Article
Microbiology
Pablo Almela, David Velazquez, Eugenio Rico, Ana Justel, Antonio Quesada
Summary: The biological activity of marine vertebrates in the Antarctic has significant effects on microbial mats, influencing nutrient levels, bacterial community composition, and trophic interactions. These results advance our understanding of the Antarctic ecosystem and its associations with marine animals.
FRONTIERS IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Environmental Sciences
Joanna M. Goncalves, Maria Joao Bebianno
Summary: Nanoplastics, a type of emerging contaminant originating from land-based plastic waste, may have toxic effects on marine organisms, although research in this area is still limited.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2021)
Review
Biodiversity Conservation
Sergio Lopez-Martinez, Carmen Morales-Caselles, Julianna Kadar, Marga L. Rivas
Summary: The research finds that plastic ingestion by marine megafauna is a widespread issue in various marine regions, with differences in plastic types and colors ingested by different animal groups, but overall, clear fibre microplastics are likely the most predominant types ingested by marine megafauna globally.
GLOBAL CHANGE BIOLOGY
(2021)
Review
Biodiversity Conservation
Katarzyna Zmudczynska-Skarbek, Stef Bokhorst, Peter Convey, Dariusz J. Gwiazdowicz, Piotr Skubala, Krzysztof Zawierucha, Adrian Zwolicki
Summary: Marine birds and pinnipeds fertilize nearby terrestrial ecosystems during breeding, resting and molting, which has cascading effects on vegetation and other trophic levels. A synthesis of the consequences of nutrient enrichment by marine vertebrates in the polar regions found that terrestrial invertebrate abundance and species richness increased, and their community compositions changed. These changes were more pronounced in the Arctic talus slopes compared to the edges of penguin colonies in the Antarctic.
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Luiza S. Waechter, Osmar J. Luiz, Fabien Leprieur, Mariana G. Bender
Summary: This study provides the first comprehensive assessment of the functional structure and inventory of ecosystem functions delivered by marine vertebrates in Atlantic Ocean reefs, revealing differences in functional richness patterns across different reef assemblages. While some reef ecosystems show low values of functional uniqueness and specialization, the loss of species due to extinction could still compromise reef functioning. The impact of mesopredator species loss on vertebrate assemblages' functional structure is concerning, as they hold a considerable proportion of threatened species and are next in line for anthropogenic impacts on high trophic level species.
DIVERSITY AND DISTRIBUTIONS
(2022)
Article
Marine & Freshwater Biology
Christopher H. R. Goatley, Simon J. Brandl, Stephen Wroe, David R. Bellwood
Summary: Cryptobenthic reef fish larvae have a highly constrained range of body shapes, with elongate bodies and small fins, likely resulting in poor swimming abilities. Limited dispersal in these larvae may depend on behavioral adaptations, such as flow-refuging, to avoid being washed away from their natal reefs.
Review
Environmental Sciences
Emily E. Hardin, Mariana M. P. B. Fuentes
Summary: Acoustic telemetry, while underutilized in marine turtle biotelemetry, has the potential to provide fine-scale spatial data and address key questions related to marine turtle ecology. Studies have focused on spatial distribution, habitat use, movement patterns, as well as hatchling dispersal and response to threats. It directly or indirectly informs 60% of top research questions on marine turtles and shows promise for a wide array of marine species.
FRONTIERS IN MARINE SCIENCE
(2021)
Review
Computer Science, Software Engineering
Patanamon Thongtanunam, Ahmed E. Hassan
Summary: The study reveals that the evaluation decisions of reviewers in modern code review processes are influenced by visible information, including feedback from prior reviewers. The likelihood of reviewers providing positive votes is highly associated with the amount of prior feedback and the cooperation frequency with the patch author. However, the associations of these review dynamics are not as strong as the confounding factors such as patch characteristics and overall reviewing activities.
IEEE TRANSACTIONS ON SOFTWARE ENGINEERING
(2021)
Article
Geochemistry & Geophysics
Dingsu Feng, Thomas Tuetken, Niklas Loeffler, Gert Troester, Andreas Pack
Summary: The triple oxygen isotope data of tooth enamel (phosphate) from 16 modern marine vertebrates (sharks, mammals) from different marine habitats indicate the presence of isotopically anomalous metabolic oxygen in the bioapatite of marine mammals and traces of anomalous metabolic oxygen in shark bioapatite. This suggests that triple oxygen isotopes can be used as a valuable tracer to assess the physiology of extant and extinct marine vertebrates and provide a new proxy for past atmospheric CO2 mixing ratios and global primary biosphere production.
GEOCHIMICA ET COSMOCHIMICA ACTA
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Austin J. Gallagher, Nourah A. Alsudairy, Brendan D. Shea, Nicholas L. Payne, Carlos M. Duarte
Summary: Animal-borne 360-degree cameras have the potential to provide more robust scientific data and a greater capacity to map seafloor habitats compared to traditional unidirectional cameras. This study demonstrated the efficacy of using 360-degree camera technology on a large tiger shark, highlighting the benefits of this innovative approach in bio-logging research.
FRONTIERS IN MARINE SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Vivian I. Avelino-Silva, Sofia Natalia Ferreira-Silva, Maria Eduarda Muniz Soares, Ricardo Vasconcelos, Luiz Fujita, Tainah Medeiros, Carolina Luisa Alves Barbieri, Marcia Thereza Couto
Summary: Vaccine hesitancy is a concerning threat to the control of vaccine-preventable diseases. Effective health communication can promote understanding of the importance, risks, and benefits of vaccination and reduce vaccine hesitancy. This study found that communication strategies focusing on vaccine safety/efficacy with case descriptions and images have a greater impact on reducing vaccine hesitancy.
Review
Engineering, Environmental
Iris Schaap, Larissa Buedenbender, Sarah Johann, Henner Hollert, Gulsah Dogruer
Summary: This systematic review examines the published literature on pollutant-induced adverse health effects in the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) red listed marine mammal species. The findings reveal a lower availability of exposure-effect data for higher extinction risk species, highlighting the need for more research. The most studied pollutants are POPs, metals, and pesticides.
JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Connie Y. Kot, Sarah E. DeLand, Autumn-Lynn Harrison, Amalia Alberini, Hannah Blondin, Maggie Chory, Jesse Cleary, Corrie Curtice, Benjamin Donnelly, Ei Fujioka, Alejandro Herrero Palacio, Eleanor I. Heywood, Elizabeth Mason, Dina Nisthar, Guillermo Ortuno Crespo, Sarah Poulin, Meredith Whitten, Colyer Woolston, Daniel C. Dunn, Patrick N. Halpin
Summary: Understanding the movement and habitat use of migratory marine animals is crucial for conservation management decisions. Tracking animal movements with telemetry methods is an effective tool for demonstrating ecological connectivity. However, there are knowledge gaps and limitations in the data presented within publications for direct applications to area-based management. Recommendations are provided to address research gaps and improve the integration of connectivity data into management decisions.
BIOLOGICAL CONSERVATION
(2023)
Review
Computer Science, Information Systems
Chenxi Li, Zhengguang Xu
Summary: This review provides a systematic study of LWD technologies, focusing on the signal coding and modulation technologies of the MPT system, as well as the challenges faced. It aims to provide researchers with the latest references and strategies to improve LWD technology development.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Nairana Santos Fraga, Agnaldo Silva Martins, Adalto Bianchini, Derek R. Faust, Haruya Sakai, Cinthia Carneiro da Silva, A. Alonso Aguirre
Summary: Pollution poses a major threat to marine life, and trace elements are highly toxic pollutants in this environment. Zinc, an essential trace element for biota, becomes toxic at high concentrations. Sea turtles, with their longevity and widespread distribution, are good bioindicators for trace element pollution, accumulating these elements in their tissues over the years. This study compared the bioaccumulation of zinc in the liver, kidney, and muscles of 35 green sea turtles from Brazil, Hawaii, the USA (Texas), Japan, and Australia. The results showed that zinc was present in all specimens, with the highest concentrations in the liver and kidneys. The findings of equal zinc values in the liver suggest a pantropical distribution pattern for this metal, possibly due to its essential nature and bioavailability in marine environments. This study highlights the importance of understanding the distribution patterns of trace elements in marine biota for conservation purposes and suggests that green turtles can serve as useful sentinel species.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Sarah E. Nelms, Emily Easman, Nichola Anderson, Madeleine Berg, Sue Coates, Abigail Crosby, Sonja Eisfeld-Pierantonio, Lauran Eyles, Tony Flux, Emily Gilford, Claire Giner, Jasper Hamlet, Neil Hembrow, Jessica Hickie, Peter Hopkinson, Dan Jarvis, Jonathan Kearsley, Justine Millard, Fred Nunn, Emily Pollitt, Avril Sainsbury, Sue Sayer, Rory Sinclair, Amy Slack, Pat Smith, Rebecca Thomas, Jen Tyler, Richard Walker, Claire Wallerstein, Mark Ward, Brendan J. Godley
Summary: The majority of organizations conducting clean-up activities in the UK collect data on plastic pollution to some extent and emphasize the importance of standardized survey protocols and simplified data submission. Communication, inclusivity, and volunteer diversity are considered key for enhancing citizen engagement and improving data quality.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & POLICY
(2022)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Kristian Metcalfe, Lee White, Michelle E. Lee, J. Michael Fay, Gaspard Abitsi, Richard J. Parnell, Robert J. Smith, Pierre Didier Agamboue, Jean Pierre Bayet, Jean Herve Mve Beh, Serge Bongo, Francois Boussamba, Godefroy De Bruyne, Floriane Cardiec, Emmanuel Chartrain, Tim Collins, Philip D. Doherty, Angela Formia, Mark Gately, Micheline Schummer Gnandji, Innocent Ikoubou, Judicael Regis Kema Kema, Koumba Kombila, Pavlick Etoughe Kongo, Jean Churley Manfoumbi, Sara M. Maxwell, Georges H. Mba Asseko, Catherine M. McClellan, Gianna Minton, Samyra Orianne Ndjimbou, Guylene Nkoane Ndoutoume, Jean Noel Bibang Bi Nguema, Teddy Nkizogho, Jacob Nzegoue, Carmen Karen Kouerey Oliwina, Franck Mbeme Otsagha, Diane Savarit, Stephen K. Pikesley, Philippe du Plessis, Hugo Rainey, Lucienne Ariane Diapoma Kingbell Rockombeny, Howard C. Rosenbaum, Dan Segan, Guy-Philippe Sounguet, Emma J. Stokes, Dominic Tilley, Raul Vilela, Wynand Viljoen, Sam B. Weber, Matthew J. Witt, Brendan J. Godley
Summary: The article summarizes how Gabon successfully achieved international commitments in marine conservation by establishing a comprehensive ecological network, building long-term stakeholder support, and focusing on research that guides implementation and policy. Through a four-step approach, Gabon's experience can serve as an example for other countries and donors to help meet international commitments.
CONSERVATION LETTERS
(2022)
Review
Biodiversity Conservation
H. M. Al Ameri, S. Al Harthi, A. Al Kiyumi, T. S. Al Sariri, A. S. Y. Al-Zaidan, M. Antonopoulou, A. C. Broderick, M. Chatting, H. S. Das, M. A. Hesni, A. Mancini, J. D. Miller, A. Mobaraki, M. Rezaie-Atagholipour, N. J. Pilcher, A. F. Rees, C. J. Rodriguez-Zarate, D. M. Smyth, L. K. Tanabe, F. Yaghmour, A. A. Yusuf, B. J. Godley
Summary: The northwestern Indian Ocean hosts significant marine biodiversity, with a focus on marine turtles. This study reviewed 251 publications to collate information on occurrence, nesting biology, threats, and conservation efforts across 13 countries in the region.
ENDANGERED SPECIES RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Andrew DiMatteo, Ana Canadas, Jason Roberts, Laura Sparks, Simone Panigada, Olivier Boisseau, Anna Moscrop, Caterina Maria Fortuna, Giancarlo Lauriano, Drasko Holcer, Helene Peltier, Vincent Ridoux, Juan Antonia Raga, Jesus Tomas, Annette C. Broderick, Brendan J. Godley, Julia Haywood, David March, Robin Snape, Ricardo Sagarminaga, Sandra Hochscheid
Summary: This study estimated the distribution and abundance of loggerhead turtles in the Mediterranean Sea using aerial and shipboard line transect survey data. Two spatial density models were generated, providing valuable information for conservation planning and understanding basin-wide distribution and abundance patterns of this species.
FRONTIERS IN MARINE SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Paulo Catry, Cheibani Senhoury, Ebaye Sidina, Nahi El Bar, Abdallahi Samba Bilal, Francesco Ventura, Brendan J. Godley, Antonio J. Pires, Aissa Regalla, Ana R. Patricio
Summary: The Banc d'Arguin in Mauritania is a significant foraging ground for green turtles, with an estimated population of 8285 adult female turtles, representing 5.6% of the total population. The site plays a critical role in the conservation of sea turtles.
BIOLOGICAL CONSERVATION
(2023)
Letter
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Philip D. Doherty, Robert Enever, Lucy C. M. Omeyer, Lydia Tivenan, Grant Course, Guy Pasco, David Thomas, Ben Sullivan, Ben Kibel, Pete Kibel, Brendan J. Godley
Article
Environmental Sciences
Gaelle Darmon, Marcus Schulz, Marco Matiddi, Ana Liria Loza, Jesus Tomas, Andrea Camedda, Olfa Chaieb, Hedia A. El Hili, Mohamed N. Bradai, Laura Bray, Francoise Claro, Thomas Dellinger, Florence Dell'Amico, Giuseppe A. de Lucia, Emily M. M. Duncan, Delphine Gambaiani, Brendan Godley, Helen Kaberi, Yakup Kaska, Jessica Martin, Claudia Moreira, Patricia Ostiategui, Christopher K. Pham, Raffaella Piermarini, Ohiana Revuelta, Yasmina Rodriguez, Cecilia Silvestri, Robin Snape, Dogan Sozbilen, Catherine Tsangaris, Maria Vale, Frederic Vandeperre, Claude Miaud
Summary: Sea turtles are considered as bio-indicators to evaluate the effectiveness of restoration measures in reducing the impact of marine litter on health. This study analyzed the factors influencing litter ingestion and its relationship with individual health using data from loggerhead turtles in the Mediterranean and North-East Atlantic. The results showed that litter was found in 69.24% of the turtles, mainly consisting of single-use and fishing-related plastics. Factors such as spatial location, sex, and life history stage had a minor effect on litter ingestion. Although no relationship with health was found, the high proportion of plastics in the turtles' digestive contents could have long-term consequences on population dynamics, as suggested by mechanistic models.
MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN
(2022)
Editorial Material
Biodiversity Conservation
Chris Sandbrook, Martin Fisher, Graeme S. S. Cumming, Karl L. L. Evans, Jenny Anne Glikman, Brendan J. J. Godley, Frith Jarrad, Nicholas Polunin, Carolina Murcia, Angel Perez-Ruzafa, Judit K. K. Szabo
Correction
Environmental Sciences
Lucy C. M. Omeyer, Emily M. Duncan, Kornrawee Aiemsomboon, Nicola Beaumont, Sujaree Bureekul, Bin Cao, Luis R. Carrasco, Suchana Chavanich, James R. Clark, Muhammad R. Cordova, Fay Couceiro, Simon M. Cragg, Neil Dickson, Pierre Failler, Gianluca Ferraro, Stephen Fletcher, Jenny Fong, Alex T. Ford, Tony Gutierrez, Fauziah Shahul Hamid, Jan G. Hiddink, Pham T. Hoa, Sophie I. Holland, Lowenna Jones, Nia H. Jones, Heather Koldewey, Federico M. Lauro, Charlotte Lee, Matt Lewis, Danny Marks, Sabine Matallana-Surget, Claudia G. Mayorga-Adame, John McGeehan, Lauren F. Messer, Laura Michie, Michelle A. Miller, Zeeda F. Mohamad, Nur Hazimah Mohamed Nor, Moritz Mueller, Simon P. Neill, Sarah E. Nelms, Deo Florence L. Onda, Joyce J. L. Ong, Agamuthu Pariatamby, Sui C. Phang, Richard Quilliam, Peter E. Robins, Maria Salta, Aida Sartimbul, Shiori Shakuto, Martin W. Skov, Evelyn B. Taboada, Peter A. Todd, Tai Chong Toh, Suresh Valiyaveettil, Voranop Viyakarn, Passorn Wonnapinij, Louisa E. Wood, Clara L. X. Yong, Brendan J. Godley
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Review
Environmental Sciences
Lucy C. M. Omeyer, Emily M. Duncan, Neil Angelo S. Abreo, Jo Marie V. Acebes, Lea A. AngSinco-Jimenez, Sabiqah T. Anuar, Lemnuel V. Aragones, Gonzalo Araujo, Luis R. Carrasco, Marcus A. H. Chua, Muhammad R. Cordova, Lantun P. Dewanti, Emilyn Q. Espiritu, Jovanie B. Garay, Elitza S. Germanov, Jade Getliff, Eva Horcajo-Berna, Yusof S. Ibrahim, Zeehan Jaafar, Jose Isagani B. Janairo, Thanda Ko Gyi, Danielle Kreb, Cheng Ling Lim, Youna Lyons, Putu L. K. Mustika, Mei Lin Neo, Sirius Z. H. Ng, Buntora Pasaribu, Agamuthu Pariatamby, Cindy Peter, Lindsay Porter, Noir P. Purba, Ernesto T. Santa Cruz, Shahriar Shams, Kirsten F. Thompson, Daniel S. Torres, Rodney Westerlaken, Tuempong Wongtawan, Brendan J. Godley
Summary: Southeast Asia is highly biodiverse and a major contributor to global marine plastic pollution. However, knowledge about the impacts of plastic pollution on marine megafauna in the region is lacking. A literature review and expert elicitation were conducted to gather information on cases of entanglement and ingestion of plastic by various marine species in Southeast Asia. The study found a limited number of published cases, especially for seabirds, highlighting the need for additional funding and data to address this issue.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Paolo Casale, Gaspard Abitsi, Pierre Didier Agamboue, Eric Augowet, Jean Pierre Bayet, Alexis Billes, Abdon Bitsindou, Tim Collins, Phil D. Doherty, Francois Edgard Faure, Jacques Fretey, Philippe du Plessis, Alain Gibudi, Brendan J. Godley, Judicael Regis Kema Kema, Brice D. Koumba D. Mabert, Francois Lamou Boussamba, Pierre Brice Maganga, Jean Churley Manfoumbi, Bienvenue Ondo Ndong, Kristian Metcalfe, Gianna Minton, Gil Avery Mounguengui, Solange Ngouessono, Jacob Nzegoue, Carmen Karen Kouerey Oliwina, Richard J. Parnell, Sandrine Ricois, Dominique Roumet, Guy-Philippe Sounguet, Dominic Tilley, Hilde van Leeuwe, Bas Verhage, Lee White, Matthew J. Witt, Wynand Viljoen, Angela Formia
Summary: Assessing population trends and reproductive parameters is important for sea turtles. A 21-year study in central Africa found a decline in body size and low survival probability in leatherback and olive ridley sea turtles. However, the estimated annual number of nesting females did not show a clear decline. The study recommends continued monitoring of nesting activity, nest counts, and cross-border cooperation for effective conservation.
AQUATIC CONSERVATION-MARINE AND FRESHWATER ECOSYSTEMS
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Liz Clark, Rebecca Allen, Zara L. R. Botterell, Beatriz Callejo, Brendan J. Godley, Clare Henry, David Santillo, Sarah E. Nelms
Summary: Citizen science is a valuable tool for collecting data on plastic pollution and although it is commonly used, there are few studies that focus on water-borne plastic debris. In this study, citizen scientists used a standardized methodology to sample sea-surface debris off the Cornish coast in the UK. The study provides important baseline data on the abundance and distribution of floating plastic debris in this region, contributing to the understanding of plastic pollution worldwide.
MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN
(2023)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Elizabeth Campbell, Joanna Alfaro-Shigueto, Jeffrey C. Mangel, Jose Luis Mena, Ruth H. Thurstan, Brendan J. Godley, David March
Summary: Based on satellite tracking data, this study demonstrates that the Amazon River dolphin occupies various habitat types and has different sizes of core areas and home range areas. The research shows that the dolphins overlapped with fisheries by 89% and were found at relatively far distances from proposed dam and dredging sites. The findings highlight the need for consideration of negative effects on other riverine species and further tracking programs to understand the movement patterns of the species.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Willemien de Kock, Meaghan Mackie, Max Ramsoe, Morten E. Allentoft, Annette C. Broderick, Julia C. Haywood, Brendan J. Godley, Robin T. E. Snape, Phil J. Bradshaw, Hermann Genz, Matthew von Tersch, Michael W. Dee, Per J. Palsboll, Michelle Alexander, Alberto J. Taurozzi, Canan Cakirlar
Summary: By combining bioarchaeology with contemporary data, researchers have found that Mediterranean green turtles have been using the same North African seagrass meadows for at least 5,000 years, highlighting the significance of protecting these critical coastal habitats.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2023)
Article
Marine & Freshwater Biology
Helen S. Chadwick, James E. F. Barnett, Abby Crosby, Anthea Hawtrey-Collier, Victoria J. Hobson, Lucy C. M. Omeyer, Ruth Williams, Brendan J. Godley
Summary: Changes in grey seal strandings in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly over a 21-year period indicate a significant increase in abundance. The observed seasonality of strandings coincided with important life phases, and most strandings occurred on the north coast of Cornwall. Long-term citizen science data proved valuable for assessing the distribution and abundance of marine top predators.
JOURNAL OF THE MARINE BIOLOGICAL ASSOCIATION OF THE UNITED KINGDOM
(2023)