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Recognising and protecting the national benefit of sustainable fisheries in the UK
No full textSustainable commercial fishing makes valuable contributions to coastal regions and broader national benefits. This paper offers three arguments in relation to what is required for the societal benefits of sustainable fisheries to be fully realised and considers each in the context of the UK but with global relevance. First, there is a need to raise the profile of the full range of benefits that are delivered through sustainable fisheries to coastal communities and the broader public. In the UK, the delivery of a ‘national benefit’ objective through fisheries is now enshrined in law by the Fisheries Act, 2020; we operationalise this through a new framing that distils eight ‘national benefits’ that all sustainable fisheries should deliver. Second, better acknowledgement of what society gains from sustainable fisheries must be paralleled with recognition of what society is simultaneously at risk of losing through the decline of the fishing fleet. We detail this decline in a new analysis of long-term UK data, which highlights that the decline is unequally felt, with some regions of the UK, and small-scale fishing sectors, experiencing loss more acutely. This reality leads us to argue a third point, that if society is to retain and truly harness the benefits that flow from sustainable fisheries, governing bodies must act quickly to ensure that fisheries are environmentally sustainable, diverse and inclusive, pursuing fisheries that ‘leave no one behind
Colour-informed ecoregion analysis highlights a satellite capability gap for spatially and temporally consistent freshwater cyanobacteria monitoring
Full text linkCyanobacteria blooms pose significant risks to water quality in freshwater ecosystems worldwide, with implications for human and animal health. Constructing consistent records of cyanobacteria dynamics in complex
inland waters from satellite imagery remains challenged by discontinuous sensor capabilities, particularly with
regard to spectral coverage. Comparing 11 satellite sensors, we show that the number and positioning of
wavebands fundamentally alter bloom detection capability, with wavebands centred at 412, 620, 709, 754 and
779 nm proving most critical for capturing cyanobacteria dynamics. Specifically, analysis of observations from
the Medium Resolution Imaging Spectrometer (MERIS) and Ocean and Land Colour Instrument (OLCI), coincident with the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) demonstrates how the spectral band
configuration of the latter affects bloom detection. Using an Optical Water Types (OWT) library understood to
capture cyanobacterial biomass through varying vertical mixing states, this analysis shows that MODIS can
identify optically distinct conditions like surface accumulations but fails to resolve initial bloom evolution in
well-mixed conditions, particularly in optically complex regions. Investigation of coherent ecoregions formed
using Self-organising Maps trained on OWT membership scores confirm that MODIS captures broad spatial
patterns seen with more capable sensors but compresses optical gradients into fewer optical types. These constraints have significant implications for interpreting spatial–temporal dynamics of cyanobacteria in large
waterbodies, particularly during 2012–2016 when MERIS and OLCI sensors were absent, and small waterbodies,
where high spatial resolution sensors not originally design to study water are used. In addition, these findings
underscore the importance of key wavebands in future sensor design and the development of approaches to
maintain consistent long-term records across evolving satellite capabilities. Our findings suggest that attempts at
quantitatively harmonising cyanobacteria bloom detection across sensors may not be ecologically appropriate
unless these observation biases are addressed. For example, analysing the frequency and intensity of surfacing
blooms, while considering the meteorological factors that may drive these phenomena, could be considered over
decadal timescales, whereas trend analysis of mixed-column biomass should only concern appropriate sensor
observation periods
Cellular calcium homeostasis and regulation of its dynamic perturbation
No full textCalcium ions (Ca2+) play pivotal roles in a host of cellular signalling processes. The requirement to maintain resting cytosolic Ca2+ levels in the 100–200 nM range provides a baseline for dynamic excursions from resting levels that determine the nature of many physiological responses to external stimuli and developmental processes. This review provides an overview of the key components of the Ca2+ homeostatic machinery, including known channel-mediated Ca2+ entry pathways along with transporters that act to shape the cytosolic Ca2+ signature. The relative roles of the vacuole and endoplasmic reticulum as sources or sinks for cytosolic Ca2+ are considered, highlighting significant gaps in our understanding. The components contributing to mitochondrial, chloroplast and nuclear Ca2+ homeostasis and organellar Ca2+ signals are also considered. Taken together, a complex picture of the cellular Ca2+ homeostatic machinery emerges with some clear differences from mechanisms operating in many animal cell
AMT31 Cruise Report
Full text linkThe 31st AMT cruise departed Southampton on the 27th November 2024 and arrived in Montevideo, Uruguay on 30th December 2024. Onboard were teams from Plymouth Marine Laboratory, UK; the University of East Anglia, UK; University of Galway, Ireland; University of Rio Grande, FURG, Brazil; Alfred Wegner Institute, Germany and the University of Connecticut, USA. Operations onboard included the measurement of core AMT variables in the maintenance of a 31 year time series; 30 days of continuous underway Optical and atmospheric observations in support of the European Space Agency Sentinel satellite and the new NASA PACE satellite; Deployment of 12 autonomous argo floats for WHOI and the UK MetOffice; and between 90 and 135 samples taken for the quantification of genetic biodiversity, phytoplankton community structure and ocean acidification parameters. AMT’s oceanography training programme continued with opportunities provided by POGO in the sponsorship of a research fellow from Brazil. The whole of the scientific complement would like to extend their gratitude to Captain John and his officers and crew who supported our activities throughout with dedication and extreme professionalism. Our thanks are also extended to Mark Maltby from NMF. who ensured the delivery of all scientific activities. My particular thanks to Andy Rees and Meryl Hopper who assisted in the pre-cruise logistics. AMT is a multidisciplinary program which undertakes biological, chemical and physical oceanographic research during an annual voyage throughout the Atlantic Ocean. AMT objectives have evolved to enable the maintenance of a continuous set of observations, whilst addressing global issues that are raised throughout the most recent IPCC assessment and UK environmental strategy. AMT objectives are to: (1) quantify the nature and causes of ecological and biogeochemical variability in planktonic ecosystems; (2) quantify the effects of this variability on nutrient cycling, on biogenic export and on air-sea exchange of climate active gases; (3) construct a multi-decadal, multidisciplinary ocean time-series which is integrated within a wider “Pole-to-pole” observatory concept; (4) provide essential sea-truth validation for current and next generation satellite missions; (5) provide essential data for global ecosystem model development and validation and;
(6) provide a valuable, highly sought after training arena for the next generation of UK and International oceanographers
A state-of-the-art review of aquatic eDNA sampling technologies and instrumentation: advancements, challenges, and future prospects
No full textThe field of environmental DNA (eDNA) analysis has revolutionized our ability to detect and monitor biodiversity in aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems. However, traditional eDNA sampling methods often present limitations in terms of temporal and spatial coverage, resulting in a loss of resolution associated with infrequent events or those prohibitive to onsite fieldwork. In recent years, the emergence of autonomous eDNA sampling technology has provided researchers with a powerful tool for collecting high-resolution genetic data, overcoming many of the challenges associated with manual sample acquisition. This review focuses exclusively on eDNA technologies designed for the collection and preservation of water samples, to provide a comprehensive overview of the current landscape of aquatic autonomous eDNA sampling technology and instrumentation. A new era of instrument development and capabilities is emerging; the result of knowledge gained through experience with long-tested marine biological observation instrumentation. Lastly, we highlight current research to develop an in situ eDNA analytical capability, as well as explore the challenges and future prospects associated with this rapidly evolving fiel
Unlocking the global benefits of Earth Observation to address the SDG 6 in situ water quality monitoring gap
Full text linkAchieving Sustainable Development Goal 6 requires innovative and often disruptive approaches to address critical gaps in global water quality monitoring. The most recent SDG Indicator 6.3.2 (Proportion of bodies of water with good ambient water quality) progress report highlights a critical water quality in situ data gap, with an urgent need for countries to strengthen their monitoring capacity and commence state water quality assessments and trend analysis. Earth Observation (EO) technologies hold immense potential to close that gap for SDG Indicator 6.3.2. However, limited awareness, lack of skills and resource inequalities are some of the barriers which hinder widespread adoption of EO. We present insights from a unique workshop held at the University of Stirling in 2024, which convened diverse participants from academia, industry, NGOs, and international agencies and across disciplines, geographies, and sectors. Through creative and collective thinking approaches, they developed four actionable concepts: (1) Space Buzz: a media campaign to raise awareness of EO value; (2) centralised EO access hubs to empower users and improve equality; (3) scalable education strategies for capacity building; and (4) an Intergovernmental Panel for Water Quality to enhance global coordination. Each concept derived from a synoptic creative process, demonstrating the uniqueness of thinking within the teams. To unlock the potential of EO for global water quality monitoring, we invite EO networks, funders, water resource managers and individuals to champion these concepts, and incorporate them into funding calls and proposals
The influence of seeding method and water depth on the morphology and biomass yield of farmed sugar kelp (Saccharina latissima) at a small-scale cultivation site in the northeast Atlantic
No full textSeaweed farming is a rapidly growing global industry, driven by increasing demand for biomass with a range of commercial applications. A major barrier limiting expansion of the industry is the need for cost-effective approaches to production. Established twine seeding methods are reliable, but recently developed binder methods offer potential scalability while minimising hatchery costs. Here, we compared growth of the farmed kelp Saccharina latissima using these two seeding methods. We also examined the influence of water depth on biomass production within a vertical cultivation system. Twine consistently achieved greater S. latissima biomass yield, with mean biomass almost four times higher than from binder seeding, and sporophytes reaching significantly greater density and total length. The biomass, length and density of S. latissima decreased with increasing water depth, a pattern which was more pronounced with twine seeding. We also observed morphological variability, with larger individuals on twine compared with binder treatments at all depths. Natural settlement of the non-target macroalga Sacchoriza polyschides was also recorded, at significantly greater biomass on binder treatments and at greater depths. Further work is needed to examine the predictability and extent of natural settlement of S. polyschides, and its potential as a commercially-viable species. Overall, twine seeding methods out-performed binder at a relatively dynamic, open coast, small-scale cultivation site. Moreover, while vertical cultivation systems can maximise yield relative to the spatial footprint of a seaweed farm, the marked reduction in cultivated biomass with increasing water depth should be considered within the local environmental contex
Silicon isotopes reveal the impact of fjordic processes on the transport of reactive silicon from glaciers to coastal regions
Full text linkAccelerated mass loss from the Greenland Ice Sheet leads to retreating glaciers and enhanced freshwater runoff to
adjacent coastal regions, potentially providing additional essential nutrients, such as silicon, to downstream
primary producers. However, the role of fjordic sediments in modulating the supply of silicon from glacial en
vironments to marine ecosystems remains poorly constrained, particularly for the quantification of silicon fluxes
from the sediments into overlying waters in high-latitude fjordic systems. In this study, we use the concentration
and stable isotopic composition of dissolved silicon in pore waters and core-top waters, and amorphous silica
phases (such as glacially-derived amorphous silica) in sediments and suspended particulate matter, collected
from two fjords in the southwest Greenland margin to address this knowledge gap. We combine downcore ob
servations with core incubations and isotope mass balance approaches to assess the benthic flux of dissolved
silicon and deconvolve potential contributors to this flux during early diagenesis. Our results suggest that mo
lecular diffusion only accounts for a portion of benthic dissolved silicon transport. Relative to surrounding
continental shelves and highly-productive open ocean waters, the estimated benthic dissolved silicon flux at our
sites is smaller in magnitude, supporting the role of fjords as a ‘trap’ for reactive silicon in high-latitude system
Heterogeneity in maternal mRNAs within clutches of eggs in response to thermal stress during the embryonic stage
No full textBackground
The origin of variation is of central interest in evolutionary biology. Maternal mRNAs govern early embryogenesis in many animal species, and we investigated the possibility that heterogeneity in maternal mRNA provisioning of eggs can be modulated by environmental stimuli.
Results
We employed two sibling species of the ascidian Ciona, called here types A and B, that are adapted to different temperature regimes and can be hybridized. Previous study showed that hybrids using type B eggs had higher susceptibility to thermal stress than hybrids using type A eggs. We conducted transcriptome analyses of multiple single eggs from crosses using eggs of the different species to compare the effects of maternal thermal stress on heterogeneity in egg provisioning, and followed the effects across generations. We found overall decreases of heterogeneity of egg maternal mRNAs associated with maternal thermal stress. When the eggs produced by the F1 AB generation were crossed with type B sperm and the progeny (‘ABB’ generation) reared unstressed until maturation, the overall heterogeneity of the eggs produced was greater in a clutch from an individual with a heat-stressed mother compared to one from a non-heat-stressed mother. By examining individual genes, we found no consistent overall effect of thermal stress on heterogeneity of expression in genes involved in developmental buffering. In contrast, heterogeneity of expression in signaling molecules was directly affected by thermal stress.
Conclusions
Due to the absence of batch replicates and variation in the number of reads obtained, our conclusions are very limited. However, contrary to the predictions of bet-hedging, the results suggest that maternal thermal stress at the embryo stage is associated with reduced heterogeneity of maternal mRNA provision in the eggs subsequently produced by the stressed individual, but there is then a large increase in heterogeneity in eggs of the next generation, although itself unstressed. Despite its limitations, our study presents a proof of concept, identifying a model system, experimental approach and analytical techniques capable of providing a significant advance in understanding the impact of maternal environment on developmental heterogeneity
Mapping selected emergent marine toxin-producing organisms using historical samples with two methods (biosensors and real-time PCR): a comparison of resolution
No full textThe Continuous Plankton Recorder (CPR) survey is a valuable resource for mapping changes in plankton distribution and understanding harmful algal ecology because of its breadth and longevity. Preservation methods with formalin degrade DNA, making it difficult to use as a molecular tool for archived marine samples. DNA was extracted from CPR samples immediately after collection, seven months later and after nine years of storage from a cruise track along the Iberian Peninsula. PCR reactions performed from the nine-year timepoint were hybridized to probes in an electrochemical biosensor and compared to results obtained from RT-PCR performed at two earlier time points. The successful identification of Pseudo-nitzschia spp., Prorocentrum lima, Alexandrium minutum, Alexandrium ostenfeldii, Gambierdiscus spp. and Coolia spp. was documented. The biosensor analysis outperformed RT-PCR, allowing us to document certain tropical toxic dinoflagellates, viz., Gambierdiscus and Coolia, that produce human ciguatoxins and Coolia toxins, respectively. These non-native algal toxins can accumulate, pervade the food web and negatively impact human food security. This supports the northerly movement of microalgae with climate change in offshore Iberian peninsular waters. This study highlights biosensors as a cost-effective tool for the offshore monitoring of HAB species and advances molecular technologies for long-term CPR datasets that have limited records of harmful algae. DNA from formalin-preserved CPR samples is degraded, so the use of a short, multiprobe biosensor can augment historical plankton records with contemporary methods that also capture infrequently occurring benthic taxa carried in surface waters. The integration of probe-based biosensor technologies offers a promising avenue for exploring plankton dynamics in response to environmental change