Future Management Measures Research Articles

Relative importance of fishing and natural mortality for spotted seatrout (Cynoscion nebulosus) estimated from a tag-return model and corroborated with survey data

Abstract The spotted seatrout (Cynoscion nebulosus) is one of the most economically important sportfish in the U.S. South Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico, including at its northern distributional extent in North Carolina and Virginia. The recent stock assessment for this region used an assumed fixed rate of natural mortality (M), obtained from a general life-history relationship based on weight. However, biased estimates of fishing mortality (F) could result if the life-history proxy failed to capture either the magnitude or temporal variation in M. Data from the first comprehensive tag-return study of spotted seatrout in this region were used in a Bayesian statistical modeling framework to estimate F and M. Both laboratory and field studies, including high-reward and double tagging, were conducted to obtain estimates of auxiliary parameters (i.e., tag-reporting rate, tag loss, and tagging mortality) necessary for the tag-return model. There was no measured mortality associated with tagging, but reporting rate and loss of internal anchor tags limited returns in this study. From 2008 to 2012, tag-return model estimates of bimonthly instantaneous mortality rates ranged from 0.003 to 0.067 2-mo−1 for F and from 0.002 to 2.850 2-mo−1 for M. Annual estimates of F were much lower than M for the three years studied, and annual M-estimates were higher than those used for spotted seatrout in this region’s recent stock assessment. Bimonthly estimates of total mortality rate (Z) from tag-return data were similar to bimonthly estimates of Z from an independent analysis of concurrent gill net survey data, which corroborates the variability and magnitude of mortality estimates determined from tagging. A strong seasonal influence (i.e., winter severity) on annual loss of spotted seatrout was observed, suggesting that future assessments and management measures for this stock would be improved by explicitly accounting for temporal variation in M in models of fishery population dynamics.

Geographic and host size variations as indicators of Anisakis pegreffii infection in European pilchard (Sardina pilchardus) from the Mediterranean Sea: Food safety implications

European pilchards are traditionally eaten marinated or salted in the Mediterranean countries often without thermal processing or gutting due to small size. Since ingestion of live third stage Anisakis larvae represents a causing agent in the onset of anisakiasis, the aim of our study was to assess prevalence and intensity of Anisakis infection in European pilchards originating from different Mediterranean regions in a three-year sampling period (2013–2015). A total of 1564 specimens of European pilchard collected from two geographically distinct sampling regions (western Mediterranean and Adriatic Sea) were examined using the UV-Press method, which utilises the fluorescence of frozen anisakids in flattened and subsequently frozen fillets and viscera. A subsample of 67 isolated larvae was identified as A. pegreffii by diagnostic allozyme markers and sequence analyses of the mtDNA cox2 locus. The overall prevalence in pilchards was 12.2% (range 0–44.9% for different sampling points) and mean intensity 1.8. More importantly, we have observed an overall larval prevalence of 1.5% in fillets. The highest prevalence (44.9%) was recorded in pilchards caught in western parts of the Mediterranean. As fish host size was a significant predictor of parasite abundance, it should be highlighted that these pilchards were also the largest (mean total length 173.2mm); on average >2cm larger than the rest of the samples. Other isolated nematode species included Hysterothylacium sp. in viscera, showing almost a double of A. pegreffii prevalence, 20.1%. In summary, our study demonstrates that the presence of A. pegreffii in European pilchards from the Mediterranean Sea is highly influenced by both geographic and host size variation. This implies that, before future risk management measures are developed, these variables should be assessed in order to minimize public health concerns.

Implementation effects and integration evaluation of a selection of transport management measures in Beijing

With the serious urban transport challenges that rapid motorization and growth in travel demand for the city of Beijing have brought, the design and implementation of efficient and equitable urban transport polices has become essential to achieve sustainable development targets. This paper investigates a selection of transport management measures that were introduced following the Beijing 2008 Olympic and Paralympic Games. These include priority development of mass transit systems, private car ownership measures, a staggered rush hour plan, modified charging policies for parking and car restrictions based on license plate numbers. Effects of these measures with respect to growth in vehicle and trip numbers are summarized, then qualitatively evaluated within a proposed framework that covers in one dimension equity and efficiency and in another, social, economic and environmental aspects of transport sustainability. The evaluation process is intended to firstly shed light on the effects of transport management measures according to different sustainability dimensions and secondly to support policymakers involved in the practical design of future transport management measures for Beijing and similar city contexts.

Analysis of genetic diversity and population structure of the endangered Origanum compactum from Morocco, using SSR markers: Implication for conservation

Origanum compactum L. (Lamiaceae) is one of the most popular medicinal and culinary herbs with a long history of traditional use. This species, endemic to Morocco and Southern Spain, is considered as threatened, due mainly to over-harvesting and habitat destruction. Assessment of genetic polymorphism of threatened species constitutes a prerequisite for germplasm conservation. To support and monitor future conservation and management measures, we used 15 microsatellite loci to genotype 670 individuals of O. compactum distributed over 59 localities covering the entire geographic distribution of the species in Morocco. In contrast to what was argued in most previous studies, the genetic diversity of the Moroccan oregano was greater mostly on isolated and declined populations compared to less fragmented accessions. Accordingly, our study identifies the most relevant management units for conservation purposes on the basis of their genetic diversity level. Factors such as the perennity of the species, somatic mutations, or multiple founder events could explain this unexpected level of genetic diversity at the species level in this endangered plant. The population genetic results reflect a strong genetic structure and identify three major clusters among O. compactum populations: a Northern cluster composed of populations near the strait of Gibraltar (Tangier-Tetouan and Chefchaouen regions as well as some adjacent populations from Taounate), and two other clusters with significant mixed lineage. This result supports the hypothesis that the strait of Gibraltar could be a migration route for plants between Southern Spain and Northern Morocco. The high differentiation of populations (Fst=0.22) and the low rate of gene flow between them (Nm=0.88) might been caused by recent isolation of the populations through habitat disturbances. Historical demographic patterns inferred with a generalized stepwise mutation model (SSM) and two-phase model (TPM) using maximum likelihood showed significant past demographic changes in 39 of the 59 sampled populations. Implications of these results to develop appropriate conservation strategies of this endangered species are proposed.

Environmental background values of trace elements in sediments from the Jiaozhou Bay catchment, Qingdao, China

Selected trace elements (As, Cr, Zn, Cu, Cd, Co, Pb and Ni) in 76 surface sediment samples collected from the rivers and the intertidal zone of Jiaozhou Bay (JZB) were evaluated to assess their environmental background values in the JZB catchment. Overall, the sediment quality in the area meets the China Marine Sediment Quality criteria. The background values (ranges) of the elements As, Cr, Zn, Cu, Cd, Co, Pb and Ni were, respectively, 8.28 (4.10–12.46), 67.96 (38.40–97.52), 56.80 (16.42–196.51), 19.13 (5.71–64.06), 0.10 (0.02–0.42), 6.51 (2.08–20.40), 17.97 (12.26–55.84) and 20.69 (10.43–30.95)mg/kg. The background values of most of the trace elements were lower than those in Chinese soil, the upper continental crust, global shales and global preindustrial sediments. The results may assist in defining future coastal and river management measures specifically targeted at monitoring trace element contamination in the JZB catchment.

Assessment of heavy metal contamination in urban river sediments in the Jiaozhou Bay catchment, Qingdao, China

Selected heavy metals (Cu, Pb, Zn, Cr, Cd, and As) in 47 river sediment samples collected in the Jiaozhou Bay (JZB) catchment were evaluated to assess their spatial distributions and the potential ecological risks. The heavy metal concentrations in the sediments ranged from 4.5–178.7mgkg−1 for Cu, 8.2–65.8mgkg−1 for Pb, 8.2–325.7mgkg−1 for Zn, 12.2–185.5mgkg−1 for Cr, 0.013–1.486mgkg−1 for Cd, and 1.2–20.6mgkg−1 for As. The results showed that the overall sediment quality in the area generally met the China Marine Sediment Quality criteria. Based on the effect-range classification (the threshold effect level (TEL)/probable effect level (PEL) Sediment Quality Guidelines, Cu, Cr, and As were likely to have adverse biological impacts on local aquatic ecosystems. The geoaccumulation index (Igeo), enrichment factor (EF), contamination factor (CF), and pollution load index (PLI) values suggested that elevated levels of Cd, As, and Pb contamination occurred in the eastern JZB catchment (i.e., Hongjiang River, Moshui River, Baisha River, Loushan River, Licun River, and Haipo River). This study presents the current state of the sediment quality in the JZB catchment. The results may assist in the definition of future coastal and river management measures specifically targeted at monitoring heavy metal contamination.

Providing incentives for fishermen through rights-based co-management systems. An impact-assessment on Basque fisheries

This research examines the social, economic and coercive incentives provided by fisheries management measures. Qualitative information was collected through interviews, and focus groups were organized to gather knowledge from regional stakeholders, to provide regional and European authorities with empirical evidence of the perceived legitimacy of current and future management measures under different co-management systems. Legitimacy greatly influences fishermen's behavior and therefore compliance. Qualitative and quantitative information are combined in an impact-assessment analysis to identify bio-socioeconomic impacts of different management measures on the fishing activity, under the current Common Fisheries Policy, in the medium and long term. The results will help regional and European authorities define new management measures aimed at providing the right incentives to achieve the results. This paper demonstrates the necessity of introducing management measures that combine the various types of incentives mentioned.

Habitat fragmentation and genetic diversity in natural populations of the Bornean elephant: Implications for conservation

The Bornean elephant population in Sabah, with only 2000 individuals, is currently mainly restricted to a limited number of forest reserves. The main threats to the species' survival are population fragmentation and isolation of the existing herds. To support and help monitor future conservation and management measures, we assessed the genetic diversity and population structure of Bornean elephants using mitochondrial DNA, microsatellites and single nucleotide polymorphisms. Our results confirmed a previously reported lack of mitochondrial control region diversity, characterized by a single widespread haplotype. However, we found low but significant degree of genetic differentiation among populations and marked variation in genetic diversity with the other two types of markers among Bornean elephants. Microsatellite data showed that Bornean elephants from the Lower Kinabatangan and North Kinabatangan ranges are differentiated and perhaps isolated from the main elephant populations located in the Central Forest and Tabin Wildlife Reserve. The pairwise FST values between these sites ranged from 0.08 to 0.14 (p<0.001). Data from these markers also indicate that the Bornean elephant populations from Lower Kinabatangan Wildlife Sanctuary and North Kinabatangan (Deramakot Forest Reserve) possess higher levels of genetic variation compared to the elephant populations from other areas. Our results suggest that (i) Bornean elephants probably derive from a very small female population, (ii) they rarely disperse across current human-dominated landscapes that separate forest fragments, and (iii) forest fragments are predominantly comprised of populations that are already undergoing genetic drift. To maintain the current levels of genetic diversity in fragmented habitats, conservation of the Bornean elephants should aim at securing connectivity between spatially distinct populations.

Genetic analyses of overfished silver kob Argyrosomus inodorus (Scieanidae) stocks along the southern African coast

Silver kob (Argyrosomus inodorus) is a sciaenid fish that has been targeted for more than 150 years by commercial and recreational fisheries in the coastal waters of Namibia and South Africa, where four main stocks have been hypothesised. In the present study, recently developed molecular markers were utilized to evaluate levels of genetic diversity and population structuring among such stocks. Moderate levels of genetic diversity and signatures of bottlenecking were found in the South African stocks (South Western Cape, Southern Cape and South Eastern Cape). Significant population genetic differentiation was detected between Namibia and South Africa, but not among the three putative South African stocks, indicating that the main oceanographic barrier for silver kob populations is to be found in the cool-temperate Benguela region, corroborating recent genetic studies. The lack of genetic structuring in South African waters indicates strong gene flow among the 3 South African putative stocks, which are characterized by distinct age and growth patterns. Thus, in order to guarantee a successful recovery of silver kob stocks, genetic findings should be used in conjunction with life-history and behavioral data to tailor future management measures aimed at mitigating the effects of different fisheries throughout the species’ distribution range.

Catching sharks: recreational saltwater angler behaviours and attitudes regarding shark encounters and conservation

Abstract With the increasing popularity of recreational angling around the world, there is a need to better understand the potential contribution of recreational fishing to reported shark population declines. However, the nature and perception of shark encounters – a fundamental precursor to future research, management and conservation measures aimed to increase shark survival – is not well documented in recreational fisheries. Five hundred and ninety recreational saltwater anglers responded to the survey and reported their experiences targeting or incidentally catching sharks, as well as their attitudes toward sharks, shark fishing techniques, and shark conservation and management. The survey found sharks were caught regularly, with 57% of respondents commonly targeting sharks and 93% of respondents having caught a shark at least once. Eighty‐eight percent of the respondents released the last shark that they caught and most respondents often or always practised catch‐and‐release when catching sharks. The survey revealed that avid anglers have positive attitudes toward sharks and shark conservation and have a desire to handle and release sharks in ways that will increase their likelihood of survival. However, the survey also revealed that there are a variety of situational factors (e.g. target fish, fishing platform) that influence the choices that anglers make while fishing, which may influence adherence to catch‐and‐release methods. Based on their positive attitudes toward sharks, recreational anglers may be strong allies for the development, dissemination, and adoption of species and situational‐specific best practice catch‐and‐release guidelines for this group of fishes within the wider recreational saltwater angling community. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley &amp; Sons, Ltd.

Primer hallazgo de Pseudorasbora parva (Temminck &amp; Schlegel, 1846) (Cyprinidae) en la Cuenca Sur de España

First record of Pseudorasbora parva (Temminck & Schlegel, 1846) (Cyprinidae) in the Cuenca Sur of Spain Pseudorasbora parva Temminck & Schlegel (Cyprinidae, subfamily Gobioninae), an invasive Asian fish, has been found in the Cuenca Sur (Hozgarganta and Guadiaro rivers) for the first time thanks to the field works for the assessment of native aquatic fauna and for the early detection of invasive species. These works are being conducting by the Environmental Council (Regional Government of Andalusia). In this work, potential introduction routes and associated biological impacts on native fish species are evaluated, and suggestions for the design of future management strategies are presented. It is expected that P. parva will disperse through other neighbor watercourses and basins. There might be also a risk of transmission of two alien parasites (Sphaerotecum destruens y Anguillicola crassus) to the populations of native fish species. The introduction route for P. parva in the Cuenca Sur is unknown. However, it is likely that the species was first introduced as forage fish to promote angling species such as Micropterus salmoides ,a lready present in the rivers, and thus invade connected water bodies. Eradication or control through direct population management seems unfeasible. Therefore, future management measures focused on monitoring and management of native fish populations are proposed as well as the development of awareness campaigns involving all the stakeholders.

The presence of cadmium in the intertidal environments of a moderately impacted coastal lagoon in western Portugal (Óbidos Lagoon)--spatial and seasonal evaluations.

A seasonal environmental monitoring program was carried out (winter 2009 to summer 2010) to evaluate the spatial and seasonal cadmium concentrations in the intertidal environments of the Óbidos Lagoon (Portugal). Also, some environmental parameters were monitored at each sampling station. Both the water and the sediment samples were contaminated, although to different degrees. In general, cadmium contamination appears to be mostly focused on the inner areas of the lagoon, namely, in Barrosa's arm, which receives a small tributary contaminated by agro-industrial activities. Only cadmium concentration in sediment showed to be significantly influenced by seasons. Some environmental parameters presented spatial and temporal heterogeneity which influenced, to some extent, cadmium bioavailability. The results of this study allow a better understanding of the environmental quality of this ecosystem regarding cadmium contamination and may assist in the definition of future coastal management measures specifically targeted to trace metal contamination and pollution monitoring.

Estuarine Mysids in Sri Lanka: Implications for Conservation

Mysids are important fauna in estuarine hyperbenthic communities and have been reported to be an important component of the diet of many juvenile fish species in the estuarine waters. There is limited of information on the distribution of this important fauna in Sri Lankan estuarine waters and mysids are not included in biodiversity lists. Present study was conducted to record the mysid species inhabit in the estuarine systems from western and north-western region of Sri Lanka as a novel study. Surveys were undertaken from southwest to north-west coastal region of Sri Lanka starting from March 2012 to July 2013. From this study, four species of mysids were identified, i.e., Mesopodopsis zeylanica, M. orientalis, possibly new Siriella sp. and Anisomysis sp. mysids were found only in western and northwestern regions of Sri Lanka within nine major estuarine bodies. Number of species and their abundance recorded vary with different estuarine waters. It was noted that mysid habitats are very specific and they were absent from the sites where estuarine boundary without or limited riparian vegetations. Future management measures will be required to protect this important estuarine fauna in Sri Lanka. Keywords: Riparian vegetation, Mysids, Estuarine fauna

Is square-mesh better selective than larger mesh? A perspective on the management for Mediterranean trawl fisheries

Relatively little scientific work has been done to assess the selectivity of square-mesh codends in the highly variable multi-species conditions in the Italian trawl fisheries. Therefore this study was initiated to investigate the effect of using square-mesh and larger diamond-mesh codends on size selectivity of deepwater red shrimp (Aristaeomorpha foliacea) and red mullet (Mullus barbatus), with possible implication in future management measures. Four different codends were used in the sea trials. When size selection estimates are applied for management issues it is not sufficient only to consider the mean size selection parameters. It also needs to consider the effect of between-haul variations in the selection process. In the current study, potential consequences of the between-haul variation on the selection curves have been considered by applying a pooled curve with a double bootstrap approach. The results attained in the present study indicate that the use of 40mm square-mesh codend results in a 50% retention length (L50) similar to that of the 50mm diamond-mesh codend, but with a steeper selection range (SR). For red mullet, both 50mm diamond-mesh and 40mm square-mesh codends lead to an L50 that is higher than the minimum landing size (MLS, 11cm). Deepwater red shrimp is not subject to any MLS and may always be landed legally. However, large amounts of juveniles of deepwater red shrimp have been retained in all codends. Council Regulation (EC) No. 1967/2006 called for a discard reduction policy in waters under the jurisdiction of the European Union. As demonstrated in the current paper, to simultaneously improve the size selectivity of fish and shrimp species can be difficult due to large differences in their morphological characteristics, therefore it may question whether more sophisticated alternative of selective devices, such as grids or square-mesh panels, could be implemented in some Mediterranean fisheries.

Priority persistent contaminants in people dwelling in critical areas of Campania Region, Italy (SEBIOREC biomonitoring study)

To investigate if protracted living in degraded environments of the Caserta and Naples provinces (Campania Region, Italy) had an impact on exposure of local people, highly toxic persistent contaminants were measured in blood, blood serum, and human milk of a large number of healthy donors. Sampling was carried out from 2008 to 2009. Blood was collected from over 850 20–64-year old donors; by pooling, 84 blood and 84 serum samples were obtained. Milk was donated by 52 mothers: specimens were pooled into six samples. Polychlorodibenzodioxins (PCDDs), polychlorodibenzofurans (PCDFs), and polychlorobiphenyls (PCBs, dioxin-like (DL) and non-dioxin-like (Σ6PCBs)), arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), mercury (Hg), and lead (Pb) were measured in serum (organic biomarkers) and blood (metals); these chemicals and polybromobiphenyl ethers (Σ9PBDEs) were analyzed in milk. PCDD+PCDF, DL-PCB, TEQTOT, and Σ6PCB concentration ranges (medians) in serum were 6.26–23.1 (12.4), 3.42–31.7 (11.5), 10.0–52.8 (23.9) pgTEQ97/g fat, and 55.5–647 (219) ng/g fat, respectively, while in milk concentration ranges were 5.99–8.77, 4.02–6.15, 10.0–14.2 pgTEQ97/g fat, and 48.7–74.2ng/g fat. Likewise, As, Cd, Hg, and Pb findings in blood spanned 2.34–13.4 (5.83), 0.180–0.930 (0.475), 1.09–7.60 (2.60), 10.2–55.9 (28.8) μg/L, respectively; only Pb could be measured in milk (2.78–5.99μg/L). Σ9PBDE levels in milk samples were 0.965–6.05ng/g fat. Biomarkers' concentrations were found to be compatible with their current values in European countries and in Italy, and consistent with an exposure primarily determined by consumption of commercial food from the large distribution system. Based on relatively higher biomarker values within the hematic biomonitoring database, the following municipalities were flagged as possibly deserving attention for health-oriented interventions: Brusciano and Caivano (As), Giugliano (Hg), Pianura (PCDDs+PCDFs), and Qualiano–Villaricca (As, Hg). The analysis of samples' qualitative variability indicated that biomarker composition was sensitive at municipality level, a feature that can potentially drive interventions for future local risk assessment and/or management measures.

Investigation of Fire Protection Status for Nanjing Representative Historical Buildings and Future Management Measures

The field investigations including the statuses of fire protection layout, fire hazards and fire protection facilities for Nanjing representative historical building (Yuejiang Tower, Tianfei Palace, Jiangnan Examination Institute and Confucius Temple) have been conducted. The problems of the investigated historical buildings are found to be: extensive distribution of combustibles, high fire loads, deficiency of fire separation distance, shortage of fire facilities, unreasonable fire detector and extinguisher selection, backward fire regulations etc. Taking Yuejiang Tower as an example, the design of minimum extinguisher configurations has been performed according to the code and investigated data. Finally the optimal proposals and measures to improve the fire protection and management system are presented.

Determining population trends and conservation status of the common quail (Coturnix coturnix) in Western Europe

In this paper we review the conservation status and population trends of the common quail (Coturnix coturnix) from 1900 to the present. Data are sometimes contradictory with regard to the status of this species as it has some features that make it difficult to produce reliable population estimates. Recent data clearly suggest, either at a local scale or at a trans–national scale, that the Atlantic common quail populations have remained stable in the last two decades, and that restocking practices with farm–reared quails (hybrids with the Japanese quail, Coturnix japonica) do not affect our estimates. The complex movement patterns showed by this species require special attention. Analysis of ring recoveries can give important information, especially about the nomadic movement of quails in search of suitable habitats after the destruction of winter cereal crops due to harvesting. Thus, when developing a breeding distribution model for this species, continuously updated information on seasonal habitat and weather must be included for optimal prediction. Including fortnightly data of vegetation indices in distribution models, for example, has shown good results. Obtaining reliable predictions about changes in species distribution and movements during the breeding period could provide useful knowledge about the conservation status and population trends and would help in the design of future management measures.

Sustainable Management of the Freshwater Resources o f Greece

Despite living on the blue planet of our solar system with water covering more than the 70% of its extent, water quantities for humans but also the other living terrestrial organisms are not unlimited. Many countries face serious problems because of water shortage. Some of the reasons are: i) the largest quantities of water are either salty or frozen in the poles, ii) the rapid increase of the human population in the last centuries, iii) the unequal distribution of water on the planet, iv) the increased consumption of water by each person, v) the multiple uses of water and vi) the increased pollution of water. With the imminent impacts of climatic change, the pressure on freshwater resources will only increase. Greece is one of the countries that will also face problems with its freshwater resources because of its Mediterranean climate, the large quantities of water that its citizens consume compared to other countries and because an important percentage of Greece's terrestrial freshwater resources originate from neighboring countries. In order to ensure sustainable water resources for future generations management measures should be taken. Specifically all the citizens need to realize that the country's quantities of freshwater are limited. Simultaneously reliable and long-term data need to be collected throughout the country that will allow to calculate accurately the water budgets for the river basins of Greece. However it is also essential to estimate future water budgets based on population projections but also taking into consideration climate change impacts. Based on these water budgets sustainable management plans need to be developed for the basins of the country that should include innovative and environmentally-friendly ideas for their best exploitation, conservation and pollution reduction. One of the keys for these management plans to be successfully is the need to change the perceptions of its citizens and enhance the collaboration between the institutions and organization that are responsible and deal with this resource. In addition, in most developed countries of world, Universities are educating citizen-volunteers that afterwards create organizations for the protection of freshwater resources and to increase the awareness of their fellow-citizens. Universities and Technological Educational Institutions (TEI) in Greece could also develop and promote similar programs. Overall with the appropriate actions today, the freshwater resources can be ensured for future generations.

Monitoring Winter and Summer Abundance of Cetaceans in the Pelagos Sanctuary (Northwestern Mediterranean Sea) Through Aerial Surveys

Systematic long-term monitoring of abundance is essential to inform conservation measures and evaluate their effectiveness. To instigate such work in the Pelagos Sanctuary in the Mediterranean, two aerial surveys were conducted in winter and summer 2009. A total of 467 (131 in winter, 336 in summer) sightings of 7 species was made. Sample sizes were sufficient to estimate abundance of fin whales in summer (148; 95% CI = 87–254) and striped dolphins in winter (19,462; 95% CI = 12 939–29 273) and in summer (38 488; 95% CI = 27 447–53 968). Numbers of animals within the Sanctuary are significantly higher in summer, when human activities and thus potential population level impacts are highest. Comparisons with data from past shipboard surveys suggest an appreciable decrease in fin whales within the Sanctuary area and an appreciable increase in striped dolphins. Aerial surveys proved to be more efficient than ship surveys, allowing more robust estimates, with smaller CIs and CVs. These results provide essential baseline data for this marine protected area and continued regular surveys will allow the effectiveness of the MPA in terms of cetacean conservation to be evaluated and inform future management measures. The collected data may also be crucial in assessing whether ship strikes, one of the main causes of death for fin whales in the Mediterranean, are affecting the Mediterranean population.

Rainfall and river flows are predictors for β-glucuronidase positive Escherichia coli accumulation in mussels and Pacific oysters from the Dart Estuary (England)

Rainfall and river flows are environmental variables influencing the microbial status of bivalve mollusc harvesting areas. This study investigated spatial and temporal relationships between rainfall, river flows and concentrations of Escherichia coli in mussels (Mytilus spp.) and Pacific oysters (C. gigas) from three harvesting areas in the Dart Estuary over the period 1996-2009. Mussels growing on the riverbed were found to be more contaminated than oysters growing in the water column. A step change in the levels of the microbial indicator was identified in both species from all harvesting areas. The highest levels of E. coli were detected when total rainfall exceeded 2 mm and water levels in the main tributaries exceeded the mean flow. The magnitude of response in levels of E. coli to these hydrological events varied between species and monitoring points, but was consistently higher between the 3rd and 4th days after the rainfall event. This lag time is assumed to result from catchment topography and geology determining peak levels of runoff at the headwaters 12-24 h after rainfall events. It is considered that future risk management measures may include sampling targeting hydrograph events.