Assessing sensitivities of marine areas to stressors based on biological traits

Analysis of the biological traits (e.g., feeding mode and size) that control how organisms interact with their environment has been used to identify environmental drivers of, or impacts on, species and to explain the importance of biodiversity loss. Biological trait analysis (BTA) could also be used within risk-assessment frameworks or in conservation planning if one understands the groups of traits that predict the sensitivity of habitats or communities to specific human activities. Deriving sensitivities from BTA should extend sensitivity predictions to a variety of habitats, especially those in which it would be difficult to conduct experiments (e.g., due to depth or risk to human life) and to scales beyond the norm of most experiments. We used data on epibenthos, collected via video along transects at 27 sites in a relatively pristine region of the seafloor, to determine scales of natural spatial variability of derived sensitivities and the degree to which predictions of sensitivity differed among 3 stressors (extraction of species, sedimentation, and suspended sediments) or were affected by underlying community compositions. We used 3 metrics (weighted abundance, abundance of highly sensitive species, and number of highly sensitive species) to derive sensitivity to these stressors and simulated the ability of these metrics to detect a range of stressor intensities. Regardless of spatial patterns of sensitivities across the sampled area, BTA distinguished differences in sensitivity to different stressors. The BTA also successfully separated differences in community composition from differences in sensitivity to stressors. Conversely, the 3 metrics differed widely in their ability to detect simulated impacts and likely reflect underlying ecological processes, suggesting that use of multiple metrics would be informative for spatial planning and allocating conservation priorities. Our results suggest BTA could be used as a first step in strategic prioritization of protected areas and as an underlying layer for spatial planning.     

The role of marine aggregates in the ingestion of picoplankton-size particles by suspension-feeding molluscs

Suspension-feeding molluscs are important members of coastal communities and a large body of literature focuses on their feeding processes, including the efficiency of particle capture. Some molluscs, such as bivalves, capture individual picoplankton cells (0.2–2.0 μm) with a retention efficiency of less than 50%, leading to the assumption that such particles are not an important food resource. Picoplankton, however, are often concentrated in particle aggregates of much larger size. This study investigates the ability of suspension feeders to ingest picoplankton-size particles (0.2–2.0 μm) bound in marine aggregates. We fed clams (Mercenaria mercenaria), mussels (Mytilus edulis), oysters (Crassostrea virginica), scallops (Argopecten irradians) and slipper snails (Crepidula fornicata) 1.0- and 0.5-μm fluorescent particles (either polystyrene beads or bacteria) that were (1) dispersed in seawater, or (2) embedded within laboratory-made aggregates. Dispersed 10-μm beads were also delivered so that feeding activity could be determined. Ingested fluorescent particles were recovered in feces or isolated digestive glands and quantified. Results indicate that aggregates significantly enhance the ingestion of 1.0- and 0.5-μm beads by all species of bivalves, and enhance the ingestion of bacteria (greatest cell dimension ca. 0.6 μm) by all suspension feeders examined. Differences among species in their ability to ingest aggregates and picoplankton-size particles, however, were evident. Compared to mussels and clams, scallops and oysters ingested fewer aggregates with 1.0-μm beads or bacteria, and slipper snails ingested the most dispersed beads and bacteria. These differences may be a consequence of variations in gill structure and mechanisms of particle processing. Our data demonstrate that suspension feeders can ingest picoplankton-size particles that are embedded within aggregates, and suggest that such constituent particles may be an important food resource.     

Differential sensitivity of marine infaunal amphipods to tributyltin

Three species of infaunal gammaridean amphipods, Rhepoxynius abronius (Phoxocephalidae), Eohaustorius washingtonianus, and E. estuarius (Haustoriidae) were tested in a water-only system to assess their sensitivity to tributyltin (TBT) without the influence of factors that could affect bioavailability. When mortality (LC₅₀) was the endpoint, the results indicated that R. abronius was 20 times more tolerant to tributyltin than either haustoriid species; however, when mortality plus reburial behavior (EC₅₀) was assessed, the difference was only about 10 times. The bioconcentration factor (BCF) was also consistently lower in R. abronius (11.1 to 16.5 times) than in the haustoriids; however, when the LD₅₀ was calculated, the concentration in the tissues associated with 50% mortality for each species was not significantly different. The large disparity in species' response is attributed to reduced uptake and a potentially greater ability to metabolize this compound by R. abronius. An analysis of TBT uptake confirmed that R. abronius was able to accumulate less TBT and hence maintain a low body burden for a given water concentration. The results of a separate uptake study were used to formulate a hypothesis for observed differences in reburial behavior. Because the rate of TBT uptake was lower in R. abronius, we propose that the slower rise in toxicant body burden allowed for a gradual response in this species which included a sublethal effect (non reburial), compared to a rapid rise in the body burden for E. estuarius which caused the response to quickly proceed from no effect to death.     

Effects of copper (I) oxide on growth and biochemical compositions of two marine microalgae

In copper based antifouling (AF) paints Cu (I) oxide was largely used as booster biocide. In this study effect of Cu (I) oxide on two marine microalgae, Tetraselmis suecica and Dunaliella tertiolecta was demonstrated. EC50 (96 hr) concentrations estimated for T. suecica and D. tertiolecta were 1.3 mg l(-1) and 1.34 mg l(-1), respectively. Copper (I) oxide induced changes in growth, chlorophyll, carbohydrate and protein contents were observed in T. suecica and D. tertiolecta. At low concentration of 0.0625 mg l(-1), 3-26% and 1-16% growth stimulation was observed in T. suecica and T. tertiolecta respectively. Increasing Cu (I) oxide concentrations proportionately decreased the carbohydrate and protein contents. This study clearly indicates the toxicity of excessive Cu (I) oxide on growth and biochemical compositions of T. suecica and D. tertiolecta.     

Differential response of benthic macrofauna and meiofauna to hypoxia in the Gullmar Fjord basin

The response of benthic macro-and meiofauna to severe hypoxia was studied in the deep basis (115 m) of Gullmar Fjord, western Sweden. Abundances and bionasses of the faunal taxa, the redox-potential of the sediment, and the temperature, salinity and dissolved oxygen in the bottom water were recorded over the period 1977 to 1981. In the winter of 1979/80, when a depressed oxygen level of 0.21 ml l^-1 was recorded, the macrofaunal component of the fauna disappeared. The ensuing recolonization, with an initial peak of opportunistic capitellid polychaetes, proceeded slowly and the pre-collapse community was not reestablished within 1 1/2 yr after the hypoxia. In contrast, the permanent meiofauna exhibited no clear signs of being affected by the hypoxia. In the temporary meiofauna, polychaetes seemed to be negatively affected. The finding of a differential response of macro-and meiofauna confirms previous studies which indicate that macrofauna in general is more sensitive than meiofauna to low oxygen concentrations.     

Feeding capabilities and limitation of herbivorous molluscs: A functional group approach

The susceptibility of an alga to an herbivorous mollusc depends, in part, upon the size and toughness of the plant relative to the feeding ability of the mollusc. In this study, algae are subdivided into seven functional groups based on these and other physiological characteristics. Herbivorous prosobranchs and chitons are subdivided into four functional groups based on the structure of their feeding apparatus. Distinct patterns in the diets of these molluscs are evident when feeding data, based on these functional groups, are examined. Most herbivorous mollusc species eat algal forms that are either minute (i.e., micro- and filamentous algae) or very large and expansive (kelp-like or crustose algae). Algae of intermediate size (erect forms 1- to 10-cm tall) are eaten to a lesser extent, possibly because they are too large to be rasped from the substratum and too small for most herbivores to occupy. Herbivorous archaeogastropods (excluding limpets) and mesogastropods tend to eat filamentous and microscopic algal forms predominantly, whereas limpets and chitons feed on large, leathery and crustose algae. These dietary differences reflect functional differences in the feeding apparatus of these herbivore groups. Radulae of herbivorous mesogastropods function like rakes and can ingest larger, tougher algae than can radulae of nonlimpet archaeogastropods. The latter function more like brooms by sweeping the substratum broadly, but exerting little force. Limpets and chitons have superior excavating abilities because their radulae have: robust buccal muscles surrounding them, a reduced number of points of contact on the substratum, and minerally hardened teeth. The feeding apparatus of chitons is most versatile since it possesses features found in all herbivorous gastropod functional groups, and thus, it can sweep and excavate simultaneously. This functional group approach suggests various hypotheses concerning algal community structure, plant/herbivore and herbivore/herbivore interactions, the relative importance of structural defenses in algae, and the evolution of specialized grazers. These hypotheses are examined using data from published accounts.     

Physiological basis of the species abundance-salinity relationship in molluscs: A speculation

The relationship between the osmotic pressures of the blood and the ambient medium was determined for 4 species of bivalve molluscs whose habitats represent distinct salinity regimes within the range from fresh to full seawater. These organisms included 3 corbiculids: Corbicula manilensis (freshwater); Polymesoda caroliniana (brackish-water); Pseudocyrena floridana (marine) and 1 unionid: Elliptio lanceolata. On the basis of the data and similar measurements from the literature, we have placed the molluscs into 5 categories: marine stenohaline, marine euryhaline, oligohaline, fresh-water euryhaline and freshwater stenohaline. Marine stenohaline and euryhaline species are osmoconformers. They differ only in the size of the free amino acid pool available for intracellular volume regulation, and thus in the range of salinities that they tolerate. Oligohaline species tolerate salinities from seawater down to freshwater; they not only possess a large capacity for volume regulation, but can also osmoregulate below 3 S. Freshwater species also osmoregulate below 3 S, but they are usually limited to salinities below 2. Presumably, in evolving from the marine to the freshwater habit, they have lost the ability to volume-regulate in response to hyperosmotic stress. We propose that the varying physiological characteristics underlie the well-known relationship that species abundance declines from both freshwater and full seawater to a minimum between 3 and 5 S. We have related this species minimum to physical-chemical discontinuities in the ionic composition of seawater which are, again, reflected in the physiological mechanisms of the molluscs.Contribution No. 50 from the Tallahassee, Sopchoppy and Gulf Coast Marine Biological Association.     

A detailed analysis of carbohydrates in marine particulate matter

Detailed profiles of organic carbon, organic nitrogen, carbohydrate and proteinous amino acid have been determined in particulate matter from various depths at a station in Sagami Nada off eastern Honshu, Japan. The profiles suggest that carbohydrate is decayed from particulate matter more rapidly than proteinous amino acid in the euphotic zone, while the latter is removed to a higher extent than the former in deep waters,which results in the increase of the C/N values of particulate matter in the depths. All of the particulate matter gave D-galactose, D-glucose, D-mannose, D-xylose and D-glucuronic acid upon acid hydrolysis. Vertical change of the monosaccharide composition of this particulate matter indicates that only D-glucose and its polymers are preferentially removed from it during its descent. Carbohydrates from the particulate matter of 20 m depth were fractionated into water-soluble and insoluble carbohydrates. Detailed analysis of these fractions indicates that 1,3-glucan and its related low molecular weight carbohydrates from the water-soluble fraction decay between 50 and 300 m depth, to leave waterinsoluble carbohydrates, immune to biological attack during the course of further sinking. On the basis of these facts, the effects of the biochemical nature of these carbohydrates on the vertical change of the particulate carbohydrate distribution are discussed.     

Ultrastructure and anaerobic metabolism of mitochondria in the marine oligochaete Tubificoides benedii : effects of hypoxia and sulfide

It has often been suggested that ultrastructural properties of mitochondria are correlated with oxygen and sulfide levels from the environment, although careful analyses of this question are rare. In this study the ultrastructure and distribution of mitochondria in Tubificoides benedii, a marine oligochaete from sulfide-rich sediments, were investigated after a series of oxic, hypoxic and hypoxic–sulfidic (200 μM H₂S) incubations up to 24 h. Succinate, one of the key endproducts of an anaerobic metabolism, was used as an indicator of mitochondrial anaerobiosis. Consistent differences in mitochondrial ultrastructure were not observed in any of the incubations, even after 24 h. Stereological parameters of mitochondria (volume density, surface density of the outer mitochondrial membrane, and specific surface) in epidermal and intestinal tissues of T. benedii were not affected by hypoxia or sulfide either. On the other hand, succinate concentrations increased significantly within 24 h under hypoxic and hypoxic–sulfidic conditions. Thus, experimental hypoxia and sulfide clearly caused mitochondrial anaerobiosis without affecting ultrastructure or distribution of mitochondria in T. benedii. Distinct differences in ultrastructural and stereological parameters were common between different tissues and between individuals, showing that different forms of mitochondria can occur within one species. Our results imply that a mitochondrial ultrastructure specific to thiobiotic animals does not appear to exist. Received: 4 August 1996 / Accepted: 20 September 1996     

Interactions between two species of marine diatoms: Effects on their individual copper tolerance

The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of the interaction of two species of marine diatoms,Skeletonema costatum (Cleve) Greville andNitzschia thermalis (Ehrenberg) Auerswald, on their individual copper tolerances. The two species, obtained from stock cultures in 1989, were grown together at three copper concentrations (1, 4 and 5 × 10^–7 M added total copper). In the unialgal cultures that were used as controls, the two species grew as predicted from their tolerance tests. However, in mixed cultures,N. thermalis was the only species that exhibited growth, regardless of the copper concentration in the medium. Growth retardation ofS. costatum in the presence ofN. thermalis was attributed to an inhibitory exudate. The effect of the exudate appeared to have been temporary, as demonstrated by the extended lag phase and subsequent satisfactory exponential growth rate ofS. costatum. It is suggested that the exudate degraded within a period of 5 d (=lag phase) because exponential growth rate was resumed. It thus appears that the interaction between the two diatom species is more important in determining the survival ofS. costatum than its individual copper tolerance. This is not the case forN. thermalis. Such interactions would be unaccounted for in single-species toxicity tests. On the other hand, if they are known, prediction of how a community that includes these two species would respond to copper additions becomes possible.     

A Bayesian mixture model for missing data in marine mammal growth analysis

Much of what is known about bottle nose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) anatomy and physiology is based on necropsies from stranding events. Measurements of total body length, total body mass, and age are used to estimate growth. It is more feasible to retrieve and transport smaller animals for total body mass measurement than larger animals, introducing a systematic bias in sampling. Adverse weather events, volunteer availability, and other unforeseen circumstances also contribute to incomplete measurement. We have developed a Bayesian mixture model to describe growth in detected stranded animals using data from both those that are fully measured and those not fully measured. Our approach uses a shared random effect to link the missingness mechanism (i.e. full/partial measurement) to distinct growth curves in the fully and partially measured populations, thereby enabling drawing of strength for estimation. We use simulation to compare our model to complete case analysis and two common multiple imputation methods according to model mean square error. Results indicate that our mixture model provides better fit both when the two populations are present and when they are not. The feasibility and utility of our new method is demonstrated by application to South Carolina strandings data.     

Availability of arsenic to estuarine and marine organisms: A field and laboratory evaluation

The high concentrations of arsenic entering Restronguet Creek, Cornwall (England), make this an ideal area for speciation and availability studies. This paper reports the results of a number of surveys and experiments carried out between January 1978 and June 1981, designed to investigate As availability in selected estuarine and marine organisms. Seasonal variations in dissolved As inputs are reflected in the As content of the seaweedFucus vesiculosus and also in two gastropod species,Littorina littorea andL. littoralis, which derive significant amounts of As by grazing onF. vesiculosus. In contrast, no seasonal variation in As concentration was observed in tissues of the bivalveScrobicularia plana. Transplant experiments and radiotracer studies confirm that sediments are the major source of As to this deposit-feeder. The mantle margin ofs. plana has a significant, but as yet unknown, role in As accumulation. Transplant experiments with these and other estuarine and marine organisms have revealed differences in the relative availability of dissolved and particulate As. Notably, As accumulation inMytilus edulis was negligible compared with other molluscs. The results are discussed in terms of the selection of suitable indicators of various forms of As contamination.     

Stable isotope and biochemical fractionation in the marine pelagic food chain: the jellyfish Pelagia noctiluca and net zooplankton

In our field study we analyzed the C and H isotopic and biochemical (C, N, P, protein, lipid, carbohydrate) composition of the jellyfish Pelagia noctiluca (collected from the Gulf of Trieste in 1985 to 1986) and its presumed diet-net zooplankton. The mean ¹³C (-18.8) and D (-58.4) ratios of P. noctiluca showed enrichment in heavy isotopes relative to net zooplankton (2 for carbon and 30 for hydrogen). Both the jellyfish and net zooplankton were characterized by a linear correlation between ¹³C and D. C. N, P, protein, lipid, and carbohydrate contents of P. noctiluca were low on a dry weight basis as compared to net zooplankton. Significantly lower C:N and C:P ratios were found in jellyfish indicating a greater loss of carbon relative to nitrogen and phosphorus along the passage to a higher trophic level. Isotopic and biochemical evidence indicate that, though collected in nearshore waters, P. noctiluca depended on autochthonous marine organic matter.     

Relative contributions of food and water in the accumulation of zinc by two species of marine fish

A model food chain, utilizing ⁶⁵Zn-labeled and nonlabeled food organisms, was used to measure the relative contributions of food and water to Zn accumulation by Gambusia affinis and Leiostomus xanthurus. Chlamydomonas sp. was fed to Artemia sp. which in turn was fed to G. affinis and L. xanthurus. A trace metal-chelate buffer system was used to maintain a stable free Zn ion activity (10^-8.5 mol l^-1) in the experimental seawater. Food represented 78 to 82% of total accumulation of ⁶⁵Zn by the fish. Thus, food cannot be ignored in assessing the accumulation and toxicity of trace metals.     

A flow-through system for field measurements of production by marine macroalgae

A continuous flow-through chamber for the in situ measurement of primary production in macrophytic algae (as exemplified by Ulva lactuca) is described. Rapid mixing occurred within the chamber independent of flow rate or amount of algal tissue, so that the complete-mix reactor model of sanitary engineering was closely approximated. Field experiments with the apparatus revealed a rapid response to short-term variations in production rate as well as a close correlation between production and changing light levels. The flowthrough apparatus was compared to a closed system (the traditional bell jar approach); when the water in the latter was mixed, the two methods gave similar results for incubations not longer than several hours. However, during longer incubations, the productivity in the static system was sometimes depressed, possibly due to nutrient depletion or to abnormally high levels of oxygen. Thus, the flow-through system permits reliable measurements of macroalgal production for periods of 12 h or longer.     

A new context-based approach to assess marine mammal behavioral responses to anthropogenic sounds

Acute effects of anthropogenic sounds on marine mammals, such as from military sonars, energy development, and offshore construction, have received considerable international attention from scientists, regulators, and industry. Moreover, there has been increasing recognition and concern about the potential chronic effects of human activities (e.g., shipping). It has been demonstrated that increases in human activity and background noise can alter habitats of marine animals and potentially mask communications for species that rely on sound to mate, feed, avoid predators, and navigate. Without exception, regulatory agencies required to assess and manage the effects of noise on marine mammals have addressed only the acute effects of noise on hearing and behavior. Furthermore, they have relied on a single exposure metric to assess acute effects: the absolute sound level received by the animal. There is compelling evidence that factors other than received sound level, including the activity state of animals exposed to different sounds, the nature and novelty of a sound, and spatial relations between sound source and receiving animals (i.e., the exposure context) strongly affect the probability of a behavioral response. A more comprehensive assessment method is needed that accounts for the fact that multiple contextual factors can affect how animals respond to both acute and chronic noise. We propose a three-part approach. The first includes measurement and evaluation of context-based behavioral responses of marine mammals exposed to various sounds. The second includes new assessment metrics that emphasize relative sound levels (i.e., ratio of signal to background noise and level above hearing threshold). The third considers the effects of chronic and acute noise exposure. All three aspects of sound exposure (context, relative sound level, and chronic noise) mediate behavioral response, and we suggest they be integrated into ecosystem-level management and the spatial planning of human offshore activities.     

Genotoxicity in the freshwater gastropod Lymnaea luteola L: assessment of cell type sensitivities to lead nitrate

The aquatic ecosystems are converting into the highly contaminated site due to environmental pollutants. The present study explores the oxidative stress and toxic potential of lead nitrate in freshwater snail Lymnaea luteola (L. luteola) L. The snails were exposed to an environmentally relevant concentration of lead nitrate for 24 and 96?h. Later exposure to lead nitrate (0, 10, 20 and 40?µg/mL) to the freshwater snail, the level of reactive oxygen species, malondialdehyde and nitric oxide (NO) were increased and glutathione, glutathione-S-transferase were decreased. Lead-nitrate-induced haemocyte cell death and it was observed by using Annexin-V FITC/PI through a flow cytometer. DNA damage in haemocyte cells was measured at above doses of lead-nitrate exposure for 24 and 96?h and it was compared to the untreated snail. Average tail DNA (%) and olive tail moment in single-cell gel test were increased dose and duration fashion and maximum DNA damage was measured at 96?h. These results indicate the potential toxicity and genotoxicity of lead nitrate in acute treatment to L. luteola and single-cell gel test are the assay for rapid detection of genetic effects.