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Use of multibeam imaging sonar for observation of marine mammals and fish on a marine renewable energy site. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0275978. [PMID: 36516145 PMCID: PMC9750035 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0275978] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2021] [Accepted: 09/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Environmental data is crucial for planning, permitting, execution and post construction monitoring of marine renewable energy projects. In harsh conditions in which marine renewable energy is harvested, integrated monitoring platforms comprising multibeam imaging sonar systems coupled with other sensors can provide multiparametric data of the marine environment surrounding marine renewable energy installations. The aim of this study was to test the possibilities of observing the occurrence of fish and marine mammals using a multibeam imaging sonar system deployed at a wave power test site. The results obtained from a ten-day data set proved the platform as suitable for long time underwater monitoring and also revealed that the occurrence of fish and marine mammals was distributed across characteristic time and space domains. Large fish [>0.4 m] frequently occurred at night-time and near the benthic zone. Small fish [<0.2 m] frequently occurred during daylight and within the pelagic zone. The occurrence of seals was periodically distributed along a daily cycle, with intervals of 1-2 hours between maxima and minima. In conclusion, the use of multibeam imaging sonar can be a reliable technique for the qualitative and quantitative observations of fish and marine mammals in general and at marine renewable energy sites specifically, including protected and economically important species.
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2
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Hentschke GS, Ramos V, Pinheiro Â, Barreiro A, Costa MS, Rego A, Brule S, Vasconcelos VM, Leão PN. Zarconia navalis gen. nov., sp. nov., Romeriopsis navalis gen. nov., sp. nov. and Romeriopsis marina sp. nov., isolated from inter- and subtidal environments from northern Portugal. Int J Syst Evol Microbiol 2022; 72. [DOI: 10.1099/ijsem.0.005552] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The morphology, 16S rRNA gene phylogeny and 16S–23S rRNA gene ITS secondary structures of three strains of marine Cyanobacteria, isolated from inter- and subtidal environments from north Portugal were studied, resulting in the description of Zarconia navalis gen. nov., sp. nov. (Oscillatoriales incertae sedis), Romeriopsis navalis gen. nov., sp. nov. (Leptolyngbyaceae) and Romeriopsis marina sp. nov., named under the International Code of Nomenclature for algae, fungi, and plants. No diacritical morphological characters were found for the new genera and species. The 16S rRNA gene maximum-likelihood and Bayesian phylogenies supported that the genus Zarconia is a member of the Oscillatoriales, morphologically similar to the genera
Microcoleus
and Phormidium, but distant from them. The genus Romeriopsis is positioned within the Leptolyngbyaceae (Synechococcales) and is closely related to
Alkalinema
. The secondary structures of the D1-D1′, Box B, V2 and V3 helices corroborate the phylogenetic results. Furthermore, our study supports previous observations of polyphyletic Oscillatoriales families and reinforces the need for their taxonomic revision.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guilherme S. Hentschke
- Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research (CIIMAR/CIMAR), University of Porto, Av. General Norton de Matos, 4450-208, Matosinhos, Portugal
| | - Vitor Ramos
- Centro de Investigação de Montanha (CIMO), Instituto Politécnico de Bragança, Campus de Santa Apolónia, 5300-253 Bragança, Portugal
- Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research (CIIMAR/CIMAR), University of Porto, Av. General Norton de Matos, 4450-208, Matosinhos, Portugal
| | - Ângela Pinheiro
- Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research (CIIMAR/CIMAR), University of Porto, Av. General Norton de Matos, 4450-208, Matosinhos, Portugal
| | - Aldo Barreiro
- Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research (CIIMAR/CIMAR), University of Porto, Av. General Norton de Matos, 4450-208, Matosinhos, Portugal
| | - M. Sofia Costa
- Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research (CIIMAR/CIMAR), University of Porto, Av. General Norton de Matos, 4450-208, Matosinhos, Portugal
| | - Adriana Rego
- Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research (CIIMAR/CIMAR), University of Porto, Av. General Norton de Matos, 4450-208, Matosinhos, Portugal
| | - Sébastien Brule
- Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research (CIIMAR/CIMAR), University of Porto, Av. General Norton de Matos, 4450-208, Matosinhos, Portugal
| | - Vitor M. Vasconcelos
- Faculty of Sciences, University of Porto, Rua do Campo Alegre, 4169-007 Porto, Portugal
- Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research (CIIMAR/CIMAR), University of Porto, Av. General Norton de Matos, 4450-208, Matosinhos, Portugal
| | - Pedro N. Leão
- Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research (CIIMAR/CIMAR), University of Porto, Av. General Norton de Matos, 4450-208, Matosinhos, Portugal
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Use of a 360-Degree Underwater Camera to Characterize Artificial Reef and Fish Aggregating Effects around Marine Energy Devices. JOURNAL OF MARINE SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/jmse10050555] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Marine energy devices must be attached to the seafloor by their foundations, pilings, or anchors, and will have other parts in the water column like the devices themselves, mooring lines, and power export cables running along the seafloor. The installation and presence of these artificial structures will create physical changes that can disrupt or create new habitats, and potentially alter the behavior of mobile organisms such as fish around a device by attracting them to these new artificial reefs and fish aggregating devices. In this study, we tested a new approach for monitoring fish activity around a marine energy device anchor: a 360-degree underwater camera to keep the target (a wave energy converter’s anchor) in the field of view of the camera. The camera was deployed in three configurations (hand-held, tripod, video lander) at sites with different hydrodynamics and underwater visibilities. The video lander was the best configuration: very stable, versatile, and easy to handle. The 360-degree field of view enabled observing and counting fishes, which were more abundant at dusk than dawn or noon, around the anchor. Despite remaining challenges, 360-degree cameras are useful tools for monitoring animal interactions with marine energy devices.
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4
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Rivera G, Felix A, Mendoza E. A Review on Environmental and Social Impacts of Thermal Gradient and Tidal Currents Energy Conversion and Application to the Case of Chiapas, Mexico. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 17:ijerph17217791. [PMID: 33114363 PMCID: PMC7663693 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17217791] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2020] [Revised: 10/21/2020] [Accepted: 10/22/2020] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Despite the proved potential to harness ocean energy off the Mexican coast, one of the main aspects that have restrained the development of this industry is the lack of information regarding the environmental and social impacts of the devices and plants. Under this premise, a review of literature that could help identifying the potential repercussions of energy plants on those fields was performed. The available studies carried out around the world show a clear tendency to use indicators to assess impacts specifically related to the source of energy to be converted. The information gathered was used to address the foreseeable impacts on a hypothetical case regarding the deployment of an Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion (OTEC) plant off the Chiapas coast in Mexico. From the review it was found that for OTEC plants, the most important aspect to be considered is the discharge plume volume and its physicochemical composition, which can lead to the proliferation of harmful algal blooms. Regarding the case study, it is interesting to note that although the environmental impacts need to be mitigated and monitored, they can be somehow alleviated considering the potential social benefits of the energy industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Graciela Rivera
- Engineering Institute, National Autonomous University of Mexico, 04510 Mexico City, Mexico; (G.R.); (E.M.)
| | - Angélica Felix
- Engineering Institute, National Autonomous University of Mexico, 04510 Mexico City, Mexico; (G.R.); (E.M.)
- National Council on Science and Technology, 03940 Mexico City, Mexico
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +52-55-5623-3600
| | - Edgar Mendoza
- Engineering Institute, National Autonomous University of Mexico, 04510 Mexico City, Mexico; (G.R.); (E.M.)
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Bender A, Langhamer O, Sundberg J. Colonisation of wave power foundations by mobile mega- and macrofauna - a 12 year study. MARINE ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2020; 161:105053. [PMID: 32871461 DOI: 10.1016/j.marenvres.2020.105053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2020] [Revised: 06/10/2020] [Accepted: 06/21/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Environmental impacts from wave energy generators on the local mobile mega- and macrofauna community have been investigated in the Lysekil project by Uppsala University. Offshore renewable energy installations provide hard, artificial substrates, and as such, they could act as artificial reefs. Foundations with manufactured holes served as complex habitats and foundations without served as non-complex. In this long-term study, SCUBA surveys of mobile fauna in the years 2007, 2008 and 2016-2019 were analyzed. The results show a distinct reef effect on the foundations with significant greater species richness, total number of individuals, greater values of the Shannon-Wiener biodiversity index, and greater abundance of specific reef fauna. Complex foundations accommodated a greater abundance of brown crabs than non-complex foundations, other taxa did not show differences between the two foundation types. A successional increase of species richness, numbers of individuals and Shannon-Wiener biodiversity could be revealed from the first to the second survey period. Inter-annual variation was visible throughout all taxa and years.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anke Bender
- Department of Electrical Engineering, Division of Electricity, Uppsala University, Box 534, 75121, Uppsala, Sweden.
| | - Olivia Langhamer
- Department of Electrical Engineering, Division of Electricity, Uppsala University, Box 534, 75121, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Jan Sundberg
- Department of Electrical Engineering, Division of Electricity, Uppsala University, Box 534, 75121, Uppsala, Sweden
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6
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Cardiec F, Bertrand S, Witt MJ, Metcalfe K, Godley BJ, McClellan C, Vilela R, Parnell RJ, le Loc’h F. "Too Big To Ignore": A feasibility analysis of detecting fishing events in Gabonese small-scale fisheries. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0234091. [PMID: 32520945 PMCID: PMC7286497 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0234091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2019] [Accepted: 05/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
In many developing countries, small-scale fisheries provide employment and important food security for local populations. To support resource management, the description of the spatiotemporal extent of fisheries is necessary, but often poorly understood due to the diffuse nature of effort, operated from numerous small wooden vessels. Here, in Gabon, Central Africa, we applied Hidden Markov Models to detect fishing patterns in seven different fisheries (with different gears) from GPS data. Models were compared to information collected by on-board observers (7 trips) and, at a larger scale, to a visual interpretation method (99 trips). Models utilizing different sampling resolutions of GPS acquisition were also tested. Model prediction accuracy was high with GPS data sampling rates up to three minutes apart. The minor loss of accuracy linked to model classification is largely compensated by the savings in time required for analysis, especially in a context of nations or organizations with limited resources. This method could be applied to larger datasets at a national or international scale to identify and more adequately manage fishing effort.
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Affiliation(s)
- Floriane Cardiec
- IRD, Univ Brest, CNRS, Ifremer, LEMAR, Plouzané, France
- Wildlife Conservation Society, Gabon Program, Libreville, Gabon
- * E-mail:
| | - Sophie Bertrand
- IRD, UMR Marbec, Univ Montpelier, CNRS, Ifremer, Sète, France
| | - Matthew J. Witt
- Hatherly Laboratories, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Exeter, Exeter, United Kingdom
| | - Kristian Metcalfe
- Centre for Ecology & Conservation, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Exeter, Penryn Campus, Penryn, United Kingdom
| | - Brendan J. Godley
- Centre for Ecology & Conservation, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Exeter, Penryn Campus, Penryn, United Kingdom
| | | | - Raul Vilela
- Wildlife Conservation Society, Gabon Program, Libreville, Gabon
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7
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Sheehan EV, Bridger D, Nancollas SJ, Pittman SJ. PelagiCam: a novel underwater imaging system with computer vision for semi-automated monitoring of mobile marine fauna at offshore structures. ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING AND ASSESSMENT 2019; 192:11. [PMID: 31807930 DOI: 10.1007/s10661-019-7980-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2019] [Accepted: 11/14/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Engineered structures in the open ocean are becoming more frequent with the expansion of the marine renewable energy industry and offshore marine aquaculture. Floating engineered structures function as artificial patch reefs providing novel and relatively stable habitat structure not otherwise available in the pelagic water column. The enhanced physical structure can increase local biodiversity and benefit fisheries yet can also facilitate the spread of invasive species. Clear evidence of any ecological consequences will inform the design and placement of structures to either minimise negative impacts or enhance ecosystem restoration. The development of rapid, cost-effective and reliable remote underwater monitoring methods is crucial to supporting evidence-based decision-making by planning authorities and developers when assessing environmental risks and benefits of offshore structures. A novel, un-baited midwater video system, PelagiCam, with motion-detection software (MotionMeerkat) for semi-automated monitoring of mobile marine fauna, was developed and tested on the UK's largest offshore rope-cultured mussel farm in Lyme Bay, southwest England. PelagiCam recorded Atlantic horse mackerel (Trachurus trachurus), garfish (Belone belone) and two species of jellyfish (Chrysaora hysoscella and Rhizostoma pulmo) in open water close to the floating farm structure. The software successfully distinguished video frames where fishes were present versus absent. The PelagiCam system provides a cost-effective remote monitoring tool to streamline biological data acquisition in impact assessments of offshore floating structures. With the rise of sophisticated artificial intelligence for object recognition, the integration of computer vision techniques should receive more attention in marine ecology and has great potential to revolutionise marine biological monitoring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma V Sheehan
- School of Biological and Marine Sciences, University of Plymouth, Drakes Circus, Plymouth, PL4 8AA, UK
| | - Danielle Bridger
- School of Biological and Marine Sciences, University of Plymouth, Drakes Circus, Plymouth, PL4 8AA, UK
| | - Sarah J Nancollas
- School of Biological and Marine Sciences, University of Plymouth, Drakes Circus, Plymouth, PL4 8AA, UK
- Department of Animal Science, University of California, Davis, CA, 95616, USA
| | - Simon J Pittman
- School of Biological and Marine Sciences, University of Plymouth, Drakes Circus, Plymouth, PL4 8AA, UK
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8
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Bicknell AWJ, Sheehan EV, Godley BJ, Doherty PD, Witt MJ. Assessing the impact of introduced infrastructure at sea with cameras: A case study for spatial scale, time and statistical power. MARINE ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2019; 147:126-137. [PMID: 31097216 DOI: 10.1016/j.marenvres.2019.04.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2018] [Revised: 04/10/2019] [Accepted: 04/11/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Detecting the effects of introduced artificial structures on the marine environment relies upon research and monitoring programs that can provide baseline data and the necessary statistical power to detect biological and/or ecological change over relevant spatial and temporal scales. Here we report on, and assess the use of, Baited Remote Underwater Video (BRUV) systems as a technique to monitor diversity, abundance and assemblage composition data to evaluate the effects of marine renewable energy infrastructure on mobile epi-benthic species. The results from our five-year study at a wave energy development facility demonstrate how annual natural variation (time) and survey design (spatial scale and power) are important factors in the ability to robustly detect change in common ecological metrics of benthic and bentho-pelagic ecosystems of the northeast Atlantic. BRUV systems demonstrate their capacity for use in temperate, high energy marine environments, but also how weather, logistical and technical issues require increased sampling effort to ensure statistical power to detect relevant change is achieved. These factors require consideration within environmental impact assessments if such survey methods are to identify and contribute towards the management of potential positive or negative effects on benthic systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anthony W J Bicknell
- Environmental Biology, University of Exeter, Hatherly Building, Prince of Wales Road, Exeter EX4 4PS, UK; Centre for Ecology and Conservation, University of Exeter, Penryn, Cornwall TR10 9FE, UK; Environment and Sustainability Institute, University of Exeter, Penryn, Cornwall TR10 9FE, UK.
| | - Emma V Sheehan
- School of Biological and Marine Sciences, University of Plymouth, Plymouth, Devon PL4 8AA, UK.
| | - Brendan J Godley
- Centre for Ecology and Conservation, University of Exeter, Penryn, Cornwall TR10 9FE, UK.
| | - Philip D Doherty
- Centre for Ecology and Conservation, University of Exeter, Penryn, Cornwall TR10 9FE, UK.
| | - Matthew J Witt
- Environmental Biology, University of Exeter, Hatherly Building, Prince of Wales Road, Exeter EX4 4PS, UK; Centre for Ecology and Conservation, University of Exeter, Penryn, Cornwall TR10 9FE, UK; Environment and Sustainability Institute, University of Exeter, Penryn, Cornwall TR10 9FE, UK.
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9
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10
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Merchant ND, Brookes KL, Faulkner RC, Bicknell AWJ, Godley BJ, Witt MJ. Underwater noise levels in UK waters. Sci Rep 2016; 6:36942. [PMID: 27830837 PMCID: PMC5103265 DOI: 10.1038/srep36942] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2016] [Accepted: 10/24/2016] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Underwater noise from human activities appears to be rising, with ramifications for acoustically sensitive marine organisms and the functioning of marine ecosystems. Policymakers are beginning to address the risk of ecological impact, but are constrained by a lack of data on current and historic noise levels. Here, we present the first nationally coordinated effort to quantify underwater noise levels, in support of UK policy objectives under the EU Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD). Field measurements were made during 2013–2014 at twelve sites around the UK. Median noise levels ranged from 81.5–95.5 dB re 1 μPa for one-third octave bands from 63–500 Hz. Noise exposure varied considerably, with little anthropogenic influence at the Celtic Sea site, to several North Sea sites with persistent vessel noise. Comparison of acoustic metrics found that the RMS level (conventionally used to represent the mean) was highly skewed by outliers, exceeding the 97th percentile at some frequencies. We conclude that environmental indicators of anthropogenic noise should instead use percentiles, to ensure statistical robustness. Power analysis indicated that at least three decades of continuous monitoring would be required to detect trends of similar magnitude to historic rises in noise levels observed in the Northeast Pacific.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathan D Merchant
- Centre for Environment, Fisheries &Aquaculture Science (Cefas), Lowestoft, UK
| | | | - Rebecca C Faulkner
- Centre for Environment, Fisheries &Aquaculture Science (Cefas), Lowestoft, UK
| | - Anthony W J Bicknell
- Environment and Sustainability Institute, University of Exeter, Penryn, UK.,Centre for Ecology and Conservation, University of Exeter, Penryn, UK
| | - Brendan J Godley
- Environment and Sustainability Institute, University of Exeter, Penryn, UK.,Centre for Ecology and Conservation, University of Exeter, Penryn, UK
| | - Matthew J Witt
- Environment and Sustainability Institute, University of Exeter, Penryn, UK
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11
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Warwick-Evans VC, Atkinson PW, Robinson LA, Green JA. Predictive Modelling to Identify Near-Shore, Fine-Scale Seabird Distributions during the Breeding Season. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0150592. [PMID: 27031616 PMCID: PMC4816348 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0150592] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2015] [Accepted: 02/17/2016] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
During the breeding season seabirds are constrained to coastal areas and are restricted in their movements, spending much of their time in near-shore waters either loafing or foraging. However, in using these areas they may be threatened by anthropogenic activities such as fishing, watersports and coastal developments including marine renewable energy installations. Although many studies describe large scale interactions between seabirds and the environment, the drivers behind near-shore, fine-scale distributions are not well understood. For example, Alderney is an important breeding ground for many species of seabird and has a diversity of human uses of the marine environment, thus providing an ideal location to investigate the near-shore fine-scale interactions between seabirds and the environment. We used vantage point observations of seabird distribution, collected during the 2013 breeding season in order to identify and quantify some of the environmental variables affecting the near-shore, fine-scale distribution of seabirds in Alderney’s coastal waters. We validate the models with observation data collected in 2014 and show that water depth, distance to the intertidal zone, and distance to the nearest seabird nest are key predictors in the distribution of Alderney’s seabirds. AUC values for each species suggest that these models perform well, although the model for shags performed better than those for auks and gulls. While further unexplained underlying localised variation in the environmental conditions will undoubtedly effect the fine-scale distribution of seabirds in near-shore waters we demonstrate the potential of this approach in marine planning and decision making.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Philip W. Atkinson
- British Trust for Ornithology, The Nunnery, Thetford, Norfolk, United Kingdom
| | - Leonie A. Robinson
- School of Environmental Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Jonathan A. Green
- School of Environmental Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
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12
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Macleod AK, Stanley MS, Day JG, Cook EJ. Biofouling community composition across a range of environmental conditions and geographical locations suitable for floating marine renewable energy generation. BIOFOULING 2016; 32:261-276. [PMID: 26900732 DOI: 10.1080/08927014.2015.1136822] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Knowledge of biofouling typical of marine structures is essential for engineers to define appropriate loading criteria in addition to informing other stakeholders about the ecological implications of creating novel artificial environments. There is a lack of information regarding biofouling community composition (including weight and density characteristics) on floating structures associated with future marine renewable energy generation technologies. A network of navigation buoys were identified across a range of geographical areas, environmental conditions (tidal flow speed, temperature and salinity), and deployment durations suitable for future developments. Despite the perceived importance of environmental and temporal factors, geographical location explained the greatest proportion of the observed variation in community composition, emphasising the importance of considering geography when assessing the impact of biofouling on device functioning and associated ecology. The principal taxa associated with variation in biofouling community composition were mussels (Mytilus edulis), which were also important when determining loading criteria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adrian K Macleod
- a The Scottish Association for Marine Science (SAMS) , Ecology Department , Oban , UK
| | - Michele S Stanley
- b The Scottish Association for Marine Science (SAMS) , Microbial and Molecular Biology Department , Oban , UK
| | - John G Day
- b The Scottish Association for Marine Science (SAMS) , Microbial and Molecular Biology Department , Oban , UK
| | - Elizabeth J Cook
- a The Scottish Association for Marine Science (SAMS) , Ecology Department , Oban , UK
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13
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Boosting Blue Growth in a Mild Sea: Analysis of the Synergies Produced by a Multi-Purpose Offshore Installation in the Northern Adriatic, Italy. SUSTAINABILITY 2015. [DOI: 10.3390/su7066804] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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14
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Airoldi L, Turon X, Perkol-Finkel S, Rius M. Corridors for aliens but not for natives: effects of marine urban sprawl at a regional scale. DIVERS DISTRIB 2015. [DOI: 10.1111/ddi.12301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 187] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Laura Airoldi
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biologiche, Geologiche ed Ambientali; University of Bologna; Via S. Alberto 163 I-48123 Ravenna Italy
- Hopkins Marine Station; Stanford University; Pacific Grove CA 93950 USA
| | - Xavier Turon
- Center for Advanced Studies of Blanes (CEAB-CSIC); Accés a la Cala S. Francesc 14 17300 Blanes (Girona) Spain
| | - Shimrit Perkol-Finkel
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biologiche, Geologiche ed Ambientali; University of Bologna; Via S. Alberto 163 I-48123 Ravenna Italy
- SeArc - Ecological Marine Consulting; 13 Namirover St. Tel Aviv 69713 Israel
| | - Marc Rius
- Ocean and Earth Science, National Oceanography Centre Southampton; University of Southampton; European Way SO14 3ZH UK
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15
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Firth LB, Schofield M, White FJ, Skov MW, Hawkins SJ. Biodiversity in intertidal rock pools: informing engineering criteria for artificial habitat enhancement in the built environment. MARINE ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2014; 102:122-130. [PMID: 24746927 DOI: 10.1016/j.marenvres.2014.03.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2013] [Revised: 03/17/2014] [Accepted: 03/25/2014] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
Coastal defence structures are proliferating to counter rising and stormier seas. With increasing concern about the ecological value of built environments, efforts are being made to create novel habitat to increase biodiversity. Rock pools are infrequent on artificial structures. We compared biodiversity patterns between rock pools and emergent rock and assessed the role of pool depth and substratum incline in determining patterns of biodiversity. Rock pools were more taxon rich than emergent substrata. Patterns varied with depth and incline with algal groups being more positively associated with shallow than deeper habitats. Substratum incline had little influence on colonising epibiota, with the exception of canopy algae in deeper habitats where vertical surfaces supported greater taxon richness than horizontal surfaces. The creation of artificial rock pools in built environments will have a positive effect on biodiversity. Building pools of varying depths and inclines and shore heights will provide a range of habitats, increase environmental heterogeneity, therefore creating more possible ecological niches, promoting local biodiversity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Louise B Firth
- School of Ocean Sciences, Bangor University, Menai Bridge, Anglesey LL59 5AB, United Kingdom.
| | - Meredith Schofield
- School of Ocean Sciences, Bangor University, Menai Bridge, Anglesey LL59 5AB, United Kingdom
| | - Freya J White
- School of Ocean Sciences, Bangor University, Menai Bridge, Anglesey LL59 5AB, United Kingdom
| | - Martin W Skov
- School of Ocean Sciences, Bangor University, Menai Bridge, Anglesey LL59 5AB, United Kingdom
| | - Stephen J Hawkins
- School of Ocean Sciences, Bangor University, Menai Bridge, Anglesey LL59 5AB, United Kingdom; Ocean and Earth Science, National Oceanography Centre Southampton, Waterfront Campus, University of Southampton, European Way, Southampton, Hampshire SO14 3ZH, United Kingdom
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16
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Adams TP, Miller RG, Aleynik D, Burrows MT. Offshore marine renewable energy devices as stepping stones across biogeographical boundaries. J Appl Ecol 2014. [DOI: 10.1111/1365-2664.12207] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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Firth LB, Mieszkowska N, Thompson RC, Hawkins SJ. Climate change and adaptational impacts in coastal systems: the case of sea defences. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE. PROCESSES & IMPACTS 2013; 15:1665-1670. [PMID: 23900344 DOI: 10.1039/c3em00313b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
We briefly review how coastal ecosystems are responding to and being impacted by climate change, one of the greatest challenges facing society today. In adapting to rising and stormier seas associated with climate change, coastal defence structures are proliferating and becoming dominant coastal features, particularly in urbanised areas. Whilst the primary function of these structures is to protect coastal property and infrastructure, they inevitably have a significant secondary impact on the local environment and ecosystems. In this review we outline some of the negative and positive effects of these structures on physical processes, impacts on marine species, and the novel engineering approaches that have been employed to improve the ecological value of these structures in recent years. Finally we outline guidelines for an environmentally sensitive approach to design of such structures in the marine environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Louise B Firth
- Ryan Institute, National University of Ireland Galway, University Road, Galway, Ireland.
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Firth LB, Thompson RC, White FJ, Schofield M, Skov MW, Hoggart SPG, Jackson J, Knights AM, Hawkins SJ. The importance of water-retaining features for biodiversity on artificial intertidal coastal defence structures. DIVERS DISTRIB 2013. [DOI: 10.1111/ddi.12079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 122] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
| | - Richard C. Thompson
- Marine Biology and Ecology Research Centre; School of Marine Science and Engineering; Plymouth University; Drake Circus; Plymouth; PL4 8AA; UK
| | - Freya J. White
- School of Ocean Sciences; Bangor University; Menai Bridge; Anglesey; LL59 5AB; UK
| | - Meredith Schofield
- School of Ocean Sciences; Bangor University; Menai Bridge; Anglesey; LL59 5AB; UK
| | - Martin W. Skov
- School of Ocean Sciences; Bangor University; Menai Bridge; Anglesey; LL59 5AB; UK
| | - Simon P. G. Hoggart
- Marine Biology and Ecology Research Centre; School of Marine Science and Engineering; Plymouth University; Drake Circus; Plymouth; PL4 8AA; UK
| | - Juliette Jackson
- Marine Biology and Ecology Research Centre; School of Marine Science and Engineering; Plymouth University; Drake Circus; Plymouth; PL4 8AA; UK
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Epibenthic assessment of a renewable tidal energy site. ScientificWorldJournal 2013; 2013:906180. [PMID: 23476152 PMCID: PMC3580905 DOI: 10.1155/2013/906180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2012] [Accepted: 01/08/2013] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Concern over global climate change as a result of fossil fuel use has resulted in energy production from renewable sources. Marine renewable energy devices provide clean electricity but can also cause physical disturbance to the local environment. There is a considerable paucity of ecological data at potential marine renewable energy sites that is needed to assess potential future impacts and allow optimal siting of devices. Here, we provide a baseline benthic survey for the Big Russel in Guernsey, UK, a potential site for tidal energy development. To assess the suitability of proposed sites for marine renewable energy in the Big Russel and to identify potential control sites, we compared species assemblages and habitat types. This baseline survey can be used to select control habitats to compare and monitor the benthic communities after installation of the device and contribute towards the optimal siting of any future installation.
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Gill AB, Bartlett M, Thomsen F. Potential interactions between diadromous fishes of U.K. conservation importance and the electromagnetic fields and subsea noise from marine renewable energy developments. JOURNAL OF FISH BIOLOGY 2012; 81:664-95. [PMID: 22803729 DOI: 10.1111/j.1095-8649.2012.03374.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
The considerable extent of construction and operation of marine renewable energy developments (MRED) within U.K. and adjacent waters will lead, among other things, to the emission of electromagnetic fields (EMF) and subsea sounds into the marine environment. Migratory fishes that respond to natural environmental cues, such as the Earth's geomagnetic field or underwater sounds, move through the same waters that the MRED occupy, thereby raising the question of whether there are any effects of MRED on migratory fishes. Diadromous species, such as the Salmonidae and Anguillidae, which undertake large-scale migrations through coastal and offshore waters, are already significantly affected by other human activities leading to national and international conservation efforts to manage any existing threats and to minimize future concerns, including the potential effect of MRED. Here, the current state of knowledge with regard to the potential for diadromous fishes of U.K. conservation importance to be affected by MRED is reviewed. The information on which to base the review was found to be limited with respect to all aspects of these fishes' migratory behaviour and activity, especially with regards to MRED deployment, making it difficult to establish cause and effect relationships. The main findings, however, were that diadromous species can use the Earth's magnetic field for orientation and direction finding during migrations. Juveniles of anadromous brown trout (sea trout) Salmo trutta and close relatives of S. trutta respond to both the Earth's magnetic field and artificial magnetic fields. Current knowledge suggests that EMFs from subsea cables may interact with migrating Anguilla sp. (and possibly other diadromous fishes) if their movement routes take them over the cables, particularly in shallow water (<20 m). The only known effect is a temporary change in swimming direction. Whether this will represent a biologically significant effect, for example delayed migration, cannot yet be determined. Diadromous fishes are likely to encounter EMFs from subsea cables either during the adult movement phases of life or their early life stages during migration within shallow, coastal waters adjacent to natal rivers. The underwater sound from MRED devices has not been fully characterized to determine its acoustic properties and propagation through the coastal waters. MRED that require pile driving during construction appear to be the most relevant to consider. In the absence of a clear understanding of their response to underwater sound, the specific effects on migratory species of conservation concern remain very difficult to determine in relation to MRED. Based on the studies reviewed, it is suggested that fishes that receive high intensity sound in close proximity to construction may be physiologically affected to some degree, whereas those at farther distances, potentially up to several km, may exhibit behaviour responses; the effect of which is unknown and will be dependent on the properties of the received sound and receptor characteristics and condition. Whether there are behavioural effects on the fishes during operation is unknown but any change to the environment and subsequent response by the fishes would need to be considered over the lifetime of the MRED. It is not yet possible to determine if effects relating to sound exposure are biologically significant. The current assumptions of limited effects are built on an incomplete understanding of how the species move around their environment and interact with natural and anthropogenic EMFs and subsea sound. A number of important knowledge gaps exist, principally whether migratory fish species on the whole respond to the EMF and the sound associated with MRED. Future research should address the principal gaps before assuming that any effect on diadromous species results in a biological effect.
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Affiliation(s)
- A B Gill
- Environmental Science and Technology Department, School of Applied Sciences, Cranfield University, Cranfield, UK.
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