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Kartlegging av menneskelig aktivitet på utvalgte gytefelt for kysttorsk nord for 62°N
Full text linkFormålet med denne rapporten er kartlegging av fiskeriaktivitet og annen menneskelig aktivitet på og rundt høyt verdisatte gytefelt for kysttorsk for å identifisere områder som kan egne seg som verneområder. Rapporten svarer delvis opp bestillinger vedrørende kysttorsk i tildelingsbrevet 2023 til Havforskningsinstitutet, og vil fungere som kunnskapsgrunnlag i videre arbeid med gytefeltvern i samarbeid med Fiskeridirektoratet. Hovedfokus i rapporten er kartlegging av kommersiell fiskeriaktivitet i tid og rom på lokasjonsnivå og innenfor gytefeltene, samt akvakultur og turistfiskebedrifter. Landingsdata fra kommersielle fiskerier har blitt koblet til sporingsdata så langt mulig for å kartlegge fiskeriaktivitet på selve gytefeltene. Vi gir råd om reduksjon av fiske og/eller begrensning av annen menneskelig aktivitet på selve gytefeltet og/eller på lokasjonsnivå, der datagrunnlaget tilsier dette. I de fleste lokasjoner som omtales er torskefisket konsentrert i gytetiden, og mesteparten av torsken fiskes med garn fra fartøy < 11m. Områder med størst torskefangst i gyteområdene er Kvænangen, Smørfjorden (Porsanger), Sør-Vikna, Grytøya-Vikafjorden (Vandve-Dønna), samt Revsbotn og Repparfjorden i Finnmark. Områder med størst andel torskefangst på gytfeltet (i forhold til lokasjonen som helhelt) er Borgundfjorden, Revsbotn og Repparfjorden, Kvænangen, Baljsfjorden, og Vandve-Dønna. Det er stor oppdrettsaktivitet i flere av de utvalgte områdene, og noen områder har i lang tid vært utsatt for utslipp fra industrivirksomhet (f.eks. gytefeltet Hemnes i Ranfjorden). Ved eventuelt vern av gytefelt er det viktig å vurdere tidsperiode og areal i forhold til gytevandring og gyteperiode, for å unngå at torsken fiskes på vei inn til gytefeltet.Kartlegging av menneskelig aktivitet på utvalgte gytefelt for kysttorsk nord for 62°NpublishedVersio
Kartlegging av havnespy (Didemnum vexillum) i Bergen kommune - ROV og miljø-DNA undersøkelser
Full text linkForekomsten av havnespy (Didemnum vexillum) ble undersøkt på kaier og i småbåthavner i Bergen kommune i perioden 10. juni til 20. november 2023. I undersøkelsen inngår også en vurdering av hvilke områder i Bergen kommune som har størst risiko for etablering av havnespy med larver eller med skipstrafikk. Spredning av larver fra kjent lokalitet på Askøy og potensielle lokaliteter på Sotra vil ha størst sannsynlighet for å slå seg ned på vestsiden og nordvestlige deler av Bergen kommune, med en liten risiko for larvenedslåing i sentrale deler av Bergen sentrum. Det er også kaier i sentrum som mottar flest risikoanløp av fartøy, mens kaier og småbåthavner mottar få slike anløp. Kartlegging av havnespy ble gjennomført på 101 stasjoner med en kombinasjon av miljø-DNA, videofilming med ROV og inspeksjon av kaier og brygger fra land. Det ble funnet positive miljø-DNA signaler på syv stasjoner og usikre signaler på ytterligere 12 stasjoner. Det ble ikke observert havnespy visuelt på noen av stasjonene i Bergen kommune.Kartlegging av havnespy (Didemnum vexillum) i Bergen kommune - ROV og miljø-DNA undersøkelserpublishedVersio
An intronic copy number variation in Syntaxin 17 determines speed of greying and melanoma incidence in Grey horses
Full text linkThe Greying with age phenotype in horses involves loss of hair pigmentation whereas skin pigmentation is not reduced, and a predisposition to melanoma. The causal mutation was initially reported as a duplication of a 4.6 kb intronic sequence in Syntaxin 17. The speed of greying varies considerably among Grey horses. Here we demonstrate the presence of two different Grey alleles, G2 carrying two tandem copies of the duplicated sequence and G3 carrying three. The latter is by far the most common allele, probably due to strong selection for the striking white phenotype. Our results reveal a remarkable dosage effect where the G3 allele is associated with fast greying and high incidence of melanoma whereas G2 is associated with slow greying and low incidence of melanoma. The copy number expansion transforms a weak enhancer to a strong melanocyte-specific enhancer that underlies hair greying (G2 and G3) and a drastically elevated risk of melanoma (G3 only). Our direct pedigree-based observation of the origin of a G2 allele from a G3 allele by copy number contraction demonstrates the dynamic evolution of this locus and provides the ultimate evidence for causality of the copy number variation of the 4.6 kb intronic sequence.publishedVersio
Marine ecosystem-based management: challenges remain, yet solutions exist, and progress is occurring
Full text linkMarine ecosystem-based management (EBM) is recognized as the best practice for managing multiple ocean-use sectors, explicitly addressing tradeoffs among them. However, implementation is perceived as challenging and often slow. A poll of over 150 international EBM experts revealed progress, challenges, and solutions in EBM implementation worldwide. Subsequent follow-up discussions with over 40 of these experts identified remaining impediments to further implementation of EBM: governance; stakeholder engagement; support; uncertainty about and understanding of EBM; technology and data; communication and marketing. EBM is often portrayed as too complex or too challenging to be fully implemented, but we report that identifiable and achievable solutions exist (e.g., political will, persistence, capacity building, changing incentives, and strategic marketing of EBM), for most of these challenges and some solutions can solve many impediments simultaneously. Furthermore, we are advancing in key components of EBM by practitioners who may not necessarily realize they are doing so under different paradigms. These findings indicate substantial progress on EBM, more than previously reported.publishedVersio
Assessment of genetically modified maize MON 95275 for food and feed uses, import and processing under Regulation (EC) No 1829/2003 (application EFSA-GMO-NL-2022-173 (GMFF-2022-5890))
Full text linkVitenskapskomiteen for mat og miljø (VKM) har vurdert en søknad om godkjenning av den genmodifiserte maisen MON 95275. Maisen er søkt godkjent til import, videreforedling og til bruk som mat og fôr i EU-området. I et løpende oppdrag fra Mattilsynet og Miljødirektoratet, vurderer VKM om genmodifiserte organismer og prosessert mat og fôr fra disse kan utgjøre en risiko for helse og miljø. EUs forordning 1829/2003/EF (Forordningen) omfatter både genmodifiserte organismer (levende), som faller inn under den norske genteknologiloven, og genmodifisert, prosessert mat og fôr (dødt materiale avledet fra GMO) som faller inn under den norske matloven. Forordningen er i dag ikke en del av EØS-avtalen eller norsk rett. Norge vurderer søknadene som en forberedelse til at forordningen eventuelt implementeres. VKM vurderer søknader både i den vitenskapelige høringsperioden, som den europeiske myndighet for næringsmiddeltrygghet (EFSA) gjennomfører, og i perioden fra EFSA har offentliggjort en risikovurdering og til EUs medlemsland stemmer for eller imot godkjenning av den genmodifiserte organismen i kommisjonen. VKMs oppdraget er delt inn i tre trinn. (lenke oppdragsbrev) Mais MON 95275 MON 95275 er en genmodifisert mais utviklet ved transformasjon av planteceller ved hjelp av Agrobacterium tumefaciens. MON 95275 uttrykker transgenene mpp75Aa1.1 og vpb4Da2, som henholdsvis koder for proteinene Mpp75Aa1.1 (Cry) og Vpb4Da2 (Vip), og et dobbelt-trådet RNA transkript DvSnf7. Transgenene gjør MON 95275 resistent mot enkelte planteskadegjørere i insektordenen Coleoptera (biller). Den vitenskapelige dokumentasjonen i søknaden for mais MON 95275 er dekkende for risikovurdering, og i samsvar med EFSAs retningslinjer for risikovurdering av genmodifiserte planter til bruk i mat eller fôr. De genetiske endringene i mais MON 95275 tilsier ingen økt helse- eller miljørisiko i Norge sammenlignet med EU-land. EFSAs risikovurdering er dermed tilstrekkelig også for norske forhold. Ettersom det ikke har blitt identifisert særnorske forhold vedrørende mais MON 95275, har VKMs GMO panel ikke utført en fullstendig risikovurdering. Om oppdraget: I trinn 1 skal VKM, i forbindelse med EFSAs vitenskapelige høring av GMO-søknader, vurdere helse- og miljørisiko ved den genmodifiserte organismen og dens avledete produkter. VKM skal gjennomgå den vitenskapelige dokumentasjonen som søker har sendt inn og evt. gi innspill til EFSA. VKM skal også vurdere: i) om det er særnorske forhold som vil kunne gi andre risikoer i Norge enn de som er omtalt i søknaden, ii) om norsk kosthold kan gi en økt helserisiko for befolkningen i Norge ved en eventuell godkjenning, sammenliknet med befolkningen i resten av Europa, og iii) risiko knyttet til sameksistens med konvensjonell og/eller økologisk produksjon for genmodifiserte planter som søkes godkjent for dyrking. Aktuelle virkemidler for å sikre sameksistens skal også vurderes. I trinn 2 skal VKM vurdere om innspill fra Norge er tilfredsstillende besvart av EFSA. I tillegg skal VKM vurdere om noen av EFSAs kommentarer til andre lands innspill gir grunnlag for videre oppfølging. Dersom EFSAs svar til norske innspill ikke er tilfredsstillende, eller andre lands innspill gir grunnlag for videre oppfølging, skal VKM i trinn 3 utføre en risikovurdering av de aktuelle forholdene, inkludert eventuelle særnorske forhold.Assessment of genetically modified maize MON 95275 for food and feed uses, import and processing under Regulation (EC) No 1829/2003 (application EFSA-GMO-NL-2022-173 (GMFF-2022-5890))publishedVersio
Dietary protein affects tissue accumulation of mercury and induces hepatic Phase I and Phase II enzyme expression after co-exposure with methylmercury in mice
Full text linkMethylmercury (MeHg) is a ubiquitous environmental contaminant, well known for its neurotoxic effects. MeHg can interact with several nutrients in the diet and affect nutrient metabolism, however the interaction between MeHg and dietary proteins has not been thoroughly investigated. Male BALB/c mice were fed diets based on either casein, cod or chicken as protein sources, which were or were not spiked with MeHg (3.5 mg Hg kg−1). Following 13 weeks of dietary exposure to MeHg, the animals accumulated mercury in a varying degree depending on the diet, where the levels of mercury were highest in the mice fed casein and MeHg, lower in mice fed cod and MeHg, and lowest in mice fed chicken and MeHg in all tissues assessed. Assessment of gut microbiota revealed differences in microbiota composition based on the different protein sources. However, the introduction of MeHg eliminated this difference. Proteomic profiling of liver tissue uncovered the influence of the dietary protein sources on a range of enzymes related to Phase I and Phase II detoxification mechanisms, suggesting an impact of the diet on MeHg metabolism and excretion. Also, enzymes linked to pathways including methionine and glycine betaine cycling, which in turn impact the production of glutathione, an important MeHg conjugation molecule, were up-regulated in mice fed chicken as dietary protein. Our findings indicate that dietary proteins can affect expression of hepatic enzymes that potentially influence MeHg metabolism and excretion, highlighting the relevance of considering the dietary composition in risk assessment of MeHg through dietary exposure.publishedVersio
Fish Gut Metabarcoding Detects Diets and Parasites Simultaneously
Full text linkUnderstanding the dietary habits and trophic niches of species is crucial for the conservation and management of species and ecosystems. Science-based fisheries management requires large-scale data of prey and parasites of fish species that enables the analysis of multitrophic interactions in an ecosystem. Using one of the commercially exploited beaked redfish (Sebastes mentella) from the Barents Sea, our study aims to understand its diet composition and parasites. We used 12S and COI markers to analyze the stomach and intestine contents of uncleaned, water-cleaned, and bleach-cleaned fish samples to also trace how external contamination affects diet analysis of fishes. We detected 19 potential prey taxa each of vertebrates and invertebrates from the guts of beaked redfish. While invertebrates were the major food source of redfish, our analysis indicated only two taxa of vertebrates that significantly contributed to the diet composition. In addition, we also detected two jellyfish species which were among the dominant prey taxa. Several parasites that have been frequently reported from redfish by visual examination were also detected by metabarcoding of gut contents. As in metabarcoding studies in general, it is important to build the reference libraries of fish parasites to fully harness the power of molecular approaches in achieving multi-trophic interactions. We underscore that metabarcoding captures both the common prey as well as delicate taxa which may not be available for visual examinations such as jellyfishes or other cryptic taxa. Our study showcases the importance of gut metabarcoding in terms of simultaneous detection of diets and parasites.publishedVersio
Climate Effects on Belowground Tea Litter Decomposition Depend on Ecosystem and Organic Matter Types in Global Wetlands
Full text linkPatchy global data on belowground litter decomposition dynamics limit our capacity to discern the drivers of carbon preservation and storage across inland and coastal wetlands. We performed a global, multiyear study in over 180 wetlands across 28 countries and 8 macroclimates using standardized litter as measures of “recalcitrant” (rooibos tea) and “labile” (green tea) organic matter (OM) decomposition. Freshwater wetlands and tidal marshes had the highest tea mass remaining, indicating a greater potential for carbon preservation in these ecosystems. Recalcitrant OM decomposition increased with elevated temperatures throughout the decay period, e.g., increase from 10 to 20 °C corresponded to a 1.46-fold increase in the recalcitrant OM decay rate constant. The effect of elevated temperature on labile OM breakdown was ecosystem-dependent, with tidally influenced wetlands showing limited effects of temperature compared with freshwater wetlands. Based on climatic projections, by 2050 wetland decay constants will increase by 1.8% for labile and 3.1% for recalcitrant OM. Our study highlights the potential for reduction in belowground OM in coastal and inland wetlands under increased warming, but the extent and direction of this effect at a large scale is dependent on ecosystem and OM characteristics. Understanding local versus global drivers is necessary to resolve ecosystem influences on carbon preservation in wetlands.publishedVersio
Sequence of formation and inheritance of meristic variation in the post-cranial axial skeleton of Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar)
Full text linkAtlantic salmon is an important aquaculture species that has fascinated naturalists for centuries, resulting in its biology being widely characterized. Certain details about the early development and the inheritance of meristic variation in the post-cranial axial skeleton are, however, largely unexplored. The present study gives a detailed description of the sequence of formation of the post-cranial axial skeleton based on whole-mount staining and used radiology to investigate the inheritance of meristic variation in isogenic hybrid all-male families of Atlantic salmon (~4 kg). Eight different families were created by crossing two homozygous double haploid XX females (dam A, B) with four different double haploid homozygous YY super males (sires a to d). In the caudal fin complex, the first bone to form is hypural 1 and its associated lepidotrichia followed by a bidirectional formation of new bones. In the dorsal and anal fins, development starts in the cranial part, and new bones form bidirectionally towards the head and tail fin. The neural and haemal arches start to form at segment 43, and further development is bidirectional. The first parapophysis form in the caudal part of the abdomen followed by a unidirectional completion cranially. The first ribs form at segment 3 and new ribs develop unidirectional caudally. Chordacentra formation starts at segment 24 followed by formation of chordacentrum number 58 (caudal-most vertebra). New chordacentrae form bidirectionally from segment 24 in parallel with the formation of chordacentrum number 57. The first epineuralia form at segment 1 followed by a unidirectional completion caudally until segment 30. The first supraneuralia to develop is number 10 closely followed by number 1, then new supraneurals form bidirectionally from number 10. Analysis of the inheritance on the post-cranial axial skeletal bones showed a strong maternal effect on total vertebrae centra and tail fin lepidotrichia counts. For these skeletal counts, dam A produced offspring with modes of 58 and 45 respectively, while dam B produced offspring with modes of 59 and 42. The higher number of total vertebrae centra produced by dam B was associated with additional abdominal and/or transitional vertebrae. The completion of formation in different post-cranial axial skeletal parts are either bi- or unidirectional, and the initiation of formation is site specific for each skeletal part with some inter-part similarities. Further, the present results may suggest that there has been a maternally driven selection for more abdominal vertebrae associated with a higher number of total vertebrae, and more tail fin lepidotrichia associated with a lower number of total vertebrae. These changing meristic counts may impact on important fitness-related traits, such as fecundity and swimming ability, making the present findings relevant for both ecological and aquaculture sciences.publishedVersio
Species assignment from seal diet samples using shape analyses in a machine learning framework
Full text linkThe identification and quantification of prey ingested is a limiting factor in trophic ecology studies and is fundamental for assessing the impact of a predator on prey populations. Vendace (Coregonus albula) and whitefish (C. lavaretus) are two congeneric species, which are commonly preyed on by Baltic ringed seals (Pusa hispida). The otoliths of these two species are, however, very similar and distinguishing between them in the seal diet using visual inspection has so far been challenging. Here, otolith shape outline analyses were used in combination with machine learning techniques to discriminate between eroded vendace and whitefish otoliths from ringed seal diet samples. An experiment of in vitro digestion of the otoliths was performed to train a machine learning model. Our model is able to self-assign known digested otoliths back to their species of origin with >90% accuracy. Furthermore, 89% (N = 690) of the otoliths collected from digestive tract samples could be successfully assigned to species level, i.e. vendace or whitefish. This method is readily applicable for improved understanding of ringed seal feeding habits and predator–prey interactions, as well as large-scale applications to generate seal-predation matrix inputs for stock assessments of vendace and whitefish. Further development of the machine learning techniques to discriminate between prey species in seal and other piscivorous diets is strongly encouraged.Species assignment from seal diet samples using shape analyses in a machine learning frameworkpublishedVersio