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Fuentes MMPB, Santos AJB, Abreu-Grobois A, Briseño-Dueñas R, Al-Khayat J, Hamza S, Saliba S, Anderson D, Rusenko KW, Mitchell NJ, Gammon M, Bentley BP, Beton D, Booth DTB, Broderick AC, Colman LP, Snape RTE, Calderon-Campuzano MF, Cuevas E, Lopez-Castro MC, Flores-Aguirre CD, Mendez de la Cruz F, Segura-Garcia Y, Ruiz-Garcia A, Fossette S, Gatto CR, Reina RD, Girondot M, Godfrey M, Guzman-Hernandez V, Hart CE, Kaska Y, Lara PH, Marcovaldi MAGD, LeBlanc AM, Rostal D, Liles MJ, Wyneken J, Lolavar A, Williamson SA, Manoharakrishnan M, Pusapati C, Chatting M, Mohd Salleh S, Patricio AR, Regalla A, Restrepo J, Garcia R, Santidrián Tomillo P, Sezgin C, Shanker K, Tapilatu F, Turkozan O, Valverde RA, Williams K, Yilmaz C, Tolen N, Nel R, Tucek J, Legouvello D, Rivas ML, Gaspar C, Touron M, Genet Q, Salmon M, Araujo MR, Freire JB, Castheloge VD, Jesus PR, Ferreira PD, Paladino FV, Montero-Flores D, Sozbilen D, Monsinjon JR. Adaptation of sea turtles to climate warming: Will phenological responses be sufficient to counteract changes in reproductive output? Glob Chang Biol 2024; 30:e16991. [PMID: 37905464 DOI: 10.1111/gcb.16991] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2023] [Revised: 10/02/2023] [Accepted: 10/03/2023] [Indexed: 11/02/2023]
Abstract
Sea turtles are vulnerable to climate change since their reproductive output is influenced by incubating temperatures, with warmer temperatures causing lower hatching success and increased feminization of embryos. Their ability to cope with projected increases in ambient temperatures will depend on their capacity to adapt to shifts in climatic regimes. Here, we assessed the extent to which phenological shifts could mitigate impacts from increases in ambient temperatures (from 1.5 to 3°C in air temperatures and from 1.4 to 2.3°C in sea surface temperatures by 2100 at our sites) on four species of sea turtles, under a "middle of the road" scenario (SSP2-4.5). Sand temperatures at sea turtle nesting sites are projected to increase from 0.58 to 4.17°C by 2100 and expected shifts in nesting of 26-43 days earlier will not be sufficient to maintain current incubation temperatures at 7 (29%) of our sites, hatching success rates at 10 (42%) of our sites, with current trends in hatchling sex ratio being able to be maintained at half of the sites. We also calculated the phenological shifts that would be required (both backward for an earlier shift in nesting and forward for a later shift) to keep up with present-day incubation temperatures, hatching success rates, and sex ratios. The required shifts backward in nesting for incubation temperatures ranged from -20 to -191 days, whereas the required shifts forward ranged from +54 to +180 days. However, for half of the sites, no matter the shift the median incubation temperature will always be warmer than the 75th percentile of current ranges. Given that phenological shifts will not be able to ameliorate predicted changes in temperature, hatching success and sex ratio at most sites, turtles may need to use other adaptive responses and/or there is the need to enhance sea turtle resilience to climate warming.
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Affiliation(s)
- M M P B Fuentes
- Marine Turtle Research, Ecology, and Conservation Group, Department of Earth, Ocean and Atmospheric Science, Florida State University, Tallahassee, Florida, USA
| | - A J B Santos
- Marine Turtle Research, Ecology, and Conservation Group, Department of Earth, Ocean and Atmospheric Science, Florida State University, Tallahassee, Florida, USA
| | - A Abreu-Grobois
- Unidad Academica Mazatlan, Instituto de Ciencias del Mar y Limnologia, UNAM, Mazatlan, Sinaloa, Mexico
| | - R Briseño-Dueñas
- Unidad Academica Mazatlan, Instituto de Ciencias del Mar y Limnologia, UNAM, Mazatlan, Sinaloa, Mexico
| | - J Al-Khayat
- Environmental Science Centre, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
| | - S Hamza
- Environmental Science Centre, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
| | - S Saliba
- Environmental Science Centre, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
| | - D Anderson
- Gumbo Limbo Nature Center, Boca Raton, Florida, USA
| | - K W Rusenko
- Gumbo Limbo Nature Center, Boca Raton, Florida, USA
| | - N J Mitchell
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Crawley, Western Australia, Australia
| | - M Gammon
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Crawley, Western Australia, Australia
| | - B P Bentley
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Crawley, Western Australia, Australia
- Department of Environmental Conservation, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Massachusetts, USA
| | - D Beton
- Society for Protection of Turtles, Gonyeli, Northern Cyprus
| | - D T B Booth
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Queensland, Australia
| | - A C Broderick
- Centre for Ecology and Conservation, University of Exeter, Penryn, UK
| | - L P Colman
- Centre for Ecology and Conservation, University of Exeter, Penryn, UK
| | - R T E Snape
- Society for Protection of Turtles, Gonyeli, Northern Cyprus
- Centre for Ecology and Conservation, University of Exeter, Penryn, UK
| | - M F Calderon-Campuzano
- Programa de Protección y Conservación de Tortugas Marinas, Convenio FONATUR-Instituto de Ciencias del Mar y Limnología-UNAM, Mazatlán, Sinaloa, Mexico
| | - E Cuevas
- Instituto de Investigaciones Oceanologicas, Universidad Autonoma de Baja California, Ensenada, Mexico
| | - M C Lopez-Castro
- Pronatura Península de Yucatán, A. C. Programa para la Conservación de la Tortuga Marina, Mérida, Yucatán, Mexico
| | - C D Flores-Aguirre
- Departamento de Zoología, Instituto de Biología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | - F Mendez de la Cruz
- Departamento de Zoología, Instituto de Biología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | - Y Segura-Garcia
- Departamento de Zoología, Instituto de Biología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | - A Ruiz-Garcia
- Departamento de Zoología, Instituto de Biología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | - S Fossette
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Crawley, Western Australia, Australia
- Biodiversity and Conservation Science, Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions, Kensington, Western Australia, Australia
| | - C R Gatto
- School of Biological Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - R D Reina
- School of Biological Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - M Girondot
- Université Paris-Saclay, CNRS, AgroParisTech, Ecologie Systématique et Evolution, Gif-sur-Yvette, France
| | - M Godfrey
- North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission, Beaufort, North Carolina, USA
- Duke Marine Laboratory, Nicholas School of Environment, Duke University, Beaufort, North Carolina, USA
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina, USA
| | | | - C E Hart
- Centro de Investigaciones Oceánicas del Mar de Cortés-Gran Acuario de Mazatlán, Mazatlán, Mexico
| | - Y Kaska
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Pamukkale University, Denizli, Turkey
| | - P H Lara
- Fundação Projeto Tamar, Florianópolis, Brazil
| | | | - A M LeBlanc
- Georgia Southern University, Statesboro, Georgia, USA
| | - D Rostal
- Georgia Southern University, Statesboro, Georgia, USA
| | - M J Liles
- Asociacion ProCosta, San Salvador, El Salvador
| | - J Wyneken
- Department of Biological Sciences, Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton, Florida, USA
| | - A Lolavar
- Department of Biological Sciences, Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton, Florida, USA
| | - S A Williamson
- School of Biological Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Biological Sciences, Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton, Florida, USA
| | | | | | - M Chatting
- Environmental Science Centre, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
- School of Civil Engineering, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - S Mohd Salleh
- School of Biological Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Penang, Malaysia
| | - A R Patricio
- Centre for Ecology and Conservation, University of Exeter, Penryn, UK
- Marine and Environmental Sciences Centre/ARNET-Aquatic Research Network, Ispa-Instituto Universitário de Ciências Psicológicas, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - A Regalla
- Instituto da Biodiversidade e das Áreas Protegidas, Dr. Alfredo Simão da Silva (IBAP), Bissau, Guinea-Bissau
| | - J Restrepo
- Sea Turtle Conservancy, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - R Garcia
- Sea Turtle Conservancy, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | | | - C Sezgin
- Sea Turtle Research, Rescue and Rehabilitation Center (DEKAMER), Mugla, Turkey
| | - K Shanker
- Dakshin Foundation, Bangalore, India
- Centre for Ecological Sciences, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, India
| | - F Tapilatu
- Research Center of Pacific Marine Resources-University of Papua (UNIPA), Manokwari, Papua Barat, Indonesia
| | - O Turkozan
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Aydın Adnan Menderes University, Aydın, Turkey
| | - R A Valverde
- Sea Turtle Conservancy, Gainesville, Florida, USA
- Biological Sciences, Southeastern Louisiana University, Hammond, Louisiana, USA
| | - K Williams
- Caretta Research Project, Savannah, Georgia, USA
| | - C Yilmaz
- Hakkari University, Vocational School of Health Services, Hakkari, Turkey
| | - N Tolen
- Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, Kuala Nerus, Malaysia
| | - R Nel
- Department of Zoology, Institute for Coastal and Marine Research, Nelson Mandela University, Gqeberha, South Africa
| | - J Tucek
- Department of Zoology, Institute for Coastal and Marine Research, Nelson Mandela University, Gqeberha, South Africa
| | - D Legouvello
- Department of Zoology, Institute for Coastal and Marine Research, Nelson Mandela University, Gqeberha, South Africa
| | - M L Rivas
- Department of Biology, University of Cadiz, Cadiz, Spain
| | - C Gaspar
- Te Mana O Te Moana, Moorea-Maiao, French Polynesia
| | - M Touron
- Te Mana O Te Moana, Moorea-Maiao, French Polynesia
| | - Q Genet
- Te Mana O Te Moana, Moorea-Maiao, French Polynesia
| | - M Salmon
- Department of Biological Sciences, Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton, Florida, USA
| | - M R Araujo
- Ministerio de Medio Ambiente y Recursos Naturales, San Salvador, El Salvador
| | - J B Freire
- Fundação Espírito Santense de Tecnologia-FEST, Vitória, Espírito Santo, Brazil
| | | | - P R Jesus
- Econservation Estudos e Projetos Ambientais, Vitória, Espírito Santo, Brazil
| | - P D Ferreira
- Departamento de Gemologia, Universidade Federal do Espírito Santo, Vitória, Espírito Santo, Brazil
| | - F V Paladino
- Purdue University Fort Wayne, Fort Wayne, Indiana, USA
| | | | - D Sozbilen
- Department of Veterinary, Acıpayam Vocational School, Pamukkale University, Denizli, Turkey
| | - J R Monsinjon
- Institut Français de Recherche pour l'Exploitation de la Mer (IFREMER), Délégation Océan Indien (DOI), Le Port, La Réunion, France
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Ashworth MP, Majewska R, Frankovich TA, Sullivan M, Bosak S, Filek K, Van de Vijver B, Arendt M, Schwenter J, Nel R, Robinson NJ, Gary MP, Theriot EC, Stacy NI, Lam DW, Perrault JR, Manire CA, Manning SR. Cultivating epizoic diatoms provides insights into the evolution and ecology of both epibionts and hosts. Sci Rep 2022; 12:15116. [PMID: 36068258 PMCID: PMC9448772 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-19064-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2022] [Accepted: 08/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Our understanding of the importance of microbiomes on large aquatic animals—such as whales, sea turtles and manatees—has advanced considerably in recent years. The latest observations indicate that epibiotic diatom communities constitute diverse, polyphyletic, and compositionally stable assemblages that include both putatively obligate epizoic and generalist species. Here, we outline a successful approach to culture putatively obligate epizoic diatoms without their hosts. That some taxa can be cultured independently from their epizoic habitat raises several questions about the nature of the interaction between these animals and their epibionts. This insight allows us to propose further applications and research avenues in this growing area of study. Analyzing the DNA sequences of these cultured strains, we found that several unique diatom taxa have evolved independently to occupy epibiotic habitats. We created a library of reference sequence data for use in metabarcoding surveys of sea turtle and manatee microbiomes that will further facilitate the use of environmental DNA for studying host specificity in epizoic diatoms and the utility of diatoms as indicators of host ecology and health. We encourage the interdisciplinary community working with marine megafauna to consider including diatom sampling and diatom analysis into their routine practices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matt P Ashworth
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, University of Texas, Austin, TX, 78712, USA.
| | - Roksana Majewska
- Unit for Environmental Sciences and Management, North-West University, Potchefstroom, 2520, South Africa.,Human Metabolomics, Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, North-West University, Potchefstroom, 2520, South Africa
| | - Thomas A Frankovich
- Institute of Environment, Florida International University, 11200 SW 8th St., Miami, FL, 33037, USA
| | | | - Sunčica Bosak
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Zagreb, Rooseveltov trg 6, 10000, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Klara Filek
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Zagreb, Rooseveltov trg 6, 10000, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Bart Van de Vijver
- Research Department, Meise Botanic Garden, Nieuwelaan 38, 1860, Meise, Belgium.,Department of Biology, University of Antwerp, ECOSPHERE, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610, Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Michael Arendt
- Department of Natural Resources, Marine Resources Division, Charleston, SC, USA
| | - Jeffrey Schwenter
- Department of Natural Resources, Marine Resources Division, Charleston, SC, USA
| | - Ronel Nel
- Department of Zoology, Institute for Coastal and Marine Research, Nelson Mandela University, Gqeberha, 6031, South Africa
| | - Nathan J Robinson
- Institut de Ciències del Mar, Spanish National Research Council (CSIC), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Meagan P Gary
- Santa Cruz, Institute of Marine Sciences, University of California, Santa Cruz, CA, 95060, USA
| | - Edward C Theriot
- Department of Integrative Biology, University of Texas, Austin, TX, 78712, USA
| | - Nicole I Stacy
- Department of Comparative, Diagnostic, and Population Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, 32608, USA
| | - Daryl W Lam
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL, 35487, USA
| | | | | | - Schonna R Manning
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, University of Texas, Austin, TX, 78712, USA
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3
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van de Geer CH, Bourjea J, Broderick AC, Dalleau M, Fernandes RS, Harris LR, Inteca GE, Kiponda FK, Louro CMM, Mortimer JA, Msangameno D, Mwasi LD, Nel R, Okemwa GM, Olendo M, Pereira MAM, Rees AF, Silva I, Singh S, West L, Williams JL, Godley BJ. Marine turtles of the African east coast: current knowledge and priorities for conservation and research. ENDANGER SPECIES RES 2022. [DOI: 10.3354/esr01180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
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4
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Majewska R, Ashworth MP, Bosak S, Goosen WE, Nolte C, Filek K, Van de Vijver B, Taylor JC, Manning SR, Nel R. On Sea Turtle-associated Craspedostauros (Bacillariophyta), with Description of Three Novel Species. J Phycol 2021; 57:199-218. [PMID: 33098095 DOI: 10.1111/jpy.13086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2020] [Revised: 08/21/2020] [Accepted: 08/31/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
The current study focuses on four species from the primarily marine diatom genus Craspedostauros that were observed growing attached to numerous sea turtles and sea turtle-associated barnacles from Croatia and South Africa. Three of the examined taxa, C. danayanus sp. nov., C. legouvelloanus sp. nov., and C. macewanii sp. nov., are described based on morphological and, whenever possible, molecular characteristics. The new taxa exhibit characters not previously observed in other members of the genus, such as the presence of more than two rows of cribrate areolae on the girdle bands, shallow perforated septa, and a complete reduction of the stauros. The fourth species, C. alatus, itself recently described from museum sea turtle specimens, is reported for the first time from loggerhead sea turtles rescued in Europe. A 3-gene phylogenetic analysis including DNA sequence data for three sea turtle-associated Craspedostauros species and other marine and epizoic diatom taxa indicated that Craspedostauros is monophyletic and sister to Achnanthes. This study, being based on a large number of samples and animal specimens analyzed and using different preservation and processing methods, provides new insights into the ecology and biogeography of the genus and sheds light on the level of intimacy and permanency in the host-epibiont interaction within the epizoic Craspedostauros species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roksana Majewska
- Unit for Environmental Sciences and Management, School of Biological Sciences, North-West University, Potchefstroom, 2520, South Africa
- South African Institute for Aquatic Biodiversity (SAIAB), Grahamstown, 6140, South Africa
| | - Matt P Ashworth
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas, 78712, USA
| | - Sunčica Bosak
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, 10000, Croatia
| | - William E Goosen
- Centre for High Resolution Transmission Electron Microscopy, Faculty of Science, Nelson Mandela University, Port Elizabeth, 6031, South Africa
| | - Christopher Nolte
- Department of Zoology, Institute for Coastal and Marine Research, Nelson Mandela University, Port Elizabeth, 6031, South Africa
| | - Klara Filek
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, 10000, Croatia
| | - Bart Van de Vijver
- Research Department, Botanic Garden Meise, B-1860, Meise, Belgium
- Department of Biology, University of Antwerp, ECOBE, 2020, Antwerpen, Belgium
| | - Jonathan C Taylor
- Unit for Environmental Sciences and Management, School of Biological Sciences, North-West University, Potchefstroom, 2520, South Africa
- South African Institute for Aquatic Biodiversity (SAIAB), Grahamstown, 6140, South Africa
| | - Schonna R Manning
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas, 78712, USA
| | - Ronel Nel
- Department of Zoology, Institute for Coastal and Marine Research, Nelson Mandela University, Port Elizabeth, 6031, South Africa
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Le Gouvello DZ, Hart-Davis MG, Backeberg BC, Nel R. Effects of swimming behaviour and oceanography on sea turtle hatchling dispersal at the intersection of two ocean current systems. Ecol Modell 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ecolmodel.2020.109130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
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Harris LR, Nel R, Oosthuizen H, Meÿer M, Kotze D, Anders D, McCue S, Bachoo S. Managing conflicts between economic activities and threatened migratory marine species toward creating a multiobjective blue economy. Conserv Biol 2018; 32:411-423. [PMID: 28766846 DOI: 10.1111/cobi.12992] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2016] [Revised: 06/09/2017] [Accepted: 07/17/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Harnessing the economic potential of the oceans is key to combating poverty, enhancing food security, and strengthening economies. But the concomitant risk of intensified resource extraction to migratory species is worrying given these species contribute to important ecological processes, often underpin alternative livelihoods, and are mostly already threatened. We thus sought to quantify the potential conflict between key economic activities (5 fisheries and hydrocarbon exploitation) and sea turtle migration corridors in a region with rapid economic development: southern and eastern Africa. We satellite tracked the movement of 20 loggerhead (Caretta caretta) and 14 leatherback (Dermochelys coriacea) turtles during their postnesting migrations. We used movement-based kernel density estimation to identify migration corridors for each species. We overlaid these corridors on maps of the distribution and intensity of economic activities, quantified the extent of overlap and threat posed by each activity on each species, and compared the effects of activities. These results were compared with annual bycatch rates in the respective fisheries. Both species' 3 corridors overlapped most with longline fishing, but the effect was worse for leatherbacks: their bycatch rates of approximately 1500/year were substantial relative to the regional population size of <100 nesting females/annum. This bycatch rate is likely slowing population growth. Artisanal fisheries may be of greater concern for loggerheads than for leatherbacks, but the population appears to be withstanding the high bycatch rates because it is increasing exponentially. The hydrocarbon industry currently has a moderately low impact on both species, but mining in key areas (e.g., Southern Mozambique) may undermine >50 years of conservation, potentially affecting >80% of loggerheads, 33% of the (critically endangered) leatherbacks, and their nesting beaches. We support establishing blue economies (i.e., generating wealth from the ocean), but oceans need to be carefully zoned and responsibly managed in both space and time to achieve economic (resource extraction), ecological (conservation, maintenance of processes), and social (maintenance of alternative livelihood opportunities, alleviate poverty) objectives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linda R Harris
- Department of Zoology, Institute for Coastal and Marine Research, Nelson Mandela University, Port Elizabeth, Eastern Cape, 6001, South Africa
| | - Ronel Nel
- Department of Zoology, Institute for Coastal and Marine Research, Nelson Mandela University, Port Elizabeth, Eastern Cape, 6001, South Africa
| | - Herman Oosthuizen
- Department of Environmental Affairs, Branch: Oceans and Coasts, Cape Town, Western Cape, 8001, South Africa
| | - Mike Meÿer
- Department of Environmental Affairs, Branch: Oceans and Coasts, Cape Town, Western Cape, 8001, South Africa
| | - Deon Kotze
- Department of Environmental Affairs, Branch: Oceans and Coasts, Cape Town, Western Cape, 8001, South Africa
| | - Darrell Anders
- Department of Environmental Affairs, Branch: Oceans and Coasts, Cape Town, Western Cape, 8001, South Africa
| | - Steven McCue
- Department of Environmental Affairs, Branch: Oceans and Coasts, Cape Town, Western Cape, 8001, South Africa
| | - Santosh Bachoo
- Ezemvelo KwaZulu-Natal Wildlife, Private Bag X 3, Congella, Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, 4013, South Africa
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du Preez M, Nel R, Bouwman H. First report of metallic elements in loggerhead and leatherback turtle eggs from the Indian Ocean. Chemosphere 2018; 197:716-728. [PMID: 29407836 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2018.01.106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2017] [Revised: 01/20/2018] [Accepted: 01/22/2018] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Bio-monitoring of pollutants in long-lived animals such as sea turtles is an important tool in ecotoxicology. We present the first report on metallic elements in sea turtle eggs from the Indian Ocean. Eggs of the leatherback and loggerhead turtle that breed on the Indian Ocean coast of South Africa were analysed for 30 elements. The eggshells and egg contents of the loggerhead turtle, the smaller of the two species, had higher or significantly higher concentrations than leatherbacks, except for strontium - the reason is unknown. Elemental concentrations in eggshells and contents were the same or lower compared with other studies. The differences in concentrations in the egg contents and eggshells between the two species are likely due to different trophic levels, migration patterns, life histories, age, and growth, as well as differences in pollution sources and the uptake, retention and elimination characteristics of the different elements by the different species. We found no congruence between patterns in eggshells and corresponding egg contents, for both species. However, eggshells and egg contents showed congruence between species. The lack of congruence between eggshells and contents within each species precludes using eggshell concentrations as a proxy for egg content concentrations. Copper, strontium, and selenium occurred at concentrations higher than available toxic reverence values. Further research is warranted, including the analyses of POPs, as well as possible deme discrimination based on compositional pattern differences. Turtles serve as 'active samplers' returning to the same location to breed-something that is not practical with marine mammals or elasmobranchs.
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Affiliation(s)
- M du Preez
- Research Unit: Environmental Sciences and Management, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa
| | - R Nel
- Department of Zoology and Institute for Coastal and Marine Research, Nelson Mandela University, Port Elizabeth, South Africa
| | - H Bouwman
- Research Unit: Environmental Sciences and Management, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa.
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8
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Ryan PG, Cole G, Spiby K, Nel R, Osborne A, Perold V. Impacts of plastic ingestion on post-hatchling loggerhead turtles off South Africa. Mar Pollut Bull 2016; 107:155-160. [PMID: 27087353 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2016.04.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2015] [Revised: 04/05/2016] [Accepted: 04/06/2016] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
Twenty-four of 40 (60%) loggerhead turtle Caretta caretta post-hatchlings (carapace<9cm) that died within 2months of stranding on southern Cape beaches in April 2015 contained ingested anthropogenic debris. Plastic comprised of 99% of debris: 77% hard plastic fragments, 10% flexible packaging and 8% fibres; industrial pellets comprised only 3%, compared to ~70% in 1968-1973, when 12% of stranded post-hatchlings contained plastics. Turtles selected for white (38%) and blue (19%) items, but translucent items (23%) were under-represented compared to beach mesodebris. Ingested loads did not decrease up to 52days in captivity, indicating long retention times. Plastic killed 11 turtles by blocking their digestive tracts or bladders, and contributed to the deaths of five other turtles. Our results indicate that the amount and diversity of plastic ingested by post-hatchling loggerhead turtles off South Africa have increased over the last four decades, and now kill some turtles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter G Ryan
- Percy FitzPatrick Institute of African Ornithology, DST-NRF Centre of Excellence, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch 7701, South Africa.
| | - Georgina Cole
- Two Oceans Aquarium, Dock Road, V&A Waterfront, Cape Town 8000, South Africa
| | - Kevin Spiby
- Two Oceans Aquarium, Dock Road, V&A Waterfront, Cape Town 8000, South Africa
| | - Ronel Nel
- Department of Zoology, Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, P.O. Box 77000, Port Elizabeth 6031, South Africa
| | - Alexis Osborne
- Percy FitzPatrick Institute of African Ornithology, DST-NRF Centre of Excellence, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch 7701, South Africa
| | - Vonica Perold
- Percy FitzPatrick Institute of African Ornithology, DST-NRF Centre of Excellence, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch 7701, South Africa
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Robinson NJ, Majewska R, Lazo-Wasem EA, Nel R, Paladino FV, Rojas L, Zardus JD, Pinou T. Epibiotic Diatoms Are Universally Present on All Sea Turtle Species. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0157011. [PMID: 27257972 PMCID: PMC4892466 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0157011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2016] [Accepted: 05/22/2016] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The macro-epibiotic communities of sea turtles have been subject to growing interest in recent years, yet their micro-epibiotic counterparts are almost entirely unknown. Here, we provide the first evidence that diatoms are epibionts for all seven extant species of sea turtle. Using Scanning Electron Microscopy, we inspected superficial carapace or skin samples from a single representative of each turtle species. We distinguished 18 diatom taxa from these seven individuals, with each sea turtle species hosting at least two diatom taxa. We recommend that future research is undertaken to confirm whether diatom communities vary between sea turtle species and whether these diatom taxa are facultative or obligate commensals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathan J. Robinson
- The Leatherback Trust, Goldring-Gund Marine Biology Station, Playa Grande, Guanacaste, Costa Rica
- Department of Biology, Indiana University-Purdue University Fort Wayne, Fort Wayne, Indiana, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Roksana Majewska
- BioNEM Laboratory, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University “Magna Graecia” of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Eric A. Lazo-Wasem
- Division of Invertebrate Zoology, Peabody Museum of Natural History, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, United States of America
| | - Ronel Nel
- Institute For Coastal and Marine Research, Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, Port Elizabeth, South Africa
| | - Frank V. Paladino
- The Leatherback Trust, Goldring-Gund Marine Biology Station, Playa Grande, Guanacaste, Costa Rica
- Department of Biology, Indiana University-Purdue University Fort Wayne, Fort Wayne, Indiana, United States of America
| | - Lourdes Rojas
- Division of Invertebrate Zoology, Peabody Museum of Natural History, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, United States of America
| | - John D. Zardus
- Department of Biology, The Citadel, 171 Moultrie Street, Charleston, South Carolina, 29407, United States of America
| | - Theodora Pinou
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Western Connecticut State University, Danbury, Connecticut, United States of America
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Karenyi N, Nel R, Altwegg R, Sink K. Incorporating species detectability into conservation targets based on the species-area relationship. DIVERS DISTRIB 2016. [DOI: 10.1111/ddi.12441] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Natasha Karenyi
- South African National Biodiversity Institute; Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens; Private Bag X 7 Claremont 7735 South Africa
- Department of Zoology; Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University; P O Box 77000 Port Elizabeth 6031 South Africa
- Statistics in Ecology; Environment and Conservation; Department of Statistical Sciences; University of Cape Town; Private Bag Rondebosch Cape Town 7701 South Africa
| | - Ronel Nel
- Department of Zoology; Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University; P O Box 77000 Port Elizabeth 6031 South Africa
| | - Res Altwegg
- Statistics in Ecology; Environment and Conservation; Department of Statistical Sciences; University of Cape Town; Private Bag Rondebosch Cape Town 7701 South Africa
| | - Kerry Sink
- South African National Biodiversity Institute; Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens; Private Bag X 7 Claremont 7735 South Africa
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11
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Santidrián Tomillo P, Saba VS, Lombard CD, Valiulis JM, Robinson NJ, Paladino FV, Spotila JR, Fernández C, Rivas ML, Tucek J, Nel R, Oro D. Global analysis of the effect of local climate on the hatchling output of leatherback turtles. Sci Rep 2015; 5:16789. [PMID: 26572897 PMCID: PMC4648107 DOI: 10.1038/srep16789] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2015] [Accepted: 10/12/2015] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The most recent climate change projections show a global increase in temperatures along with precipitation changes throughout the 21st century. However, regional projections do not always match global projections and species with global distributions may exhibit varying regional susceptibility to climate change. Here we show the effect of local climatic conditions on the hatchling output of leatherback turtles (Dermochelys coriacea) at four nesting sites encompassing the Pacific, Atlantic and Indian Oceans. We found a heterogeneous effect of climate. Hatchling output increased with long-term precipitation in areas with dry climatic conditions (Playa Grande, Pacific Ocean and Sandy Point, Caribbean Sea), but the effect varied in areas where precipitation was high (Pacuare, Caribbean Sea) and was not detected at the temperate site (Maputaland, Indian Ocean). High air temperature reduced hatchling output only at the area experiencing seasonal droughts (Playa Grande). Climatic projections showed a drastic increase in air temperature and a mild decrease in precipitation at all sites by 2100. The most unfavorable conditions were projected for Sandy Point where hatching success has already declined over time along with precipitation levels. The heterogeneous effect of climate may lead to local extinctions of leatherback turtles in some areas but survival in others by 2100.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pilar Santidrián Tomillo
- Population Ecology Group, Institut Mediterrani d' Estudis Avançats, IMEDEA (CSIC-UIB), Miquel Marquès, 21, 07190, Esporles, Mallorca, Spain
| | - Vincent S Saba
- National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, National Marine Fisheries Service, Northeast Fisheries Science Center, c/o Geophysical Fluid Dynamics Laboratory, 201 Forrestal Road, Princeton University Forrestal Campus, Princeton, New Jersey, USA
| | | | | | - Nathan J Robinson
- Department of Biology, Indiana-Purdue University, Fort Wayne, Indiana, USA
| | - Frank V Paladino
- Department of Biology, Indiana-Purdue University, Fort Wayne, Indiana, USA
| | - James R Spotila
- Department of Biodiversity, Earth and Environmental Science, Drexel University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | | | - Marga L Rivas
- Universidad de Granada, Campus Fuentenueva s/n, Granada, Spain
| | - Jenny Tucek
- Department of Zoology, Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, Port Elizabeth, South Africa
| | - Ronel Nel
- Department of Zoology, Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, Port Elizabeth, South Africa
| | - Daniel Oro
- Population Ecology Group, Institut Mediterrani d' Estudis Avançats, IMEDEA (CSIC-UIB), Miquel Marquès, 21, 07190, Esporles, Mallorca, Spain
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12
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Schlacher TA, Schoeman DS, Jones AR, Dugan JE, Hubbard DM, Defeo O, Peterson CH, Weston MA, Maslo B, Olds AD, Scapini F, Nel R, Harris LR, Lucrezi S, Lastra M, Huijbers CM, Connolly RM. Metrics to assess ecological condition, change, and impacts in sandy beach ecosystems. J Environ Manage 2014; 144:322-335. [PMID: 25014753 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2014.05.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2014] [Revised: 05/29/2014] [Accepted: 05/30/2014] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
Complexity is increasingly the hallmark in environmental management practices of sandy shorelines. This arises primarily from meeting growing public demands (e.g., real estate, recreation) whilst reconciling economic demands with expectations of coastal users who have modern conservation ethics. Ideally, shoreline management is underpinned by empirical data, but selecting ecologically-meaningful metrics to accurately measure the condition of systems, and the ecological effects of human activities, is a complex task. Here we construct a framework for metric selection, considering six categories of issues that authorities commonly address: erosion; habitat loss; recreation; fishing; pollution (litter and chemical contaminants); and wildlife conservation. Possible metrics were scored in terms of their ability to reflect environmental change, and against criteria that are widely used for judging the performance of ecological indicators (i.e., sensitivity, practicability, costs, and public appeal). From this analysis, four types of broadly applicable metrics that also performed very well against the indicator criteria emerged: 1.) traits of bird populations and assemblages (e.g., abundance, diversity, distributions, habitat use); 2.) breeding/reproductive performance sensu lato (especially relevant for birds and turtles nesting on beaches and in dunes, but equally applicable to invertebrates and plants); 3.) population parameters and distributions of vertebrates associated primarily with dunes and the supralittoral beach zone (traditionally focused on birds and turtles, but expandable to mammals); 4.) compound measurements of the abundance/cover/biomass of biota (plants, invertebrates, vertebrates) at both the population and assemblage level. Local constraints (i.e., the absence of birds in highly degraded urban settings or lack of dunes on bluff-backed beaches) and particular issues may require alternatives. Metrics - if selected and applied correctly - provide empirical evidence of environmental condition and change, but often do not reflect deeper environmental values per se. Yet, values remain poorly articulated for many beach systems; this calls for a comprehensive identification of environmental values and the development of targeted programs to conserve these values on sandy shorelines globally.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas A Schlacher
- School of Science and Engineering, The University of the Sunshine Coast, Q-4558 Maroochydore, Australia.
| | - David S Schoeman
- School of Science and Engineering, The University of the Sunshine Coast, Q-4558 Maroochydore, Australia.
| | - Alan R Jones
- Division of Invertebrates, The Australian Museum, Sydney, NSW 2010, Australia.
| | - Jenifer E Dugan
- Marine Science Institute, University of California, Santa Barbara, CA 93106-6150, USA.
| | - David M Hubbard
- Marine Science Institute, University of California, Santa Barbara, CA 93106-6150, USA.
| | - Omar Defeo
- UNDECIMAR, Facultad de Ciencias, Igua 4225, PO Box 10773, 11400 Montevideo, Uruguay.
| | - Charles H Peterson
- Institute of Marine Sciences, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, Morehead City, NC 28557, USA.
| | - Michael A Weston
- Centre for Integrative Ecology, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Deakin University, Burwood, VIC 3125, Australia.
| | - Brooke Maslo
- Department of Ecology, Evolution and Natural Resources, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, 14 College Farm Road, New Brunswick, NJ 08901, USA.
| | - Andrew D Olds
- School of Science and Engineering, The University of the Sunshine Coast, Q-4558 Maroochydore, Australia.
| | - Felicita Scapini
- Department of Biology, University of Florence, via Romana 17, 50125 Firenze, Italy.
| | - Ronel Nel
- Department of Zoology, Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, Port Elizabeth, 6031, South Africa.
| | - Linda R Harris
- Department of Zoology, Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, Port Elizabeth, 6031, South Africa.
| | - Serena Lucrezi
- TREES-Tourism Research in Economic Environs and Society, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa.
| | - Mariano Lastra
- Department of Ecology and Animal Biology, Faculty of Marine Science, University of Vigo, 36310 Vigo, Spain.
| | - Chantal M Huijbers
- Australian Rivers Institute, Coast and Estuaries, and School of Environment, Gold Coast Campus, Griffith University, Queensland, 4222, Australia.
| | - Rod M Connolly
- Australian Rivers Institute, Coast and Estuaries, and School of Environment, Gold Coast Campus, Griffith University, Queensland, 4222, Australia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linda R. Harris
- Coastal and Marine Research Unit; Department of Zoology; Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University; PO Box 77000 Port Elizabeth 6031 South Africa
| | - Matthew E. Watts
- ARC Centre of Excellence for Environmental Decisions; School of Biological Sciences; The University of Queensland; Brisbane Qld 4072 Australia
| | - Ronel Nel
- Coastal and Marine Research Unit; Department of Zoology; Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University; PO Box 77000 Port Elizabeth 6031 South Africa
| | - David S. Schoeman
- Coastal and Marine Research Unit; Department of Zoology; Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University; PO Box 77000 Port Elizabeth 6031 South Africa
- School of Science & Engineering; University of the Sunshine Coast; Maroochydore Qld 4558 Australia
| | - Hugh P. Possingham
- ARC Centre of Excellence for Environmental Decisions; School of Biological Sciences; The University of Queensland; Brisbane Qld 4072 Australia
- Department of Life Sciences; Imperial College London; Silwood Park Ascot SL5 7PY Berkshire UK
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Dippenaar H, Joubert G, Nel R, Bantobetse ML, Opawole AA, Roshen KS. Homemade sugar-salt solution for oral rehydration: Knowledge of mothers and caregivers. S Afr Fam Pract (2004) 2014. [DOI: 10.1080/20786204.2005.10873188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022] Open
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15
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Harris L, Campbell EE, Nel R, Schoeman D. Rich diversity, strong endemism, but poor protection: addressing the neglect of sandy beach ecosystems in coastal conservation planning. DIVERS DISTRIB 2014. [DOI: 10.1111/ddi.12226] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Linda Harris
- Coastal and Marine Research Unit Department of Zoology Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University PO Box 77000 Port Elizabeth 6031 South Africa
| | - Eileen E. Campbell
- Coastal and Marine Research Unit Department of Botany Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University PO Box 77000 Port Elizabeth 6031 South Africa
| | - Ronel Nel
- Coastal and Marine Research Unit Department of Zoology Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University PO Box 77000 Port Elizabeth 6031 South Africa
| | - David Schoeman
- Coastal and Marine Research Unit Department of Zoology Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University PO Box 77000 Port Elizabeth 6031 South Africa
- School of Science & Engineering University of the Sunshine Coast Maroochydore Qld 4558 Australia
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Tucek J, Nel R, Girondot M, Hughes G. Age-size relationship at reproduction of South African female loggerhead turtles Caretta caretta. ENDANGER SPECIES RES 2014. [DOI: 10.3354/esr00562] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
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Shamblin BM, Bolten AB, Abreu-Grobois FA, Bjorndal KA, Cardona L, Carreras C, Clusa M, Monzón-Argüello C, Nairn CJ, Nielsen JT, Nel R, Soares LS, Stewart KR, Vilaça ST, Türkozan O, Yilmaz C, Dutton PH. Geographic patterns of genetic variation in a broadly distributed marine vertebrate: new insights into loggerhead turtle stock structure from expanded mitochondrial DNA sequences. PLoS One 2014; 9:e85956. [PMID: 24465810 PMCID: PMC3900438 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0085956] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2013] [Accepted: 12/04/2013] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Previous genetic studies have demonstrated that natal homing shapes the stock structure of marine turtle nesting populations. However, widespread sharing of common haplotypes based on short segments of the mitochondrial control region often limits resolution of the demographic connectivity of populations. Recent studies employing longer control region sequences to resolve haplotype sharing have focused on regional assessments of genetic structure and phylogeography. Here we synthesize available control region sequences for loggerhead turtles from the Mediterranean Sea, Atlantic, and western Indian Ocean basins. These data represent six of the nine globally significant regional management units (RMUs) for the species and include novel sequence data from Brazil, Cape Verde, South Africa and Oman. Genetic tests of differentiation among 42 rookeries represented by short sequences (380 bp haplotypes from 3,486 samples) and 40 rookeries represented by long sequences (∼800 bp haplotypes from 3,434 samples) supported the distinction of the six RMUs analyzed as well as recognition of at least 18 demographically independent management units (MUs) with respect to female natal homing. A total of 59 haplotypes were resolved. These haplotypes belonged to two highly divergent global lineages, with haplogroup I represented primarily by CC-A1, CC-A4, and CC-A11 variants and haplogroup II represented by CC-A2 and derived variants. Geographic distribution patterns of haplogroup II haplotypes and the nested position of CC-A11.6 from Oman among the Atlantic haplotypes invoke recent colonization of the Indian Ocean from the Atlantic for both global lineages. The haplotypes we confirmed for western Indian Ocean RMUs allow reinterpretation of previous mixed stock analysis and further suggest that contemporary migratory connectivity between the Indian and Atlantic Oceans occurs on a broader scale than previously hypothesized. This study represents a valuable model for conducting comprehensive international cooperative data management and research in marine ecology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian M. Shamblin
- National Research Council Research Associateship Program, Washington, D.C., United States of America
- Marine Mammal and Turtle Division, Southwest Fisheries Science Center, National Atmospheric and Oceanic Administration Fisheries, La Jolla, California, United States of America
| | - Alan B. Bolten
- Archie Carr Center for Sea Turtle Research and Department of Biology, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, United States of America
| | - F. Alberto Abreu-Grobois
- Unidad Académica Mazatlán, Instituto de Ciencias del Mar y Limnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mazatlán, Sinaloa, México
| | - Karen A. Bjorndal
- Archie Carr Center for Sea Turtle Research and Department of Biology, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, United States of America
| | - Luis Cardona
- Department of Animal Biology and IRBio, Faculty of Biology, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Carlos Carreras
- Department of Animal Biology and IRBio, Faculty of Biology, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Marine Turtle Research Group, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Exeter, Cornwall Campus, Peryn, Cornwall, United Kingdom
| | - Marcel Clusa
- Department of Animal Biology and IRBio, Faculty of Biology, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Catalina Monzón-Argüello
- Departamento de Biología, Universidad de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Campus de Tafira, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain
| | - Campbell J. Nairn
- Daniel B. Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Janne T. Nielsen
- Department of Biology, University of Miami, Coral Gables, Florida, United States of America
| | - Ronel Nel
- Zoology Department, Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, Summerstrand Campus South, University Way, Summerstrand, Port Elizabeth, South Africa
| | - Luciano S. Soares
- Archie Carr Center for Sea Turtle Research and Department of Biology, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, United States of America
- Projeto TAMAR-ICMBio, Salvador, BA, Brazil
| | - Kelly R. Stewart
- Marine Mammal and Turtle Division, Southwest Fisheries Science Center, National Atmospheric and Oceanic Administration Fisheries, La Jolla, California, United States of America
- The Ocean Foundation, Washington, D.C., United States of America
| | - Sibelle T. Vilaça
- Laboratório de Biodiversidade e Evolução Molecular, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Oguz Türkozan
- Adnan Menderes University, Faculty of Science and Arts, Department of Biology, Aydin, Turkey
| | - Can Yilmaz
- Adnan Menderes University, Faculty of Science and Arts, Department of Biology, Aydin, Turkey
| | - Peter H. Dutton
- Marine Mammal and Turtle Division, Southwest Fisheries Science Center, National Atmospheric and Oceanic Administration Fisheries, La Jolla, California, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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Nel R, Punt AE, Hughes GR. Are coastal protected areas always effective in achieving population recovery for nesting sea turtles? PLoS One 2013; 8:e63525. [PMID: 23671683 PMCID: PMC3643975 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0063525] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2012] [Accepted: 04/08/2013] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Sea turtles are highly migratory and usually dispersed, but aggregate off beaches during the nesting season, rendering them vulnerable to coastal threats. Consequently, coastal Marine Protection Areas (MPAs) have been used to facilitate the recovery of turtle populations, but the effectiveness of these programs is uncertain as most have been operating for less than a single turtle generation (or<20 yr). South Africa, however, hosts one of the longest running conservation programs, protecting nesting loggerhead (Caretta caretta) and leatherback (Dermochelys coriacea) turtles since 1963 in a series of coastal MPAs. This provides a unique opportunity to evaluate the long-term effect of spatial protection on the abundance of two highly migratory turtle species with different life history characteristics. Population responses were assessed by modeling the number of nests over time in an index area (13 km) and an expanded monitoring area (53 km) with varying survey effort. Loggerhead abundance increased dramatically from∼250 to>1700 nests pa (index area) especially over the last decade, while leatherback abundance increased initially∼10 to 70 nests pa (index area), but then stabilized. Although leatherbacks have higher reproductive output per female and comparable remigration periods and hatching success to loggerheads, the leatherback population failed to expand. Our results suggest that coastal MPAs can work but do not guarantee the recovery of sea turtle populations as pressures change over time. Causes considered for the lack of population growth include factors in the MPA (expansion into unmonitored areas or incubation environment) of outside of the MPA (including carrying capacity and fishing mortality). Conservation areas for migratory species thus require careful design to account for species-specific needs, and need to be monitored to keep track of changing pressures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ronel Nel
- Department of Zoology, Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, Port Elizabeth, South Africa.
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van Aswegen H, van Aswegen A, Raan HD, Toit RD, Spruyt M, Nel R, Maleka M. Airflow distribution with manual hyperinflation as assessed through gamma camera imaging: a crossover randomised trial. Physiotherapy 2012; 99:107-12. [PMID: 23219638 DOI: 10.1016/j.physio.2012.05.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2012] [Accepted: 05/03/2012] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Manual hyperinflation (MHI) has been shown to improve lung compliance, reduce airway resistance, and enhance secretion removal and peak expiratory flow. The aims of this study were to investigate whether there is a difference in airflow distribution through patients' lungs when using the Laerdal and Mapleson-C circuits at a set level of positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP), and to establish whether differences in lung compliance and haemodynamic status exist when patients are treated with both these MHI circuits. DESIGN Crossover randomised controlled trial. SETTING Adult multidisciplinary intensive care unit (ICU) at an academic hospital. PARTICIPANTS Fifteen adult patients were recruited and served as their own controls. INTERVENTION In the Nuclear Medicine Department, MHI with PEEP 7.5 cmH(2)O was performed in the supine position (Day 1) with either Laerdal or Mapleson-C circuits, in a random order, while technetium-99m (Tc-99m) aerosol was administered and images were taken with a gamma camera. Changes in heart rate (HR), mean arterial pressure (MAP) and dynamic lung compliance (C(D)) were documented at baseline, immediately after return to ICU, and 10, 20 and 30 minutes after return to ICU. The alternative circuit was used on Day 2. RESULTS Tc-99m deposition was greater in the right lung field (62% and 63% for Laerdal and Mapleson-C circuits, respectively) than the left lung field (38% and 37%, respectively) for all patients, and least deposition occurred in the left lower segments (6% and 6%, respectively). No differences in Tc-99m deposition in the lungs, HR, MAP or C(D) were noted between the two MHI circuits. CONCLUSION Airflow distribution through patients' lungs was similar when the Laerdal and Mapleson-C MHI circuits were compared using a set level of PEEP in the supine position.
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Affiliation(s)
- H van Aswegen
- Department of Physiotherapy, School of Therapeutic Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa.
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Thorson JT, Punt AE, Nel R. Evaluating population recovery for sea turtles under nesting beach protection while accounting for nesting behaviours and changes in availability. J Appl Ecol 2012. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2664.2012.02143.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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Wallace BP, DiMatteo AD, Hurley BJ, Finkbeiner EM, Bolten AB, Chaloupka MY, Hutchinson BJ, Abreu-Grobois FA, Amorocho D, Bjorndal KA, Bourjea J, Bowen BW, Dueñas RB, Casale P, Choudhury BC, Costa A, Dutton PH, Fallabrino A, Girard A, Girondot M, Godfrey MH, Hamann M, López-Mendilaharsu M, Marcovaldi MA, Mortimer JA, Musick JA, Nel R, Pilcher NJ, Seminoff JA, Troëng S, Witherington B, Mast RB. Regional management units for marine turtles: a novel framework for prioritizing conservation and research across multiple scales. PLoS One 2010; 5:e15465. [PMID: 21253007 PMCID: PMC3003737 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0015465] [Citation(s) in RCA: 226] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2010] [Accepted: 10/01/2010] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Resolving threats to widely distributed marine megafauna requires definition of the geographic distributions of both the threats as well as the population unit(s) of interest. In turn, because individual threats can operate on varying spatial scales, their impacts can affect different segments of a population of the same species. Therefore, integration of multiple tools and techniques — including site-based monitoring, genetic analyses, mark-recapture studies and telemetry — can facilitate robust definitions of population segments at multiple biological and spatial scales to address different management and research challenges. Methodology/Principal Findings To address these issues for marine turtles, we collated all available studies on marine turtle biogeography, including nesting sites, population abundances and trends, population genetics, and satellite telemetry. We georeferenced this information to generate separate layers for nesting sites, genetic stocks, and core distributions of population segments of all marine turtle species. We then spatially integrated this information from fine- to coarse-spatial scales to develop nested envelope models, or Regional Management Units (RMUs), for marine turtles globally. Conclusions/Significance The RMU framework is a solution to the challenge of how to organize marine turtles into units of protection above the level of nesting populations, but below the level of species, within regional entities that might be on independent evolutionary trajectories. Among many potential applications, RMUs provide a framework for identifying data gaps, assessing high diversity areas for multiple species and genetic stocks, and evaluating conservation status of marine turtles. Furthermore, RMUs allow for identification of geographic barriers to gene flow, and can provide valuable guidance to marine spatial planning initiatives that integrate spatial distributions of protected species and human activities. In addition, the RMU framework — including maps and supporting metadata — will be an iterative, user-driven tool made publicly available in an online application for comments, improvements, download and analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bryan P Wallace
- International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN)/SSC Marine Turtle Specialist Group-Burning Issues Working Group, Arlington, Virginia, United States of America.
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Dugan JE, Defeo O, Jaramillo E, Jones AR, Lastra M, Nel R, Peterson CH, Scapini F, Schlacher T, Schoeman DS. Give Beach Ecosystems Their Day in the Sun. Science 2010; 329:1146. [DOI: 10.1126/science.329.5996.1146-a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 82] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
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Janse van Rensburg Y, Botha D, Nel R, Fichardt A. ’n Vergelyking van verskillende metodes om swangerskapstadiums te bepaal. Curationis 2003. [DOI: 10.4102/curationis.v26i1.1291] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
Abstract
A group of 208 antenatal women at a primary health care clinic in Bloemfontein was selected for the study. Fundal height was determined by measuring the height of the fundus as well as using the uterine fundus height in relation to weeks method. The above-mentioned methods were compared with a sonar date to determine whether a specific method is more accurate in a specific stage of pregnancy. It seems as if measuring of the height of the fundus is more accurate in the second trimester. In the third trimester of pregnancy a tendency exists for both the uterine fundus height in relation to weeks method and measuring of the height of the fundus to be accurate until the 36th week of pregnancy. After the 36th week of pregnancy the uterine fundus height in relation to weeks method seems to be more accurate.
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van Rensburg YJ, Botha D, Nel R, Fichardt A. [A comparison of skilled methods to determine gestational age in pregnancy]. Curationis 2003; 26:22-6. [PMID: 14509115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/27/2023] Open
Abstract
A group of 208 antenatal women at a primary health care clinic in Bloemfontein was selected for the study. Fundal height was determined by measuring the height of the fundus as well as using the uterine fundus height in relation to weeks method. The above-mentioned methods were compared with a sonar date to determine whether a specific method is more accurate in a specific stage of pregnancy. It seems as if measuring of the height of the fundus is more accurate in the second trimester. In the third trimester of pregnancy a tendency exists for both the uterine fundus height in relation to weeks method and measuring of the height of the fundus to be accurate until the 36th week of pregnancy. After the 36th week of pregnancy the uterine fundus height in relation to weeks method seems to be more accurate.
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Odendaal JS, Scheepers E, Nel R. [Interaction between the veterinarian, the client and the patient]. J S Afr Vet Assoc 1989; 60:15-9. [PMID: 2724278] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
From the literature it has been established that pets can fulfill specific functions with regard to their owners. The purpose of this investigation is to highlight the interaction which takes place between pet owners and their pets as observed during consultations with veterinarians. The emphasis is however on the meaning of the emotional content of the interaction rather than on the actual functioning of the interaction. The interactions were monitored by means of natural observation, information gained through the completion of questionnaires, information about the client obtained from the veterinarian and content analysis of taped conversations which took place during consultations. The results indicate that the interaction between a pet owner and a pet is one of need fulfillment. Content analysis indicated that the owners attempt to fulfill certain needs through their pets, or conversely attempt to project their own emotions onto their pets. Loneliness and aggression are typical examples of this. A veterinarian who is able to identify his client's emotional needs, can alleviate his problems by giving unconditional support, referring the client with serious emotional problems to a psychologist or consulting a psychologist on behalf of the client.
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Affiliation(s)
- J S Odendaal
- Department of Zootechnology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Onderstepoort, Republic of South Africa
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