Observations of a new source of coral mortality along the Kenyan coast

In early 2002 coral mortality occurred along 600 km of coastline from Tanzania to Kenya. Astreopora, Echinopora , and Montipora species were severely affected, with Montipora being nearly eliminated from Kenyan reefs. Acropora , Platygyra , Goniopora , and massive Porites were also affected; however, Porites and Goniopora rarely died and often recovered, whereas death for most other species occurred within 2 weeks. In Echinopora and Montipora , a dull ashy tissue color and brittle skeletons characterized the early stages of this event with a mucus layer on the tissue surface in intermediate stages. Mucus and embedded debris then disappeared and surfaces were left covered in a white calcareous dust that sometimes capped a black layer. Astreopora tissues became dull and pale, and seldom produced mucus; eventually the skeleton became bare and white. Either a colorless translucent or brownish thin margin of tissue was visible between living tissue and bare skeleton, depending on species. Scanning electron micrographs of affected corals revealed the presence of fungi. Histology and staining showed that the fungi were mostly in the three genera that died from the syndrome and it may be that fungi invaded and killed corals weakened by another unidentified pathogen.     

Isolation and characterization of Vibrio parahaemolyticus from seafoods along the southwest coast of India

The work was aimed to study the microbial quality of the seafood sold in the domestic markets and incidence of Vibrio parahaemolyticus. Samples comprising of shellfish, finfish, and cephalopods were collected from various fish markets in and around Cochin. Presumed V. parahaemolyticus were identified by standard biochemical tests, and further confirmed by polymerase chain reaction targeting species-specific tl gene (450 bp). About 81% of the samples were found to exceed the limits specified for total plate count while total presumptive V. parahaemolyticus count was above the limit in 71% of the samples ranging from 5.5 × 10⁵ to 9.7 × 10⁷ and 0.31 × 10² to 7.8 × 10⁶ cfu/g, respectively. Pathogenicity of the identified isolates was confirmed by Kanagawa phenomenon and urease activity. A total of 10% of the isolates exhibited weak haemolysis on Wagatsuma agar, and 1% of the isolates showed urease activity using Christensen’s urea agar. Random amplified polymorphic DNA analysis revealed two major clusters based on the species rather than seasonality. The gel pattern revealed 8–10 bands ranging from 0.45 to 3.0 kb. Antibiogram results revealed 85% of the strains sensitive to chloramphenicol and nitrofurantoin. Multiple antibiotic resistance index was found to be 0.4 thus suggesting the risk potential involved in consuming seafoods. The present study has clearly demonstrated the need to adopt seafood safety measures for the products meant for human consumption.     

Species composition, comparative size and abundance of the genus Littoraria (Gastropoda: Littorinidae) from different mangrove strata along the East African coast

Variation in the abundance, distribution and size of four species of mangrove littorinid gastropods (genus Littoraria) was investigated using a nested sampling design at different spatial scales along the East African coast, from Tanzania to South Africa. Littorinid abundance and diversity decreased abruptly south of Inhaca Island at the southern end of the study area. All species presented a large-scale spatial variation in abundance, with L. subvittata showing the greatest abundance while L. intermedia was rare. Littoraria scabra and L. intermedia were found mainly at the seaward edge of the forests. Littoraria subvittata increased in abundance in the middle of the forest and towards the landward side. Littoraria pallescens occurred mainly at the seaward edge and in the middle areas in the Rhizophora zone. These small-scale variations show contrasting specific distribution patterns within the mangrove, likely reflecting different tolerances to physical factors and biological interactions. All species appeared decreased in shell height from north to south. Littoraria scabra was always significantly larger than other species at all mangrove study sites. Handling editor: P. Viaroli     

Aspects of the ecology of Patella spp. on the Portuguese coast

Three species of the genus Patella were studied on the Portuguese coast as a specific contribution to the COST 647 programme. With little prior information existing, this paper presents new basic data on the geographical distribution, relative abundance, habitats, size-structure of populations, and reproductive cycles of P. depressa Pennant, 1777, P. aspera Roding, 1798, and P. vulgata L. 1758. Comparisons with N.W. Europe provide evidence of distinct latitudinal trends in the population dynamics and reproductive biology of these species.     

An extensive Cochlodinium bloom along the western coast of Palawan, Philippines

A massive fish kill and water discoloration were reported off the western coast of Puerto Princesa, Palawan, Philippines in March 2005. Phytoplankton analysis revealed a near monospecific bloom of the dinoflagellate, Cochlodinium polykrikoides, with cell concentrations ranging from 2.5 × 10⁵ to 3.2 × 10⁶ cells per liter. Ground truth data were supplemented by processed satellite images from MODIS Aqua Level 2 data (1 km resolution) from January to April 2005, which revealed high surface chlorophyll-a levels (up to 50 mg/m³) offshore of west and southwest Palawan as early as February 2005. The bloom extended 310 km in length and 80 km in width at its peak in March off the central coast (Puerto Princesa). By April, the bloom declined in intensity, but was still apparent along the northern coast (El Nido). Fluctuations in chlorophyll levels off the western coast of Sabah, Malaysia and Brunei during this time period suggested that the bloom was not limited to the coast of Palawan. Satellite imagery from Sabah in late January revealed a plume of chl-a that is believed to be the source of the C. polykrikoides bloom in Palawan. This plume drifted offshore, advected northward via the basin-wide counterclockwise gyre, and reached nutrient-rich, upwelled waters near Palawan (due to a positive wind stress curl) where the dinoflagellate bloomed and persisted for 2 months from March to April 2005.     

Management-free techniques for restoration of Eisenia and Ecklonia beds along the central Pacific coast of Japan

Because of the importance of seaweed resources for conservation of thecoastal environment, the provision of habitats of commercially importantspecies and because of use as human food, a study was carried out on bedsof Eisenia bicyclis and Ecklonia cava. This included the mostimportant environmental factors and the development of techniques forrestoration and long-term maintenance of the beds. At a site chosen fordetailed study, the Eisenia and Ecklonia bed was influenced bymany factors, including desiccation, rainfall, low salinity, low light intensity,turbidity, accumulation of suspended sediments, cover by adhering animals,wave and current action and grazing pressure. The distribution of suchseaweed beds is also limited locally by the size and hardness of rock on thebottom, and by fluctuations in the sand level at the base of the reefs.The management-free technique of creating Eisenia and Ecklonia beds is based on an understanding of the factors limiting the localdistribution of the beds. Conditions for seaweed growth can then beartificially enhanced by coastal engineering. Suggestions to enhance Eisenia and Ecklonia bed restoration using management-freetechniques include raising the bottom, elevating substrata above the sandybottom, and providing substrata of a shape suitable for the attachment ofkelp.     

Utilized and potentially utilizable seaweeds on the Namibian coast: biogeography and accessibility

Of the 1500 km coast of Namibia, only 80 km is predominantly rocky, the remaining 1420 km being sandy with only minor rocky outcrops. At present two species are utilized, Gracilaria verrucosa for agar and Laminaria schinzii for human consumption. Other potentially utilizable seaweeds occurring on the coast are Ecklonia maxima for alginates, Suhria vittata for agar, Gigartina radula, G. stiriata and Aeodes orbitosa for carrageenans and Porphyra capensis for human consumption. Laminaria schinzii also can be used for alginate production. Due to the diamond-mining areas around the 80 km rocky area at Luderitz (26° 39 S), only 20 km are accessible; hence, at present the seaweeds are being exploited almost to their full potential. The species currently not being utilized could be used, however, to support the industry that already exists at Luderitz. To increase production, access to the diamond areas would have to be gained or a cultivation program initiated.     

Expansion of the red alga Grateloupia doryphora along the coasts of Brittany (France)

Grateloupia doryphora (Montagne) Howe (Halymeniales, Halymeniaceae) has previously been reported for two locations along the Brittany coastline (France). Important ecological and morphological traits of the species in the breton populations are detailed here. Because of the impressive size it can reach, G. doryphora can be considered as the largest red alga in the world. G. doryphora has the tendency to dominate the algal flora once installed. At Lorient, in addition to the marginal extension of the population, a progressive colonisation of the whole intertidal zone has been noted for 2 years. The species actually preferentially develops in currents and pools where it is abundant between early winter and mid summer. An interesting development is the recent spreading from the mid and lower eulittoral towards the upper rocky pools. The seasonality of the life-cycle has also been studied over 2 years. In addition, this work reports on the first identification of G. doryphora near the Loire estuary in South Brittany, at Concarneau and in the Bay of Brest in western Brittany, and on the coasts of Normandy, at Granville and Cherbourg. The occurrence of attached specimens on ship hulls and pontoons suggests a distant transport of the species by navigation. Considering the rapid geographical propagation of G. doryphora, and its tendancy to proliferate in settling locations, the species can be regarded as potentially invasive on the north–west coasts of Europe.     

The salt marsh vegetation on the East Adriatic coast

Phytosociological characteristics and a rate of endangerment of the salt marsh vegetation in central and southern parts of the east Adriatic coast were studied. A total of 73 vegetation relevés were made and elaborated according to the standard procedures of the Braun-Blanquet method. Numerical analysis of the relevés and life forms was performed. Two associations of the class Arthrocnemetea-Puccinellio festuciformis-Arthrocnemetum fruticosi and Limonio-Artemisietum coerulescentis were recorded, together with the association Juncetum maritimo-acuti of the class Juncetea maritimi. These associations show no significant differentiation with regard to their floristic composition, but only in terms of particular species cover and frequency rates, as well as by life forms and microecological habitat conditions. These are specific habitats, rarely found in the studied area, and highly threatened by human activity (tourism, agriculture).     

The benthic phase of the life cycle ofParapenaeus longirostris (Crustacea,Decapoda, Penaeidae) along the Mediterranean coast of Israel

The population ofP. longirostris along the Mediterranean coast of Israel spends the benthic phase of its life cycle (from body size over 15 mm) on muddy bottom deeper than 45 m. New age groups are recruited within the depth zone of 45–300 m and migrate in both inshore and offshore directions. Inshore migration is limited by unsuitable sandy ground. The limiting line for offshore migration was not found.An age group could be detected during one year within a body size range of TL = 40 mm to TL = 84.5 mm for males and to TL = 102.5 mm for females. Reproductive activity in shallow water, down to a depth of 73 m, takes place during the whole year, while in depths of 150–300 m there is an arrest of reproductive activity from June to August.     

Mechanisms in the Shift of a Riparian Ground Beetle (Carabidae) Between Reproduction and Hibernation Habitat

Factors affecting the light response of the riparian species Bembidion petrosum (Coleoptera: Carabidae) were studied with various experimental designs in laboratory and in field. B. petrosum, which lives in open gravely/stony sites, oriented towards directed light at higher temperatures (above 15.0°C). This positive phototaxis was replaced by an orientation towards a dark silhouette (screen) at low temperatures. The orientation towards silhouettes is mainly a simple type of form vision, although a fraction of the individuals seems to exhibit a negative phototaxis. In experiments with a dark zone and a zone with directed light, individuals of B. petrosum mainly selected the dark zone. However, if two stones were placed in the light part of the arena, individuals tended to hide under them. This applied independent of light intensity and whether a tuft of grass was present or absent in the dark part of the arena. The experiments indicate that the shift of the species between the reproduction (spring/summer) and hibernation (autumn/winter) habitat involves a change from an orientation towards silhouettes at low temperatures in autumn to an orientation towards directed light at higher temperatures in spring. This is combined with a specialized low thigmokinesis (preference of heavy and rough objects) and lower moisture requirements of the species in autumn/winter than in spring/summer.     

Forest recovery in abandoned agricultural lands in a karst region of the Dominican Republic

This study documents the status of forest vegetation in the karst region of Los Haitises National Park, Dominican Republic, following the abandonment of pastures (5 years), young (5 years) `conucos' (mixed plantings), old (7–30 years) conucos, and cacao plantations (>25 years). We compared these sites to vegetation characteristics of patches of forest in karst valleys (`old forest'–too old to know their exact land use) and on mogote tops with no recent history of human disturbance. The youngest sites date to when squatters were removed from Los Haitises National Park. Forest structure (density, basal area, and species richness of woody plants 1 cm DBH) were all significantly affected by land use. Density was highest in intermediate-aged valley sites (old conucos) and mogote tops, while both basal area and species richness tended to increase with age of abandonment. Although cacao plantations had been abandoned for more than 25 years the species diversity was low, due to continued regeneration of this persistent crop. Abandoned pastures had the greatest nonwoody biomass and were dominated by the fern Nephrolepis multiflora which had completely replaced pasture grasses. An ordination of the woody plant communities separated the mogote tops from valleys, emphasizing the strong control that topography has on the forest community in moist and wet tropical forests on karst substrates. Valley sites were arranged in the ordination in order of their age, suggesting a successional sequence converging on the composition of the `old forest' sites.     

Ecology of the Zanzibar Red Colobus Monkey: Demographic Variability and Habitat Stability

We examined the Zanzibar red colobus' (Procolobus kirkii) social structure and population dynamics in relation to the density, diversity and dispersion of food resources in ground-water forest and agricultural land, which we characterized in terms of red colobus food species density, diversity, basal area and dispersion. We used transect sampling and group follows to describe population dynamics and social systems. Two agricultural areas, SJF Shamba and Pete Village, had higher densities and more uniformly dispersed red colobus food tree species than those of the ground-water forest. Red colobus at these two sites had greater population densities and natality, and smaller home ranges than red colobus in the ground-water forest. However, these findings apply to a very small area of agricultural land (approximately 18 ha) that is contiguous with an area of the forest reserve having a high density of red colobus. It is not representative of agricultural areas elsewhere on Zanzibar which support much lower densities or no red colobus. Although agricultural areas contiguous with the forest reserve had high densities of red colobus, they appear to be very unstable. Within the agricultural areas, we observed higher intergroup variation in group size and composition, study groups that decreased dramatically in size and disappeared from the study site, significantly lower levels of juvenile recruitment, and red colobus food trees that exhibited definite signs of overbrowsing. This apparent instability in the subpopulation of red colobus utilizing agricultural systems probably reflects the lower basal area of food trees and the greater fragmentation of suitable habitat and floristic dynamics due to human activities in these areas. A fusion-fission social system occurred only in the ground-water forest subpopulation, which we hypothesize to be due to highly clumped food resources.     

Effects of habitat disturbance on the behavioral ecology and demographics of the Tana river red colobus (Colobus badius rufomitratus)

Annual surveys in 1985–1987 revealed that, since 1975, the total population of the Tana River red colobus (Colobus badius rufomitratus)declined by approximately 80%. An intensive study in 1986–1988 of two groups of colobus in the Tana River Primate National Reserve indicated that habitat disturbance from the changing river course and shifting agricultural practices were primarily responsible for the decline. Clearcutting around Mchelelo forest in the late 1960s compressed colobus populations to levels probably above the carrying capacity. Between 1975 and 1986 primate population density declined dramatically, the number of red colobus groups in Mchelelo forest decreased by half, and the size of the remaining group was greatly reduced. In 1986, there were fewer solitary colobus and small parties in the forest, harem male takeovers did not occur, infant survivorship increased, and demographic parameters generally had improved. The colobus groups in Mchelelo in 1973–1975, living at higher densities, showed different feeding and ranging behaviors than 1986–1988 groups. Range size was smaller in 1975, range overlap occurred, and a greater portion of the forest was used per day and per month. Mature leaves accounted for a much higher proportion of the diet. Time spent feeding and resting was the same in both studies. Social organization in predominantly one- male groups was maintained and adult and subadult females transferred between groups.     

On the ecology of Lecane (Rotifera)

A material consisting of 49 taxa of Lecane (Rotifera), from diverse waters in south and Central Sweden, was analyzed to reveal their relationships to substrate and habitat. Most species did not show any pronounced preference for any substrate, occurring in several diverse substrates, and especially in periphytic environments. Only a few species seemed to specialize in bog substrates. Some taxa were found, sometimes at a high frequency, on an artificial substrate, white cotton, indicating a high degree of mobility.     

Long-term within pond variation of egg deposition sites in the agile frog, <Emphasis Type=Italic>Rana dalmatina</Emphasis>

This study presents long-term fluctuation, within pond distribution and mortality of egg masses in a population of Rana dalmatina reproducing in a permanent semi-natural pond in Romania. The average number of egg masses per year was 410 (SD = 114.56, min.-max. = 265–581). The mean spawning duration (days) was 26.72 (SD = 5.53). The egg mass distribution was not constant during the years. The long-term change in the distribution of egg masses can be related to changes in the reed cover (pond variable) and landscape structure, i.e. the presence of the forest and a pasture between the pond and the forest. There was a reduction in the number of dead egg masses during the study period. We suggest that the maintenance of the connectivity with the forest and the variable amount of reed assure the main aquatic and terrestrial habitats for the agile frogs. This will allow agile frogs to shift breeding habitats in this area according to their ecological needs and find safe terrestrial habitats for summering and wintering.     

Hydrochory,seed banks,and regeneration dynamics along the landscape boundaries of a forested wetland

Following the environmental sieve concept, the setting in which the recruitment of Taxodium distichum occurs in, becomes increasingly restrictive from the seed to seedling stage in an impounded forested wetland. Although a wide elevational band of dispersing seed moves across the boundary of a swamp-field in the water sheet, the zone of germination is relegated to that portion of the forested wetland that draws down during the growing season. Seedling recruitment is further restricted to the uppermost zone of the winter water sheet. These patterns are likely applicable to other species of dominant swamp species, e.g., Cephalanthus occidentalis crossed the boundary of a forested wetland and abandonded field in winter flooding (November–December and November–March, respectively) in Buttonland Swamp. The elevation of the boundary was 101.3 m NGVD. While the seeds of at least 40 swamp species were dispersed across the boundary, few viable seeds were dispersed after the winter season. Kriged maps showed seeds of T. distichum and C. occidentalis dispersed in patches in the water depending on the position of the water sheet. Most species of both water- and gravity-dispersed species had a localized pattern of seed distribution (either spherical or exponential) and this indicated that seeds may not be dispersed for great distances in the swamp. Water-dispersed T. distichum and C. occidentalis had larger dispersal ranges (A ₀=225 and 195 m, respectively) than Bidens frondosa and B. discoidea (A ₀=14 and 16 m, respectively). Seed dispersal varied with season depending on the availability of seeds. In Buttonland Swamp, viable seeds typically were dispersed for T. distichum in November–June, and for C. occidentalis in November-July. Low water occurred in August 1993 and high in February 1994 (99.8 and 101.6 m NGVD, respectively). The seed banks along the landscape boundary varied in species composition according to elevation (r ² = 0.996). While the similarity of species richness between water-dispersed seeds and the seed bank at elevations that flooded (during June 1993 through May 1995) was high (10–17%), it was low between water-dispersed seeds and the seed bank at elevations that did not flood (5%). T. distichum seeds had a short germination window in that seeds germinated within a year following their production in zones that were flooded in the winter followed by drawdown during the next growing season. After 1 year, less than 5% of the T. distichum seeds remained viable on the surface of the soil. Germination of T. distichum was confined to specific elevations (above 99.3 but below 101.6 m NGVD) during this study with 4.1% of the seedlings surviving for more than 2 years at a mean of 101.4 m NGVD. All seedlings below this elevation died. To maximize natural regeneration along the boundaries of swamps in abandoned farm fields targeted for restoration, this study suggests a flood pulse regime consisting of high water in the winter to maximize dispersal of live seeds followed by low water in the summer to facilitate seed germination and seedling recruitment. Hydrologic restoration could assist in the natural recovery of damaged wetlands if a seed source exists nearby.     

Impact of date mussel harvesting on the rocky bottom structural complexity along the Istrian coast (Northern Adriatic, Croatia)

A survey of 50 km of the coast, including islands, rocks and offshore shallows, in the region of Rovinj (North Adriatic, Croatia) showed that the harvesting of the European date mussel Lithophaga lithophaga (L., 1758) is restricted to inclined, approximately vertical, surfaces. Usually, a stratum of rock, varying from several to about ten cm is removed by hammering, resulting in the complete eradication of sessile organisms. The damage was heavily widespread up to 6 m depth (47% of the total inclined surfaces for the whole area). Between 6 and 14 m depth, the damage was much less (14% from 6 to 10 and 7% from 10 to 14 m depth); below this depth, no damage was observed. The damage patterns coupled with the date mussel distribution, which was constrained by the nature of the substratum (limestone or dolomitic limestone), the general architecture of the rocky bottom and the depth. The structural complexity of inclined surfaces was quantified by 5 indices previously used in biota-substratum interaction studies. Heights of 11 pins placed 3 cm apart in a profile gauge were measured to determine the standard deviation of heights, the coefficient of variation of heights, the sum of squared heights, chain and tape ratio and circular variance of angles. Comparisons of these indices, among damaged and intact surfaces in different habitats and sites within habitats, showed a substantial decrease in complexity of the rocky substratum due date mussel harvesting. Thus, this human disturbance can permanently affect rocky shallow water communities as physical features of the substratum may exert strong effects on species.