity does not significantly affect fish taxonomic or functional diversity in both rocky reefs and kelp forests.
Article
Plant Sciences
Rita B. Domingues
Summary: Coastal lagoons are highly productive ecosystems, and the Ria Formosa coastal lagoon in southern Portugal is characterized by high primary production. Seasonal variations significantly affect phytoplankton production, while no spatial differences were found among different locations.
Article
Marine & Freshwater Biology
Jesus C. Compaire, Juan Montes, Jorge M. S. Goncalves, Milagrosa C. Soriguer, Karim Erzini
Summary: The short-term site fidelity of intertidal fish species was studied in a rocky intertidal zone in southern Portugal using visible implant elastomer tagging. The study found that shore height is a dominant factor influencing site fidelity. Higher mean recapture rates were observed for Parablennius sanguinolentus, Lipophrys pholis, and Gobius cobitis during the breeding season, while the study also revealed the importance of tidepools as nursery grounds for Scorpaena porcus juveniles.
JOURNAL OF SEA RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Fisheries
Alistair Becker, Michael B. Lowry, Ashley M. Fowler, Matthew D. Taylor
Summary: Artificial reef designs have evolved rapidly, but more research is needed to understand their impact on reef function. In south-eastern Australia, most artificial reefs are made of concrete modules or large steel structures. This study found no difference in fish densities between the two reef types, but there was an interactive effect between reef design and distance-from-structure. Steel reefs provided more structure for mid-water fish at greater distances, while concrete module reefs provided multiple congregating sites for fish.
FISHERIES RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Chelsea M. Williams, Jacob L. Eagleton, Daniel J. Pondella, Jeremy T. Claisse
Summary: Life history parameters for fishes are generally applied across the entire range of species, but smaller spatial scales and different ecological and environmental conditions can influence life history patterns. This study focused on the Garibaldi, a historically protected species, to assess how environmental and ecological factors shape growth and longevity patterns.
FRONTIERS IN MARINE SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Forestry
Seyed Mahdi Heshmatol Vaezin, Mohammad Moftakhar Juybari, Seyed Mohammad Moein Sadeghi, Jan Banas, Marina Viorela Marcu
Summary: Seasonal fluctuations have a significant impact on timber prices in the Hyrcanian temperate forests of Northern Iran, with autumn and summer showing the highest prices due to increased construction activities. Understanding these trends can aid forest owners, managers, and investors in adjusting supply and demand accordingly.
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
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)
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
Environmental Sciences
Ashlie J. McIvor, Rosa Pires, Clara Lopes, Joana Raimundo, Paula F. Campos, Miguel P. Pais, Joao Canning-Clode, Ana Dinis
Summary: Microplastics are a common marine pollutant that are highly available to marine predators. This study investigates microplastic exposure in Mediterranean monk seals from the Madeira archipelago and finds that the prevalence of microplastics in their scat samples is higher than in other pinniped species. Results suggest that the coastal food-web in the Madeira archipelago has relatively high levels of microplastic pollution, increasing the risk of microplastic consumption for higher-trophic level organisms.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Silvia Almeida, Marko Radeta, Tomoya Kataoka, Joao Canning-Clode, Miguel Pessanha Pais, Ruben Freitas, Joao Gama Monteiro
Summary: This study explores the use of a low-cost commercial unmanned aircraft system with a high-resolution RGB camera as an alternative method for conducting floating litter surveys. The study compares different processing and analytical strategies and discusses operational constraints. The findings show that manual counting remains the most precise method for classifying different floating objects, while machine learning demonstrates promising results in detecting floating items.
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)
Article
Engineering, Marine
Paola Parretti, Joao Gama Monteiro, Francesca Gizzi, Roi Martinez-Escauriaza, Filipe Alves, Sahar Chebaane, Silvia Almeida, Miguel Pessanha Pais, Frederico Almada, Marc Fernandez, Natacha Nogueira, Carlos Andrade, Joao Canning-Clode
Summary: This study aims to map the distribution and assess the impacts of the non-indigenous species (NIS) gilthead seabream Sparus aurata escaped from offshore farms in Madeira Island. An innovative and cost-efficient approach using risk assessment and georeferenced dispersal data collection was tested. The invasiveness of the species was screened using the Aquatic Species Invasiveness Screening Kit (AS-ISK), revealing a high invasion risk. Occurrences of S. aurata were assessed through GIS participatory mapping and data from recreational fishing contests. A probability map showed a widespread dispersal of S. aurata around Madeira Island. This assessment proved to be a cost-efficient early warning method for detecting NIS dispersal and highlighted the need for additional surveys to evaluate the impacts on the native ecosystem.
JOURNAL OF MARINE SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Helena Pires, Marisa I. Batista, Miguel P. Pais, Filipa Silva, Susanne E. Tanner, Sofia Henriques
Summary: Rocky reefs are affected by human activities and their protection is vital due to their importance for breeding, nursery, and feeding. Understanding the structure and processes of rocky reef communities is necessary for conservation methods improvement. Stable isotope analysis was used to study the food web of rocky reefs in Arr'abida Marine Protected Area, revealing a complex food web with high trophic richness. The benthic pathway was found to be more important, highlighting the significance of macroalgae and benthic production in this ecosystem. The study emphasizes the importance of shallow temperate rocky reefs and provides support for conservation measures.
