Article
Ecology
Sakshi Saraf, Ranjeet John, Reza Goljani Amirkhiz, Venkatesh Kolluru, Khushboo Jain, Matthew Rigge, Vincenzo Giannico, Stephen Boyte, Jiquan Chen, Geoffrey Henebry, Meghann Jarchow, Raffaele Lafortezza
Summary: By training machine learning models, the study found that yellow sweetclover is spatially concentrated in western South Dakota, mainly in counties such as Butte, Pennington, and Corson, as well as floodplain areas around White River, Bad River, and Badlands National Park. These prediction maps can assist land managers in devising management strategies against yellow sweetclover outbreaks and can serve as a prototype for mapping other invasive plant species in similar regions.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Pedro M. Felix, Ana Pombo, Francisco Azevedo e Silva, Tomas Simoes, Tiago A. Marques, Ricardo Melo, Cristina Rocha, Joao Sousa, Eliana Venancio, Jose L. Costa, Ana C. Brito
Summary: This study aims to determine the temporal and spatial patterns of distribution of H. mammata in the NE-Atlantic area, SW Portugal, and to determine the species' habitat preferences according to environmental conditions. The research found that abiotic and biotic parameters of the water column are not the main drivers shaping the distribution of H. mammata, which prefers environmental stability, the presence of shelter, and habitat complexity.
FRONTIERS IN MARINE SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Jialiang Sun, Xueyu Zhang, Xinjing Qiu, Xinyu Zhu, Tao Zhang, Jixin Yang, Xu Zhang, Yan Lv, Huihui Wang
Summary: This study aimed to investigate the feasibility of using hyperspectral data to predict moisture content and visualize moisture distribution during drying processes. By establishing regression coefficients and two-dimensional correlation spectroscopy models, the optimal model for moisture content prediction was determined. The visualization maps generated by the model revealed the optimal drying process.
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Alice Monnier-Corbel, Alexandre Robert, Yves Hingrat, Blas M. Benito, Anne-Christine Monnet
Summary: Habitat Suitability Index (HSI) derived from Species Distribution Model (SDM) has been used to infer or predict local demographic properties such as abundance for many species. However, the relationship between HSI and abundance has been a topic of debate, with some studies showing a lack of correlation. To better understand this relationship, we studied the temporal variation of HSI and abundance using data from a 10-year monitoring of a Houbara bustard population in Morocco. Our results showed a triangular relationship between local abundance and HSI, with the upper limit of abundance increasing with HSI. Additionally, sites with the highest HSI had the least variation in abundance. These findings provide empirical evidence supporting the importance of investigating the relationship between HSI and abundance using temporal variation.
GLOBAL ECOLOGY AND CONSERVATION
(2023)
Article
Plant Sciences
Longfei Guo, Yu Gao, Ping He, Yuan He, Fanyun Meng
Summary: Through simulation and prediction, it was found that the Northwest China is the main suitable growth area for three ephedra plants (Ephedra sinica, Ephedra intermedia, Ephedra equisetina), and climate and topographic factors have significant influence on their distribution.
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Friederike Gebert, Kurt Bollmann, Nele Schuwirth, Peter Duelli, Dominique Weber, Martin K. Obrist
Summary: While some studies indicate a decline in insect diversity, others show stable, fluctuating, or increasing trends. To comprehensively understand insect trends and their impact on ecosystem functioning, it is important to assess insect richness, abundance, and biomass, and report trends for multiple taxa. This study analyzed data from 42 sites in Switzerland from 2000 to 2007, and found stable or increasing trends for insect richness, abundance, and biomass over an 8-year period. Habitat types were the most significant predictor for temporal patterns, followed by climate- and vegetation-related factors.
INSECT CONSERVATION AND DIVERSITY
(2023)
Article
Geosciences, Multidisciplinary
Lingshi Yin, Xiaofeng Wen, Danlian Huang, Zhenyu Zhou, Ruihao Xiao, Li Du, Hongyu Su, Kanglong Wang, Quyang Tian, Zhousha Tang, Lan Gao
Summary: This study investigates the characteristics of microplastic pollution in the sediments of the Xiangjiang River, China. The results show that the microplastic abundance is significantly higher in the lower reach of the river compared to the upper and middle reaches. Different types of microplastics exhibit different distribution characteristics, and hydrodynamic conditions play an important role in their distribution.
Article
Entomology
Melissa H. DeSiervo, Rebecca A. Finger-Higgens, Matthew P. Ayres, Ross A. Virginia, Lauren E. Culler
Summary: Organisms that undergo a shift in ontogeny and habitat type often change their spatial distribution throughout their life cycle. This study examined the spatial and temporal patterns of abundance in Aedes nigripes, a widespread Arctic mosquito species, and found that the spatial distribution of adults is closely tied to aquatic habitat and influenced by weather conditions. Gravid females showed patchy distribution on the landscape, not always in the same places as most adults emerged.
ECOLOGICAL ENTOMOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Forestry
Ge Yan, Guangfu Zhang
Summary: Climate change poses a serious threat to the endangered tree Parrotia subaequalis in China. The actual distribution area of this tree is smaller than the projected suitable range and mainly concentrated in eastern China. Different populations of this tree respond differently to future climate change, with the population in the Dabie Mountain Area showing insignificant changes, while the population in the Tianmu Mountain Area slightly increases and migrates northeast. The habitats of both populations become more fragmented in all future climate scenarios.
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Dionisio Virgilio Roque, Thomas Goettert, Valerio Antonio Macandza, Ulrich Zeller
Summary: This study conducted a systematic assessment of large herbivore communities in Limpopo National Park in Mozambique, finding that species richness decreased with distance of resettlement, and relative abundance index was linked with habitat features. The response patterns of herbivores suggest that the park is already in an intermediate stage of restoration.
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Vincent Jung, Lois Morel, Sebastien Bonthoux, Simon Chollet
Summary: The study introduces a new index (VCS) to assess the conservation status of plant communities, which proves to be the most effective in evaluating vegetation conservation status when compared against qualitative assessments by experts. The use of habitat-specific species pools to distinguish between typical and non-typical species, as well as the consideration of species abundances, are critical for an accurate assessment of the vegetation conservation status.
ECOLOGICAL INDICATORS
(2021)
Article
Ecology
Elena Razenkova, Maxim Dubinin, Anna M. M. Pidgeon, Martina L. L. Hobi, Likai Zhu, Eugenia V. V. Bragina, Andrew M. M. Allen, Murray K. K. Clayton, Leonid M. M. Baskin, Nicholas C. C. Coops, Volker C. C. Radeloff
Summary: This study aims to explain the population abundances of mammal species in Russia based on their response to remotely sensed indices such as the Dynamic Habitat Indices (DHIs) and the Winter Habitat Indices (WHIs), as well as other factors like elevation, climate conditions, and human footprint index. The results show that both DHIs and WHIs have important influences on the population density of the studied species, with DHIs being particularly important for moose, wild boar, red fox, and wolf.
JOURNAL OF BIOGEOGRAPHY
(2023)
Article
Limnology
Alice F. Besterman, Karen J. McGlathery, Matthew A. Reidenbach, Patricia L. Wiberg, Michael L. Pace
Summary: The abundance of macroalgae is influenced by factors such as topography, wave exposure, and water residence time. Developing a new topographic index can help accurately predict the distribution of macroalgae. Models indicate that the topographic index, along with its interaction with water residence time, is the most significant factor affecting macroalgal abundance.
LIMNOLOGY AND OCEANOGRAPHY
(2021)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Calum X. Cunningham, George L. W. Perry, David M. J. S. Bowman, David M. Forsyth, Michael M. Driessen, Matt Appleby, Barry W. Brook, Greg Hocking, Jessie C. Buettel, Ben J. French, Rowena Hamer, Sally L. Bryant, Matt Taylor, Riana Gardiner, Kirstin Proft, Vincent P. Scoleri, Antje Chiu-Werner, Toby Travers, Liam Thompson, Tom Guy, Christopher N. Johnson
Summary: The fallow deer population in Tasmania, Australia has remained at low abundance for over a century, but recent indications suggest an increase in both their numbers and distribution. Using spotlight counts from 1985 to 2019, the study shows that fallow deer numbers have increased by 11.5% annually, resulting in a 40-fold increase over this period. The core distribution of the species has also expanded 2.9-fold, covering approximately 27% of Tasmania's land area. Satellite populations have been established in areas where farmed deer have escaped or been released, indicating human facilitation of range expansion. Climate and habitat suitability models predict that 56% of Tasmania is suitable for fallow deer, suggesting that range expansion is likely to continue unless actively managed.
BIOLOGICAL INVASIONS
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Xianheng Ouyang, Jiangling Pan, Zhitao Wu, Anliang Chen
Summary: By analyzing 166 distribution records and 11 climate and terrain variables, this study predicted the potential distribution of Campsis grandiflora under climate change and identified the dominant climate variables affecting its geographical distribution, which are temperature, precipitation, and altitude. The results showed that under future climate change scenarios, suitable habitat will increase and unsuitable habitat will decrease.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Fisheries
Sean R. Tracey, Jeremy M. Lyle, Kate E. Stark, Scott Gray, Anthony Moore, Samantha Twiname, Simon Wotherspoon
Summary: Southern Bluefin Tuna is managed internationally by CCSBT, with a national assessment of the recreational fishery conducted across five state jurisdictions in Australia. The recreational sector has been allocated 5% of the CCSBT quota, marking the first official recognition of recreational fishing in an Australian Commonwealth managed fishery.
FISHERIES MANAGEMENT AND ECOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Fisheries
Karina L. Ryan, Jenny Shaw, Sean R. Tracey, Jeremy M. Lyle
Summary: Shifts in marine species distributions associated with climate change occur across large spatial areas and long time periods. Marine recreational fishing occurs in most countries with many participants interacting regularly with the environment, yet there have been few studies on the views of recreational fishers towards climate change. This study provides a baseline to assist in informing policy changes that might be required to address the impacts of climate change.
ICES JOURNAL OF MARINE SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Holly J. Niner, Noel C. Barut, Tom Baum, Daniela Diz, Daniela Lainez del Pozo, Stuart Laing, Alana Malinde S. N. Lancaster, Kirsty A. McQuaid, Tania Mendo, Elisa Morgera, Payal N. Maharaj, Ifesinachi Okafor-Yarwood, Kelly Ortega-Cisneros, Tapiwa Warikandwa, Sian Rees
Summary: This article analyzes the relationship between blue economy policies and sustainable development goals, highlighting the importance of developing place-based blue economies that meet the needs of all actors.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & POLICY
(2022)
Article
Fisheries
T. Mendo, J. Mendo, J. M. Ransijn, I Gomez, P. Gil-Kodaka, J. Fernandez, R. Delgado, A. Travezano, R. Arroyo, K. Loza, P. McCann, S. Crowe, E. L. Jones, M. A. James
Summary: Approximately one-third of marine fish worldwide are caught in Small-Scale Fisheries (SSF), which are important for food security and livelihoods. While individual SSF vessels may have limited impact on the ecosystem, the cumulative impact of gear type and number of vessels can be significant. Bottom trawling, a common fishing method, can have negative effects on the marine ecosystem. However, collecting data from SSF using on-board observer programs is rare. A study in northern Peru used a mobile App to assess self-reporting by fishers as a reliable method to collect fine-scale information on fishing effort and discards. The study found high agreement between fisher and observer maps, suggesting that self-reporting via an App can be a useful approach for data collection and monitoring of SSF.
REVIEWS IN FISH BIOLOGY AND FISHERIES
(2022)
Article
Fisheries
Keno Ferter, Hakon Ottera, Mary Christman, Alf Ring Kleiven, Marc Simon Weltersbach, Sofie Gundersen, Christine Djonne, Otte Bjelland, Bruce Hartill, Jeremy Lyle, Kieran Hyder, Trude Borch, Jon Helge Volstad
Summary: Marine recreational fishing in Norway faces challenges in estimating catches due to its long coastline and large tourist fishery. This study conducted surveys to monitor recreational anglers, estimate their catches, and evaluate the fishery in Troms and Hordaland County. The results showed differences in catches between the two regions and revealed that recreational anglers in Hordaland harvest more cod in coastal waters than commercial fishers. This study provides valuable information for developing monitoring methods and supporting science-based fisheries management.
ICES JOURNAL OF MARINE SCIENCE
(2023)
Review
Fisheries
J. Robert Britton, Adrian C. Pinder, Josep Alos, Robert Arlinghaus, Andy J. Danylchuk, Wendy Edwards, Katia M. F. Freire, Casper Gundelund, Kieran Hyder, Ivan Jaric, Robert Lennox, Wolf-Christian Lewin, Abigail J. Lynch, Stephen R. Midway, Warren M. Potts, Karina L. Ryan, Christian Skov, Harry V. Strehlow, Sean R. Tracey, Jun-ichi Tsuboi, Paul A. Venturelli, Jessica L. Weir, Marc Simon Weltersbach, Steven J. Cooke
Summary: The global COVID-19 pandemic led to restrictions on people's movements in many jurisdictions, affecting recreational angling. After the restrictions were lifted, initial surveys suggested increased participation and altered angler demographics, but evidence remained limited. This study examines changes in angling interest, licence sales, and angling effort in different regions during the 'pre-pandemic,' 'acute pandemic,' and 'COVID-acclimated' periods. It suggests that efforts to retain younger anglers and provide more urban angling opportunities could increase overall participation levels and enhance resilience in recreational fisheries.
REVIEWS IN FISH BIOLOGY AND FISHERIES
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Patricia Peinado, Quinn P. Fitzgibbon, Jayson M. Semmens, Sean Tracey, Gretta T. Pecl
Summary: Predator-prey interactions are crucial for community structures and can have significant impacts on ecosystems. Squid are both voracious predators and important prey for other top predators. Current research indicates that warming ocean temperatures can modify the behavior of ectotherms, but little is known about how temperature affects cephalopod predatory behavior.
FRONTIERS IN MARINE SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Marta M. Rufino, Tania Mendo, Joao Samarao, Miguel B. Gaspar
Summary: Small-scale fisheries (SSF) represent a significant portion of the global and EU fleet. Mapping fishing operations is crucial for spatial planning and sustainability. Using high resolution data, we developed a procedure to categorize fishing boat behavior and evaluate the effectiveness of different classification methods.
ECOLOGICAL INDICATORS
(2023)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
T. Mendo, G. Glemarec, J. Mendo, E. Hjorleifsson, S. Smout, S. Northridge, J. Rodriguez, A. Mujal-Colilles, M. James
Summary: With increasing competition for marine space, it is important to develop appropriate indicators to represent the use and value derived from marine areas. Fishers, the largest group of users, are often not adequately considered in marine spatial planning. Highly-resolved vessel tracking data can provide detailed information on fishing activities. While most effort mapping methods focus on active gears in large scale fisheries, our study shows that spatial indicators outperform time-at-sea as an indicator of fishing effort in small-scale fisheries using passive gears. This research has important implications for fisheries management, as passive gears account for a significant portion of global catches.
ECOLOGICAL INDICATORS
(2023)
Article
Fisheries
Ashley M. Fowler, Natalie A. Dowling, Jeremy M. Lyle, Josep Alos, Leif E. Anderson, Steven J. Cooke, Andy J. Danylchuk, Keno Ferter, Heath Folpp, Clifford Hutt, Kieran Hyder, Daniel K. Lew, Michael B. Lowry, Tim P. Lynch, Nicholas Meadows, Estanis Mugerza, Kjell Nedreaas, Domingos Garrone-Neto, Faith A. Ochwada-Doyle, Warren Potts, David Records, Scott Steinback, Harry V. Strehlow, Sean R. Tracey, Michael D. Travis, Jun-ichi Tsuboi, Jon Helge Volstad, Rowan C. Chick
Summary: Recreational fishing is undervalued and poorly integrated into the management of multi-sector fisheries, leading to marginalization of recreational fishers and hindering fisheries sustainability. A study on marine fisheries harvest strategies in 11 nations reveals a gap in inclusion of recreational fishing compared to the commercial sector. The lack of explicit objectives, data collection, performance indicators, and management controls in harvest strategies for recreational fishing reduces its effectiveness in achieving sustainability goals.
FISH AND FISHERIES
(2023)
Article
Fisheries
Sean R. Tracey, Julian Pepperell, Barrett Wolfe
Summary: Swordfish are economically important fish that were traditionally difficult for recreational anglers to catch due to their migration patterns. However, the development of deep-dropping fishing methods has made it easier to access swordfish. A recent study in Australia found that the survival rate of swordfish caught by deep-dropping was relatively low, indicating that catch-and-release angling may not be appropriate.
FISHERIES RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Sean R. Tracey, Barrett W. Wolfe, Klaas Hartmann, Julian Pepperell, Sam M. Williams
Summary: This study characterizes the movements of swordfish caught in a recreational fishery off southeast Australia using pop-up satellite archival transmitting tags. The results show that swordfish in high latitudes tend to be large adults and their movements have implications for population dynamics and fisheries management. Some swordfish displayed site fidelity by returning to their release location after the spawning season. The findings highlight the importance of studying highly migratory fishes near distribution limits for understanding movement patterns within populations.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2023)
Review
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Felicity Spoors, Mark A. James, Tania Mendo, J. Chris McKnight, Eva-Maria S. Bonnelycke, Nicola Khan
Summary: The recent classification of decapods as sentient beings in UK policy highlights the need for humane methods in live transportation and slaughter. The use of anaesthetics, particularly clove oil and its derivatives, offers a promising solution for improving welfare standards in the shellfish industry and research. Further investigations should confirm their suitability and ensure humane solutions are in place when the legislation changes.
FRONTIERS IN ANIMAL SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Environmental Studies
M. A. James, R. Gozzer-Wuest, T. Mendo, I. Gomez, J. Grillo-Nunez, J. Mendo
Summary: This article provides a characterization of the socio-economic contribution of an artisanal shrimp trawl fishery operating illegally in northern Peru. The study estimates an annual gross income of U$D 4.8 million and 315 direct jobs generated by this fleet sector. The article also discusses recommendations for improving the sustainability of the fishery and possible mitigations.
