Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Kean Chong Lim, Amy Yee-Hui Then, Kar-Hoe Loh
Summary: This study revealed the feeding ecology and reproductive biology of four dominant small demersal shark species in Malaysian waters. It found that these species have overlapping dietary patterns but show resource partitioning based on prey type preference. The study also uncovered an ontogenetic diet shift and differences in reproductive strategies among the species. The findings highlight the importance of reducing fishing pressure for the long-term sustainability of these sharks.
Article
Fisheries
Cheston T. Peterson, R. Dean Grubbs
Summary: We conducted monthly fishery-independent sampling in the northeast Gulf of Mexico to explore the effects of abiotic variables on fish community structure. We found strong seasonality and cyclicity in assemblages captured by both gear types and suggested that temperature and photoperiod play important roles in the migration and residency patterns of dominant taxa. Rising temperatures due to climate change may have variable effects on residency patterns over ontogeny.
CANADIAN JOURNAL OF FISHERIES AND AQUATIC SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Nicholas M. Whitney, Karissa O. Lear, John J. Morris, Robert E. Hueter, John K. Carlson, Heather M. Marshall
Summary: Bycatch mortality is a significant factor in shark population decline, with post-release mortality particularly difficult to quantify accurately. Blood-stress physiology paired with animal-borne accelerometers helped determine mortality rates in various shark species caught in a commercial bottom longline fishery. Results showed differences in post-release mortality rates and blood physiology indicators among different shark species, with potential implications for conservation strategies.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Shagnika Das, Anissa Souissi, Baghdad Ouddane, Jiang-Shiou Hwang, Sami Souissi
Summary: This study investigates the effects of contaminants from different environmental compartments on the morphology and reproduction of the copepod Eurytemora affinis. The results show that dissolved exposures had the lowest survival rate in the first generation, while resuspended sediment exposures were more sensitive in the second generation. Different parameters were sensitive to different exposures at the individual level. The number of lipid droplets was positively correlated with trace metal bioaccumulation and negatively correlated with survival and clutch size. This study provides valuable markers for risk assessment and fish feed studies.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Physics, Multidisciplinary
Andrea Cirillo, Marco Caresana
Summary: This paper discusses the calibration of the W-PIE cosmic neutron spectrometer developed by Politecnico di Milano, including measurements in monoenergetic neutron fields at the PIAF facility of PTB, and explains the reason for the detector sensitivity to fast neutrons exceeding expectations.
EUROPEAN PHYSICAL JOURNAL PLUS
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Christopher D. H. Thompson, Jessica J. Meeuwig
Summary: This study reveals the scraping behavior of pelagic teleost species, which is likely used for parasite removal and can have a positive impact on the fitness and survival of the fish.
Article
Geography, Physical
E. Karymbalis, K. Tsanakas, A. Cundy, G. Iliopoulos, P. Papadopoulou, D. Protopappas, K. Gaki-Papanastassiou, D. Papanastassiou, D. -V. Batzakis, V. Kotinas, H. Maroukian
Summary: The present study investigates the palaeogeographic evolution of the coastal Lihoura plain in central-eastern Greece during the Late Holocene. Through core drilling, sediment analysis, and geomorphological mapping, the study reveals that the plain was inundated by seawater during the Mid-Holocene and later transformed into a protected lagoonal environment due to the development of a limestone peninsula. A recent high energy marine inundation event was also recorded in the northern part of the plain. The study estimates the average rates of sea-level rise during certain time periods.
QUATERNARY INTERNATIONAL
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Jorge Feliciano Ontiveros-Cuadras, Ana Carolina Ruiz-Fernandez, Libia Hascibe Perez-Bernal, Susana Santiago-Perez, Sarai Gonzalez Y Gonzalez, Enrique Avila, Jose Gilberto Cardoso-Mohedano, Joan-Albert Sanchez-Cabeza
Summary: Three Pb-210-dated sediment cores were used to assess the contamination level and flux ratios of potentially toxic elements (PTEs) in seagrass meadows from the northern margin of Terminos Lagoon in the southern Gulf of Mexico. The study revealed that salinization, grain size, and terrigenous inputs were major factors influencing the accumulation of PTEs. Historical trends of PTEs flux ratios were found to be correlated with land-use changes and the growth of the Mexican oil industry. The findings highlight the important role of seagrass meadows as sinks for PTEs and provide useful information for decision-makers in developing restoration projects.
MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN
(2022)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Xinxin Wang, Xiangming Xiao, Xi Zhang, Jihua Wu, Bo Li
Summary: Coastal wetlands are vulnerable to sea-level rise, extreme climate, and human activities, especially in large river deltas. This study quantified the changes in area and patch number of coastal wetlands in China's four major river deltas, and assessed the effects of driving factors. It was found that the Liaohe River Delta and Yellow River Delta experienced substantial losses, while the Yangtze River Delta showed recent recoveries. The Pearl River Delta had a relatively stable area trend but an increasing patch number trend. Protected areas were effective in halting the decreasing trends in coastal wetland areas, but were counteracted by invasive plant invasions.
GLOBAL CHANGE BIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Ali Ranjbar Jafarabadi, Eva Raudonyte-Svirbutaviciene, Amirhossein Shadmehri Toosi, Alireza Riyahi Bakhtiari
Summary: The study revealed significant pollution levels of various toxic metals in coastal sediments of the Persian Gulf, with main sources identified as anthropogenic, vehicle-related, agricultural, and lithogenic. 'Hot spots' with extremely high metal concentrations were observed in certain areas, indicating higher eco-environmental risks.
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Hanen Saidi, Mourad Louati, Zouhour Jaballi, Lobna Ghraidi
Summary: This study examines the morphology changes along the Hammamet fringe in the Mediterranean Sea. Results indicate a retreat of the coastline during 1956-1985 and an accretion upstream of the leisure harbour. From 2010 to 2020, there was an accretion around the exoreic rivers and upstream of the harbour, along with erosion along the Hammamet North coastline. The changes in sediment characteristics can be attributed to alterations in hydrodynamic parameters and sea level rise due to climate change.
JOURNAL OF COASTAL CONSERVATION
(2022)
Article
Pediatrics
Cheng-Yen Chen, Yi-Fan Tsou, Yi-Ting Yeh, Hsin-Lin Tsai, Niang-Cheng Lin, Chinsu Liu
Summary: This study compared the safety of large-for-size grafts in pediatric living donor liver transplantation (PLDLT) with or without 3D planning. It found that advanced preoperative 3D planning can decrease post-transplant complications and increase the safety of large-for-size grafts in PLDLT.
JOURNAL OF PEDIATRIC SURGERY
(2022)
Article
Marine & Freshwater Biology
K. A. Clark, M. Vecchione, B. A. Seibel, H. L. Judkins
Summary: This study utilized collections from the ONSAP in 2011 and DEEPEND programs conducted in 2015-2018 to analyze over 3,495 heteropods in the northern Gulf of Mexico. The northeastern GOM continental slope had the highest species richness. Pterotracheidae was the most abundant family, with differences in eye size trends observed among different species.
AMERICAN MALACOLOGICAL BULLETIN
(2021)
Article
Marine & Freshwater Biology
Yanira Leyva-Vazquez, Juan F. Arzola-Gonzalez, Guillermo Rodriguez-Dominguez, Jorge Saul Ramirez-Perez, Gilberto G. Ortega-Lizarraga, Jose A. Felix-Ortiz, E. Alberto Aragon-Noriega
Summary: This study analyzed samples of blue shrimp collected from offshore and inland waters in Mexico, and found statistical differences in body length among different areas. Positive and negative allometry was observed based on biometric relationships and sex. The best model selected was the Four segments model.
Article
Ecology
T. Reid Nelson, Crystal L. Hightower, Jeff Coogan, Benjamin D. Walther, Sean P. Powers
Summary: This study provides insights into the patterns of occupancy of Red Drum in oligohaline waters and their growth consequences. Oligohaline residency varied during the second and third years of life, with a positive relationship to river discharge. Life history diversity was present in the population, and oligohaline waters played an important role as nursery habitat for juvenile Red Drum.
ENVIRONMENTAL BIOLOGY OF FISHES
(2021)
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
Fisheries
Amanda E. Jefferson, Matthew B. Jargowsky, Meagan N. Schrandt, Pearce T. Cooper, Sean P. Powers, John J. Dindo, J. Marcus Drymon
Summary: This study assessed stock status of Atlantic Tripletail in the Gulf of Mexico by analyzing age-specific data, growth parameters, and mortality rates. Otoliths were found to be more accurate for aging, with slight differences in growth parameters between male and female Tripletail. Low levels of exploitation were indicated by estimated fishing mortality rates and natural mortality rates.
MARINE AND COASTAL FISHERIES
(2021)
Article
Fisheries
T. Reid Nelson, Crystal L. Hightower, Sean P. Powers
Summary: The study estimated post-weigh-in mortality and dispersal of Red Drum and Spotted Seatrout in catch-and-release fishing tournaments, finding that the mortality of Red Drum was lower than that of Spotted Seatrout, and Spotted Seatrout dispersed more within 1 week post-release. Long-term stockpiling at release sites was not observed, indicating the potential effectiveness of live-release tournaments in reducing fishing pressure.
MARINE AND COASTAL FISHERIES
(2021)
Article
Fisheries
Amanda E. Jefferson, Matthew B. Jargowsky, Genevieve M. Ivec, Pearce T. Cooper, Jessica L. Carroll, Carissa L. Gervasi, Jennifer S. Rehage, John F. Mareska, Sean P. Powers, J. Marcus Drymon
Summary: The study aimed to generate baseline population dynamics parameters for Gulf of Mexico crevalle jack and examine the foraging habits of Mississippi and Alabama crevalle jack. The overall growth of crevalle jack was best represented by the logistic growth model, while sex-specific growth was best represented by a version of the von Bertalanffy growth function. Fishes were found to be more important than invertebrates in crevalle jack diet, and the diet varied among locations and years.
FISHERIES MANAGEMENT AND ECOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Fisheries
Kelly S. Boyle, Crystal L. Hightower, T. Reid P. Nelson, Sean Powers
Summary: Estimating fishing effort is crucial for effective fisheries management. In this study, passive acoustic monitoring (PAM) was used to infer fishing effort at artificial reef sites in the Gulf of Mexico. By automatically detecting sounds indicative of fishing vessels, the method proved to be effective in monitoring daily and long-term patterns of fishing activity.
FISHERIES RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Fisheries
Crystal L. Hightower, J. Marcus Drymon, Amanda E. Jefferson, Matthew B. Jargowsky, Emily A. Seubert, Simon Dedman, John F. Mareska, Sean P. Powers
Summary: The red drum is a popular sportfish in the Gulf of Mexico, but its management in federal waters is currently data-limited. This study aimed to address data gaps highlighted in the federal stock assessment by providing updated growth models, indices of relative abundance, habitat suitability predictions, and estimates of natural mortality. The investigation revealed that adult red drum were more abundant in state waters than in federal waters, indicating that the catch moratorium in federal waters is not fully protecting the adult spawning stock of red drum in the Gulf of Mexico.
Article
Ecology
Jonathan H. Grabowski, Christopher J. Baillie, Adam Baukus, Rachael Carlyle, F. Joel Fodrie, Rachel K. Gittman, A. Randall Hughes, David L. Kimbro, Juhyung Lee, Hunter S. Lenihan, Sean P. Powers, Kevin Sullivan
Summary: Coastal marine habitats are being degraded and in response there has been large-scale restoration efforts. This study examines the recovery of oyster reefs and their role in supporting fish and invertebrate communities. The results show that restored reefs can support similar faunal communities to natural reefs, with higher densities of prey species. The findings also highlight the importance of considering landscape setting in restoration decision making to enhance the recovery of ecosystem goods and services.
Article
Fisheries
Kelly S. Boyle, Crystal L. Hightower, Sean P. Powers
Summary: Management of recreational fishing for greater amberjack in the Gulf of Mexico involves regulations and the use of descender devices to mitigate postrelease mortality. Our study found that depth and the use of descender devices did not have a significant impact on mortality risk and survivorship, while fish length was the most important factor affecting postrelease mortality.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Kelly S. Boyle, Crystal L. Hightower, T. Reid Nelson, Sean P. Powers
Summary: Passive acoustic monitoring (PAM) can reveal spatial and temporal variation of fish sounds in marine habitats, providing insights into species composition, abundance, and behavioral patterns. In the Alabama Artificial Reef Zone (AARZ), PAM was used to describe fish sounds on different reef structures, revealing variations in sound detection rates and species richness. The study highlights the importance of underwater soundscapes for reef management, as they can serve as acoustic cues for fish locating reefs.
FRONTIERS IN MARINE SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Fisheries
Sean P. Powers, J. Marcus Drymon, Crystal L. Hightower, Liese M. Carleton, John M. Hoenig
Summary: We estimated the absolute abundance of red lionfish, gray triggerfish, and red snapper across an extensive network of artificial reefs using camera counts, indices of relative abundance, calibration factors, and index-removal estimators. From 2012 to 2017, per reef estimates increased for all three species, and network-wide absolute abundances were calculated by multiplying the average per reef estimate by the estimated number of reefs in the network. Our methodology demonstrates the value of fisheries-independent surveys in estimating absolute abundance and evaluating stock assessments.
CANADIAN JOURNAL OF FISHERIES AND AQUATIC SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Ecology
Kelly S. S. Boyle, Crystal L. L. Hightower, Sean P. P. Powers
Summary: Greater amberjack are active swimmers and their depth use and swimming activity are influenced by factors such as fishing-related stress and cyclonic storms. In this study, we found that fish displayed varied diel depth patterns and swimming activity, with some occupying a narrow depth range, others spending time at mid-water and near bottom, and others showing more generalized patterns. Depth use was influenced by site depth and field effort, while swimming patterns were mainly affected by field effort. Fishing stress was found to increase swimming activity, but release with a descender did not prevent altered diel patterns. The presence of cyclonic storms also impacted depth use and swimming activity. Overall, our study highlights the importance of understanding the factors influencing the behavior of greater amberjack.
ENVIRONMENTAL BIOLOGY OF FISHES
(2023)
Article
Ecology
Sean P. P. Powers, Henry Roman, Jessica Meixner, Damrongsak Wirasaet, Steven Brus, Gail Fricano, Joannes Westerink
Summary: This study examines the impact of the Deepwater Horizon oil spill on oysters in the Gulf of Mexico and finds that local populations contribute a significant proportion of oyster larvae settlement, with strong connectivity between adjacent basins but weak connectivity between nonadjacent basins. Therefore, restoration efforts should focus on building connectivity within and among basins.
Article
Oceanography
Denis A. Wiesenburg, Bob Shipp, F. Joel Fodrie, Sean Powers, Julien Lartigue, Kelly M. Darnell, Melissa M. Baustian, Cam Ngo, John F. Valentine, Kateryna Wowk
Summary: Previous oil spill incidents have shown that ecosystem restoration efforts can be challenging and recovery may take decades. Different regions recover at different rates, with salt marshes and deep-sea habitats experiencing particularly long-term impacts. Understanding ecosystem processes is crucial for environmental recovery and restoration, and filling data gaps and establishing new baselines will require long-term studies. Future research efforts, such as NOAA's RESTORE Science Program and state-based Centers of Excellence, offer a path towards understanding the potential for restoration and recovery of the marine ecosystem in the northern Gulf of Mexico.
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
J. Marcus Drymon, Matthew B. Jargowsky, Michael A. Dance, Mitchell Lovell, Crystal LouAllen Hightower, Amanda E. Jefferson, Andrea M. Kroetz, Sean P. Powers
Summary: Through the tagging efforts of citizen scientists, it was found that Atlantic tarpon exhibit consistent east-west movement in the northern Gulf of Mexico, with highest utilization distributions in the Mississippi River Delta. The study also revealed that Louisiana, as a critical part of their range, remains understudied in terms of tarpon space use and movement.
CONSERVATION SCIENCE AND PRACTICE
(2021)