Article
Environmental Sciences
John R. Zeldis, David R. Plew
Summary: This study presents a Bayesian Belief Network (BBN) model to calculate an Estuary Trophic Index (ETI) score for estuaries in New Zealand. The model incorporates estuary physiographic characteristics and nutrient/sediment loads to predict the trophic state of estuaries. The study found a good agreement between modelled scores and observed indicator values for well-studied estuaries. The model can be used to predict the ecological condition of estuaries with limited monitoring data and evaluate management strategies for improving estuary health.
FRONTIERS IN MARINE SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Spela Borko, Peter Trontelj, Ole Seehausen, Ajda Moskric, Cene Fiser
Summary: The study presented evidence for a large adaptive radiation of the subterranean amphipod genus Niphargus, indicating that multiple subordinate adaptive radiations make up the major adaptive radiation, which originated around 15 million years ago in association with the uplift of carbonate massifs in South-Eastern Europe.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Chengye Hu, Yongtian Liu, Xiaolong Yang, Bonian Shui, Xiumei Zhang, Jing Wang
Summary: The effects of habitat heterogeneity on the functional trait composition and diversity of seagrass bed macrobenthos vary among different microhabitats, influenced by environmental parameters such as total organic carbon, organic matter, and grain size.
MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Jessica Lunt, Christopher J. Freeman, Dean S. Janiak, Katrina Bayliss, Michelle Stephens, Eve Galimany, Valerie J. Paul
Summary: Understanding infaunal communities in shallow estuaries is important for determining their biodiversity and ecosystem function. Factors such as basin, season, and sediment composition were found to be primary drivers of macrobenthic community composition. The occurrence of a brown tide event in 2016 affected the diversity and abundance of infaunal communities, with different responses observed in different water basins.
FRONTIERS IN MARINE SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Jing Wang, Zhibo Yang, Peiyao Lu, Yan Sun, Song Xue, Xuexi Tang, Hui Xiao
Summary: The response of algal epiphytic bacteria to increased UV-B radiation and the differences between male and female algae were studied using 16S rDNA high-throughput sequencing technology. Although the alpha diversity and community composition of epiphytic bacteria changed little, the beta diversity indicated that the community structure of bacteria on S. thunbergii was obviously clustered, and the relative abundance of dominant bacteria and indicator species changed considerably. The abundance of genes with predicted functions related to metabolism, genetic information processing, environmental adaptation and infectious diseases changed with increased UV-B radiation, and those variations differed between epiphytic bacteria on male and female S. thunbergii.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2023)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Wonhyeop Shin, Minwoo Oh, Jae-Sang Hong, Chaeho Byun, Eun Ju Lee
Summary: This study focuses on the effects of the invasive perennial marsh grass Spartina anglica on macrofauna assemblages. The results show a decrease in macrofauna richness, diversity, and density after Spartina invasion. However, certain infaunal deposit-feeding polychaetes and epifaunal gastropods increased in abundance. This study provides valuable insights into the early invasion strategies of Spartina and its impacts on coastal wetlands.
BIOLOGICAL INVASIONS
(2022)
Article
Oceanography
Danielle Siegert, Brenda Konar, Mandy R. Lindeberg, Susan Saupe, Katrin Iken
Summary: This study aims to understand how hydrography influences trophic structure in high-latitude rocky intertidal systems. The results show that food web structure differs based on hydrographic conditions, with the glacially-influenced system having a larger trophic niche space and macroalgae being an important food source.
DEEP-SEA RESEARCH PART II-TOPICAL STUDIES IN OCEANOGRAPHY
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Thomas A. Neubauer, Torsten Hauffe, Daniele Silvestro, Jens Schauer, Dietrich Kadolsky, Frank P. Wesselingh, Mathias Harzhauser, Thomas Wilke
Summary: The study shows that the Cretaceous-Paleogene mass extinction event had a significant impact on European freshwater gastropod species, resulting in the extinction of 92.5% of species. The extinction phase lasted for 5.4 million years, followed by a recovery period of 6.9 million years. Present extinction rates for European freshwater gastropods are three orders of magnitude higher than the revised estimates for the Cretaceous-Paleogene mass extinction.
COMMUNICATIONS EARTH & ENVIRONMENT
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Marine
Sang Lyeol Kim, Su Min Kang, Hyung Gon Lee, Gwan Hee Han, Ok Hwan Yu
Summary: This study conducted a survey of macrobenthos species diversity and community structure in the Ulleung Basin of the East Sea in South Korea. A total of 262 species were detected, with an average density of 243 individuals/m(2) and an average biomass of 43.7 g/m(2). The community structure was influenced by water depth, temperature, salinity, and dissolved oxygen. The findings have important implications for understanding benthic ecosystems in the East Sea.
JOURNAL OF MARINE SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Chueh-Chen Tung, Yen-Ting Chen, Jian-Xiang Liao, Chih-Lin Wei
Summary: This study compares the body size structures, growth, metabolism, and size composition of meiofauna and macrofauna between a high-energy submarine canyon and the adjacent continental slope. The results show that larger individuals dominate on the slope while smaller ones dominate in the canyon, resulting in depressed community biomass, secondary production, and respiration in the canyon. Environmental factors such as bottom current velocity and sediment erosion duration significantly influence the body size composition of the canyon benthos.
FRONTIERS IN MARINE SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
R. S. K. Barnes
Summary: The study in Knysna estuarine bay revealed complex relationships between species diversity and species-density, with strong correlation with relative evenness and negative correlation with overall assemblage abundance. The presence of specific individual faunal components significantly influenced the results.
MARINE ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Guillaume Patoine, Nico Eisenhauer, Simone Cesarz, Helen R. P. Phillips, Xiaofeng Xu, Lihua Zhang, Carlos A. Guerra
Summary: Soil microorganisms play a crucial role in maintaining soil functions and services, but our understanding of their spatial-temporal dynamics is still limited. This study analyzes the temporal trends in soil microbial biomass carbon and identifies the main drivers of change, revealing the areas sensitive to environmental factors. The research finds that global soil microbial biomass carbon has decreased by approximately 3.4% over the past 20 years, with increasing temperatures being the main driver of decline in the northern regions.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Wei-Kang Chor, Teng-Yun Lai, Melissa Mary Mathews, Tony Chiffings, Chi-Wei Cheng, Victor Charlie Andin, Kok-Song Lai, Jiun-Yan Loh
Summary: This study explores the sustainability of a modern mariculture method where fish farms are relocated to deeper waters with higher flushing rates and high-density polyethylene (HDPE) is used to improve water quality. The feasibility analysis comparing the proposed and existing aquaculture sites shows that the proposed site has better water quality and flushing capacity, making it suitable for moderate-intensity aquaculture, which could be profitable for local fish farmers.
FRONTIERS IN MARINE SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Mengyi Huang, Hongguang Liu, Yan Tong, Shuqiang Li, Zhonge Hou
Summary: This study in Xinjiang, China, used genetic analysis and species distribution models to understand the distribution patterns of freshwater amphipods and predict the impact of climate change on endemic species. The results showed high freshwater amphipod diversity in Xinjiang, with environmental factors responsible for niche differentiation among endemic species. Future climate change is expected to significantly affect the geographic distributions of endemic amphipods, highlighting the importance of prioritizing conservation efforts in areas with concentrated phylogenetic endemism.
DIVERSITY AND DISTRIBUTIONS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Yequan Sheng, Sabarathinam Shanmugam, Arunachalam Chinnathambi, Saleh H. Salmen, Shengbo Ge, Changlei Xia, Kathirvel Brindhadevi
Summary: Algal biomass is a promising and sustainable candidate for biofuel/chemical production through anaerobic digestion, which has shown improved methane yield when microalgae and macroalgae are co-digested with proper nutrient balance.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF HYDROGEN ENERGY
(2022)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Patricia Esquete, Cristian Aldea
BIODIVERSITY DATA JOURNAL
(2020)
Article
Environmental Sciences
A. Blanco, A. R. Larrinaga, J. M. Neto, J. Troncoso, G. Mendez, P. Dominguez-Lapido, A. Ovejero, L. Pereira, T. M. Mouga, R. Gaspar, B. Martinez, M. F. L. Lemos, C. Olabarria
Summary: Invasive macroalgae pose a significant threat to marine biodiversity and ecosystem functioning. A study mapping the probability of presence of six invasive macroalgae in the north-western Iberian Peninsula found that physico-chemical variables were crucial in predicting their distribution, while anthropogenic factors greatly improved the estimates of occurrence probability for these species. Management efforts should focus on strengthening control and surveillance at ports, particularly in southern Galician rias, to effectively manage these invasive macroalgae.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Sebastian Rosenfeld, Cristian Aldea, Zambra Lopez, Claudia S. Maturana, Jaime Ojeda, Francisco Bahamonde, Camille Detree, Andres Mansilla, Elie Poulin, Karin Gerard
Summary: This study accurately distinguishes two species of Magallanes scallops, Z. patagonica and the distinct A. natans, through morphological and molecular phylogenetic analyses. The research provides integrated evidence and important recommendations for current fishery management and conservation studies.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2021)
Article
Fisheries
Nuria Casado-Coy, Pablo Sanchez-Jerez, Jesus S. Troncoso, Carlos Sanz-Lazaro
Summary: Mollusc shell debris released from marine aquaculture affects sediment structure and biogeochemical processes, with its promotion of macrofaunal communities with high bioturbation potential depending on environmental conditions. Shell-hash can be used as a management practice to improve ecosystem function in sediments under certain circumstances.
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Pablo Penchaszadeh, Florencia Arrighetti, Cristian Aldea, Valeria Teso
Summary: The study reveals that the development mode of Trochita pileolus is similar to that of the giant Trochita trochiformis, both relying on energy from fertile eggs. The eggs of T. trochiformis have higher lipid content, and T. pileolus utilizes intracapsular nutritional resources such as nurse eggs and adelphophagy for hatching.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Marta Roman, Carmen B. de los Santos, Salvador Roman, Rui Santos, Jesus S. Troncoso, Elsa Vazquez, Celia Olabarria
Summary: Clam harvesting has a negative impact on seagrass carbon stocks in surface sediments, especially in intensively harvested areas. However, the coverage of seagrass beds contributes to the rapid recovery of organic carbon in sediments.
MARINE ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Claudia Mac-lean, Pablo Nunez-Cardenas, Barbara Rodriguez, Cristian Aldea
Summary: The study found that public Chilean higher education institutions are in early to transitional stages of incorporating green building features on campuses. While indicators related to open space, pedestrian paths, and efficient appliances are performing well, sustainability budget, zero emission vehicles, and greenhouse gas emission reduction programs are lagging. Opportunities identified for promoting green building implementation mainly focus on research, promotion, and public policy.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT AND WORLD ECOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Marine & Freshwater Biology
Salvador Roman, Elsa Vazquez, Marta Roman, Rosa M. Viejo, Sarah A. Woodin, David S. Wethey, Jesus S. Troncoso, Celia Olabarria
Summary: Climate warming can affect the interaction between bivalves and seagrasses, with seagrasses acting as a buffer against temperature increases.
ESTUARINE COASTAL AND SHELF SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Marine & Freshwater Biology
Manuel Mendoza, Sara Rocha, Jesus Troncoso, David Posada, Carlos Canchaya
JOURNAL OF MOLLUSCAN STUDIES
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Marta Roman, Franck Gilbert, Rosa M. Viejo, Salvador Roman, Jesus S. Troncoso, Elsa Vazquez, Celia Olabarria
Summary: The increased frequency of heatwaves due to global warming will have an impact on socio-ecological systems such as shellfish beds in intertidal seagrass meadows. A study was conducted to investigate the effects of a simulated heatwave on the growth and interactions of two clam species and seagrass. The results showed that seagrass provided a refuge for clams during the heatwave, and there were facilitative interactions between one clam species and the seagrass.
MARINE ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Ecology
Mathias Hune, Alex Quintullanca, Cristian Aldea, Mauricio F. Landaeta
Summary: This study provides the first description of the morphology, condition, and diet of the rockcod Patagonotothen tessellata from Chilean Central Patagonia. Sexual shape dimorphism was found in snout extension, mouth size, and pelvic fin insertion. Male rockcod showed preferences for Patagonotothen spp., unidentified crustaceans, and polychaetes, while females primarily consumed unidentified fish and crustaceans. Significant differences in diet composition were observed between sexes, but not among size groups. There was a weak but significant relationship between diet and morphology.
ENVIRONMENTAL BIOLOGY OF FISHES
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Cristian Aldea, Leslie Novoa, Maria Paz Acuna, Ignacia Acevedo-Romo, Francisco Bravo
Summary: The CIMAR program, conducted by the Chilean Navy through the National Oceanographic Committee, has been collecting samples and data on biotic and abiotic variables in Chilean fjord and channel zones (CIMAR-Fjords) and Chilean remote islands (CIMAR-Islands) since 1995. This study standardized and summarized the published information on benthic organisms from 21 CIMAR-Fjords cruises and the Southern Ice Fields Cruise 1995, providing valuable data on the distribution, abundance, and geographic location of sampling stations. The data set consists of 8,854 records from 880 different localities, representing 1,225 species from 24 different phyla and over 150,000 individuals, and can serve as a baseline for ecological studies and ecosystem conservation in Chilean Patagonia.
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Cristian Aldea, Cristina Hernandez, Leslie Novoa, Francisco Olivera, Christian Haeger, Nadja Bello
Summary: The characteristics of the Strait of Magellan contribute to the establishment of unique ecological environments. The study presents a dataset of intertidal biotopes in Clarence Island, revealing the presence of diverse species, particularly mollusks and algae.
BIODIVERSITY DATA JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Biology
Tania Ballesteros, Ana Tubio, Rosana Rodriguez, Alba Hernandez, Damian Costas, Jesus Troncoso
Summary: The reproductive cycle of Holothuria forskali in Ria de Vigo includes a sexual resting stage in spring, gametogenesis in summer, spawning and gonadal restoration in autumn and winter. The study suggests avoiding fishing between November and February to increase the species' reproductive potential.
REVISTA DE BIOLOGIA TROPICAL
(2021)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Claudia Mac-lean, Luis Santiago Vargas, Gonzalo Uribe, Cristian Aldea, Lorna Lares, Oscar Mercado
Summary: The study identifies the Cleaner Production Agreement and the establishment of the SCN as key factors in formalizing sustainability efforts within Chilean universities. Additionally, students are found to be the most active internal stakeholders in terms of commitment to sustainability.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF SUSTAINABILITY IN HIGHER EDUCATION
(2021)