An Ecological Imbalance Induced by a Non-Native Species: The Manila Clam in the Venice Lagoon

Among the 19 non-native species of marine invertebrates which have invaded the Venice Lagoon and have established populations, Ruditapes philippinarum, deliberately introduced in 1983, is surely the most successful species. According to the hypothesis that alien species invasion could be favoured by an altered ecological, chemical or physical state of the system induced by anthropogenic disturbance, R. philippinarum turned out to be ‘the right species at the right moment’. By comparing historical data (1968, 1985, 1990) with 1999 data, changes in macrobenthic community, in particular bivalve molluscs, of the lagoon induced by R. philippinarum introduction and subsequent clam exploiting activity were assessed. It has been possible to describe a sharp reduction, both in terms of distribution area and density, of all other filter feeder bivalves. Moreover, by using the clearance rate of the most abundant bivalve species in 1990 and 1999 (Cerastoderma glaucum and R. philippinarum, respectively), it was possible to estimate that the filtration capacity, expressed as l h⁻¹ m⁻², has more than doubled. This has altered the functioning of the ecosystem, resulting in a stronger benthic–pelagic coupling. In this context, R. philippinarum attains control of the system. Considering all this, it is possible to state that the Venice Lagoon ecosystem has entered into a new state, probably more resistant but less resilient, with implications for future management choices.     

Storage and reproductive strategy of the carpet-shell clam,Ruditapes decussatus in the Gulf of Gabès (Tunisia)

In this study, the variations of glycogen concentrations in Ruditapes decussatus from Sfax coasts (Tunisia) were described in relation to the reproductive cycle. Separate analyses were made of gonad, adductor muscle and ‘remainder’. The timing of gametogenic development and spawning was evaluated using qualitative histology associated with image analysis including (1) the estimation of the gonadal occupation index (GOI), (2) surface area occupied by reserve tissues and (3) variation in oocyte diameter. The reproductive cycle of R. decussatus exhibited partial asynchronization between sexes, the major difference being observed in the duration of the spawning period. Contrary to previous studies, we observed continuous partial spawning (e.g. 50% of ripe oocytes still subsisted at the partial spawning stage). During the gametogenic cycle, GOI varied significantly in males and in females. Most oocytes were ripe and ready to spawn when their diameter reached or exceeded 45?µm. The expansion of gonad was inversely proportional to the development of the foot tissue. Glycogen concentration showed significant temporal variations between tissues, indicating the clear differentiation in energy storage between the clam organs.     

Development of microsatellite markers for the Manila clam Ruditapes philippinarum

We isolated nine polymorphic microsatellites from the Manila clam Ruditapes philippinarum. These loci provide one class of highly variable genetic marker as the number of alleles ranged from six to 22, and the observed and expected heterozygosity ranged from 0.136 to 0.909 and from 0.553 to 0.954, respectively. We consider that these loci are potentially useful for detailing the genetic structure and gene flow among R. philippinarum populations.     

Preparation of Single Cell Detritus from <Emphasis Type="Italic">Laminaria saccharina</Emphasis> as a Hatchery Diet for Bivalve Mollusks

A high-yield technique is described for the elaboration of single cell detritus (SCD) from Laminaria saccharina, based on the sequential action of C1H, enzymes (endoglucanases and cellulases) and 2 bacteria showing a high degree of cellobiotic, proteolytic, and alginolytic activity (CECT 5255 and CECT 5256). Over 85% of dried particles of L. saccharina were transformed into a suspension of free cell and bacterial and detrital particles after 24 hours of bacterial activity with this technique. These particles were less than 20 m in diameter, constituting a suitable diet for bivalve mollusks. After 72 hours 99% of the total particulate volume consisted of particles less than 20 m in diameter. Tests of hatchery diets for the seed of clam Ruditapes decussatus revealed increases of 54% and 68% for live weight and length, respectively, when SCD from L. saccharina was used as the sole dietary component compared with a live phytoplankton diet. However, SCD from L. saccharina is not a suitable food for the larvae of R. decussatus.     

Effects of shell morphological traits on the weight traits of Manila clam (Ruditapes philippinarum)

The shell length, height, and width, live body weight, and edible tissue weight of Manila clam of 1, 2, and 3 years of age were measured, and their correlation coefficients were calculated. The shell morphological traits were used as independent variables, and live body weight or edible tissue weigh used as a dependent variable for calculating the path coefficients, correlation index and determination coefficients. The results showed that the correlation coefficients between each shell morphological trait and the live body weight or edible tissue weight were all highly significant (P < 0. 01). The shell height at 1-year old clams was highly correlated with the live body weight and edible tissue weight. The shell width of 2- to 3-year-old clams was strongly associated with the live body weight, while the shell length was closely linked to the edible tissue weight. The results of coefficients of determination for the morphological traits against weight traits agreed well with the results of path analysis. The correlation indices for all morphological traits against weight traits were approximately the same as determination coefficients regardless of clam age. The correlation indices (R²) of morphological traits against the live body weight of clams of all ages and edible tissue weight of 1-year-old clams were larger than 0.85, but R² of morphological traits against the edible tissue weight of 2- and 3-year-old clams was smaller than 0.85, indicating that some other factors might be associated with the edible tissue weight of 2- and 3-year-old clams. Multiple regression equations were obtained to estimate shell length X₁ (cm), shell height X₂ (cm), shell width X₃ (cm) against live body weight Y (g), edible tissue weight Z (g): for 1-year-old clams: Y = ?4.317 + 0.18X₁ + 0.147X₂, (X₁ < 0.01, X₂ < 0.01), Z = ?1.011 + 0.095X₂, (X₂ < 0.01); for 2-year-old clams: Y = ?15.119 + 0.249X₁ + 0.176X₂ + 0.688X₃, (X₁ < 0.01, X₃ < 0.01), Z = ?4.248 + 0.198X₁, (X₁ < 0.05, X₃ < 0.01); and for 3-year-old clams: Y = ?25.013 + 0.415X₁ + 1.184X₃, (X₁ < 0.01, X₃ < 0.01), Z = ?7.082 + 0.119X₁ + 0.332X₃, (X₁ < 0.05, X₃ < 0.01).     

不同年龄段大连群体菲律宾蛤仔EST-SSR多样性

为查明年龄结构对菲律宾蛤仔同一群体内遗传多样的影响,采用14个SSR分子标记对大连石河不同年龄段的野生蛤仔进行了检测。结果表明:不同年龄段(1龄-Age1、2龄-Age2、3龄-Age3)蛤仔均维持着较高的遗传多样性。根据POPGENE 1.31和SPSS16.0统计分析显示,位点Rp-11、Rp-12、Rp-19对3个年龄段蛤仔的等位基因数差异极显著(P<0.01);位点Rp-20、Rp-24、Rp-27、Rp-30对其差异显著(P<0.05);剩余7个位点表现为差异不显著(P>0.05)。在平均水平上,每位点等位基因数目Na为4.3095,有效等位基因数目Ne为2.3729,多态位点百分数P(%)为14。观察杂合度和期望杂合度都比较高,观察杂合度平均为Ho=0.2335,期望杂合度平均为He=0.5140。而且,Ne和He随年龄的变化表现出Age2>Age3>Age1的趋势。各年龄段蛤仔——Age1、Age2、Age3的平均观察杂合度(Ho)和平均期望杂合度(He)分别为0.2357、0.2546、0.2159和0.4951、0.5286、0.5184。Age2的遗传多样性指数高于Age1及Age3,遗传分化相对较低。其中,Age1与Age3蛤仔遗传距离最小,D为0.0195,即变异很小;而Age1与Age2遗传距离较大,D为0.0437,变化范围不大(0.0195—0.0437)。从遗传一致度的数值上看了3个年龄段蛤仔的遗传相似程度很大,平均为0.9655。Age1与Age3遗传相似程度高达0.9807,而Age1与Age2相似程度较小为0.9572。说明不同年龄段蛤仔相似程度非常高。根据不同年龄段蛤仔的遗传距离,采用UPGMA平均聚类方法对其进行聚类可知,Age3与Age1蛤仔间遗传距离较小,与Age2蛤仔差异较大。通过对等位基因频率进行卡方检验发现,随着年龄结构的变化,部分基因基因频率减小;同时随着年龄的增长,有部分等位基因得到了纯化。大连群体蛤仔总的遗传分化较低,其遗传分化指数Fst为0.0248(Fst<0.05),遗传分化系数为0.02,说明总的遗传变异中有2%来自于不同年龄段的蛤仔之间。遗传距离和遗传一致度均值分别为0.035和0.9655,基因流(Nm=9.8238)相对流畅,进一步表明年龄结构对蛤仔种群内遗传分化的影响较小。     

胶州湾菲律宾蛤仔生物量与资源评估

利用1998∽2003年胶州湾10个站中3个站的具有统计学意义的调查数据,对菲律宾蛤仔的生物量、生长期、年龄结构等进行了分析,从而对近期蛤仔的资源进行了初步评估。结果表明,蛤仔种群经过多年的增长延滞期之后,目前开始慢慢恢复。     

Predatory behavior and preference of a successful invader, the mud crab Dyspanopeus sayi (Panopeidae), on its bivalve prey

Predator-prey relationships between the panopeid crab, Dyspanopeus sayi, and the mytilid, Musculista senhousia, were investigated. Through laboratory experiments, prey-handling behavior, prey size selection, predator foraging behavior and preferences for two types of prey (M. senhousia and the Manila clam Ruditapes philippinarum) were assessed. Handling time differed significantly with respect to the three prey sizes offered (small: 15.0-20.0 mm shell length, SL; medium: 20.1-25.0 mm SL; and large: 25.1-30.0 mm SL); mud crabs were more efficient in predating medium-small than large prey. Although differences in prey profitability were not evident, D. sayi exhibited a marked reluctance to feed on larger-sized prey whilst smaller, more easily predated mussels were available. Size selection may be the result of a mechanical process in which encountered prey are attacked but rejected if they remain unbroken after a certain number of opening attempts. D. sayi exhibited inverse density-dependent foraging. A significant higher mortality of prey was evident at low prey density. Thus, at low predator density, the D. sayi-M. senhousia interaction was a destabilizing type II functional response. Interference responses affected the magnitude of predation intensity by D. sayi on M. senhousia, since as the density of foraging crabs increased, their foraging success fell. At high density (4 crabs tank⁻¹), crabs engaged in a high amount of agonistic activity when encountering a conspecific specimen, greatly diminished prey mortality. Finally, presenting two types of prey, Manila clam juveniles were poorly predated by mud crabs, which focused their predation mostly on M. senhousia. It is hypothesized that, when more accessible prey is available, mud crabs will have a minimal predatory impact on commercial R. philippinarum juvenile stocks.     

Effect of cadmium on antioxidant enzyme activities and lipid peroxidation in the gills of the clam Ruditapes decussatus

Metals are known to influence the oxidative status of marine organisms, and antioxidant enzymes have been often proposed as biomarkers of effect. The clam Ruditapes decussatus is a well-known metal bioindicator. In this species cadmium (Cd) induces metallothionein (MT) synthesis only after 7 days of exposure. Before MT synthesis is induced, the other mechanisms capable of handling the excess of Cd are unknown. In order to identify some of these mechanisms, variations in antioxidant systems (superoxide dismutase, catalase, selenium-dependent glutathione peroxidase and non-selenium-dependent glutathione peroxidase), malondialdehyde (MDA) and MT were studied in the gills of R. decussatus exposed to different Cd concentrations (4, 40 and 100 gl^-1) for 28 days. These parameters, together with total proteins and Cd concentrations, were measured in the gills of the clams over different periods of exposure. Results indicate that Cd accumulation increased linearly in the gills of R. decussatus with the increase in Cd concentration. This increase induces an imbalance in the oxygen metabolism during the first days of Cd exposure. An increase in cytosolic superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity and a decrease in mitochondrial SOD activity was observed at the same time as or after a decrease in cytosolic and mitochondrial catalase activity and of selenium-dependent and non-selenium-dependent glutathione peroxidase activity. After 14 days of exposure, Cd no longer affect these enzymes but there was elevation of other cellular activities, such as MDA and MT production. MT bound excess Cd present in the cell. These variations in these parameters suggest their potential use as biomarkers of effects such as oxidative stress resulting from Cd contamination in molluscs.