1) The study sequenced the COI gene of 321 fish specimens from the South China Sea, identifying 122 species and 1 genus. Intraspecific genetic divergence averaged 0.319% while interspecific divergence between congeneric species was 15.742%, around 50 times higher.
2) Hybridization was detected between Pampus argentenus and P. cinereus. Introgression can cause phylogenic paraphyly.
3) Factors like biological mechanisms, water currents, and lack of gene flow may contribute to fluctuations in intraspecific divergence, particularly in minitypical coastal species. DNA barcoding can help discover new species and biodiversity.
1) The structure of microbial communities is influenced by both historical legacies like glacial till composition and contemporary environmental conditions.
2) Microbial function is primarily driven by soil characteristics rather than community structure, indicating some functional redundancy.
3) A study in the Antarctic Dry Valleys found that both glacial till and wet/dry site classifications significantly contributed to differences in microbial community structure, but only soil properties influenced functional enzyme activity levels.
Exploring Different Techniques in Animal Behavior by Josh RieskampBrown Fellows Program
My enrichment project for the summer of 2012 involved two research projects that employed distinct techniques in animal behavior research. On the island of Ometepe, Nicaragua I designed and implemented a study in which I used field research methods to examine the effect of male Howler Monkey affiliations on subordinate male participation in howling displays. After returning to the states, I collaborated with Dr. Cusato on a research project at Centre College. In this study we utilized a conditioned place preference (CPP) paradigm to test the reinforcing properties of a species-specific vocalization, the male separation call, on male and female Japanese quail. Through my exposure to both field and laboratory methods in animal behavior, I acquired an appreciation for the advantages and disadvantages of each discipline and the necessity of conducting both types of research to gain a more holistic understanding of many essential questions in animal behavior.
1. Several studies examined soil micro-arthropods as indicators of environmental conditions. Abundance and diversity of mites and springtails decreased with increasing forest fire severity and pollution levels.
2. Leg deformities in oribatid mites increased with heavy metal pollution from a smelter. Some mite species were less abundant in polluted areas while others thrived.
3. In urban parks, springtail species richness and abundance decreased with increasing pollution. One species dominated the most contaminated site.
4. Application of the pesticide dimethoate reduced soil micro-arthropod populations by 59-69% compared to controls. Declines were greatest where dimethoate and metabol
Restoration of a salt marsh in Boston impacted macroinvertebrate communities. Diversity and evenness indices showed differences between the restored, impacted, and dredge spoils treatments. While the restored site had lower diversity, the community composition matched natural salt marshes, indicating successful restoration. Analysis of carbon and nitrogen content found the restored site separated trophically from the other treatments. The restored site developed a specialized feeding system with potential marine inputs, showing restoration created distinct macroinvertebrate communities.
1) The study sequenced the COI gene of 321 fish specimens from the South China Sea, identifying 122 species and 1 genus. Intraspecific genetic divergence averaged 0.319% while interspecific divergence between congeneric species was 15.742%, around 50 times higher.
2) Hybridization was detected between Pampus argentenus and P. cinereus. Introgression can cause phylogenic paraphyly.
3) Factors like biological mechanisms, water currents, and lack of gene flow may contribute to fluctuations in intraspecific divergence, particularly in minitypical coastal species. DNA barcoding can help discover new species and biodiversity.
1) The structure of microbial communities is influenced by both historical legacies like glacial till composition and contemporary environmental conditions.
2) Microbial function is primarily driven by soil characteristics rather than community structure, indicating some functional redundancy.
3) A study in the Antarctic Dry Valleys found that both glacial till and wet/dry site classifications significantly contributed to differences in microbial community structure, but only soil properties influenced functional enzyme activity levels.
Exploring Different Techniques in Animal Behavior by Josh RieskampBrown Fellows Program
My enrichment project for the summer of 2012 involved two research projects that employed distinct techniques in animal behavior research. On the island of Ometepe, Nicaragua I designed and implemented a study in which I used field research methods to examine the effect of male Howler Monkey affiliations on subordinate male participation in howling displays. After returning to the states, I collaborated with Dr. Cusato on a research project at Centre College. In this study we utilized a conditioned place preference (CPP) paradigm to test the reinforcing properties of a species-specific vocalization, the male separation call, on male and female Japanese quail. Through my exposure to both field and laboratory methods in animal behavior, I acquired an appreciation for the advantages and disadvantages of each discipline and the necessity of conducting both types of research to gain a more holistic understanding of many essential questions in animal behavior.
1. Several studies examined soil micro-arthropods as indicators of environmental conditions. Abundance and diversity of mites and springtails decreased with increasing forest fire severity and pollution levels.
2. Leg deformities in oribatid mites increased with heavy metal pollution from a smelter. Some mite species were less abundant in polluted areas while others thrived.
3. In urban parks, springtail species richness and abundance decreased with increasing pollution. One species dominated the most contaminated site.
4. Application of the pesticide dimethoate reduced soil micro-arthropod populations by 59-69% compared to controls. Declines were greatest where dimethoate and metabol
Restoration of a salt marsh in Boston impacted macroinvertebrate communities. Diversity and evenness indices showed differences between the restored, impacted, and dredge spoils treatments. While the restored site had lower diversity, the community composition matched natural salt marshes, indicating successful restoration. Analysis of carbon and nitrogen content found the restored site separated trophically from the other treatments. The restored site developed a specialized feeding system with potential marine inputs, showing restoration created distinct macroinvertebrate communities.
This document discusses two significant first experiences in the author's life: the death of his grandfather and his first night in the dorms at college. His grandfather's unexpected death from kidney failure and diabetes shook his family and left the author feeling like part of him was "washed away" as they had a very close relationship. However, it also gave him the ambition to be the strongest in his family. His first night in the dorm was eventful, as a bat flew into his room through an open window, freaking him out. Despite this, he sees his first night of college as a positive experience that began his time reaping the benefits of college. Overall, these two impactful firsts have helped shape the author
Prajapati Prasai Foundation has announced the names of various personalities to be awarded with this year’s (Prajapati) PP Prasai best teacher’s prize.
Thomas Ouma is seeking a management position utilizing his skills and education. He has a B.com in Management Science from Chuka University and is expected to graduate in 2015. He has work experience as an untrained assistant bursar and laboratory assistant at secondary schools from 2010-2012 where he gained skills in time management, accountability, and stock keeping. His extracurricular activities include leadership roles in student organizations at Chuka University from 2013-2014. He has also received training in peer counseling, disability mainstreaming, and is an adaptable team player with interests in volleyball and singing.
The Cumbrian Lakes Research Forum 2018 was a one-day workshop held at Lancaster Environment Centre on October 9, 2018. The purpose was to highlight current lake research that could help inform evidence-based management of the lakes. The day included nine 10-minute talks on topics such as long-term trends in the upland waters monitoring network, climate change impacts on lakes, and catchment restoration projects. Group discussions focused on developing ideas for educational films about freshwater conservation.
The Welland Sea Trout Project aims to restore the sea trout run between the Wash, Stamford, and the River Gwash via the Maxey Cut flood relief channel. The project has removed barriers to fish movement, managed and enhanced habitat, and tackled water quality and quantity issues. Monitoring indicates the sea trout run has been restored, as stable isotope analysis of trout scales has shown some trout have spent time in salt water. Future projects continue work on the Maxey Cut and River Gwash to further improve habitat and fish passage.
The document discusses the Environment Agency's policies for stocking trout, grayling, and coarse fish. The main difference between policies for coarse fish versus salmonids is that trout populations evolved in isolation after the last ice age and developed unique genetic traits, while coarse fish evolved into distinct species. Stocking farmed trout risks losing their survival traits, so policies allow only sterile triploid trout. In contrast, coarse fish like bream and dace sorted into species with different habitat preferences, so fertile fish can be stocked. Grayling policies also aim to maintain distinct river basin strains. Stocking is one fishery management tool used to ensure sustainable fisheries now and in the future.
Tree Works: Lessons Learned discusses outcomes from a workshop about tree works carried out along the River Aire. The workshop identified issues with tight deadlines rushing internal consultation, timely stakeholder liaison, gathering local information, and consistent survey work. Actions have been put in place to address these issues, including appointing a biodiversity officer to improve collaboration between teams and utilizing relationships to consider other projects/information before works. Specialist training will also be provided and an engagement assessment form developed to anticipate engagement needs case by case. Some early improvements have already been realized through early stakeholder engagement and planned mitigation works.
The document outlines the schedule and activities for a workshop taking place from Monday to Friday. On Monday, there will be an introduction in the morning followed by several presentations on applying stable isotopes in different fields such as hydrology, paleoecology, and botany. In the afternoon, more presentations are scheduled on topics like limnology and animal ecology. Tuesday and Wednesday involve lab work in groups and computer exercises on mixing models. Thursday will consist of further data analysis and lab work before the workshop concludes on Friday with farewell presentations and a party.
This document announces a seminar on lower river and inshore acoustic tracking programs and technologies that will be held on February 12, 2016 at the Banchory Lodge Hotel in Aberdeenshire. The seminar will feature presentations from various groups on their recent work tracking Atlantic salmon smolts and kelts as well as advances in acoustic telemetry technology. Attendees can register for the seminar for £20 and stay overnight at the hotel for £90 including dinner and breakfast.
This document summarizes the latest news from the Freshwater Biological Association (FBA). It discusses that the FBA welcomed a volunteer placement student and is offering a full-time placement opportunity on their Pearl Mussel Ark Project. It also mentions that the FBA and partners helped restore a stretch of the River Esk as part of a mussel restoration project. Finally, it provides summaries of various freshwater-related scientific articles and studies.
Volunteers are wanted to help remove invasive Himalayan Balsam plants from rivers on various dates in July. The volunteer events will take place at different locations around Forrest Hills and Lancaster between 10:30am-12:30pm or 10:30am-15:30pm. Volunteers should wear long sleeves, trousers and sturdy footwear and gloves will be provided. To sign up or for more information, contact Louisa.
WTT's Conservation Awards, supported by Thames Water and the River Restoration Centre, seek to recognise and encourage excellence in wild trout habitat management and conservation and celebrate the efforts, ingenuity and imagination of all those involved.
The document summarizes upcoming courses being offered by the Freshwater Biological Association (FBA), including a two-day course on identifying chironomid midge pupae to assess water quality. It also provides brief summaries of recent research articles covering topics like female sticklebacks preparing offspring for climate change, lawsuits to protect endangered freshwater fish species, and the potential of swamps to store large amounts of carbon. The bulletin aims to keep readers informed of current freshwater issues and research involving the FBA.
This document discusses two significant first experiences in the author's life: the death of his grandfather and his first night in the dorms at college. His grandfather's unexpected death from kidney failure and diabetes shook his family and left the author feeling like part of him was "washed away" as they had a very close relationship. However, it also gave him the ambition to be the strongest in his family. His first night in the dorm was eventful, as a bat flew into his room through an open window, freaking him out. Despite this, he sees his first night of college as a positive experience that began his time reaping the benefits of college. Overall, these two impactful firsts have helped shape the author
Prajapati Prasai Foundation has announced the names of various personalities to be awarded with this year’s (Prajapati) PP Prasai best teacher’s prize.
Thomas Ouma is seeking a management position utilizing his skills and education. He has a B.com in Management Science from Chuka University and is expected to graduate in 2015. He has work experience as an untrained assistant bursar and laboratory assistant at secondary schools from 2010-2012 where he gained skills in time management, accountability, and stock keeping. His extracurricular activities include leadership roles in student organizations at Chuka University from 2013-2014. He has also received training in peer counseling, disability mainstreaming, and is an adaptable team player with interests in volleyball and singing.
The Cumbrian Lakes Research Forum 2018 was a one-day workshop held at Lancaster Environment Centre on October 9, 2018. The purpose was to highlight current lake research that could help inform evidence-based management of the lakes. The day included nine 10-minute talks on topics such as long-term trends in the upland waters monitoring network, climate change impacts on lakes, and catchment restoration projects. Group discussions focused on developing ideas for educational films about freshwater conservation.
The Welland Sea Trout Project aims to restore the sea trout run between the Wash, Stamford, and the River Gwash via the Maxey Cut flood relief channel. The project has removed barriers to fish movement, managed and enhanced habitat, and tackled water quality and quantity issues. Monitoring indicates the sea trout run has been restored, as stable isotope analysis of trout scales has shown some trout have spent time in salt water. Future projects continue work on the Maxey Cut and River Gwash to further improve habitat and fish passage.
The document discusses the Environment Agency's policies for stocking trout, grayling, and coarse fish. The main difference between policies for coarse fish versus salmonids is that trout populations evolved in isolation after the last ice age and developed unique genetic traits, while coarse fish evolved into distinct species. Stocking farmed trout risks losing their survival traits, so policies allow only sterile triploid trout. In contrast, coarse fish like bream and dace sorted into species with different habitat preferences, so fertile fish can be stocked. Grayling policies also aim to maintain distinct river basin strains. Stocking is one fishery management tool used to ensure sustainable fisheries now and in the future.
Tree Works: Lessons Learned discusses outcomes from a workshop about tree works carried out along the River Aire. The workshop identified issues with tight deadlines rushing internal consultation, timely stakeholder liaison, gathering local information, and consistent survey work. Actions have been put in place to address these issues, including appointing a biodiversity officer to improve collaboration between teams and utilizing relationships to consider other projects/information before works. Specialist training will also be provided and an engagement assessment form developed to anticipate engagement needs case by case. Some early improvements have already been realized through early stakeholder engagement and planned mitigation works.
The document outlines the schedule and activities for a workshop taking place from Monday to Friday. On Monday, there will be an introduction in the morning followed by several presentations on applying stable isotopes in different fields such as hydrology, paleoecology, and botany. In the afternoon, more presentations are scheduled on topics like limnology and animal ecology. Tuesday and Wednesday involve lab work in groups and computer exercises on mixing models. Thursday will consist of further data analysis and lab work before the workshop concludes on Friday with farewell presentations and a party.
This document announces a seminar on lower river and inshore acoustic tracking programs and technologies that will be held on February 12, 2016 at the Banchory Lodge Hotel in Aberdeenshire. The seminar will feature presentations from various groups on their recent work tracking Atlantic salmon smolts and kelts as well as advances in acoustic telemetry technology. Attendees can register for the seminar for £20 and stay overnight at the hotel for £90 including dinner and breakfast.
This document summarizes the latest news from the Freshwater Biological Association (FBA). It discusses that the FBA welcomed a volunteer placement student and is offering a full-time placement opportunity on their Pearl Mussel Ark Project. It also mentions that the FBA and partners helped restore a stretch of the River Esk as part of a mussel restoration project. Finally, it provides summaries of various freshwater-related scientific articles and studies.
Volunteers are wanted to help remove invasive Himalayan Balsam plants from rivers on various dates in July. The volunteer events will take place at different locations around Forrest Hills and Lancaster between 10:30am-12:30pm or 10:30am-15:30pm. Volunteers should wear long sleeves, trousers and sturdy footwear and gloves will be provided. To sign up or for more information, contact Louisa.
WTT's Conservation Awards, supported by Thames Water and the River Restoration Centre, seek to recognise and encourage excellence in wild trout habitat management and conservation and celebrate the efforts, ingenuity and imagination of all those involved.
The document summarizes upcoming courses being offered by the Freshwater Biological Association (FBA), including a two-day course on identifying chironomid midge pupae to assess water quality. It also provides brief summaries of recent research articles covering topics like female sticklebacks preparing offspring for climate change, lawsuits to protect endangered freshwater fish species, and the potential of swamps to store large amounts of carbon. The bulletin aims to keep readers informed of current freshwater issues and research involving the FBA.
Examples of papers arising from recent aquatic MSc theses at Qeen Mary Univer...Lancaster University
This document provides 6 examples of papers arising from recent aquatic master's theses. It lists the student and supervisor for each paper. The papers cover topics such as the role of invasive crayfish in sediment dynamics in rivers, the relationship between temperature and species size, the effects of warming on ecosystem structure and function, potential carbon fixation through methane oxidation in river beds, a trophic pathway supporting fish biomass through biogenic methane in lakes, and using paleolimnology to infer long-term changes in shallow lake food webs.
Institute of Fisheries Management London Branch Sherry EveningLancaster University
The document announces an annual sherry evening event hosted by the Institute of Fisheries Management Greater London & S.E. Branch. Two speakers, Dominic Martyn and Toni Scarr, will give presentations on river and wetland restoration projects at local and international scales. Attendees can socialize over wine and a buffet in the magnificent setting of Fishmongers' Hall before the presentations. The event costs £15 per head and RSVPs are requested to assist with catering.
This document provides information about upcoming training courses offered by the Freshwater Biological Association (FBA). It summarizes multiple courses covering topics like river invertebrate bioassessment tools, freshwater fish assessment and condition, fish health and parasites, and invertebrate identification. Details are provided such as dates, locations, costs, and descriptions of what participants will learn in each course. Registration information is also listed.
The document provides information about two upcoming training courses offered by the Freshwater Biological Association (FBA):
1. A two-day course on identifying chironomid larvae from July 15-16 taught by Steve Brooks. The course will provide training on chironomid biology, morphology, taxonomy, and identifying British and European species.
2. A two-day course on July 17-18 about the Chironomid Pupal Exuvial Technique taught by Les Ruse. The course will train participants to sample, identify, and analyze chironomid pupal exuviae to assess water quality.
Both courses aim to teach freshwater biodiversity identification and monitoring techniques. Registration details
Several students have been accepted to study aquatic ecology and marine ecology programs in October. Melina Jack will study whelk population dynamics and trophic ecology in collaboration with local organizations. Marco Magazzu is assessing whether anthropogenic hybridization threatens the endangered North Sea houting fish. Former student Ed Willis-Jones is testing the effects of invasive crayfish on oxygen, methane, and zooplankton using pond mesocosms. The program also offers new field-based modules in Crete and many PhD opportunities through research grants.
This document provides information about upcoming events and projects from the Freshwater Biological Association (FBA). It summarizes:
1) A mobile exhibition called the Clear Waters Oral History Project will tour venues in Cumbria and Lancashire from May 2014 to May 2015 to showcase an oral history project funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund.
2) Upcoming training courses from the FBA on identifying aquatic beetles from June 2-3 and caddis flies from June 4-5 to help participants improve their identification skills.
3) This month's issue of the journal Inland Waters is now published with articles available online to subscribers and members of the International Society of Limnology.
An invitation to an open meeting of the River Thame Conservation Trust on May 2nd from 6:30-8:30 pm at the Village Hall in Stadhampton. The meeting will feature a presentation by Dr. Jonathan Grey on invasive crayfish and their impact on ecosystems, as well as an update on Trust activities and the Catchment Hosting Partnership. Attendees are asked to RSVP by emailing s.rowlands@riverthame.org.
1. How do non-native shrimp species ‘fit’ into the Thames food web
Dimitra Mantzorou1, Tim Johns2, & Jonathan Grey1 d.mantzorou@se12.qmul.ac.uk
1 - Queen Mary University of London; 2 – Environment Agency
1 Introduction & Rationale 2 Objectives & Methods
• The rate of global change is accelerating; one of the multiple • The EA will monitor abundance of the species in Table 1 at
stressors on aquatic ecosystems is the introduction of non- Thames sites and check for the spread elsewhere
native species • Many interactions occur through diet. Hence, we will
investigate trophic interactions for these non-native species to
• Crustaceans, and amphipods of the family Gammaridae in assess how they ‘fit’ into the Thames food web
particular, are gaining renown as destructive invaders
• We will examine both independent and synergistic impacts on
• Competition for space and resource with natives, as well as food web structure in the field using stable isotope analyses
direct predation and introduction of parasites or diseases are (carbon and nitrogen stable isotopes)
just some of the problems • Standard isotopic bi-plots will be used to assess & quantify
Fig 1. R Thames – one of the most
highly invaded aquatic ecosystems likely energy sources & trophic position of each species. The
• Many aquatic ecosystems are subject to impact from multiple (Jackson & Grey 2012) isotopic ‘rules-of-thumb’ are shown in Fig 3
invaders either sequentially or concurrently, yet few studies
account for this • Isotope-derived metrics will be used to determine the size &
position of the isotopic niche, both for populations of non-
Table 1. Four functionally similar non-native
• Multiple invaders may mitigate or amplify such effects species in the R Thames natives, as well as the whole community at each site
• Hypothetical interactions represented in isotope niche space
• A recent Environment Agency report identified three non- Gammarus tigrinus are shown in Fig 4
native gammarid species and a non-native mysid inhabiting Dikerogammarus haemobaphes
the River Thames (Fig 1), often in sympatry with our native Crangonyx pseudogracilis • Any ontogenetic change in dietary requirements will be
amphipod, Gammarus pulex Fig 2. Free to download from the assessed by sampling multiple individuals of different size
Freshwater Biological Association classes when available
Hemimysis anomala (Dobson 2012)
-29 -28 -27 -26 -25 -24 -23 -22
11
10
9
a b
8
7
copepods
6
5
detritus epiphytes
4
3 11
10
c d
9
8
N (‰)
7
15
6
5
4
11 3
10
e f
9
8
7
6
5
4
3
-29 -28 -27 -26 -25 -24 -23 -22
13
C (‰)
Fig 3. Typical ‘rules-of-thumb’ for isotopic enrichment. If a consumer assimilates 100% from a
specific resource, then it is ~1‰ & ~3.4‰ heavier in 13C & 15N, respectively, relative to the
resource. In this example, there is stepwise enrichment from phytoplankton, via zooplankton, Fig 4. The variability of isotope values from individuals within a population can be equated to the trophic niche, and
zooplanktivorous fish to piscivorous fish. The 13C value is a useful indicator of nutrient source, various metrics derived to characterise the distribution of those individuals in isotope space. A Standard Ellipse Area
while 15N can be equated to trophic position relative to an isotopic baseline encapsulates that niche space (see Jackson et al 2012). Hypothetical scenarios depicted in a to f are described below
3 – Hypothetical interactions in Figure 4
• Fig 4a represents an isotopic niche (a standard ellipse area) of the native Gammarus pulex population • Fig 4d illustrates a scenario whereby the invader has a marked impact on the niche space of the native
(open symbols throughout) relative to two isotopically distinct basal resources (detritus and epiphytes) species. As the isotopic niche is compressed, it implies that all individuals are either feeding upon all
and an intermediate grazer such as a benthic harpacticoid copepod. Individuals clearly exhibit feeding resources in the same proportions or that all individuals are feeding upon a reduced range of resources.
preferences. This could be considered a ‘control’ scenario prior to any impact of an introduced species Based upon the location of the niche in isotopic space, the former is more likely an explanation in Fig 4d
• Fig 4b depicts complete isotopic and hence dietary overlap between an invader (closed symbols) and • Fig 4e depicts multiple invaders occupying different niches (no overlap) perhaps indicating resource
the native species. The niche space of the native is not impacted when in sympatry with an invader. partitioning. The niche size of the native is compressed (relative to 4a); the grey invader relies almost
Implies functional similarity. Niche space can be quantified solely upon detritus; the black invader may prey upon the grey and the native to some degree
• Fig 4c depicts an unimpacted niche for the native but in this scenario, the invader is reliant upon different • Fig 4f depicts complete dietary overlap between multiple invaders and with the native species. If
proportions of basal resources and may actually prey occasionally upon the native. Slight niche overlap resources become limiting then such dietary overlap is likely to lead to competition and potential
can be quantified exclusion / extirpation
Acknowledgements: This work is part funded by the Environment Agency, awarded to JG. DM is undertaking the work as part of her MSc in Freshwater & Coastal Sciences at QMUL
References: Jackson et al (2012) Population level metrics of trophic structure based on stable isotopes and their application to invasion ecology. PLoS ONE 7(2): e31757; Jackson & Grey (2012) Accelerating rates of freshwater invasions in the catchment of the River Thames. Biological Invasions (online early) – Email for reprints / PDFs