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- Migratory Connectivity and Non‐Breeding Habitat Segregation Across Biogeographical Scales in Closely Related Seabird TaxaPublication . Morera‐Pujol, Virginia; Catry, Paulo; Magalhães, Maria; Péron, Clara; Reyes‐González, José Manuel; Granadeiro, José Pedro; Militão, Teresa; Dias, Maria P.; Oro, Daniel; Igual, José Manuel; Dell'Omo, Giacomo; Müller, Martina; Paiva, Vitor H.; Metzger, Benjamin; Neves, Verónica; Navarro, Joan; Karris, Georgios; Xirouchakis, Stavros; Cecere, Jacopo G.; Zamora‐Marín, José Manuel; Forero, Manuela G.; Afán, Isabel; Ouni, Ridha; Romdhane, Mohamed Salah; Felipe, Fernanda De; Zajková, Zuzana; Cruz‐Flores, Marta; Grémillet, David; González‐Solís, Jacob; Ramos, RaülIn highly mobile species, Migratory Connectivity (MC) has relevant consequences in population dynamics, genetic mixing, conservation and management. Additionally, in colonially breeding species, the maintenance of the breeding geographical structure during the non‐breeding period, that is, a strong MC, can promote isolation and population divergence, which ultimately can affect the process of lineage sorting. In geographically structured populations, studying the MC and differences in environmental preferences among colonies, populations, or taxa can improve our understanding of the ecological divergence among them.We investigated the MC and non‐breeding ecological niche of three seabird taxa from the genus colonies, we assess the level (from taxa to colony) at which MC and non‐breeding spatial and environmental segregation emerge. At a taxon level, we found a clear difference in the non‐breeding distributions between Cory's. and Scopoli's shearwaters, and a clear ecological divergence between Cory's and Cape Verde shearwaters. At an intermediate aggregation level, we found that birds breeding in proximity had similar non‐breeding habitat preferences, while birds breeding in very distant colonies (and therefore classified in different populations) had different non‐breeding habitat preferences. Furthermore, within each taxon, we found more structure (i.e. stronger MC) and non‐breeding divergence at an intermediate aggregation level than at the colony scale, where MC was weak. Main Conclusions These results suggest that conspecifics from nearby colonies mix in common non‐breeding areas, but not with birds from more distant colonies or different taxa. These results support the need for management and conservation strategies that take into account this structure when dealing with migratory species with high connectivity.
- Bioprospecting bioactive peptides in Halobatrachus didactylus Body Mucus: From in silico insights to essential in vitro validationPublication . Cunha, Marta Fernandez; Coscueta, Ezequiel R.; Brassesco, María Emilia; Almada, Frederico; Gonçalves, David; Pintado, Maria ManuelaFish body mucus plays a protective role, especially in Halobatrachus didactylus, which inhabits intertidal zones vulnerable to anthropogenic contaminants. In silico predicted bioactive peptides were identified in its body mucus, namely, EDNSELGQETPTLR (HdKTLR), DPPNPKNL (HdKNL), PAPPPPPP (HdPPP), VYPFPGPLPN (HdVLPN), and PFPGPLPN (HdLPN). These peptides were studied in vitro for bioactivities and aggregation behavior under different ionic strengths and pH values. Size exclusion chromatography revealed significant peptide aggregation at 344 mM and 700 mM ionic strengths at pH 7.0, decreasing at pH 3.0 and pH 5.0. Although none exhibited antimicrobial properties, they inhibited Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilm formation. Notably, HdVLPN demonstrated potential antioxidant activity (ORAC: 1.560 μmol TE/μmol of peptide; ABTS: 1.755 μmol TE/μmol of peptide) as well as HdLPN (ORAC: 0.195 μmol TE/μmol of peptide; ABTS: 0.128 μmol TE/μmol of peptide). Antioxidant activity decreased at pH 5.0 and pH 3.0. Interactions between the peptides and mucus synergistically enhanced antioxidant effects. HdVLPN and HdLPN were non-toxic to Caco-2 and HaCaT cells at 100 μg of peptide/mL. HdPPP showed potential antihypertensive and antidiabetic effects, with IC50 values of 557 μg of peptide/mL for ACE inhibition and 1700 μg of peptide/mL for α-glucosidase inhibition. This study highlights the importance of validating peptide bioactivities in vitro, considering their native environment (mucus), and bioprospecting novel bioactive molecules while promoting species conservation.
- Southernmost record of Liparis montagui (Donovan, 1804) (Perciformes, Liparidae) in European waters (central Portugal), with genetic validationPublication . Duarte-Coelho, Pedro; Miranda, Carolina; Pereira, Ana; Vasco-Rodrigues, Nuno; Almada, FredericoIn January 2022, the presence of adult Liparis montagui (Donovan, 1804) was documented at its southernmost point along the west coast of Portugal. The species was identified through both morphological and genetic barcoding analyses. This observation, part of an ongoing long-term coastal survey, suggests that L. montagui may be a transient species, influenced by complex climate and oceanic interactions along the western Iberian coast. This finding stresses the importance of long-term ecological studies and regular field surveys in understanding species distribution and the effects of climate change on marine biodiversity.
- Brucella ceti in Common Dolphins (Delphinus delphis) in Portugal—Characterization of first IsolatesPublication . Cavaco, Sandra; Grilo, Miguel; Dias, Ricardo; Nunes, Mónica; Pascoal, Pedro; Pereira, Marcelo; Fogaça, Catarina; Costa, Ana Beatriz; Pardal, Sofia; Ferreira, Ana CristinaThis study investigates Brucella ceti infection in marine mammals stranded along the Lisbon and Tagus Valley coast between 2022 and mid-2024, marking the first report of Brucella presence in Portuguese waters. Out of 59 examined marine mammals, B. ceti was isolated in three common dolphins (5.1%), a prevalence rate consistent with previous studies from other coastlines. PCR-based detection indicated a higher infection rate (23.7%), suggesting an underestimation of the prevalence of B. ceti infection in this population. Multi-locus Sequence Typing (MLST) and Multiple-Locus Variable-Number Tandem-Repeat Analysis (MLVA) revealed distinct genetic profiles and close relationships to B. ceti strains from the Atlantic, supporting the hypothesis of specific host-adapted lineages in dolphins. Virulence genes, including those for host interaction (bspE, btpB) and intracellular survival (virB7, vceA), were consistent across isolates, highlighting the pathogenic potential. Additionally, antimicrobial resistance (AMR) genes, such as mprF and efflux proteins (bepC-G), were also identified. These findings underscore the need for further research and surveillance to understand B. ceti transmission, host range, and impacts on Atlantic cetaceans, as well as to develop effective diagnostic and management strategies to mitigate infection risks in marine environments.
- Hematological and blood chemistry profiles of the Mediterranean pond turtle (Mauremys leprosa) in a Portuguese wildlife rehabilitation centerPublication . Marques, Gonçalo N.; Guerra, Joana S.; Leal, Miriam O.; Neves, JoãoThe Mediterranean pond turtle (Mauremys leprosa) is increasingly recognized as a sentinel species for freshwater ecosystem health due to its resilience to environmental pollutants. Despite its ecological significance, there is a lack of research on the blood profile of this vulnerable species. This study assessed the hematological and biochemical profile of healthy individuals admitted to Zoomarine’s Porto d’Abrigo rehabilitation center in southern Portugal between 2015 and 2024. This investigation revealed significant differences between the established data and the reference intervals reported in a Spanish study, notably in total erythrocyte (RBC) counts, packed cell volume (PCV), differential counts of lymphocytes and eosinophils, total protein (TP), creatine kinase (CK), potassium (K+), phosphorous (PHOS), and glucose (GLU) levels. Significant differences were also observed between captive and wild-rescued individuals in monocyte percentages, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and CK levels. No seasonal influence was detected except in the differential count of eosinophils. These findings indicate a possible geographical, environmental, and captivity-induced variation, providing the first comprehensive species-specific hematological and biochemical intervals for M. leprosa derived from a healthy population. This study enhances the understanding of M. leprosa health within a One Health framework by offering critical diagnostic benchmarks for veterinary care and facilitating conservation strategies.
- Metapopulation distribution shapes year‐round overlap with fisheries for a circumpolar seabirdPublication . Rexer‐Huber, Kalinka; Clay, Thomas A.; Catry, Paulo; Debski, Igor; Parker, Graham; Ramos, Raül; Robertson, Bruce C.; Ryan, Peter G.; Sagar, Paul M.; Stanworth, Andrew; Thompson, David R.; Tuck, Geoffrey N.; Weimerskirch, Henri; Phillips, Richard A.Although fisheries bycatch is the greatest threat to many migratory marine megafauna, it remains unclear how population exposure to bycatch varies across the global range of threatened species. Such assessments across multiple populations are crucial for understanding variation in impacts and for identifying the management bodies responsible for reducing bycatch. Here, we combine extensive biologging data from white‐chinned petrel (Procellaria aequinoctialis) populations (representing >98% of their global breeding population) with pelagic and demersal longline and trawl fishing effort to map the global distribution and fisheries‐overlap hotspots for the most bycaught seabird in the Southern Hemisphere. We tracked the year‐round movements of 132 adults in 2006–2018 and examined spatial overlap among seven populations comprising three genetically distinct groupings (metapopulations). Foraging areas during the nonbreeding season were more concentrated than during breeding, with birds from all populations migrating to continental shelf or upwelling zones, but with low spatial overlap among metapopulations. Fisheries overlap differed more among than within metapopulations, underlining that these should be considered separate management units. Overlap with pelagic longline fisheries was greatest for Indian Ocean populations, and from the fleets of South Africa, Japan, Taiwan, and Spain, off southern Africa and in the High Seas. Overlap with demersal longline and trawl fisheries was greatest for Indian and Atlantic Ocean populations, within the Exclusive Economic Zones of South Africa, Namibia, and Argentina, and with the South Korean demersal longline fleet in the High Seas. The high overlap with South Korean longliners in the southwest Atlantic Ocean is of particular concern as demersal fishing in this region is not covered by any Regional Fisheries Management Organization (RFMO). We also identified fisheries‐overlap hotspots within RFMOs where there are no seabird‐bycatch mitigation requirements (1.5%–53.1% of total overlap within the area of competence of each RFMO), or where current mitigation regulations need to be strengthened. Our recommendations are that management bodies target the high‐priority fisheries we have identified for improved bycatch monitoring, mandatory best‐practice bycatch mitigation, and close monitoring of compliance, given the conservation concerns for white‐chinned petrels and other threatened seabirds. Biologging, Bycatch mitigatio, Geolocator, Longline fisheries, Migratory connectivity, Regional Fisheries Management Organization, Trawl fisheries, White-chinned petrel
- Atlantic connectivity of a major green sea turtle Chelonia mydas foraging aggregation at the Banc d’Arguin, MauritaniaPublication . Patrício, Ana Rita; Coveney, Sophia A.; Barbanti, Anna; Barbosa, Castro; Broderick, Annette; El’Bar, Nahi; Godley, Brendan; Hancock, Joana M.; Regalla De Barros, Aissa; Senhoury, Cheibani; Sidina, Ebaye; de Thoisy, Benoît de; Tilley, Dominic; Weber, Sam; Catry, PauloABSTRACT: Understanding population connectivity is paramount for effective conservation. While genetic tools have elucidated sea turtle migration patterns, notable data gaps limit our understanding of ocean-wide connectivity, especially regarding east Atlantic green turtles. We characterized the genetic composition of a globally important green turtle foraging aggregation at the Banc d’Arguin, Mauritania, incorporating data from 323 individuals captured between 2018 and 2021. Using extended mitochondrial DNA D-loop (738 base pairs [bp]) and mitochondrial short tandem repeat (mtSTR; ~200 bp) markers, we assessed the genetic structure of Atlantic green turtle foraging aggregations and estimated the most likely origin of immature green turtles from the Banc d’Arguin using mixed stock analyses (MSAs). We identified 6 D-loop haplotypes, with a clear dominance of CM-A8.1 (91.8%) followed by CM-A5.1 (6.3%) and 4 rare haplotypes: CM-A1.4, CMA6.1, CM24.1 and CM36.1. We found 13 mtSTR haplotypes, with ‘7-12-4-4’ being dominant (89.0%). The genetic composition at the Banc d’Arguin differed significantly from the only foraging aggregation studied in West Africa to date — in the archipelago of Cabo Verde (located ca. 750 km from the Banc d’Arguin) — dominated by haplotype CM-A5. The MSA combining both genetic markers indicated that 87.6% of immature green turtles at the Banc d’Arguin originate from the major East Atlantic rookery at Poilão (Guinea-Bissau), but 11.6% come from more distant rookeries in South America (8.1%) and potentially Ascension Island (3.4%). We suggest that green turtle transatlantic movements may be more common than previously thought and highlight the importance of the Banc d’Arguin as a regional foraging hub for this species.
- Movement patterns of green turtles at a key foraging site: the Banc d’Arguin, MauritaniaPublication . Mestre, Julie; Patrício, Ana Rita; Sidina, Ebaye; Senhoury, Cheibani; El’bar, Nahi; Beal, Martin; Regalla De Barros, Aissa; Catry, PauloABSTRACT: Interactions with fisheries is a major threat to sea turtles. However, space-use at foraging locations remains overlooked in many populations, preventing effective protection. We assess the space-use of 14 juvenile and 24 adult green turtles (Chelonia mydas) satellite-tracked in 2018–2022 within a foraging site of global importance for this species, the Banc d’Arguin in Mauritania, West Africa. Turtles exhibited a patchy distribution and used overlapping habitats irrespective of sexes and life stages. Mean individual home range was larger (151.5 ± 160.5 km²) than values reported in most green turtle populations. Individuals concentrated in two main areas used year-round. Inshore/offshore movements seem to occur within the central part of the Banc d’Arguin, with turtles moving to deeper areas during colder months. More than half of the turtles performed within-season range shifts and switched between up to four distinct areas, with some individuals returning to previously visited sites. Turtles mostly exploited shallow areas (4.30 ± 3.42 m) and seemed to use disproportionally more of the areas inside the Parc National du Banc d’Arguin, than areas of similar bathymetry outside this marine protected area. This suggests that foraging green turtles have been benefiting from the management of the Park since it was established in 1976. However, turtles’ home range overlapped greatly with artisanal fisheries, which operate in the central shallow waters of the Park. The present study provides valuable ecological information that can be used to inform the planning of fisheries management zones, aiming to reduce the interactions between turtles and artisanal fisheries. © The Author(s) 2024.
- Assessments of expected MPA outcomes can inform and improve biodiversity conservation: Case studies using The MPA GuidePublication . Sullivan-Stack, Jenna; Ahmadia, Gabby N.; Andradi-Brown, Dominic A; Barron, Alexandra; Brooks, Cassandra M.; Claudet, Joachim; Horta e Costa, Barbara; Estradivari, null; Field, Laurel C.; Giakoumi, Sylvaine; Gonçalves, Emanuel; Groulx, Natalie; Harris, Jean; Jessen, Sabine; Johnson, Steven Mana'oakamai; MacCarthy, Jessica; Maricato, Guilherme; Morgan, Lance; Nalven, Katharine Bear; Nocito, Emily S.; Pike, Elizabeth P; Sala, Enric; Tardin, Rodrigo; Villagomez, Angelo; Wright, Kendyl; Grorud-Colvert, KirstenGlobal, regional, and national targets have been set to protect and conserve at least 30 % of the ocean by 2030, in recognition of the important benefits of healthy ocean ecosystems, including for human well-being. Many of these targets recognize the importance of the quality, not just quantity, of areas that are included in the 30 %, such as marine protected areas (MPAs). For example, the Convention on Biological Diversity’s Global Biodiversity Framework Target 3 calls for areas to be effectively conserved and managed, ecologically representative, well-connected, and equitably governed. Protecting a percent area is not the sole goal – protection must be effective and equitable. To better understand the quality of biodiversity conservation afforded, in addition to the quantity of area protected, we looked at MPAs across 13 studies that used The MPA Guide and related tools to track Stage of Establishment and Level of Protection as measures of expected biodiversity conservation outcomes across diverse locations, scales, and cultural, political, and conservation contexts. We show that standardized assessments of MPA quality can help to (1) evaluate and improve existing MPAs; (2) plan new MPAs; (3) compare the quality of MPA protection across various scales; (4) track MPA quality, including progress towards coverage targets; (5) enable clear communication and collaboration, and (6) inform actions needed to achieve policy targets and their underlying environmental and social goals, among others. We share common opportunities, challenges, and recommendations for tracking MPA quality at various scales, and using these quality assessments to measure progress towards global targets.
- Deep dive into noninvasive biometrics: A pilot journey using stereo‐video in a public aquariumPublication . Ferreira, Ana Santos; Santos, Simão; Silva, Gonçalo; Baylina, NuriaAccurate collection of biometric data is important for understanding the biology and conservation of marine organisms, including elasmobranch and teleost fish, both in nature and controlled environments where monitoring marine specimens' health is mandatory. Traditional methods involving specimen capture and handling are invasive, stressful, and disruptive. Some techniques like underwater visual census or laser photogrammetry have been used for noninvasive data collection, but they have limitations and biases. The application of stereo‐video photogrammetry through the use of diver‐operated stereo‐video systems (stereo‐DOV) is a noninvasive method that overcomes these challenges, providing highly accurate measurements. It has become popular for species monitoring, studying anthropogenic impacts, and assessing length distributions. However, this technique is still uncommon and barely reported in aquarium settings. This study describes an innovative pilot study targeting multiple species carried out in a Public Aquarium, using a low‐cost house‐made device. The results revealed that measuring more than 100 individuals in approximately 1 day's work is possible. Total and fork lengths were estimated using specific software for 31 teleost and 16 elasmobranch species and compared with real measurements for the available species. Despite technical limitations that must be reviewed for application in future studies that resulted in high root mean square (RMS) values (> 20 mm), differences between methodological approaches revealed a minimal discrepancy (1.37%–5% in large sharks and rays and 1.8%–5.5% in teleost fish). This technique has time and cost requirements, but might represent a major advance in husbandry and in the contribution to conservation that ex situ studies can provide.