Settlement and pigmentation of glass eels (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Anguilla rostrata</Emphasis> Lesueur) in a coastal lagoon

American eel (Anguilla rostrata Lesueur) is born in the Atlantic Ocean, but larvae redistribute throughout diverse habitats of North American estuaries and freshwater streams. We hypothesized that early stage A. rostrata differed in abundance among sites within a single coastal lagoon, Newport Bay (Maryland) for two sampling seasons (March–May in 2007 and 2008). Catch per unit effort (CPUE) of early stage A. rostrata was usually similar between years at a site, except that it was higher at one site in 2008 than in 2007. The CPUE varied among sites within Newport Bay, but not significantly so because of high, intra-annual variance in CPUE at a site. As reported for New Jersey coastal estuaries, variation in the CPUE tended to be higher in brackish water habitats. Intra-annual variation in CPUE from March until May was partially explained by oxygenation and salinity. The CPUE of settling eels was greatest when water was well-oxygenated (dissolved oxygen >8 mg·L⁻¹) and mildly brackish (0.3–3.2 ppt). While larval supply to a coastal estuary may annually influence the magnitude of potential settlers, temporal differences in habitat conditions within Newport Bay also influenced settlement patterns. Differences in habitat conditions can affect the pigmentation rates of settling early stage eels. We measured rates of pigmentation, which corresponded with age of the fish. However, rates did not differ among sites or vary with habitat conditions. Pigmentation levels from March to May increased at a rate of about 0.02% per week. Monitoring programs for early phase American eel should consider the steepness of habitat gradients within estuaries and habitat covariates when assessing population status.     

Composition, temporal changes and ecological guild classification of the ichthyofaunas of large European estuaries – a comparison between the Tagus (Portugal) and the Elbe (Germany)

Fish species densities from 1025 hauls obtained with beam trawl and stow net catches from the southern Tagus and northern Elbe estuaries were analysed for two different periods of time between 1978 and 1997. The data were related with environmental factors to compare species composition and densities, contributions of different ecological guilds, structuring environmental key factors, intra‐annual cyclicity and interperiodical stability of ichthyofaunas in large European estuaries at different latitudes. Although the total number of species in both the Tagus and Elbe estuaries (Tagus: 57 species, Elbe: 58 species) was very similar, significant differences were estimated in species compositions, species densities and number of species, and individuals of the different ecological guilds between both estuaries. A total of 15 species occurred in both estuaries but only two of these species, the catadromous Anguilla anguilla and the marine estuarine opportunist Pleuronectes flesus, contributed substantially to the total abundance. Marine species together contributed more than 5% of the total number of species in the Tagus and Elbe estuaries, whereas their contribution in number of individuals amounted to 22% in the Tagus and only 9% in the Elbe. In terms of number of individuals, the ichthyofauna of the Tagus estuary was dominated by estuarine species (especially Pomatoschistus spp.) contributing 68% of the total abundance. In contrast, the fish fauna of the Elbe estuary was dominated by high numbers of anadromous species (88%) individuals, especially Osmerus eperlanus. Canonical corresponding analyses (CCA) indicated that, besides intra‐annual variables, salinity and mouth distance were two of the most important environmental factors structuring the fish communities in both estuaries. Moreover, water depth was found to be an important environmental factor in the Tagus estuary, whereas the water temperature substantially affected the ichthyofaunal composition in the Elbe estuary. In both estuaries, contributions by number of species and number of individuals of the different ecological guilds were not statistically different between the two periods considered, 1978–80 and 1995–97 for the Tagus, and 1981–86 and 1989–95 for the Elbe. Nevertheless, from 1981–86 until 1989–95 a remarkable increase of about 4.5 times in the densities of O. eperlanus was observed in the Elbe estuary, probably related to improved water quality, especially of oxygen conditions in the nurseries since 1990. This was also supported by the results of CCA, suggesting important influences of the years 1989 and 1990 on the Elbe estuary fish assemblage. Climate change as a result of global warming may be evident for the observed changes of the densities of P. flesus which decreased in the southern Tagus estuary and, in contrast, increased in the northern Elbe estuary during comparable periods of time. It is recommended to use the ecological guild classification scheme which was applied for the Tagus and Elbe estuaries for further studies of European estuarine fish assemblages.     

δ15N of estuarine fishes as a quantitative indicator of urbanization

Nitrogen stable isotope values (δ¹⁵N) have commonly been used as a qualitative indicator of catchment urbanization in estuaries, but no quantitative relationship has to date been established between δ¹⁵N and degree of urbanization. We sampled five species of common estuarine fish (Mugil cephalus, Acanthopagrus australis, Sillago ciliata, Gerres subfasciatus and Herklotsichthys castelnaui) of different trophic levels from six estuaries in Southeast Queensland, Australia, to test if a quantitative relationship exists between fish δ¹⁵N and urbanization in the catchment. Degree of urbanization (urban %) in the catchment adjacent to the tidal estuary was measured using polygons constructed in Google Earth images, and verified using data from the detailed Queensland Land Use Mapping Project (QLUMP). Significant linear relationships exist between fish δ¹⁵N and urban % in most cases irrespective of the section of the estuary (upper, middle and lower) where the fish were caught, with no difference in slope and elevation between lines established for different sections. Inclusion of additional fish δ¹⁵N data from other Australian estuaries in a combined multiple regression model adding trophic level as a predictor generated a significant relationship predicting increase in fish δ¹⁵N values with increasing urban % and trophic level. There is therefore a generic quantitative relationship between estuarine fish δ¹⁵N values and degree of urbanization applicable to different fish species, geographic location or feeding habit. While the generality of this relationship needs to be tested further in other geographic locations, our findings potentially improve the applicability of fish δ¹⁵N values as a quantitative indicator of urban influence in estuaries.     

The influence of freshwater flows on two estuarine resident fish species show differential sensitivity to the impacts of drought,flood and climate change

Estuaries are particularly susceptible to climate change and drought resulting in atypical changes to freshwater flows. How such changes in flow impact on the ecology of estuarine fishes may depend on how a species moves in response to changing flow conditions. Acoustic telemetry was used to interpret fine-scale movements of two co-inhabiting estuarine fish species, black bream, Acanthopagrus butcheri and estuary perch, Macquaria colonorum in relation to freshwater flows, season and moon phase. We found black bream to be highly mobile, regularly travelling the length of the estuary and into the neighbouring estuaries. In contrast, estuary perch had particular home ranges and made occasional, upstream or downstream movements. Possibly influenced by freshwater flows, estuary perch moved at greater rates in the Tambo compared to fish in the Mitchell. Black bream resided in the upper estuary during winter and spring and the lower estuary during summer and autumn, whereas estuary perch remained in the upper estuary throughout the year, with occasional downstream movements in winter and spring. This study revealed 1) significantly large increases in freshwater flows result in mass downstream movements in both species, 2) fish moved upstream during full moons and 3) there are contrasting spatio-temporal patterns in movement between species. The results from this study highlight that estuarine fishes are likely to show differential sensitivity to the impacts of drought and climate change and illustrate how acoustic telemetry methods can be used to determine the environmental needs of fishes and help efforts to conserve and manage estuaries worldwide.     

Elemental signature in otolith nuclei for stock discrimination of anadromous tapertail anchovy (Coilia nasus) using laser ablation ICPMS

The elemental signature in otolith nuclei was determined using laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA-ICPMS) for stock discrimination of adult anadromous tapertail anchovy, Coilia nasus, in five Chinese estuaries. Five elements (Na, Mg, K, Sr, and Ba) were well detected in the otolith nuclei of the adult fish. Results showed that the elemental composition in the otolith nuclei varied substantially among the estuaries. Age and fish length data showed no significant influences on the elemental concentration ratios across the sample sites. The Sr:Ca and Ba:Ca ratios were inter-site distinct and could be used as natal tags for discriminating among stocks. Discriminant function analyses (DFA) showed that these ratios can be used in discriminating the Liaohe River estuary (LD, 92.3?%), the Yangtze River estuary (CJ, 86.7?%), and the Yellow River estuary (HH, 76.9?%) samples with high classification accuracy, followed by the Haihe River estuary (BH, 58.3?%) and the Daguhe River estuary (JZ, 46.2?%) samples. An overall classification accuracy rate of 72.7?% from the discriminant functions indicated that elemental fingerprinting appeared to have the potential to discriminate between tapertail anchovy stocks in these estuaries.     

Shock,Stress or Signal? Implications of Freshwater Flows for a Top-Level Estuarine Predator

Physicochemical variability in estuarine systems plays an important role in estuarine processes and in the lifecycles of estuarine organisms. In particular, seasonality of freshwater inflow to estuaries may be important in various aspects of fish lifecycles. This study aimed to further understand these relationships by studying the movements of a top-level estuarine predator in response to physicochemical variability in a large, temperate south-east Australian estuary (Shoalhaven River). Mulloway (Argyrosomus japonicus, 47–89 cm total length) were surgically implanted with acoustic transmitters, and their movements and migrations monitored over two years via fixed-position VR2W acoustic receivers configured in a linear array along the length of the estuary. The study period included a high degree of abiotic variability, with multiple pulses (exponentially high flows over a short period of time) in fresh water to the estuary, as well as broader seasonal variation in flow, temperature and conductivity. The relative deviation of fish from their modal location in the estuary was affected primarily by changes in conductivity, and smaller fish (n = 4) tended to deviate much further downstream from their modal position in the estuary than larger fish (n = 8). High-flow events which coincided with warmer temperatures tended to drive mature fish down the estuary and potentially provided a spawning signal to stimulate aggregation of adults near the estuary mouth; however, this relationship requires further investigation. These findings indicate that pulse and press effects of freshwater inflow and associated physicochemical variability play a role in the movements of mulloway, and that seasonality of large freshwater flows may be important in spawning. The possible implications of river regulation and the extraction of freshwater for consumptive uses on estuarine fishes are discussed.     

Use of glacier river-fed estuary channels by juvenile Coho Salmon: transitional or rearing habitats?

Estuaries are among the most productive ecosystems in the world and provide important rearing environments for a variety of fish species. Though generally considered important transitional habitats for smolting salmon, little is known about the role that estuaries serve for rearing and the environmental conditions important for salmon. We illustrate how juvenile coho salmon Oncorhynchus kisutch use a glacial river-fed estuary based on examination of spatial and seasonal variability in patterns of abundance, fish size, age structure, condition, and local habitat use. Fish abundance was greater in deeper channels with cooler and less variable temperatures, and these habitats were consistently occupied throughout the season. Variability in channel depth and water temperature was negatively associated with fish abundance. Fish size was negatively related to site distance from the upper extent of the tidal influence, while fish condition did not relate to channel location within the estuary ecotone. Our work demonstrates the potential this glacially-fed estuary serves as both transitional and rearing habitat for juvenile coho salmon during smolt emigration to the ocean, and patterns of fish distribution within the estuary correspond to environmental conditions.     

Interactive effects of temperature and predation on an estuarine zooplankton community

The winter planktonic copepod community of the estuaries near Beaufort N.C. underwent a consistent transition from dominance by Acartia tonsa Dana to dominance by Centropages spp., which was associated with unpredictable decreases in water temperature and increases in abundance of predatory mysids. Centropages subsequently remained dominant until spring. Experimental manipulations of water temperature and mysid abundance in enclosures showed that copepod species composition was determined by an interaction of direct temperature effects with predatory interactions among copepods and mysids. Low temperatures stimulated recruitment of Centropages spp. and inhibited recruitment of Acartia tonsa. Temperature decreases also apparently stimulated migration of mysids into the study area. While A. tonsa was dominant, selective predation by mysids reduced the relative abundance of A. tonsa, but after Centropages became dominant mysid predation had no effect on copepod species composition. Predation by Centropages on the nauplii of other species probably contributed to its persistent dominance in the estuary. Rising temperatures in the spring favored recruitment of Acartia tonsa and inhibited Centropages recruitment. Selective predation by fish entering the estuary in spring may have contributed to the decline in abundance of Centropages spp. and mysids.     

Connectivity between estuaries and marine environment: Integrating metrics to assess estuarine nursery function

Natural or anthropogenic induced variations in estuaries and the dynamics of marine fish populations potentially promote differences in connectivity between estuaries and marine areas, i.e. in their importance as nursery grounds. Within this context, an integrated assessment of the differential nursery function of the main estuaries along the Portuguese coast for commercial fish species common sole Solea solea, Senegalese sole Solea senegalensis, flounder Platichthys flesus and sea bass Dicentrarchus labrax was performed through several indicators based on available data. Contribution of individual estuaries to marine subpopulations was measured with potential metrics (juvenile density, habitat quantity, juvenile number and habitat quality within estuaries) and effective metrics (estuarine source of young adults in marine environment measured via otolith elemental fingerprints). The relationship between the two types of metrics was also assessed. Estuaries identified as important nursery and/or effective juvenile habitat (EJH) differed with species and no single estuary was best for all, highlighting species-specific regulation of nursery function. Multiple species assessment of nursery and EJH function differed among estuaries. Management and conservation of estuaries should focus on sites with higher contributions to adult subpopulations of multiple species. The importance of defining precise scientific and management objectives was emphasized by the different rankings of estuaries obtained with nursery or EJH criteria. Potential and effective contribution of estuaries were not significantly correlated, but in a quantitative analysis juvenile densities and number of juveniles seem related with effective contribution in some species. An agreement between potential and effective contributions of estuaries is concurrent with the acknowledged minor role of juvenile stage processes in regulation of recruitment to adult subpopulations.     

Dynamics of residency and egress in selected estuarine fishes: evidence from acoustic telemetry

In an attempt to determine the extent and periodicity of several large juvenile and adult fishes (smooth dogfish Mustelus canis, black drum Pogonias cromis, hickory shad Alosa mediocris) in a temperate estuary, we tracked acoustically tagged individuals with passive and active telemetry techniques during the summer, fall and winter. This approach confirmed summer residency for all of these species and species-specific and individual patterns of egress ranging from summer through fall. Other species (striped bass Morone saxatilis, summer flounder Paralichthys dentatus, bluefish Pomatomus saltatrix) that were previously tracked in the same estuary with the same techniques were reanalyzed for the same characteristics. There were species-specific and individual differences in residency and egress of these species as well, but all species left the estuary by the end of December. Together, these observations confirm the importance of temperate estuaries in the summer and fall, but not during the winter for the juveniles and adults of these migratory species. However, the duration of residency and timing of egress may vary if warming of estuarine waters continues.     

Importance of the upper estuary as a nursery ground for fishes in Ariake Bay,Japan

To examine the importance of the upper estuarine areas of Ariake Bay as a nursery ground for fish, assemblages of larvae and juveniles were compared among various aquatic habitats. The upper estuaries of the bay (the Rokkaku and Hayatsue estuaries) are brackish, highly turbid waters with high tidal velocities, and differ substantially from the Isahaya area, which has been separated from the bay by a man-made dike, to the middle estuary (the Kikuchi estuary). Abundances of larvae and juveniles were higher in the estuaries than in the open bay and Isahaya areas. Abundant species in the upper estuaries were similar to each other, but differed from those of the middle estuary. This was primarily due to larvae and juveniles of fishes that occurred almost entirely in the upper estuaries, such as Acanthogobius hasta, Boleophthalmus pectinirostris, Coilia nasus, Cynoglossus abbreviatus, Nibea albiflora, Odontamblyopus lacepedii, Trachidermus fasciatus and Tridentiger barbatus. These results suggest that the upper estuaries play an important role as nursery grounds for fishes.     

Preliminary Evidence for the Amplification of Global Warming in Shallow,Intertidal Estuarine Waters

Over the past 50 years, mean annual water temperature in northeastern U.S. estuaries has increased by approximately 1.2°C, with most of the warming recorded in the winter and early spring. A recent survey and synthesis of data from four locations in Southern Rhode Island has led us to hypothesize that this warming may be amplified in the shallow (<1 m), nearshore portions of these estuaries. While intertidal areas are not typically selected as locations for long-term monitoring, we compiled data from published literature, theses, and reports that suggest that enhanced warming may be occurring, perhaps at rates three times higher than deeper estuarine waters. Warmer spring waters may be one of the factors influencing biota residing in intertidal regions both in general as well as at our specific sites. We observed greater abundance of fish, and size of Menidia sp., in recent (2010–2012) seine surveys compared to similar collections in 1962. While any linkages are speculative and data are preliminary, taken together they suggest that shallow intertidal portions of estuaries may be important places to look for the effects of climate change.     

Factors affecting the distribution of juvenile estuarine and inshore fish

The differential distributions of juveniles and adults of 25 species of teleost were investigated and compared from four habitat types in sub-tropical Moreton Bay, Queensland. The aim of the study was to identify factors influencing the distribution of juveniles, particularly the species which enter estuaries. The following habitats were sampled: a shallow, sheltered tidal estuary (Caboolture); a shallow, exposed bay with muddy substrates (Deception Bay); an exposed area of sandy substrates and seagrass (Toorbol Point) and a sheltered oceanic site with sandy substrates and seagrass (Kooringal). Data on diet, spawning seasons and recruitment periods of fry are presented together with measurements of salinity, temperature and turbidity. Species entering estuaries recruited mainly in summer (rainy season). The possible preference of juveniles for calm water, the roles of food and predation pressure, the effects of salinity, temperature and turbidity are discussed in relation to the biology and distribution of the fish. Salinity and temperature were probably not important to most juvenile fish. The effects of calm water, suitable food and predators vary according to species. Although all juveniles studied preferred shallow water, in the case of those entering estuaries, turbidity was the single most important factor. Juveniles of the same species occurred in both the estuary and Deception Bay where abiotic and biotic factors other than turbidity were different. During summer, turbidity gradients extended from east to west in Moreton Bay with highest turbidities in Caboolture estuary and Deception Bay. In winter, turbidities throughout Moreton Bay were low and relatively uniform. At this time many of the ‘clear water’ species occurred in Deception Bay. The influence of high turbidity on fish may be linked to reduced predation pressure and perhaps food supply in shallow water. Turbidity gradients in summer may aid fry in locating estuarine nursery grounds. It is apparent however, that juveniles of many species are probably not attracted to estuaries per se but to shallow turbid areas.     

Estuarine Typology and the Structuring of Fish Communities in South Africa

Synopsis Some 190 South African estuaries, covering all biogeographic provinces within the region, were classified into three types based on a combination of mouth condition and estuary size (surface area). The fish communities of the estuary types within each zoogeographic region were described and compared. Multivariate analyses revealed that each estuary type contained somewhat distinct fish communities. In addition, the study identified common patterns in species richness and ichthyofaunal composition. Open estuaries have relatively high species richness; this is a reflection of a permanent or near-permanent connection with the sea which allows access into these estuaries by all marine migrant species within the region. Intermittent connection with the sea limits the recruitment and utilisation of closed estuaries by marine migrant species; this results in reduced species richness in moderate to large closed estuaries. Small closed estuaries exhibit the lowest species richness and this is probably a result of their limited habitat and increased isolation from the sea. The key fishes that utilise estuaries could also be categorised into a number of groups based on their relative importance within each estuary type. Some species are largely restricted to predominantly open systems. Other taxa, while important in predominantly open estuaries, also occur in moderate to large closed systems. Some estuarine-associated species are well represented in all estuary types but exhibit a greater importance in closed estuaries. This study has shown that South African fish communities not only reflect estuarine typology but also respond to these differences in a consistent manner that spans all zoogeographic regions. The prevalence of similar patterns in other parts of the world suggests that estuarine typology is a major driver in the structuring of global estuarine fish communities.     

Fish larval supply to and within a lagoonal estuary: multiple sources for Barnegat Bay,New Jersey

We evaluated spatial variation in fish larval supply to a temperate, lagoon type estuary (Barnegat Bay, New Jersey) by determining species composition, size, and stage into inlets (n = 2), thoroughfares between adjacent estuaries (n = 3), and within the estuary (n = 4) in seasonal, synoptic sampling on night time flood tides during 2010–2014. Larval supply, as sampled with identical plankton nets (1 m diameter, 1 mm mesh) was dominated by post-flexion stage individuals (most 5–10 but reaching 70+ mm) from species spawned in the Atlantic Ocean from a variety of sources (e.g., Sargasso Sea, outer and inner continental shelf) and in the bay. While abundance for individual species varied among locations and years, in general, the larval composition was similar across inlets, thoroughfares, and within the bay within the same seasons. Homogenization across locations was likely the result of the tidal exchanges between the ocean, the estuary, and the adjacent locations. These exchanges provide numerous, redundant sources of larvae to this estuarine nursery. The similarity in larval supply among inlets, thoroughfares, and within the estuary indicates that the longer term study location behind Little Egg Inlet is representative for this, and probably other, estuaries along the New Jersey shore.     

基于GLBM模型的中国大陆阿根廷滑柔鱼鱿钓渔业CPUE标准化

西南大西洋阿根廷滑柔鱼既是西南大西洋生态系统中的重要种类,也是鱿钓渔业的重要捕捞对像.单位捕捞努力量渔获量(CPUE)是表示渔业资源状况及其丰度的常用指标.根据2000-2010年中国大陆鱿钓船在西南大西洋的生产统计数据和海洋卫星遥感获得的海洋环境数据(表温,表温水平梯度,海面高度,叶绿素浓度),利用基于贝叶斯的广义线性模型(GLBM),分未加入固定交互选项、加入固定交互选项和加入随机交互选项3种情况对中国大陆西南大西洋阿根廷滑柔鱼鱿钓渔业的CPUE进行标准化.根据偏差信息准则(DIC)值最小来确定最佳贝叶斯模型.结果表明,包含纬度、海表温度、表温水平梯度、海面高度、月×纬度、月×经度及年×纬度变量且加入随机交互项的GLBM模型为最适.标准化后的CPUE较名义CPUE小,年间变化平缓.与广义线性模型(GLM)和广义加性模型(GAM)标准化的CPUE比较,GLBM模型更能反映其资源丰度的真实水平.研究认为,2001-2010年间经GLBM模型标准化后的CPUE呈现逐年下降的趋势.     

Changes in rocky reef fish assemblages throughout an estuary with a restricted inlet

Rocky reef habitat is common in many estuaries, yet its role as a habitat for fishes is poorly understood. There is also limited understanding of how access of coastal species into estuaries and habitat quality can affect the distribution of rocky reef fishes within estuaries. This study used baited remote underwater video stations to determine spatial patterns in fish assemblages associated with rocky reef habitat throughout a barrier estuary with a permanently open but restricted inlet. Estuarine rocky reefs provided habitat for a diverse assemblage of fishes, many of which were large juveniles and subadults. In the absence of a pronounced salinity or temperature gradient, a clear transition in fish assemblages occurred from coastal waters, through the inlet channel, to the central estuary, and into the inner estuary. The inlet channel, notably its narrowness and length, limits tidal input into this estuary, which acts as a significant impediment to the dispersal of many coastal fishes, and insufficient habitat excludes many coastal rocky reef species from the inner estuary. This study highlights the need to recognise estuarine rocky reefs as providing habitat for diverse fish assemblages and the role inlets play in restricting access of coastal species.     

The food web in the lower part of the Seine estuary: a synthesis of existing knowledge

The Seine estuary illustrates the alterations to estuaries due to human activities heavy releases of pollutants of various origins and significant morphological changes beginning in the middle of the 19th century. The intertidal mudflat surface has been seriously reduced (< 30km²) since the channels of the Seine River came under management. While the role of the Seine estuary in the dynamics of the eastern English Channel ecosystem is recognized as important, the biological characteristics of the estuary remained relatively unknown until the 1990s. Biological diversity was progressively impoverished from the polyhaline zone to the oligohaline zone. In spite of a heavily contaminated environment, the macrobenthic and planktonic fauna of the Seine estuary remains similar to those of other northeastern Atlantic estuaries. The fauna exhibit clear contrasts between areas with very high abundance and others with very low abundance. The pelagic fauna, especially the copepod Eurytemora affinisand the shrimp Palaemon longirostris, are more abundant in the Seine estuary than in other estuaries. Diversified and abundant, Abra alba-Pectinaria koreni and Macoma balthica benthic communities occur, respectively, in the outer and inner parts of the estuary. In subtidal flats, benthic fauna is especially poor in terms of specific richness, abundance and biomass. Paradoxically, considering the high abundance of prey, fish are particularly scarce. Two food webs have been identified. In the oligohaline zone, where turbidity is maximum, the food web is exclusively planktonic, due to dredging that prevented benthic fauna from settling. In the polyhaline zone, fish populations that feed particularly on benthic fauna benefit from low turbidity and high oxygen concentrations. So, in spite of heavy organic and metallic contamination and human activities, the Seine estuary remains a highly productive ecosystem, which provides a nursery for marine fish and feeding grounds for migratory birds. A global management plan appears to be necessary in order to guarantee that the Seine estuary continues to function as it currently does.     

Fish assemblage structure in an estuary of the Atlantic Forest biodiversity hotspot (southern Brazil)

We described the fish assemblage in the estuary of the Guaraguaçu River (one of the largest tributaries of the Paranaguá Bay Estuary, located within Brazil’s Atlantic Forest Biosphere Reserve) from June 2005 to May 2006, and assessed the seasonal and spatial effects of abiotic environmental attributes on the fish assemblage structure. Despite some oscillations in salinity, the upper and lower estuaries had year-round persistent oligohaline and polyhaline conditions, respectively. Despite high species richness (55 species), the Guaraguaçu River Estuary fish community contains a few dominant taxa; 11% of the richness accounts for >60% of its density and biomass. The most abundant species (in terms of both biomass and density) was Atherinella brasiliensis. Species whose densities were most strongly associated with the upper estuary were Centropomus parallelus, Ctenogobius schufeldti, Eucinostomus melanopterus, Platanichthys platana, Trinectes paulistanus, and Eugerres brasilianus. Those whose densities were most strongly associated with the lower estuary were A. brasiliensis, Sphoeroides greeleyi, Eucinostomus argenteus, Sphoeroides testudineus, Diapterus rhombeus, and Harengula clupeola. Throughout the year, canonical correspondence analysis identified: (1) the pattern of horizontal stratification of salinity along the river as being the most important variable for explaining most of the fish fauna structure; and (2) a strong relationship between the fish fauna and the salinity gradient along the estuary. Analysis of similarity further confirmed that each estuarine zone supports a year-round persistent and relatively homogeneous fish species assemblage. Total mean density and biomass remained constant over time in each estuarine habitat, but density shifted in the most abundant species, which appears related to recruitment patterns. Such species and abundance persistence likely occurs because seasonal rainfall-induced changes in river discharge are not sufficient to significantly shift runoff and salinity and thus fish assemblage structure (species composition, density and biomass) along the estuary. Such a lack of seasonal fish fauna movement as a response to changes in river flow contrasts with other estuarine systems around the world.     

Quantifying the historic contribution of Olympia oysters to filtration in Pacific Coast (USA) estuaries and the implications for restoration objectives

The Olympia oyster, Ostrea lurida Carpenter, was formerly widespread in many US Pacific coast estuaries. Following dramatic declines in the late 1800s and early 1900s, this species is now the focus of renewed restoration efforts. Restoration is undertaken for brood stock rehabilitation as well as a range of ecosystem services such as filtration; however, these ecosystem services are as yet poorly quantified. We present the first laboratory measurements of filtration rates (FR) for O. lurida, to which we fit a model of FR as a function of dry tissue weight and water temperature. We find that O. lurida has a FR at optimum temperature similar to previously established means across oyster species at 1 g dry tissue weight (DTW), but lower than many Crassostrea species. We also find that the allometric exponent relating FR to DTW in O. lurida is lower than the previously published mean across oyster species. Based on our derived filtration rates and historical data, we estimate the historic impact of filtration by O. lurida in five Pacific coast estuaries. We find that historic O. lurida populations did not have the capacity to filter the full volume of the estuary within the estuary residence time in any of the estuaries examined. This result is primarily driven by the low water temperatures and the short estuary residence times that typify the Pacific coast. We conclude that, unlike Crassostrea virginica Gmelin on the Atlantic and Gulf coasts, the Olympia oyster was not historically a dominant force in regulating seston concentrations at large scales in Pacific coast estuaries. Given the differences in the ecological role and habitat structure of these two oyster species, we recommend that analogies between them be drawn with caution. We discuss the implications of our results for developing restoration objectives.