Article
Biology
Carl Tamario, Erik Degerman, Daniela Polic, Petter Tibblin, Anders Forsman
Summary: Ecological theory suggests that the size and isolation of habitat patches impact community species richness and population persistence. For rheophilic fish, lotic habitats play a crucial role in life-history completion. Research shows that subpopulations in larger and less isolated lotic habitat patches had higher densities with smaller fluctuations, and trout density increased with distance from predator presence in adjacent lentic habitats, indicating the influence of edge- and matrix-related mortality on population abundance and stability.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE ROYAL SOCIETY B-BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Rafal Bernas, Anna Was-Barcz, Mariann Arnyasi, Piotr Debowski, Grzegorz Radtke, Anita Pocwierz-Kotus, Patrick Berrebi
Summary: Selection, genetic drift, and gene flow affect genetic variation within populations and genetic differences among populations. In brown trout populations, disrupted river-segment connectivity is the main factor affecting population fragmentation. The study found a complex pattern of gene flow between resident and migratory brown trout, with isolated resident specimens sharing spawning grounds with sea trout downstream of impassable barriers.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2021)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Yitao Zheng, Shan Zhang, Qi Lu, Siyu Zhang, Lijun Wang, Meiling Hong, Truong Nguyen, Jindong Zhao, Meng Yao
Summary: The study examined the phylogenetic relationship, population genetic structure and demographic history of the crab-eating frog in China and northern Vietnam. Results suggest that historical and contemporary habitat distributions have impacted the species' genetic patterns. The species likely dispersed along the coast during Pleistocene glaciations and subsequently spread to mainland China coasts.
DIVERSITY AND DISTRIBUTIONS
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Bianca Unglaub, Hugo Cayuela, Benedikt R. Schmidt, Kathleen Preissler, Julian Glos, Sebastian Steinfartz
Summary: Context-dependent dispersal has significant impacts on the dynamics and genetics of populations, as observed in the great crested newt SSP studied. Individuals in the SSP showed preference for high-quality ponds, leading to weak but significant spatial genetic structure. At a regional level, the presence of independent demographic units and low effective dispersal rates indicate limited long-distance dispersal and demographic isolation in anthropogenic landscapes.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Luca Bonacina, Sergio Canobbio, Riccardo Fornaroli
Summary: This study aims to understand the impact of the presence of brown trout on the population of bullhead fish. The results show that the presence of trout reduces the number and size of bullhead fish and affects their habitat preference. However, the bullhead populations still have a well-structured population and good performance, suggesting that brown trout is not a threat to their survival.
RIVER RESEARCH AND APPLICATIONS
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Daronja Trense, Thomas L. Schmidt, Qiong Yang, Jessica Chung, Ary A. Hoffmann, Klaus Fischer
Summary: This study investigated gene flow and genetic structure of the Sooty Copper butterfly in the Alpine otz valley system in Austria. High gene flow levels were found, influenced by anthropogenic as well as natural structures, particularly ravines, forests, and roads. Additionally, loci potentially under thermal selection were detected.
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Zachary L. Robinson, Donovan A. Bell, Tashi Dhendup, Gordon Luikart, Andrew R. Whiteley, Marty Kardos
Summary: Augmenting gene flow is crucial for the conservation of isolated populations, but careful evaluation and monitoring are necessary. Common assessment methods may have limitations in detecting genetic rescue effects, highlighting the need for comprehensive monitoring information to improve reliability.
CONSERVATION BIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Natalia Kurhaluk, Halyna Tkachenko
Summary: This study investigated the effects of different development stages, survival forms, and sex on the functional stability of sea trout muscle tissue. It found sex-related relationships in antioxidant balance and muscle tissue degradation in the adult stage, as well as modifications in lysosomal functioning due to long-term environmental stress.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2021)
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Edo D'Agaro, PierPaolo Gibertoni, Fabio Marroni, Maria Messina, Emilio Tibaldi, Stefano Esposito
Summary: Salmonid fish, particularly brown trout, are widely used as ecological and research models in the conservation genetics and genomics field. The Salmo trutta complex, which consists of multiple geographic forms, is found in Europe. Seven major evolutionary lineages have been identified based on mitochondrial DNA analysis. Populations in Italy and surrounding areas show high genetic diversity, and some lineages are protected due to their threatened status. Recent studies using traditional and next-generation sequencing techniques have revealed genetic differences between populations in different regions.
APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL
(2022)
Article
Evolutionary Biology
Dorinda Marie Folio, Jordi Gil, Arnaud Caudron, Jacques Labonne
Summary: This study investigated the impact of genotype-by-environment interactions on intraspecific diversity loss, with a focus on maternal GxE interactions influencing embryo survival through egg size mediation. Results showed a significant increase in survival rate for offspring of MED females compared to ATL females, particularly in cold temperatures. The cold adaptation of offspring from MED females serves as a potent postzygotic mechanism explaining small-scale spatial heterogeneity in diversity observed in MED areas where ATL fish have been stocked.
EVOLUTIONARY APPLICATIONS
(2021)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Savanah Bird, Javier D. Monzon, Wallace M. Meyer, Jonathan E. Moore
Summary: This study evaluated gene flow among coyotes inhabiting California sage scrub fragments within the highly developed Pomona Valley, California. The results showed that although there were genetic differences among individuals, the movement of family groups through natural fragments over time led to near-complete turnover of individuals. Therefore, it is important to incorporate temporal components of genetic variation to understand gene flow across space and time in highly mobile animals.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Daniel Eisendle, Nikolaus Medgyesy, Georg H. Niedrist, Martin J. Kainz, Ruben Sommaruga
Summary: The introduction of allopatric Salmo trutta into mountain lakes has led to changes in the food web, with the most important prey items being planktonic and benthic sources, especially chironomid larvae. Airborne terrestrial insects were the main stomach content during the ice-free period, but their values did not match up with fish, suggesting a minor role for fish nutrition. Copepods were relevant as fish diet only during the ice-covered period. This study provides valuable information for future reintroduction efforts and highlights the decreased lake-to-land resource transfer due to the introduction of this fish species.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Article
Plant Sciences
Na Yuan, Shujing Wei, Hans Peter Comes, Sisheng Luo, Ruisen Lu, Yingxiong Qiu
Summary: The genetic effects of habitat fragmentation are complex and influenced by species traits and landscape features. This study compared the genetic diversity and population structure of a herb species in two contrasting island systems in China. The results showed significant differences in genetic diversity between the two island systems, but no significant genetic differences between island and mainland populations. A certain level of population substructure was found in one island system, and the level of gene flow was lower in this island system compared to the other system.
Article
Fisheries
Shuaijie Sun, Zhitong Wang, Dongdong Yuan, Mengke Ni, Huifen Xu, Wanliang Wang, Chi Zhang, Meiqun Chen, Lamu ZhaXi, Jianshe Zhou, Ming Li
Summary: This study used RT-qPCR technology to investigate the expression of eight candidate genes in different tissues, developmental stages, and under bacterial stress in Salmo trutta. The stability of these genes was ranked using comprehensive analysis software. The results showed that the expression of the hprt1 gene was relatively stable under different conditions.
AQUACULTURE REPORTS
(2022)
Article
Biology
Ouellet Valerie, Melinda D. Daniels
Summary: The study examined the shift in thermal habitat occupation for Brook and Brown Trout populations during the summer, with an increase in Brown Trout and a decrease in Brook Trout numbers. The observed population shifts were driven by optimal growth temperatures rather than elevated water temperatures, potentially affecting interactions and survival throughout the summer.
JOURNAL OF THERMAL BIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Sophie L. Steinhausen, Narkie Agyeman, Pablo Turrero, Alba Ardura, Eva Garcia-Vazquez
Summary: Electronic waste sites pose a risk of heavy metal pollution, especially when the metals enter nearby environments. The Korle lagoon, being the biggest e-waste burning site in Ghana, is receiving waste effluents and facing the risk of heavy metal contamination in the water. Despite being considered biologically dead, the lagoon still supports small-scale fishing activities. This study found that consuming fish from the Korle lagoon poses higher health risks due to elevated concentrations of heavy metals, compared to fish sold in Ghanaian markets. Monitoring programs and environmental risk management are needed to ensure human food safety.
MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN
(2022)
Article
Marine & Freshwater Biology
Sara Fernandez, Aitor Ibabe, Fernando Rayon-Vina, Alba Ardura, Marlene Bartolome, Yaisel J. Borrell, Eduardo Dopico, Monica Gonzalez, Laura Miralles, Horacio Montes, Trinidad Perez, Noemi Rodriguez, Eva Garcia-Vazquez
Summary: The study conducted in the bay of Gijon found that marine litter could potentially serve as a vector for the dispersal of non-indigenous species (NIS), with floating litter containing higher densities of both native and exotic species compared to beaches or port surfaces. Shared haplotypes between port, flotsam, and beaches in some invasive species may indicate that marine litter could represent a new habitat for species to disperse into new areas.
ESTUARINE COASTAL AND SHELF SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Linguistics
Eva Garcia-Vazquez, Maria Turrero-Garcia, Noemi Rodriguez
Summary: Multilingualism can increase empathy and facilitate contact between nationals and immigrants. The results of the study showed that multilingual students had higher acceptance of immigrants compared to monolingual students. Additionally, empathy was correlated with acceptance of immigrants from poor countries, regardless of the number of languages spoken. The study highlights the importance of multilingualism in improving crosscultural attitudes and suggests that learning the languages spoken by immigrants may facilitate positive contact between different groups.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Eva Garcia-Vazquez, Cristina Garcia-Ael, Maritza Librada Caceres Mesa, Eduardo Dopico, Noemi Rodriguez
Summary: Single-use plastics (SUP) from land contribute significantly to ocean plastic debris and microplastic pollution. Consumer behavior and individual responsibility towards the oceans are crucial in reducing SUP use and promoting sustainable alternatives. This study examined SUP consumption behaviors in Spain and Mexico, revealing differences in SUP use and recycling due to varying policies, social norms, and availability of alternatives. Feeling responsible for the ocean correlated with the intention to use eco-friendly alternatives, while frequentation of the sea predicted recycling behavior. Gender, age, and education also influenced the willingness to use sustainable alternatives. Increasing ocean literacy and promoting marine citizenship, tailored to each country's context, can effectively reduce SUP consumption and encourage sustainable practices.
FRONTIERS IN MARINE SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Ecology
Jose L. Horreo, Alberto Ucero, Carlos Palacin, Alfonso Lopez-Solano, Inmaculada Abril-Colon, Juan C. Alonso
Summary: The Canarian houbara is an endangered subspecies of the African houbara bustard, endemic to the Canary Islands. Its population has decreased due to hunting and egg collection, and although it recovered in some islands, it is now on the brink of extirpation in Fuerteventura. Genetic analysis revealed high variability but reduced heterozygosity, with distinct genetic units identified among the islands. Conservation measures should focus on recovering the population in Fuerteventura and preserving genetic flow to prevent further decline and extirpation.
JOURNAL OF WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT
(2023)
Letter
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Carmen Blanco-Fernandez, Alba Ardura, Gonzalo Machado-Schiaffino, Eva Garcia-Vazquez
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Sara Fernandez, Alba Ardura, Oriane Georges, Jose L. Martinez, Marcos Suarez-Menendez, Serge Planes, Eva Garcia-Vazquez
Summary: The movement of organisms facilitated by human activities poses a significant threat to marine biodiversity, particularly for endemic species at risk of being outcompeted by non-indigenous species (NIS). Using environmental DNA (eDNA) metabarcoding, this study analyzed communities in the northern Gulf of Aqaba, Red Sea, which is known for its species richness and endemism. The study found that NIS accounted for 36% of the total species detected from eDNA, with primary producers being more abundant among NIS than native species, suggesting potential alteration of functional diversity. The study highlights maritime traffic as a potential factor contributing to the introduction of non-natives in the region and emphasizes the importance of controlling these species to protect the rich endemic biota of the Red Sea.
FRONTIERS IN MARINE SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Psychology, Multidisciplinary
Eva Garcia-Vazquez, Cristina Garcia-Ael, Maritza Librada Caceres Mesa, Noemi Rodriguez, Eduardo Dopico
Summary: Microplastics (MP) are a global threat to all organisms, and a survey conducted on university students from Mexico and Spain revealed that despite having less knowledge about MP, Mexican students checked product labels for microbeads more frequently than Spanish students and expressed a stronger desire to reduce MP consumption. This could be due to stricter plastic control legislation in Mexico, which creates a more favorable environment for MP control.
FRONTIERS IN PSYCHOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Amaia Bilbao-Kareaga, Daniel Menendez, Paloma Peon, Alba Ardura, Eva Garcia-Vazquez
Summary: Microplastics pollution is a global issue that affects marine ecosystems and organisms worldwide. The red alga Gelidium sp. is a valuable source of agar and is consumed as seafood in many countries. This study found that G. corneum collected near sandy substrates accumulates more microplastics than those from rocks, indicating that substrate dynamics play a key role in the entry of microplastics into these algae and the human diet. Harmful microplastic types were identified in the algae samples, highlighting potential risks to consumers. Further research and preventive measures are recommended to address microplastics pollution in coastal areas.
ALGAL RESEARCH-BIOMASS BIOFUELS AND BIOPRODUCTS
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Carlos Valiente-Diaz, Alejandra del Valle, Eva Garcia-Vazquez, Gonzalo Machado-Schiaffino, Alba Ardura
Summary: The incorrect labeling and bioaccumulation of heavy metals in seafood pose a global problem for natural resources and consumer health. Arsenic, unlike other heavy metals, does not have a concentration limit on food. Tuna species, with high consumption rates worldwide, are known to be a toxicological issue due to heavy metal contamination. A study analyzed 80 samples of canned tuna to examine the accuracy of labeling and found that some exceeded safety standards set by the Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Activities (JECFA).
Article
Environmental Sciences
Juan L. Mateo, Carmen Blanco-Fernandez, Eva Garcia-Vazquez, Gonzalo Machado-Schiaffino
Summary: Genome resources are crucial for assessing genomic variation and detecting adaptive variation in marine species affected by global change. The genome of Merluccius polli was sequenced, assembled, and annotated, with improved quality and increased length compared to previous versions. The genome contains low heterozygosity and repeat content. Candidate genes associated with various stressors along the geographical distribution were identified and characterized in the genome. This genome serves as a valuable tool for investigating global change in highly stressed marine regions.
FRONTIERS IN MARINE SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Fisheries
Sara Fernandez, Alvaro Gutierrez, Dumas Deconinck, Jose Luis Martinez, Almudena Alvarez, Isabel Marquez, Gonzalo Machado-Schiaffino, Eva Garcia-Vazquez
Summary: The European eel Anguilla anguilla is a critically endangered catadromous species, and close surveillance is urgently needed for the viable populations in European rivers. A new highly sensitive method based on A. anguilla-specific qPCR marker and environmental DNA (eDNA) is presented, which can estimate the eel biomass in running waters. This method could complement or replace current eel surveys without disturbing wild populations.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Daniel Menendez, Carmen Blanco-Fernandez, Gonzalo Machado-Schiaffino, Alba Ardura, Eva Garcia-Vazquez
Summary: In this study, microplastics were quantified and identified in the gills, liver, and muscle of Benguela hakes caught in northwest African waters. The presence of hazardous plastic polymers and their negative effects on the condition factor and liver DNA degradation were observed. This study highlights the potential damage caused by microplastic pollution in demersal species, urging further research on the impact of microplastics on these marine organisms.
ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Eva Garcia-Vazquez, Cristina Garcia-Ael, Alba Ardura, Noemi Rodriguez, Eduardo Dopico
Summary: Emerging microplastics pollution in the oceans is a significant threat, and consumer behavior can be modified to reduce this pollution. Online nudges, such as images and short messages, were tested to promote MP-conscious behavior in Spain. Messages about MP in seafood and plastic-polluted marine environments were more effective than images of animals harmed by plastics. Feeling responsible for MP pollution predicts intention to adopt MP-reducing behaviors. Women are more likely to adopt these behaviors, while men are more responsive to nudges. Increasing environmental responsibility is a priority in education campaigns.
MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN
(2023)
Article
Plant Sciences
Isabel Garcia-Garcia, Belen Mendez-Cea, Ester Gonzalez de Andres, Antonio Gazol, Raul Sanchez-Salguero, David Manso-Martinez, Jose Luis Horreo, J. Julio Camarero, Juan Carlos Linares, Francisco Javier Gallego
Summary: Ongoing climatic change poses a threat to drought-sensitive tree species like silver fir. This study used ddRADseq to examine the genetic characteristics of declining and non-declining silver fir trees in the Spanish Pyrenees. While no genetic differences were found between the two groups, there were strong associations between the genome and environmental factors, suggesting the influence of climate, soil properties, and microbial diversity on local adaptation. Incorporating genetic data into silver fir forest dieback studies can provide valuable insights into local adaptation.