A physical context for gelatinous zooplankton aggregations: a review

The magnitude and extent of jellyfish blooms are influenced not only by the biology and behavior of the animal, but also by the geographic setting and physical environment. Hydrography alone is often thought to cause or favor gelatinous zooplankton aggregations, however, it is clear that interactions between biology of the animal and physics of the water are very important sources of population variations, especially at local scales. We summarize the role of physical processes and phenomena that promote aggregations of gelatinous zooplankton. We have identified and discussed a suite of physical gradients that can be perceived by gelatinous zooplankton. These include light, gravity, temperature, salinity, pressure and turbulence. A recurring theme is accumulation of jellyfish around physical discontinuities such as fronts (shelf-break, upwelling, tidal and estuarine) and pycnoclines (thermoclines and haloclines). Interestingly, there are few data to suggest that large-scale, quasi-stationary features, such as the largest oceanic fronts, serve to physically aggregate gelatinous animals at a similar scale. Rather, examples of local aggregations appear to dominate the literature. We also discuss various jellyfish behaviors that are theorized to promote aggregation, feeding and reproduction in relation to physical discontinuities.     

Growth inhibition of the cyanobacterium Spirulina (Arthrospira) platensis by 1.7 MHz ultrasonic irradiation

Ultrasonic waves of high frequency (1.7 MHz) and low intensity (0.6 W cm^–2) were employed to prevent cyanobacterial cells from growing fast and the effects of this growth inhibition were investigated. At least five minutes of ultrasonic irradiation was essential for effective inhibition. The growth rate of irradiated cells was reduced to 38.9% of the control during short-term culture. Longer exposure did not significantly enhance the inhibition. For a particular level of energy input, distributed ultrasonic exposure (more short intermittent exposures) was more effective in inhibiting growth than fewer, but longer exposures. For instance, the final biomass decreased to 30.1% of the control after ultrasonic irradiation for 4 minutes every 3 days, whereas it only decreased to 60% of the control with exposure for 12 minutes every 11 days. It is suggested that distributed ultrasonic irradiation is a practical method to prevent cyanobacterial cells from fast growth. A possible explanation for the inhibition is discussed in relation to cell structure, the absorption spectrum of intact cells, chlorophyll level and oxygen evolution.     

Applications of Satellite Ocean Color Sensors for Monitoring and Predicting Harmful Algal Blooms

The new satellite ocean color sensors offer a means of detecting and monitoring algal blooms in the ocean and coastal zone. Beginning with SeaWiFS (Sea Wide Field-of-view Sensor) in September 1997, these sensors provide coverage every 1 to 2 days with 1-km pixel view at nadir. Atmospheric correction algorithms designed for the coastal zone combined with regional chlorophyll algorithms can provide good and reproducible estimates of chlorophyll, providing the means of monitoring various algal blooms. Harmful algal blooms (HABs) caused by Karenia brevis in the Gulf of Mexico are particularly amenable to remote observation. The Gulf of Mexico has relatively clear water and K. brevis, in bloom conditions, tends to produce a major portion of the phytoplankton biomass. A monitoring program has begun in the Gulf of Mexico that integrates field data from state monitoring programs with satellite imagery, providing an improved capability for the monitoring of K. brevis blooms.     

Cyanobacteria and cyanotoxins in fishponds and their effects on fish tissue

Cyanobacteria can produce toxic metabolites known as cyanotoxins. Common and frequently investigated cyanotoxins include microcystins (MCs), nodularin (NOD) and saxitoxins (STXs). During the summer of 2011 extensive cyanobacterial growth was found in several fishponds in Serbia. Sampling of the water and fish (common carp, Cyprinus carpio) was performed. Water samples from 13 fishponds were found to contain saxitoxin, microcystin, and/or nodularin. LC–MS/MS showed that MC-RR was present in samples of fish muscle tissue. Histopathological analyses of fish grown in fishponds with cyanotoxin production showed histopathological damage to liver, kidney, gills, intestines and muscle tissues. This study is among the first so far to report severe hyperplasia of intestinal epithelium and severe degeneration of muscle tissue of fish after cyanobacterial exposure. These findings emphasize the importance of cyanobacterial and cyanotoxin monitoring in fishponds in order to recognize cyanotoxins and their potential effects on fish used for human consumption and, further, on human health.     

Anthropogenically driven habitat formation by a tube dwelling diatom on the Northern Patagonian Atlantic coast

The tube dwelling diatom Berkeleya rutilans (Trentepohl) Grunow plays a key role as early colonizer and bloom former in coastal zones. Exuding large quantities of extracellular polymeric substances (EPS), it can form dense colonies in mucilaginous macroscopic branches, containing thousands of cells. Due to their pronounced three dimensional growths of its mucilaginous structures, it supports a variety of organisms and traps grains and detritus, which makes it an important habitat former and ecosystem engineer, contributing to sediment stabilization, which is a crucial issue in sedimentary areas. In the present study we investigated the identity and structural morphology of B. rutilans, blooming in a tidal channel in Northern Patagonia (S40° 43′ W64° 56′) and experimentally tested its potential physiological responses (e.g. growth rate) to nutrient elevation. The observed morphological plasticity and measured high growth rates under nutrient exposure make B. rutilans a likely indicator for eutrophication in sedimentary marine habitats. As to our knowledge the present study provides the first record of B. rutilans for Argentinean waters, we discussed the potential reasons for its occurrence and evaluated the ecological impacts of its presence. Due to the observed high colonization capability and rapid response to environmental alterations (e.g. eutrophication, substrate changes) it seems to benefit from human activities, which will consequently favor its further expansion within the disturbed area.     

秋季降温期水温和饵料量对沙蜇无性繁殖的影响

20世纪末以来,沙蜇在东亚水域频繁暴发,不仅影响正常的渔业生产活动,也给海洋生态系统健康带来极大危害。在室内模拟秋季降温条件,研究了不同水温（4种降温条件）与饵料量（0.42、1.25、和4.2 μg C螅状体^-1d^-1）对沙蜇螅状体足囊繁殖与横裂生殖的影响。结果显示：1）秋季降温速度快慢导致的积温差异对沙蜇螅状体生成足囊数有显著影响（P < 0.001）,积温越大,螅状体生成的足囊数量越多,发现两者具有较好的线性关系（y=142.59x+208.39;R²=0.967）,低积温条件下的足囊萌发也较少;2）饵料量对螅状体无性繁殖的影响是有一定阈值范围的,在一定饵料量范围内,螅状体生成的足囊数量随饵料量的增加而增加,而超过一定阈值范围,过剩的饵料影响水质对沙蜇螅状体反而产生负面影响。3）秋季新繁育出来的当龄沙蜇螅状体可在越冬前发生横裂生殖,但横裂生殖的螅状体比例和放碟数量均较少。试验结果说明,全球变化背景下,积温升高、饵料量小幅增加均可能导致沙蜇秋季有性繁殖的当龄螅状体在越冬前生成更多的足囊,促进诱发翌年水母暴发。     

Ocean current connectivity propelling the secondary spread of a marine invasive comb jelly across western Eurasia

Aim

Invasive species are of increasing global concern. Nevertheless, the mechanisms driving further distribution after the initial establishment of non‐native species remain largely unresolved, especially in marine systems. Ocean currents can be a major driver governing range occupancy, but this has not been accounted for in most invasion ecology studies so far. We investigate how well initial establishment areas are interconnected to later occupancy regions to test for the potential role of ocean currents driving secondary spread dynamics in order to infer invasion corridors and the source–sink dynamics of a non‐native holoplanktonic biological probe species on a continental scale.

Location

Western Eurasia.

Time period

1980s–2016.

Major taxa studied

‘Comb jelly’ Mnemiopsis leidyi.

Methods

Based on 12,400 geo‐referenced occurrence data, we reconstruct the invasion history of M. leidyi in western Eurasia. We model ocean currents and calculate their stability to match the temporal and spatial spread dynamics with large‐scale connectivity patterns via ocean currents. Additionally, genetic markers are used to test the predicted connectivity between subpopulations.

Results

Ocean currents can explain secondary spread dynamics, matching observed range expansions and the timing of first occurrence of our holoplanktonic non‐native biological probe species, leading to invasion corridors in western Eurasia. In northern Europe, regional extinctions after cold winters were followed by rapid recolonizations at a speed of up to 2,000 km per season. Source areas hosting year‐round populations in highly interconnected regions can re‐seed genotypes over large distances after local extinctions.

Main conclusions

Although the release of ballast water from container ships may contribute to the dispersal of non‐native species, our results highlight the importance of ocean currents driving secondary spread dynamics. Highly interconnected areas hosting invasive species are crucial for secondary spread dynamics on a continental scale. Invasion risk assessments should consider large‐scale connectivity patterns and the potential source regions of non‐native marine species.

     

Global maximization of Jatropha oil production under semi‐arid conditions by balancing vegetative growth with reproductive capacity

Jatropha curcas L. is a drought tolerant crop that is globally cultivated under semi‐arid conditions as a biodiesel feedstock. Despite its great potential, however, many projects failed to reach commercially viable seed and oil yields. The aim of the study was to provide globally applicable solutions for maximization of Jatropha oil production under semi‐arid conditions. Under extremely low irrigation (10% of potential evapotranspiration; ETp), fruit production was very low and a surprisingly significant portion of the fruits delayed their maturity up to six months post‐bloom. Increasing irrigation to mid‐level (60% ETp) significantly elevated fruit production and speeded up the ripening rate, whereas further increasing irrigation to a higher level (90% ETp) decreased seed and oil yields, probably due to the increased investment in vegetative growth. Nevertheless, maximal seed and oil yields at 60% ETp remained far below targeted yields. Coupling irrigation at 60% ETp, with induction of vegetative arrest, by soil application of a commercial gibberellin synthesis inhibitor, brought forward the second bloom period by two months, reduced vegetative growth, promoted floral production and significantly enhanced reproductive capacity by more than doubling oil production. The results show that under semi‐arid conditions, commercially viable seed and oil yields of Jatropha can be achieved by carefully balancing vegetative growth with reproductive capacity through the combined application of optimal irrigation regimes and induced vegetative arrest.     

Young whale sharks, Rhincodon typus, feeding on a copepod bloom near La Paz, Mexico

Seven small (3.2 to 5.2 m total length) whale sharks were observed suction feeding on patches of surface plankton in the Bay of La Paz within 1 km of shore and 2 km N of the phosphate dock at San Juan de la Costa, on 1–2 November 1993. The sharks were photographed and videotaped from the boat and by snorkelers in the water. When actively feeding the shark turned its head from side to side, part of the head was lifted out of the water, and the mouth opened and closed 7 to 28 times per minute (x=17, N=13). These suction gulps were synchronized with the opening and closing of the gill slits. This feeding behavior occurred only in the patchy areas of densely cloudy water, a layer 10 to 30 cm thick at the surface containing an immense concentration of copepods, 95% of which were identified as Acartia clausi. Remoras accompanying the whale sharks also fed on the plankton bloom. This revised version was published online in July 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Annual Abundances, Diversity and Growth Potential of Gymnamoebae in a Shallow Freshwater Pond

ABSTRACT. Abundance and diversity of gymnamoebae were assessed at monthly intervals for one year in the sediment surface layer of a shallow, highly productive, freshwater pond located in northeastern United States using laboratory culture enumeration techniques. The range in total abundance was 81/ml in January to 1,568/ml in June (spring peak) and 1,813/ml in October (autumn peak). The latter is equivalent to over 1.8 million per liter, one of the highest values reported for gymnamoebae from a freshwater pond. Maximum diversity (H = 3.3) occurred in April, July, and August. The growth potential of the gymnamoebae was determined in laboratory cultures (20° C) containing only the pond water (control culture) and pond water emended with malt-yeast extract and glucose (nutrient culture) using pond water collected in December. The total abundance of gymanmoebae increased from 363/ml in the initial pond water sample to approximately 1,800/ml in each of the culture conditions in the first week. Therafter, abundances reached 5,678/ml (control culture) and 8,016/ml (nutrient culture) by the third week indicating the vigorous growth potential from winter standing stock.