Concentrations of five metals together with hematological and morphological parameters were measured in three coastal fish species collected in two sites of the Antarctic Peninsula. Furthermore, we assessed isotopic niche widths among fish populations to better understand their trophic ecology. Nothotenia coriiceps from Fildes Bay displayed high concentrations of Fe and Cu, while those from South Bay had higher concentrations of Cd. All fish from South Bay had higher Zn levels than specimens from Fildes Bay. Effects such as biomagnification of Fe, increased fish metal levels and niche width expansion of Nothotenia coriiceps and Harpagifer antarcticus could be attributed to suboptimal environmental conditions in Fildes Bay. Our findings suggest that early warning signals in coastal Antarctic fish may be linked to increased metal bioavailability as a result of climate change and increased human pressure.
{"title":"Multidisciplinary approach to determine the influence of human pressure on nearshore Antarctic fish","authors":"Zenteno-Devaud Lisette , Aguirre-Martínez Gabriela , Aguirre Isabel , Hinojosa Iván , Vargas Fernanda , Górski Konrad , Rebolledo Melissa , Ramírez Daniel , Garrido Ignacio , Brüning Paulina , Acevedo Jorge","doi":"10.1016/j.marpolbul.2025.117750","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.marpolbul.2025.117750","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Concentrations of five metals together with hematological and morphological parameters were measured in three coastal fish species collected in two sites of the Antarctic Peninsula. Furthermore, we assessed isotopic niche widths among fish populations to better understand their trophic ecology. <em>Nothotenia coriiceps</em> from Fildes Bay displayed high concentrations of Fe and Cu, while those from South Bay had higher concentrations of Cd. All fish from South Bay had higher Zn levels than specimens from Fildes Bay. Effects such as biomagnification of Fe, increased fish metal levels and niche width expansion of <em>Nothotenia coriiceps</em> and <em>Harpagifer antarcticus</em> could be attributed to suboptimal environmental conditions in Fildes Bay. Our findings suggest that early warning signals in coastal Antarctic fish may be linked to increased metal bioavailability as a result of climate change and increased human pressure.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":18215,"journal":{"name":"Marine pollution bulletin","volume":"214 ","pages":"Article 117750"},"PeriodicalIF":5.3,"publicationDate":"2025-03-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143563004","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-03-07DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2025.117771
Bailey Lovett , Patrick Cahill , Javier Atalah , Julien Vignier , Lauren Fletcher , Juliette Butler , Hannah Appleton , Olivier Champeau , Matthew Reardon , Eugene Georgiades , Yasmin Gabay , Daniel Kluza , Abraham Growcott , Abel Gamarra , Ian Davidson
Biofouling within vessel sea chests and internal seawater systems (ISS) presents a range of operational and biosecurity issues. Marine Growth Prevention Systems (MGPS) are designed to prevent biofouling accumulation in these areas, however independent data regarding their efficacy is scarce. Sacrificial copper anode MGPS, which operate by releasing reactive copper ions, have the dominant market share. In this study, we tested copper dosages generated using cupric chloride to mimic cupric ion (Cu2+) generation by copper anode-based MGPS. We assessed the effect of copper dosages, including those recommended by MGPS manufacturers, on mortality of larval biofouling species (Ciona savignyi and Crassostrea gigas) and mature biofouling communities under various environmental conditions. Minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) were 2–3 orders of magnitude higher than MGPS manufacturer-reported dosages for both larval and mature biofouling. Efficacy varied with exposure regime, organic matter load, biofouling species, and organism development stage. Based on our results, short-term copper MGPS dosing according to current manufacturer recommendations appears insufficient to manage biosecurity risks within sea chests and ISS.
{"title":"Are recommended dosages of copper-based Marine Growth Prevention Systems (MGPS) effective for vessel biosecurity?","authors":"Bailey Lovett , Patrick Cahill , Javier Atalah , Julien Vignier , Lauren Fletcher , Juliette Butler , Hannah Appleton , Olivier Champeau , Matthew Reardon , Eugene Georgiades , Yasmin Gabay , Daniel Kluza , Abraham Growcott , Abel Gamarra , Ian Davidson","doi":"10.1016/j.marpolbul.2025.117771","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.marpolbul.2025.117771","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Biofouling within vessel sea chests and internal seawater systems (ISS) presents a range of operational and biosecurity issues. Marine Growth Prevention Systems (MGPS) are designed to prevent biofouling accumulation in these areas, however independent data regarding their efficacy is scarce. Sacrificial copper anode MGPS, which operate by releasing reactive copper ions, have the dominant market share. In this study, we tested copper dosages generated using cupric chloride to mimic cupric ion (Cu<sup>2+</sup>) generation by copper anode-based MGPS. We assessed the effect of copper dosages, including those recommended by MGPS manufacturers, on mortality of larval biofouling species (<em>Ciona savignyi</em> and <em>Crassostrea gigas</em>) and mature biofouling communities under various environmental conditions. Minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) were 2–3 orders of magnitude higher than MGPS manufacturer-reported dosages for both larval and mature biofouling. Efficacy varied with exposure regime, organic matter load, biofouling species, and organism development stage. Based on our results, short-term copper MGPS dosing according to current manufacturer recommendations appears insufficient to manage biosecurity risks within sea chests and ISS.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":18215,"journal":{"name":"Marine pollution bulletin","volume":"214 ","pages":"Article 117771"},"PeriodicalIF":5.3,"publicationDate":"2025-03-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143563003","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-03-07DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2025.117748
Vincent T. DePaul
A coupled three-dimensional hydrodynamic water-quality model has been applied to Barnegat Bay-Little Egg Harbor Estuary, a shallow, back-barrier lagoon located along the central New Jersey coastline. The study aims to enhance understanding of phytoplankton dynamics and nutrient cycling and to quantify estuarine response to potential nutrient load management strategies. The model was calibrated with data from Spring and Summer of 2012 and adequately reproduced spatiotemporal water-quality variability, distribution patterns, trends, and gradients throughout the system.
The calibrated model was used to run scenarios for evaluating estuarine response to various nitrogen load reduction intensities. Model results show that geographically focused, variable nitrogen reductions can mitigate the effects of eutrophication and promote improvements in water quality. This study illustrates the role of modeling in developing informed management strategies, highlights complex, nonlinear responses of estuarine environments to anthropogenic influences, and demonstrates how models can be used to develop adaptive, location-specific nutrient management practices.
{"title":"Use of multi-resolution, three-dimensional hydrodynamic and water-quality models to assess response to nutrient load reductions in Barnegat Bay-Little Egg Harbor estuary, New Jersey, USA","authors":"Vincent T. DePaul","doi":"10.1016/j.marpolbul.2025.117748","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.marpolbul.2025.117748","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>A coupled three-dimensional hydrodynamic water-quality model has been applied to Barnegat Bay-Little Egg Harbor Estuary, a shallow, back-barrier lagoon located along the central New Jersey coastline. The study aims to enhance understanding of phytoplankton dynamics and nutrient cycling and to quantify estuarine response to potential nutrient load management strategies. The model was calibrated with data from Spring and Summer of 2012 and adequately reproduced spatiotemporal water-quality variability, distribution patterns, trends, and gradients throughout the system.</div><div>The calibrated model was used to run scenarios for evaluating estuarine response to various nitrogen load reduction intensities. Model results show that geographically focused, variable nitrogen reductions can mitigate the effects of eutrophication and promote improvements in water quality. This study illustrates the role of modeling in developing informed management strategies, highlights complex, nonlinear responses of estuarine environments to anthropogenic influences, and demonstrates how models can be used to develop adaptive, location-specific nutrient management practices.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":18215,"journal":{"name":"Marine pollution bulletin","volume":"214 ","pages":"Article 117748"},"PeriodicalIF":5.3,"publicationDate":"2025-03-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143562884","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-03-06DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2025.117778
Achille Ciappa , Giorgio Budillon
The monitoring capability of marine debris detection of Sentinel-2 was tested over the European seas in July–August 2023, supported by spectral discrimination criteria derived from river-debris samples. The detected aggregates of floating materials were investigated focusing on the natural aggregation processes occurring at the sea surface and on the probability to find marine debris. Limits of the current monitoring ability of Sentinel-2 have been critically reviewed suggesting which improvements can be expected from the next-generation of satellite sensors of this class. Finally, the organization of a future satellite monitoring system of marine debris detection is discussed with the aim to provide homogenous measurements of plastic pollution in European coastal areas.
{"title":"Results of a preliminary satellite monitoring survey of marine debris in European seas (July–August 2023) by Sentinel-2","authors":"Achille Ciappa , Giorgio Budillon","doi":"10.1016/j.marpolbul.2025.117778","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.marpolbul.2025.117778","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The monitoring capability of marine debris detection of Sentinel-2 was tested over the European seas in July–August 2023, supported by spectral discrimination criteria derived from river-debris samples. The detected aggregates of floating materials were investigated focusing on the natural aggregation processes occurring at the sea surface and on the probability to find marine debris. Limits of the current monitoring ability of Sentinel-2 have been critically reviewed suggesting which improvements can be expected from the next-generation of satellite sensors of this class. Finally, the organization of a future satellite monitoring system of marine debris detection is discussed with the aim to provide homogenous measurements of plastic pollution in European coastal areas.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":18215,"journal":{"name":"Marine pollution bulletin","volume":"214 ","pages":"Article 117778"},"PeriodicalIF":5.3,"publicationDate":"2025-03-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143547955","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-03-06DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2025.117782
Jon Gardoki , Alejandro Cearreta , José Eugenio Ortiz , Ignacio López-Cilla , José Gómez-Arozamena , Víctor Villasante-Marcos , Filipa Bessa , Ane García-Artola , María Jesús Irabien
The Mondego Estuary (W Portugal) experienced a process of eutrophication in the late 20th century, making it one of the most impacted systems in southern Europe. To examine its recent environmental evolution, sedimentary records were analyzed from a multiproxy approach, involving biotic, sedimentological, geochemical, physical, and radionuclide data. Results evidenced the transformation of the estuary due to anthropogenic cumulative impacts. The closure of the upstream branch triggered rapid ‘continentalization’ in the southern arm, altering the hydrosedimentary regime and favoring eutrophication. However, the middle and lower sectors exhibited stronger marine influences. Foraminiferal biota responded effectively to management interventions to improve hydrodynamics, while showing no discernible ecotoxicological responses to agricultural discharges. Pesticide accumulations patterns are shaped by natural and anthropogenic factors, with strong agrochemical fingerprints in the upper and lower sectors. The topmost 20-cm layer of sediments contain high pesticide concentrations and microplastics, posing challenges for future management and pollutant mitigation.
{"title":"Assessing the environmental impacts of engineering and agrochemical pollution in a historically-eutrophic estuary: The Mondego case (W Portugal)","authors":"Jon Gardoki , Alejandro Cearreta , José Eugenio Ortiz , Ignacio López-Cilla , José Gómez-Arozamena , Víctor Villasante-Marcos , Filipa Bessa , Ane García-Artola , María Jesús Irabien","doi":"10.1016/j.marpolbul.2025.117782","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.marpolbul.2025.117782","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The Mondego Estuary (W Portugal) experienced a process of eutrophication in the late 20<sup>th</sup> century, making it one of the most impacted systems in southern Europe. To examine its recent environmental evolution, sedimentary records were analyzed from a multiproxy approach, involving biotic, sedimentological, geochemical, physical, and radionuclide data. Results evidenced the transformation of the estuary due to anthropogenic cumulative impacts. The closure of the upstream branch triggered rapid ‘continentalization’ in the southern arm, altering the hydrosedimentary regime and favoring eutrophication. However, the middle and lower sectors exhibited stronger marine influences. Foraminiferal biota responded effectively to management interventions to improve hydrodynamics, while showing no discernible ecotoxicological responses to agricultural discharges. Pesticide accumulations patterns are shaped by natural and anthropogenic factors, with strong agrochemical fingerprints in the upper and lower sectors. The topmost 20-cm layer of sediments contain high pesticide concentrations and microplastics, posing challenges for future management and pollutant mitigation.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":18215,"journal":{"name":"Marine pollution bulletin","volume":"214 ","pages":"Article 117782"},"PeriodicalIF":5.3,"publicationDate":"2025-03-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143562965","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-03-06DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2025.117762
E. Grassi , M. Greco , L. Guidi , M. Pasquariello , E. Al-Enezi , M. Trifuoggi , F. Frontalini , F. Semprucci
This study investigates the ecotoxicological effects of BDE-209, a persistent organic pollutant (POP), prevalent in Kuwait's coastal-industrial zones, on meiofaunal communities. A mesocosm experiment was conducted, exposing sediment-dwelling meiofaunal communities from sediments near Failaka Island (Kuwait) to gradient concentrations of BDE-209 (0.01–20 mg/kg) over a 4-week period. The effect on meiofaunal communities was evaluated by changes in the taxonomic composition, alpha and beta diversity metrics, and the Nematodes/Copepods (Ne/Co) ratio. Our findings reveal that BDE-209 exposure significantly reduced alpha diversity and induced shifts in the community structure, favouring resilient taxa such as nematodes. The increasing Ne/Co ratio underscores structural changes and highlights the pollutant's potential to disrupt sedimentary ecosystem functions. Temporal analyses confirm the persistence of BDE-209 in sediments despite partial degradation, reinforcing its classification as a POP with long-term ecological risks. This study provides valuable insights into the responses of meiofaunal communities to POPs like BDE-209, demonstrating their efficacy as bioindicators for sediment quality. By integrating meiofaunal biomonitoring metrics with mesocosm experiments, this research provides a robust method for assessing the ecological impacts of BDE-209, particularly in regions lacking regulatory frameworks. It also raises awareness of the broader implications of POPs in marine ecosystems. These findings highlight the urgent need for enhanced monitoring programs and stricter regulations to mitigate PBDE contamination in marine ecosystems. Future research should focus on field-based validation of mesocosm results and investigate the interactive effects of BDE-209 with other pollutants to better understand its cumulative ecological impact.
{"title":"Exploring the effects of decabromodiphenyl ether on meiofaunal communities: An experimental approach","authors":"E. Grassi , M. Greco , L. Guidi , M. Pasquariello , E. Al-Enezi , M. Trifuoggi , F. Frontalini , F. Semprucci","doi":"10.1016/j.marpolbul.2025.117762","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.marpolbul.2025.117762","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This study investigates the ecotoxicological effects of BDE-209, a persistent organic pollutant (POP), prevalent in Kuwait's coastal-industrial zones, on meiofaunal communities. A mesocosm experiment was conducted, exposing sediment-dwelling meiofaunal communities from sediments near Failaka Island (Kuwait) to gradient concentrations of BDE-209 (0.01–20 mg/kg) over a 4-week period. The effect on meiofaunal communities was evaluated by changes in the taxonomic composition, alpha and beta diversity metrics, and the Nematodes/Copepods (Ne/Co) ratio. Our findings reveal that BDE-209 exposure significantly reduced alpha diversity and induced shifts in the community structure, favouring resilient taxa such as nematodes. The increasing Ne/Co ratio underscores structural changes and highlights the pollutant's potential to disrupt sedimentary ecosystem functions. Temporal analyses confirm the persistence of BDE-209 in sediments despite partial degradation, reinforcing its classification as a POP with long-term ecological risks. This study provides valuable insights into the responses of meiofaunal communities to POPs like BDE-209, demonstrating their efficacy as bioindicators for sediment quality. By integrating meiofaunal biomonitoring metrics with mesocosm experiments, this research provides a robust method for assessing the ecological impacts of BDE-209, particularly in regions lacking regulatory frameworks. It also raises awareness of the broader implications of POPs in marine ecosystems. These findings highlight the urgent need for enhanced monitoring programs and stricter regulations to mitigate PBDE contamination in marine ecosystems. Future research should focus on field-based validation of mesocosm results and investigate the interactive effects of BDE-209 with other pollutants to better understand its cumulative ecological impact.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":18215,"journal":{"name":"Marine pollution bulletin","volume":"214 ","pages":"Article 117762"},"PeriodicalIF":5.3,"publicationDate":"2025-03-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143547957","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-03-06DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2025.117780
Cristina Pedà , Danilo Malara , Francesco Longo , Federica Laface , Pietro Battaglia , Claudio Berti , Pierpaolo Consoli , Giovanna Ponte , Paul Andrews , Silvestro Greco , Teresa Romeo
Cephalopods are ecologically and economically important species and play a key role in marine ecosystems. However, knowledge about the presence and effects of microplastic (MP) ingestion in this taxonomic group is still limited.
The present research aimed to explore plastic ingestion and health status in the cuttlefish, Sepia officinalis, from the Gulf of Patti in the southern Tyrrhenian Sea, for the first time. In addition, this helps in assessing the MP pollution risks in the area. Plastic occurrence and characterization were investigated, and Le Cren's relative condition factor (Kn) calculated as an index of health status. MP concentrations and polymer hazardous were also used to preliminarily detect the environmental risk.
High MP occurrence values (%O = 69) were recorded in this commercially important cephalopod species from the Mediterranean Sea suggesting that the habitat, feeding habits and digestive system (morphology and function) play an important role in affecting the occurrence and distribution of MP in S. officinalis. Absence of a clear correlation between MP ingestion and Kn in this study does not exclude the possibility of more subtle or long-term impacts of plastic on common cuttlefish health. Preliminary risk assessment confirms that the study area is subject to MP pollution and hazardous polymers.
The data from this study suggests that common cuttlefish have the potential to be usefully assessed as a bioindicator for Mediterranean scale plastic pollution monitoring. We propose the addition of this species to the current monitoring programs such as the ones performed within the Marine Strategy Framework Directive.
{"title":"Microplastic occurrence in the digestive system and health status assessment in a commercially important cephalopod species, Sepia officinalis from the Gulf of Patti (southern Tyrrhenian Sea)","authors":"Cristina Pedà , Danilo Malara , Francesco Longo , Federica Laface , Pietro Battaglia , Claudio Berti , Pierpaolo Consoli , Giovanna Ponte , Paul Andrews , Silvestro Greco , Teresa Romeo","doi":"10.1016/j.marpolbul.2025.117780","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.marpolbul.2025.117780","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Cephalopods are ecologically and economically important species and play a key role in marine ecosystems. However, knowledge about the presence and effects of microplastic (MP) ingestion in this taxonomic group is still limited.</div><div>The present research aimed to explore plastic ingestion and health status in the cuttlefish, <em>Sepia officinalis</em>, from the Gulf of Patti in the southern Tyrrhenian Sea, for the first time. In addition, this helps in assessing the MP pollution risks in the area. Plastic occurrence and characterization were investigated, and Le Cren's relative condition factor (Kn) calculated as an index of health status. MP concentrations and polymer hazardous were also used to preliminarily detect the environmental risk.</div><div>High MP occurrence values (%O = 69) were recorded in this commercially important cephalopod species from the Mediterranean Sea suggesting that the habitat, feeding habits and digestive system (morphology and function) play an important role in affecting the occurrence and distribution of MP in <em>S. officinalis</em>. Absence of a clear correlation between MP ingestion and Kn in this study does not exclude the possibility of more subtle or long-term impacts of plastic on common cuttlefish health. Preliminary risk assessment confirms that the study area is subject to MP pollution and hazardous polymers.</div><div>The data from this study suggests that common cuttlefish have the potential to be usefully assessed as a bioindicator for Mediterranean scale plastic pollution monitoring. We propose the addition of this species to the current monitoring programs such as the ones performed within the Marine Strategy Framework Directive.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":18215,"journal":{"name":"Marine pollution bulletin","volume":"214 ","pages":"Article 117780"},"PeriodicalIF":5.3,"publicationDate":"2025-03-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143562962","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-03-06DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2025.117776
Asier Anabitarte , Amaia Astarloa , Isabel Garcia-Barón , Mireia Valle , Guillem Chust , Ibon Galparsoro , Maria Mateo , Haritz Arrizabalaga , Víctor M. Eguíluz , Victor Martinez-Vicente , Jose A. Fernandes-Salvador
International biodiversity agreements aim to expand protected areas by up to 30 %, including areas beyond national jurisdiction. The high seas' extent, shared governance, and limited biodiversity data challenge the identification of large-scale areas to be protected. This study uses seascapes defined from satellite data as proxies for biodiversity in the Atlantic high seas to assist in preliminary designations of protected areas. Seascape's extent is compared with modelled distributions of phytoplankton groups, fish species, and endangered species to assess their biodiversity representativity. Furthermore, the study addresses trade-offs between protecting 30 % of each seascape, covering endangered species distribution, and main human activities in high seas (shipping and fishing). Marine traffic lanes are defined where there is currently more activity, redirecting other activities in the centroid of the seascapes to these lanes. This strategy protects 21 %, 35 %, 44 %, and 48 % of the habitat of the considered endangered species, while displaced human activity ranges from 3 % to 7 % for shipping and up to 4 % for fishing. The size of areas with high concentrated noise increases by 7.8 %, affecting all trophic levels, but areas without activities with only propagated noise increase by around 78.9 %. These results suggest that protecting at least 30 % of each seascape with activity lanes is a good prioritization starting point for high seas protection, which can be redefined later based on the presence of rare species or key habitats and socio-economic factors agreed with stakeholders within a systematic spatial planning approach.
{"title":"The use of Atlantic seascapes for marine protected areas planning in the context of the marine biological diversity of areas beyond National Jurisdiction agreement","authors":"Asier Anabitarte , Amaia Astarloa , Isabel Garcia-Barón , Mireia Valle , Guillem Chust , Ibon Galparsoro , Maria Mateo , Haritz Arrizabalaga , Víctor M. Eguíluz , Victor Martinez-Vicente , Jose A. Fernandes-Salvador","doi":"10.1016/j.marpolbul.2025.117776","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.marpolbul.2025.117776","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>International biodiversity agreements aim to expand protected areas by up to 30 %, including areas beyond national jurisdiction. The high seas' extent, shared governance, and limited biodiversity data challenge the identification of large-scale areas to be protected. This study uses seascapes defined from satellite data as proxies for biodiversity in the Atlantic high seas to assist in preliminary designations of protected areas. Seascape's extent is compared with modelled distributions of phytoplankton groups, fish species, and endangered species to assess their biodiversity representativity. Furthermore, the study addresses trade-offs between protecting 30 % of each seascape, covering endangered species distribution, and main human activities in high seas (shipping and fishing). Marine traffic lanes are defined where there is currently more activity, redirecting other activities in the centroid of the seascapes to these lanes. This strategy protects 21 %, 35 %, 44 %, and 48 % of the habitat of the considered endangered species, while displaced human activity ranges from 3 % to 7 % for shipping and up to 4 % for fishing. The size of areas with high concentrated noise increases by 7.8 %, affecting all trophic levels, but areas without activities with only propagated noise increase by around 78.9 %. These results suggest that protecting at least 30 % of each seascape with activity lanes is a good prioritization starting point for high seas protection, which can be redefined later based on the presence of rare species or key habitats and socio-economic factors agreed with stakeholders within a systematic spatial planning approach.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":18215,"journal":{"name":"Marine pollution bulletin","volume":"214 ","pages":"Article 117776"},"PeriodicalIF":5.3,"publicationDate":"2025-03-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143563002","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-03-06DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2025.117786
Marco Antonio García-Varens , Carlos Manuel Alonso-Hernandez , Arianna García-Chamero , Dariadelys Reyes-Noa , Joan Hernández-Albernas , Ada María del Rosario-Silva , François Oberhaensli , Marc Metian , Lorena M. Rios Mendoza , Nathalie Bernard , Yusmila Helguera-Pedraza
Microplastics (MPs) are considered one of the main pollution issues on the planet. This study constitutes the initial assessment of MPs on sandy beaches in Cuba. Four beaches with different characteristics and anthropogenic activities were selected on the north and south coasts of the island's central region. MPs (0.3–5 mm) were identified at three out of four beaches studied, with 0–196 MPs m2 (0–47 MPs kg−1). The MPs found on the south coast, Tetas de Tomasa Beach in Cienfuegos Bay, exhibited the highest average abundance, 95 ± 61 MPs m2, followed by Rancho Luna with 3 ± 4 MPs m2. On the north coast, Las Gaviotas Beach showed an average abundance of 2 ± 4 MPs m2, and no MPs were found at Cañón Beach. Fragments were the main morphology (55 %), while the most prevalent colors were white/transparent (65.2 %) and blue (19.4 %). Polyethylene was the predominant synthetic polymer (52 %), followed by polypropylene (32 %) and polystyrene (14 %).
{"title":"Assessment of microplastics particles (0.3–5 mm) in sandy beaches of Cuba","authors":"Marco Antonio García-Varens , Carlos Manuel Alonso-Hernandez , Arianna García-Chamero , Dariadelys Reyes-Noa , Joan Hernández-Albernas , Ada María del Rosario-Silva , François Oberhaensli , Marc Metian , Lorena M. Rios Mendoza , Nathalie Bernard , Yusmila Helguera-Pedraza","doi":"10.1016/j.marpolbul.2025.117786","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.marpolbul.2025.117786","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Microplastics (MPs) are considered one of the main pollution issues on the planet. This study constitutes the initial assessment of MPs on sandy beaches in Cuba. Four beaches with different characteristics and anthropogenic activities were selected on the north and south coasts of the island's central region. MPs (0.3–5 mm) were identified at three out of four beaches studied, with 0–196 MPs m<sup>2</sup> (0–47 MPs kg<sup>−1</sup>). The MPs found on the south coast, Tetas de Tomasa Beach in Cienfuegos Bay, exhibited the highest average abundance, 95 ± 61 MPs m<sup>2</sup>, followed by Rancho Luna with 3 ± 4 MPs m<sup>2</sup>. On the north coast, Las Gaviotas Beach showed an average abundance of 2 ± 4 MPs m<sup>2</sup>, and no MPs were found at Cañón Beach. Fragments were the main morphology (55 %), while the most prevalent colors were white/transparent (65.2 %) and blue (19.4 %). Polyethylene was the predominant synthetic polymer (52 %), followed by polypropylene (32 %) and polystyrene (14 %).</div></div>","PeriodicalId":18215,"journal":{"name":"Marine pollution bulletin","volume":"214 ","pages":"Article 117786"},"PeriodicalIF":5.3,"publicationDate":"2025-03-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143562885","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-03-06DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2025.117747
Zoe Morrall , Joanne Preston , Sophie Richier , Daniel J. Franklin , Annesia Lamb , Andrew Van Der Schatte Olivier , Eric Harris-Scott , Dominic Parry , Graham Horton , Stephanie Lemesle , Claire Hellio , Marilyn Fauchon , Gordon Watson
Driven by eutrophic conditions, AM (algal mat) proliferation is now ubiquitous in coastal areas generating significant ecological and economic impacts. The need to mitigate negative effects has prompted the exploration of removal methods, but neither the success nor the impacts on intertidal mudflats have been assessed. Limited success using a specially-adapted vessel, prompted a shift to manual removal by hand-rake at two UK (Portsmouth and Poole) and two French study sites (Brittany and Normandy). Significant reductions in AM biomass and percentage cover were only observed at one site (Portsmouth), in contrast to significant temporal effects throughout the 180 days at each site. Significant effects of removal on the benthos and birds were also limited to an increase in organic content at Brittany and a reduction in macrofaunal abundance at Poole but with all sites dominated by temporal effects. To assess if AM removal can be used to ameliorate excess nitrogen (N) we calculated the amount of N that could be removed from a site and its potential cost-effectiveness (price of N credit after subtraction of removal costs) within an NTS (Nutrient Trading Scheme). N export by AM removal is influenced by site and season, for example, 66 kg N ha−1 yr−1 (winter) to 95 kg N ha−1 yr−1 (summer) at Poole. N removal rates from some sites (Poole, all seasons; Brittany, autumn) are comparable to other Nature-Based Solutions (NBSs) such as clam aquaculture. However, a single annual AM harvest at these sites yields lower N removal rates compared to seaweed, mussel, and oyster aquaculture. Using a global mean N credit price, the removals at Poole and Portsmouth have medium/high cost-effectiveness across all seasons, potentially generating up to half a million pounds of N credits, which could be increased if post-harvesting value-chains were maximised e.g. biofuel production. Although, implementation at scale could rapidly reduce the many impacts of AMs and contribute to the blue-green bioeconomy revolution, to improve water quality, AM removal must be framed within a multifaceted management process.
{"title":"Ecological impacts, efficacy and economic feasibility of algal mat removal from temperate intertidal mudflats under blue nitrogen trading schemes","authors":"Zoe Morrall , Joanne Preston , Sophie Richier , Daniel J. Franklin , Annesia Lamb , Andrew Van Der Schatte Olivier , Eric Harris-Scott , Dominic Parry , Graham Horton , Stephanie Lemesle , Claire Hellio , Marilyn Fauchon , Gordon Watson","doi":"10.1016/j.marpolbul.2025.117747","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.marpolbul.2025.117747","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Driven by eutrophic conditions, AM (algal mat) proliferation is now ubiquitous in coastal areas generating significant ecological and economic impacts. The need to mitigate negative effects has prompted the exploration of removal methods, but neither the success nor the impacts on intertidal mudflats have been assessed. Limited success using a specially-adapted vessel, prompted a shift to manual removal by hand-rake at two UK (Portsmouth and Poole) and two French study sites (Brittany and Normandy). Significant reductions in AM biomass and percentage cover were only observed at one site (Portsmouth), in contrast to significant temporal effects throughout the 180 days at each site. Significant effects of removal on the benthos and birds were also limited to an increase in organic content at Brittany and a reduction in macrofaunal abundance at Poole but with all sites dominated by temporal effects. To assess if AM removal can be used to ameliorate excess nitrogen (N) we calculated the amount of N that could be removed from a site and its potential cost-effectiveness (price of N credit after subtraction of removal costs) within an NTS (Nutrient Trading Scheme). N export by AM removal is influenced by site and season, for example, 66 kg N ha<sup>−1</sup> yr<sup>−1</sup> (winter) to 95 kg N ha<sup>−1</sup> yr<sup>−1</sup> (summer) at Poole. N removal rates from some sites (Poole, all seasons; Brittany, autumn) are comparable to other Nature-Based Solutions (NBSs) such as clam aquaculture. However, a single annual AM harvest at these sites yields lower N removal rates compared to seaweed, mussel, and oyster aquaculture. Using a global mean N credit price, the removals at Poole and Portsmouth have medium/high cost-effectiveness across all seasons, potentially generating up to half a million pounds of N credits, which could be increased if post-harvesting value-chains were maximised e.g. biofuel production. Although, implementation at scale could rapidly reduce the many impacts of AMs and contribute to the blue-green bioeconomy revolution, to improve water quality, AM removal must be framed within a multifaceted management process.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":18215,"journal":{"name":"Marine pollution bulletin","volume":"214 ","pages":"Article 117747"},"PeriodicalIF":5.3,"publicationDate":"2025-03-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143547956","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
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