| 1. |
- Alexander, Steven M., et al.
(author)
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Examining horizontal and vertical social ties to achieve social-ecological fit in an emerging marine reserve network
- 2017
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In: Aquatic conservation. - : Wiley. - 1052-7613 .- 1099-0755. ; 27:6, s. 1209-1223
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Most MPA networks are designed only with ecological processes in mind to increase their conservation utility. However, since MPA networks often involve large geographic areas, they also affect and involve multiple actors, institutions, and policy sectors. A key challenge when establishing an effective MPA network is to align the social system' with the biophysical MPA network (the ecological system'). This challenge is often denoted as social-ecological fit'. Facilitating collaborative social interactions among various actors and stakeholders (social connectivity) is equally as important as accomplishing ecological connectivity. New analytical approaches are required to effectively examine this social' dimension of fit. An emerging marine reserve network in Jamaica and the recent invasion of Indo-Pacific lionfish are used as a case study to: (1) examine the extent to which horizontal and vertical social ties bring local and national actors together to collaborate, coordinate, and share knowledge; and (2) assess the extent to which different attributes and features of such multilevel social networks may enhance or inhibit particular aspects of social-ecological fit. Findings suggest that multilevel linkages have played the greatest role in relation to enhancing fit in the marine reserve network in the context of the recent lionfish invasion. However, the long-term propensity of the multi-actor and multilevel networks to enhance social-ecological fit is uncertain given the prevalence of weak social ties, lack of a culture of information sharing and collaboration, and limited financial resources.
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| 2. |
- Arvidsson, Björn L, 1952-, et al.
(author)
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Recruitment of the threatened mussel Margaritifera margaritifera in relation to mussel population size, mussel density and host density
- 2012
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In: Aquatic conservation. - Malden, MA : John Wiley & Sons. - 1052-7613 .- 1099-0755. ; 22, s. 526-532
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Anthropogenic, abiotic factors are considered main causes of recruitment failure of unionid mussels, including the freshwater pearl mussel (Margaritifera margaritifera). In this large-scale investigation, we instead examined the relationship between biotic factors and mussel recruitment.Juvenile mussel density was positively related to both mussel population size and density of which the last appeared to be a more accurate measure of recruitment.Host fish density of young-of-the-year and older brown trout (Salmo trutta) were positively related to recruitment. Moreover, the mean density of both age classes of fish, when grouped into density classes was positively related to juvenile mussel density, an effect that decreased at trout densities above 10 trout 100 m-2.There was a higher relative importance of mussel population size and density than trout density to recruitment.To increase recruitment of juvenile mussels, managers may apply measures that increase mussel density, and trout density up to about 10 trout 100 m-2 in connection to mussel beds. Mussel beds may also be managed and one possible measure within small and sparse mussel populations may be to concentrate the remaining mussels to areas where trout density is high. Likewise, young-of-the-year trout may also be moved to areas of high mussel density, as young trout individuals are relatively resident during their first year. This may increase mussel larval infection rates and mussel recruitment.
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| 3. |
- Boström, C., et al.
(author)
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Distribution, structure and function of Nordic eelgrass (Zostera marina) ecosystems: Implications for coastal management and conservation
- 2014
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In: Aquatic conservation. - : Wiley. - 1052-7613. ; 24:3, s. 410-434
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Research review (peer-reviewed)abstract
- This paper focuses on the marine foundation eelgrass species, Zostera marina, along a gradient from the northern Baltic Sea to the north-east Atlantic. This vast region supports a minimum of 1480km2 eelgrass (maximum >2100km2), which corresponds to more than four times the previously quantified area of eelgrass in Western Europe. Eelgrass meadows in the low salinity Baltic Sea support the highest diversity (4-6 spp.) of angiosperms overall, but eelgrass productivity is low (<2g dw m-2 d-1) and meadows are isolated and genetically impoverished. Higher salinity areas support monospecific meadows, with higher productivity (3-10g dw m-2 d-1) and greater genetic connectivity. The salinity gradient further imposes functional differences in biodiversity and food webs, in particular a decline in number, but increase in biomass of mesograzers in the Baltic. Significant declines in eelgrass depth limits and areal cover are documented, particularly in regions experiencing high human pressure. The failure of eelgrass to re-establish itself in affected areas, despite nutrient reductions and improved water quality, signals complex recovery trajectories and calls for much greater conservation effort to protect existing meadows. The knowledge base for Nordic eelgrass meadows is broad and sufficient to establish monitoring objectives across nine national borders. Nevertheless, ensuring awareness of their vulnerability remains challenging. Given the areal extent of Nordic eelgrass systems and the ecosystem services they provide, it is crucial to further develop incentives for protecting them. © 2014 The Authors.
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| 4. |
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| 5. |
- Burdett, Heidi L.
(author)
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Looking forward in aquatic conservation
- 2024
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In: Aquatic conservation. - : John Wiley & Sons. - 1052-7613 .- 1099-0755. ; 34:2
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Journal article (other academic/artistic)
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| 6. |
- Carlén, Ida, 1976-, et al.
(author)
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High-frequency pingers do not increase catch loss owing to seals in the Baltic Sea
- 2023
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In: Aquatic conservation. - : Wiley. - 1052-7613 .- 1099-0755. ; 33:4, s. 389-396
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The Baltic Proper harbour porpoise population is listed as Critically Endangered by IUCN, and only a few hundred animals remain. One of the most serious threats to this population is bycatch in static net fisheries. To minimize bycatch, ICES has proposed that acoustic deterrent devices, pingers, should be used on static nets within the population’s range.However, there have previously been indications that grey seals learn to associate the pinger sounds with the presence of nets with easily accessible prey, and that pinger use therefore can increase the risk of seal depredation in static net fisheries.In recent years, pingers operating at higher frequencies have been made commercially available, the idea being that harbour porpoises will still be able to hear the sound at 50–120 kHz while this will be above or at the limit of seal hearing. This would mean that such high-frequency pingers would not induce this so-called dinner-bell effect.In this study, data were collected from active commercial static net fisheries in the Baltic Proper, using two types of high-frequency pingers operating at 50–120 and 70 kHz, respectively. Pingers were attached to nets in accordance with manufacturers’ guidelines, and fishers were asked to estimate the catch loss owing to seals in nets with and without pingers.Data were received from 646 deployments made between May 2019 and September 2020. Four generalized mixed effect models were developed with relevant variables.The results suggest using high-frequency pingers does not increase seal depredation on static nets. It is concluded that pingers could be used as an interim measure to minimize bycatch of the Critically Endangered Baltic Proper harbour porpoise population.
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| 7. |
- Cooke, Steven J., et al.
(author)
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Stewardship and management of freshwater ecosystems : From Leopold's land ethic to a freshwater ethic
- 2021
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In: Aquatic conservation. - : John Wiley & Sons. - 1052-7613 .- 1099-0755. ; 31, s. 1499-1511
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- 1. In 1949, Aldo Leopold formalized the concept of the 'land ethic', in what emerged as a foundational and transformational way of thinking about natural resource management, biodiversity conservation, and stewardship in terrestrial systems. Yet, the land ethic has inherent linkages to aquatic ecosystems; Leopold himself conducted research on rivers and lakes, and freshwater ecosystems figured widely in his writing. 2. We reflect on the land ethic and other aspects of Leopold's scholarship to identify key messages that provide insight into the stewardship and management of freshwater ecosystems around the globe. We also frame what we call the 'freshwater ethic' around Leopold's legacy. Although Leopold could not have envisaged the stressors affecting modern aquatic ecosystems, his core principles remain salient. These apply not only to ecosystem protection, but also to the ethics of modern conservation economics, sustainability, and the protection of natural capital, in which lakes, rivers, and wetlands now figure prominently. 3. We identify key 'Aldo-inspired' recommendations for protecting and restoring freshwater ecosystems in the Anthropocene that emanate directly from his writings (e.g. adopt an ecosystem approach, identify win-win-win scenarios, recognize the irreplaceability of wild waters, and strive for freshwater optimism). 4. In an epoch where links between people and nature are becoming more explicit in environmental management, policy, and governance, we suggest that Aldo Leopold's work illustrates how inspirational, seminal thinkers have offered leadership in this domain. We contend that today there is still much that can be learned from Leopold, especially by the next generation of environmental practitioners, to ensure the effective stewardship of our aquatic ecosystems. 5. We submit that the adoption of a freshwater ethic in parallel with Leopold's land ethic will enhance the stewardship of the world's increasingly threatened fresh waters by raising the profile of the plight of fresh waters and identifying enduring actions that, if embraced, will help conserve and restore biodiversity.
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| 8. |
- Croll, Donald A., et al.
(author)
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Vulnerabilities and fisheries impacts : the uncertain future of manta and devil rays
- 2016
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In: Aquatic conservation. - : Wiley. - 1052-7613 .- 1099-0755. ; 26:3, s. 562-575
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Research review (peer-reviewed)abstract
- 1. Manta and devil rays of the subfamily Mobulinae (mobulids) are rarely studied, large, pelagic elasmobranchs, with all eight of well-evaluated species listed on the IUCN Red List as threatened or near threatened. 2. Mobulids have life history characteristics (matrotrophic reproduction, extremely low fecundity, and delayed age of first reproduction) that make them exceptionally susceptible to overexploitation. 3. Targeted and bycatch mortality from fisheries is a globally important and increasing threat, and targeted fisheries are incentivized by the high value of the global trade in mobulid gill plates. 4. Fisheries bycatch of mobulids is substantial in tuna purse seine fisheries. 5. Thirteen fisheries in 12 countries specifically targeting mobulids, and 30 fisheries in 23 countries with mobulid bycatch were identified. 6. Aside from a few recently enacted national restrictions on capture, there is no comprehensive monitoring, assessment or control of mobulid fisheries or bycatch. Recent listing through the Convention on the International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) may benefit mobulids of the genus Manta (manta rays), but none of the mobulids in the genus Mobula (devil rays) are protected. 7. The relative economic costs of catch mitigation are minimal, particularly compared with a broad range of other, more complicated, marine conservation issues. Copyright (C) 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
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| 9. |
- Dannewitz, Johan, et al.
(author)
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Colonization history and human translocations explain the population genetic structure of the noble crayfish (Astacus astacus) in Fennoscandia: Implications for the management of a critically endangered species
- 2021
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In: Aquatic Conservation: Marine And Freshwaterecosystems. - : Wiley. - 1052-7613 .- 1099-0755. ; 31, s. 1970-1982
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The noble crayfish (Astacus astacus) is an endangered freshwater species in Europe. The main threat is from lethal crayfish plague, caused by the oomycete Aphanomyces astaci that has been spread over Europe by introduced North American crayfish species, acting as chronic carriers of the disease. Most of the remaining noble crayfish populations are found in the Baltic Sea area, and there is an urgent need to implement conservation actions to slow down or halt the extinction rate in this region. However, limited knowledge about the genetic structure of populations in this area has so far precluded the development of conservation strategies that take genetic aspects into consideration. Key objectives of this large-scale genetic study, covering 77 locations mainly from northern Europe, were to describe the contemporary population genetic structure of the noble crayfish in the Fennoscandian peninsula (Sweden, Norway, and Finland), taking postglacial colonization history into account, and to evaluate how human activities such as stocking have affected the genetic structure of the populations. Analyses of 15 microsatellite markers revealed three main genetic clusters corresponding to populations in northern, middle, and southern Fennoscandia, with measures of genetic diversity being markedly higher within populations in the southern cluster. The observed genetic structure probably mirrors two main colonizations of the Baltic Sea basin after the last glaciation period. At the same time, several deviations from this pattern were observed, reflecting past human translocations of noble crayfish. The results are discussed in relation to the conservation and management of this critically endangered species. In particular, we recommend increased efforts to protect the few remaining noble crayfish populations in southern Fennoscandia and the use of genetic information when planning stocking activities, such as reintroductions following local extinctions.
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| 10. |
- Degerman, Erik, et al.
(author)
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Predicting population status of freshwater pearl mussel (Margaritifera margaritifera, L.) in central Sweden using instream and riparian zone land-use data
- 2013
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In: Aquatic Conservation: Marine and Freshwater Ecosystems. - : Wiley. - 1052-7613 .- 1099-0755. ; 23, s. 332-342
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The freshwater pearl mussel Margaritifera margaritifera (L.) has become scarce and threatened throughout most of its distribution range, and is consequently listed as endangered' by the IUCN. It has been suggested and used as an indicator species and even as an umbrella species. Despite this, few studies have examined factors affecting its catchment-level population status. This work tested the hypothesis that it is possible to predict freshwater pearl mussel population viability (reproducing/not reproducing) and population status in central Sweden from a combination of geospatial data describing riparian land-cover and use, water chemistry data, and electrofishing data describing the abundance of the host fish species (brown trout, Salmo trutta) in 56 streams. Mussel population viability was best predicted by total phosphorus. Using higher-resolution data (six classes) on mussel population status, host fish abundance (0+ trout) was the best predictor. At abundances below 5 0+ trout per 100m2 and above a concentration of 8 mu gL1 total phosphorus, only three viable populations existed. Geospatial data could be used to predict levels of total phosphorus and thereby indirectly to predict mussel viability. Geospatial data could not be used to predict abundance of 0+ trout, which is thought to depend more on instream factors. This study demonstrates that geospatial data on riparian land-use and cover can be a useful tool for screening waters potentially harbouring non-reproducing mussel populations. Copyright (c) 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
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| 11. |
- di Sciara, Giuseppe Notarbartolo, et al.
(author)
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Devil rays (Chondrichthyes: Mobula) of the Arabian Seas, with a redescription of Mobula kuhlii (Valenciennes in Muller and Henle, 1841)
- 2017
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In: Aquatic conservation. - : Wiley-Blackwell. - 1052-7613 .- 1099-0755. ; 27:1, s. 197-218
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Devil rays (genus Mobula) are pelagic elasmobranchs widely distributed throughout tropical, subtropical and warm-temperate waters. Their occurrence and distribution remains poorly documented in the Arabian Seas region. A review is provided of species occurrence in these water bodies along with a synthesis of regional information on their biology and ecology. Based on the available evidence, five Mobula species occur in the region (M. eregoodootenkee, M. japanica, M. kuhlii, M. tarapacana, and M. thurstoni). Of these, three (M. eregoodootenkee, M. tarapacana and M. thurstoni) were found to occur in the Red Sea, and three (M. eregoodootenkee, M. japanica, and M. kuhlii) were found to occur in the Arabian/Persian Gulf. Mobula japanica and M. kuhlii are reported here for the first time in Gulf waters. All five species were found in the Indian Ocean waters between the Gulf of Aden and Pakistan. To address the still uncertain taxonomy of M. kuhlii, a redescription of this species is provided based on a sample of fresh specimen material. Mobula diabolus is a nomen ambiguum, never used to unambiguously designate any newly described species, and its use should be avoided. Considering the life-history traits that make these species particularly vulnerable to fishing pressure, current levels of exploitation in by-catch fisheries are unlikely to be sustainable, despite the fact that the trade in gill plates does not seem to be prevalent in this region. Critical knowledge gaps unfortunately still exist, crippling effective management and conservation actions. Copyright (c) 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
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| 12. |
- di Sciara, Giuseppe Notarbartolo, et al.
(author)
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Taxonomic status, biological notes, and conservation of the longhorned pygmy devil ray Mobula eregoodoo (Cantor, 1849)
- 2020
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In: Aquatic conservation. - : John Wiley & Sons. - 1052-7613 .- 1099-0755. ; 30:1, s. 104-122
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The longhorned pygmy devil ray Mobula eregoodoo (Cantor, 1849), formerly known as Mobula eregoodootenkee (Bleeker, 1859), is a small mobulid with a disc reaching a maximum width of 1.3 m, widely ranging in tropical and subtropical latitudes across the Indian Ocean, the Indo-Pacific region, and the western Pacific Ocean. A recently emerged opportunity to examine several (n = 47) M. eregoodoo specimens bycaught in bather protection gillnets off New South Wales, Australia, together with new information assembled from other areas of its range, now allows for a redescription of the species, which was incompletely described in the past because of a paucity of specimens. Based on the morphometric, morphological, ecological, and behavioural elements presented here, corroborated by recent genetic investigations, we argue that M. eregoodoo (Cantor, 1849) is a valid species, distinct from shorthorned pygmy devil ray Mobula kuhlii (Muller & Henle, 1841). These findings are contrary to a recent revision of Mobula, where it was assessed as a synonym of M. kuhlii. The accuracy of taxonomic assessments underpins the effectiveness of species conservation, particularly when direct exploitation or bycatch in various fisheries needs to be managed for sustainability. Failing to recognize that two similar-looking species are distinct, such as M. eregoodoo and M. kuhlii, creates uncertainties that could result in mismanagement and underestimating local and global threats of extinction.
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| 13. |
- Donadi, Serena, et al.
(author)
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Country-wide analysis of large wood as a driver of fish abundance in Swedish streams : Which species benefit and where?
- 2019
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In: Aquatic conservation. - : John Wiley & Sons. - 1052-7613 .- 1099-0755. ; 29:5, s. 706-716
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Rivers are heavily affected by human impacts that threaten many fish species. Among restoration measures, the addition of large wood (LW) in streams has been shown to increase fish abundance, yet which species benefit from LW, to what extent relative to other drivers, and which factors influence LW quantity is not clear, and these uncertainties limit our ability to use LW as an effective restoration measure. Here, a time series (from 1993 to 2016) of electrofishing data, including 3641 streams across Sweden, was used to investigate the beneficial effects of LW on the abundance of juvenile brown trout, Salmo trutta, juvenile Atlantic salmon, Salmo salar, and juvenile and adult sculpins, Cottus gobio and Cottus poecilopus, while accounting for other abiotic and biotic factors, and the drivers of LW abundance at a country-wide scale. Large wood benefitted brown trout, and the effects were greater with decreasing shaded stream surface. LW effects were comparable in magnitude to the positive effects of average annual air temperature and the negative effects of stream depth and predator abundance - factors where the influence was second only to the negative effects of stream width. LW did not benefit salmon abundance, which was correlated positively with stream width and negatively with altitude, nor did it benefit sculpin abundances, which mainly decreased with annual average air temperature and altitude. The quantity of LW strongly diminished with stream width, and, to a lesser extent, with stream depth, altitude, annual average air temperature, and forest age, whereas it increased with stream velocity, slope, and forest cover. The results suggest that LW can be used as an effective restoration tool for brown trout in shallow and narrow streams, especially in areas with little shade. Here, the addition of LW may help to alleviate the impacts of forest clearance and climate change.
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| 14. |
- Dudley, N., et al.
(author)
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Natural solutions for water management of the future : freshwater protected areas at the 6th World Parks Congress
- 2016
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In: Aquatic conservation. - : John Wiley and Sons Ltd. - 1052-7613 .- 1099-0755. ; 26, s. 121-132
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Freshwater biodiversity continues to decline. Protected areas are recognized as critical tools in its conservation. Concurrently, despite global efforts to ensure water supplies, billions of people remain without access to pure water. Conversely, flooding kills tens of thousands of people each year. While designated primarily for nature conservation, protected areas supply a range of other ecosystem services to human society. The natural infrastructure they protect should be seen as a key component of water security and improved conservation of ecosystems, and recognized and invested in as a critical tool for water provision and regulation in the landscape. At the 2014 World Parks Congress delegates identified actions needed to maximize the potential of protected areas to contribute to water services: iKnowledge and capacity building: strengthening technical expertise and capacity building with respect to the role of protected areas in water security. iiValuation: to drive positive change in protected area management. iiiPolicy frameworks: covering legal, institutional, economic and social factors that produce a good synergy between protected area management and water security. ivPricing policy: integrating all the information from valuation of the role of protected areas in terms of water supply, regulation and quality. vWater security: considering natural infrastructure as a key investment in addressing water related risks and a legitimate component of water security strategies. viPartnerships: strengthening these across sectors with a wider group of stakeholders to promote the conservation and management of freshwater ecosystems in protected areas. viiLearning lessons from successful water management: by identifying knowledge requirements for legal, institutional, economic and social factors that synergize protected area management and water security management. None of these steps is technically impossible. Providing the right mixture of policies, legislation, economic and social approaches remains the main challenge for their achievement. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
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| 15. |
- Geist, Juergen, et al.
(author)
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Captive breeding of European freshwater mussels as a conservation tool : A review
- 2023
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In: Aquatic conservation. - : John Wiley & Sons. - 1052-7613 .- 1099-0755. ; 33:11, s. 1321-1359
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Freshwater mussels are declining throughout their range. Their important ecological functions along with insufficient levels of natural recruitment have prompted captive breeding for population augmentation and questions about the usefulness and applicability of such measures. This article reviews the current state of captive breeding and rearing programmes for freshwater mussels in Europe. It considers the various species, strategies, and techniques of propagation, as well as the different levels of effort required according to rearing method, highlighting the key factors of success. Within the last 30 years, 46 breeding activities in 16 European countries have been reported, mainly of Margaritifera margaritifera and Unio crassus. Some facilities propagate species that are in a very critical situation, such as Pseudunio auricularius, Unio mancus, and Unio ravoisieri, or multiple species concurrently. In some streams, the number of released captive-bred mussels already exceeds the size of the remaining natural population. Rearing efforts range from highly intensive laboratory incubation to lower intensity methods using in-river mussel cages or silos. Most breeding efforts are funded by national and EU LIFE(+) grants, are well documented, and consider the genetic integrity of the propagated mussels. Limited long-term funding perspectives, the availability of experienced staff, water quality, and feeding/survival during early life stages are seen as the most important challenges. Successful captive breeding programmes need to be combined with restoration of the habitats into which the mussels are released. This work will benefit from an evidence-based approach, knowledge exchange among facilities, and an overall breeding strategy comprising multiple countries and conservation units.
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| 16. |
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| 17. |
- Kuiper, Jan J., 1987-
(author)
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A plea for more freshwater experts in IPBES
- 2023
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In: Aquatic conservation. - 1052-7613 .- 1099-0755. ; 33:6, s. 620-628
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Biodiversity loss occurs much faster in the world's freshwaters than in the terrestrial or marine realms, yet worries have been expressed that freshwater systems are not given the same priority as ‘land and oceans’ in global environmental governance.The Intergovernmental Science–Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES) is mandated to provide the knowledge basis supporting international environmental agreements such as the Convention on Biological Diversity. To a large extent, the work of IPBES is dependent on voluntary contributions by independent experts from across the world.Here, I present an overview of the various ways in which freshwater experts can contribute to IPBES, ultimately to strengthen the representation of freshwater ecosystems in global environmental governance.Avenues to contribute include participating in the development of IPBES assessment reports that are adopted by the 139 member states, engaging in the external review process of IPBES products, filling in knowledge gaps as identified by IPBES assessment reports to inform upcoming assessments, implementing IPBES outcomes and recommendations in practice, and actively engaging with plenary meetings of government delegations to influence decisions.Actively supporting governments worldwide in making evidence-based decisions can be intrinsically rewarding and offers several additional benefits. These benefits include the potential for enhanced professional reputation, given the authoritative nature of IPBES products; networking and collaboration opportunities with experts and stakeholders from around the world; and professional development through gaining experience in navigating the science–policy interface on biodiversity and ecosystem services.I conclude with a call to action.
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| 18. |
- Langhans, S. D., et al.
(author)
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Combining eight research areas to foster the uptake of ecosystem-based management in fresh waters
- 2019
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In: Aquatic conservation. - : Wiley. - 1052-7613 .- 1099-0755. ; 29:7, s. 1161-1173
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Freshwater ecosystems are under a constant risk of being irreversibly damaged by human pressures that threaten their biodiversity, the sustainability of ecosystem services (ESs), and human well-being. Despite the implementation of various environmental regulations, the challenges of safeguarding freshwater assets have so far not been tackled successfully. A promising way forward to stop the loss of freshwater biodiversity and to sustain freshwater-based ESs is by implementing ecosystem-based management (EBM), an environmental planning and adaptive management approach that jointly considers social and ecological needs. Responsible for considerable recent success in sustainably managing and conserving marine ecosystems, EBM has not yet been championed for fresh waters. A major reason for the delayed uptake of EBM in fresh waters is likely to be its complexity, requiring planners to be familiar with the latest developments in a range of different research areas. EBM would therefore benefit from becoming more tangible to receive attention on the ground. To facilitate uptake, eight core research areas for EBM and their innovations are introduced, and the way in which they feed into the workflow that guides the EBM planning stage is explained. The workflow links biodiversity distributions with ES supply-and-demand modelling and SMART (specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and timely) target planning, including scenario- and cross-realm perspectives, the prioritization of management alternatives, spatial prioritization of biodiversity conservation and ES areas, and the quantification of uncertainties. Given the extensive resources, time, and technical capacity required to implement the full workflow, a light and an ultralight version of the workflow are also provided. Applied in concert, the eight well-known research areas allow for better planning and operationalizing, and eventually for implementing EBM in freshwater ecosystems. EBM has great potential to increase public acceptance by introducing the consideration of human needs and aspirations into typically biodiversity-driven conservation and management approaches. This will ultimately improve the integrity of freshwater ecosystems.
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| 19. |
- McClanahan, Tim R., et al.
(author)
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Changes in northern Tanzania coral reefs during a period of increased fisheries management and climatic disturbance
- 2009
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In: Aquatic conservation. - : Wiley. - 1052-7613 .- 1099-0755. ; 19:7, s. 758-771
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- 1. Surveys of coral reefs in northern Tanzania were conducted in 2004/5 with the aim of comparing them over an∼8-year period during a time of increased efforts at fisheries management and the 1998 El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO) and Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD) coral mortality event that caused 45% mortality in northern Tanzania and much of the Indian Ocean. 2. Changes associated with both management, its absence, and the ENSO were found but changes were generally small and ecological measures indicated stability or improvements over this period, particularly when compared with reports from much of the northern Indian Ocean. 3. Fisheries management in two areas increased the biomass of fish and benthic communities. A small fisheries closure (0.3 km2) displayed little change in the coral community but ecological conditions declined as measured by sea urchins and fish abundances. This change may be associated with its small size because similar changes were not measured in the large closure (28 km2). 4. The few sites without any increased management were still degraded and one site had experienced a population explosion of a pest sea urchin, Echinometra mathaei. 5. The lack of significant changes across this disturbance indicates that these reefs are moderately resilient to climate change and, therefore, a high priority for future conservation actions.
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| 20. |
- Miler, Oliver, et al.
(author)
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An index of human alteration of lake shore morphology
- 2015
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In: Aquatic conservation. - : John Wiley & Sons. - 1052-7613 .- 1099-0755. ; 25:3, s. 353-364
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Morphological degradation constitutes one of the most severe threats to the ecological integrity of lakes. The development of biotic assessment methods for human lake shore alterations using littoral macroinvertebrates requires quantification of the degree of degradation by a stressor index and is complicated through simultaneous physical pressures that alter natural habitat structure. The Lake Habitat Survey (LHS) method and macroinvertebrate sampling were used to produce a pan-European dataset of morphological lake shore degradation and macroinvertebrate densities covering 51 lakes in seven countries and across four geographical regions – northern, western, southern and central Europe. Lake Habitat Survey parameters that differed significantly among three categories of morphological pressure were combined to develop the stressor index components ‘Number of habitats’, ‘Habitat diversity’, ‘Total percentage volume inhabited by macrophytes’, ‘Sum of macrophyte types’, ‘Sum of vegetation cover types’, ‘Sum of coarse woody debris/roots/overhanging vegetation’, ‘Pressure index’ (number of human disturbance sources) and ‘Natural/artificial dominant land cover type’. Stressor index components were tested for cross-correlations and for differences among pressure levels. The final composition of the stressor index was optimized for the four studied geographical regions in Europe. The resulting stressor index correlated more strongly with macroinvertebrate metrics than simpler site-specific LHS parameters or the HabQA index developed previously in one lake in north-western Europe. The stressor index developed provides deeper insight into the morphological pressures that affect littoral invertebrate communities. The results also support the use of LHS to quantify morphological stressors at sampling site level, which can ease developing other multimetric bioassessment methods. The stressor index offers the possibility for wide and regional specific application to assess hydromorphological pressures on lakes to assist conservation planning and management and further global efforts to develop and test biotic assessment methods for lakes.
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| 21. |
- Mvungi, Esther F., et al.
(author)
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Photosynthetic performance, epiphyte biomass and nutrient content of two seagrass species in two areas with different level of nutrients along the Dar es Salaam coast
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In: Aquatic conservation. - 1052-7613 .- 1099-0755.
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Heavy nutrient loads in coastal waters often lead to excessive growth of micro- and macroalgal epiphytes on seagrass leaves, with varying effects on the underlying seagrasses. This study evaluates the photosynthetic performance, epiphytic biomass, and tissue nutrient content of two common tropical seagrasses, Cymodocea serrulata and Thalassia hemprichii, in two intertidal areas along the Dar es Salaam coast in the Indian ocean; Ocean Road (near the city centre, nutrient-rich) and Mjimwema (south of the centre, nutrient-poor). Epiphyte biomass was significantly higher at the nutrient-rich site, and epiphytes were associated with reduced photosynthetic performance in both seagrass species at both sites. Likewise, nitrogen and phosphorus tissue content was higher in both species at the nutrient-rich site than at the nutrient-poor site, further illustrating the documented difference in nutrients between the two areas. Epiphytic species composition on the seagrass leaves varied between seagrass species and between sites. Cymodocea serrulata had a higher number of epiphytic species at Mjimwema than at Ocean Road, while Thalassia hemprichii had more epiphytic species at Ocean Road than at Mjimwema. Our results indicate that seagrass photosynthetic performance, epiphytic biomass and nutrient content of the seagrass are influenced by nutrient gradients in the water.
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| 22. |
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| 23. |
- Nordahl, Oscar, et al.
(author)
-
Genetic differentiation between and within ecotypes of pike (Esox lucius) in the Baltic Sea
- 2019
-
In: Aquatic conservation. - : John Wiley & Sons. - 1052-7613 .- 1099-0755. ; 29:11, s. 1923-1935
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Aquatic systems often lack physical boundaries for gene flow, but ecological and behavioural barriers can form surprisingly fine spatial scale genetic patterns that challenge traditional, large scale management. To detect fine spatial scale structures, understand sources of intraspecific diversity, and design appropriate management plans requires identification of reproductively isolated units. This study reports on genetic differentiation in pike (Esox lucius) within a coastal area stretching 55 km from south to north in the central Baltic Sea. Pike is here an economically and ecologically important top predator that has declined in abundance. However, population structures have mostly been studied on large spatial scales, and without considering the potential for genetic divergence between the sympatric anadromous fresh water and the resident brackish water spawning ecotypes. To this end, 487 individuals from the east coast of Sweden and the island of oland, representing sympatric anadromous and resident spawning individuals, categorized to ecotype based on spawning location or otolith microchemistry, were genotyped for 10 microsatellites and used to test for divergence between ecotypes. Furthermore, divergence between regions (island/mainland), neighbouring spawning locations (n = 13) and isolation by distance within and between regions were evaluated for the anadromous ecotype. The results revealed strong genetic differences between regions, between spawning locations separated by as little as 5 km and the first evidence of genetic differentiation between resident and anadromous ecotypes; despite a high dispersal capacity of pike and a high connectivity within the study area. The signatures of isolation by distance indicated that connectivity among populations differed between regions, probably reflecting availability of spawning habitats. To safeguard against the challenges and uncertainties associated with environmental change, adaptive conservation management should aim to promote high intra-population functional genetic diversity without compromising the continued integrity and coexistence of the different ecotypes and of locally adapted sub-populations.
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| 24. |
- Orfao, Ines, et al.
(author)
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Searching for the critically endangered European eel in oceanic islands : A pioneer study in the freshwater systems of Madeira, Macaronesia
- 2024
-
In: Aquatic conservation. - : John Wiley & Sons. - 1052-7613 .- 1099-0755. ; 34:2
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The globally threatened European eel (Anguilla anguilla) is the only freshwater fish native to Macaronesia. Despite being a keystone species to freshwater habitats, little is known about its population, environmental associations and conservation requirements in oceanic islands. The density and geographical-related factors influencing the distribution of A. anguilla in the subtropical Archipelago of Madeira (Portugal) were examined. Data on the species occurrence was initially collected using an online survey addressed to citizens. Eels were then sampled through electrofishing in 31 sampling sites along 11 streams on Madeira Island, and eel-habitat associations were investigated using LMMs and GLMMs. One stream was also sampled in Porto Santo Island. The presence of A. anguilla was confirmed in the two islands of the archipelago with streams (Madeira and Porto Santo). Eels are distributed throughout Madeira Island, being more abundant - particularly small size individual- at lower altitudes (mostly below 150 m). The number of weirs was an important predictor of eel density, suggesting that these flood-control structures limit their upstream migration. This study represents a pioneer sampling effort of the European eel in Madeira and results provide much-needed baseline information on the species distribution and related environmental factors in oceanic islands. While most eel research has historically focused on mainland habitats where dams pose a significant threat to eel habitats, our study underscores the critical importance of addressing smaller, often overlooked barriers that may also cause habitat fragmentation. The European eel is a panmictic species, thus, the conservation of the Macaronesian subpopulations can have substantial benefits for its global recovery. A comprehensive investigation of the impact of man-made obstacles on eel habitat is still needed. Similarly, other common threats such as interactions with non-indigenous species and infection by Anguillicola crassus should be a research priority in future studies.
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| 25. |
- Oyanedel, Rodrigo, et al.
(author)
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Establishing marine protected areas through bottom-up processes : insights from two contrasting initiatives in Chile
- 2016
-
In: Aquatic conservation. - : Wiley. - 1052-7613 .- 1099-0755. ; 26:1, s. 184-195
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- 1. Bottom-up participatory processes to create and manage no-take marine protected areas have been proposedas a way to scale-up marine conservation and deal with the lack of support and compliance of top-downconservation approaches. However, bottom-up conservation does not always lead to positive outcomes, thus itis increasingly important to understand the conditions that determine the establishment and implementation ofthese initiatives.2. Establishment and implementation processes were compared empirically for two contrasting bottom-upno-take marine protected areas that have been developing under the same political setting, however, one has beensuccessful and the other has stalled.3. Using mixed methods, stakeholders’ (a) motivations to participate in the no-take marine protected areainitiatives, (b) communication, support and information flow networks, (c) perceived participation, and(d) satisfaction with the establishment process of the bottom-up no-take marine protected areas, were assessed.4. Non-significant differences were found between the two initiatives in terms of stakeholders’ motivations tocreate a no-take marine protected area.5. Significant differences were found in stakeholders’ communication, support and information flow networks,in addition to differences in participation, and satisfaction with the establishment and implementation process.6. Results highlight that for the implementation and consolidation of bottom-up no-take marine protected areasinitiatives, common interests do not necessarily lead to common action, partnerships will not emerge automaticallyin response to potential benefits.7. Understanding disparities in participation, information sharing and communication are key aspects which must beconsidered for creating and supporting successful marine protected areas based on bottom-up participatory processes.
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| 26. |
- Pirotta, Vanessa, et al.
(author)
-
First evidence of bubble-net feeding and the formation of ‘super-groups’ by the east Australian population of humpback whales during their southward migration
- 2021
-
In: Aquatic conservation. - : Wiley. - 1052-7613 .- 1099-0755. ; , s. 1-8
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The recovery of overexploited populations is likely to reveal behaviours that may have been present prior to harvest but are only now reappearing as the population size increases. The east Australian humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae) population (group V, stock E1) has recovered well from past exploitation and is now estimated to be close to the pre-whaling population size.Humpback whales were thought to follow a ‘feast and famine’ model historically, feeding intensively in high-latitude feeding grounds and then fasting while migrating and in calving grounds; however, there is growing evidence that animals may feed outside of known foraging grounds.This short article reports on the first photographically documented evidence of bubble-net feeding by humpback whales in Australian coastal waters (n = 10 groups observed) and provides the first evidence of a second site in the southern hemisphere for the formation of ‘super-groups’ (n = 6 super-groups at discrete locations).The formation of super-groups may be linked to changes in the type or density of prey available, either along the migratory route or in the feeding grounds of the previous summer. It is also possible that the increased population size following recovery make large group sizes while feeding more common. These findings strongly support evidence that feeding behaviour is not restricted to high-latitude foraging grounds in the Southern Ocean, and that prey consumption prior to leaving the coastal waters of Australia may be a significant component of the migratory ecology of this population.Understanding how environmental variation influences the extent to which humpback whales depend on foraging opportunities along their migratory route, and where feeding occurs, will help to predict how future changes in the ocean will influence whale populations. This will also allow for more effective management measures to reduce the impact of threats during this important period of energy consumption.
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| 27. |
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| 28. |
- Sandin, Leonard
(author)
-
Littoral macroinvertebrates as indicators of lake acidification within the UK
- 2010
-
In: Aquatic Conservation: Marine and Freshwater Ecosystems. - : Wiley. - 1052-7613 .- 1099-0755. ; 20, s. S105-S116
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- 1. The Water Framework Directive (WFD) requires the assessment of acidification in sensitive water bodies. Chemical and littoral macroinvertebrate samples were collected to assess acidification of clear and humic lakes in the UK.2. Of three acid-sensitive metrics that were regressed against acid neutralizing capacity (ANC) and pH, highly significant responses were detected using the Lake Acidification Macroinvertebrate Metric (LAMM). This metric was used to assign high, good, moderate, poor and bad status classes, as required by the WFD.3. In clear-water lakes, macroinvertebrate changes with increasing acidification did not indicate any discontinuities, so a chemical model was used to define boundaries. In humic lakes, biological data were able to indicate a distinct, good moderate boundary between classes.4. Humic lakes had significantly lower pH than clear lakes in the same class, not only at the good moderate boundary where different methods were used to set boundaries, but also at the high good boundary, where the same chemical modelling was used for both lake types. These findings support the hypothesis that toxic effects are reduced on waters rich in dissolved organic carbon (DOC).5. A typology is needed that splits humic and clear lakes to avoid naturally acidic lakes from being inappropriately labelled as acidified.6. Validation using data from independent lakes demonstrated that the LAMM is transportable, with predicted environmental quality ratios (EQRs) derived from mean observed ANC, accurately reflecting the observed EQR and final status class.7. Detecting and quantifying acidification is important for conservation, in the context of appropriate restoration, for example, by ensuring that naturally acid lakes are not treated as anthropogenically acidified. Copyright (C) 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and Crown Copyright 2009
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| 29. |
- Sayer, Carl D., et al.
(author)
-
The application of palaeolimnology to evidence-based lake management and conservation: examples from UK lakes
- 2012
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In: Aquatic conservation. - : John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. - 1052-7613 .- 1099-0755. ; 22:2, s. 165-180
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- * To help meet the requirements of water legislation, palaeolimnology has been widely used to establish ‘reference conditions’ and restoration targets for lakes. However, its potential for assessing the necessity and appropriateness of different lake management activities has been less publicized. * With reference to selected case studies covering consultancy projects commissioned by UK conservation agencies, this study highlights the important applied role of palaeolimnology. Using varying combinations of diatom, plant macrofossil and cladoceran analysis, the degree, timing and in many cases the likely drivers of ecological change were inferred for several lake sites. * From this basis advice was given on a range of lake management issues, including the need for sediment removal to combat eutrophication and/or the necessity of other nutrient reduction measures (Case study 1), the depth of sediment to be removed to maximize restoration potential through exposure of dormant banks of characean oospores (Case study 2), the requirement for fish management (Case study 3), and advice regarding fish farm expansion and licensing (Case study 4). Where possible management responses to the recommendations are outlined including any major outcomes. * All case studies illustrate the advantages, for lake management and conservation decision-making, of placing current lake ecological conditions in the context of long-term change. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
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| 30. |
- Schneider, Lea Dominique, et al.
(author)
-
Local adaptation studies and conservation: Parasite-host interactions between the endangered freshwater mussel Unio crassus and its host fish
- 2017
-
In: Aquatic Conservation-Marine and Freshwater Ecosystems. - : Wiley. - 1052-7613 .- 1099-0755. ; 27:6, s. 1261-1269
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Parasite-host interactions can involve strong reciprocal selection pressure, and may lead to locally adapted specializations. The highly threatened unionoid mussels are temporary parasites on fish, but local adaptation has not yet been investigated for many species. Patterns of local adaptation of one of Europe's most threatened unionoids, the thick-shelled river mussel (Unio crassus) were investigated. Eurasian minnows (Phoxinus phoxinus) from two rivers (separate drainage areas) were cross-infested in the laboratory with sympatric and allopatric mussel larvae, while bullheads (Cottus gobio), inhabiting only one of the rivers, were infested with sympatric or allopatric mussel larvae. Larval encystment, juvenile mussel excystment and survival were measured. For one river, but not the other, juvenile excystment from P. phoxinus was highest when infested with sympatric mussels. The opposite pattern was found for C. gobio in this river, where juvenile excystment and post-parasitic juvenile survival from allopatric C. gobio were highest. The results thus cannot confirm local adaptation of U. crassus to P. phoxinus in the study rivers, as excystment was not consistently higher in all sympatric mussel-host combinations, whereas there were potential maladaptive signs of U. crassus in relation to C. gobio. There was no loss of encysted larvae 3 days after infestation until juvenile excystment. Most juveniles were excysted between 17 and 29 days after infestation, and the numbers of excysted juveniles increased with fish size. The results have implications for parasite-host ecology and conservation management with regard to unionoid propagation and re-introduction. This includes the need to (1) test suitability and adaptation patterns between U. crassus and multiple host fish species, (2) evaluate the suitability of certain unionoids and host fish strains after more than 3 days, and (3) determine whether large fish produce more juvenile mussels than smaller fish.
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| 31. |
- Tamario, Carl, et al.
(author)
-
Coastal river connectivity and the distribution of ascending juvenile European eel (Anguilla anguilla L.) : Implications for conservation strategies regarding fish-passage solutions
- 2019
-
In: Aquatic conservation. - : John Wiley & Sons. - 1052-7613 .- 1099-0755. ; 29:4, s. 612-622
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Many diadromous fish populations are declining and at risk of collapse. Lack of river connectivity is a major contributor to these declines, as free migration routes between marine and freshwater habitats are crucial for life-history completion. For the conservation and ultimately recovery of such species, it is imperative that remedial measures aimed at increasing connectivity are effective. This study investigated the distribution patterns of ascending juvenile European eel (Anguilla anguilla L.) in rivers in south-western Sweden, with a focus on the effects of barriers and measures that aim to reduce the impact of barriers, i.e. fish-passage solutions (FPSs). Eel occurrence data were spatially and temporally integrated with the national databases of dams and FPSs in a Geographic Information System (GIS) environment to evaluate their effect on ascending eel distribution. The types of barriers assessed were: (i) dams with nature-like fishways; (ii) dams with eel ramps; (iii) dams with technical fishways; and (iv) dams without FPSs. Dams fitted with eel ramps or technical fishways, as well as dams without FPSs, produced a significant negative effect on the probability of eel occurrence upstream. This negative effect was not found for dams fitted with nature-like fishways, indicating that these solutions may function better than the other FPS types in this study. The probability of eel occurrence decreased with distance from the sea and increased with area sampled, number of electrofishing runs, water temperature, and with the size of the bottom substrate. We suggest that future conservation strategies for improving the natural immigration of juvenile eels should include optimizing FPS function (e.g. placement and design), the continued maintenance of FPSs, the construction of nature-like fishways, and preferably the removal of dams, which will also benefit the downstream migration of maturing eels as well as restoring other ecosystem services.
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| 32. |
- Trigal, Cristina
(author)
-
Habitat selection and sampling design for ecological assessment of heterogeneous ponds using macroinvertebrates
- 2009
-
In: Aquatic Conservation: Marine and Freshwater Ecosystems. - : Wiley. - 1052-7613 .- 1099-0755. ; 19, s. 786-796
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- 1. Habitat heterogeneity has many implications in ecological assessment studies. On one hand it provides varying niches for organisms, increasing diversity. On the other hand, the inherent spatial variability of structurally complex systems may overlap with ecological condition making it difficult to disentangle the effects of perturbation. This study investigated the combined and single effects of habitat and pond condition on the macroinvertebrate assemblages of 35 ponds located in north-west Spain and spanning a range of water quality and habitat characteristics. 2. Macroinvertebrate communities and several environmental variables were sampled in the summer of 2004 or 2003. Samples were collected from four dominant habitats (vegetated shores, shores without vegetation, submerged vegetation, bare sediments) following a time-limited sampling. Non-metric multidimensional scaling and two-way crossed ANOSIM were used to investigate the taxonomic and functional differences in macroinvertebrate assemblage structure among habitats (four types) and pond conditions (optimal, good, moderate, poor, very poor). To investigate the individual and combined effects of pond condition and habitat on several diversity measures GLM models were used. In addition, the accuracy of two sampling designs — stratified and multihabitat — was compared using the CVs of seven macroinvertebrate attributes. 3. Results showed that macroinvertebrate communities differed significantly, albeit weakly, among habitat types and pond condition categories. In particular, the abundance of several Chironomidae genera, rarefied richness and Shannon index decreased both in perturbed systems and bare sediments, whereas no marked differences occurred between shores and submerged vegetation. 4. We suggest that a multihabitat approach together with the use of community attributes not (or slightly) affected by habitat type will provide more comparable results across ponds than a stratified approach or observation of the whole community, especially in ponds where degradation leads to habitat loss.
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| 33. |
- Vought, Lena B. M., et al.
(author)
-
Effect of riparian structure, temperature and channel morphometry on detritus processing in channelized and natural woodland streams in southern Sweden
- 1998
-
In: Aquatic conservation. - 1052-7613 .- 1099-0755. ; 8:2, s. 273-285
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- 1. Ten south Swedish streams were selected to represent two distinct types—natural woodland streams and channelized streams. Measurements were made on leaching, decomposition and microbial respiration of the dominant riparian vegetation (European Black Alder), structure of the benthic macroinvertebrate community, macroinvertebrates inhabiting leaf material, channel morphometry, macrophyte composition, water chemistry and total accumulated degree days.2. Leaf decomposition rates were not significantly different when channelized streams were compared with natural woodland streams. In channelized streams the average decomposition rate was −0.0556±0.0337 (±S.D.) day−1 compared with −0.0457±0.0115 day−1 in natural woodland streams.3. There was significantly higher variation in leaf decomposition among the five channelized streams compared with the five natural streams (F–test, p<0.05). This was mainly due to extremely high decomposition rates in channelized streams colonized by emergent macrophytes.4. Alder decomposition rates were low in channelized streams without macrophytes (−0.0053 °day−1), intermediate in natural streams (−0.0087 °day−1), and high in channelized streams with macrophytes (−0.0136 °day−1).5. The shredder functional group ranged from 13 to 70% of the benthic community in the natural streams. Channelized streams had a more variable shredder population ranging from 0.5 to 80%. The highest values were found in channelized streams that had become colonized by macrophytes.6. There was a significant difference in total accumulated degree days between the channelized (256 °day) and natural woodland streams (209 °day). This is most likely an effect of drainage tiles contributing warmer groundwater to the channelized streams during fall.7. It is concluded that, contrary to the prevailing conceptual model of stream systems, decomposition rates and macroinvertebrate functions are not necessarily reduced in streams without riparian vegetation. The loss of the riparian canopy can stimulate emergent macrophytes which will provide autochthonous detritus for benthic communities. This will change benthic community structure and the life cycle strategies present.
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| 34. |
- Wennerström, Lovisa, et al.
(author)
-
Baltic Sea genetic biodiversity : Current knowledge relating to conservation management
- 2017
-
In: Aquatic conservation. - : Wiley. - 1052-7613 .- 1099-0755. ; 27:6, s. 1069-1090
-
Research review (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The Baltic Sea has a rare type of brackish water environment which harbours unique genetic lineages of many species. The area is highly influenced by anthropogenic activities and is affected by eutrophication, climate change, habitat modifications, fishing and stocking. Effective genetic management of species in the Baltic Sea is highly warranted in order to maximize their potential for survival, but shortcomings in this respect have been documented. Lack of knowledge is one reason managers give for why they do not regard genetic diversity in management. Here, the current knowledge of population genetic patterns of species in the Baltic Sea is reviewed and summarized with special focus on how the information can be used in management. The extent to which marine protected areas (MPAs) protect genetic diversity is also investigated in a case study of four key species. Sixty-one species have been studied genetically in the Baltic Sea, but comprehensive genetic information exists for only seven of them. Genetic monitoring shows genetic stability in some species but fluctuations and genetic changes in others. About half of the scientific studies published during the last 6years provide conservation advice, indicating a high interest in the scientific community for relating results to practical management. Populations in MPAs do not differ genetically from populations outside MPAs, indicating that MPAs in the Baltic Sea do not protect genetic diversity specifically, but that populations in MPAs are a representative subset of populations in the Baltic Sea. Recommendations are provided for cases where genetic information is available but not used in management, particularly for non-commercial species with important ecosystem function. Improved channels for effective communication between academia and practical management on Baltic Sea genetic biodiversity are needed. A web page that can be used for knowledge transfer is highlighted here.
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| 35. |
- Österling, Martin, 1970-, et al.
(author)
-
Demonstrating the practical impact of studies on biotic interactions and adaptation of a threatened unionoid mussel (Margaritifera margaritifera) to its host fish (Salmo trutta)
- 2020
-
In: Aquatic conservation. - : John Wiley & Sons. - 1052-7613 .- 1099-0755. ; 30:9, s. 1803-1808
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- To understand the ecological factors behind the decline of functionally important threatened species with complex life cycles, many different life-cycle stages need to be investigated. The highly threatened unionoid freshwater mussels, with their complex life cycle, including a parasitic stage on host fish, often have a large influence on biodiversity and ecosystem functioning. The overall aim of the present article is to summarize and discuss the impact of two articles published inAquatic Conservation: Marine and Freshwater Ecosystems(AQC) on biotic interactions and adaptation of a threatened unionoid mussel (Margaritifera margaritifera) to its host fish (Salmo trutta). The twoAQCpublications described research on the influence of population size and density of mussels and host fish, and host-parasite interactions between mussels and their host fish, on the recruitment of juvenile mussels. The results from these publications filled gaps in knowledge and resulted in recommendations and incentives for conservation. The results and method development have been used in practical conservation work with threatened mussel species and have been implemented and cited in management handbooks. The outcome of the publications has been implemented in large conservation and restoration projects, and in several recent scientific publications. Specifically, the results from one publication showed that ecological parameters such as mussel and host fish density and population size influenced recruitment of the threatened freshwater pearl mussel. The results from the second publication showed that understanding host-parasite interactions is important for comparing the suitability of host fish strains, and that host fish strains differ in their suitability for mussel infestations. In combination, the articles show that integrating ecological parameters of threatened mussels and their host fish with host-parasite interaction experiments can be an important influence on conservation recommendations, adaptive management and national management programmes for threatened species.
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| 36. |
- Österling, Martin, 1970-, et al.
(author)
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Impact of origin and condition of host fish (Salmo trutta) on parasitic larvae of Margaritifera margaritifera
- 2013
-
In: Aquatic conservation. - : John Wiley & Sons. - 1052-7613 .- 1099-0755. ; 23:4, s. 564-570
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Encystment abundance differed between the brown trout strains shortly after encapsulation. Encystment abundance then decreased at different rates and resulted in a changed relationship in encystment abundance between the brown trout strains when the experiment was terminated. One of the allopatric brown trout strains had higher encystment abundance than the other brown trout strains.The larvae grew at different rates, and the allopatric brown trout strain with the highest encystment abundance had the largest larvae at the end of the experiment. There was a significant positive relationship between the mean condition factor and shell length of the brown trout strains.The experiment showed that the potential numbers of juvenile mussels may be restricted at the parasitic life-stage on sympatric brown trout strains. Innate differences in energy resources and immune defence between brown trout strains may be important for parasitic growth, because the condition factor of brown trout strains may be positively related to energy resources for the larvae, and negatively related to host fish immune defence.The present experiment showed that it may be important to investigate and manage unionid mussels' parasitic larval stage on host fish. Infestation experiments, like the one presented here, may inform managers if the parasitic stage is functioning properly. They can also evaluate host fish strains used for introductions in streams where natural fish strains have disappeared, but mussels persist. Such experiments have applications in breeding programmes for mussels, as this is an increasing management measure in threatened mussel populations.
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