Addressing the cumulative impacts of multiple human pressures in marine systems, for the sustainable use of the seas

Frontiers in Ocean Sustainability, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 1

Published: Jan. 4, 2024

Human activities at sea have increased, causing subsequent degradation of ocean health and affecting ecosystem services societal goods benefits. Climate change further exacerbates the cumulative effects these their associated pressures. Hence, effective management multiple is imperative to ensure sustainable use ocean. In response challenges, we developed a comprehensive conceptual framework model within an ecosystem-based approach. This encompasses versatile toolbox designed assess pressures environmental status under European Marine Strategy Framework Directive, in compliance with Birds Habitats Directives requirements need secure maintenance provision Although examples current discussion, consider that there are similar challenges many seas worldwide so recommendations here widely applicable. Our aim facilitate validation, harmonization, demonstration this across regional several countries, different scales, from local regional, including overseas territories. approach aims foster comparability assessments. We anticipate proposed methodologies will serve as foundational benchmark against which progress can be assessed line expectations policy requirements. Additionally, work prepares groundwork for forthcoming evaluation suitability, robustness, applicability solutions tools, thereby assisting managers achieving Good Environmental Status (GES), both wider global contexts, address common worldwide.

Language: Английский

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From Sand to Bell: Novel Predation of Scyphozoans by the Giant Caribbean Sea Anemone Condylactis gigantea (Weinland, 1860) from the Western Atlantic

Diversity, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: 17(2), P. 111 - 111

Published: Feb. 3, 2025

Predation is a fundamental ecological process that shapes marine ecosystem dynamics. This study reveals novel predator–prey interaction between the giant Caribbean sea anemone Condylactis gigantea and two jellyfish species Cassiopea sp. Aurelia sp., challenging traditional understanding of feeding habits. Observations from citizen science platforms field recordings documented C. successfully capturing consuming these gelatinous organisms. The research highlights trophic plasticity gigantea, demonstrating its ability to prey on larger organisms beyond traditionally known diet. predation event represents possible benthic–pelagic coupling mechanism underscores value in rare interactions.

Language: Английский

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The Spatial Distribution Dynamics of Shark Bycatch by the Longline Fishery in the Western and Central Pacific Ocean

Journal of Marine Science and Engineering, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: 13(2), P. 315 - 315

Published: Feb. 8, 2025

Shark bycatch represents a substantial issue in the management of oceanic fisheries. Utilizing data on shark from longline fishery, as released by Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission, this study applied boosted regression tree model to examine impact environmental factors per unit effort (BPUE) key species, well predict spatial distribution dynamics both BPUE risk (BR). The findings emphasize that oxygen concentration, sea surface temperature, chlorophyll-a concentration are paramount sharks’ BPUE. Furthermore, compared variations preferences across diverse pinpointing attributes defining ecological niches distinct populations. predictions identified hotspots BR for bigeye thresher (Alopias superciliosus), longfin mako (Isurus paucus), silky (Carcharhinus falciformis), whitetip longimanus) tropical latitudes (10° S 15° N), blue (Prionace glauca) shortfin oxyrinchus) temperate zones (south 30° or north N). geometric center analysis indicated all species exhibited large annual fluctuations BR, most populations displayed significant shifting trends. Several grids (5° × 5°) were high-risk areas due their considerable contribution bycatch. centers observed shift eastward towards equatorial waters, This underscores necessity considering beyond when identifying critical implementation area-specific mitigation measures. insights derived can enhance support development enforcement targeted area-based fishery initiatives.

Language: Английский

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Microplastic contamination in threatened wild felids of India: Understanding environmental uptake, feeding implications, and associated risks

Environmental Research, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: unknown, P. 121218 - 121218

Published: Feb. 1, 2025

Language: Английский

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Spatial Variation in Food Web Structures, Energy Flows, and System Attributes Along the Pearl River and Their Indications of Protection and Restoration

Ecology and Evolution, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: 15(2)

Published: Feb. 1, 2025

ABSTRACT River ecosystems are facing significant degradation from human activities, which impact both biotic (e.g., fish and invertebrates) abiotic components water habitat). A comprehensive comparison of energy flow patterns system attributes among river food webs under different levels interference is highly important for developing management strategies to protect ecosystems. Along the subtropical Pearl River, six spatial zones, including agricultural, industrial, island, urban, factory, estuarine areas, were chosen construct Ecopath models. The output results revealed that highest trophic level was 3.8–4.2, occupied by softshell turtles piscivorous/carnivorous fish. most diverse functional groups found in island zones due their heterogeneous habitats high submerged vegetation coverage transition area between fresh brackish water). In contrast, web structure industrial zone destroyed pollution sewage discharge) habitat degradation. increase exotic species decrease native top predators two factors result low efficiency transmission. series Lindeman transfer mixed predator–prey impacts), structural keystoneness, omnivory, Finn's path length), theoretical connectance ascendency) indices health maturity sections can be ranked as > agricultural urban factory zones. chains led ( Pelodiscus sinensis ), piscivores Elopichthys bambusa molluscivores Mylopharyngodon piceus herbivores Ctenopharyngodon idelus ) could used indicate functioning Our suggest ecological should focus more efforts on protecting original with feeding/spawning grounds), monitoring bioindicators keystone impacts web, evaluating play roles upward

Language: Английский

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Comparing Ecosystem Structure and Function of the Geheyan Reservoir Based on the Ecopath Model After a Fishing Ban

Fishes, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: 10(4), P. 168 - 168

Published: April 9, 2025

The Geheyan Reservoir, located on the Qingjiang River, a tributary of Yangtze is important for regional water supplies and ecological conservation. Understanding changes in ecosystem structure function has become critical assessing efficacy after implementation fishing ban. This study employs Ecopath model to examine characteristics Reservoir before (2017) (2022) results show significant differences trophic levels, energy transfer efficiency, maturity between two periods. levels increased from 3.36 pre-fishing ban 3.89 post-ban, indicating an enhanced complexity food web structure. highest eco-trophic efficiency major commercial fish species ban, improved utilization efficiency. However, bottlenecks were still observed II IV, suggesting ongoing challenges nutrient cycling. total primary production-to-total respiration ratio (6.93) connectivity index (0.25) indicate that ecosystem’s stability have These findings underscore ban’s effectiveness provide scientific foundation sustainable management similar ecosystems River Basin.

Language: Английский

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Ecologically and Biologically Significant Areas (EBSAs) as an enabling mechanism for transboundary marine spatial planning

Marine Policy, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 166, P. 106231 - 106231

Published: June 5, 2024

Language: Английский

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Ex vivo and in vitro methods as a platform for studying anthropogenic effects on marine mammals: four challenges and how to meet them

Frontiers in Marine Science, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 11

Published: Oct. 11, 2024

Marine mammals are integral to global biodiversity and marine health through their roles in coastal, benthic, pelagic ecosystems. face escalating threats from climate change, pollution, human activities, which perturb oceanic environment. The diverse biology extreme adaptations evolved by make them important study subjects for understanding anthropogenic pressures on However, ethical logistical constraints restrict the tractability of experimental research with live mammals. Additionally, studies effects changing ocean environments further complicated intricate gene-environment interactions across populations species. These obstacles can be overcome a comprehensive strategy that involves systems-level approach integrating genotype phenotype using rigorously defined conditions vitro ex vivo . A thorough analysis between genetics exposure will enable robust predictions about how environmental changes affect populations. In this perspective, we discuss four challenges implementing such non-invasive approaches scientific fields international borders: 1) practical limitations experimentation mammals, 2) accessibility relevant tissue samples cell cultures; 3) open access harmonized methods datasets 4) equitable practices. Successful implementation proposed has potential impact inspire new solutions strategies conservation.

Language: Английский

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Anthropogenic Perturbation of Arctic Plankton Community

Published: Jan. 1, 2024

Language: Английский

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Togutil Tribe’s Ecological Hunting Calendar on Halmahera Island, Indonesia

Global Ecology and Conservation, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 55, P. e03244 - e03244

Published: Oct. 9, 2024

Language: Английский

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