Fish mercury levels in relation to characteristics of hydroelectric reservoirs in Newfoundland, Canada

Mercury levels in fish have been demonstrated to increase after impoundment with augmented levels of mercury predicted to decline as the reservoir ages. Previous research in Newfoundland predicted return rates in the order of 10 to 12 years for landlocked Atlantic salmon or ouananiche (Salmo salar) and 7 years for brook trout (Salvelinus fontinalis). In order to test the validity of these predictions on a broader spatial and temporal scale, and develop more generally predictive models, mercury levels in three fish species were studied in 16 older Newfoundland hydroelectric reservoirs of various age (32 to 95 years) and area flooded (21 to 13,000 ha).Mercury concentrations were standardized to fish length and correlated with physical, chemical, and biological characteristics of the sampling sites. Standard length mercury levels ranged from 0.23 to 0.86 ppm in ouananiche, 0.13 to 0.59 ppm in brook trout, and 0.22 to 0.72 in arctic charr (Salvelinus alpinus). Fish in excess of the Canadian Safety Limit (0.5 ppm) were collected from 14 of 16 sites for ouananiche, 8 of 17 sites for brook trout, and 3 of 7 sites for arctic charr, including control lakes. Standard length fish mercury levels were correlated with reservoir age and (log₁₀) area flooded for ouananiche and with pH for arctic charr. A multiple regression model was developed relating standard length mercury in ouananiche with reservoir age and log₁₀ of the flooded area. There were no apparent relationship between reservoir characteristics and brook trout mercury concentrations. Based on this analysis, it is not possible, at present, to develop generally predictive models for all species found in Newfoundland impoundments.     

Facies development of a Late Ordovician mixed carbonate-siliciclastic ramp proximal to the developing Taconic orogen: Lourdes Formation, Newfoundland, Canada

The Upper Ordovician (late Whiterockian to Mohawkian) Lourdes Formation represents a narrow (tens of kilometers), short-lived [∼5–7 million years (my)], open-ocean (high-energy) mixed siliciclastic-carbonate ramp that onlapped allochthonous strata along the orogen side of the local Taconic foreland basin. Platform development followed a 6–8 my hiatus during which weathering had concentrated chemically mature siliciclastics that were admixed with initial carbonate sediments. A cross-platform facies gradient contains paleokarst and peritidal carbonates and sandstones, shallow-ramp carbonate bioherms and skeletal shoals, and deeper ramp calcareous shales. Transgressive systems tracts are marked by ramp-wide sheets and shoals of skeletal grainstone and low accumulation rates, and highstand systems tracts are marked by significant admixture and interbedding of siliciclastics with cross-ramp carbonate facies. Platform demise coincides with increased siliciclastic input, which is likely tectonically influenced. The Lourdes platform is equivalent to epicontinental foreland ramps along eastern Laurentia, but its narrower width precluded formation of oceanographically restricted platform-interior facies.     

From principles to practice: a spatial approach to systematic conservation planning in the deep sea

Increases in the demand and price for industrial metals, combined with advances in technological capabilities have now made deep-sea mining more feasible and economically viable. In order to balance economic interests with the conservation of abyssal plain ecosystems, it is becoming increasingly important to develop a systematic approach to spatial management and zoning of the deep sea. Here, we describe an expert-driven systematic conservation planning process applied to inform science-based recommendations to the International Seabed Authority for a system of deep-sea marine protected areas (MPAs) to safeguard biodiversity and ecosystem function in an abyssal Pacific region targeted for nodule mining (e.g. the Clarion–Clipperton fracture zone, CCZ). Our use of geospatial analysis and expert opinion in forming the recommendations allowed us to stratify the proposed network by biophysical gradients, maximize the number of biologically unique seamounts within each subregion, and minimize socioeconomic impacts. The resulting proposal for an MPA network (nine replicate 400 × 400 km MPAs) covers 24% (1 440 000 km²) of the total CCZ planning region and serves as example of swift and pre-emptive conservation planning across an unprecedented area in the deep sea. As pressure from resource extraction increases in the future, the scientific guiding principles outlined in this research can serve as a basis for collaborative international approaches to ocean management.     

Strong genetic population structure in the boring giant clam, Tridacna crocea, across the Indo-Malay Archipelago: implications related to evolutionary processes and connectivity

Even though the Indo-Malay Archipelago hosts the world's greatest diversity of marine species, studies on the genetic population structure and gene flow of marine organisms within this area are rather rare. Consequently, not much is known about connectivity of marine populations in the Indo-Malay Archipelago, despite the fact that such information is important to understand evolutionary and ecological processes in the centre of marine biodiversity. This study aims to investigate the genetic population structure of the boring giant clam, Tridacna crocea . The analysis is based on a 456-bp fragment of the cytochrome oxidase I gene from 300 individuals collected from 15 localities across the Indo-Malay Archipelago. Tridacna crocea shows a very strong genetic population structure and isolation by distance, indicating restricted gene flow between almost all sample sites. The observed Φ_ST-value of 0.28 is very high compared to other studies on giant clams. According to the pronounced genetic differences, the sample sites can be divided into four groups from West to East: (i) Eastern Indian Ocean, (ii) Java Sea, (iii) South China Sea, Indonesian throughflow, as well as seas in the East of Sulawesi, and (iv) Western Pacific. This complex genetic population structure and pattern of connectivity, characterised by restricted gene flow between some sites and panmixing between others can be attributed to the geological history and prevailing current regimes in the Indo-Malay Archipelago.     

International cooperation in conserving biological diversity: a world strategy,international convention,and framework for action

Stimulated by the growing awareness of deforestation at all latitudes, the loss of species, declines in several fisheries, pollution, and other environmental threats, governments, citizen groups, academics, and indigenous peoples have been actively seeking ways to reverse current trends of impoverishment and achieve sustainable development. This paper considers the problems which confront managers of protected areas and proposes a six-point agenda for management based upon improved international policies, funding initiatives and other support mechanisms.     

Pacific Coral-reef Fishes: The Implications of Behaviour and Ecology of Larvae for Biodiversity and Conservation, and a Reassessment of the Open Population Paradigm

The two-phase life history of most marine fishes and invertebrates has enormous implications for dispersal, population connectivity, and resource management. Pelagic dispersal larvae of marine animals traditionally thought to ensure that populations are widespread, that chances of local extinction are low, and that marine protected areas (MPA) can easily function to replenish both their own populations and those of unprotected areas. Traditionally, dispersal is considered to depend primarily on two variables: pelagic larva duration and far-field currents. These conclusions arise from the open population paradigm and are usually accompanied by a simplifying assumption: larvae are distributed passively by far-field currents. Unfortunately, they ignore the complex reality of circulation and hydrological connectivity of reefs, and do not consider newly-demonstrated behavioural capabilities of coral-reef fish larvae. Far-field circulation varies with depth and often excludes water bodies where propagules are released, and this has important implications for predicting trajectories of even passive larvae. However, larvae are not passive: late-stage larvae of coral-reef fishes can swim faster than currents for long periods, can probably detect reefs at some distance, and can actively find them. This behaviour is flexible, which greatly complicates modelling of larval fish trajectories. Populations at ecological (as opposed to evolutionary) scales are probably less open and more subdivided than previously assumed. All this means that dispersal predictions based solely on far-field water circulation are probably wrong. An emerging view of larval-fish dispersal is articulated that takes these new data and perspectives into account. This emerging view shows that re-evaluation of traditional views in several areas is required, including the contribution of larval-fish biology and dispersal to biodiversity patterns, the way reef fishes are managed, and the way in which MPA are thought to operate. At evolutionary and zoogeographic scales, reef-fish populations are best considered to be open.     

Significant population structure and asymmetric gene flow patterns amidst expanding populations of Clinus cottoides (Perciformes,Clinidae): application of molecular data to marine conservation planning in South Africa

Clinus cottoides is a fish endemic to the coast of South Africa, predominantly inhabiting rock pools. All South African clinids are viviparous, but probably breed throughout the year; as such, their dispersal may be limited, unlike species with pelagic larval stages. We analysed 343 fish from 14 localities on the west, south and east coasts using two mitochondrial genes and the second intron of the S7 ribosomal gene. Mitochondrial DNA analyses recovered significant genetic differentiation between fish populations from the east coast and other sampling locations, with a second break found between Gansbaai and Cape Agulhas on the south coast. Nuclear DNA recovered shallower, but significant, levels of population structure. Coalescent analyses suggested remarkably asymmetrical gene flow between sampling locations, suggesting that the cold Atlantic Benguela Current and Indian Ocean Agulhas counter‐current play important roles in facilitating dispersal. There was no gene flow between the east coast and the other sites, suggesting that these populations are effectively isolated. Divergence times between them were estimated to at least 68 000 years. Neutrality tests and mismatch distributions suggest recent population expansions, with the exception of peripheral western and eastern populations (possibly a consequence of environmental extremes at the edge of the species distribution). Analyses of the current South African marine protected areas network show that it is not connected and that De Hoop, one of South Africa's largest marine reserves, appears to be an important source population of recruits to both the south and southwest coasts.     

Freshwater Reserves in Australia: Directions and Challenges for the Development of a Comprehensive,Adequate and Representative System of Protected Areas

The establishment of a system of protected areas that samples all ecosystems, including freshwater environments, in a comprehensive, adequate and representative (CAR) manner is regarded as a cornerstone for the conservation of biodiversity. There have been few quantitative assessments of the comprehensiveness, adequacy and representativeness of freshwater reserves in Australia. This paper reviews and quantifies the effect of classification of freshwater ecosystems for conservation planning, the importance of reservation status and protection measures for developing a CAR reserve system, and aspects of reserve design for freshwater ecosystems. We propose a strategic and iterative process that incorporates these measures to assist in the efficient and effective development of freshwater reserve systems worldwide. However, the provision of suitable water regimes for freshwater reserves presents further ecological and political challenges, and even adequate reservation of freshwater ecosystems may not conserve constituent biodiversity without effective management.     

Electron micrographic study of precipitates formed by interaction of silicic acid and alkaline phosphatase: contribution to a study of silica urolithiasis in cattle

Association of alkaline phosphatase with silicic acid in precipitates formed in dilute solution was studied as a model for the nonspecific reaction between silicic acid and protein. Precipitates contained 68-83% of the silicic acid and 52-83% of the enzyme in the original mixture and were in the form of aggregates of roundish particles 150-800 nm in diameter. Enzyme protein formed a tightly bound layer on the surface of particles formed in solutions of freshly prepared silicic acid. The similarity between the ultrastructural features of precipitates from solutions of silicic acid and of internal portions of siliceous urinary calculi from cattle suggests that deposition of silica during development of such calculi is due, at least in part, to the interaction of protein with silicic acid in urine.     

Aspects of the Ecology of the Fishes of Holyrood Pond: A Coastal Lake with Occasional Access to the Sea Located in St. Mary's Bay,Newfoundland

Physical and chemical conditions and fish were studied during spring and summer in 1974 and 1975 in Holyrood Pond, Avalon Peninsula, Newfoundland. It is a landlocked body of water lying at sea level (length = 21.72 km; maximum width = 1.55 km; maximum depth = 100.0 m) which is occasionally opened to the sea. The landlocked condition is caused by prevailing southwest winds and wave action which create a beach barrier that effectively isolates the mouth from St. Mary's Bay. Under landlocked conditions, there was a continual decrease in salinity and dissolved oxygen at all depths. Temperature profiles were of a dichothermic nature; a certain amount of temporal variability was noted in lower lying water. When the barrier was opened (by bulldozer) and the pond came under tidal influence, there was a replenishment of salt water and dissolved oxygen. Temperature profiles retained the same overall shape but were more erratic, and compared with the closed barrier condition, showed greater variability with time especially in the deeper water. A small amount of commercial fishing is carried out in the pond during both open and closed barrier conditions. A total of 30 species of fish was encountered during the sampling period. Of these, Salvelinus fontinalis, Gadus morhua, Urophycis tenuis, Pseudopleuronectes americanus and Alosa pseudoharengus were studied in detail. Aspects of their biology are compared with other populations and discussed in the context of environmental conditions peculiar to Holyrood Pond.     

Kinetics of cyanide binding to chloroperoxidase in the presence of nitrate: detection of the influence of a heme-linked acid group by shift in the appa

The kinetics of the binding of cyanide to ferric chloroperoxidase have been studied at 25°C and ionic strength 0.11 M using a stopped-flow apparatus. The dissociation constant (K_CN) of the peroxidase-cyanide complex and both forward (k₊) and reverse (k_?) rate constants are independent of the H⁺ concentration over the pH range 2.7 to 7.1. The values obtained are k_cn = (9.5 ± 1.0) × 10^-5 M, k₊. = (5.2 ± 0.5) × 10⁴ M^?1 sec^?1 and k_- = (5.0± 1.4) sec^-1. In the presence of 0 06 M potassium nitrate the affinity of cyanide for chloroperoxidase decreases due to the inhibition of the forward reaction. The dissociation rate is not affected. The nitrate anion exerts its influence by binding to a protonated form of the enzyme, whereas the cyanide binds to the unprotonated form. Binding of nitrate results in an apparent shift towards higher pK_a values of the ionization of a crucial heme-linked acid group. Hence the influence of this group can be detected in the accessible pH range. Extrapolation to zero nitrate concentration yields a value of 3.1±0.3 for the pK_a of the heme-linked acid group.     

First record of a brachiopod (Brachiopoda: Terebrataliidae) in the fouling of hydrotechnical installations in Peter the Great Bay,Sea of Japan

Large mature individuals of the brachiopod Coptothyris adamsi Davidson, 1871 were found in the fouling of a pier in Koz’mina Bight (Nakhodka Bay, Peter the Great Bay, Sea of Japan) in September 2006. The population density of the brachiopod in the fouling reached 100 specimens/m² and greatly exceeded the density of this species in benthic communities (4 specimens/m²). This is the first record of a brachiopod on anthropogenic substrates in the Far-Eastern seas of Russia. It is of particular interest because (1) C. adamsi is listed in the Red Book of Russia and (2) construction of an international oil terminal is planned for Koz’mina Bight. The brachiopod population can be used to monitor environmental conditions during the construction and further functioning of the oil terminal in Koz’mina Bight.     

Bacillus Species Proteins Involved in Spore Formation and Degradation: From Identification in the Genome,to Sequence Analysis,and Determination of Function and Structure

The members of Bacillus species are Gram-positive, ubiquitous spore-forming bacilli. Several genomic sequences have been made available during recent years, including Bacillus subtilis, a model organism among this genus, Bacillus anthracis, and their analyses provided a wealth of information about spore-forming bacteria. Some members of this species can cause serious diseases in livestock and humans. An important pathogen in this group of organisms is B. anthracis, which is the causative agent of anthrax. A summary of the B. subtilis genome information, based on the publicly released sequence, that allowed for the identification and characterization of new and novel proteins of this organism as well as similar proteins from other members of Bacillus species is provided. The primary goal for this work is to present a review of the genome sequence-identified genes that encode proteins involved in the sporulation, germination, and outgrowth processes. These three processes are essential for spore development and later its transformation into a vegetative cell. Additionally, for a few selected examples of the protein products of the identified genes, the application of bioinformatics and modeling tools is illustrated in order to determine their likely structure and function. Two three-dimensional models of the structures of such proteins, PrfA endonuclease and phosphatase PhoE, are presented together with the structure-based functional conclusions. The review of such studies provides an example of how the genomic sequence can be utilized in order to elucidate the structure and function of proteins, in particular proteins of the Bacillus species. Because only a limited number of proteins of Bacillus species organisms are involved in the synthesis and degradation of spores and have been characterized to date, this genome-based analysis may provide new insights into the developmental processes of bacterial organism.     

Abiotic vs. Biotic Factors: Lessons Drawn From Rotifers in the Middle Loire,a Meandering River Monitored From 1995 to 2002, During Low Flow Periods

The numbers of rotifers in large rivers never achieve the abundances observed in eutrophic lakes. The adverse conditions of the current have conduct biologists to establish links between particular geomorphologies and biological processes in the plankton of rivers. Recent attempts to examine specific adaptations of rotifers have shown that among several planktonic forms, the loricate species appeared to be better adapted to the current than soft-bodied or littoral-epibenthic species. The eutrophic Middle Loire provides rotifers with more edible biomass than that necessary for their production so, the aim of this study was to determine which other factors were responsible for the origins, growth and survival of rotifer populations in the river. Samples were taken bi-monthly in the current, from end-June to early-October during 8 years, in two sections of the River Loire situated at 550 and 640 km from the source. Flow rate, temperature, dissolved oxygen, suspended matter, biological oxygen demand and algal densities were examined in parallel, and among the 61 rotifer species collected at each site, the 30 dominant species were retained for the analysis. Planktonic loricate species were dominant in the Middle Loire, followed by epibenthic species, soft-bodied species being least abundant. The densities of rotifers and algae changed in parallel and in relation to temperature; flow was clearly unfavourable to algae, represented by the Chlorophytes and to rotifers, whatever the sites. Co-inertia analysis revealed that the assemblage of species was closely grouped at Dam where the immediate environment was dominated by numerous scattered islands. This analysis also illustrated that the consequence of eutrophication in the water quality was more marked downstream. Lessons drawn from this experience of the Middle Loire, which ranks among the richest rivers in terms of species, allowed to highlight that dominance of the Brachionidae is a rule in numerous rivers and may be explained by the capacity of several species to continue growing in a current of 0.2 m s⁻¹. Trichocercids may be relevant indicators of sandy rivers. The flexibility of rotifers in the face of hydraulic conditions, the question of the rotifers’ origin, the respective roles of downstream transfer and processes, as well as the role of the rotifers in the river food-web are discussed.     

From a Howling Wilderness to Howling Safaris: Science,Policy and Red Wolves in the American South

This article details the complex natural and cultural history of red wolf (Canis rufus) restoration in the American South. The decisions and methods utilized in the red wolf’s recovery after 1960 were unprecedented and creative but not geographically limited. The federal red wolf recovery experiment highlights the debate over what constitutes a species in a dynamic world, and the practical challenges and unexpected results in endangered species management in peopled landscapes. This wildlife restoration story illustrates not only the “hands-on” management role humans played, and continue to play, but also reveals cultural assumptions about what constitutes a “wild” wolf and about the necessity of wilderness. The red wolf recovery project provides constructive lessons for future species restoration involving flora and fauna on public and private land, and demonstrates human and animal engagement in the making of nature and culture.     

From mosquito to man: Identification of a novel protein kinase, HsHPK, which is highly expressed in human hepatoma tissues

Protein kinases play an important role in the signaling pathway of growth factors in most of the higher organisms. During the study of protein kinase profiles of mosquitoes using RT-PCR and degenerate primers for consensus catalytic domain motifs to amplify protein kinase genes, we have noticed that a novel mosquito kinase, AaPK-38, shares a stretch of amino acids identical to the corresponding domain in Tousled gene ofArabidopsis thaliana that is required for leaf and flower development. A 2.1-kb cDNA encoding human HsHPK gene, which is a homolog of AaPK-38, was isolated from human testis cDNA library. This cDNA contains an open reading frame of 563 amino acids, with a complete kinase domain in its carboxyl terminus. The expressed Flag-tagged HsHPK was shown to have kinase activity based on in vitro autophosphorylation. Northern blot analysis revealed that human HsHPK mRNA is most abundant in testes, much less in heart and skeletal muscle and almost undetectable in liver and lung. Finally, we found that the expression of HsHPK in 4 out of 6 human hepatoma tissues is much higher than that in the adjacent normal counterpart. This result suggests HsHPK may play a role in the development of human hepatoma.     

From genetic structure to wetland conservation: a freshwater isopod <Emphasis Type=Italic>Paramphisopus palustris</Emphasis> (Phreatoicidea: Amphisopidae) from the Swan Coastal Plain,Western Australia

The freshwater isopod Paramphisopus palustris is ubiquitous and abundant in the groundwater-fed wetlands of the Swan Coastal Plain around Perth, Western Australia. Taxonomically, an additional variety (P. palustris fairbridgei) and species (P. montanus) are recognized from geographically outlying localities. Here a 486 bp fragment of cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) mtDNA was sequenced in 68 individuals from 23 localities in order to evaluate the accepted taxonomy, to examine the evolutionary history of the species, and to identify lineages to prioritize conservation of wetlands already substantially modified. MtDNA showed individual populations to be largely distinct and differentiated. The 41 unique haplotypes formed seven independent, geographically defined networks. Phylogenetic analysis retrieved corresponding subclades, with three well-supported larger clades occurring (1) north of the Swan River, (2) south of the Swan River, and (3) in an area further south. A clear pattern of isolation by distance was detected suggesting an ancient serial founder event, with the pattern possibly persisting in the face of limited gene flow through priority effects. The possibility of incipient speciation, the monophyly of the recognized subspecies and the paraphyly of P. palustris with respect to P. montanus, suggest that the current taxonomy is invalid and requires re-examination. Divergences suggest a mid- to early Pliocene divergence of the major clades, with early Pliocene divergences among subclades probably driven by documented intense arid periods. Lineages are present in wetlands in geologically younger environments suggesting in situ survival and persistence. Seven Evolutionarily Significant Units were identified for the conservation of Paramphisopus, two of which are not currently represented in conservation reserves. With increased water demand and the negative impact of surrounding land-use, the current study provides a first phylogeographic assessment of conservation priorities for wetlands of the Swan Coastal Plain. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi: ) contains supplementary material which is available to authorized users. Handling editor: C. Sturmbauer     

Cancer Mortality Studies in Misara,a Radon Hot Spring in Japan: A Summary up to 2003

Misasa, which is well known for its radon hot springs, is a historical town located in Tottori Prefecture, Japan. The presence of the hot springs is noted in an 1164 entry in town records. The presence of radioactivity in the hot springs was recognized in 1914. Since ancient times, the spring water has been believed to be healthful. The town of Misasa has 90 radon hot spring sources, yielding a total volume of 3,000 tons of spring water a day. The concentration of ²²²Rn in the spring water ranges from 17.4 to 9,361 Bq per liter. A series of cancer mortality studies on the radon hot springs were conducted through the collaboration of scientists scattered throughout different Japanese cities. At present, no definite evidence has been discovered that indicates an increase of cancer mortality in the Misasa radon hot spring area. Even a lower risk was found for stomach cancers in both radon and no-radon hot springs.     

When to bee social: interactions among environmental constraints, incentives, guarding, and relatedness in a facultatively social carpenter bee

In the facultatively social carpenter bee, Xylocopa pubescens,foundresses usually establish nests solitarily. However, nestsmay become social if a second foundress (referred to as alpha)successfully usurps the nest, with the original foundress (referredto as beta) remaining as a guard. Reproductive skew theory predictsthat beta foundresses should remain as helpers only if alphausurpers allow them a share of reproduction. Because alpha femalesdestroy much of beta's brood and beta females do not lay eggsafter takeovers, studies have concluded that usurpers offerno staying incentives or concessions in return for helping behavior.This conclusion is paradoxical, and we suggest that by refrainingfrom destroying all of beta's brood, alpha females do indeedoffer concessions to beta females. We constructed a model toexamine the conditions under which social nesting is favoredby both alpha and beta females. Female preference for socialversus solitary nesting is proportional to expected fitnessin either setting and is affected by current environmental conditions,the value of guarding behavior in protecting brood from pollenrobbery, the size of the concession offered by alpha, and thedegree of genetic relatedness between the foundresses. Our modelshows that at a minimum, establishing sociality after unrelatedusurpations always requires a concession, whereas in relatedusurpations, a concession is not always required. Generally,agreement between alpha and beta is difficult because alpharequires a much higher premium in pollen robbery protectionthan beta in order for sociality to be advantageous. Alpha femalesprefer social nesting only under the most severe environmentalconditions because usually they gain less by the presence ofa guard than by replacing beta brood with their own. In contrast,beta females always strongly prefer social nesting because thechances of successful renesting elsewhere are low and rarelyoutweigh the advantages of guarding their own brood that surviveusurpation. Effects of relatedness between foundresses on preferencefor social nesting are nonintuitive: first, alpha's preferenceincreases with relatedness, whereas beta's preference declines,and second, unrelated beta females prefer sociality more stronglythan related ones. This is because replacement of beta's offspringwith related alpha offspring partially compensates her for theloss of her own brood, even should she leave the nest.