Local Marine Life Research Articles

Glacier retreat effects on the distribution of benthic assemblages in Martel Inlet (Admiralty Bay, Antarctica).

The Antarctic environment has special characteristics that influence the local marine life. The benthic organisms, adapted to these extreme conditions of life, are subject nowadays to effects of climate change. Recently, the consequences of glacier retreat on these assemblages have been observed in many West Antarctic Peninsula (WAP) regions, including King George Island (KGI). This study described the spatial variation of the benthic macrofauna in different areas of the Martel Inlet (Admiralty Bay - KGI), at depths around 25-30 m. Sampling was done in January 2001 at ten stations classified in localities according to their proximity to ice-margin/coastline in marine-terminating glacier (MTG), terrestrial-terminating glacier (TTG) and ice-free area (IFA). The total density and the abundance of annelids, nematodes, peracarid crustaceans and bivalves were higher at IFA stations. The locality discrimination by taxa and species was independent of available environmental/sedimentary conditions or was the result of unmeasured variables or species life history processes not assessed herein. Considering that our findings were obtained 21 years ago, they will be especially useful for comparing future studies of benthic assemblage responses to the influence of climate change and continuous glacier retreats in the WAP region.

Combined Influences of Light and Nitrogen Enrichment on the Physiological Performance of a Golden Tide Alga (Sargassum horneri)

Sargassum golden tides (GT) are common in numerous coastal areas all over the world, and it adversely affects local marine life. Eutrophication is critical for Sargassum GT development. However, its physiological and ecological mechanism remains unclear. To investigate the responses of drifting Sargassum horneri, the species causing GT in the western Pacific, to light and enriched nitrogen, we set three light conditions (Low-light (LL), 10 μmol photons m−2 s−1; Middle-light (ML), 60 μmol photons m−2 s−1; and High-light (HL), 300 μmol photons m−2 s−1) and three nitrogen conditions (Natural seawater, the final concentration of N was 31.8 μmol L−1, including 30.5 μmol L−1 of NO3− and 1.3 μmol L−1 of NH4+; Enrichment of NO3−, final concentration of N was 200 μmol L−1; and Enrichment of NH4+, the final concentration of N was 200 μmol L−1), and grew the thalli under varying conditions for 10 days before determining the growth and utilization of carbon and nitrogen. Based on the accumulated data, the elevated light level led to a higher growth rate of alga. In the LL culture, the higher capacity for carbon utilization, which was reflected by the higher maximum photosynthetic carbon fixation rate (Vmax), resulted in the elevated growth rates of thalli in the nitrogen-enriched media as compared with the natural seawater. Furthermore, a higher growth rate was found in the enrichment of NH4+ despite a low affinity for inorganic carbon indicated by a higher value of the half-saturation constant (K0.5). In the ML treatment, an insignificant difference in growth rate was found in three nitrogen cultures, except for a slight increase in the enrichment of NH4+ than the enrichment of NO3−. In the HL treatment, compared with natural seawater culture, enrichment of NO3− or NH4+ accelerated the growth of alga, with no significant difference between the two nitrogen sources. Such enhancement in growth was related to the more photosynthetic carbon fixation, indicated by the higher value of Vmax and soluble carbohydrates content of alga cultured with NO3− and NH4+ enrichments. Additionally, the uptake and assimilation products of nitrogen, such as pigments and soluble proteins, remained unaffected by nitrogen source enrichment of NO3− or NH4+ at all three light levels. In conclusion, enrichment of NO3− and NH4+ exhibited different influences on the growth of S. horneri at different light levels, which was mainly associated with the capacity and efficiency of photosynthetic carbon utilization. At the HL level, both the enrichment of NO3− and NH4+ dramatically accelerate the growth of alga by stimulating the photosynthetic carbon fixation. Accordingly, we speculated that drifting S. horneri, exposed to HL level on the surface of the sea, were likely to develop rapidly to form GT in eutrophic oceanic areas with upwelled and river plume NO3− or NH4+ nutrients.

The Effects of Participatory Beach Clean-ups on Attitude and Awareness towards Marine Biodiversity and Conservation at the Destin Jetties

Today, with ocean pollution on the rise, many are looking for ways to mitigate pollution while increasing awareness on ocean health and anthropogenic influence on marine life. Northwest Florida’s Emerald Coast provides a unique study area to this topic. This study sought to understand the effects of a participatory beach cleanup on the participants’ attitude and awareness toward marine biodiversity and conservation of the East Jetties in Destin, Florida. This pilot research surveyed beach cleanup participants and non-participants at the study site, about the public’s knowledge on marine biodiversity, anthropogenic influence, and conservation behaviors at the East Jetties location. This revealed differences between the beliefs of cleanup participants versus non-cleanup participants, specifically that cleanup participants had a greater understanding of the biodiversity of the area. By understanding how cleanups influence the public’s understanding of local marine life and associated anthropogenic issues of a popular beach area, this research is instrumental to local community leaders and conservation management, to influence future marine conservation events throughout the community.

Organochlorine pesticides in sediments from Gulfs of Naples and Salerno, Southern Italy

Organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) have the potential to concentrate in the marine environment and threaten the local marine life. Here, we present the results of a study of the contamination profiles, spatial distribution, possible sources, and potential ecological risk of OCPs in marine sediments from Gulfs of Naples and Salerno, Southern Italy. The total concentrations of OCPs ranged from 0.54 to 99.6ng/g (average mean: AM=7.80±16.3ng/g). The concentration of OCPs from gulf of Salerno (AM=9.20±20.7ng/g) was higher than Naples (AM=7.49±15.3ng/g). The sediment levels of individual OCPs were (in sequence of concentration) dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethanes (DDTs, including p,p'-DDD, p,p'-DDE, o,p'-DDT and p,p'-DDT)>CHLs (heptachlor, heptachlor epoxide, trans-chlordane, and cis-chlordane)>hexachlorocyclohexanes (HCHs, including α-β-γ-and δ-HCH)>DRINs (aldrin, dieldrin, and endrin)>hexachlorobenzene (HCB)>SULPHs (α-endosulfan, β-endosulfan, and endosulfan sulfate). DDTs and heptachlor were the highest in proportion among the OCPs. High concentrations of OCPs were observed in the coastal area especially near the cities of Naples and Salerno as a result of terrigenous supply. The occurrence of high residual levels of OCPs found in this study may be attributed to their historical application. Marine dynamics influence the distribution of OCPs, in particular the HCHs, as they are less lipophilic and more soluble. According to established sediment quality guidelines, DDTs may cause ecological risk.

Effects of EMF emissions from undersea electric cables on coral reef fish.

The objective of this study was to determine if electromagnetic field (EMF) emissions from undersea power cables impacted local marine life, with an emphasis on coral reef fish. The work was done at the South Florida Ocean Measurement Facility of Naval Surface Warfare Center in Broward County, Florida, which has a range of active undersea detection and data transmission cables. EMF emissions from a selected cable were created during non-destructive visual fish surveys on SCUBA. During surveys, the transmission of either alternating current (AC), direct current (DC), or none (OFF) was randomly initiated by the facility at a specified time. Visual surveys were conducted using standardized transect and point-count methods to acquire reef fish abundances and species richness prior to and immediately after a change in transmission frequency. The divers were also tasked to note the reaction of the reef fish to the immediate change in EMF during a power transition. In general, analysis of the data did not find statistical differences among power states and any variables. However, this may be a Type II error as there are strong indications of a potential difference of a higher abundance of reef fish at the sites when the power was off, and further study is warranted. Bioelectromagnetics. 39:35-52, 2018. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

A brief survey of the procedure of hull corrosion and biofouling prevention technique in Eritrea and its effecton environment due to biofouling and improper way of biofouling prevention technique applied here

Corrosion is the gradual deterioration of material or its properties through a chemical reaction with the environment. Biofouling takes place in underwater ship hull. Micro-organism, vegetable and animal matter naturally attach to a ship’s hull If marine biofouling is not dealt with correctly, the accumulated fouling poses a risk of transferring invasive, non-indigenous marine species (NIS or NIMS) around the world with consequent damaging effects to local marine life and a reduction of biodiversity. One of the key means of NIMS is the badly fouled hulls of ships. In this research paper we are concerned with the hull corrosion prevention technique in Eritrea and its effect on the environment due to improper way of biofouling prevention and cleaning technique. This research paper is mainly taken in two places with the aid of internet the two places are Massawa ship yard and Massawa port. These are the places where more corroded hull and biofouling found. We have asked questions to the person working on board ship and various other persons working in port and Massawa Ship yard to know the technique applied to prevent biofouling and hull corrosion prevention technique. From the research paper we concluded that Corrosion inhibitors are substances that can be added to ship hull which decrease the rate of attack of that environment on a material such as metal. They can help extend the life of equipment, prevent system shutdowns and failures, avoid product contamination, prevent loss of heat transfer, and preserve an attractive appearance of structures. New types of paints mostly made of zinc/silicon which lasts long and minimize the corrosion of the steel can be used to prevent corrosion. In addition we can control corrosion by giving coatings on top of the paint. Polymers that are most successfully used for corrosion protective coatings are epoxy based materials; polyurethane based polymers, urethane topcoats over epoxy primers, some cross linked polyester materials, and some melamine cross linked polymers.Great precautions are not taken to protect a port from an invasive, non indigenous species if this entails widespread pollution of that port through heavy metals and a variety of toxic herbicides and pesticides. Other than we can give (Rubber coating) the small boats and yachts which generally made of fiberglass. For protection of the hull of the ship we can clean it at regular interval of time we can give zinc plating of the side of the hull of the ship made of steel to prevent corrosion and fouling taking place which are reasons for lose of steel thickness and ship’s speed. We can use tin free self polishing copolymer (SPC) which is basically designed to be smooth and rough so the biofouling seagrowth will be released from the hull rather than stick to it, and also will be easily cleaned. Compared to other countries the way of our hull corrosion and biofouling prevention technique is inadequate for the existence of our vessel. However improvement of preventing technique should be made rather than currently used for our vessel.

MODELLING OF SEAWATER POLLUTED BY LIGHT AND HEAVY CRUDE OIL DROPLETS

Significant amounts of crude oil transported from offshore fields to the refineries using tankers or pipelines, demand increased control of seawater pollution. Tanker accidents resulting in oil spills drive much attention, as they influence local marine life and coastal industry. However, the most significant annual amount of crude oil enters the sea in the form of oilin-water emulsion as a result of standard tanker operations, offshore oil extraction and daily work of refineries. Many branches of science are challenged to provide new methods for oil detection, less expensive, more sensitive and more accurate. Remote satellite or airborne detection of large oil spills is possible using joint techniques as microwave radars, ultraviolet laser fluorosensors and infrared radars. Some methods are capable to deal with oil streaks detection and estimation of oil thickness. Although there is currently, no method to detect small concentration of oil droplets dispersed in seawater. Oil droplets become additional absorbents and attenuators in water body. They significantly change seawater inherent optical properties, which imply the change of apparent optical properties, detectable using remote sensing techniques. To enable remote optical detection of oil-in-water emulsion, a study of optical properties of two types of crude oil was conducted. Radiative transfer theory was applied to quantify the contribution of oil emulsion to remote sensing reflectance (R rs ). Spectra of R rs from in situ measurements in Baltic Sea were compared to R rs spectra of seawater polluted by 1 ppm of crude oil emulsion, collected using radiative transfer simulation. The light crude oil caused a 9-10% increase of Rrs while the heavy one reduced R rs up to 30% (model accuracy stayed within 5% for considered spectral range). Results are discussed concerning their application to shipboard and offshore oil content detection.

Spatial and temporal variability of sea ambient noise as an anthropogenic pressure index: the case of the Cres-Lošinj archipelago, Croatia

This study monitors the spatial and temporal variability of sea ambient noise (SAN) in the Cres-Lošinj archipelago from 2007 to 2009 (north-eastern Adriatic Sea, Croatia). The archipelago is an important marine habitat for many protected species, including the bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) that is considered as vulnerable to disturbance from intense local vessel traffic. Systematic monthly sampling of SAN was carried out at ten predefined acoustic stations. Data on the presence, type and distance of vessels from these stations was also collected during sampling and vessels were allocated into four main classes. A sample of noise produced by a representative vessel of each vessel class was collected and the noise levels were extracted on the 1/3 octave band standard centre frequencies. All the recordings were analysed in terms of instantaneous sound pressure level (LLSP, L-weighted, 63 Hz–20 kHz, root mean square fast). The equivalent continuous sound pressure levels (LLeq) for vessel and SAN were calculated averaging the LLSP of vessel and SAN samples. Results indicate an increase of SAN levels particularly in the range of low frequencies (63 Hz–1 kHz) during the tourist season. A positive relationship was found between the spatial and temporal distribution of SAN and seasonal changes in anthropogenic pressure, in terms of vessel traffic. Potential implications for local marine life, with particular reference to bottlenose dolphins, are discussed.

A high-fidelity model for mitigating underwater pile driving noise in a shallow ocean waveguide

Driving large piles into the seafloor, as is done when constructing off-shore wind farms, produces high level underwater noise that can have an adverse effect on local marine life. This talk reviews an investigation of methods to mitigate this pile driving noise. A numerical model was used to simulate the structural vibrations in the pile and its coupling to the acoustic field in surrounding air, water and sediment. The simulated acoustic field in the immediate vicinity of the pile was then coupled into an ocean waveguide propagation model using a virtual-source technique to match the boundary conditions. These numerical models were used to assess the relative contribution of the air-borne, water-borne, and sediment-borne acoustic radiation to the noise level in the water-column at ranges up to several hundred meters from the pile. Various noise mitigation methods were simulated and compared. It was determined that a dewatered cofferdam, which places a layer of air between the vibrating pile and the seawater, has the potential to reduce the far-field noise level by approximately 20 dB. A practical method for creating a dewatered cofferdam during construction is the subject of ongoing work.

Noise measurements of a prototype tidal energy turbine.

Characterizing the acoustic footprint of power‐generating tidal turbines is necessary to assess possible effects of the radiated noise on local marine life. However, as is the case for a wide‐range of offshore installations, cohesive and accurate measurement of both the radiated noise of the turbine and the ambient noise conditions is a difficult task. In this case, the usual difficulties with propagation and contaminating noise sources are exacerbated by flow induced noise in the measurement system. Here we present results from noise measurements made of the Ocean Renewable Power Company prototype TidGenTM power generation turbine unit deployed in Cobscook Bay near Lubec and Eastport, Maine. These measurements were made using a drifting measurement system in currents upwards of 6 kn.

Observations of Sea Turtles and Other Marine Life at the Explosive Removal of Offshore Oil and Gas Structures in the Gulf of Mexico

Observers monitored the explosive removal of oil and gas structures in the Gulf of Mexico to protect sea turtles and marine mammals from adverse impacts. More than 7,000 monitoring hours at 131 structure removals were conducted during 1993. Sixteen individual sea turtles were observed including 6 loggerheads, 1 Kemp's ridley, 1 green, and 8 unidentified sea turtles. Aerial surveys were approximately ten times more effective in observing sea turtles than day or night surface surveys. INTRODUCTION During the summer of 1993 oil and gas production platforms in the Gulf of Mexico totaled nearly 4,000. This number did not include hundreds of smaller, non-producing structures such as well jackets and caissons. Nearly al l of these are located in waters off the Louisiana and Texas coasts. Owners are required by federal regulations to remove these structures within one year after lease terminati0n.I The most economical removalmethodutilizes underwater explosives which can have a negative impact on local marine life. During the past four years, explosive structure removals averaged more than 120 annually. Sea turtles are known to frequent reefs and other areas with submerged structures (Stoneburner 1982; Carr 1954; Booth andPeters 1972; Witzelll982). Consequently, it is not surprising to find sea turtles at oil and gas structures (Gitschlag and Renaud 1989; Gitschlag and Herczeg 1994; Gitschlag and Hale') which are themselves artificial reefs. Although al l five species of sea turtles inhabiting the western Gulf of Mexico are listed as either threatened or endangered, attention to the ef€ects of platform salvage did not occur until 1986. In the spring of that year, 51 sea turtles and 41 bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncutus) washed up dead on north Texas beaches coincidental with the explosive removal of structures just a few miles offshore (Klima et al1988). This resulted in a formal consultation authorized under the Endangered Species Act between the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) and Minerals Management Service ( M M S ) , the agencieswith jurisdiction in federal waters. One consequence of the consultation was a procedure requiring oil and gas companies to obtain a permit from M M S prior to using explosives in federal waters. An Incidental Take Statement accompanying the formal consultation prepared by NMFS was included in the permit and described requirements to protect sea turtles (Table 1). Among these requirements was the use of personnel trained to monitor for sea turtles. Similar procedures were established for structure removals in state waters where permits were obtained from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (COE). Mandatory use of trained observers began in 1987. This article Summarizes the 1993 findings of the NMFS monitoring program at explosive structure removals in the Gulf of Mexico plus two additional platforms which were originally scheduled for explosives but were actually removed using mechanical techniques. MATERIALS AND METHODS Surveys were conducted from helicopters (aerial surveys) as well as from vessels and oil and gas platforms ( d a c e surveys). The area within a 1600 m radius of the removal site was monitored during 30 min preand postdetonation aerial surveys at altitudes of 150-200 m, speeds of 100-150 kph, and only during daylight hours. Surface surveys usually began at least 48 hours prior to detonation of explosives and were typically conducted from a vessel positioned immediately adjacent to the structure being salvaged. Surface surveys were occasionally performed at Oil, Gas and Sulfur Operations in the Outer Continental Shelf, 30 CFR (250 series). 2Gitschlag, G.R and J.K. Hale. Susceptibility of Sea turtles to underwater explosives at offshore energy structure removals. Unpubl. manuscr. on file at NMFS Galveston Laboratory, SEFSC, Galveston, TX 77551. 247

Protecting Hong Kong's marine biodiversity: present proposals, future challenges

SummaryPollution from many sources, over-fishing and the rapid development of Hong Kong have had powerful, adverse, impacts upon local marine life reducing it to but a shadow of what it once was. This paper describes Hong Kong's newly enacted Marine Parks Ordinance Chapter 37 1995, discusses the existing situation with regard to the designation of marine parks and reserves, and describes the special features of each one. It argues that a territory-wide strategy will have to be implemented if representative intertidal and coastal water communities are to survive. Coastal zone planning and management need to be among the Hong Kong Government's highest priorities because there are indications that the marine parks and reserves will not be successful. The threats to them are too great. Conservation legislation and coastal planning exercises should also be integrated with those of China as soon as possible, especially for areas of coastline surrounding Hong Kong. This is because development within southern China is proceeding at such a pace that Hong Kong's protected areas are now being threatened by external factors as well as internal ones.

Geochemistry of mercury in Palos Verdes sediments

Research report:A complete understanding of the fate of heavy metals depends on detailed information of the behavior of individual sewage constituents (and their natural counterparts) prior to, during, and subsequent to sedimentation. Sediments affected by a major submarine wastewater outfall in the Palos Verdes shelf were analyzed for total mercury and organic mercury to assess the bioavailability of mercury to local marine life. Chemical leaching studies were also performed to determine the phase partitioning of mercury in these sediments. Results indicate that a small decrease in surface sediment concentrations of mercury off Palos Verdes has occurred during 1972-75. This decline may be due to several factors, including the reduced emission of wastewater solids. In the most contaminated sediments, mercury appears to be accumulating in a refractory phase, and is therefore largely unavailable for introduction into the tissues of local marine life. (6 graphs, 2 maps, 28 references, 4 tables)

Palæontology

The limestones of Arvon are no less fossiliferous than those of Anglesey, some beds being rich in compound corals, and others in large Producti , which two groups may be said to be the leading features of the fauna. The number of genera and species is, indeed, much smaller, but this was to be expected, for it must be remembered that the Limestone area in that island is nearly eight times as large, with 12 miles of sea-cliff and many rocky moors. The present lists. however, are founded on 370 specimens, as compared with 2230 from Anglesey, so that, in proportion to extent and exposure, the collection is no less ample. The fossils have been presented to the Geological Survey, in order that they may be easy of access for comparison with those of Anglesey. The numbers quoted here (Ar 176, etc.) are those of the Survey collection. The localities of specimens mentioned in this division of the paper can be found by means of their numbers in the division on Faunal Detail (p. 419). Encrinite ossicles enter much more largely into the composition of most of the limestones than in Anglesey, and indicate the importance of these Pelmatozoa in the local marine life. Foraminifera and ostracods are plentiful in the undolomitized beds. Some of the lower shales are rich both in Cryptostomatous and in Trepostomatous polyzoa, and fragments of the zoœciæ of these are conspicuous in some of the limestones. Although compound corals abound, a simple corals are comparatively scarce;