... Review of regional coral diversity representativeness is desirable with a view to better desi... more ... Review of regional coral diversity representativeness is desirable with a view to better designing small-scale reserves across the TEP (Kati et al. ... Benfield, S., Baxter, L., Guzman, HM & Mair, JM (2008) A comparison of coral reef and coral community fish assemblages in Pacific ...
Humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) aggregate in winter breeding and calving grounds in trop... more Humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) aggregate in winter breeding and calving grounds in tropical waters. Acoustic features of song produced by males in breeding wintering areas remain unknown for many breeding sites such as those located in Central America. In other areas, recordings of humpback whale songs in wintering grounds have been used to establish geographical differences among populations. Previous investi-
Humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) aggregate in winter breeding and calving grounds in trop... more Humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) aggregate in winter breeding and calving grounds in tropical waters. Acoustic features of song produced by males in breeding wintering areas remain unknown for many breeding sites such as those located in Central America. In other areas, recordings of humpback whale songs in wintering grounds have been used to establish geographical differences among populations. Previous investi-
Polar marine environments are already starting to exhibit the effects of climate change. The Arct... more Polar marine environments are already starting to exhibit the effects of climate change. The Arctic is the most rapidly warming place on Earth, and changes of the seawater chemistry of polar oceans have been recorded. Calcifying Bryozoa have diverse skeletal mineralogies making them an ideal model for investigating differences caused by environmental change. The aim of this study is to quantify the skeletal mineralogical diversity of polar bryozoans using X-ray diffraction (XRD). Six species of erect Bryozoa were analysed, three Arctic and three Antarctic species. Within each of the three species from each region, one has a cemented attachment point, one has flexible growth and the third is attached by chitinous rootlets. The analysis shows no significant difference in Mg-calcite distribution along the length of the six species but does show species-specific variation in both the consistency of Mg-calcite distribution along the length of a colony and the relationship between concentration of Mg-calcite in the root and growing tip. Analysis shows a statistically significant trend of increasing Mg-calcite concentration with increasing temperature. This adds further data to a growing body of published evidence for this mineralogy trend. The results of this study suggest that if bryozoan species are to be used as indicators of environmental change then it will be critical to have robust, replicated data of species-specific profiles for Mg-calcite distribution. This data, viewed alongside published mineralogy trends,
Journal of the Marine Biological Association of the United Kingdom, 2008
We compared the reef fish assemblages of two habitats, coral reefs and coral communities (rocky s... more We compared the reef fish assemblages of two habitats, coral reefs and coral communities (rocky substratum with coral colonies), in the Las Perlas Archipelago in Pacific Panama and attempted to determine associations with habitat variables. We used a modified Atlantic and Gulf Rapid Reef Assessment (AGRRA) survey to record fish species and quadrat transects to determine benthic composition. Multivariate non-parametric multi-dimensional scaling (MDS) ordinations were performed in PRIMER and univariate correlations were used to determine relationships. The reef fish of coral communities were significantly more diverse and species rich than those of coral reefs. The two habitats had significantly different species and size composition, but trophic and family groups overlapped between habitats. Topography, exposure, and the percentage cover of branching and massive corals correlated significantly with differences in fish parameters. The reef fish assemblages of this region appear to be determined more by the larger scale structural features that characterize the two habitats than by features that vary over small scales within the habitats.
... and more nutrient rich water to the surface, which allows an increase in the growth of phytop... more ... and more nutrient rich water to the surface, which allows an increase in the growth of phytoplankton normally enhanced during La Niña years (Enfield ... Such a strategy results in higher scallop recruitment and survival (Arsenault & Himmelman 1996, Ekman 1987, Felix-Pico et al. ...
The purpose of this study was to investigate, characterize and map areas of the seabed of Las Per... more The purpose of this study was to investigate, characterize and map areas of the seabed of Las Perlas Archipelago (LPA), Republic of Panama using swath-bathymetry acoustic sonar techniques and to assess these methods as tools for feeding information into management zoning policy. In 2007 the LPA was granted conservation protection under national legislation. However, detailed management plans are still pending. Seabed mapping plays a fundamental role in identifying areas which should be prioritized within the management framework. Visual representation of habitat maps provides an effective medium for involving stakeholders in a co-management arena. In this survey, acoustically mapped areas of the seabed were ground-truthed using a combination of benthic grab samples, drop-down video and diver observations. The resulting mapped areas were then incorporated into a Geographic Information System (GIS) for further analysis. The output was a physical characterization of the seabed at three locations selected for being areas of high rugosity (habitat complexity) and, therefore, their potential importance as valuable fish aggregation sites. The rocky reefs and rhodolith beds identified in this survey represent particularly important fish aggregation and nursery habitats which should be considered priorities for protection under the management plans. This survey demonstrated the use of acoustic techniques to spatially resolve topographic features and physical characteristics of the seabed, illustrating their potential value as tools for fisheries management and marine reserve zoning in Las Perlas Archipelago and elsewhere.
Las Perlas Archipelago (LPA) is located off the Pacific Coast of Panama and was designated as a m... more Las Perlas Archipelago (LPA) is located off the Pacific Coast of Panama and was designated as a marine protected area (MPA) in 2007. This baseline study of the shallow and deeper sedimentary habitats of the islands partly informed the MPA designation. Ninety-two grab stations and twenty trawl stations were sampled. Sediment grab sample results were interpolated to produce a map that showed the area to be dominated by mud (1246 km 2 , 40%) and sand/shell sediments (780 km 2 , 25%). A total of 201 taxa were recorded and over 5800 individual specimens were processed, revealing that the sediments hold varying community compositions, with annelids being the dominant group (73%) followed by crustaceans (14%). Relationships were evident between community, feeding guilds, and sediment types, which give an indication of communities that can be expected in similar sediments in other areas of the Tropical Eastern Pacific. A study of this scale and level of detail is rare for this biogeographic region and provides a valuable, comprehensive appreciation of the LPA's benthos.
Due to the growing rate of urbanisation in many tropical coastal areas, there continues to be an ... more Due to the growing rate of urbanisation in many tropical coastal areas, there continues to be an increasing concern in relation to the impact of anthropogenic activities on mangrove forests. Punta Mala Bay is located on the Pacific coast of Panama and suffers from intense anthropogenic activities that are potentially harmful to the remaining mangrove forests. Field observations reveal that the mangrove stand within Punta Mala Bay receives high inputs of untreated domestic sewage, storm water run-off and a range of diffuse inputs from shipping activities. Results from analysis of eight metals (Mn, Cu, Zn, Ni, Pb, Fe, Cr, Cd) showed that Fe, Zn and Pb were in concentrations high enough to conclude moderate to serious contamination within the bay, and thus pose the most threat to the regeneration and growth of the mangrove. However, previous biological surveys indicate ongoing mangrove regeneration and domination of stand structure by Laguncularia racemosa, together with high numbers of seedlings and saplings.
This study assessed the changes in extent of fringing mangrove located in Punta Mala Bay, Panama ... more This study assessed the changes in extent of fringing mangrove located in Punta Mala Bay, Panama in relation to coastal development over a period of two decades. Punta Mala Bay was chosen for this study, due to its social importance and its biological significance, as it is one of the few mangrove areas left around Panama City. Fieldwork confirmed the importance of Laguncularia racemosa in the bay, which formed nearly monospecific stands with a large number of seedlings indicating that the forest was rejuvenating. The mangrove was mapped from 1980 to 2002 using digitised aerial photographs and a GIS was used to determine the location and rates of mangrove growth and loss before and after the construction of a road and water treatment works in 1998. The land use maps were produced with an overall accuracy of 83.8%. The user's accuracy of the maps for L. racemosa dominated stands was 89.7%, although the producer's accuracy was lower due to the omission of seedlings on intertidal areas. It was found that the mangrove was spatially dynamic and had grown substantially in the bay at a rate ranging from 6 to 215% per year until the construction commenced. Between 1997 and 2002 there were 100% loss of mangrove in some areas due to the coastal development. The resilience of the dominant species L. racemosa at this locality was shown by the continued growth of two mangrove zones during the construction period 1997-2002, with one zone increasing in area by 61%. The pioneering ability of L. racemosa after disturbance was demonstrated by the development of two new mangrove zones of 498 and 1254 m2 on bare intertidal areas after construction finished. Future mapping and fieldwork could provide information on the development of mangrove communities and their response to reoccurring human impacts.
... LO CONOCIDO Y DESCONOCIDO DE LA BIODIVERSIDAD MARINA EN EL ECUADOR (CONTINENTAL E INSULAR) Ma... more ... LO CONOCIDO Y DESCONOCIDO DE LA BIODIVERSIDAD MARINA EN EL ECUADOR (CONTINENTAL E INSULAR) Manuel Cruz1-3, Nikita Gabor2, Elba Mora2-3, Roberto Jiménez3 & James Mair4 ... 6) (Torres & Tapia 2000). ...
Populations of the green spiny lobster Panulirus gracilis (Streets 1871) have sustained increasin... more Populations of the green spiny lobster Panulirus gracilis (Streets 1871) have sustained increasing harvesting pressure in Pacific Panama for decades, but basic information about their biology and ecology in the region is scarce. This study provides baseline data for the densities and biometrics of P. gracilis in Las Perlas and Coiba Archipelagos. The number of surveyed lobsters in both archipelagos was surprisingly low (85 in Las Perlas and 67 in Coiba), and average densities were dismal (4.1 ± 8.8 ind. ha -1 and 5.3 ± 7.6 ind. ha -1 , respectively). Saboga and San Jose Islands had the highest relative densities of P. gracilis in Las Perlas, whereas intermediate relative densities were found only on Coiba Island in the Coiba Archipelago. Lobster density was not associated with either substrate or depth. In Las Perlas, female carapace length (CL) was 40-95 mm and that of males was 25-100 mm; in Coiba, female CL was 45-124 mm and male CL was 45-121 mm. In Las Perlas, the smallest lobster with eggs had a CL ¼ 65 mm and a tail length (TL) ¼ 120 mm, whereas the smallest in Coiba had a CL ¼ 60 mm and a TL ¼ 81-115 mm. We recommend implementing: (1) the minimum capture CL as the average carapace length at which half of the lobster population from Coiba is adult (CL ¼ 84 mm; TL ¼ 112-155 mm); (2) a fishing season no longer than 6 mo; (3) management decisions involving local fishermen and native peoples; (4) marine reserves or no-take areas (NTA); and (5) long-term monitoring plans, as the best current options to insure the survival of P. gracilis in the region.
... Review of regional coral diversity representativeness is desirable with a view to better desi... more ... Review of regional coral diversity representativeness is desirable with a view to better designing small-scale reserves across the TEP (Kati et al. ... Benfield, S., Baxter, L., Guzman, HM & Mair, JM (2008) A comparison of coral reef and coral community fish assemblages in Pacific ...
Humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) aggregate in winter breeding and calving grounds in trop... more Humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) aggregate in winter breeding and calving grounds in tropical waters. Acoustic features of song produced by males in breeding wintering areas remain unknown for many breeding sites such as those located in Central America. In other areas, recordings of humpback whale songs in wintering grounds have been used to establish geographical differences among populations. Previous investi-
Humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) aggregate in winter breeding and calving grounds in trop... more Humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) aggregate in winter breeding and calving grounds in tropical waters. Acoustic features of song produced by males in breeding wintering areas remain unknown for many breeding sites such as those located in Central America. In other areas, recordings of humpback whale songs in wintering grounds have been used to establish geographical differences among populations. Previous investi-
Polar marine environments are already starting to exhibit the effects of climate change. The Arct... more Polar marine environments are already starting to exhibit the effects of climate change. The Arctic is the most rapidly warming place on Earth, and changes of the seawater chemistry of polar oceans have been recorded. Calcifying Bryozoa have diverse skeletal mineralogies making them an ideal model for investigating differences caused by environmental change. The aim of this study is to quantify the skeletal mineralogical diversity of polar bryozoans using X-ray diffraction (XRD). Six species of erect Bryozoa were analysed, three Arctic and three Antarctic species. Within each of the three species from each region, one has a cemented attachment point, one has flexible growth and the third is attached by chitinous rootlets. The analysis shows no significant difference in Mg-calcite distribution along the length of the six species but does show species-specific variation in both the consistency of Mg-calcite distribution along the length of a colony and the relationship between concentration of Mg-calcite in the root and growing tip. Analysis shows a statistically significant trend of increasing Mg-calcite concentration with increasing temperature. This adds further data to a growing body of published evidence for this mineralogy trend. The results of this study suggest that if bryozoan species are to be used as indicators of environmental change then it will be critical to have robust, replicated data of species-specific profiles for Mg-calcite distribution. This data, viewed alongside published mineralogy trends,
Journal of the Marine Biological Association of the United Kingdom, 2008
We compared the reef fish assemblages of two habitats, coral reefs and coral communities (rocky s... more We compared the reef fish assemblages of two habitats, coral reefs and coral communities (rocky substratum with coral colonies), in the Las Perlas Archipelago in Pacific Panama and attempted to determine associations with habitat variables. We used a modified Atlantic and Gulf Rapid Reef Assessment (AGRRA) survey to record fish species and quadrat transects to determine benthic composition. Multivariate non-parametric multi-dimensional scaling (MDS) ordinations were performed in PRIMER and univariate correlations were used to determine relationships. The reef fish of coral communities were significantly more diverse and species rich than those of coral reefs. The two habitats had significantly different species and size composition, but trophic and family groups overlapped between habitats. Topography, exposure, and the percentage cover of branching and massive corals correlated significantly with differences in fish parameters. The reef fish assemblages of this region appear to be determined more by the larger scale structural features that characterize the two habitats than by features that vary over small scales within the habitats.
... and more nutrient rich water to the surface, which allows an increase in the growth of phytop... more ... and more nutrient rich water to the surface, which allows an increase in the growth of phytoplankton normally enhanced during La Niña years (Enfield ... Such a strategy results in higher scallop recruitment and survival (Arsenault & Himmelman 1996, Ekman 1987, Felix-Pico et al. ...
The purpose of this study was to investigate, characterize and map areas of the seabed of Las Per... more The purpose of this study was to investigate, characterize and map areas of the seabed of Las Perlas Archipelago (LPA), Republic of Panama using swath-bathymetry acoustic sonar techniques and to assess these methods as tools for feeding information into management zoning policy. In 2007 the LPA was granted conservation protection under national legislation. However, detailed management plans are still pending. Seabed mapping plays a fundamental role in identifying areas which should be prioritized within the management framework. Visual representation of habitat maps provides an effective medium for involving stakeholders in a co-management arena. In this survey, acoustically mapped areas of the seabed were ground-truthed using a combination of benthic grab samples, drop-down video and diver observations. The resulting mapped areas were then incorporated into a Geographic Information System (GIS) for further analysis. The output was a physical characterization of the seabed at three locations selected for being areas of high rugosity (habitat complexity) and, therefore, their potential importance as valuable fish aggregation sites. The rocky reefs and rhodolith beds identified in this survey represent particularly important fish aggregation and nursery habitats which should be considered priorities for protection under the management plans. This survey demonstrated the use of acoustic techniques to spatially resolve topographic features and physical characteristics of the seabed, illustrating their potential value as tools for fisheries management and marine reserve zoning in Las Perlas Archipelago and elsewhere.
Las Perlas Archipelago (LPA) is located off the Pacific Coast of Panama and was designated as a m... more Las Perlas Archipelago (LPA) is located off the Pacific Coast of Panama and was designated as a marine protected area (MPA) in 2007. This baseline study of the shallow and deeper sedimentary habitats of the islands partly informed the MPA designation. Ninety-two grab stations and twenty trawl stations were sampled. Sediment grab sample results were interpolated to produce a map that showed the area to be dominated by mud (1246 km 2 , 40%) and sand/shell sediments (780 km 2 , 25%). A total of 201 taxa were recorded and over 5800 individual specimens were processed, revealing that the sediments hold varying community compositions, with annelids being the dominant group (73%) followed by crustaceans (14%). Relationships were evident between community, feeding guilds, and sediment types, which give an indication of communities that can be expected in similar sediments in other areas of the Tropical Eastern Pacific. A study of this scale and level of detail is rare for this biogeographic region and provides a valuable, comprehensive appreciation of the LPA's benthos.
Due to the growing rate of urbanisation in many tropical coastal areas, there continues to be an ... more Due to the growing rate of urbanisation in many tropical coastal areas, there continues to be an increasing concern in relation to the impact of anthropogenic activities on mangrove forests. Punta Mala Bay is located on the Pacific coast of Panama and suffers from intense anthropogenic activities that are potentially harmful to the remaining mangrove forests. Field observations reveal that the mangrove stand within Punta Mala Bay receives high inputs of untreated domestic sewage, storm water run-off and a range of diffuse inputs from shipping activities. Results from analysis of eight metals (Mn, Cu, Zn, Ni, Pb, Fe, Cr, Cd) showed that Fe, Zn and Pb were in concentrations high enough to conclude moderate to serious contamination within the bay, and thus pose the most threat to the regeneration and growth of the mangrove. However, previous biological surveys indicate ongoing mangrove regeneration and domination of stand structure by Laguncularia racemosa, together with high numbers of seedlings and saplings.
This study assessed the changes in extent of fringing mangrove located in Punta Mala Bay, Panama ... more This study assessed the changes in extent of fringing mangrove located in Punta Mala Bay, Panama in relation to coastal development over a period of two decades. Punta Mala Bay was chosen for this study, due to its social importance and its biological significance, as it is one of the few mangrove areas left around Panama City. Fieldwork confirmed the importance of Laguncularia racemosa in the bay, which formed nearly monospecific stands with a large number of seedlings indicating that the forest was rejuvenating. The mangrove was mapped from 1980 to 2002 using digitised aerial photographs and a GIS was used to determine the location and rates of mangrove growth and loss before and after the construction of a road and water treatment works in 1998. The land use maps were produced with an overall accuracy of 83.8%. The user's accuracy of the maps for L. racemosa dominated stands was 89.7%, although the producer's accuracy was lower due to the omission of seedlings on intertidal areas. It was found that the mangrove was spatially dynamic and had grown substantially in the bay at a rate ranging from 6 to 215% per year until the construction commenced. Between 1997 and 2002 there were 100% loss of mangrove in some areas due to the coastal development. The resilience of the dominant species L. racemosa at this locality was shown by the continued growth of two mangrove zones during the construction period 1997-2002, with one zone increasing in area by 61%. The pioneering ability of L. racemosa after disturbance was demonstrated by the development of two new mangrove zones of 498 and 1254 m2 on bare intertidal areas after construction finished. Future mapping and fieldwork could provide information on the development of mangrove communities and their response to reoccurring human impacts.
... LO CONOCIDO Y DESCONOCIDO DE LA BIODIVERSIDAD MARINA EN EL ECUADOR (CONTINENTAL E INSULAR) Ma... more ... LO CONOCIDO Y DESCONOCIDO DE LA BIODIVERSIDAD MARINA EN EL ECUADOR (CONTINENTAL E INSULAR) Manuel Cruz1-3, Nikita Gabor2, Elba Mora2-3, Roberto Jiménez3 & James Mair4 ... 6) (Torres & Tapia 2000). ...
Populations of the green spiny lobster Panulirus gracilis (Streets 1871) have sustained increasin... more Populations of the green spiny lobster Panulirus gracilis (Streets 1871) have sustained increasing harvesting pressure in Pacific Panama for decades, but basic information about their biology and ecology in the region is scarce. This study provides baseline data for the densities and biometrics of P. gracilis in Las Perlas and Coiba Archipelagos. The number of surveyed lobsters in both archipelagos was surprisingly low (85 in Las Perlas and 67 in Coiba), and average densities were dismal (4.1 ± 8.8 ind. ha -1 and 5.3 ± 7.6 ind. ha -1 , respectively). Saboga and San Jose Islands had the highest relative densities of P. gracilis in Las Perlas, whereas intermediate relative densities were found only on Coiba Island in the Coiba Archipelago. Lobster density was not associated with either substrate or depth. In Las Perlas, female carapace length (CL) was 40-95 mm and that of males was 25-100 mm; in Coiba, female CL was 45-124 mm and male CL was 45-121 mm. In Las Perlas, the smallest lobster with eggs had a CL ¼ 65 mm and a tail length (TL) ¼ 120 mm, whereas the smallest in Coiba had a CL ¼ 60 mm and a TL ¼ 81-115 mm. We recommend implementing: (1) the minimum capture CL as the average carapace length at which half of the lobster population from Coiba is adult (CL ¼ 84 mm; TL ¼ 112-155 mm); (2) a fishing season no longer than 6 mo; (3) management decisions involving local fishermen and native peoples; (4) marine reserves or no-take areas (NTA); and (5) long-term monitoring plans, as the best current options to insure the survival of P. gracilis in the region.
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Papers by James Mair