Article
Environmental Sciences
Enrique Lozano-Bilbao, Jose Carlos Hernandez, Soraya Paz, Arturo Hardisson, Carmen Rubio, Dailos Gonzalez-Weller, Angel J. Gutierrez
Summary: The aim of this study is to investigate if structuring algae in the Canary intertidal can act as buffers against pollution. It was found that the concentrations of metals and trace elements were higher in the structuring algal species, with J. vigata having higher concentrations than G. abies-marina. Higher concentrations of heavy metals and trace elements were also observed in specimens of A. sulcata and P. elegans when algae were not present in the pool.
MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN
(2023)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Simone Des Roches, Juhi R. LaFuente, Hannah S. Faulkner, Jason R. Morgan, Bianca S. Perla, Maria Metler, Megan N. Dethier, Jason D. Toft
Summary: Humans have significantly altered marine nearshore ecosystems through shoreline armoring, resulting in reduced abundance and diversity of key ecological features. However, restoration efforts have shown positive effects in increasing ecological responses, with restored shore types exhibiting similar variability to natural shore types.
ECOLOGICAL INDICATORS
(2022)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Rusby G. Contreras-Diaz, Javier Nori, Xavier Chiappa-Carrara, A. Townsend Peterson, Jorge Soberon, Luis Osorio-Olvera
Summary: In order to protect threatened species, iNaturalist intentionally adds uncertainty to precise occurrence records of threatened species and shares this information with other biodiversity repositories. However, obtaining unbiased information requires users to request the exact location from each data owner, which can be challenging due to the multiple data providers involved in assembling the available data.
BIOLOGICAL CONSERVATION
(2023)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Jens Schirmel
Summary: The study found that urbanization has significant negative effects on biodiversity and ecosystem functions, especially in terms of lower numbers of ground-dwelling invertebrates and pollinating insects. Despite the limitations of online teaching and citizen science approaches, combining these methods can be an effective teaching strategy to actively engage students in scientific research.
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Mirko Di Febbraro, Luciano Bosso, Mauro Fasola, Francesca Santicchia, Gaetano Aloise, Simone Lioy, Elena Tricarico, Luciano Ruggieri, Stefano Bovero, Emiliano Mori, Sandro Bertolino
Summary: Citizen science initiatives are being used to model the distribution of alien species, but only a few studies have evaluated the contribution of integrating citizen science data with scientifically structured surveys. This study compared the ability of citizen science data and scientific surveys, as well as their integration, to capture the realized niche and predict future invasion risk of 13 invasive alien species in Italy. The findings showed that citizen science data can be valuable in predicting future spread of invasive alien species, but it may also affect the niche quantification and prediction for species poorly known to citizen scientists or in local contexts.
GLOBAL CHANGE BIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Maxime Eeraerts, Pieter Verschelde, Jan Gouwy, Sanne van den Berge, Koen van den Berge
Summary: This study evaluated the population trends and dietary habits of two carnivore species in Flanders, Belgium, and found contrasting population trends coupled with clear changes in feeding habits.
GLOBAL ECOLOGY AND CONSERVATION
(2022)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Clifford L. K. Robinson, Lauren C. Bergman, Michael J. Allison, Jacqueline Huard, Jennifer Sutherst, Caren C. Helbing
Summary: This study developed and validated two new non-destructive qPCR-based tools for detecting Sand Lance and Surf Smelt eDNA from small sand samples. The results showed that the eDNA method can reliably detect the presence of Sand Lance, especially when there are multiple eggs visually detected. These methods will serve as a foundation for the broad application of eDNA approaches for forage fish species that utilize intertidal benthic habitats.
ECOLOGICAL INDICATORS
(2022)
Article
Ecology
David J. Baker, Ilya M. D. Maclean, Martin Goodall, Kevin J. Gaston
Summary: Correlations between spatial sampling bias and environmental niches can reduce the rank correlation of model predictions, with greater decline in rank correlation seen in broader environmental niches and models built using detection-only data. Bias-correction effectiveness varies depending on the structure of the spatial bias and is highly variable across methods and data types. This highlights the importance of considering spatial sampling bias in species distribution models, particularly when effort distribution is non-random or data contain only information on species detections.
GLOBAL ECOLOGY AND BIOGEOGRAPHY
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Martina Mascioni, Gaston O. Almandoz, Allison Cusick, B. Jack Pan, Maria Vernet
Summary: Through the FjordPhyto project, we studied the phytoplankton biomass and composition in six nearshore areas near the Gerlache Strait, and found significant differences between seasons and regions. In the north, cryptophytes bloomed in December, while diatoms dominated in the south. This spatial distinction was associated with a surface thermal front in the Gerlache Strait.
FRONTIERS IN MARINE SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Entomology
Marc Herremans, Karin Gielen, Jos Van Kerckhoven, Pieter Vanormelingen, Wim Veraghtert, Kristijn R. R. Swinnen, Dirk Maes
Summary: The peacock butterfly, abundant in Europe, was traditionally believed to have one generation per year, but recent research indicates a shift towards two generations annually in recent decades. Mass citizen science data has become increasingly vital in tracking biodiversity responses to rapid environmental changes.
Article
Entomology
Emily A. Geest, Kristen A. Baum
Summary: Five closely related species of greater fritillaries occur in North America east of the Mississippi River, with varying responses to climate and environmental variables. The study emphasizes the importance of understanding the different climate and habitat needs of butterfly species for predicting their responses to climate change, as well as the value of citizen science and photo sharing websites in providing data for species distribution evaluations.
ENVIRONMENTAL ENTOMOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Svetlana Esenkulova, Karyn D. Suchy, Rich Pawlowicz, Maycira Costa, Isobel A. Pearsall
Summary: This study revealed the relationships between harmful algal blooms and environmental factors in the Strait of Georgia, British Columbia, and highlighted the significant interannual and seasonal variations of harmful algae taxa. The findings also showed the impact of harmful algal blooms on local aquaculture facilities and fish farms, emphasizing the importance of long-term data for evaluating the potential role of harmful algae as stressors in the ecosystem.
FRONTIERS IN MARINE SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Biology
Maggie M. Hantak, Robert P. Guralnick, Alexander C. Cameron, Aaron H. Griffing, Sean M. Harrington, Jeffrey L. Weinell, Daniel J. Paluh
Summary: This study used community science images to investigate the variation in coloration of North American ratsnakes, and found that temperature is a key predictor of darker color, supporting the thermal melanism hypothesis. Elevation and precipitation also have predictive effects on color, but the direction and magnitude of these effects vary across species.
Article
Ecology
Koen Van den Berge, Timo van der Veken, Jan Gouwy, Pieter Verschelde, Maxime Eeraerts
Summary: There is a growing concern over the status and population trends of carnivores worldwide. Carnivores have a significant impact on terrestrial ecosystems, with their interactions affecting the composition and function of ecological communities. This study examines the dietary ecology of six small- and medium-sized carnivores in Flanders, Belgium, revealing differences and overlap in their food consumption habits.
ECOLOGICAL RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Biology
Rebecca A. Nelson, Dylan J. MacArthur-Waltz, Deborah M. Gordon
Summary: Comparing the thermal tolerance and performance of native and invasive species from varying climatic origins may explain why some native and invasive species can coexist. We found that the winter ant (Prenolepis imparis) is the native species best able to coexist with the invasive Argentine ant (Linepithema humile). These results suggest that partitioning based on differences in temperature tolerance promotes the winter ant's continued occupation of areas invaded by the Argentine ant.
JOURNAL OF THERMAL BIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Fisheries
Gordon J. Watson, Joanne Younger
Summary: This study explores the survival and growth of bubble-tip anemones under different feeding and nutrient supply conditions. The results indicate significant effects of different treatments on the anemones' survivorship, weight loss, behavior, and symbiotic community responses. Cutting is a simple and effective culture method, but more precise regulation of nutrient supply and feeding is needed.
AQUACULTURE RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Aaron M. Eger, Hannah S. Earp, Kim Friedman, Yasmine Gatt, Valerie Hagger, Boze Hancock, Ratchanee Kaewsrikhaw, Elizabeth Mcleod, Abigail Mary Moore, Holly J. Niner, Frida Razafinaivo, Ana Sousa, Milica Stankovic, Thomas A. Worthington, Elisa Bayraktarov, Megan Saunders, Adriana Verges, Simon Reeves
Summary: Marine ecosystems have been utilized and managed by human populations for centuries, leading to ecosystem degradation. The lack of a unified data recording framework for marine restoration projects hinders tracking progress and assessing global effectiveness. Establishing such a framework would advance restoration methodologies and global understanding.
BIOLOGICAL CONSERVATION
(2022)
Article
Ecology
Lila Buckingham, Maria Bogdanova, Jonathan A. Green, Ruth E. Dunn, Sarah Wanless, Sophie Bennett, Richard M. Bevan, Andrew Call, Michael Canham, Colin J. Corse, Michael P. Harris, Christopher J. Heward, David C. Jardine, Jim Lennon, David Parnaby, Chris P. F. Redfern, Liz Scott, Robert L. Swann, Robin M. Ward, Ewan D. Weston, Robert W. Furness, Francis Daunt
Summary: This study investigated the non-breeding distributions and extent of population aggregation in two sympatrically breeding auks and found interspecific differences. Razorbill populations showed high levels of aggregation, while guillemots exhibited colony-specific distributions.
MARINE ECOLOGY PROGRESS SERIES
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Shannon M. White, Martin Schaefer, Peter Barfield, Ruth Cantrell, Gordon J. Watson
Summary: Coastal management requires cost-effective and accurate assessments of habitat condition. This study compares the costs and benefits of using unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), manned aircraft, and walk-over surveys for assessing bait collection on intertidal mudflats. The findings show that each method has its own advantages and suitability for specific purposes, highlighting the importance of a holistic cost-benefit analysis.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
(2022)
Article
Ecology
James E. Herbert-Read, Ann Thornton, Diva J. Amon, Silvana N. R. Birchenough, Isabelle M. Cote, Maria P. Dias, Brendan J. Godley, Sally A. Keith, Emma McKinley, Lloyd S. Peck, Ricardo Calado, Omar Defeo, Steven Degraer, Emma L. Johnston, Hermanni Kaartokallio, Peter I. Macreadie, Anna Metaxas, Agnes W. N. Muthumbi, David O. Obura, David M. Paterson, Alberto R. Piola, Anthony J. Richardson, Irene R. Schloss, Paul V. R. Snelgrove, Bryce D. Stewart, Paul M. Thompson, Gordon J. Watson, Thomas A. Worthington, Moriaki Yasuhara, William J. Sutherland
Summary: In the Marine and Coastal Horizon Scan, scientists, policymakers, and practitioners collated a list of 15 priority emerging issues likely to affect marine and coastal biodiversity over the next 5-10 years through an iterative voting process. These issues are grouped into three categories: ecosystem impacts, resource exploitation, and new technologies.
NATURE ECOLOGY & EVOLUTION
(2022)
Review
Environmental Sciences
Hannah S. Earp, Dan A. Smale, Alejandro Perez-Matus, Adam Gouraguine, Paul W. Shaw, Pippa J. Moore
Summary: Marine forests are coastal marine habitats formed by dense stands of brown macroalgae, providing habitat to marine organisms and important ecosystem services. Restoration positively influences the abundance and morphology of marine forest species, but success is influenced by taxa and restoration techniques, with limited monitoring of environmental variables.
AQUATIC CONSERVATION-MARINE AND FRESHWATER ECOSYSTEMS
(2022)
Editorial Material
Biodiversity Conservation
Stephen J. Hawkins, Michael T. Burrows, Nova Mieszkowska
GLOBAL CHANGE BIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Amelia Curd, Mathieu Chevalier, Mickael Vasquez, Aurelien Boye, Louise B. Firth, Martin P. Marzloff, Lucy M. Bricheno, Michael T. Burrows, Laura E. Bush, Celine Cordier, Andrew J. Davies, J. A. Mattias Green, Stephen J. Hawkins, Fernando P. Lima, Claudia Meneghesso, Nova Mieszkowska, Rui Seabra, Stanislas F. Dubois
Summary: Distributional shifts in species ranges provide critical evidence of ecological responses to climate change. Assessments of climate-driven changes typically focus on broad-scale range shifts, but overlook ecological consequences at regional and local scales. This study uses an ecosystem engineer species, Sabellaria alveolata, to assess climate-driven changes within its fragmented distribution using landscape ecology metrics and species distribution modeling.
GLOBAL CHANGE BIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Hannah S. Earp, Ruby George, Paul R. Brooks, Veronica Farrugia Drakard, Bryan J. Thompson, Benjamin Fisher, Roisin Hayden, Tasman P. Crowe, Pippa J. Moore
Summary: Artificial structures often have depauperate communities compared to natural rocky shores. This study investigates the population structure, sex ratio, and reproductive potential of limpets on natural shores and artificial structures on Irish Sea coasts. The results suggest that artificial structures may provide a habitat comparable to natural shores, but the addition of ecological engineering interventions may improve the approximation of limpet populations to those on natural shores.
MARINE ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Antonio Mileti, Daniele Arduini, Gordon Watson, Adriana Giangrande
Summary: This study explores the application and critical issues related to the implementation of blockchain technology in the aquaculture sector, emphasizing the need for active involvement and shared benefits among all actors in the supply chain for successful sustainability solutions.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Neil B. Metcalfe, Jakob Bellman, Pierre Bize, Pierre U. Blier, Amelie Crespel, Neal J. Dawson, Ruth E. Dunn, Lewis G. Halsey, Wendy R. Hood, Mark Hopkins, Shaun S. Killen, Darryl McLennan, Lauren E. Nadler, Julie J. H. Nati, Matthew J. Noakes, Tommy Norin, Susan E. Ozanne, Malcolm Peaker, Amanda K. Pettersen, Anna Przybylska-Piech, Alann Rathery, Charlotte Recapet, Enrique Rodriguez, Karine Salin, Antoine Stier, Elisa Thoral, Klaas R. Westerterp, Margriet S. Westerterp-Plantenga, Michal S. Wojciechowski, Pat Monaghan
Summary: Researchers from various fields have been trying to understand the causes and consequences of metabolic rate variation among individual animals of the same species. Differences in approach, terminology, and methodology have hindered research in this area. Recent advances provide opportunities to address key questions by standardizing across disciplines. A common conceptual and methodological toolkit for studying metabolic variation in animals can now be developed.
Review
Multidisciplinary Sciences
H. -O. Poertner, R. J. Scholes, A. Arneth, D. K. A. Barnes, M. T. Burrows, S. E. Diamond, C. M. Duarte, W. Kiessling, P. Leadley, S. Managi, P. McElwee, G. Midgley, H. T. Ngo, D. Obura, U. Pascual, M. Sankaran, Y. J. Shin, A. L. Val
Summary: Earth's biodiversity and human societies are threatened by pollution, overconsumption of resources, urbanization, demographic changes, inequalities, and habitat loss, which are worsened by climate change. This review examines the connection between climate, biodiversity, and society, and proposes a roadmap for sustainability. The roadmap includes limiting global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius and preserving and restoring ecosystems on a significant portion of land and water. It emphasizes the need for interconnected protected areas and shared spaces to enhance biodiversity, and the ability of people and nature to adapt to and mitigate climate change. It calls for bold policy interventions and interconnected systems at all levels to promote human, ecosystem, and planetary health for a livable future.
Article
Ecology
Abby R. Gilson, Lydia J. White, Michael T. Burrows, Dan A. Smale, Nessa E. O'Connor
Summary: This study investigated the density, primary productivity, and detritus production of two common intertidal kelp species in the NE Atlantic over a 22-month period. It found that the density of one species was higher but remained consistently low for the other. The productivity and erosion rates of both species were influenced by temperature and light.
ECOLOGY AND EVOLUTION
(2023)
Article
Ornithology
Lila Buckingham, Francis Daunt, Maria I. Bogdanova, Robert W. Furness, Sophie Bennett, James Duckworth, Ruth E. Dunn, Sarah Wanless, Michael P. Harris, David C. Jardine, Mark A. Newell, Robin M. Ward, Ewan D. Weston, Jonathan A. Green
Summary: The non-breeding season poses energetic challenges to birds that breed in temperate or polar regions, with implications for population dynamics. This study investigated the influence of non-breeding location on diet, behavior, and energetics in the common guillemot. The results showed that individuals from different breeding colonies exhibited distinct distribution, diet, and behavior, but had similar energy expenditure during late winter.
JOURNAL OF AVIAN BIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Plant Sciences
Friedrich H. Kleiner, Katherine E. Helliwell, Abdul Chrachri, Amanda Hopes, Hannah Parry-Wilson, Trupti Gaikwad, Nova Mieszkowska, Thomas Mock, Glen L. Wheeler, Colin Brownlee
Summary: A calcium signaling pathway in marine diatoms is activated by cold temperature, enhancing survival during hypo-osmotic stress. Cold-induced calcium signaling interacts with osmotic signaling pathways to regulate cell volume in response to simultaneous stressors.