Subtropical Shores Research Articles

STRUCTURE AND COMPOSITION OF FLORAL AT MANGROVE FOREST IN PITAS SABAH MALAYSIA

The aim of the study was to determined and record mangrove species composition anddiversity at Pitas mangrove forest, Sabah. Mangroves forest occurs in waterlogged, saltysoils of sheltered tropical and subtropical shores. It usually found along the coastlinesthroughout the world, usually between 25º N longitude and 25º S latitude. This study wasconducted in Pitas district (N 06?43’, E 117?4’) which is located at the northern tip ofSabah, Malaysia. Whereas, Pitas district has an approximately 38,564 ha of the mangrovearea. In this study, the mangrove location covered an area ranges from Malawali island(N 07?2.023', E 117?16.883'), Tobo island (N 07?01.070', E 117?19.008'), Layak-layakisland (N 06?56.587', E 117?14.323'), Mapan-mapan (N 06?51.608', E 117?14.861'), andJambongan island (N 06?45.016', E 117?25.816'). The random sampling method wasdone with simple plots sizes of 20m x 20m to determine the species’ biodiversity,composition and structure. As a result, 13 mangrove species have been identified in allstudy locations namely known as Sonneratia caseolaris, Ceriops tagal, Bruguieragymnorhiza, Rhizophora mucronata, Aegiceras corniculatum, Avicennia marina,Rhizophora apiculata, Sonneratia alba, Bruguiera cylindrica, Lumnitzera littorea,Pemphis acidula, Scyphiphora hydrophyllacea, and Scaevola taccada. The result showsthat the Shannon –Wiener biodiversity index (H’) at the island and disturbed mangroveareas is less diverse (H’ below than 1.5) compared to the undisturbed mainland areaswith (H’=1.95). Sonneratia caseolaris is the dominant mangrove species in the islandwith the highest value of Important Value Index (IVI) with 144.77% compared to allspecies in the study location. These areas show the importance of ecological aspectswithin the forest ecosystem. Therefore, the protection and conservation of this mangrovein this area is a necessity.Keywords: Mangrove, species composition, diversity, Important Value Index (IVI),island, mainland, disturbed, Pitas Sabah

Insight into the cryptic diversity and phylogeography of the peculiar fried egg jellyfish Phacellophora (Cnidaria, Scyphozoa, Ulmaridae).

The fried egg jellyfish Phacellophora camtschatica (senso lato) is a morphologically peculiar and conspicuous species occurring mostly in the cold waters of the North Pacific. It is less common in the cold waters of the NW Atlantic, and occasionally has been reported in the Mediterranean, Arctic, East and South Pacific, and E, SW and NE Atlantic. However, sightings of this scyphozoan jellyfish have intensified during the past two to three decades in Macaronesia, the Iberian Peninsula and the Mediterranean. These jellyfish are known to be voracious predators of other jellies, but also of other taxa, including fish of commercial interest. Therefore, Phacellophora aggregations may threaten local fisheries, aquaculture, and local biodiversity structuring. We report the first known occurrences of Phacellophora in the Azores Islands, which apparently become more frequent in recent years of the past decade. We confirm, through DNA barcoding of COI and 16S mitochondrial markers, the genetic identity of Phacellophora occurring in the Azores (NE Atlantic). We reveal, with COI sequence data, three (potentially four) cryptic species within the Phacellophora camtschatica complex. Two Phacellophora species co-occur in the North Pacific. In the North Atlantic (and possibly in the Mediterranean) one or two distinct species exist. Three nominal species of the genus that are currently synonymized, with type localities in the N Pacific, NW Atlantic, and the Mediterranean, need reassessment. The morphotypes previously defined for the four putative species names given for Phacellophora might be eventually differentiated by the number and disposition of the marginal lappets of umbrellae. This morphologic character has to be further inspected in vouchers of the four genetic lineages of Phacellophora, to decide between the description of new species, and the resurrection of junior synonyms through the designation of neotypes with DNA Barcodes, to validate the identity of the cryptic taxa detected. More haplotype sampling is necessary across the distribution of the genus to further investigate the genetic diversity and phylogeographic history of Phacellophora. The high genetic relatedness of Phacellophora from the cold NW Atlantic and the sub-tropical shores of the Azores, revealed by 16S and COI sequence data, suggests a recent invasion, in terms of geologic time, of the temperate waters of the NE Atlantic (and possibly of the Mediterranean). The medusivorous habits of Phacellophora, and especially its predation on the mauve stinger (Pelagia spp.) which frequently blooms in Macaronesia and Mediterranean waters, could relate to the recent reports of Phacellophora in the Azores, Madeira, Canary Islands, and the Mediterranean.More investment, including on scientific staff, is necessary to catalog, DNA barcode and monitor jellyfish dynamics more accurately worldwide.

High density and secondary production but variable recruitment of a sea urchin in subtidal barren areas of Hong Kong

Sea urchins can cause a state shift from algal beds to barrens through grazing, but little is known how management measures may affect their population dynamics. We compared four populations of Heliocidaris crassispina inhabiting the subtropical shores of Hong Kong with different levels of protection: a no-take reserve, a marine park, and two sites with no restriction to fishing. Bi-monthly surveys revealed 1% to 36% juveniles (< 20 mm in test diameter) in the four populations, indicating variable recruitment. Density varied from 9.1 to 13.6 individuals m−2 in the first year and 10.0 to 12.6 individuals m−2 in the second year. Biomass varied from 8.07 to 15.69 g ash-free dry-weight (AFDW) m−2 in the first year, and 10.33 to 16.45 g AFDW m−2 in the second year. These values are higher than the global threshold of sea urchin biomass needed to maintain sea urchin barrens. Secondary production varied from 4.68 to 9.29 g AFDW m−2 year −1 in the first year and 6.62 to 7.96 g AFDW m−2 year −1 in the second year. These values are high when compared with available sea urchin production data in the literature (0.001–8.44 g AFDW m−2 year −1). The no-take reserve population had the highest sea urchin density and biomass, but its production was not the highest in the second year of study due to low recruitment. The results were discussed with respect to the dilemma of spillover effects of marine protected areas and losing macroalgae to urchin grazing.

Untangling the origin of the newcomer Phorcus sauciatus (Mollusca: Gastropoda) in a remote Atlantic archipelago

The marine topshell Phorcus sauciatus is currently found along the temperate–subtropical shores of the Northeast Atlantic Ocean. Although present in the Iberian Peninsula, Madeira, and Canaries for centuries, P. sauciatus has only recently reached another oceanic volcanic archipelago in the region. In 2013, a small population was recorded for the first time in Santa Maria Island (Azores), widening its distribution around the entire island and to the neighbouring island of Sao Miguel in a short period of time. The success of such colonization of the remote archipelago by P. sauciatus still awaits an explanation. To better understand the populational dynamics of the species in the NE Atlantic Ocean, we used a molecular approach to evaluate the genetic structure of P. sauciatus aiming at the determination of a potential origin for the first individuals that reached the Azores. On the foundations of detailed oceanographic, palaeontological, and ecological data, we discuss the impact of climate change as a trigger for colonization of remote oceanic islands and suggest a mechanism that might explain the long-distance dispersal of the non-planktotrophic gastropod P. sauciatus across important biogeographical barriers in the NE Atlantic.

Non-Timber Forest Product Livelihood-Focused Interventions in Support of Mangrove Restoration: A Call to Action

Mangroves of tropical and subtropical shores and deltas contribute to ecosystem functioning and human wellbeing in numerous ways but continue to be lost or degraded worldwide at a rapid pace. Overexploitation driven by poverty is often the root cause of mangrove destruction and degradation. The negative feedback cycle between destruction and poverty can only be broken by justly valuing current or introducing new sustainable livelihood options to foster long-lasting local support for mangroves. The large array of non-timber forest products (NTFPs) that mangroves offer have rarely been developed beyond the subsistence level and remain undervalued as “products of the poor”. In light of the global trends towards sustainability and bio-economy, today they represent a major business opportunity for forest communities to produce high value-added end-user products. Even though mangrove NTFPs have been recognized to have high potential toward inclusive development and poverty alleviation and to be highly gender-equal, the development of mangrove NTFPs has continued to attract very little funding or research interest. Several ecological characteristics make commercialization of mangrove NTFPs particularly challenging. Production at economies of scale, including quality standards, as well as marketing and value chain management are all essential in order to develop these products beyond their subsistence role. To be most effective, a systems perspective on NTFP development is needed, whereby product-market development occurs in unison and based on a participative, inclusive and fair development approach. The species/product of choice for value-added product-market development in any specific community or area will depend on several factors. To address many of the typical constraints and maximize the chances of success, we suggest that the use of village or district-level cooperatives may be particularly useful. A better use of the untapped potential of mangroves for local livelihoods may form a most convincing advocate for local protection and restoration of mangrove forests. Therefore, funding agencies, governments and researchers alike are called to invest in mangrove NTFP development as a way to locally incentivize sustainable mangrove protection and restoration.

Daytime activity and habitat preferences of two sympatric hermit crab species (Decapoda: Anomura: Coenobita)

The beach environment is extremely dynamic in space and time. Abiotic factors like tides, sun exposure or sediment structure are defining the ecology of the beach-associated fauna. Among the most common beach-dwelling organisms of tropical and subtropical shores are the hermit crabs of the genus Coenobita (Latreille, 1829) (Decapoda: Anomura). They utilize gastropod shells to protect against predators, to avoid desiccation and disruption by wave action and further show behavioural adaptations, like burrowing in the substratum to withstand the abiotic stressors of coasts. Little is known, however, if the abiotic factors of the beach habitat influence the daytime activity and habitat preferences. We therefore analysed the changes in abundance during daytime, at different tidal times and in different coastal habitats in a community of two sympatric Coenobita species, C. rugosus and C. perlatus. We hypothesized that habitat, daytime and tidal time influenced the overall abundance. Here, we showed that hermit crabs became largely absent during midday, while their highest diurnal activity laid in the 2 h before low tide until absolute low tide. Structurally more complex beach types were preferred over pure fine sand or rock beaches. These behaviours and preferences of the investigated hermit crabs are adaptive as they aid in avoiding desiccation, while becoming most active when food availability is highest during low tide. Heterogenous beach habitats are probably favoured over homogenous sandy beaches, because accumulation of marine debris, a major food source, is increased. This emphasizes how physically controlled the distribution of beach-dwelling organisms is and demonstrates how abiotic stressors can become major drivers for behavioural adaptations in beach crustaceans.

On the occurrence and ecology of Glaucus atlanticus Forster, 1777 (Mollusca: Nudibranchia) along the Southwestern Atlantic coast.

Unlike the majority of the nudibranchs, Glaucidae lives adrift at the sea surface within Tropical and Subtropical ocean basins, feeding on cnidarians or using them to attach their egg strings as a reproductive strategy. The latitudinal distribution of Glaucus atlanticus throughout the Brazilian Province is influenced by the Brazil current and, in its austral limit, by seasonal shifts in the Subtropical Convergence Zone (especially under the influence of ENSO El Niño events). Once over the shelf, seasonal wind patterns and meteorological events can force a passive displacement of the species towards the shore. Such onshore displacements may result on strandings of Glaucus spp. and other pleustonic species of the "blue plankton" community, like already reported worldwide and recently at the Southern Brazilian / Uruguayan coasts. Although fascinating, Glaucus spp. should be considered harmful to humans and people should thus avoid direct contact; if this accidentally occurs, short-term treatments can be implemented besides looking for medical attention. The current geographical distribution of Glaucus atlanticus over the Brazilian coast reveals some inaccuracy and gaps; the present study not only revises the ecology of this species but also evidences the occurrence of summer strandings and its austral distribution into subtropical shores.

Divergent thermal sensitivities among different life stages of the pulmonate limpet Siphonaria japonica

The different life-history stages of organisms may have divergent thermal limits and thus respond differently to global warming. For comprehensive understanding of the ecological impacts of global warming, it is crucial to determine thermal limits among different life stages and to understand how close an organism lives to its thermal limits at different life stages. Here, we measured the effect of temperature on hatching and the lethal temperature (LT50, lethal temperature of 50%) of larvae to explore effects of high temperature on the encapsulated and planktonic stages of the pulmonate limpet Siphonaria japonica. We measured cardiac performance to determine adult limpets’ thermal limit. At the encapsulated stage, heat shock at 34.5 °C affected larval hatching significantly. Pelagic larvae showed a high LT50 (45.03 °C), indicating a high thermal tolerance for the pelagic larval stage. For the adults, the Arrhenius break temperature and flatline temperature were 38.49 ± 1.27 and 44.27 ± 1.08 °C, respectively. The integrated study of environmental temperatures and thermal sensitivities at different life stages of S. japonica indicates that the egg ribbon and adult stages are potentially most sensitive to the future temperature increases on subtropical shores.

THERAPEUTICAL IMPORTANCE OF HYPNEA MUSCIFORMIS (WULFEN) J.V. LAMOUROUX :

Red algae are rich in protein, crude lipid and fibre content and therefore ideal as food in terms of nutritional and biochemical point of view. Currently, red algae have gained importance due to their nutritional composition and various bioactive compounds they produce to accustom to the biodiversity of marine ecosystem. Biologically unique compounds of algal include carrageenan, sulpholipids, and pigments such as phycocyanin. Seaweeds are low in fats but contain vitamins and bioactive compounds such as flavonoids, terpenoids and sulphated polysaccharides, which are potential natural antioxidants not found in the terrestrial plants. Hypnea, a common seaweed distributed widely along the tropical and subtropical shores Nutraceutical value of Hypnea musciformis includes nutrients, vitamin, ash and large amount of sodium and potassium electrolytes. There were reports that they possess potent antitumour and antimicrobial activity.

Abundance, performance, and feeding preference of herbivorous amphipods associated with a host alga-epiphyte system

Mesograzers can benefit their host macrophytes by selectively grazing on epiphytic algae, such as well documented for seagrass meadows and other systems where hosts seem to be less palatable than epiphytes. However, where both host and epiphytes are algae and are likely to be palatable, the predictions about the feeding preferences of mesograzers and, thus, their potential ability in controlling the epiphyte biomass are unclear. Also, the performance consequences of feeding on host algae versus epiphytes, what can explain the feeding preferences of mesograzers, have been rarely tested. The food value of the host alga Sargassum filipendula and two of its common epiphytic algae, Hypnea musciformis and Dictyota cervicornis, for mesograzers was contrasted by investigating the abundance, performance, feeding preference, and feeding rates of the herbivorous amphipods Cymadusa filosa and Sunamphitoe pelagica. Sampling was carried out seasonally between January and November 2012 in a subtropical shore from the Brazilian south-eastern coast (23°32′S, 45°10′W). The abundance of both herbivores was positively correlated with S. filipendula biomass. However, only C. filosa had a positive relationship with H. musciformis biomass during the season of lower S. filipendula abundance. Juveniles of S. pelagica were able to survive only when consuming S. filipendula. In contrast, C. filosa survived at similar rates on epiphytes and S. filipendula, but long-term feeding on epiphytes resulted in lower growth and reproduction. Both herbivores preferred to consume S. filipendula in choice assays, but only C. filosa was able to feed on epiphytes at similar rates as it did on S. filipendula in no-choice assays. These mesograzer species may differ from each other in the mechanisms determining their association with S. filipendula. For C. filosa, epiphytes should be an alternative source of food, mainly in periods of lower host availability. Thus, the role of epiphytes on mesograzer-Sargassum interaction seems to vary temporally and among herbivores. Overall, these results contrast with the general patterns about mesograzer preferences towards epiphytes reported for other systems. Therefore, the feeding preferences of mesograzers in host-epiphyte systems and, thus, their potential impact may depend on the identity of hosts and epiphytes.

Latitudinal variability of physiological responses to heat stress of the intertidal limpet Cellana toreuma along the Asian coast

Potential future distribution shifts of intertidal invertebrates along the Asian coast in the face of global change remain unclear. Integrative study that comprise environmental temperature monitoring and comparative physiological study of thermal adaptation among different geographical populations of species are important to identify population-related differences in thermal ecology that could affect the persistence of species in their present distribution ranges. In the present study, in situ operative temperatures were recorded continuously for 5 mo from August 2011 to January 2012, and measurements of lethal temperature, cardiac performance and gene expression were carried out in 3 geographical populations of the limpet Cellana toreuma (tropical shore: Sichang Island, Thailand; subtropical shore: Nanding Island, Zhangzhou, China; temperate shore: Dagong Island, Qingdao, China). Compared to limpets on the tropical shore in Sichang Island with high mean temperature (28.28°C) and narrow thermal range (19.13 to 46.56°C), limpets on the subtropical shore in Nanding Island have to cope with a thermal environment characterized by a wider temperature range (6.42 to 44.98°C). The absence of differences in lethal temperature (LT50) of limpets from all the locations indicates that limpets currently suffer from intensive heat stress across their biogeographic range. Although the populations lacked differences in upper thermal limit, variations were noted among populations in transcriptional responses in genes linked to energy metabolism. Limpets on the subtropical shore in Nanding Island live closer to their upper thermal limits and thus will be very sensitive to future temperature increases.

Interactive effects of grazing and environmental stress on macroalgal biomass in subtropical rocky shores: Modulation of bottom-up inputs by wave action

In contrast to what is observed in most temperate regions, perennial macroalgae are rare at the mid intertidal level of tropical and subtropical shores, and energy transfer through benthic herbivores largely relies on the consumption of periphyton and ephemeral algae. In this study, we evaluated the interactive effects of environmental stress and mesoherbivore grazing in the regulation of ephemeral macroalgal standing stock along subtropical shores moderately exposed and sheltered from waves in southeastern Brazil. Our results show that grazers can prevent ephemeral algal blooms at the most sheltered shores, and that amelioration of environmental stress, through provision of shade, has no consistent effect on overall biomass or temporal persistence of the algal blooms in these shores. At nearby shores exposed to waves, grazers had no measurable effect on algal biomass and shading rock areas from direct solar radiation can have positive effects on some years, but not on others, probably associated to variation in the species comprising the assemblage. Because nitrate concentration in nearshore waters is remarkably low, we suggest that increased water motion may enhance nutrient flux to the midshore and thus algal blooming. At more exposed sites, algae develop faster and reach a canopy size no longer controlled by grazers. Higher biomass of herbivores at exposed rocky shores is thus best explained as a bottom-up effect of increased plant productivity, without a coupled top-down effect on algae. Thus, besides the well documented effect of waves on temperature and desiccation stresses, wave modulation of nutrient supply may be a very important factor controlling abundance of midshore intertidal macroalgae, and deserves more attention in typically nutrient-depleted tropical and subtropical shores.

Factors influencing temporal variation of a Sargassum filipendula (Phaeophyta: Fucales) bed in a subtropical shore

In the present study, we evaluate the influence of biotic and abiotic factors on temporal fluctuations of Sargassum filipendula in a subtropical shore. Monthly algal samples, abiotic components, amphipod grazer density, and epiphyte biomass were obtained from a Sargassum bed in south-eastern Brazil. Density of S. filipendula fronds decreased during the sampling period, whereas dry mass was more constant, although with a noticeable reduction in the warmer months. Hypnea musciformis was the most frequent epiphyte on S. filipendula, occurring in all sampling periods, although with significant temporal variation. Sargassum filipendula density and dry mass were both influenced by epiphyte dry mass, temperature, and amphipod grazers. Sargassum filipendula biomass negatively influenced total epiphyte biomass, whereas H. musciformis biomass was positively influenced by phosphate, nitrite, and S. filipendula density and negatively influenced by S. filipendula dry mass and amphipod grazer abundance. Algal temporal fluctuations can be related to local abiotic and biotic factors, but the variation observed for S. filipendula and its epiphytes suggest that these factors have quite distinct effects for these algae.

Temporal variation of amphipod assemblages associated with Sargassum filipendula (Phaeophyta) and its epiphytes in a subtropical shore

The phytal assemblages change in response to variation in biological and environmental conditions. In the present study, we evaluated the temporal variation of amphipod assemblages associated with a Sargassum filipendula bed in a subtropical shore, in relation to variation of the host alga, its epiphytes and local environmental conditions. Samples of S. filipendula with associated amphipods, water temperature, water movement and suspended solids were obtained monthly from June 2000 to May 2001. We recorded 24 species of amphipods associated with S. filipendula. Species richness varied throughout the year, with maximum values in October 2000 and minimum in April 2001. Total amphipod density gradually increased during the sampling period, with the highest value in March 2001. Amphipod diversity and evenness were both positively influenced by epiphyte load and negatively by temperature, with higher values during summer months. Total density and tube-builder density were also positively influenced by temperature, whereas nestler density was influenced by epiphyte load. Individual amphipod species showed significant density fluctuations over the year. The canonical correspondence analysis performed explained 88.2% of the variation, with a strong correlation of water movement, temperature and suspended solids with the first axis, and a strong effect of epiphyte load on both the first and the second axes. The temporal structural variation of the studied algal bed strongly influenced amphipod diversity and assemblage composition, possibly through direct and indirect effects.

Review of the dinematichthyini (Teleostei, Bythitidae) of the Indo-west Pacific. Part II. 'Dermatopsis, dermatopsoides' and 'dipulus' with description of six new species

An ongoing revision of the dinematichthyine fishes (Ophidiiformes, Bythitidae, Brosmophycinae) of the Indo-west Pacific based on ca. 5000 specimens will be published in several parts. Part II includes 363 identified specimens in the genera Dermatopsis Ogilby, 1896 (D. greenfieldi n. sp. from Fiji, D. hoesei n. sp. from south-eastern Australia, D. joergennielseni n. sp. from New Zealand and D. macrodon Ogilby, 1896, from south-eastern Australia); Dermatopsoides Smith, 1947 (D. andersoni n. sp., D. kasougae (Smith, 1943) and D. talboti Cohen, 1966, from South Africa, and D. morrisonae n. sp. from Western Australia), and Dipulus Waite, 1905 (D. caecus Waite, 1905 and D. hutchinsi n. sp. from Western Australia, D. multiradiatus (McCulloch and Waite, 1918) from southern Australia, and D. norfolkanus Machida, 1993a, from Norfolk Island). Dermatopsis multiradiatus McCulloch and Waite, 1918, is reassigned to Dipulus. The three genera are distributed along the subtropical shores of South Africa, Australia, northernmost New Zealand and the Norfolk Island and the tropical shores of Fiji. The genera contain mainly fishes adapted to rocky shores as compared to the predominance of other Dinematichthyini found in reef environments. The three genera are indicated to be closely related, sharing characters such as a maxilla not expanded postventrally, the head without scales and lacking an upper preopercular pore. Dermatopsoides is further characterized by the lack of an exposed opercular spine (i.e. completely covered by skin), a character unique amongst Indo-west Pacific dinematichthyine genera. The main distinguishing characters of the species contained in these genera are vertebrae and fin ray counts, morphometric characters, head pores and the morphology of otoliths and pseudoclaspers.

Edge effects and succession dynamics in Brachidontes mussel beds

Succession dynamics in natural communities can be influenced both by interactions among recruiting species and by characteristics of the gaps created by disturbances such as the perimeter:area (P:A) ratio. We carried out experiments on 2 subtropical shores in SE Brazil to investi- gate the influence of gap size (P:A ratio and area variable) and shape (P:A ratio constant and area variable) on the succession of mussel beds dominated by Brachidontes solisianus and B. darwinianus. Small gaps harbored more herbivorous gastropods (mainly the limpet Collisella subrugosa) and were more rapidly preempted by lateral migration of the surrounding mussels than larger gaps. The larger gaps had higher densities of the barnacle Chthamalus bisinuatus and sheltered more limpets in the edges, while the core areas had more Brachidontes recruits. Gaps with different areas but constant P:A ratios had similar succession trends. Although the processes that influence gap closure in other mussel bed species are similar to the studied one, the closure rate in Brachidontes was lower, possibly due to bed structure. However, there were differences between both mussel species, with a faster response to gap formation by B. darwinianus in comparison to B. solisianus, suggesting that distur- bances can influence the distribution of these species. The relative influence of edge effects on suc- cession processes may differ among communities dominated by different organisms, and generaliza- tions are possibly restricted to communities composed of functionally similar species.

Use of Ammophila arenaria for Dune Stabilization in South Africa and Its Current Distribution-Perceptions and Problems.

/ This paper examines the use of the European dune pioneer plant Ammophila arenaria (marram or European beach grass) for dune stabilization in South Africa in the past and present, its present distribution in South Africa, and the perceptions of coastal management agencies and the public about its further use. The planting of A. arenaria became the most important means of dune stabilization, by human intervention, along the South African Cape coast in this century. Its modern distribution from the semiarid west coast to the subtropical shores of the Eastern Cape extends through various climatic zones. Although historical data are missing for some areas, there is no indication of its unaided spread. A. arenaria occurs at most sites because of its prior planting. The South African climate appears to affect its vigor. However, concern about the use of the alien grass has been raised since it has proved to be a highly invasive species in other parts of the world, particularly along the North American west coast and in Tasmania. While the CSIR (Council of Scientific and Industrial Research) promotes its use, CNC (Cape Nature Conservation) follows a policy that restricts the use of any alien plant, including A. arenaria, and requests further research on its invasive properties. Although a questionnaire survey shows that stabilization sites featuring large areas of A. arenaria are accepted by the South African public, current coastal management practices need to be analyzed critically. A thorough investigation of the potential invasiveness of A. arenaria on South African coastal dunes will be essential and shed new light on the American A. arenaria problem.KEY WORDS: Ammophila arenaria; Marram; European beach grass; Dune stabilization; South Africa; Coastal managementhttp://link.springer-ny.com/link/service/journals/00267/bibs/24n4p467.html</HEA

Long-term (1991–1995) monitoring of the intertidal biota of Saudi Arabia after the 1991 gulf war oil spill

Quantitative surveys of the intertidal macrobiota were conducted between 1991 and 1995 in the Saudi Arabian Gulf along permanent transect lines (PTLs). These were established within the area impacted between Ras az-Zaur and Abu Ali as a result of the 1991 Gulf War, which now forms the Jubail Wildlife Sanctuary, and at control unpolluted sites to the south of the region. Oil moved rapidly off the lower shore and became impacted along the top of all shores within the study region. During the study period this oil weathered and has largely disappeared from rocky shores and decreased in extent on soft sediment shores. By December 1991 between 50 and 100% mortality of biota had occurred on the upper shore as a result of pollution, but by 1995 on the lower shore species diversity was similar to that found on unpolluted shores, and in the upper eulittoral ranged from normal to 71% of that found on control shores. At the top of the shore, numbers of individual species (diversity) ranged from normal to 83% of that found on control shores. Abundances of individual species also increased during the survey period and reached or exceeded levels found at lower shore levels on control shores, but at higher shore levels densities remained lower than normal at some sites. Recovery rates for Saudi Arabian shores, although tentative for upper shore marshes, are within the time scale for shores worldwide, but longer than for subtropical shores elsewhere.

The first confirmed records of Lomentaria, (Lomentariaceae, Rhodophyceae) in South Africa, with a description of L. amplexans sp. nov.

Lomentaria Lyngbye commonly occurs on many temperate, tropical and sub-tropical shores. It has not been previously recorded with certainty in South Africa, however, and the discovery of two species in Natal, one of which is new, is of particular interest. The Natalian new species has epiphytic and mostly prostrate, tightly adherant segmented thalli that produce upright hamate branches. The tendrils attach to adjacent branches of larger algae, the hamate terminal segments enlarging and initiating a new prostrate thallus. Colonies of the epiphyte tightly bind thalli of larger algae together. The second species is very small and segmented only at the bases of branches. Its size and structure suggest that it is L . corallicola , a species previously known in the Iranian Gulf and Australia’s Great Barrier Reef. Lomentaria Lyngbye kom algemeen op baie van die gematigde, tropiese en subtropiese strande voor. Dit is nie voorheen met sekerheid in Suid-Afrika aangeteken nie en die ontdekking van twee spesies in Natal, een daarvan ’n nuwe, is dus van besondere belang. Die nuwe Natalse spesies het epifitiese en meesal platliggende, digte vasklewende gesegmenteerde tallusse met regop haakvormige takke. Die hegranke groei om takke van naasliggende groter alge; die haakvormige terminale segmente vergroot en ’n nuwe regop tallus word gevorm. Kolonies van die epifiteit bind talusse van groter alge saam. Die tweede spesies is baie klein en slegs aan die onderent van die stamme gesegmenteer. Volgens die grootte en struktuur wil dit voorkom of dit L . corallicola is, ’n spesies wat voorheen bekend was in die Iraanse Golf en die Australiese Groot Barriére-rif.

Vegetation Zones in the Caucasus

spite of exceptions and confusions, the zone is a convenient geographic unit by which to characterize plant distribution on mountain slopes. The Caucasus (Fig. 2) offers every conceivable problem in plant geography.' South of the main range lie the semideserts of Tiflis, the subtropical shores of the Black Sea, the luxuriant forests and fields of Svanetia, and, in the Minor Caucasus (or Transcaucasus), the garden spots of Borzhom and Bakuriani and the parched hills along the Armenian border. The north slopes of the main range, which fall away to the flat expanses of the Russian steppes, are more uniform among themselves but differ wholly from anything to be found on the south side. From Mt. Kazbek on the east to Mt. Elbrus on the west, these slopes are rocky and precipitous, with grass fields insufficient for grazing. The southern Caucasus supplies the northern with hay; but although the south surpasses the north in wealth of forests and pastures, the north has some of the finest natural flower gardens in the world. In the Caucasus there is an extraordinary variety of plants. Many of these are endemic, as is evident from the frequent occurrence of the