Article
Environmental Sciences
Jessica L. Valenti, Thomas M. Grothues, Kenneth W. Able
Summary: This study conducted a comprehensive comparison of fish species composition, abundance, diversity, richness, and fish lengths in subtidal salt marsh creek, sand, and seagrass habitats within a temperate lagoonal estuary. The results showed that fish abundance, diversity, and richness were often higher in creek mouth and seagrass habitats than in sand habitat, and there were some differences in species composition between habitats. The study emphasized the significance of marsh creeks in shaping the subtidal habitat mosaic of temperate lagoonal estuaries.
ESTUARIES AND COASTS
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Xiaoshuai He, William G. Wallace, John R. Reinfelder
Summary: Grass shrimp have been identified as a potential factor in the transfer of methylmercury from salt marsh sediments to young-of-the-year (YOY) fish. The concentrations of methylmercury in grass shrimp were found to be significantly correlated with sediment levels. Bioenergetic models have shown that grass shrimp play a major role in the accumulation of methylmercury in YOY striped bass and summer flounder. Direct accumulation of methylmercury from grass shrimp to YOY fish increases with higher levels of methylmercury in both grass shrimp and sediment. However, in heavily contaminated salt marshes, indirect accumulation of methylmercury from grass shrimp by YOY summer flounder is predicted to plateau due to a lower proportion of grass shrimp in the diet.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
A. Challen Hyman, Grace S. Chiu, Mary C. Fabrizio, Romuald N. Lipcius
Summary: This study used 21 years of survey data and GIS information to evaluate the nursery habitat value of blue crabs in three tributaries of lower Chesapeake Bay. The results showed that salt marsh surface area and turbidity were the main factors affecting crab abundance, while relative seagrass area had no association. Therefore, the identification of nurseries should consider multiple potential habitats and incorporate spatial and temporal statistical dependence.
FRONTIERS IN MARINE SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Luis G. Egea, Javier Cavijoli-Bosch, Isabel Casal-Porras, Alba Yamuza-Magdaleno, Fernando G. Brun, Rocio Jimenez-Ramos
Summary: Coastal environments play a role in the accumulation of macroplastics, with seagrasses and salt marshes being the main accumulation areas, sandy beaches being the main accumulation area for marine plastic litter, and rocky bottoms acting as important sinks for macroplastics.
MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Philine S. E. zu Ermgassen, Bryan DeAngelis, Jonathan R. Gair, Sophus zu Ermgassen, Ronald Baker, Andre Daniels, Timothy C. MacDonald, Kara Meckley, Sean Powers, Marta Ribera, Lawrence P. Rozas, Jonathan H. Grabowski
Summary: Seagrasses, salt marsh edges, and oyster reefs contribute to the enhancement of fish and invertebrate production, with varying levels of effectiveness. The difference in production enhancement between habitats is attributed to factors such as species-specific densities and commercial value. The quantification of production enhancement within specific embayments can guide habitat management decisions and emphasize the importance of habitat protection and restoration.
ESTUARIES AND COASTS
(2021)
Article
Marine & Freshwater Biology
Julia D. S. Friese, Axel Temming, Andreas Daenhardt
Summary: Inundated salt marshes are valued as nekton habitat due to their low predator and high prey abundance. Habitat quality is dependent on abiotic properties, including water temperature, oxygen concentration, flow velocity, turbidity, and sediment grain size. Despite seasonal variations, salt-marsh creeks provide relatively stable temperature and oxygen conditions, sheltered by vegetation and characterized by low flow velocities and fine sediments. Turbidity plays a significant role in nekton species occurrence, while temperature has a minor impact. Small nekton species dominate in salt-marsh creeks due to their ability to cope with extreme temperatures and benefit from reduced currents.
ESTUARINE COASTAL AND SHELF SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Geosciences, Multidisciplinary
Yiyang Xu, Tarandeep S. Kalra, Neil K. Ganju, Sergio Fagherazzi
Summary: This study used a 3D fully coupled modeling system to simulate the final vegetation cover and timescale of salt marshes under different forcing conditions. The simulations showed that sediment concentration, settling velocity, sea level rise, and tidal range each had different impacts on the equilibrium coverage and timescale of marshes.
GEOPHYSICAL RESEARCH LETTERS
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Chuang Jin, Zheng Gong, Lei Shi, Kun Zhao, Rafael O. Tinoco, Jorge E. San Juan, Liang Geng, Giovanni Coco
Summary: Salt marshes play a key role in attenuating wave energy and promoting sedimentation necessary to potentially adapt to sea level rise. The soil surface elevation in the marsh region varies spatially and temporally as a function of marsh topography, inundation frequency, and distance to the salt marsh edge. The sedimentation rate reduces linearly shoreward and is highest around the mean high-water level, moving towards the edge of the salt marsh with marsh extension and increasing soil surface elevation.
FRONTIERS IN MARINE SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Denis Lafage, Alexandre Carpentier, Sylvain Duhamel, Christine Dupuy, Eric Feunteun, Sandric Lesourd, Julien Petillon
Summary: Salt marshes are facing increasing anthropogenic pressures that impact the diet of fish, potentially altering their nursery function. This study investigated the impact of salt-marsh vegetation type on trophic network structures using stable-isotope compositions, revealing that site differences and anthropogenic nitrogen inputs play a significant role in fish diet and trophic position.
FRONTIERS IN MARINE SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Marine
Ying Zhao, Zhong Peng, Qing He, Yuxi Ma
Summary: This study examines the wave attenuation over combinations of different vegetation types on tidal flats. The results show that the impact of vegetation combinations lies between that of individual vegetation types. The study proposes an empirical formula for calculating the wave transmission coefficient, taking into account multiple vegetation characteristics.
Article
Ecology
Hem Nalini Morzaria-Luna, Joy B. Zedler
Summary: This study investigates the influence of Triglochin concinna on the salt marsh plain plant assemblage in terms of nitrogen dynamics. The results show that Triglochin can accumulate nitrogen in its roots and shoots, release nitrogen to neighbors as its litter decomposes, and reduce the biomass of surrounding plants. This suggests that Triglochin can play a role in the restoration of salt marsh vegetation.
FRONTIERS IN ECOLOGY AND EVOLUTION
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Benjamin L. Jones, Lina M. Nordlund, Richard K. F. Unsworth, Narriman S. Jiddawi, Johan S. Eklof
Summary: The study investigated the impact of seagrass characteristics on tropical fish assemblages, finding that seagrass structural complexity and depth were key predictors of fish abundance. Seagrass species diversity had minimal effect on fish assemblages, with an interaction between seagrass cover and land use being the primary predictor of fish species richness.
FRONTIERS IN MARINE SCIENCE
(2021)
Editorial Material
Environmental Sciences
Mackenzie Fiss
Summary: Mackenzie Fiss describes the application of Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry (FT-ICR MS) in analyzing complex mixtures of dissolved organic matter, such as those found in salt marshes.
NATURE REVIEWS EARTH & ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Kaitlin M. Glover, Matthew E. Kimball, Bruce W. Pfirrmann, Mary Margaret Pelton, Robert P. Dunn
Summary: Designation of essential fish habitat requires understanding species-specific vital rates across habitats and regions. Brown shrimp is an economically important species occurring in various habitats across the southeastern US, exhibiting variation in vital rates. This study estimated growth rates of juvenile brown shrimp in intertidal creek habitat and found that they are similar to those in salt marsh habitats in northern GoM estuaries.
ESTUARIES AND COASTS
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Carina L. Lopes, Renato Mendes, Isabel Cacador, Joao M. Dias
Summary: This study proposes an alternative methodology to identify priority areas for conservation using a combination of LANDSAT satellite remote sensing and numerical modelling. It identifies the most deteriorated salt marshes in central and upper lagoon regions and determines that marsh loss and degradation are primarily due to increased tidal action triggered by deepening lagoon channels. The study predicts that climate-induced mean sea level rise will exacerbate marsh deterioration, emphasizing the importance of protecting and restoring salt marshes.
LAND DEGRADATION & DEVELOPMENT
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Alexander C. Winkler, Edward C. Butler, Colin G. Attwood, Bruce Q. Mann, Warren M. Potts
Summary: The use of drones in recreational fishing is gaining popularity, especially in New Zealand, South Africa, and Australia. However, this practice raises concerns in terms of ecological impact, social ethics, and governance, highlighting the need for further research and management considerations.
Article
Fisheries
Warren M. Potts, Melville Saayman, Andrea Saayman, Bruce Q. Mann, Peet Van der Merwe, Peter Britz, Christopher S. Bova
Summary: The study in South Africa found that recreational fishing contributes significantly to the economy but mainly benefits higher income households, indicating a disconnect between the two economies. To address this issue, changes in tourism policies, development of local education, skills, and infrastructure will be necessary.
FISHERIES MANAGEMENT AND ECOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Fisheries
Lauren A. Bailey, Amber R. Childs, Nicola C. James, Alexander Winkler, Warren M. Potts
Summary: Changes in behaviour and physiology are the primary responses of fishes to anthropogenic impacts such as climate change and over-fishing. The links between fish behaviour and metabolic physiology are not well understood, but they are believed to be influenced by stress responses along the hypothalamic pituitary axis. Future research should focus on assessing how these links influence catchability, response to climate change drivers, and post-release recovery.
REVIEWS IN FISH BIOLOGY AND FISHERIES
(2022)
Article
Ecology
M. Soekoe, M. J. Smale, W. M. Potts
Summary: This study examines the diet and dentition of Triakis megalopterus in three study sites in southern Africa. The results show significant differences in prey categories between regions, but the dentition remains remarkably similar. Additionally, a strong correlation is found between feeding habits and dental divergence throughout the species' ontogeny.
ENVIRONMENTAL BIOLOGY OF FISHES
(2022)
Article
Fisheries
Edward C. Butler, Nicky K. Arkert, Amber-Robyn Childs, Brett A. Pringle, Michael R. Skeeles, Ryan M. Foster, Matthew W. Farthing, Alexander C. Winkler, Warren M. Potts
Summary: This study investigated the physiological stress response and short-term survival of Argyrosomus japonicus following catch and release angling by using angler-behavior examination. The results showed that longer air exposure time led to higher blood glucose and lactate concentrations and negatively affected the reflex response of A. japonicus. It is suggested that anglers should reduce air exposure time to below 75 seconds, ideally to 10 seconds, to minimize physiological and physical stress on A. japonicus.
FISHERIES RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Marine & Freshwater Biology
P. Nodo, A. -R. Childs, P. Pattrick, N. C. James
Summary: Estuaries and shallow marine nearshore areas are important nursery habitats for fish. However, there is a lack of research on fish community patterns in these areas, particularly in southern Africa. This study aimed to assess the role of estuaries and marine nearshore areas in Algoa Bay as settlement and nursery habitats for demersal fishes.
ESTUARINE COASTAL AND SHELF SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Fisheries
C. Allison, A. C. Winkler, A-R Childs, C. Muller, W. M. Potts
Summary: This study explores the potential of user-generated content on Facebook to promote pro-environmental behavior among recreational anglers and discusses how fisheries managers and scientists can facilitate this process. The study found evidence for pro-environmental reform on a large South African Facebook group, highlighting the importance of social media interventions in managing recreational fisheries.
FISHERIES RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Fisheries
R. M. Foster, A. R. Childs, B. Q. Mann, W. M. Potts
Summary: Fishers' ecological knowledge (FEK) has become a popular method for collecting fisheries data. This study incorporated specialised spearfisher FEK into the study of the reproductive biology of Oplegnathus conwayi in South Africa, and successfully collected key reproductive data through the combination of standard biological sampling and specialised spearfisher FEK data. The combination of these methods is strongly advised for future life history studies.
FISHERIES RESEARCH
(2023)
Correction
Environmental Sciences
Sven-Erick Weiss, Arsalan Emami-Khoyi, Horst Kaiser, Paul D. D. Cowley, Nicola C. C. James, Bettine Jansen van Vuuren, Alan K. K. Whitfield, Peter R. R. Teske
FRONTIERS IN MARINE SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Marine & Freshwater Biology
P. Nodo, A. -R. Childs, P. Pattrick, D. A. Lemley, N. C. James
Summary: Coastal ecosystems are facing challenges such as eutrophication and hypoxia. This study in the Swartkops and Sundays estuaries observed the impact of low dissolved oxygen and hypoxic events on fish species richness, diversity, and distribution.
ESTUARINE COASTAL AND SHELF SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Marine & Freshwater Biology
C. Edworthy, W. M. Potts, S. Dupont, M. Duncan, T. G. Bornman, N. C. James
Summary: Compared to the open ocean, there is limited knowledge of pH variability in coastal waters, particularly in Africa. This study aimed to investigate the variability of pH in a South African temperate embayment, Algoa Bay. The results showed that pH and associated parameters varied over space and time, and biological factors and salinity were found to influence pH variability. The study also identified a shallow inshore site with higher average pH levels, potentially serving as a refuge for coastal marine species in the face of ocean acidification.
AFRICAN JOURNAL OF MARINE SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Water Resources
N. C. James, T. D. Harrison
Summary: A preliminary survey was conducted to study the fish communities and physico-chemical characteristics of estuaries along the east coast of South Africa. The estuaries were classified into three types based on their size and openness. Significant differences were found in both physico-chemical characteristics and fish communities among the estuary types. The estuaries in the study area were located in the subtropical/warm-temperate transition zone and were dominated by tropical fish species.
Article
Zoology
R. M. Foster, A-R Childs, B. Q. Mann, W. M. Potts
Summary: The study focused on the age and growth of the Cape knifejaw, a species targeted by the South African spearfishery. The results indicated that this species is slow-growing and vulnerable to overexploitation, suggesting a precautionary approach to future management.
Article
Marine & Freshwater Biology
E. C. Butler, A-R Childs, M. K. S. Smith, R. M. Foster, W. M. Potts
Summary: The study discovered empirical evidence of active spawning in the sheltered marine section of the Knysna estuarine bay, Western Cape. Future research should focus on identifying and conserving critical spawning events and investigating the potential role of large marine-dominated estuarine systems in the life history of species. This study's results challenge the traditional theory of northeastward spawning migrations as the sole life-history strategy for numerous South African fishery species.
AFRICAN JOURNAL OF MARINE SCIENCE
(2022)
