Effects of water from Nakhodka Bay (Peter the Great Bay, Sea of Japan) on the early development of the Sea UrchinStrongylocentrotus intermedius

Our studies show that seawater from different sites in Nakhodka Bay has a deleterious effect on the development of the sea urchinStrongylocentrotus intermedius. As development proceeded to the pluteus I stage, the percentage of abnormal larvae maintained in water from Nakhodka, Novitskogo, and Vrangelya Bights increased markedly (66.7±2.2, 67.1±2.6, and 54.6±1.8%, respectively). These larvae developed more slowly, were smaller, and differed from those in the control in the intensity of color of their echinochrome granules. In water from Nakhodka and Novitskogo bights, larval survival rates were lower than in the control. This suggests that the water of Nakhodka Bay is heavily polluted, especially in its harbor areas.     

Impact of Polluted Bottom Deposits on the Species Structure and Abundance of Bivalves in Peter the Great Bay,Sea of Japan

Data from long-term (1979–1988) studies of bivalve fauna and of the content of priority pollutants in the bottom deposits of Peter the Great Bay have been analyzed. It was established that the biomass, population density, number of species, and the species diversity indexes of Shannon-Weiner and of the Pielou evenness of bivalves negatively correlated with the total pollution factor, TPF, of bottom sediments. Changes in the ecological parameters of bivalves with an increase in pollution occurred in spurts within the 3.4–3.6 interval of TPF values. The area of such values covered not only the coastal zone of Vladivostok, but also a considerable part of Amursky Bay.     

Sperm ultrastructure in representatives of six bivalve families from Peter the Great Bay, Sea of Japan

The ultrastructure of sperm in seven species of bivalves, the representatives of six families, Arcidae (Anadara broughtonii, Arca boucardi), Anomiidae (Pododesmus macrochisma), Tellinidae (Macoma tokyoensis), Ostreidae (Crassostrea gigas), Myidae (Mya japonica) and Trapezidae (Trapezium liratum) is described. All the studied sperm were typical tail sperm, adapted to external insemination, which, however, had a specific structure. Differences were revealed in the form of head, acrosome structure and number of mitochondria. The studied species of the above families had their specific morphology, the Arcidae species had a bullet- or barrel-shaped head with four or five mitochondria in the middle part; the Anomiidae had conic head, the acrosome with periacrosome material and four mitochondria (a basic feature of sperm is the axial core entering periacrosome material and consisting of bundle of actin filaments); the Myidae had a curved conic head and four mitochondria; in the Tellinidae the head was bullet-shaped, the periacrosome material contained a fibril component and four mitochondria; the Trapezidae had sperm of a conic form with spherical acrosome. The spherical sperm of C. gigas were similar to sperm of Saccostrea commercialis and Crassostrea virginica, but with some distinctions in the acrosome substructure. The morphology of sperm testified to the correct attribution of the Crassostreidae family as a synonym to the Ostreidae family.     

Sensitivity of Embryos and Larvae of the Sea Urchin Strongylocentrotus intermedius to Effects of Copper Ions

The effect of copper ions in seawater (0.02 mg/l) on the early stages of development of the sea urchin Strongylocentrotus intermedius was studied. Copper exposure from fertilization or the prism stage retarded development and growth and led to abnormalities in the morphology of the embryos and larvae. However, if development to the pluteus stage proceeded in clean seawater, an increased copper concentration did not inhibit the growth of larvae. If sea urchin embryos at fertilization and the prism stage were maintained for 1–2 days in seawater containing 0.02 mg Cu/l and then transferred to clean seawater, the adverse consequences of this exposure remained present after 48 h.     

Application of the microalga Plagioselmis prolonga for the assessment of water quality in the Amursky and Nakhodka Bays (Sea of Japan)

Based on biotesting, we carried out an estimation of the water quality in the Amursky and Nakhodka Bays (Sea of Japan) using Plagioselmis prolonga (Cryptophyta). The obtained data were compared with the data from water biotesting using Dunaliella salina (Chlorophyta). It was shown that water from the Amursky Bay produced more a negative effect on both microalgae than water from the Nakhodka Bay. It was established that sensitivity of the P. prolonga microalga exceeded that of D. salina. This was confirmed by a sharp decrease of the P. prolonga motile cell number in the studied water.     

An Inventory of Benthic Flora in the Intertidal and Upper Subtidal Zones of Troitsa Bay (Peter the Great Bay,Sea of Japan)

Russian Journal of Marine Biology - The species composition of macrophytic algae in Troitsa Bay (Peter the Great Bay, Sea of Japan) was studied from June to September in 2004–2018. A total of...     

Fauna associated with detached kelp in different types of subtidal habitats of the White Sea

The fauna, associated with Laminaria and other largebrown macroalgae was studied by using SCUBA anddredging in two different types of underwater habitatsof the White Sea.In shallow water fjords and bays, with a depth of nomore than 30–40 m, detached kelp (mainly Laminaria saccharina, L. digitata and Alaria esculenta) formed large accumulations. One ofthese benthic accumulations, which has existed morethan 20 years, was studied. It covers about2000 m², and is about 2 m thick. The upper layerof the accumulation of fronds is characterized by highturbulence and is well aerated. The lower layer ischaracterized by anoxic conditions. Mats of sulphurbacteria were not observed, although fronds in themiddle layer were covered by layers of cyanobacteria.About 50 species of macroinvertebrates were found,mainly species that are normally associated withliving kelp, such as the detritivorous species Ophiura robusta and Gammarus oceanicus, and fewspecies that are specific inhabitants of organic-richbiotopes in the White Sea such as Capitellacapitata, Ophryotrocha irinae and Nebaliabipes. It was remarkable that in the shallow waterbasins of the White Sea, the process of decompositionof brown algae in the sublittoral takes place withoutsea urchins, and no other macrofaunal form plays anecological role in the mechanical breakdown of theplant substratum, even not in the large accumulationsof detached kelp.Along the open rocky shoreline, communities associatedwith dead detached kelp were situated at a depth of60–90 m, 40–50 m below the belt of living kelp. Inthis deep zone, no macroinvertebrates typical of thekelp community in the photic zone were found. Duringthe passage from the shoreline to the deeper benthiccommunity, where sea urchins were dominant, all plantdebris became fragmented. These deeper benthiccommunities appeared to be the zone for decompositionof the detached kelp.     

Bivalve distribution on coral carpets in the Northern Bay of Safaga (Red Sea, Egypt) and its relation to environmental parameters

Summary Bivalve assemblages on coral carpets in the Northern Bay of Safaga do not form distinct associations, but gradually shift in faunal composition. The taxonomic shift is accompanied by continuous variations in bivalve density and percentage of living individuals as well as by a change of coral associations and potential bivalve habitats. The gradual lateral change of associations is best documented byTridacna maxima and jewel box clams (Chamoidea) and is probably due to variations of the suspension load in the water column. High suspension loads in the water column are additionally indicated by ‘giant oysters’ (extremely large individuals ofHyotissa hyotis) and striking agglomerates ofLopha cristagalli. The vertical differentiation is best documented by the decrease of the zooxanthellateTridacna maxima and is probably due to the depth-dependent light penetration in the water column, which is attenuated in areas of high suspension load.     

Spawning of the sea ravenHemitripterus villosus in Peter the Great Bay, Sea of Japan

The spawning habits of the sea ravenHemitripterus villosus were investigated by scuba diving at shallow rocky bottom sites around Bolshoi Pelis Island (Peter the Great Bay, Sea of Japan). Spawning occurs in September, when the surface water temperature drops. The optimum spawning temperature is 17–18°C. The fish density in nest sites reaches 120/300 m². The mean individual fecundity is about 10000 eggs. Over 35% of the egg masses ofH. villosus are eaten by echinoderms, primarilyPatiria pectinifera andStrongylocentrotus nudus. Since fecundity is relatively low and parents do not take care of the egg masses, predation can strongly affect the abundance of this species.     

Carbonate system of the Razdolnaya River estuary (Amur Bay, Sea of Japan)

Two methods, the total alkalinity measurement by Bruevich [4] and pH measurement in a cell without liquid junction [11], were suggested for study of the carbonate system of estuaries. Based on new measurements, the empirical equations were obtained for the first and second seawater concentration constants of carbonic acid for the ranges of salinity 0–40 and temperatures 0–30°C. Applying the constants and above methods, we studied the carbonate system of the Razdolnaya River-Amur Bay estuary in two expeditions of July 2001, the first in a period of average water level and the second after a flood. In the latter survey, extremely low values (60 µatm) of pCO₂ (carbon dioxide partial pressure) were recorded in the seaward part of the estuary and extremely high ( 13 300 µatm) were noted in the river. High pCO₂ in the surface water was caused by intense bacterial activity, and low levels were caused by phytoplankton bloom. The nonconservative behavior of the total alkalinity and dissolved inorganic carbon was revealed in the estuary. Based on the data of the carbonate system, the production/destruction of organic matter was assessed.Original Russian Text Copyright © 2005 by Biologiya Morya, Tishchenko, Wong, Volkova, Gramm-Osipov, Johnson, Dudarev, Zvalinskii, Nedashkovskii, Pavlova, Chichkin, Sagalaev, Shevtsova, Shkirnikova.     

Assessment of the State of Flounders from Sivuch'ya Bight (Peter the Great Bay, Sea of Japan) Based on Histopathological Parameters

The liver and gills of five flounder species (Pleuronectes obscurus, P. punctatissimus, P. yokahamae, P. herzensteini, and Platichthys stellatus) from Sivuch'ya Bight were histologically studied. Specimens of all species were characterized by a wide spectrum of histomorphological changes. The proportions of most specific pathologies in P. obscurusfrom Sivuch'ya Bight were estimated. The pathologies comprised two major groups: those of the gills (edema and fusion of the respiratory lamellae; lifting and hyperplasia of the respiratory epithelium; vacuolization of the epithelium cells; and the presence of clavate lamellae, aneurysmal areas, and parasites) and those of the liver (vacuolization of the hepatocytes, aneurysms, necrosis of the parenchyma tissue, pathologies of the hepatocyte nuclei, pigment accumulation, and an increase in the number and size of melanomacrophage centers). The estimated proportions of pathological changes were compared with those observed in P. obscurusspecimens from the most contaminated area of Amurskii Bay. In both Sivuch'ya Bight and Amurskii Bay, the proportion of fish with various pathologies was high. The comparison of pathological changes in the gills and liver of P. obscurusand P. stellatusfrom Sivuch'ya Bight showed that, in terms of many parameters, the former species is more sensitive to pollution of the marine environment than the latter. Pathomorphological changes in the organs of the flounders studied are apparently caused by chronic pollutant action and suggest that the fish of both areas are in a damaged state.     

Reproductive function state of the scallop Mizuhopecten yessoensis Jay from polluted areas of Peter the Great Bay, Sea of Japan

The morphology of gonads and development of offspring of the scallop Mizuhopecten yessoensis sampled from six stations in Peter the Great Bay (Sea of Japan) were studied. The retardation of gametogenesis, oocytes resorption, autolysis of spermatozoa and their phagocytosis were observed in the gonads of the scallops from polluted sites. The number of hermaphrodites was about 6% against 0.3–0.4% in the scallop populations from clean areas. In the offspring development, a decrease in fertilisation success,diminution in percent of normal trochophores, D-veligers, veligers, and retardation of larval growth were recorded. The scallop populations inhabiting polluted areas of Peter the Great Bay seem to be incapable of normal reproduction. Development of offspring was a more sensitive index of disturbance of the reproductive function than morphology of scallop gonads. Analysis of the offspring development of common species of marine invertebrates is suggested to be used as a sensitive indicator of adverse environmental conditions. This revised version was published online in August 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

The Meroplankton of Amurskii Bay (Peter the Great Bay,Sea of Japan)

Russian Journal of Marine Biology - The composition and seasonal dynamics of meroplankton in Amurskii Bay (Sea of Japan) were studied for the first time. The total survey period exceeded two years....     

The impact of scallop drags on sea urchin populations and benthos in the Bay of Fundy,Canada

The fishery for the green sea urchin (Strongylocentrotus droebachiensis) began in New Brunswick in the late 1980s in response to increasing demand from Asian markets, primarily Japan. Fishing was initiated by members of the scallop industry and the harvesting practices were based on familiar fishing gear (scallop drags or dredges) and similar operations occurring simultaneously in Maine. Because of the potential impact of scallop gear on the shallow water populations in areas not traditionally fished, a study was initiated in 1993 to document (1) the proportion of sea urchins damaged during the harvesting operation, (2) the impact on and subsequent recovery time of the associated benthic flora and epifauna, and (3) the impacts on the bottom substrate. Two sites were chosen for the study based on a split-plot design with a control and experimental plot at each site. In each experimental plot, a towing lane was created parallel to shore. Divers used a fixed line transect method to survey the control and treatment plots prior to and after the harvesting operation done with commercial scallop Digby drags. Further diver-based surveys were done 3 and 6 months later. Results showed a significant decrease in sea urchin densities and an increase in the number of broken sea urchin tests after the harvesting operation at the Passamaquoddy Bay and Grand Manan sites (3–15%). On both sites, there were significant changes in the density of mobile predators such as lobsters, crabs, whelks and sculpins. Lobster density declined to zero after dragging, but the lack of body parts suggested they moved out of the area. Whelks were observed to move into each of the experimental areas, likely in response to probable increase in available food. The dragging operation increased the breakage rate of the kelp, Laminaria longicruris. From the study we concluded that there were short-term impacts from dragging, but the observable effects on the bottom from the single dragging event were gone in less than 3 months. The longer-term effects of dragging were unknown.     

Allozyme Variability in Local Populations of the Chiton Ischnochiton hakodadensis from Differently Polluted Areas of Peter the Great Bay, Sea of Japan

Allozyme variability in ten polymorphous loci and three samples of the chiton Ischnochiton hakodadensis from Peter the Great Bay, Sea of Japan, was examined by gel electrophoresis. The samples were collected in different areas of the Bay: clean, heavily polluted with petroleum hydrocarbons and detergents, and heavily polluted with heavy metal combinations. It was established that the genetic similarity of the samples was very high, but their differences in allele frequencies, observed heterozygosity, and heterozygote deficiency in some loci were statistically significant. We suppose that allozyme differences between the studied chiton samples are the result of selection to resist anthropogenic pollution of the habitat.     

Pollution in Peter the Great Bay, Sea of Japan, and its biological consequences

This review summarizes information published in the 1980s–1990s about anthropogenic pollution in Peter the Great Bay, the largest of the bays in the northwestern part of the Sea of Japan. The coastal zone of the bay occupies about 12% of the area of Primorskii Province and is the most heavily populated. The bulk of the human settlements, the seaports of Vladivostok and Nakhodka, railways, industrial enterprises, and developed agriculture are located in the coastal zone. Sewage waters containing multicomponent mixtures of polluting agents of both mineral and organic origin are discharged into the coastal waters of the bay. This paper presents information about the concentration of major classes of polluting agents (oil hydrocarbons, polychlorinated hydrocarbons, surfactants, heavy metals, and radionuclids) in the water and bottom sediments of the bay. The results of physico-chemical and biogeochemical investigations performed in the 1970s–1990s justify considering Zolotoi Rog Bay, Bosfor Vostochnyi Strait, Nakhodka Bay (especially its innermost portion, around the harbor of Nakhodka), and Amurskii Bay to be the most polluted areas in Peter the Great Bay. The information about the biological consequences of pollution in these water areas is briefly reviewed.