Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Sarah Forde, Sophie von Der Heyden, Alan Le Moan, Erica S. Nielsen, Deon Durholtz, Paulus Kainge, Johannes N. Kathena, Marek R. Lipinski, Hilkka O. N. Ndjaula, Conrad A. Matthee, Romina Henriques
Summary: Genomic information can be used to establish sustainable management plans for commercially exploited marine fishes, such as the southern African hakes. The study found that the two hake species, M. capensis and M. paradoxus, have similar levels of genomic diversity but exhibit different population structures. The findings provide valuable insights for conservation and management efforts for these commercially important species.
MOLECULAR ECOLOGY RESOURCES
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Kangshun Zhao, Yuhan He, Guohuan Su, Congjun Xu, Xiaoqi Xu, Min Zhang, Peiyu Zhang
Summary: This study reported the temporal change of functional diversity in marine capture fisheries from all coastal provinces in China from 1989 to 2018. Both functional evenness and functional divergence changed significantly over time, with considerable geographic variation in functional evenness. The relative contributions of fishes with various water column positions and trophic levels also showed different patterns in different waters. These findings highlight the need for implementing climate-adaptive functional diversity conservation measures and sustainable fisheries management in different waters.
FRONTIERS IN MARINE SCIENCE
(2022)
Review
Environmental Sciences
Amber Himes-Cornell, Juan Francisco Lechuga Sanchez, Caroline Potter, Clayton McKean, Jake Rice, Kim J. Friedman, Serge M. Garcia, Dave L. Fluharty
Summary: In 2010, the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) set a target to conserve 10% of the ocean through marine protected areas (MPAs) and other effective area-based conservation measures (OECMs). However, only a few OECMs have been reported as of early 2022. Clear guidance on the scope and limits of these measures is needed to assist countries in achieving the CBD's Post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework. This review evaluates how area-based fisheries management measures align with the criteria for OECMs and contribute to biodiversity conservation goals.
FRONTIERS IN MARINE SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Ecology
Kangshun Zhao, Steven D. Gaines, Jorge Garcia Molinos, Min Zhang, Jun Xu
Summary: The functional diversity of commercial marine fish communities significantly responds to climate change and fishing pressure. Climate warming has a positive effect on functional evenness but a negative effect on functional divergence. In contrast, increasing fishing pressure has the opposite effects. These findings are driven by the varying relative contributions of fish species or species groups to the functional space.
GLOBAL ECOLOGY AND BIOGEOGRAPHY
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Sara E. Marriott, Courtney Cox, Rizaller C. Amolo, Dean Apistar, Roquelito H. Mancao, Kim de Mutsert
Summary: Overfishing and destructive fishing practices pose major threats to marine biodiversity in the Philippines, with artisanal fisheries contributing significantly to this issue. The establishment of marine reserves and community-based management strategies have shown some success in protecting and promoting biodiversity in marine ecosystems.
FRONTIERS IN MARINE SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Genetics & Heredity
Shuang Ren, Guangqi Lyu, David M. Irwin, Xin Liu, Chunyu Feng, Runhong Luo, Junpeng Zhang, Yongfeng Sun, Songyang Shang, Shuyi Zhang, Zhe Wang
Summary: This study identified genes that potentially regulate feather color in geese through whole-genome resequencing, revealing molecular mechanisms underlying the change in feather color during the domestication of geese. The results expand the catalog of potential feather color regulators in geese, providing a basis for further research.
FRONTIERS IN GENETICS
(2021)
Article
Evolutionary Biology
Ingrid Spies, Carolyn Tarpey, Trond Kristiansen, Mary Fisher, Sean Rohan, Lorenz Hauser
Summary: Patterns of genomic differentiation were studied in Pacific cod populations using whole genome sequencing, gene annotation, and environmental factors. The study found 11 genomic islands of differentiation between Aleutian Islands and Bering Sea samples, with elevated absolute divergence and evidence for selection. There were similar levels of absolute divergence but double the relative divergence between distant Bering Sea and Washington Coast samples. Differentiation islands were associated with vision system genes.
EVOLUTIONARY APPLICATIONS
(2022)
Article
Fisheries
Samuel D. Payet, Joseph D. DiBattista, Stephen J. Newman, Kelvin J. Rushworth, Corey B. Wakefield, Richard D. Evans, Michael J. Travers
Summary: Understanding connectivity patterns among remote atoll reefs is crucial for managing fishery target species. This study compared the population genomics of two sympatric species of coral trout within and between three isolated offshore atoll reef systems in north-western Australia. The results indicate high levels of connectivity within reef systems and limited connectivity between reef systems, suggesting that biological stocks primarily occur at the scale of each reef system.
REVIEWS IN FISH BIOLOGY AND FISHERIES
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Dominic A. Andradi-Brown, Laura Veverka, Nicole L. Amkieltiela, Nicole E. Crane, David Estradivari, Helen Fox, David Gill, Jordan C. Goetze, Charlotte E. Gough, Nils L. Krueck, Sarah Lester, Shauna Mahajan, John N. Rulmal Jr, Marianne Teoh, Gabby Ahmadia
Summary: Globally, marine protected areas (MPAs) have shifted their focus from solely maintaining ecosystems to addressing the needs of people and nature. This has resulted in diverse MPAs with different fisheries restrictions, sparking a debate on the types of restrictions that contribute to biodiversity goals.
FRONTIERS IN MARINE SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Huizhong Fan, Mingpan Huang, Youhua Chen, Wenliang Zhou, Yibo Hu, Fuwen Wei
Summary: The study reveals that strategically protecting 22% of the ocean can conserve 95% of known taxonomic, genetic, and phylogenetic diversity. The Central Indo-Pacific Ocean, Central Pacific Ocean, and Western Indian Ocean are identified as high biodiversity areas and potential conservation priority areas.
NATIONAL SCIENCE REVIEW
(2022)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
S. J. Anderson, S. D. Cote, J. H. Richard, A. B. A. Shafer
Summary: This study used high-depth whole genome re-sequencing to explore the complex genomic make-up of antler morphology and body size in white-tailed deer. The results identified genes associated with cell death, protein metabolism, oncogenic pathways, and reproduction, shedding light on the evolution and growth of antlers. Body size, on the other hand, was found to be a highly complex trait.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Orlando Lam-Gordillo, Andrew M. Lohrer, Judi Hewitt, Sabine Dittmann
Summary: The New Zealand Trait Database (NZTD) is the first comprehensive assessment of macrobenthic traits in New Zealand, providing trait information for over 700 macrobenthic taxa categorized by 18 traits and 77 trait modalities. The establishment of the NZTD fills the trait knowledge gap in New Zealand and facilitates future research using trait-based approaches to study New Zealand's coastal macrofauna.
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Michael H. H. Price, Jonathan W. Moore, Brendan M. Connors, Kyle L. Wilson, John D. Reynolds
Summary: The study revealed that wild sockeye salmon populations in the Skeena River watershed have declined over the past century, but the artificial enhancement of one population has offset these declines to maintain aggregate levels similar to historical ones. Population diversity has decreased by 70%, with a shift in life-history diversity. Despite stability in total returns, a reduction in spatial extent may impact local fisheries and ecosystems.
JOURNAL OF APPLIED ECOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Germain Boussarie, Dorothee Kopp, Gael Lavialle, Maud Mouchet, Marie Morfin
Summary: Direct and indirect anthropogenic pressures are expected to lower the provided ecosystem services in the future. Protected areas and renewable energies are being implemented to address these impacts. However, sharing space between offshore wind farms (OWFs), marine protected areas (MPAs), and fisheries is challenging due to low acceptability and underrepresentation of fisheries. In this study, a marine spatial planning framework was developed to explore siting scenarios that conserve species, regulate ecosystem services, and ensure equitable impacts on fisheries.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
(2023)
Article
Fisheries
Laura N. Woodings, Nicholas P. Murphy, Geoffrey W. Liggins, Marcus E. Miller, Giles M. Ballinger, Sally C. Y. Lau, Jan M. Strugnell
Summary: The study found that the Eastern Rock Lobster population in New South Wales consists of a single genetic stock, with weak genetic divergence among offshore locations and evidence of population bottlenecks at all locations. These findings support the use of a single management unit and can serve as a baseline for future genetic monitoring efforts. The study emphasizes the importance of routine genetic monitoring and collecting temporal samples to understand the impact of overfishing on species resilience.
ICES JOURNAL OF MARINE SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Marine & Freshwater Biology
R. Henriques, B. Q. Mann, E. S. Nielsen, C. Hui, S. von der Heyden
AFRICAN JOURNAL OF MARINE SCIENCE
(2020)
Article
Evolutionary Biology
Erica S. Nielsen, Romina Henriques, Maria Beger, Robert J. Toonen, Sophie von der Heyden
BMC EVOLUTIONARY BIOLOGY
(2020)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Erica S. Nielsen, Romina Henriques, Maria Beger, Sophie von der Heyden
Summary: This study compares inter- and intraspecific patterns of biological composition to determine how vulnerability to climate change varies across species and populations. Reported range shifts are species-specific and include both predicted range gains and losses. Forecasted species responses to climate change are strongly influenced by changes in a suite of environmental variables.
GLOBAL CHANGE BIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Ecology
Erica S. Nielsen, Maria Beger, Romina Henriques, Sophie von der Heyden
Summary: This study aims to untangle the possible drivers of intraspecific molecular diversity by testing whether patterns of historical climatic stability or contemporary range position correlate with molecular diversity. Regions of higher habitat stability corresponded to regions of higher molecular diversity, but historical climatic variability was not a predictor of molecular diversity within linear models. Lower genetic diversity values, and higher genetic differentiation, were detected in edge populations.
JOURNAL OF BIOGEOGRAPHY
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Belen Jimenez-Mena, Hugo Flavio, Romina Henriques, Alice Manuzzi, Miguel Ramos, Dorte Meldrup, Janette Edson, Snaebjorn Palsson, Gudbjorg Asta Olafsdottir, Jennifer R. Ovenden, Einar Eg Nielsen
Summary: This research presents specific guidelines and considerations for designing capture sequencing experiments for population genetics, focusing on neutral genomic regions and regions subject to selection. The bait design process for three fish species was described, and the performance of the approach was evaluated across historical and modern samples. The supeRbaits R-package, which implements the workflow used for designing the bait sets, is user-friendly and versatile.
MOLECULAR ECOLOGY RESOURCES
(2022)
Article
Fisheries
V. K. Kapula, H. O. N. Ndjaula, M. Schulze, D. Durholtz, D. Japp, L. Singh, C. A. Matthee, S. von der Heyden, R. Henriques
Summary: This study re-evaluated the geographic position of shallow-water hake and found small seasonal differences in population composition. The two populations of shallow-water hake are isolated by environment, and depth and sea surface temperatures may be important drivers in shaping their migration patterns.
FISHERIES RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Alice Manuzzi, Belen Jimenez-Mena, Romina Henriques, Bonnie J. Holmes, Julian Pepperell, Janette Edson, Mike B. Bennett, Charlie Huveneers, Jennifer R. Ovenden, Einar E. Nielsen
Summary: Over the last century, shark populations have declined due to overexploitation and the use of shark control programs. A study in eastern Australia found a significant change in the genetic composition of tiger sharks born between 1939 and 2015, suggesting a shift in the relative contribution of two cryptic populations.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2022)
Review
Ecology
Erica S. Nielsen, Jeffrey O. Hanson, Silvia B. Carvalho, Maria Beger, Romina Henriques, Francine Kershaw, Sophie von der Heyden
Summary: Integrative and proactive conservation approaches are essential for the long-term survival of biodiversity. Molecular data, although rarely used, can provide valuable insights for conserving biodiversity at different levels. This article bridges the gap between molecular ecology and systematic conservation planning, providing a practical guide for incorporating molecular data into spatial conservation planning tools. The proposed framework enhances interdisciplinary collaboration, which is key to achieving ambitious global conservation goals in the coming decade.
TRENDS IN ECOLOGY & EVOLUTION
(2023)
Article
Marine & Freshwater Biology
Veronica Kaleinasho Kapula, Hilkka Opolili Ndahafa Ndjaula, Stephanus Hamutenya, Johannes Angala Iitembu
Summary: This study evaluated the mercury concentration in different tissues of the southern mullet and found temporal variations among the tissues. The liver had higher mercury concentration compared to the gills. All tissues had mercury concentrations below the World Health Organisation's limit for fish, indicating no human health risk at the current levels. The study suggests that southern mullets can be used as biological indicators of mercury pollution in the Walvis Bay lagoon and highlights the importance of regular monitoring to protect the ecological characteristics of the area.
AFRICAN JOURNAL OF AQUATIC SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Sarah Forde, Sophie von Der Heyden, Alan Le Moan, Erica S. Nielsen, Deon Durholtz, Paulus Kainge, Johannes N. Kathena, Marek R. Lipinski, Hilkka O. N. Ndjaula, Conrad A. Matthee, Romina Henriques
Summary: Genomic information can be used to establish sustainable management plans for commercially exploited marine fishes, such as the southern African hakes. The study found that the two hake species, M. capensis and M. paradoxus, have similar levels of genomic diversity but exhibit different population structures. The findings provide valuable insights for conservation and management efforts for these commercially important species.
MOLECULAR ECOLOGY RESOURCES
(2023)
Article
Marine & Freshwater Biology
S. E. Smit, R. Henriques, M. Jackson, R. Taylor, L. Vivier, S. von der Heyden
Summary: Seagrasses, such as Zostera capensis, are facing threats from human activities and climate change in South Africa. This study reveals distinct population clusters and unique evolutionary signals among Z. capensis populations, particularly in the eastern regions of KwaZulu-Natal Province. The Mlalazi Estuary population shows low genomic diversity, possibly due to its small and dynamic nature. Conservation efforts should consider the unique characteristics of geographically close populations, especially during restoration.
AFRICAN JOURNAL OF MARINE SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Erica S. Nielsen, Maria Beger, Romina Henriques, Sophie von der Heyden
BIOLOGICAL CONSERVATION
(2020)