Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Rongliang Zhang, Hua Zhang, Hui Liu, Jianmin Zhao
Summary: Artificial reefs can support trophic structure and pathways similar to those of natural reefs, although there may be spatial differences in pathway magnitudes. The study shows that the development of artificial reef systems over the years enables them to be comparable to natural reef systems. Future research should focus on comparing specific trophic compartments and combining trophic ecology with community structure to better understand the development of artificial reef systems.
ECOLOGICAL INDICATORS
(2021)
Article
Fisheries
Shipeng Dong, Yunfang Gao, Yaping Gao, Mingdi He, Feng Liu, Fajun Yan, Fang Wang
Summary: Rice field integrated farming combining aquaculture and rice cultivation can enhance ecological efficiency, but it has issues with simplicity, linearity, and low stability in the food web model structure. The system shows high total system throughput and transfer efficiency, indicating potential for optimization. Analyzing the trophic structure and energy flow of the system reveals the need for further improvement in this farming model.
Article
Marine & Freshwater Biology
Shike Gao, Siming Gong, Ze Chen, Xiao Zhang, Shuo Zhang, Wenwen Yu
Summary: The trophic structure of the Lvsi Fishing Ground ecosystem in the East China Sea was analyzed using two methods: mass-balance modeling and stable isotope analysis. Shrimps and trawling fisheries were found to have significant trophic impacts on most functional groups in the ecosystem. The study suggests that combining these two complementary methods can help validate trophic levels when balancing ecosystem structures.
ESTUARINE COASTAL AND SHELF SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Rongliang Zhang, Qianqian Zhang, Jianmin Zhao, Zhongxin Wu, Hui Liu, Lu Shou, Yibo Liao, Qinghe Liu, Yanbin Tang, Jiangning Zeng
Summary: This study compares the trophic structure and energy flow between natural and artificial reefs. The results show that the ecosystem scale is smaller in the artificial reef, but the energy distribution at different trophic levels is similar. The artificial reef also has a higher connectivity index and system omnivory index, indicating complex interspecies relations and high-level stability.
FRONTIERS IN MARINE SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Shuwen Xiao, Xingguo Liu, Runfeng Zhou, Yuxi Zhao, Zhaoyun Sun
Summary: Grass carp, the most productive freshwater fish in China, still faces issues with traditional aquaculture models including poor water quality and diseases. Research shows that a polyculture model with multiple species has higher energy conversion efficiency and ecological stability than a monoculture model. Therefore, optimizing the structure and proportion of aquaculture is necessary to improve the ecological and economic benefits of grass carp ponds.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Jie Feng, Xiang-Li Tian, Shuang-Lin Dong, Rui-Peng He, Kai Zhang, Dong-Xu Zhang, Qing-Qi Zhang
Summary: Detritus is the main energy source in the P. trituberculatus polyculture system, with most of the system throughput occurring at trophic levels I and II. Increasing stocking density of R. philippinarum and introducing macro-algae at suitable biomass can enhance system stability and aquaculture production.
FRONTIERS IN MARINE SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Geosciences, Multidisciplinary
Thomas Seyer, Daniela Banaru, Sandrine Vaz, Tarek Hattab, Celine Labrune, Shawn Booth, Sabine Charmasson
Summary: In this study, a Gulf of Lion Ecopath model was built, focusing on the continental shelf and incorporating enhanced representation of benthic invertebrates and a realistic assessment of catches. The model also considered the significant changes in the trophic structure of the ecosystem and related changes in fisheries activities. The model results revealed a food web diagram with 5 trophic levels, identifying Prionace glauca, Squalus acanthias, and dolphins as top predators.
JOURNAL OF MARINE SYSTEMS
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Tae Hee Park, Chung Il Lee, Tae-Hoon Kim, Dongyoung Kim, Hyun Je Park
Summary: In order to evaluate the impact of rainfall on the basal resources supporting food webs, we compared stable isotope ratios (813C and 815N) of fish consumers and organic matter sources between up- and down-sites in an estuary across different seasons and years. Our study found seasonal differences in the isotopic values of basal resources and fish consumers in both years. Changes in rainfall period resulted in significant differences in the isotopic values of fish consumers at the up-site, indicating a shift in food availability. However, the isotopic values of fishes remained consistent at the down-site, suggesting a negligible impact of rainfall on fish resources.
MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Dhanya Mohan Lal, Giri Bhavan Sreekanth, Chitra Soman, Anupam Sharma, Zeba Jaffer Abidi
Summary: The food and feeding relationships in the Ulhas River Estuary (URE) were analyzed using stable carbon and nitrogen isotopic signatures. The results showed that there were both a phytoplankton-based pelagic food chain and a detritus-based benthic food chain in URE. The ecosystem in URE exhibited a broader food web structure and higher trophic diversity, indicating the influence of anthropogenic activities on nitrogen pollution and trophic disturbance.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Geochemistry & Geophysics
Danae Guiserix, Emmanuelle Albalat, Henriette Ueckermann, Priyanka Davechand, Linda M. Iaccheri, Grant Bybee, Shaw Badenhorst, Vincent Balter
Summary: Radiogenic strontium isotopes (Sr-87/Sr-86) are a useful tool for investigating migration and landscape use. The study shows that the Sr-88/Sr-86 ratio may reveal unknown dietary and physiological information. Furthermore, the delta Sr-88 values in tooth enamel can differentiate between plants and herbivores, but the distinction between herbivores and carnivores requires further research.
Article
Ecology
C. Hoover, C. Giraldo, A. Ehrman, K. D. Suchy, S. A. MacPhee, J. Brewster, J. D. Reist, M. Power, H. Swanson, L. Loseto
Summary: This study evaluated the trophic hierarchy of food webs in the Canadian Beaufort Sea continental shelf using a mass-balanced ecosystem model (EwE). The results showed that the EwE model performed well for groups with relatively well-known diets but performed poorly for groups with poorly documented diets.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Shipeng Dong, Fang Wang, Dongxu Zhang, Liye Yu, Weijia Pu, Xian Xu, Yicheng Xie
Summary: This study analyzed the energy flows, ecosystem properties, and carrying capacities of two integrated pond aquaculture ecosystems. The results showed potential for further improvement in yields based on the primary productivities and efficiency values of the ecosystems.
FRONTIERS IN MARINE SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Geosciences, Multidisciplinary
L. Vanalderweireldt, C. Albouy, F. Le Loc'h, R. Millot, C. Blestel, M. Patrissi, M. Marengo, J. Garcia, C. Bousquet, C. Barrier, M. Lefur, P. -a. Bisgambiglia, A. Donnay, S. Ternengo, A. Aiello, P. Lejeune, E. D. H. Durieux
Summary: The Eastern Corsican Coast is a unique marine ecosystem in the Mediterranean Sea, characterized by extensive seagrass meadows and limited fishing pressure. This study reveals the high degree of benthic-pelagic coupling in this ecosystem and the significant impact of fishing on upper trophic levels. Furthermore, the study highlights the critical habitat the ECC provides for Chondrichthyes.
JOURNAL OF MARINE SYSTEMS
(2022)
Article
Fisheries
Lin He, Jiejie Xi, Jing He, Zhihua Lin
Summary: This study characterized the energy flow and trophic structure of a polyculture pond containing Litopenaeus vannamei and Tegillarca granosa using an Ecopath with Ecosim model. The findings revealed the need for improvement in energy consumption in this polyculture ecosystem. However, the compatibility between L. vannamei and T. granosa was high.
AQUACULTURE REPORTS
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Rui Albuquerque, Antonio Bode, Juan Ignacio Gonzalez-Gordillo, Carlos M. Duarte, Henrique Queiroga
Summary: Marine neuston, a group of zooplankton that live near the ocean surface, is one of the least studied zooplankton groups. This study characterized the neustonic communities across different oceanic provinces and found that the differences in stable isotopes are related to environmental characteristics. The trophic structure of neuston communities is generally consistent across different regions, but the size and overlap of trophic niches may vary depending on food availability.
FRONTIERS IN MARINE SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Carla Kruk, Ana Martinez, Gabriela Martinez de la Escalera, Romina Trinchin, Gaston Manta, Angel M. Segura, Claudia Piccini, Beatriz Brena, Beatriz Yannicelli, Graciela Fabiano, Danilo Calliari
Summary: This study analyzes the evolution of an exceptional cyanobacterial bloom in the Rio de la Plata basin and the Atlantic coast during the summer of 2019, revealing its mechanisms and sources. The bloom covered a vast area for 4 months and was caused by the Microcystis aeruginosa complex. Future climate projections indicate a potential increase in such events.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2021)
Review
Engineering, Marine
Leticia Burone, Paula Franco-Fraguas, Alvar Carranza, Danilo Calliari, Michel Michaelovitch de Mahiques, Monica Gomez, Yamandu Marin, Ofelia Gutierrez, Leonardo Ortega
Summary: The Uruguayan continental margin is located in a critical transitional region of the Southwestern Atlantic margin, making it an ideal natural laboratory for oceanographic research. This study provides a conceptual control model of the physical drivers and main oceanographic processes along the UCM, highlighting the complex biophysical setting and potential for further empirical testing and improvement.
JOURNAL OF MARINE SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Jan M. Tapia-Guerra, Ariadna Mecho, Erin E. Easton, Maria de los Angeles Gallardo, Matthias Gorny, Javier Sellanes
Summary: This article discusses the seamounts and oceanic islands of the Chilean Exclusive Economic Zone, highlighting the unique biodiversity of the area and the establishment of the Nazca-Desventuradas Marine Park. Detailed descriptions of benthic habitats and associated fauna are provided, offering valuable insights into the ecological environment of the region. The study's results present an expanded and updated baseline for understanding the benthic biodiversity of the NDMP habitats, which appear to be pristine and free of anthropogenic debris.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2021)
Article
Marine & Freshwater Biology
German Zapata-Hernandez, Ivan A. Hinojosa, Javier Sellanes, Rodrigo S. Rios, Yves Letourneur
Summary: The study found that nocturnal motile benthic invertebrates (MBI) had higher density and biomass than daytime, and were mainly detritivores. Nocturnal MBI were more trophically redundant, therefore high biodiversity at night did not necessarily increase trophic diversity. There were significant diel changes in the structure and trophic groups of MBI at Rapa Nui coral reefs.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Ariadna Mecho, Javier Sellanes, Jacopo Aguzzi
Summary: This study describes and quantifies litter from the seafloor of oceanic islands in the southeastern Pacific Ocean, noting a strong association with local artisanal fishing activity. The findings provide baseline information for local communities to improve management practices by understanding the potential sources of seafloor litter.
MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Javier Sellanes, Matthias Gorny, German Zapata-Hernandez, Gonzalo Alvarez, Praxedes Munoz, Fadia Tala
Summary: The study revealed extensive fields of filamentous cyanobacteria-like mats covering sandy substrates in mesophotic and deeper habitats around Rapa Nui. Dead mesophotic Leptoseris spp. reefs were observed, with the highest coral mortality found at depths between 70 and 95 m. Healthy Leptoseris reefs were documented off the less populated northern and southeastern sides of the island.
Article
Marine & Freshwater Biology
Irene Machado, Lorena Rodriguez-Gallego, Carolina Lescano, Danilo Calliari
Summary: This study evaluated the connectivity between an intermittently closed-open lagoon and adjacent coastal waters and its influence on ichthyoplankton assemblages, revealing differences in environmental conditions and ichthyoplankton communities as well as various mechanisms of exchange. Environmental factors and species-specific traits played a role in determining ichthyoplankton exchange vs. retention, highlighting the importance of processes like overwashing and wind patterns.
ESTUARINE COASTAL AND SHELF SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Fisheries
Rodolfo Vogler, Javier Sellanes, Matthias Gorny, Andres C. Milessi
Summary: The conservation of threatened sharks requires understanding their occurrence and key habitats. A bluntnose sixgill shark was sighted off Rapa Nui for the first time, emphasizing the need for protective measures to safeguard vulnerable apex predators in the recently established Rapa Nui Marine Protected Area.
LATIN AMERICAN JOURNAL OF AQUATIC RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
German Zapata-Hernandez, Javier Sellanes, Praxedes Munoz
Summary: This study uses stable isotope analysis to reveal the absorption and transfer process of land-based diffuse sources by intertidal communities in Rapa Nui. The populations in inhabited areas show significant N-15 enrichment, as well as higher trophic diversity and structural changes.
MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Danilo Calliari, Carolina Lescano, Laura Rodriguez-Grana
Summary: This study assessed water quality in a low order stream and found that flow rate has an impact on various biogeochemical variables. This highlights the importance of considering flow rate when evaluating water quality in running systems.
ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING AND ASSESSMENT
(2022)
Review
Biodiversity Conservation
Anna Maria Addamo, Javier Sellanes, Vreni Haussermann, Gunter Forsterra, Annie Machordom
Summary: This review investigates the richness and distribution of coral species in Chilean coastal and marine waters. The study reveals significant knowledge gaps in understanding coral biodiversity in Chile, especially in regards to deep-sea benthic biodiversity. Previous research has primarily focused on coastal and shallow-water habitats, neglecting the exploration of continental slope, oceanic islands, and seamounts. The results show higher coral species richness in the Magellanic Province and discontinuous temporal occurrence records.
MARINE BIODIVERSITY
(2022)
Article
Marine & Freshwater Biology
Laura Rodriguez-Grana, Danilo Calliari, Guillermo Cervetto
Summary: This study investigated the feeding pattern and changes in the feeding ecology of Brazilian menhaden (Brevortia aurea) larvae during a reproductive season in the Rio de la Plata estuary. Stomach content analysis revealed that feeding incidence increased with larval development stages, while prey diversity and overlap decreased. The primary prey consumed were copepods, particularly Acartia tonsa. The study also established morphometric relationships between body length and mouth width, as well as between mouth width and prey size.
OCEAN AND COASTAL RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Ecology
Javier H. Signorelli, Javier Sellanes, Cynthia M. Asorey
Summary: New material collected from a methane seep site off central Chile revealed the presence of the genus Adipicola in the SE Pacific. This discovery represents the first record of an extant Bathymodiolinae mussel off central Chile, contributing to the knowledge of deep-water bivalve biodiversity in Chilean waters.
MARINE BIOLOGY RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Zoology
Christian M. Ibanez, M. Cecilia Pardo-Gandarillas, Marco A. Mendez, Javier Sellanes, Julia D. Sigwart, Boris Sirenko
Summary: This study compares and describes Chiton species in the south-eastern Pacific Ocean, revealing a polyphyletic group in the SEP. The research confirms the presence of five valid species in the region and designates lectotypes for C. cumingsii and neotypes for C. granosus.
ZOOLOGICAL JOURNAL OF THE LINNEAN SOCIETY
(2021)
Review
Environmental Studies
Daniel Wagner, Liesbeth van der Meer, Matthias Gorny, Javier Sellanes, Carlos F. Gaymer, Eulogio H. Soto, Erin E. Easton, Alan M. Friedlander, Dhugal J. Lindsay, Tina N. Molodtsova, Ben Boteler, Carole Durussel, Kristina M. Gjerde, Duncan Currie, Matthew Gianni, Cassandra M. Brooks, Marianne J. Shiple, T. Aulani Wilhelm, Marco Quesada, Tamara Thomas, Piers K. Dunstan, Nichola A. Clark, Luis A. Villanueva, Richard L. Pyle, Malcolm R. Clark, Samuel E. Georgian, Lance E. Morgan
Summary: The Salas y Gómez and Nazca ridges are two seamount chains in the southeastern Pacific, known for their unique biodiversity and high levels of marine endemism, serving as important habitats and ecological stepping stones.
Article
Ecology
Florian Lecorvaisier, Dominique Pontier, Benoit Soubeyrand, David Fouchet
Summary: Research has found that the use of vaccines that do not entirely block pathogen transmission may lead to the evolution of more virulent strains. High vaccine coverage favors the emergence and prevalence of avirulent strains, and competition between strains is crucial for the eradication of toxigenic strains when these vaccines are used.
ECOLOGICAL MODELLING
(2024)
Article
Ecology
Monica E. Barros, Ana Arriagada, Hugo Arancibia, Sergio Neira
Summary: The stock biomass of carrot prawn in the south-central area of Chile has decreased in the past 12 years, mainly due to fishing mortality. Predation mortality has been less studied and quantified, so it is important to estimate and compare predation and fishing mortality to understand their effects on fishing stocks. A food web model was built to analyze the biomass changes and evaluate the relative contribution of different mortality factors. The results showed that predation mortality was the main component of total mortality for carrot prawns and yellow prawns.
ECOLOGICAL MODELLING
(2024)
Article
Ecology
Shubham Krishna, Victoria Peterson, Luisa Listmann, Jana Hinners
Summary: This study incorporated viral dynamics into an ecosystem model to investigate the effects of viruses on ecosystem dynamics under current and future climatic conditions. The results showed that the presence of viruses increased nutrient retention in the upper water column, leading to a reduction in phytoplankton biomass and transfer of biomass to higher trophic levels.
ECOLOGICAL MODELLING
(2024)
Article
Ecology
Zahra Dehghan Manshadi, Parastoo Parivar, Ahad Sotoudeh, Ali Morovati Sharifabadi
Summary: This study demonstrates the importance of strategies such as limiting built-up areas, preserving green spaces, and protecting water resources on the urban carrying capacity in arid and semi-arid regions. Implementing a combination of policies aimed at enhancing urban green spaces and regulating water demand is found to be the most effective in terms of health and urban carrying capacity.
ECOLOGICAL MODELLING
(2024)
Article
Ecology
Shay S. Keretz, Daelyn A. Woolnough, Todd J. Morris, Edward F. Roseman, David T. Zanatta
Summary: This study surveyed native freshwater mussels in the St. Clair-Detroit River system and found 14 live unionids representing 9 species. However, the model used to predict their presence in the main channels was not successful. The study also revealed characteristic differences between the St. Clair and Detroit Rivers.
ECOLOGICAL MODELLING
(2024)
Article
Ecology
Zhengrong Zhang, Xuemei Li, Xinyu Liu, Kaixin Zhao
Summary: This study examines land use change in the Chinese Tianshan mountainous region using system dynamics and patch-generating land use simulation models. The results show an expansion in forest and construction land, a decline in grassland area, and an increase in cultivated land area from 2005 to 2020. By 2040, unused land, grassland, and water are expected to decrease while other land types increase, with construction land showing the most significant increase. The study provides insights for future ecological and environmental management in the region.
ECOLOGICAL MODELLING
(2024)
Article
Ecology
Amira Khelifa, Nadjia El Saadi
Summary: This paper develops an agent-based model to study malaria disease transmission, taking into account the interactions between hosts, vectors, and aquatic habitats, as well as their geographical locations. The simulation results highlight the significant role of aquatic habitats in infection transmission and disease persistence, and demonstrate the effectiveness of eliminating these habitats in limiting disease transmission.
ECOLOGICAL MODELLING
(2024)
Article
Ecology
Guillaume Peron
Summary: The theory for movement-based coexistence between species often overlooks small-scale, station-keeping movements. However, at this scale, there are many instances where positive correlations exist between species traits that are expected to be negatively correlated based on current theory. Through simulations, the researcher presents a counter-example to demonstrate that functional tradeoffs are not a necessary condition for movement-based coexistence. This study highlights the significance of species-specific space use patterns under the time allocation tradeoff hypothesis.
ECOLOGICAL MODELLING
(2024)
Article
Ecology
Sandra Y. Mendiola, Nicole M. Gerardo, David J. Civitello
Summary: Research on the use of insect microbial symbionts as a means of controlling the spread of insect vectors and the pathogens they carry has made significant progress in the last decade. This study focused on the relative importance of simultaneous effects caused by a symbiont called Caballeronia spp. on the ability of squash bugs to transmit phytopathogenic Serratia marcescens. The researchers found that infection with Caballeronia significantly reduced pathogen titers and cleared S. marcescens in bugs, thus reducing the vectoring potential of these pests. The study also showed that maximizing symbiont prevalence in the vector population is crucial for effectively mitigating plant infections.
ECOLOGICAL MODELLING
(2024)
Article
Ecology
Shirui Hao, Dongryeol Ryu, Andrew W. Western, Eileen Perry, Heye Bogena, Harrie Jan Hendricks Franssen
Summary: This study investigates the sensitivity of model yield prediction to uncertainties in model parameters and inputs using the Sobol' method. The results show that yield is more sensitive to changes in water availability and nitrogen availability, depending on soil, management, and weather conditions.
ECOLOGICAL MODELLING
(2024)
Article
Ecology
Nitika Mundetia, Devesh Sharma, Aditya Sharma
Summary: This study focused on assessing groundwater sustainability using different modeling approaches in a river basin in Rajasthan, India. The results showed a decrease in future groundwater recharge and emphasized the need for better management and conservation practices to achieve sustainable development goals.
ECOLOGICAL MODELLING
(2024)
Article
Ecology
Sukdev Biswas, Sk Golam Mortoja, Ritesh Kumar Bera, Sabyasachi Bhattacharya
Summary: Bacteria play a crucial role in regulating the nutrient cycle of ecosystems, and maintaining a thriving bacterial population is essential for the sustainability of these environments. This study introduces the concept of cooperation as a group defense mechanism employed by bacteria and incorporates it into the functional response, offering a more comprehensive understanding of the complex tritrophic food chain dynamics. The results highlight the importance of a balance between strong group defense and moderate cooperation for bacteria sustainability and overall system stability.
ECOLOGICAL MODELLING
(2024)
Article
Ecology
D. Z. M. Le Gouvello, S. Heye, L. R. Harris, J. Temple-Boyer, P. Gaspar, M. G. Hart-Davis, C. Louro, R. Nel
Summary: This study modeled the dispersal pathways and compared potential dispersal corridors of different sea turtle species in the Western Indian Ocean. The results showed that ocean currents play a major role in driving dispersal, with species and years exhibiting differences in dispersal patterns. Active swimming had little influence on dispersal during the first year.
ECOLOGICAL MODELLING
(2024)
Review
Ecology
Yingying Duan, Haina Rong, Gexiang Zhang, Sergey Gorbachev, Dunwu Qi, Luis Valencia-Cabrera, Mario J. Perez-Jimenez
Summary: Computing models are an effective way to study population dynamics of endangered species like giant pandas. This paper proposes a unified framework and conducts a comprehensive survey of computing models for giant panda ecosystems. Multi-factor computing models are more suitable for studying giant panda ecosystems.
ECOLOGICAL MODELLING
(2024)
Article
Ecology
Samantha Lai, Theophilus Zhi En Teo, Arief Rullyanto, Jeffery Low, Karenne Tun, Peter A. Todd, Siti Maryam Yaakub
Summary: Understanding the exchange of genetic material among populations in the marine environment is crucial for conservation efforts. Agent-based models are increasingly used to predict dispersal pathways, including for seagrasses. This study highlights the importance of considering both sexual propagules and asexual vegetative fragments when evaluating seagrass connectivity.
ECOLOGICAL MODELLING
(2024)