Marine Science

Environmental conditions can influence the physiology of marine organisms and have important implications for their reproductive performance and capacity to supply new recruits. This study examined the seasonal reproductive patterns of the coral Montipora capitata in habitats exposed to different sedimentation regimes. Although M. capitata is a main reef-building coral in the Hawaiian Archipelago, little is known about the gametogenic cycle and reproductive ecology of this important species. Our results indicate that gamete production in M. capitata is a resilient process; no differences in gamete development or fecundity were observed among sites with very different sedimentation regimes. The gametogenic cycle of M. capitata lasts between 10 and 11 months, with spawning occurring over 3-5 months during warmer months (May-September). Oocytes were found throughout the year, but spermatocysts were only found April-August. The largest increases in oocyte size occurred during February to May, the months when solar radiation increased rapidly. The largest variation in oocyte sizes was found during July and August; during this period individual colonies contained mature oocytes for immediate spawning and new oocytes being formed for spawning the next year. The capacity of M. capitata to reproduce in areas with high sedimentation is an interesting finding highlighting the potential of the species for acclimatization, adaptation, or both. Despite this optimistic finding, the management of terrestrial runoff and the restoration of habitat quality for corals remains a top priority to ensure the renewal and maintenance of coral populations.

Global mean sea levels are projected to gradually rise in response to greenhouse warming. However, on shorter time scales, modes of natural climate variability in the Pacific, such as the El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO), can affect regional sea level variability and extremes, with considerable impacts on coastal ecosystems and island nations. How these shorter-term sea level fluctuations will change in association with a projected increase in extreme El Niño and its atmospheric variability remains unknown. Using present-generation coupled climate models forced with increasing greenhouse gas concentrations and subtracting the effect of global mean sea level rise, we find that climate change will enhance El Niño–related sea level extremes, especially in the tropical southwestern Pacific, where very low sea level events, locally known as Taimasa, are projected to double in occurrence. Additionally, and throughout the tropical Pacific, prolonged interannual sea level in-undations are also found to become more likely with greenhouse warming and increased frequency of extreme La Niña events, thus exacerbating the coastal impacts of the projected global mean sea level rise.

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Present short communication reports about beach stranding of Porpita porpita (Linnaeus 1758) from the Coast of Mandvi, Kutch during August 2021. Also, this is the first record of the blue button jellyfishes for the northern Gulf of Kutch region. A study was carried out by primary observation and measurements of common environmental parameters such as Sea Surface Temperature (SST), Wind Direction & Wind Speed. Aboral and oral parts were observed and described. It is assumed that the large biomass of blue button jellyfish on the beach is due to strong shoreward Monsoon winds.

Amnesic Shellfish Poisoning (ASP) is a type of intoxication caused by the neurotoxin domoic acid (DA). The diatom genus Nitzschia is capable of producing this toxin. Screening for the presence of toxic Nitzschia spp. was carried out at various estuaries in Malaysia. Nitzschia-like cells were isolated and established into clonal cultures. Late stationary phase of cultures were harvested and tested for toxin production using HPLC. Toxin production and compound was verified by LC-MS. From the analyses, at least three cultures were detected with DA, while the rest of the cultures did not show detectable amounts of DA. The localities of the toxic species are Johor and Sabah. Here we conclude that toxic Nitzschia species are present in Malaysian water.

At-sea distributions of large scyphozoan jellyfish across the Irish Sea were studied using visual surface counts from ships of opportunity. Thirty-seven surveys were conducted along two[100 km long transects between Ireland and the UK from April to September in 2009 and 2010. Five species were recorded but only Aurelia aurita and Cyanea capillata were frequently observed. The first formal description of the seasonal changes in the abundances and distributions of these two species in the study area is provided. The highest densities of these species were more likely to be found *30 km offshore, but large aggregations were present both in coastal and offshore waters. Evidence for aggregations of medusae along physical discontinuities was provided by coupling jellyfish observations with simultaneous records of environmental parameters. The value of surveys from ships of opportunity as cost-effective semi-quantitative tools, to develop local knowledge on jellyfish abundance, distribution, and phenology is discussed.

The main purpose of this research is to analyze gillnet capturer instrument and gillnet fishery reource continuity and creating strategic scenario in sustainable gillnet fishery management. The research is conducted in Tanah Laut regency. Research method used Participatory Rural Apraisal (PRA) technique. Data Analysis employs analythical descriptive and sustainability analysis with Multidimensional Scaling (MDS) method and RAPFISH (The Rapid Appraisal of Status of Fisheries) application. Research result shows that gillnet capturer instrument observed from technology and ecology dimension has highest sustainability (good), from economy dimension (quite sustainable), meanwhile from ethic dimension (less sustainable) and from social dimension has lowest sustainability (bad). White shrimp regression Y = 0.054200429-7.93E-08X with optimum catch result 9,266.19 ton/year, effort optimum 431.923 trips/year; croackers regression Y= 0.012407688-8.96408E-09X, optimum catch result 4.293 ton/year, effort optimum 692.078 trips/year, it means that in term of gulamah fish (Nibea Albiflora) and white shrimp resource is still can be improved. Another research result shows that a priority used as sustainable management strategy, i.e., species in the same geography, catching range, fish size, the catched fishes are not in mature age yet, the high subsidy, how big the market is, rules of management, ethic formation influence, fishery sector role, education level, fish handling on ship, ship size. Those factors need to be well managed in the future in order to maintain or even improve catch fisheries in Tanah laut Regency continuity.

The Kenan Institute’s UNC Center for Competitive Economies (C3E) conducted a “Marine Biotechnology Incubator Feasibility Study” for the Carteret Community College (CCC) in 2007. The study assessed the feasibility of a Carteret County-based business incubator serving the initial facility requirements of marine biotechnology start-up companies across the coastal North Carolina study region. The project finds that such an incubator is not feasible primarily due to an insufficient current and prospective tenant population to make such a facility financial viable. However, it further finds that alternative collaborative strategies can enable the marine science resources of coastal North Carolina to significantly contribute to the region’s economy.

The astronomical tidal elevations and surge heights have been produced from a one decade (1996)(1997)(1998)(1999)(2000)(2001)(2002)(2003)(2004)(2005) sea level daily records at Alexandria. The tidal harmonic constituents had been constructed using the T_TIDE program. Surge elevations had been calculated by subtracting the astronomical height from the observed sea level. The statistical analysis for the previously obtained surge heights is described and represented in this paper. The minimum calculated surge height during this period is 14.64 cm, while the maximum is 87.15 cm. This means a decadal height range of 72.51 cm. The seasonal occurrence over the period of investigation has been discussed. Results have revealed that the summer events are on the top of occurrence with 930 events, followed by the winter with 913 events. Spring and autumn have 910 and 900 events, respectively, over the investigated period.

Over sixty high schools in Queensland run formal marine studies programs in the senior years of schooling. A key component of these programs is experiential learning in marine environments including the Great Barrier Reef. Year 11 and 12 students from four high schools were interviewed during organized trips to offshore coral reef sites. This paper presents selected student accounts of reef educational experiences and identifies reported relations of proximity as a focus for analysis. The concept of proximity is important to environmental education when one declared aim is a 'rediscovery' of our connections to the world around us. Results indicate that, as a result of their reef experiences, students talk different reef relations into beingpositioning reefs as being nearer, less far away, and, therefore, in more need of attention and care. Interview data provide evidence to support the argument that outdoor and underwater learning experiences are a necessary part of education for marine sustainability. The pedagogical intention of the Queensland Studies Authority Marine Studies syllabus, which mandates for fieldwork, is confirmed by qualitative student accounts of their learning experiences.

Humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) migrate long distances each year on a return journey from low-latitude breeding grounds to high-latitude feeding grounds. Migration is influenced by subtle and complex social behaviors and the assumption that whales transit directly through the migratory corridor off the east coast of Australia requires further investigation. From 2003 to 2005, we followed the movements of 99 individual whales within one migratory cycle from three locations, off Byron Bay during the whales' northern migration and in Hervey Bay and at Ballina during the southern migration. The median sighting interval of whales between Byron Bay and Hervey Bay (n = 26) was 52 d (IQR = 42.5-75.5); between Byron Bay and Ballina (n = 21) was 59 d (IQR = 47.0-70.0); and between Hervey Bay and Ballina (n = 33) was 9 d (8.0-14.0). The overall pattern observed from these resightings suggests that Group E1 humpback whales spend approximately two months in the northern quarter of their range during the austral winter months. Intraseason resightings of whales at Ballina (n = 13, median sighting interval = 7 d) also suggest that some individuals, particularly adult males, may circle back north 1 Corresponding author (e-mail: daniel.burns@scu.edu.au). 562 during their general southward journey along this part of the coast, perhaps in an attempt to increase mating opportunities.

The taxonomy and distribution of halocyprid ostracods from the Arabian Sea Region is reported, based upon samples collected in the Northwestern Indian Ocean within the framework of the Netherlands Indian Ocean Program (NIOP: 1992-1993), the U.S. Joint Global Ocean Flux Study (U.S. JGOFS: 1994–1996), and the U.S. Global Ocean Ecosystem Dynamics program (U.S. GLOBEC: 1995). Forty-one species from the following genera belonging to the family Halocyprididae are
described, illustrated, and representative photographs are presented: Archiconchoecia, Alacia, Conchoecetta, Conchoecia, Conchoecilla, Conchoecissa, Discoconchoecia, Loricoecia, Mikroconchoecia, Orthoconchoecia, Paraconchoecia, Paramollicia, Platyconchoecia, Porroecia, Proceroecia,
Pseudoconchoecia, Clausoecia, Kyrtoecia, Nasoecia and Euconchoecia. For fourteen species, members of the genera Macroconchoecia, Mollicia, Paraconchoecia, Metaconchoecia, Mülleroecia, Fellia, Halocypria and Halocypris, only carapace outlines are presented. Keys to the subfamilies, tribes, genera and species, and patterns of horizontal and vertical distribution of each described species in the Arabian Sea Region are also given. The data on occurrence of halocyprid species at each of the stations during the investigation period and the depth ranges of halocyprid species found in the analyzed material but not described in the present book are listed in appendices.

The reefs off Broward County, Florida, USA, lie near the northernmost limits of tropical coral reefs, are non-accreting, and have long been affected by human influences including land-based sources of pollution. Port Everglades, a major industrial shipping port, is a likely source of many anthropogenic contaminants, which are discharged in an effluent plume that sweeps over the coastal reef. The results of two nearshore reef studies were examined here to determine if the inlet effluent plume produces a water quality gradient and associated biological gradient, and if any biological indicators of water quality can be determined. Macrobenthos cover at 33 sites was assessed from Port Everglades inlet south to the Broward County line. Results showed macroalgae abundance significantly increases with proximity to Port Everglades inlet. In addition, water quality data clearly illustrate a low-salinity wedge being discharged from the inlet at low tide, as well as increased levels of nutrients around the mouth of the inlet. These results suggest that Port Everglades is a probable source of coastal pollution that may be causing localized increases in algal abundance that can be detrimental to the benthic ecology of the surrounding nearshore reef.

The bycatch of small cetaceans in commercial fisheries is a global wildlife management problem. We used data from skippers' logbooks and independent observers to assess common bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) bycatch patterns between 2003 and 2009 in the Pilbara Trawl Fishery, Western Australia. Both datasets indicated that dolphins were caught in all fishery areas, across all depths and throughout the year. Over the entire datasets, observer reported bycatch rates (n = 52 dolphins in 4,124 trawls, or 12.6 dolphins/1,000 trawls) were ca. double those reported by skippers (n = 180 dolphins in 27,904 trawls, or 6.5 dolphins/1,000 trawls). Generalised Linear Models based on observer data, which better explained the variation in dolphin bycatch, indicated that the most significant predictors of dolphin catch were: (1) vessel-one trawl vessel caught significantly more dolphins than three others assessed; (2) time of day-the lowest dolphin bycatch rates were between 00:00 and 05:59; and (3) whether nets included bycatch reduction devices (BRDs)-the rate was reduced by ca. 45%, from 18.8 to 10.3 dolphins/1,000 trawls, after their introduction. These results indicated that differences among vessels (or skippers' trawling techniques) and dolphin behavior (a diurnal pattern) influenced the rates of dolphin capture; and that spatial or seasonal adjustments to trawling effort would be unlikely to significantly reduce dolphin bycatch. Recent skipper's logbook data show that dolphin bycatch rates have not declined since those reported in 2006, when BRDs were introduced across the fishery. Modified BRDs, with top-opening escape hatches from which dolphins might escape to the surface, may be a more effective means of further reducing dolphin bycatch. The vulnerability of this dolphin population to trawling-related mortality cannot be assessed in the absence of an ongoing observer program and without information on trawler-associated dolphin community size, broader dolphin population size and connectivity with adjacent populations.

This study aims to employ remote sensing as a means to ascertain the marine productive zones through the correlative relationship between Sea Surface Temperature (SST) and Chlorophyll-a (Chl-a) concentration. We used monthly data sets of SST and Chl-a concentrations at 4 km resolution, obtained from Terra-Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) from the year 2001 to 2017. The study of Chl-a enrichment in certain parts of Arabian Sea and the Persian Gulf is generally associated with the variability of SST. This study demonstrates the usability of satellite data which can be greatly enhanced by the use of Data Interpolating Empirical Orthogonal Functions (DINEOF) method, which in turn has proven a reliable tool for finding the missing data due to cloud covers especially in the months of SW monsoon in the region under study. Monitoring of Spatial and temporal distributions of SST and Chl-a concentration in different seasons indicated that most of the study area (96%) exhibited negative correlation between SST and Chl-a. Just a few regions (4%) including some coastlines and Persian Gulf show positive correlation, indicating the impact of some oil spills and human interaction with seawater quality. Marine productivity has a pivotal character to play in the socioeconomic development of countries, located around the Arabian sea and this study could be beneficial to find the spatial association of SST and Chl-a with marine productive zones.

Marine turtles often have extremely high water turnover accompanied by a low field metabolic rate (FMR), a combination that can contraindicate the use of doubly labelled water (DLW). Therefore, we conducted a validation study to assess the suitability of the DLW technique for determining FMR of marine turtles. Six green turtles (22.42±3.13 kg) were injected with DLW and placed in a tank of seawater with a respirometer for continuous monitoring of oxygen consumption (MR) over a 5-day period. Trials were conducted for turtles in both fed and fasted states. Respiratory exchange ratio (RER) was determined in a dry respirometer and used to calculate energy expenditure. For fed and fasted turtles, total body water (TBW) was 66.67±3.37% and 58.70±7.63% of body mass, and water flux rates were 9.57±1.33% and 6.14±0.65% TBW day -1 , respectively. Water turnover in fasted turtles was 36% lower than that of fed turtles but MR (from oxygen consumption) of fasted turtles (13.77±1.49 kJ kg -1 day -1 ) was 52% lower than in fed turtles (28.66±5.31 kJ kg -1 day -1 ). Deuterium to oxygen-18 turnover rate (k d :k o ) ratios averaged 0.91±0.02 for fed turtles and 1.07±0.16 for fasted turtles. Fed turtles had a mean group difference of 8% and a mean individual difference of 53% between DLW and respirometry. The DLW method gave negative MR values in fasted turtles and could not be compared with respirometry data. Researchers should use caution when applying the DLW method in marine reptiles, especially when high water flux causes >90% of the labeled oxygen turnover to be due to water exchange.

Fish diseases have a significant negative influence on the Malaysian aquaculture industry. Since the 1980s, the sector has grown in size, which has resulted in a rise in the prevalence of infectious outbreaks affecting both freshwater and marine cultured fish species. Demand for commercially available fish vaccinations is predicted to increase as infectious disease outbreaks continue to occur. In Malaysia, aquaculture vaccine research and development (R&D) are still in its infancy, with most efforts concentrating on producing vaccines against bacterial infections, most notably streptococcosis, vibriosis, and motile Aeromonas septicemia. Despite several attempts, no homegrown vaccine has been effectively introduced into the manufacturing pipeline to date. At the moment, only three imported aquatic vaccines have received full permission, a far cry from the 314 and 60 vaccines licensed in the poultry and porcine industries, respectively. This review will describe recent findings regard...

This study examined the concentrations of Escherichia coli in soil and water samples, and some physicochemical properties of water collected from the Karnafuly River estuary, Bangladesh during March-June 2012. Among the water parameters, temperature was in the range 26.5 to 32°C, salinity varied between 0 and 5 ppt, pH values ranged from 7.5 to 7.9 and dissolved oxygen (DO) was recorded at concentrations of 2.28 to 2.91 mg/l. The average total E. coli were 26 cells/ml in water, but the sediment contained 96.42 cells/g of E. coli. The population of E. coli was always higher in sediment than those that occurred in water among all sampling stations. The growth of E. coli were positively correlated (P < 0.01) with water temperature and negatively correlated with salinity, pH and DO. The data on water quality parameters and occurrence of E. coli indicated that water of the Karnafuly estuary is polluted and unhygienic for drinking, even impossible to use for washing purposes without any treatment.

World Ocean Day (WOD), celebrated on 08 June every year, brings an opportunity to raise global awareness of the impacts of human actions on the ocean, and to mobilize support for sustainable global ocean management. It was first proposed in 1992 by the Government of Canada at the Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil to highlight the importance of the ocean and to appreciate its intrinsic value. But it took 16 long years for the United Nations General Assembly to pass a resolution to this effect and was first celebrated officially in 2009.

Kaneohe Bay is often divided into two parts: South bay and North bay. The two bays are different as south bay is more secluded and enclosed by the Mokapu peninsula. This study focuses on the zooplankton abundance of the two bays. North bay had a lower average zooplankton abundance (75.320 animals.m-3 ±14.684) than south bay (121.251 animals.m-3± 17.233). The difference between the two averages was not statically significant with p=0.07. This might be due to a disproportionality in the rivers discharge between the two bays or to the frequent temporal fluctuations of zooplankton populations. To further investigate the topic more research has to be done.

Copyright © 2015 Khoshravan and Jabbari, This is an open access article published under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited. Preferred citation for this article:

Urban vegetation, particularly trees provides a wide spectrum of ecosystem services which include upgradation of air quality, stabilizing
temperature, reduction in ultraviolet radiation, oxygen generation, carbon sequestration, habitat of several flora and fauna (enhancement of
biodiversity) aesthetic beauty etc. Oxygen production is one of the most commonly cited benefits of urban trees. The purpose of this article is
to estimate the oxygen production by the dominant trees in the urban area of Konnagar, compare it with the estimated oxygen consumption by
the population of the area and illustrate why oxygen production by urban trees is an important ecosystem service

Global sea level rise due to the thermal expansion of the warming oceans and freshwater input from melting glaciers and ice sheets is threatening to inundate low-lying islands and coastlines worldwide. At present the global mean sea level rises at 3.1 6 0.7 mm yr 21 with an accelerating tendency. However, the magnitude of recent decadal sea level trends varies greatly spatially, attaining values of up to 10 mm yr 21 in some areas of the western tropical Pacific. Identifying the causes of recent regional sea level trends and understanding the patterns of future projected sea level change is of crucial importance. Using a wind-forced simplified dy-namical ocean model, the study shows that the regional features of recent decadal and multidecadal sea level trends in the tropical Indo-Pacific can be attributed to changes in the prevailing wind regimes. Furthermore, it is demonstrated that within an ensemble of 10 state-of-the-art coupled general circulation models, forced by increasing atmospheric CO 2 concentrations over the next century, wind-induced redistributions of upper-ocean water play a key role in establishing the spatial characteristics of projected regional sea level rise. Wind-related changes in near-surface mass and heat convergence near the Solomon Islands, Tuvalu, Kiribati, the Cook Islands, and French Polynesia oppose—but cannot cancel—the regional signal of global mean sea level rise.

Laser scanning, photogrammetry, and multi-beam sonar generate millions of points within a highly complex, XYZ co-ordinate system, but in doing so, create different types of datasets and errors depending on a wide range of operational and environmental factors. As the availability of these powerful recording techniques reach ubiquity due to cost depreciations from rapid developments in advanced computing and robotics, several questions emerge when it comes to their full efficacy of use in maritime archaeology. In October and November of 2016, a team of scientists from the University of Southampton, Biscayne National Park and the University of Miami, conducted diver deployed underwater laser scans and DSLR based photogrammetry of the bow section of an early 20th century, steel-hulled schooner, "Mandalay" in Biscayne National Park, Florida. The results of this paper are part of a third case study that investigates the use of these advanced technologies/methodologies in a relatively shallow (~3.65m), clear (>5m of visibility), saline, coral reef environment, under ambient and non-ambient light conditions. The team compared the use of a mid-range (.38 – 2.5m) ULS-200 triangulation scanner developed by 2G Robotics and a D90 Nikon camera for the multi-image photogrammetry. Timings of the recordings were tabulated, data quality outputs were compared and recording accuracies were measured using a series of metrologically certified reference objects, which were used in a Phase I controlled indoor lab test that took place in 2014. The results indicate that photogrammetric capture of shipwrecks like the "Mandalay" under variable lighting conditions can render severely degraded datasets and significant spatial distortions with as much as 6cm of deviation from laser scans over a 1.2m area. However, while laser scanning has an ambient light filtration mechanism as a means of resolving subject material with some amount of light present, imagery could not be resolved with light intensities reaching 1000 lumens. Under non-ambient, near zero turbidity conditions, laser scanning provides an unprecedented amount of spatial and geometric accuracy and can be used most effectively for micro-change analytics of a shipwreck site over time. However, photogrammetry renders visually attractive textures that can be of diagnostic value to the archaeologist in light conditions where underwater laser scanning cannot function. A combination of the two datasets with capture taken at different times of the day, provides a powerful means for the researcher to gather more information compared to traditional 3D capture techniques and to formulate the most effective shipwreck preservation strategy possible for shallow water sites.

Pemetaan dasar laut yang akurat sangat dibutuhkan untuk menjawab tantangan yang dihadapi oleh para peneliti kelautan dewasa ini. Sub-bottom profiler hadir sebagai salah satu sistem akustik yang digunakan untuk menggambarkan profil lapisan sedimen dasar laut, serta informasi ketebalan lapisan dan stratigrafi. Tujuan dari penelitian ini adalah untuk menggambarkan profil 2D serta menentukan nilai koefisien refleksi lapisan sedimen dasar perairan Selat Lembeh, Sulawesi Utara. Koefisien refleksi menjadi penting untuk dianalisis terkait hubungannya
dengan ukuran butiran dan tipe sedimen dasar perairan. Akuisisi data dilakukan menggunakan sub-bottom profiler tipe Syqwest Stratabox dengan frekuensi 10 kHz. Pemrosesan sinyal FFT dan bandpass filter diaplikasikan untuk menghilangkan derau dari sinyal utama serta untuk mendapatkan hasil yang lebih baik. Hasil pengolahan data
menunjukkan bahwa sedimen dasar perairan memiliki nilai koefisien refleksi permukaan yang berkisar antara 0.1168 hingga 0.7938 dengan tipe dasar perairan pasir besi halus.

An accurate mapping of ocean seabed is needed to answer the challenges faced by the marine scientist today. Sub-bottom profiler present as one of the acoustics system which used to describe the sediment layer profile of the ocean bottom, as well as the thickness of the layer and the stratigraphy. The purpose of this research is to
describe the 2D profile and to determine the value of the reflection coefficient of the sediment layers in Lembeh Strait, North Sulawesi. The reflection coefficient is necessary to be analyzed related to the seabed sediment grain size and type. The data acquisition carried out using Syqwest Stratabox sub-bottom profiler with the frequency of 10
kHz. FFT signal processing and bandpass filter are applied to relieve noise from main signals as well as to get better results. The results of data processing show that seafloor sediments have a value of the surface reflection coefficients which ranged between 0.1168 until 0.7938 with type iron smooth sand.

Digitally processed Thematic Mapper data were integrated with other layers of geographic information to derive a forest fire hazard map. The test area was located in the mediterranean coast of Spain, which is one of the countries most affected by forest fires in Europe. The area suffered a severe forest fire in 1985. Therefore, comparison between the predicted hazard and the actual burned area was possible. More than 22% of pixels with high hazard values in the whole study area were burned by the fire, while only 3.74% of those with low hazard values were actually burned.

The live freshwater Channa fish species were collected from Hasanparthy and Dharmasagar lakes of Warangal district. The present investigation deals with the haematological variables in C. striatus and C. punctatus infected by different bacterial pathogens such as A. hydrophila, S. aureus, P. aeruginosa and S. salmonicida. The considerable variations have been observed in the mean values of blood parameters. Comparison with the control C. striatus RBC, HB, values in infected fish were decreased by 63.5%, 23%, increase WBC (21%) had shown and in Differential leucocyte count (DLC) studies in the control fish show that normal percentage range. In case of bacterial infected fishes had shown drastic reduction of (30.7%) in Neutrophils was observed whereas Monocytes (2.3%) and Basophils (0.6%) were not varied much a noticeable increase of (1.5%) in eosinophil and (5.4%) in lymphocytes. And in the C. punctatus HB content, RBCs, percentage of Monocytes and Neutrophils were significantly decreased by (9%), (55%), (2.4%) and (18%) respectively. WBCs, Lymphocytes, Esinophils and Basophils were found significantly increased (17%), (5%), (5.8%) and (2.7%) respectively. This was observed in Red spot diseased fishes thus the above results depict the presence of macrocyticanaemia in the infected fishes.

Successful application of the alkenone palaeothermometer, the U K 37 0 index, relies upon the assumption that fossil alkenone synthesisers responded to growth-temperature changes in a similar manner to the modern producers, chiefly the coccolithophores Emiliania huxleyi and Gephyrocapsa oceanica. We compare coccolith and U K 37 0 data from ODP Site 1087 in the southeast Atlantic between 1500 and 500 ka, and show that evolutionary events and changes in species dominance within the coccolithophore populations had little impact on the U K 37 0 record. The relative abundances of the C 37 and C 38 alkenones also closely resembled those found in modern populations, and suggest a similar temperature sensitivity of U K 37 0 during the early and mid-Pleistocene to that found at present. These results support the application of the U K 37 0 index to reconstruct sea-surface temperatures (SSTs) throughout the Quaternary. The U K 37 0 record at ODP Site 1087 contains an SST signal that documents the emergence of the 100-kyr cycles that characterise the late Quaternary ice volume records. This is preceded by significant cooling at ODP Site 1087, marked by a negative shift in SSTs and a positive shift in the planktonic d 18 O some 250-kyr earlier, at ca 1150–1000 ka. This results in a permanent fall in average SSTs of around 1.5 1C. The predicted increase in aridity onshore as a result of this cooling can be identified in a number of published records from southern Africa, and may have played a role in some important evolutionary events of the mid-Pleistocene.

As climate-driven environmental changes and anthropogenic perturbations increasingly affect ecological systems, the number of abrupt phase shifts in ecosystem dynamics is rising, with farreaching ecological, economic and social effects. These shifts are notoriously difficult to study, anticipate and manage. Although indicators of impending phase shifts in ecosystems have been described theoretically, they have only been observed empirically either after the fact or under controlled experiments. Here we demonstrate the usefulness of case-specific simulation models to estimate tipping points in the dynamics of real ecological systems, characterise how these thresh-olds may vary depending on local conditions and derive safe management targets associated with low risk of undesirable phase shifts. Under the combined effects of ocean changes and fishing, inshore rocky reefs in eastern Tasmania can transition from dense seaweed beds to sea urchin 'barrens' habitat, realising severe local loss of habitat, productivity and valuable fisheries. Using Monte-Carlo simulations with a validated model that realistically captures reef dynamics, we characterise the hysteresis in community dynamics and the variability in ecological thresholds along the gradient of environmental conditions. Simulation suggests that prevention of ongoing sea urchin destructive grazing of macroalgal beds is achievable but the yet-to-be-observed restoration of seaweed beds from extensive sea urchin barrens is highly unlikely. To guide management against undesirable phase shifts, we define target points associated with low risk of widespread barrens formation and show that, along with sea urchin culling, recognising the role of lobsters in mitigating sea urchin destructive grazing through predation is key to maintain reef productivity. ) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users. Author contributions All authors conceived and contributed to the development of the project. MPM developed the TRITON model, designed and ran the simulations, analysed the results and elaborated the manuscript. CRJ and LRL provided guidance and feedback on model development and the elaboration of the ideas presented in this paper, and contributed to writing the manuscript.

An unusual combination of features makes the Midriff Islands region of the northern Gulf of California (NGC) a strong atmospheric methane source. Oceanographic isolation by a series of sills and islands along with upward transport of nutrient-rich water enhanced by tidal currents, upwelling, and overflows results in high productivity. The resulting high phytoplankton biomass likely stimulates biogeochemical cycling that, in turn, may stimulate biological methane production in the water column and sediments. Additionally, venting of abiogenic methane-rich hydrothermal fluids in this tectonically active area and seepage of biogenic or thermogenic methane gas from the sediments may also be important sources. We found elevated methane concentrations throughout our study area, the highest within the Ballenas Channel, which was supersaturated with respect to atmospheric methane at all depths. Our vertical methane profiles show that elevated dissolved methane concentrations in the NGC are mainly associated with Gulf of California Water (GCW). Data from 22 stations suggest southward advection of methane via the methane-rich GCW, and lower methane concentrations south of the sills area. Our observations of supersaturated methane concentrations at all stations and all depths in the Ballenas Channel suggest that it is a strong source of methane to the atmosphere and to other parts of the NGC. In particular, station 7 at 50, 20, and 0 m depths had methane (CH4) concentrations of 49.1, 48.3, and 43.5 nM, respectively, corresponding to saturation values of 2090%, 2050%, and 1850%, respectively. Our calculated NGC fluxes ranged from 3.4 to 103.4 􏰁mol CH4 m–2 d–1. The average methane flux calculated for our entire study area was 21.1 􏰁mol CH4 m–2 d–1. These values are higher than those measured at many other high productivity sites worldwide including upwelling sites, and suggest input of methane via hydrothermal fluids or seepage from the sediments.

1] Realistic lunar tides of the Great Bay Estuarine System have been simulated using a fixed boundary finite element numerical model as described by . It is a two-dimensional, nonlinear, time-stepping model with a groundwater component coupled to a kinematic force balance to facilitate the realistic drainage and filling of elements during ebb and flood, respectively. The numerical model reproduces the observed M 2 tides as described by , and it successfully captures qualitatively correct residual currents and transports, realistic massconserving flooding and dewatering of the tidal flats, and current asymmetry between flood and ebb. The simulation results were sensitive to local bathymetry and the implemented friction law. The accuracy of the model is demonstrated by comparison with the 1975 Great Bay study in terms of tidal elevations at 14 tidal stations and 4 cross-sectionally averaged current measurements in the estuary. Quantitatively, the model results show good agreement with observations, displaying correlation coefficients of !0.96 in surface elevation and !0.95 in averaged current, with average RMS errors of 0.12 m and 0.26 m s À1 , respectively. In addition, tidal flat hydrodynamics, characteristic distributions of residual current, sediment bed load transport, and influence of topography on the overall circulation in the region are also discussed.

Long-term measurements of molecular oxygen (O 2 ) dynamics in wetlands are highly relevant for understanding the eff ects of water level changes on net greenhouse gas budgets in these ecosystems. However, such measurements have been limited due to a lack of suitable measuring equipment. We constructed an O 2 optode sensor array for long-term in situ measurements in soil and sediment. Th e new device consists of a 1.3-m-long, cylindrical, spear-shaped rod equipped with 10 sensor spots along the shaft . Each spot contains a thermocouple fi xed with a robust fi beroptic O 2 optode made by immobilizing a layer of Pt(II) meso-tetra(pentafl uorophenyl) porphine in polystyrene at the end of a 2-mm polymethyl methacrylate plastic fi ber. Temperature and O 2 optode readings are collected continuously by a data logger and a multichannel fi beroptic O 2 meter. Th e construction and measuring characteristics of the sensor array system are presented along with a novel approach for temperature compensation of O 2 optodes. During in situ application over several months in a peat bog, we used the new device to document pronounced variations in O 2 distribution aft er marked shift s in water level. Th e measurements showed anoxic conditions below the water level but also diel variations in O 2 concentrations in the upper layer presumably due to rhizospheric oxidation by the main vegetation Phalaris arundinacea. Th e new fi eld instrument thus enables new and more detailed insights to the in situ O 2 dynamics in wetlands.

The optimal trajectory from Calcutta port to Mumbai port is charted for a tanker transshipping from the East coast to the West coast of India during rough weather. Rough weather is simulated over Indian seas using the state-of-the-art WAM numerical wave model (WAMDI Group in J Phys Oceanogr 18:1775-1810, 1988), assimilating satellite (IRS-P4) wind fields. These simulated wave fields and two-dimensional (2D) directional wave spectrum are an absolute representation of the irregular seaway. Hence, the same for the monsoon month of August 2000 formed the input basis for this study. Loss of ship speed due to the wave field (i.e., nonlinear motion of the tanker in waves) and associated sea-keeping characteristics in the seaway are estimated (Bhattacharya in Dynamics of marine vehicles, Wiley, New York, 1978). The approach adopted in this paper is unique in that it takes into account both voluntary and involuntary speed reductions of the ship. It helps in ship tracking by the optimum route using inverse velocity as the weight function for the path in an efficient way. Dijkstra's algorithm [Numer Math 1(3):269-271, 1959] is applied in an iterative manner for determining the optimum track. The optimum track information has broad scope for use in modern shipping industry for obtaining safe and least-time routing by avoiding schedule delays with economic fuel consumption.

Anthropogenic climate change is now well established as a global issue of scientific and political importance. One of the principal impacts of the gradual change associated with anthropogenic climate warming comes from a shift in, or an exaggeration of, pre-existing natural variability. For example, if the average distribution of precipitation shifts to higher or lower values, this can mean that thresholds to flooding or drought are crossed more often. One of the most important sources of natural climatic variability is ENSO. On a timescale of two to seven years, the eastern equatorial Pacific climate varies between anomalously cold (La Niña) and warm (El Niño) conditions. These swings in temperature are accompanied by changes in the structure of the subsurface ocean; variability in the strength of the equatorial easterly trade winds; shifts in the position of atmospheric convection; and global teleconnection patterns associated with these changes that lead to variations in rainfall and weather patterns in many parts of the world. In the simplest possible scenario, present-day weather and climate variability such as ENSO would continue as before, superimposed onto a gradual mean warming of the global background climate. However, it is not clear whether the climate system will evolve in such a simple manner. As the mean state of both the atmosphere and the ocean in the tropical Pacific region evolve, the amplitude, frequency, seasonal timing or spatial patterns of ENSO could be altered 1. Furthermore, the way ENSO affects remote the impact of global warming on the tropical Pacific ocean and el niño Mat collins 1 *, soon-il an 2 , Wenju cai 3 , alexandre ganachaud 4 , eric guilyardi 5 , Fei-Fei Jin 6 , Markus Jochum 7 , Matthieu lengaigne 8 , scott Power 9 , axel timmermann 10 , gabe Vecchi 11 and andrew Wittenberg 11 The El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) is a naturally occurring fluctuation that originates in the tropical Pacific region and affects ecosystems, agriculture, freshwater supplies, hurricanes and other severe weather events worldwide. Under the influence of global warming, the mean climate of the Pacific region will probably undergo significant changes. The tropical easterly trade winds are expected to weaken; surface ocean temperatures are expected to warm fastest near the equator and more slowly farther away; the equatorial thermocline that marks the transition between the wind-mixed upper ocean and deeper layers is expected to shoal; and the temperature gradients across the thermocline are expected to become steeper. Year-to-year ENSO variability is controlled by a delicate balance of amplifying and damping feedbacks, and one or more of the physical processes that are responsible for determining the characteristics of ENSO will probably be modified by climate change. Therefore, despite considerable progress in our understanding of the impact of climate change on many of the processes that contribute to El Niño variability, it is not yet possible to say whether ENSO activity will be enhanced or damped, or if the frequency of events will change. locations outside the tropical Pacific could change even if ENSO itself does not. As a result of intensive research in recent decades, we have developed a good understanding of the basic physical features and processes involved in the ENSO cycle (Box 1). A hierarchy of mathematical models have been used to explain the dynamics, energetics, linear stability and nonlinearity of ENSO 2–5. Complex coupled global circulation models (CGCMs) have become powerful tools for examining ENSO dynamics and the interactions between global warming and ENSO 6. ENSO is now an emergent property of many CGCMs, that is, it is generated spontaneously as a result of the complex interplay of thermal and dynamic components in the coupled atmosphere–ocean system. However, it remains challenging to simulate ENSO using CGCMs, because of limitations in: (1) computer resources, which typically restrict climate model resolutions to fewer grid cells than are needed to adequately resolve relevant small-scale physical processes; (2) our ability to create parameterization schemes or include some relevant physical and biological processes that are not explicitly resolved by climate models; (3) the availability of relevant high-quality observational data; and (4) our theoretical understanding of ENSO, which evolves constantly 7. Nevertheless, the coordination of CGCM experiments and the accessible archive of the resulting simulations 8 have led to an unprecedented level of assessment of the systematic biases in mean tropical Pacific conditions, and of the characteristics, physical processes and feedbacks underlying ENSO evolution in CGCMs 9–17 .

Environmental DNA (eDNA) can be a powerful method for assessing the presence and the distribution of aquatic species. We used this tool in order to detect and quantify eDNA from the elusive species Octopus vulgaris, using qPCRs (SybrGreen protocol). We designed species-specific primers, and set up an experimental aquarium approach to validate the new molecular tool in different controlled conditions. Field validation was conducted from sea water samples taken from 8 locations within an octopus fishery area in the Cantabrian Sea during February–March 2016. A significant positive correlation between the total biomass (g of O. vulgaris within thanks) and the amount of O. vulgaris eDNA detected (p-value = 0.01261) was found in aquarium experiments. The species was also detected by PCR in 7 of the 8 water samples taken at sea, and successfully quantified by qPCR in 5 samples. This preliminary study and innovative method opens very promising perspectives for developing quick and cheap tools for the assessment of O. vulgaris distribution and abundance in the sea. The method could help in a close future for quantifying unseen and elusive marine species, thus contributing to establish sustainable fisheries.