Sustainable Exploitation Research Articles

Development of Effervescent Tablets Containing Elderberry Vine Tea Compound and Evaluation of Their Antioxidant Activity

Elderberry and vine tea, renowned for their wealth of bioactive constituents and potent antioxidant prowess, hold remarkable promise within a wide array of culinary contexts. This study presents a pioneering advancement in the realm of compound effervescent tablet formulation. Employing the response surface design optimization, this work develops a formulation comprising a total disintegrant (acid-to-base ratio 1.3 : 1) at 50%, elderberry extracts at 31.7%, ultra-micro vine tea powder at 8.3%, stevioside at 3.4%, PEG-6000 at 2.7%, mannitol at 2.9%, and PVP at 1%. Under these carefully optimized conditions, the resultant tablet exhibits remarkable attributes including an average disintegration time of 184.50 ± 4.65 s , foaming quantity of 30.64 ± 2.10 mg / g , and tablet hardness measuring 54.59 ± 3.41 N , with a weight uniformity well within the ±5%. Regarding the antioxidant efficacy, the total flavonoid content attains 76.79 ± 3.76 mg RE/g, and phenolic content reaches 94.84 ± 4.95 mg GAE / g . Moreover, the E C 50 values for scavenging 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrohydrazine (DPPH), hydroxyl (OH), and 2, 2 ′ -azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid)(ABTS) radicals are determined at 0.4667 mg/mL, 0.9772 mg/mL, and 0.5014 mg/mL, respectively. This investigation underscores the performance of the effervescent tablet in satisfying stringent physicochemical standards, while also showcasing outstanding antioxidant potency, paving the way for the advancement of antioxidant-functional foods and sustainable exploitation of natural resources.

Population Dynamics of Shortfin Scad (Decapterus macrosoma) Bleeker 1851 in Babuyan Channel, Philippines

The study was conducted to determine the status of Decapterus macrosoma stocks in the Babuyan Channel. Data were collected from January 2016 to December 2017 following the standard methodology of the National Stock Assessment Program (NSAP). The data were analyzed using the Fisheries Stock Assessment Tool II software and R package. Results showed that the species is available throughout the year and is most productive during summer. Decreased catch landings were affected by environmental, biological, social, economic, and regulatory factors. Beach seine has the largest contribution of catch but has the most number of immature catches. The highest catch per unit effort for all the gears occurs from February to June. Fishing mortality for beach seine (F = 2.98) is higher than the natural mortality (M = 1.76) values, indicating that the species is already experiencing high fishing pressure. D. macrosoma exhibited a bimodal mode or recruitment with unequal strengths. Similarly, the observed exploitation ratio (E = 0.63) is beyond the sustainable exploitation level. In order to sustainably manage the species population, introducing environment-friendly gear, banning beach seine, and establishing Marine Protected Areas should be implemented to support species productivity. These are some of the effective management measures being implemented in different parts of the country and found in the study of Cabigas et al. (2012), Valdemarsen and Suuronen (2001), and Hilborn and Ovando (2014).

A Comparative Analysis of Sustainable Exploitation of Renewable Resources for Different Information Structures

A Comparative Analysis of Sustainable Exploitation of Renewable Resources for Different Information Structures

Red Snapper connectivity in the Gulf of Mexico

AbstractObjectiveRed Snapper Lutjanus campechanus is a valued, heavily exploited fish species in the Gulf of Mexico. The species is distributed over a wide variety of habitats through its life history, and current evidence suggests moderate to high site fidelity, with particularly small home ranges and high residency times when fish are associated with reef structures. Given these life history traits, it is not surprising that within the gulf, there is evidence that the overall population is composed of multiple subpopulations. Thus, dispersal of early life stages plays an important role in the Red Snapper gulf population structure and dynamics, as embryo and larvae can be transported for longer distances, driving stock mixing and supplying recruits to sustain and replenish local subpopulations. Here, we assess the connectivity patterns of Red Snapper driven by larval dispersal in the Gulf of Mexico by simulating dispersal and recruitment.MethodsThis study employs a modeling approach to examine the probabilistic connectivity patterns of Red Snapper influenced by larval dispersal in the Gulf of Mexico. It investigates the impact of local oceanography, species behavior, and demographics on Red Snapper population structure. We estimate the spatial characteristics of Red Snapper dispersal, quantifying connectivity and larval supply fluxes between management jurisdictions, including state boundaries and the three‐area boundaries recently selected during the stock identification portion of the Gulf of Mexico Red Snapper Research Track Assessment. We use the modeled probability of settlement as a proxy for recruitment.ResultOur results indicate that Red Snapper recruitment occurs mostly close to their spawning sites (median distance 80 km). Simulated dispersal revealed exchange of Red Snapper larvae across state boundaries, with Alabama, Mississippi, and Louisiana receiving a considerable supply of recruits from other states. Finally, estimation of subpopulations based on larval exchange support the areal divisions used within the research track stock assessment.ConclusionOur results suggest that interstate cooperation in heavily connected regions could benefit management of the species by optimizing sustainable exploitation across the Gulf of Mexico.

An assessment tool to improve rural groundwater access: Integrating hydrogeological modelling with socio-technical factors

Sustainable exploitation of groundwater resources for drinking water provision in rural communities in sub-Sahara Africa remains elusive due to the limited knowledge of these hydrogeological systems. This is exacerbated by poor maintenance of existing infrastructure, limited technical capacity, the socio-economic characteristics of the area and poor governance. Assessing the likelihood of a given individual user experiencing water shortage calls for an interdisciplinary approach. After a preliminary multifactorial analysis incorporating a range of variables from technical to societal, it was found that most of the overall risk of water shortage for an individual household could be attributed to three factors; (1) Proximity, specified as the distance to the closest supply well (determined by geographical parameters), (2) Availability of good quality water in the wells (determined by hydrogeological understanding and modelling), and (3) Sustainability (determined by socio-technical and socio-economic parameters). In the latter case, a distinction was made between hardware functionality- the water point's performance considering a sufficient yield and reliability through time- and software functionality, based on a combination of socioeconomic data from surveys and analysed using Multiple Factor Analysis (MFA). All three factors are eventually mapped onto indicators in the range of [0–1] and then represented in a Geographical Information System based on the partition of the entire spatial domain (e.g., counties, villages, and neighbourhoods). The three indicators are then combined in a final index based on the product of the three factors, thus mapping time-dependent overall risk and allowing the assessment of temporal risk-evolution scenarios. The methodology is applied to Kwale County, Kenya, where community handpumps and groundwater points comprise the main water supply system. Apart from mapping the present situation, the methodology is finally used to assess the impact of future climate scenarios.

Review: Toward sustainable management of groundwater in the deserts of Egypt

To achieve its ambitious plans to reclaim its deserts through mega projects, Egypt is heavily relying on fossil or little-recharged groundwater. This article revisits the results and methodologies of the studies conducted over the last two decades on groundwater management and uses in the Western Desert. Most previous studies aimed at simulating different groundwater abstraction scenarios by modeling local areas in aquifer systems, but with poor definitions of boundary conditions and limited historical data. Studies were constrained by the unavailability of data, access difficulties, and high collection costs in desert lands. Thus, to propose reliable sustainable groundwater resources development plans and recommendations for future protection strategies, an open-access monitoring network representing regional aquifers is needed. More investigations based on extensive field visits are essential to monitor environmental, economic, and social conditions, identify constraints, and learn lessons for reclaiming desert lands. Moreover, this review highlighted the need to frame a rational strategy for the long-term sustainable exploitation of non-renewable groundwater in the aquifer systems of Egypt and develop an appropriate exit strategy for desert communities in case of serious water resource depletion.

First high-resolution marine natural capital mapping in the coastal waters of Chinese mainland

Marine ecosystems are complex self-organized systems that generate natural capital stocks and vital ecosystem services (ES) for human well-being. However, the assessment of marine natural capital in coastal countries is often overlooked. In this study, we evaluated the value of marine natural capital in mainland China using existing ES classifications and the emergy method. China's marine natural capital was estimated at 3.29E+24 sej/yr, with coastal waters having 3.2 times higher emergy density than terrestrial ecosystems. The annual economic value of marine natural capital in China's coastal water was approximately 8817.42 billion yuan/yr, nearly equal to China's Gross Ocean Product (GOP) in 2019 (8941.5-billion-yuan). Southern China showed significantly higher natural capital values than northern China. These findings highlight regional disparities in marine resource utilization and socioeconomic status, posing challenges to sustainable ocean development. The results provide a reference for policy and strategy development for sustainable marine resource exploitation.

Groundwater Resources of the Transboundary Quaternary Aquifer of the Lake Chad Basin: Towards a Better Management via Isotope Hydrology

A multi-tracer approach has been implemented in the southwestern part of the Lake Chad Basin to depict the functioning of aquifers in terms of recharge, relationship with surface water bodies, flow paths and contamination. The results are of interest for sustainable water management in the region. The multi-layered structure of the regional aquifer was highlighted with shallower and intermediate to deep flow paths. The shallower aquifer is recharged with rainwater and interconnected with surface water. The groundwater chemistry indicates geogenic influences in addition to a strong anthropogenic fingerprint. The intermediate to deep aquifer shows a longer residence time of groundwater, less connection with the surface and no to only a little anthropogenic influence. Ambient Background Levels (ABLs) and Threshold Values (TVs) show the qualitative status of the groundwater bodies and provide helpful information for water resources protection and the implementation of new directives for efficient and more sustainable groundwater exploitation.

Intensive sea urchin harvest rescales Paracentrotus lividus population structure and threatens self-sustenance.

The harvest of the edible sea urchin Paracentrotus lividus is intensively practiced in some regions of the Western Mediterranean Sea. The removal of the largest individuals can determine an overall reduction in population size and a size class truncation that can lead to a drastic drop the self-sustenance. The aim of this study is to evaluate the variability of the population reproductive potential across 5 years in one of the main harvest hotspots of Sardinia (Western Mediterranean Sea). The breeding stock consists of commercial and under-commercial size individuals which were sampled on a monthly basis to estimate their GonadoSomatic Index (GSI) and the Individual Gamete Output (IGO). In addition, the reproductive potential of the population-Total Gamete Output (TGO)-was calculated across the 5-year period in relation with the variation of the density of the breeding stock. During the last year, the reproductive potential was also estimated in a well-conserved population of a nearby Marine Protected Area. No significant variability in GSI and IGO was found over the 5 years nor when compared with the ones of protected population in the last year. However, the intensive harvest drastically rescaled the population body-size: although density of the commercial size class remained low, density of the under-commercial size-class halved from the beginning to the end of the study. Accordingly, the proportional decrease of their gamete output contribution led to a 40% loss of the reproductive potential of the whole population in the 5-year period. Interestingly, despite the loss of reproductive potential due to the decrease of the breeding stock density, the average values of IGO slightly increased across the years leading to the highest Annual Gamete Output (AGO) during the fourth year of sampling. This positive pattern could suggest a mechanism of reproductive investments of the survivors in terms of gonad production rate or increase in spawning intensity. This work provides evidence of the direct effect of size-selective harvesting on the rapid loss of population self-sustenance. Furthermore, it lays new prospective for future research of the indirect effects of the rescaling population body-size in functional traits of the sea urchin P. lividus and that could become important for both, sustainable exploitation and ecosystem conservation management.

Assessment of Ocean Circulation Characteristics off the West Coast of Ireland Using HF Radar

Research on coastal ocean circulation patterns over long time periods is significant for various marine endeavors: environmental protection, coastal engineering construction, and marine renewable energy extraction. Based on sea surface current data remotely observed using a shore-based high frequency radar (HFR) system for one year (2016), spatiotemporal characteristics of surface flow fields of sea surface flow fields along the west coast of Ireland are studied using harmonic analysis, rotary spectral analysis and representative flow fields over different seasons and the whole year. Coastal surface currents in the study area are strongly affected by tidal dynamics of the M2 constituent, showing significant characteristics of regular semidiurnal tide, such as M2 and S2. The energy spectrum distribution indicates that the tidal constituents M2 and S2 are the dominant periodic energy constituents in a counterclockwise spectrum, which mainly presents rotating flow; the representative diurnal tidal constituents is the constituent K1, and its energy spectrum distribution is mainly clockwise. A comparison between probable maximum current velocity (PMCV) and measured maximum current velocity (MMCV) is presented. It shows that although tidal current characteristics in the study area are significant, the main driving force of the currents at the time of the maximum currents is wind energy. These results provide new insights into a region of huge societal potential at early stages of sustainable economic exploitation where few data currently exist.

Renewable energy and natural resource protection: Unveiling the nexus in developing economies

Natural Resource Protection (NRP) has been on the agenda of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and is considered a pathway to sustainable development. The analysis of the determinants of NRP has received the attention of policymakers in framing evidence-based policies and strategies. Renewable energy (RE) is a major contributor to natural resource protection. However, existing studies have provided inconclusive evidence on the role of renewable energy in the NRP. This study primarily focuses on the assessment of how RE influences NRP in 22 developing economies. This study considers the nonlinear association between RE and NRP. Moreover, the role of governance effectiveness, financial technology, urbanization, and FDI in the NRP were also assessed. Furthermore, the analyses also explore the NRP-Kuznets curve by examining the role of economic growth in the NRP. The study, which detected cross-sectional dependence (CSD), heterogeneity, autocorrelation, and heteroskedasticity in the data, uses pooled regression with Driscoll-Kraay Standard Errors (DKSEs) and GLS for the econometric analysis. The results revealed a U-shaped relationship between renewable energy and NRP. Moreover, governance effectiveness, FINTECH, and FDI contribute to NRP, but urbanization has a negative impact on NRP. The analysis concludes an inverted U-shaped association between GDP per capita and NRP. A Bayesian regression analysis was also performed to validate the robustness of the results. Based on these findings, this study makes policy recommendations for improving NRP. Policymakers should prioritize renewable energy and sustainable resource exploitation through incentives and investments. Improving governance, adopting environmental rules, and involving stakeholders are critical. Financial technology can facilitate long-term investment in sustainability. Sustainable urban design should reduce the adverse effects of urbanization. FDI should be aligned with long-term development goals and appropriate resource management. Balancing economic growth with environmental protection requires multifaceted measures that promote green development and resource efficiency. Policy coherence and stakeholder participation are also critical.

Genetic diversity, variation, and structure of two populations of bigfin reef squid (Sepioteuthis lessoniana d’Orbigny) in Con Dao and Phu Quoc islands, Vietnam

BackgroundBigfin squid is one of the economically important seafood resources in Vietnam’s fisheries and the waters around Con Dao and Phu Quoc islands are two major fishing grounds where this species has been actively exploited. The start codon targeted polymorphism (SCoT) and CAAT box–derived polymorphism (CBDP) techniques were used to generate DNA fingerprinting data to analyze the genetic diversity, variation, and structure of the two populations in the waters surrounding Phu Quoc and Con Dao islands together with mitochondrial cytochrome C oxidase subunit I (COI) gene sequence data. ResultsCon Dao population possessed a higher diversity [expected heterozygosity (He) = 0.2254, Shannon index (I) = 0.3459, percentage of polymorphic bands (PPB) = 80.14%, nucleotide diversity (π) = 0.0336, haplotype diversity (h) = 0.910 with 16 haplotypes] than Phu Quoc population (He = 0.1854, I = 0.2873, PPB = 70.38%, π = 0.0246, h = 0.838 with 14 haplotypes). The genetic diversity at species level in the investigated region was at level of He = 0.2169, I = 0.3399, PPB = 86.41, π = 0.0289, and h = 0.892 with 24 haplotypes. Based on DNA fingerprinting data, the pairwise genetic similarity coefficients among individuals of the Con Dao population were lower (average of 0.7977) than the Phu Quoc population (average of 0.8316). Based on mitochondrial COI data, the pairwise genetic distances among individuals of the Con Dao population were higher (average of 0.0361) than the Phu Quoc population (average of 0.0263). Gene differentiation (GST) between two investigated populations was 0.0316 and 0.0310 leading to the genetic distance was 0.0573 and 0.0213 and the gene flow between them was Nm = 8.2209 and 11.4700 migrants per generation among populations based on DNA fingerprinting and based on COI gene sequence data, respectively. Genetic variation within individuals of both populations (WP) played the key role in total genetic variation at species level in surveyed region. ConclusionsFor the bigfin reef squid species in the surveyed region, the Con Dao population had the higher genetic diversity than the Phu Quoc population, between them existed a low to moderate genetic differentiation and a genetic exchange via gene flow. The DNA fingerprinting data better revealed the genetic differentiation between the two surveyed populations while the mitochondrial COI gene sequence data could show the phylogenetic relationship among the surveyed individuals and the other from the sea regions in Southeast Asia. Based on the results obtained, fisheries management strategies are suggested toward the conservation and sustainable exploitation of this species.

Modeling Water Flow in Variably Saturated Porous Soils and Alluvial Sediments

The sustainable exploitation of groundwater resources is a multifaceted and complex problem, which is controlled, among many other factors and processes, by water flow in porous soils and sediments. Modeling water flow in unsaturated, non-deformable porous media is commonly based on a partial differential equation, which translates the mass conservation principle into mathematical terms. Such an equation assumes that the variation of the volumetric water content (θ) in the medium is balanced by the net flux of water flow, i.e., the divergence of specific discharge, if source/sink terms are negligible. Specific discharge is in turn related to the matric potential (h), through the non-linear Darcy–Buckingham law. The resulting equation can be rewritten in different ways, in order to express it as a partial differential equation where a single physical quantity is considered to be a dependent variable. Namely, the most common instances are the Fokker–Planck Equation (for θ), and the Richards Equation (for h). The other two forms can be given for generalized matric flux potential (Φ) and for hydraulic conductivity (K). The latter two cases are shown to limit the non-linearity to multiplicative terms for an exponential K-to-h relationship. Different types of boundary conditions are examined for the four different formalisms. Moreover, remarks given on the physico-mathematical properties of the relationships between K, h, and θ could be useful for further theoretical and practical studies.

Land use and Occupation and Water Quality of the Meia Ponte River

Purpose: The present study aimed to study the catchment basin of the Meia Ponte River, analyzing land use and occupation, verifying whether permanent preservation areas are being preserved and which activities predominate in the region. Theoretical framework: Inadequate land use and the release of effluents can harm the quality and quantity of water available for use. Therefore, the sustainable exploitation of natural resources is necessary, combining economic development and environmental preservation. Methods: Physicochemical analyzes were carried out, evaluating the following parameters: pH, turbidity, color, temperature, biochemical oxygen demand (COD) and total phosphorus. The location chosen to carry out the collections was the water collection point for public supply from the Meia Ponte River. In addition to data obtained by the mapbiomas program using QGIS software. To delimit the basin, data from the Goiás geographic information system (SIEG) was used. Results and conclusion: The results showed that more than 60% of the basin area studied was pasture area, showing that there is degradation in the basin and satellite images showed that there are also areas of APP that are not properly preserved. Furthermore, water collections during the rainy season showed a high turbidity value, indicating that solids are being transported into the water body. Research implications: The main contributions are related to the eutrophication process and the environmental impacts caused by human actions. Originality/value: Verification of the impacts of human actions on land use and occupation on water quality in the Meia Ponte river region.

Parasite assemblages in volatile host stocks: inter- and intra-cohort variability restrict their value as biological tags for squid stock assessment.

The Argentine shortfin squid, Illex argentinus, inhabits in the southwest Atlantic; it is a semelparous species which grows rapidly along its 1 year lifespan. The identification of its stocks is critical for sustainable fishery exploitation. Parasites have been used as biological indicators in a lower number of studies dealing with squids, therefore a validation of this methodology is necessary. The intra- and inter-cohort variability of parasite assemblages in the summer-spawning stock of I. argentinus was analysed to assess their value as indicators of stock structure. Four squid samples from the continental shelf of central Patagonia, corresponding to 3 consecutive cohorts, were examined for metazoan parasites. Results evidenced heterogeneity in terms of parasite assemblage composition and structure, dominated by short-lived gastrointestinal parasites, with a strong influence of host size, but no effect of squid sex. These changes are related to their recent habitats and diets, which change with ontogeny and migrations, clouding any interpretation of patterns when samples spatially or temporally separated are compared. Many squid species share these characteristics; therefore, it is recommended that the use of parasites as biological tags should be restricted to simultaneous sampling, while size or age must be considered for deriving proper conclusions.

Analyzing flood characteristics and establishing a monitoring network for the red river area of Hanoi

Flooding is a phenomenon in which river water rises during the rainy season (in the North of Viet Nam from June to September every year), causing flooding in some alluvial grounds outside the Red River dyke in the Hanoi area. This phenomenon occurs frequently with different scales in area and depth of flooding, which depends on the hydro-meteorological conditions of the entire region of Red river and the ability of flow regulation structures and flood drainage on river. The impacts of flooding due to rising river levels not only cause instability in daily life in residential areas but also change river dynamics and cause increased water pressures and seepage pressures on the dikes. Currently, flooding can be largely controlled by regulating the flow of rivers through hydroelectric dams in upstream areas. However, establishing a flood monitoring network and creating a database to assess the impact of flooding is necessary to minimize damage and improve the efficiency of exploitation and use of the Red River. This article focuses on research on flood risk assessment and the basis for establishing a flood monitoring network on the Red River in the Hanoi area to serve sustainable exploitation of the territory.

Production Systems and Phenotypic Variability of the Guinea Fowl (Numida meleagris) in Sub Sahara Africa

The diversity of natural biological resources is at the heart of concerns on food security and climate change. Originating in Africa, guinea fowl constitutes an alternative source of income and protein of animal origin that can be easily mobilized, mainly for rural populations. How-ever, relatively little information is available on its production system, while its genetic diversity remains an enigma in most Sub Sahara African countries. This study therefore aimed to review the production systems and phenotypic variability of the guinea fowl (Numida meleagris) in Sub Sahara Africa. It revealed that this species is distributed almost all over the Africa; it is more frequent in many African countries where some studies showed that this species is extensively family farm with a variability of morphometric characters that is a function of sex and environment as well as the production system. This variability seems to indicate its adaptation to environmental conditions. The present review also revealed the need to extend studies to all the agro-ecological zones of Sub Sahara Africa in order to undertake global actions for a sustainable exploitation of the guinea fowl. This would necessarily include variability studies for its genetic improvement, preservation and conservation.

Transition to sustainability: Assessing the challenges of the Brazilian environmental agenda and policy

The Bolsonaro government has fueled a false and pernicious discursive contradiction between economic growth and environmental preservation. Environmentalists may have felt relieved by Lula's election; however, his government must now deal with a complex environmental agenda and the escalation of the discursive contradiction between those who perceive the environment as an exploitable resource and those who view it as a preservation-worthy asset. We present two interrelated alternatives to overcome the political, economic, and social challenges to consensus building. First, technology can contribute to promoting innovative methods for the sustainable exploitation of the Amazon. Second, the reconstruction of the institutional apparatus must incorporate other functions. In addition, to reinforce coordination, democratic participation, and democratic legitimacy, as well as suitably reduce the frequent prevalence of speech over practice, the government and society must address governance challenges. Consensus-building could bolster coalitions, improve governability, and play a pivotal role in advancing the sustainability agenda.

Yeast competition during alcoholic fermentation of agave. Its comprehension as a way to reach sustainable mezcal production

SummaryThe mezcal industry faces challenges such as overexploitation of wild agaves, poor cooking processes, incomplete fermentation, little control of the distillation process, and the generation of agro‐industrial waste. Successful fermentation is essential to reach a sustainable agave exploitation process in this context. This review focuses on the interactions between different yeast species in alcoholic fermentation, particularly agave fermentation, for mezcal production. A significant variation was observed regarding techniques, fermentation conditions, and yeasts used. These variations influence the chemical composition of alcoholic beverages, especially mezcal. The influence of various factors, such as the processing method, geographic origin, agave species, used, and microbial populations, is also discussed. An attractive alternative is to design starter cultures with carefully selected yeasts based on a detailed study of their interactions. It would allow reaching an acceptable use of the agave sugars obtaining mezcals with attractive organoleptic characteristics, produced in less time and at a lower cost.

Temporal and spatial variability in the isotopic composition of sea urchins along Portuguese coast

Paracentrotus lividus is a sea urchin widely distributed throughout Mediterranean basin and Atlantic coast, highly appreciated for its gonads. It is broadly distributed along the Portuguese coast and its exploitation has potential to grow. Nevertheless, fluctuations on nutritional composition and sensory traits of P. lividus according to each habitat and seasonality are still little understood. Stable isotopes analysis has been recognised as a powerful tool for exploring environmental-ecological-biological processes in aquatic systems. It is also useful to give indications on how to improve available diets for the aquaculture of this species, contributing to a sustainable rearing. Herein, such technique was used to assess temporal and spatial differences in isotopic composition of P. lividus’ gonads and intestines and to evaluate its application as a management tool for the identification of the most suitable locations and periods of the year to collect organisms with high quality gonads.Sampling campaigns were carried out between 2019 and 2020 in five rocky shores along the Portuguese coast (Viana do Castelo, Figueira da Foz, Peniche, Sines and Guia). Three rock pools were selected in each shore, and five specimens were collected per pool. The gonadosomatic index (GSI, %) was calculated and carbon and nitrogen elemental and isotopic composition were determined in gonads and intestine using isotope ratio mass spectrometry.Significant spatial and temporal fluctuations were registered among urchins collected along Portuguese coast. Such variations may be associated with latitudinal gradients along the coast and variations of environmental and ecological conditions within each area, especially those affecting algal biomass, on which urchins primarily feed. More research must be pursued to maximise the use of stable isotopes analysis as a management tool for supporting sustainable exploitation of natural stocks or even to contribute to nutritional studies with new diets for sea urchin production that consider the feeding of these animals in the wild.