Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Hyung-Bae Jeon, Ha Youn Song, Ho Young Suk, In-Chul Bang
Summary: This study aimed to reconstruct the speciation process and phylogenetic dispersal of the endemic Korean freshwater fish species Coreoleuciscus. Through analysis of mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidate subunit I, the study found that the species originated from independent colonization in ancestral populations during the Late Plio-Pleistocene. Evidence was also provided for the species' origin in the Eastern Eurasian continent and subsequent dispersal into East Asia. The study highlighted the importance of genetic diversity in large drainage populations for the conservation and management of Coreoleuciscus.
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Gong Fan, Guoxing Yin, Anirban Sarker, Chenhong Li
Summary: The Indo-Pacific Barrier (IPB) is an important factor in the divergence of Pampus chinensis and P. cinereus populations. The IPB has divided the species into the Pacific and Indian Ocean lineages. The low sea level during the late Pleistocene is believed to be the main cause. The South China Sea is the center of origin for the genus Pampus, and dispersal routes are associated with ocean currents.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Diane L. Brinkman, Florita Flores, Heidi M. Luter, F. Mikaela Nordborg, Maxime Brooks, Thomas F. Parkerton, Andrew P. Negri
Summary: The risks posed by petroleum spills to coral reefs are not well understood. This study aims to quantify the toxicity thresholds of aromatic hydrocarbons to reef-building corals. The results show that Acropora millepora is more sensitive to aromatic hydrocarbons compared to other corals and aquatic taxa.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2023)
Article
Plant Sciences
Achyut Kumar Banerjee, Hui Feng, Yuting Lin, Zhuangwei Hou, Weixi Li, Huiyu Shao, Zida Luo, Wuxia Guo, Yelin Huang
Summary: This study identifies historical geoclimatic factors that have resulted in low genetic diversity and strong phylogeographic structure in a cryptoviviparous mangrove species. The findings suggest conservation actions and highlight the importance of phylogeographic studies for understanding genetic diversity and conservation implications.
Review
Zoology
William F. Smith-Vaniz
Summary: This updated review provides information on sixty species of jawfishes from the Indo-West Pacific, including descriptions of eighteen new species. Each species is accompanied by a species account, illustrations or color photographs, complete synonymies, examination of specimens, diagnosis, comparisons, etymology, and distribution maps. Range extensions are reported, and an identification key and frequency tables are provided. The taxonomic status of two species is discussed but remains unresolved without molecular data. Variations in geographic range are described for several species. The study highlights the need for further research on these jawfishes due to limited knowledge.
Article
Zoology
Liyuan Zhao, Watchara Sakornwimon, Wenzhi Lin, Peijun Zhang, Rachawadee Chantra, Yufei Dai, Reyilamu Aierken, Fuxing Wu, Songhai Li, Kongkiat Kittiwattanawong, Xianyan Wang
Summary: The Indo-Pacific humpback dolphin is currently recognized to occur in estuaries and shallow waters from the South China Sea to the Asian coast of the Indian Ocean, but a recent study suggests there may be a distinct species in the Bay of Bengal. The ancestral Indo-Pacific humpback dolphin likely split during the Oligocene to Miocene transition and dispersed along the Pacific and Indian Ocean coasts of Asia. Genetic differentiation exists among different populations, with humpback dolphins in the northern and southern South China Sea meeting the sub-species threshold value, while those in the Pacific and Indian Ocean exceeding the species threshold.
INTEGRATIVE ZOOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Ecology
Paige J. Maroni, Nerida G. Wilson
Summary: This study provides evidence of intraspecific genetic connectivity across the Antarctic Polar Front (APF) for the benthic sea slug species complex Doris kerguelenensis. The research highlights alternative refugia uses among species with the same life history traits and reveals extremely large distributions for certain species.
ECOLOGY AND EVOLUTION
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Nittya S. M. Simard, Thane A. Militz, Jeff Kinch, Paul C. Southgate
Summary: This study examines the diversity of marine taxa utilized within the shellcraft sector in Papua New Guinea. It reveals that at least 73 taxa, representing 77 species, are utilized within the sector, many of which were not previously acknowledged. The majority of the utilization is focused on mollusks, with a strong bias towards the species Chrysostoma paradoxum. However, there is significant variation in the taxa utilized among households engaged in shellcraft.
FRONTIERS IN MARINE SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Genetics & Heredity
Cyrill John P. Godinez, Peter June D. Dadios, Dinah M. Espina, Megumi Matsunaga, Masahide Nishibori
Summary: The Philippines is a hotspot for animal genetic resources, with Philippine chickens showing high haplotypic diversity across Southeast Asia and Oceania. Maternal lineage haplogroup D predominates within the population, with evidence suggesting a Philippine origin of Pacific chickens. Philippine chickens also exhibit low genetic differentiation and high gene flow into the Pacific chicken population, with signals of expansion and population growth in Southeast Asia.
FRONTIERS IN GENETICS
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Chia-Yun Joanne Li, Wen-Pei Tsai, R. R. M. K. P. Ranatunga, Munandar Samidon, Shang Yin Vanson Liu
Summary: This study investigated the genetic stock structure and effective population size of silky sharks in the Indo-Pacific region using microsatellite loci. A major genetic break was found between Aceh and other locations, and the Indian Ocean population displayed a slightly lower effective population size. The Aceh population may represent a small and endemic population.
Article
Genetics & Heredity
Syakirah Azmey, Hussein Taha, Gunanti Mahasri, Muhamad Amin, Ahasan Habib, Min Pau Tan, Takaomi Arai
Summary: This study identified the population structure and distribution characteristics of sea leeches in grouper aquaculture through morphological and genetic sequence analysis of collected sea leech samples, providing important information for monitoring and mitigating infections.
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Jie Cheng, Jiaguang Xiao, Na Song, Shilpi Saha, Jianguang Qin, Hirotaka Nomura, Sher Khan Panhwar, Noureen Farooq, Kwangtsao Shao, Tianxiang Gao
Summary: Research revealed the existence of more cryptic species within the Sillaginidae family in the Indo-West Pacific region, with swim bladder evolution corresponding with phylogeny. It is suggested to treat different Sillaginidae species as separate management units.
DIVERSITY AND DISTRIBUTIONS
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Shuai Zhang, Zhoufei Yu, Yue Wang, Xun Gong, Ann Holbourn, Fengming Chang, Heng Liu, Xuhua Cheng, Tiegang Li
Summary: This study explores the mechanism of the last deglacial global warming, highlighting the pivotal role of thermal coupling between the western Pacific warm pool and the Southern Ocean.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2022)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Rodolfo Martin-del-Campo, Christian D. Ortega-Ortiz, Alberto Abreu-Grobois, Luis M. Enriquez-Paredes, David Petatan-Ramirez, Alejandra Garcia-Gasca, Sonia I. Quijano-Scheggia
Summary: This study identified the haplotype composition of olive ridley turtles in Central Mexican Pacific waters using mtDNA control region sequencing. The results highlight the importance of genetic diversity in feeding and migration behavior of olive ridleys, as well as the role of ocean currents in sea turtle migration.
Article
Plant Sciences
Achyut Kumar Banerjee, Hui Feng, Wuxia Guo, Nathan E. Harms, Hongxian Xie, Xinru Liang, Fen Xing, Yuting Lin, Huiyu Shao, Zixiao Guo, Wei Lun Ng, Yelin Huang
Summary: In this study, the phylogeography of Derris trifoliata in the Indo-West Pacific region was investigated. The results revealed distinct clades and divergence in different oceanic regions, indicating population differentiation during the late Pleistocene. Genetic differentiation was influenced by barriers to gene flow, geographical distance, and current patterns of oceanic circulation. The fragmentation of D. trifoliata's once widespread distribution was attributed to changes in climatic suitability and biogeographic barriers during the Pleistocene.
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF BOTANY
(2022)
Article
Ecology
A. G. Grottoli, R. J. Toonen, R. van Woesik, R. Vega Thurber, M. E. Warner, R. H. McLachlan, J. T. Price, K. D. Bahr, I. B. Baums, K. D. Castillo, M. A. Coffroth, R. Cunning, K. L. Dobson, M. J. Donahue, J. L. Hench, R. Iglesias-Prieto, D. W. Kemp, C. D. Kenkel, D. Kline, I. B. Kuffner, J. L. Matthews, A. B. Mayfield, J. L. Padilla-Gamino, S. Palumbi, C. R. Voolstra, V. M. Weis, H. C. Wu
Summary: The importance of integrating diverse studies on coral bleaching to combat this global issue is highlighted. A common framework for coral bleaching experiments is proposed to enhance comparability among studies without stifling innovation. Transparency in methods used would strengthen comparisons and facilitate conservation strategies to mitigate coral bleaching worldwide.
ECOLOGICAL APPLICATIONS
(2021)
Article
Limnology
James T. Price, Rowan H. McLachlan, Christopher P. Jury, Robert J. Toonen, Andrea G. Grottoli
Summary: By using stable isotopes, researchers assessed the proportionate contribution of different nutrient sources to Hawaiian corals, finding variations in heterotrophic contributions among species and sites. Bayesian mixing models and isotopic niche overlap provided differing estimates, with implications that the usefulness of each approach may vary depending on factors such as coral health and region. These findings suggest a diverse range of trophic strategies in Hawaiian corals, with heterotrophic feeding not always leading to incorporation into tissues.
LIMNOLOGY AND OCEANOGRAPHY
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Melissa R. Price, Michael G. Hadfield, Ingrid S. S. Knapp, Robert J. Toonen, Zac H. Forsman
Summary: Phylogenomic studies of Hawaiian tree snails have shed light on their evolutionary relationships and provided insights for conservation efforts, as their populations continue to decline rapidly.
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Robert van Woesik, Tom Shlesinger, Andrea G. Grottoli, Rob J. Toonen, Rebecca Vega Thurber, Mark E. Warner, Ann Marie Hulver, Leila Chapron, Rowan H. McLachlan, Rebecca Albright, Eric Crandall, Thomas M. DeCarlo, Mary K. Donovan, Jose Eirin-Lopez, Hugo B. Harrison, Scott F. Heron, Danwei Huang, Adriana Humanes, Thomas Krueger, Joshua S. Madin, Derek Manzello, Lisa C. McManus, Mikhail Matz, Erinn M. Muller, Mauricio Rodriguez-Lanetty, Maria Vega-Rodriguez, Christian R. Voolstra, Jesse Zaneveld
Summary: The global impacts of climate change are evident in every marine ecosystem, particularly on coral reefs where mass coral bleaching and mortality are common responses. Linking information across scientific disciplines and scales is a major challenge, but adopting an integrative approach can advance coral-reef science and guide conservation efforts. Establishing networks of protected reefs across national boundaries may be the best chance for corals to persist through climate change.
GLOBAL CHANGE BIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Rowan H. McLachlan, James T. Price, Agusti Munoz-Garcia, Noah L. Weisleder, Stephen J. Levas, Christopher P. Jury, Robert J. Toonen, Andrea G. Grottoli
Summary: Climate change poses a major threat to coral reefs, but certain resilient corals and genotypes of sensitive species can persist and cope well under future ocean conditions, provided atmospheric carbon dioxide levels are controlled.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Christopher P. Jury, Brian M. Boeing, Henry Trapido-Rosenthal, Ruth D. Gates, Robert J. Toonen
Summary: This study reveals that increased production of nitric oxide by algal symbionts is a more important driver of coral bleaching under acute thermal stress, compared to symbiont dysfunction.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
E. Michael Henley, Jessica Bouwmeester, Christopher P. Jury, Robert J. Toonen, Mariko Quinn, Claire V. A. Lager, Mary Hagedorn
Summary: The drastic decline in coral coverage has led to an interest in reef restoration. This study examines the growth of two species of Hawaiian Montipora and investigates whether preconditioning aids in coral restoration efforts. The results show that preconditioning has little effect on coral growth and survival.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Ingrid S. S. Knapp, Zac H. Forsman, Austin Greene, Erika C. Johnston, Claire E. Bardin, Norton Chan, Chelsea Wolke, David Gulko, Robert J. Toonen
Summary: This study investigates the factors affecting the growth and survival of outplanted corals using pyramid and block assays. The results suggest that medium-sized fragments have the best growth and survival rate, and the location of outplanted corals also significantly influences their survival and growth.
Article
Ecology
Jonathan D. Cybulski, Christina Skinner, Zhongyue Wan, Carmen K. M. Wong, Robert J. Toonen, Michelle R. Gaither, Keryea Soong, Alex S. J. Wyatt, David M. Baker
Summary: Fish exhibit individual specialization in trophic strategies, but few studies have characterized this variation during trophic niche analysis, limiting our understanding of aquatic food web dynamics. This study used Stable Isotope Bayesian Ellipses in R (SIBER) to investigate the trophodynamics of reef fish species. The results showed significant variation in reef fish isotope compositions both within and among guilds, suggesting within-species specializations. Furthermore, the addition of delta S-34 helped to further characterize their isotopic niches and evaluate potential trophic strategies.
ECOLOGY AND EVOLUTION
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Rebecca Vega Thurber, Emily R. Schmeltzer, Andrea G. Grottoli, Robert van Woesik, Robert J. Toonen, Mark Warner, Kerri L. Dobson, Rowan H. McLachlan, Katie Barott, Daniel J. Barshis, Justin Baumann, Leila Chapron, David J. Combosch, Adrienne M. S. Correa, Thomas M. DeCarlo, Mary Hagedorn, Laetitia Hedouin, Kenneth Hoadley, Thomas Felis, Christine Ferrier-Pages, Carly Kenkel, Ilsa B. Kuffner, Jennifer Matthews, Monica Medina, Christopher Meyer, Corinna Oster, James Price, Hollie M. Putnam, Yvonne Sawall
Summary: Coral reefs worldwide are declining due to bleaching and thermal stress. To maximize the research potential of coral samples, aseptic techniques and appropriate methods are needed in the collection, preservation, and archiving process.
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Joshua M. Copus, Cameron A. J. Walsh, Mykle L. Hoban, Anne M. Lee, Richard L. Pyle, Randall K. Kosaki, Robert J. Toonen, Brian W. Bowen
Summary: This study examines the phylogeography of two mesophotic coral fish species and compares them to shallow-reef species. The results suggest that mesophotic coral ecosystems may be older and more stable than shallow coral ecosystems, contradicting previous beliefs. The genetic diversity and coalescence times of the mesophotic fish species are similar to their shallow-water counterparts.
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Eric D. Crandall, Rachel H. Toczydlowski, Libby Liggins, Ann E. Holmes, Maryam Ghoojaei, Michelle R. Gaither, Briana E. Wham, Andrea L. Pritt, Cory Noble, Tanner J. Anderson, Randi L. Barton, Justin T. Berg, Sofia G. Beskid, Alonso Delgado, Emily Farrell, Nan Himmelsbach, Samantha R. Queeno, Thienthanh Trinh, Courtney Weyand, Andrew Bentley, John Deck, Cynthia Riginos, Gideon S. Bradburd, Robert J. Toonen
Summary: Genetic diversity within species is important for species resilience and conservation policies, but most studies lack the necessary spatial and temporal metadata for reusability and acknowledging sovereignty. We conducted a datathon and found that metadata decayed over time, with successful restoration through papers and online repositories being more effective than contacting authors directly. The rapid decay of metadata availability should prompt updates to data-sharing policies and researcher practices.
CONSERVATION BIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Fisheries
Richard R. Coleman, Derek W. Kraft, Mykle L. Hoban, Robert J. Toonen, Brian W. Bowen
Summary: This study used genomic approaches to investigate the gap between spawning and settlement location of the Hawaiian convict tang, revealing that most dispersal occurs between the eastern and southern shores. This finding is significant for the conservation of marine fishes.
JOURNAL OF FISH BIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Ecology
Paolo Marra-Biggs, James Fatherree, Alison Green, Robert J. J. Toonen
Summary: Giant clams are ecologically important but their populations have declined due to past exploitation. The difficulty in identifying them accurately has affected population assessments. A recent study identified a new species of giant clams in the Samoan Archipelago, emphasizing the need for accurate assessments and management.
ECOLOGY AND EVOLUTION
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Paula M. de Coito, Arsalan Emami-Khoyi, Terry A. Hedderson, Robert J. Toonen, Peter R. Teske, George M. Branch
Summary: Seagrass habitats are declining globally, endangering seagrass-associated animals such as the Critically Endangered limpet Siphonaria compressa. This rare mollusk is found in only two separate lagoons in South Africa and relies on a specific seagrass species for survival. Genetic and morphological analysis revealed that the two populations are distinct subspecies and therefore translocation between them is not recommended as it may worsen the risk of extinction. Conservation measures for each population, such as seagrass bed protection and restoration, should be implemented instead.
AQUATIC CONSERVATION-MARINE AND FRESHWATER ECOSYSTEMS
(2023)