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A multidisciplinary approach has been applied to examine the population structure of sardine Sardinops sagax off South Africa, where this species supports significant fisheries and is also of ecological and eco-tourism importance. Observations of discontinuous sardine distribution patterns, discrete spawning grounds and significant spatial differences in a variety of phenotypic characteristics have suggested the existence of discrete western, southern and eastern sardine sub-populations or stocks. The use of parasites as biological tags to elucidate sardine population structure has recently been investigated, and strong spatial gradients around South Africa in the prevalence, mean infection intensity and mean abundance of a digenean ‘tetracotyle’ type metacercarial endoparasite considered to be of the genus Cardiocephaloides and found in the humours of fish eyes support and have proved particularly convincing evidence for the sardine multiple stock hypothesis. A discontinuous distribution in the occurrence of another parasite, the coccidean Eimeria sardinae found in fish testes, has provided additional but weaker evidence of discrete stocks. These results have contributed to a changed understanding of the population structure of South African sardine and have significant implications for management of the fisheries for this species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This section offers news briefs on bird-related issues. Researchers studying seabird diets found that Pacific sardines will see a drastic decline in the next season. White storks were found to prefer staying and feeding on trash in Portugal or Spain instead of migrating to wintering sites in Africa. An ecologist from Mexico City found that the house sparrow and house finch regularly use cigarette butts in their urban nests.

Proteins associated with the schistosome tegument are of great importance for the development of new intervention strategies since they may be exposed on the surface of the parasite. Herein, we have isolated a cDNA clone encoding for the Schistosoma mansoni SmIg and its recombinant protein was tested as a potential vaccine candidate. Initially, its amino acid sequence was analysed by bioinformatics and shown to possess an N-terminal signal peptide, a C-terminal transmembrane helix, 4 glycosylation sites, an immunoglobulin conserved domain and 73% similarity with a hypothetical S. japonicum protein of unknown function. SmIg was produced by E. coli as a recombinant protein (rSmIg) and its protective effectiveness was evaluated against S. mansoni infection with 100 cercariae in a murine model. Mice immunized with rSmIg induced an immune response characterized by dominant IgG1 isotype and significant levels of IFN-γ, TNF-α, IL-10 and IL-4. Although immunogenic, the recombinant vaccine failed to induce worm burden reduction when compared to the infected control group. However, rSmIg-immunized mice had significant reductions of liver granuloma volume and fibrosis content by 31.8% and 49%, respectively. In conclusion, SmIg is a new tegument protein from S. mansoni that plays an important role in reducing pathology induced by parasite infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A photograph of a Cape gannet diving after a shoal of millions of migrating pilchard off the coast of Port Saint Johns, South Africa is presented.

Reports on the mystery virus or toxin which kills pilchards in south Australia. Areas affected by the deadly agent; Puzzling features of the phenomenon; Theories about the death of pilchards.

The article discusses the terms offered by the state of California to lure back the large-scale fishermen who have set up completely equipped floating reduction plants when the state passed a law putting a curb in pilchard production in 1915. The law, which was aimed at conserving the fish, required all operators to can 13 and a half cases out of every ton, for use as food. To lure back fishermen, California reportedly amended its laws to provide an open and a closed season for pilchard or sardine fishing and a permit to purchase pilchards.

Reports on developments about animal populations in Australia as of September 2000. Suitability of quolls as pets; Spiders' decoration of their webs; Mass mortality of Australian pilchards in South Australia.

The article focuses on the restoration of Snowdrop and Harriet Kate Langstone Harbour mackerel boats by families of fishermen in England. The boats consist of a tall lugsail. Langstone fishermen also went after pilchard in the area. The mackerel boats were created by Feltham of Portsmouth.

Reports on the death of pilchards along the southern coast of Australia. Blame on neurotoxins; Optimism of scientists for the return to normalcy.

Reports that scientists from California and New Mexico are investigating the resurgence of the Pacific sardine.