Coral reefs modify their seawater carbon chemistry – case study from a barrier reef (Moorea,French Polynesia)

Changes in the carbonate chemistry of coral reef waters are driven by carbon fluxes from two sources: concentrations of CO₂ in the atmospheric and source water, and the primary production/respiration and calcification/dissolution of the benthic community. Recent model analyses have shown that, depending on the composition of the reef community, the air‐sea flux of CO₂ driven by benthic community processes can exceed that due to increases in atmospheric CO₂ (ocean acidification). We field test this model and examine the role of three key members of benthic reef communities in modifying the chemistry of the ocean source water: corals, macroalgae, and sand. Building on data from previous carbon flux studies along a reef‐flat transect in Moorea (French Polynesia), we illustrate that the drawdown of total dissolved inorganic carbon (C_T) due to photosynthesis and calcification of reef communities can exceed the draw down of total alkalinity (A_T) due to calcification of corals and calcifying algae, leading to a net increase in aragonite saturation state (Ω_a). We use the model to test how changes in atmospheric CO₂ forcing and benthic community structure affect the overall calcification rates on the reef flat. Results show that between the preindustrial period and 1992, ocean acidification caused reef flat calcification rates to decline by an estimated 15%, but loss of coral cover caused calcification rates to decline by at least three times that amount. The results also show that the upstream–downstream patterns of carbonate chemistry were affected by the spatial patterns of benthic community structure. Changes in the ratio of photosynthesis to calcification can thus partially compensate for ocean acidification, at least on shallow reef flats. With no change in benthic community structure, however, ocean acidification depressed net calcification of the reef flat consistent with findings of previous studies.     

Succession and collapse of macrozoobenthos in a subtropical hypertrophic lake under restoration (Lake Rodó, Uruguay)

We studied the succession patterns of the benthic community following a whole-lake restoration experiment in a subtropical hypertrophic lake (Lake Rodó, 34°55′ S 56°10′ W, Montevideo, Uruguay). The restoration measures involved diversion of the main inlet and removal of upper 1-m sediment and biomanipulation of the fish community. Between January 1997 and November 1999, we sampled sediments seasonally to analyse changes in benthos in relation to other abiotic and biotic characteristics of the system. The benthic community of the lake was composed of three families and nine genera. The maximum density (646 ind m⁻²), as well as the maximum taxonomic richness (six), were observed 1 month after the lake was refilled. Since 1998, the benthic abundance decreased considerably and continuously and a total absence of benthic organisms was registered by the end of the year. The low abundance of macroinvertebrates during 1997 could be explained by the food preferences of the dominant fish species, and the high fish biomass at the beginning of the biomanipulation process. However, the most relevant physico-chemical temporal patterns were the increase of organic matter and nutrients in the sediment and the fluctuations of oxygen and nitrate in the deepest layer of the water column. The disappearance of benthos was related to these temporal changes. These results stress the importance of the increase of organic matter for the changes in the physico-chemical environment, and its importance in the benthic succession and possible collapse. We suggest that in hypertrophic lakes, the effects of organic matter enrichment in the sediment can be even more relevant than fish predation in shaping the zoobenthos.     

Distribution patterns of benthic foraminifera across the Ypresian–Lutetian Gorrondatxe section,Northern Spain: Response to sedimentary disturbance

We present a study of benthic foraminiferal assemblages from an Ypresian–Lutetian distal submarine fan system in the lower bathyal Gorrondatxe section (Basque-Cantabrian Basin, northern Spain). The objective of our study is to analyze the benthic foraminiferal distribution patterns and their response to sedimentary disturbance and related factors.Assemblages contain a high percentage of allochthonous taxa, such as asterigerinids and other shallow water taxa, which were transported downslope by turbidity currents.Detailed quantitative analyses, supported by R-mode cluster and Detrended Correspondence Analyses (after removing allochthonous taxa from the foraminiferal counts) allowed us to identify 6 assemblages that are divided into two groups related to the turbidite content in the Gorrondatxe section. Assemblages 1, characteristic of the turbidite-poor intervals with low sedimentary disturbance, include assemblage 1a (with highly diverse common middle–lower bathyal calcareous taxa) assemblage 1b (with common agglutinated taxa, mainly trochamminids), and assemblage 1c (characterized by calcareous taxa that are also common in the turbidite-rich interval).Assemblages 2, characterized by a high dominance, prevail in the turbidite-rich interval, and include assemblage 2a (characterized by the dominance of infaunal bolivinids and epifaunal cibicids), assemblage 2b (typified by moderate to low diversity and dominated by deep-infaunal Globobulimina species), and assemblage 2c (typified by very abundant suspension-feeding astrorhizids). The high abundance of bolivinids and Globobulimina species may be related to an enhanced input of low-quality organic matter transported by turbidity currents to the seafloor, representing different stages of recolonisation after disturbance and different energy regimes. High current activity was probably responsible for the abundance of cibicids, while moderate to low diverse and high dominance assemblages characterize the recolonisation of the substrate after disturbance.We conclude that sedimentary disturbance and other related factors such as current activity, resuspension of sediments at the seafloor, and supply of organic matter (and its quality) played an important role in the distribution of benthic foraminifera in the Gorrondatxe section. The identification of allochthonous taxa emerges as an essential aspect of the study of environments with sedimentary disturbance.     

Tree phenology along a successional gradient of tropical Atlantic Forest

Aims Changes in habitat characteristics and species composition in successional gradients could determine temporal variation in phenology of second-growth forests. We evaluated phenological patterns in tree species occurring in successional forests in southern Brazil, aiming to assess community changes along succession. We tested for general patterns and phenophase seasonality of trees of forests in successional stages and for differences in occurrence, concentration, frequency and duration of phenophases.     

Variation in northern bobwhite demography along two temporal scales

Quantification and understanding of demographic variation across intra- and inter-annual temporal scales can benefit from the development of theoretical models of evolution and applied conservation of species. We used long-term survey data for northern bobwhites (Colinus virginianus) collected at the northern and southern extent of its geographic range to develop matrix population models which would allow investigation of intra- and inter-annual patterns in bobwhite population dynamics. We first evaluated intra-annual patterns in the importance of a seasonal demographic rate to asymptotic population growth rate with prospective perturbation analysis (elasticity analysis). We then conducted retrospective analysis (life table response experiments) of inter-annual patterns in the contribution of observed changes in demography to the observed change in population growth rate. Survival in the earliest age class during the nonbreeding season had the greatest potential influence in both the northern and southern populations. Examination of inter-annual variation in demography indicated that variation in nonbreeding season survival in the earliest age class contributed the most to observed changes in population growth rate in the northern population. In contrast, changes in fertility in the earliest age class in the southern population had the greatest influence on changes in population growth rate. Prospective elasticity analyses highlight the similarities in bobwhite demography throughout different parts of its geographic range, while retrospective life table response experiments revealed important patterns in the temporal differences of bobwhite life history at the northern and southern extent of its geographic range.     

Natural acidification changes the timing and rate of succession,alters community structure,and increases homogeneity in marine biofouling communities

Ocean acidification may have far‐reaching consequences for marine community and ecosystem dynamics, but its full impacts remain poorly understood due to the difficulty of manipulating pCO₂ at the ecosystem level to mimic realistic fluctuations that occur on a number of different timescales. It is especially unclear how quickly communities at various stages of development respond to intermediate‐scale pCO₂ change and, if high pCO₂ is relieved mid‐succession, whether past acidification effects persist, are reversed by alleviation of pCO₂ stress, or are worsened by departures from prior high pCO₂ conditions to which organisms had acclimatized. Here, we used reciprocal transplant experiments along a shallow water volcanic pCO₂ gradient to assess the importance of the timing and duration of high pCO₂ exposure (i.e., discrete events at different stages of successional development vs. continuous exposure) on patterns of colonization and succession in a benthic fouling community. We show that succession at the acidified site was initially delayed (less community change by 8 weeks) but then caught up over the next 4 weeks. These changes in succession led to homogenization of communities maintained in or transplanted to acidified conditions, and altered community structure in ways that reflected both short‐ and longer‐term acidification history. These community shifts are likely a result of interspecific variability in response to increased pCO₂ and changes in species interactions. High pCO₂ altered biofilm development, allowing serpulids to do best at the acidified site by the end of the experiment, although early (pretransplant) negative effects of pCO₂ on recruitment of these worms were still detectable. The ascidians Diplosoma sp. and Botryllus sp. settled later and were more tolerant to acidification. Overall, transient and persistent acidification‐driven changes in the biofouling community, via both past and more recent exposure, could have important implications for ecosystem function and food web dynamics.     

Analysis of candidate gene expression patterns of adult male <Emphasis Type="Italic">Macrobrachium rosenbergii</Emphasis> morphotypes in response to a social dominance hierarchy

Because phytoplankton communities exhibit seasonal patterns driven by changes in physical factors, grazing pressure, and nutrient limitations, climate change, in combination with local phosphorus management policies are expected to impact phytoplankton annual dynamic. We used long-term monitoring data from Lake Geneva (from 1974 to 2010) to test if changes in phytoplankton seasonal succession across years is related to re-oligotrophication, inter-annual variability in thermal conditions, and Daphnia sp. density. We used a Bayesian method to identify species assemblages and wavelet analysis to detect transient dynamics in seasonal periodicity. A decrease in phosphorus concentrations appeared to play a major role in the inter-annual replacement of species assemblages. Furthermore, some species assemblages exhibited a change in their seasonal periodicity that was most likely induced by changes in Daphnia sp. density. Finally, we demonstrated that flexibility in the pattern of phytoplankton seasonal successions played a stabilizing role at the community level. The results suggest that phenology and inter-annual changes in seasonal dynamics of phytoplankton assemblages are important components to consider for explaining long-term variability in phytoplankton community.     

Pattern analysis in successional communities – An approach for studying shifts in ecological interactions

Abstract. Many ecological studies have addressed issues of vegetation spatial patterns in attempts to understand the processes generating them. We investigated changes in ecological processes during succession via the analysis of shrubs’ spatial patterns in a system of linear sand dunes, an arid ecosystem located in the Negev Desert in Israel during three consecutive years. We hypothesized that spatial patterns change from clustered to regular as succession progresses due to changes in the relative importance of facilitation and competition in this environment. In this ecosystem communities of early successional stages are frequently disturbed by high rates of sand movement, whereas in later successional stages sand stability is high. We mapped in the field individual shrubs on high‐resolution aerial photographs, and converted the digital images to a GIS data set. Using Ripley's K‐function we analysed spatial patterns at three levels: the single‐species level, among species and at the individual level, in three communities characterizing different successional stages. In the early successional communities we found clustered spatial patterns, in comparison with stable habitats where spatial patterns tended to be regular. We argue that these shifts in spatial patterns are indicative of the assumption that in this sand‐dune system ecological interactions change from facilitation to competition as succession progresses. Further, we argue that these interactions operate in different spatial scales at the different successional stages, and that the study of these processes should be conducted at the spatial scales specific to each community.     

Patterns of Primary Succession on the Foreland of Coleman Glacier,Washington, USA

Patterns of community development vary among studied glacier forelands around the world. However, there have been few studies of primary succession on glacial forelands in temperate regions of North America. We described patterns in community composition, vegetation cover, diversity, and vegetation heterogeneity during primary succession on the foreland of Coleman Glacier, in Washington State, USA. Community composition changed rapidly with high turnover between age classes. Cover increased through succession as expected. Species richness and diversity were highest in early succession at small scales and in late succession at larger scales. At small scales, heterogeneity decreased in early succession but increased in mature sites. At larger scales, heterogeneity reached its lowest point earlier in succession. These scale-dependent patterns in diversity and heterogeneity differ from results of other studies of glacier forelands. We hypothesize that these patterns arise due to the development of a dense canopy of the deciduous shrub Alnus viridis followed by a dense canopy of Abies amabilis, Tsuga heterophylla, and Pseudotsuga menziesii.     

Perturbation at the sea floor during the Paleocene–Eocene Thermal Maximum: Evidence from benthic foraminifera at Contessa Road, Italy

Detailed analyses of the benthic foraminiferal assemblages extracted with the cold acetolyse method together with high resolution geochemical and mineralogical investigations across the Paleocene/Eocene (P/E) boundary of the classical succession at Contessa Road (western Tethys), allowed to recognize and document the Paleocene–Eocene Thermal Maximum (PETM) interval, the position of the Benthic Extinction Event (BEE) and the early recovery of benthic faunas in the aftermath of benthic foraminiferal extinction. The stratigraphical interval spanning the P/E boundary consists of dominantly pelagic limestones and two prominent marly beds. Benthic foraminifera indicate that these sediments were deposited at lower bathyal depth, not deeper than 1000–1500 m. The Carbon Isotope Excursion (CIE) interval is characterized by high barite abundance with a peak at the base of the same stratigraphic interval, indicating a complete, although condensed record of the early CIE. A succession of events and changes in the taxonomic structure of benthic foraminifera has been recognized that may be of use for supra-regional stratigraphic correlation across the P/E boundary interval. The composition of the benthic foraminiferal assemblages, dominated by infaunal taxa, indicates mesotrophic and changing conditions on the sea floor during the last  45 kyr of the Paleocene. The BEE occurs at the base of the CIE within the lower marly bed and it is recorded by the extinction of several deep-water cosmopolitan taxa. Then, the lysocline/CCD rose and severe carbonate dissolution occurred. Preservation deteriorated, the faunal density and simple diversity dropped to minimum values and a peak of Glomospira spp. has been observed. Stress-tolerant and opportunistic groups, represented mainly by bi-and triserial taxa, dominate the low-diversity post-extinction assemblages, indicating a benthic foraminiferal recovery under environmental unstable conditions, probably within a context of sustained food transfer to the bottom. A three-phase pattern of faunal recovery is recognizable. At first the lysocline/CCD started to descend and then recovered. Small-sized “Bulimina”, Oridorsalis umbonatus, and Tappanina selmensis rapidly repopulated the severely stressed environment. Later on, Siphogenerinoides brevispinosa massively returns, dominating the assemblage together with other buliminids, Nuttallides truempyi, and Anomalinoides sp.1. Finally, a marked drop in abundance of S. brevispinosa is followed by a bloom of the opportunistic and recolonizer agglutinated Pseudobolivina that, for the first time, is recorded within the main CIE. A second interval of dissolution, but less severe than the previous one, has been recognized within the upper marly bed (uppermost part of the main CIE interval) and it is interpreted as a renewed, less pronounced shoaling of the lysocline/CCD that interrupted the recovery of benthic faunas. This further rise likely represents a response to persistent instability of ocean geochemistry in this sector of the Tethys before the end of the CIE. In the CIE recovery and post CIE intervals, the composition of the benthic foraminiferal assemblages suggests mesotrophic and unstable conditions at the sea floor. According to the geochemical proxy for redox conditions, the deposition of the PETM sediments at Contessa Road occurred in well-oxygenated waters, leading out a widespread oxygen depletion as major cause of the BEE. Changing oceanic productivity, carbonate corrosivity and global warming appear to have played a much more important role in the major benthic foraminiferal extinction at the P/E boundary.     

Inter-annual changes in the benthic community structure of riffles and pools in reaches of contrasting gradient

The inter-annual variation in the structure of the benthic community of riffles and pools was evaluated in contrasting geomorphic settings. The community structure of riffles and pools was a function of habitat, reach gradient, and discharge and was taxon specific. In years of below average peak discharge, riffles had higher taxon richness than pools (66 versus47) but richness was similar between habitats during a year of average discharge (56 versus 54). The percentage composition of oligochaetes and elmid beetles was more variable inter-annually in pools and low gradient reaches than in high gradient reaches. Differences in the percentage of collector-gatherers and scrapers in riffles and pools appeared related to inter-annual differences in discharge regimes. Two components of the annual discharge regime appear to differentially affect the composition of the benthic community in the snowmelt dominated stream studied: the magnitude of the annual peak discharge and the duration and timing of the period of extended high flow.     

Patterns,origin and possible effects of sediment pollution in a Mediterranean lake

The influence of water permanence and high intra- and inter-annual hydrological variability on macrobenthos (organisms >1 mm) was studied using a taxonomical and a functional approach. The study was carried out in a Mediterranean salt marsh. Monthly samples of macrobenthic fauna were collected during two consecutive hydroperiods from six ponds with different water permanence (temporary, semi-permanent and permanent waters). Organisms were assigned to five functional response groups based on life-strategies according to their capacity to survive desiccation events, their dispersion capability and the necessity of water for their reproduction. Results from both approaches showed that the benthic community was more related to pond type than to intra- and inter-annual variability. The second aim was to analyse to which extent patterns in functional groups were determined by the existence of succession patterns or to environmental variability. In this sense, a clear succession pattern was not observed. In contrast, in most of the functional groups (4 out of 5), species within each functional group showed similar responses to water fluctuations. However, species of the fifth functional group, which comprised species without any particular adaptation to desiccation survival or avoidance, showed different responses to water level fluctuations. Guest editors: R. Céréghino, J. Biggs, B. Oertli & S. Declerck The ecology of European ponds: defining the characteristics of a neglected freshwater habitat     

Regional and local variability in recovery of shallow coral communities: Moorea,French Polynesia and central Great Barrier Reef

Coral communities at Moorea, French Polynesia, and on the Great Barrier Reef (GBR), Australia, were severely depleted by disturbances early in the 1980s. Corals were killed by the predatory starfish Acanthaster planci, by cyclones, and/or by depressed sea level. This study compares benthic community structure and coral population structures on three disturbed reefs (Vaipahu-Moorea; Rib and John Brewer Reefs-GBR) and one undisturbed reef (Davies Reef-GBR) in 1987–89. Moorea barrier reefs had been invaded by tall macrophytes Turbinaria ornata and Sargassum sp., whereas the damaged GBR reefs were colonised by a diverse mixture of short macrophytes, turfs and coralline algae. The disturbed areas had broadly similar patterns of living and dead standing coral, and similar progress in recolonisation, which suggests their structure may converge towards that of undisturbed Davies Reef. Corals occupying denuded areas at Vaipahu, Rib and John Brewer were small (median diameter 5 cm in each case) and sparse (means 4–8 m^-2) compared to longer established corals at Davies Reef (median diameter 9 cm; mean 18 m^-2). At Moorea, damselfish and sea urchins interacted with corals in ways not observed in the GBR reefs. Territories of the damselfish Stegastes nigricans covered much of Moorea's shallow reef top. They had significantly higher diversity and density of post-disturbance corals than areas outside of territories, suggesting that the damselfish exerts some influences on coral community dynamics. Sea urchins on Moorea (Diadema setosum Echinometra mathaei, Echinotrix calamaris) were causing widespread destruction of dead standing coral skeletons. Overall, it appears that the future direction and speed of change in the communities will be explicable more in terms of local than regional processes.     

Seasonal and annual variability in the phytoplankton community of the Raunefjord,west coast of Norway from 2001–2006

Changes in phytoplankton community composition potentially affect the entire marine food web. Because of seasonal cycles and inter-annual variations in species composition, long-term monitoring, covering many sequential years, is required to establish a baseline study and to reveal long-term trends. The current study describes the phytoplankton biomass variations and species composition in relation to hydrographic and meteorological conditions in the Raunefjord, western Norway, over a 6-year period from 2001 to 2006. The extent of inflow or upwelling in the fjord varied from year to year and resulted in pronounced differences in water column stability. The annual phytoplankton community succession showed some repeated seasonal patterns, but also high variability between years. Two to four diatom blooms were observed per year, and the spring blooms occurring before water column stratification in March were dominated by Skeletonema marinoi and Chaetoceros socialis, and other Chaetoceros and Thalassiosira spp. Blooms of the haptophytes Phaeocystis pouchetii and Emiliania huxleyi were irregular and in some years totally absent. Although E. huxleyi was present all year round it appeared in bloom concentrations only in 2003, when the summer was warm and the water column characterized by high surface temperatures and pronounced stratification. The annual average abundance of both diatoms and flagellates increased during the six years. Despite the high variation from year to year, our investigation provides valuable knowledge about annual phytoplankton community patterns in the region, and can be used as a reference to detect possible future changes.     

Spatial and inter-annual variability of the macrobenthic communities within a coastal lagoon (Óbidos lagoon) and its relationship with environmental parameters

The present work aims to analyse spatial and inter-annual variability in the benthic environment within the Óbidos lagoon, assessing the relationships between environmental characteristics and macrobenthic distribution patterns. Sediment samples were collected in February 2001 and 2002 for the study of macrofauna and biogeochemical parameters (sediment grain size, organic matter, organic carbon, chlorophyll a, and phaeopigments). Comparing 2001 to 2002, a general increase in the number of species, diversity and equitability indices was observed throughout the study area. Likewise, there was an increase of phytopigments and organic matter contents in the upper sediment layer. Based on the macrobenthic community patterns and environmental variables three main areas could be distinguished in both years: an outer area near the inlet mostly influenced by the sea, with very depressed number of species and abundance, and dominated by Saccocirrus papillocercus, Lekanesphaera levii, Microphthalmus similis and Nephtys cirrosa; an intermediate area located in the central part of the lagoon characterized by sandy sediment and low organic carbon, and colonized by a high diverse community with Hydrobia ulvae, Cerastoderma edule and Abra ovata as the most characteristic species; and the innermost area of the lagoon with muddy enriched sediments dominated by Heteromastus filiformis, oligochaetes, Scrobicularia plana, Cyathura carinata, Corophium acherusicum, phoronids, insect larvae and Corbula gibba. Deposit-feeders were dominant in the muddy sediments from the inner area, where suspension-feeders were also abundant. Carnivores were associated with clean sandy sediments from the inlet area and herbivores were more abundant within the central area.     

Surface-bottom relationships in the Gulf of Salerno (Tyrrhenian Sea) over the last 34 kyr: Compositional data analysis of palaeontological proxies and geochemical evidence

The palaeontological, geochemical and mineralogical records of core GNS84-C106 were analysed in order to reconstruct palaeohydrological changes and palaeoproductivity patterns in the Gulf of Salerno for the last 34 kyr. This approach, including compositional analysis of planktonic and benthic assemblages, gave an insight into the relationships between continental, sea surface and bottom environmental changes. The main source of variability of planktonic and benthic assemblages is related respectively to sea surface temperature and palaeobathymetry. Interrelated changes in surface salinity, nutrients, density gradient in the water column and organic fluxes at the bottom act as a secondary factor controlling the composition of both planktonic and benthic assemblages. The highest palaeoproductivity rates were reached during an interval spanning from late glacial to Middle Holocene, in conditions of enhanced continental run-off. During the Early and Middle Holocene, reduced surface salinity and density stratification were also coupled with the development of a deep chlorophyll maximum and enhanced flux or organic matter at the bottom. From about 6.5 kyr B.P. onward, a sharp reduction in palaeoproductivity took place, coupled with an increase in surface salinities.     

Spatial dynamics of benthic competition on coral reefs

The community structure of sedentary organisms is largely controlled by the outcome of direct competition for space. Understanding factors defining competitive outcomes among neighbors is thus critical for predicting large-scale changes, such as transitions to alternate states within coral reefs. Using a spatially explicit model, we explored the importance of variation in two spatial properties in benthic dynamics on coral reefs: (1) patterns of herbivory are spatially distinct between fishes and sea urchins and (2) there is wide variation in the areal extent into which different coral species can expand. We reveal that the size-specific, competitive asymmetry of corals versus fleshy algae highlights the significance of spatial patterning of herbivory and of coral growth. Spatial dynamics that alter the demographic importance of coral recruitment and maturation have profound effects on the emergent structure of the reef benthic community. Spatially constrained herbivory (as by sea urchins) is more effective than spatially unconstrained herbivory (as by many fish) at opening space for the time needed for corals to settle and to recruit to the adult population. Further, spatially unconstrained coral growth (as by many branching coral species) reduces the number of recruitment events needed to fill a habitat with coral relative to more spatially constrained growth (as by many massive species). Our model predicts that widespread mortality of branching corals (e.g., Acropora spp) and herbivorous sea urchins (particularly Diadema antillarum) in the Caribbean has greatly reduced the potential for restoration across the region.     

Effects on the ecological integrity of a soft-bottom habitat from a trawling disturbance

The effects of trawling disturbance on a soft-sediment system were investigated with a manipulative field experiment in an area that had been closed to shrimp trawling activities for 20 years. The area was also chosen for its weak natural physical agents i.e. no scouring of sediments by storm events or tidal flow, allowing a quantitative assessment of the effects of trawling on the benthic fauna and geochemical properties of the soft substrate.The study examined the ambient spatial and temporal patterns of sedimentological variables and benthic species abundances over a time interval of 16 months for both the reference and the trawl stations before dragging the trawling gear over the predetermined trawl sites. Shifts in the patterns of the benthic infauna and geochemical variables were identified by the post-trawl samples that were collected at both the reference and trawl stations over the next 6 months. Post-trawl changes in the bottom topography did not translate into changes in the vertical profile of the sedimentological variables. Chlorophyll a content of the trawled surface sediments was significantly elevated immediately after the trawling event in comparison to the reference concentrations.Immediately after the trawling disturbance, numbers of species, species abundance and diversity decreased in the trawled area in comparison to the reference area. Sensitive species were found to be the bivalves; Ennucula annulata, Hampson, Thyasira flexuosa (Montagu), and Yoldia sapotilla (Gould), and polychaetes; Chaetozonecf.setosa Malmgren, Anobothrus gracilis(Malmgren), Euchone incolor Hartman, and Terebellides atlantis Williams. In contrast, the carnivorous nemertea, Cerebratulus lacteus Verrill, was the resistant species to field manipulations on account of its predatory behavior; highly effective in seeking out freshly dead (dying) organisms and its active migration. Multivariate analysis confirmed the changes in the trawled community structure immediately following the trawling event and differences in the recovery patterns 6 months thereafter. Although the trawling disturbance was one of low frequency and intensity compared to commercial operations, the biological variables studied indicated that successional processes in this soft-bottom community were altered, at least for a short period, in response to the trawling disturbance.     

Bacterial Community Succession in Natural River Biofilm Assemblages

Temporal bacterial community changes in river biofilms were studied using 16S rRNA gene-based polymerase chain reaction–denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) followed by sequence analysis. Naturally occurring biofilms were sampled in 2001 during an undisturbed 7-month low-water period in the River Garonne (SW France). During the sampling period epilithic biomass exhibited a particular pattern: two 3-month periods of accumulation that resulted in two peaks in summer and fall, each at about 25 g ash-free dry mass per square meter. Bacterial community DGGE profiles differed between the summer and fall biomass peaks and shared only 30% common operational taxonomic units (OTUs), suggesting the influence of seasonal factors on these communities. During the second biomass accrual phase, bacterial richness and the appearance of new OTUs fitted a conceptual model of bacterial biofilm succession. During succession, five OTUs (corresponding to Dechloromonas sp., Nitrospira sp., and three different Spirosoma spp.) exhibited particular patterns and were present only during clearly defined successional stages, suggesting differences in life-history strategies for epilithic bacteria. Co-inertia analysis of DGGE banding patterns and physical–chemical data showed a significant relationship between community structure and environmental conditions suggesting that bacterial communities were mainly influenced by seasonal changes (temperature, light) and hydrodynamic stability. Within the periods of stability, analysis of environmental variables and community patterns showed the dominant influence of time and maturation on bacterial community structure. Thus, succession in these naturally occurring epilithic biofilm assemblages appears to occur through a combination of allogenic (seasonal) and autogenic changes.     

Mitochondrial DNA diversity and phylogeography of endangered green turtle (Chelonia mydas) populations in Africa

We analysed the genetic structure of seven nesting sites of the endangered green turtle (Chelonia mydas) in Africa using mitochondrial DNA control region sequences. Tissue samples were collected from 188 nesting females at six sites in West Africa and one in the Indian Ocean. A 488 bp fragment of the control region revealed 14 different haplotypes, 10 of which are previously undescribed. The most common haplotype (CM8) was observed in 157 individuals. All other haplotypes were closely related, except two divergent lineages: CM38, removed by four substitutions, and the three Indian Ocean haplotypes, distinguished by 31 substitutions. Significant differences in haplotype and nucleotide diversity were observed between Atlantic rookeries and among ocean basins. Analysis of molecular variance revealed high levels of differentiation between the Atlantic and the Indian Ocean populations but a much shallower Atlantic substructuring. Green turtle population genetic structure is thought to have been shaped by a dynamic succession of extinction and recolonisation of rookeries, by natal homing and occasional breakdown in nest-site fidelity. Mismatch distributions of pairwise differences between haplotypes at each rookery were found to be consistent with recent population expansion. We argue that demographic histories can be explained by scenarios at several temporal scales, including geological events, sea level fluctuations and more recent patterns of exploitation. We discuss management and conservation implications of our results for these threatened populations, identifying two ESUs (one in the Atlantic and one in the Indian ocean) and three MUs within the Atlantic.