Search

This study analysed and compared the shell shape, morphometrics and relative growth of four sympatric limpet species (Patella depressa,Patella ulyssiponensis,Patella vulgataandSiphonaria pectinata) collected at Praia da Luz in Lagos (Algarve coast – southern Portugal). Morphometric relationships were established through regression analysis between linear (shell length, width and height), ponderal (total weight), area (shell base and surface areas) and volume variables (shell internal and total volumes). Relative growth (isometryvsallometry) was analysed to assess variation in the growth rate of morphometric variables throughout the species ontogeny. In addition, morphometric indices (ellipticity, conicity, density, surface area and volumetry) were calculated to further characterize shell shape. Overall, 1482 individuals with broad size and weight ranges were analysed (P. depressa= 354;P. ulyssiponensis= 306;P. vulgata= 408;S. pectinata= 414). All regressions were highly significant (P< 0.001) and the morphometric variables were strongly correlated (r= 0.761 to 0.994). Among 28 morphometric relationships, there were 14 isometries, 13 positive allometries and only one negative allometry. The morphometric indices revealed clear morphological differences between species and were mostly size-dependent, reflecting gradual changes in shell shape during growth. The main results are compared with a compilation of analogous data reported for these limpet species throughout their distributional range. Overall, the general trends in relative growth are discussed in terms of the species life habits, main traits and functional morphology.

The present study described the gametogenesis and assessed the pattern of energy storage throughout the reproductive cycle of the golden carpet shell (Polititapes aureus) from the Ria Formosa lagoon (southern Portugal). Monthly sampling was performed for two years (March 2016–February 2018) and the study was based on gonad histology, complemented by the estimation of the mean gonadal index, body condition index and biochemical composition. The species’ reproductive cycle presented a seasonal pattern, with a resting period mainly between October and January and gametogenesis beginning around February– March. The spawning season of P. aureus was shorter in 2016 (June–September) than in 2017 (May–October). Furthermore, ripe individuals were very scarce (1.3%) in 2017 compared with the previous year (11.4%). Mean gonadal index (GI) reflected the species’ reproductive cycle and the body condition index (CI) and biochemical composition of the individuals exhibited high variation between years. Regarding the biochemical composition, proteins ranged between 190.6 and 595.2 μg mg−1 , glycogen from 5.7 to 102.6 μg mg−1 and total lipids between 31.6 and 80.7 μg mg−1 . The reproduction of P. aureus was strongly influenced by fluctuations in both seawater temperature and chlorophyll a, as reflected through the temporal variation in the gonadal cycle, condition index and biochemical composition. Overall, the information gathered in this study is valuable to propose scientifically based harvesting management measures for the long-term sustainable exploitation of this shellfish resource, further reinforcing the importance of implementing adaptive fishery management strategies to cope with global climate change. projects‘Contributo para a Gestão Sustentada da Pequena Pesca e da Apanha (PESCAPANHA)’, ‘Gestão das Zonas de Produção de Moluscos Bivalves da Região Algarvia – Sistema Nacional Monitorização de Moluscos Bivalves (SNMB-SUL II)’ and ‘Inovação e Valorização da Aquacultura de Invertebrados Marinhos (AIM)’, funded by the Operational Programme (MAR 2020) and co-financed by the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund (EMFF 2014–2020). info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersion

This study aimed to characterize the catches, quantify fishing yield, bycatch and discards, and also estimate damage and mortality rates using hand dredges with two different mesh sizes (20 and 25 mm) for harvesting the wedge clam (Donax trunculus). A total of 160 tows were performed in Lota Beach and Armona Island in the Algarve coast (southern Portugal). Overall, were caught 12,319 individuals (3985 in Lota Beach and 8334 in Armona Island) belonging to 48 taxa distributed among seven phyla (14 taxa in Lota Beach and 44 taxa in Armona Island). Bycatch proportions ranged from 13.1% to 32.0% in abundance and from 10.7% to 32.9% in biomass, with more bycatch using hand dredges with 20 mm mesh size. Commercially undersized D. trunculus (MCRS = 25 mm SL) prevailed within the bycatch, representing over 40% of discards using both mesh sizes. Due to different size selectivity, the target catch (CPUE) and bycatch per unit effort (BCPUE) in abundance and biomass, as well as fishing yield as a function of tow duration and towed area, were lower for hand dredges with 25 mm mesh than with 20 mm mesh. In general, damage and mortality rates were fairly low (1.3-2.6%) independently of mesh size, reinforcing the importance of releasing live bycatch to the sea immediately after sorting the catches. Overall, this study prompted the need to develop a good practice guide for hand dredgers, aiming to mitigate avoidable indirect discards mortality and improve the sustainability of this traditional harvesting activity. info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersion

The common cockle Cerastoderma edule is a widespread bivalve species inhabiting estuarine systems across the North East Atlantic, where it provides several ecosystem services, and represents a valuable fishery resource for local economies. However, anthropogenic pressure and more frequent extreme weather events threaten the resilience of the species. Spatially explicit information on species distribution is critical for the implementation of management and conservation practices. This study assessed the potential distribution of C. edule in the Ria de Aveiro by estimating the habitat suitability using an ensemble approach based on ecological niche modeling and recently developed hydrodynamic and water quality models to forecast both average and projected estuarine conditions. The models were developed for the summer of 2013 and spring of 2019 and potential range shifts in the species distribution were forecasted under projected environmental conditions: high and low estimates of freshwater discharge, a 2 degrees C increase in water temperature, and the combined effect of low freshwater discharge and increased water temperature. The results suggest that salinity, time of submersion, and current velocity play an important role in the distribution of cockles, and large areas were consistently classified with high habitat suitability. Increased freshwater discharge (both seasons) and low discharge coupled to increased temperature (spring) resulted in large decreases in suitable habitat. Conversely, low freshwater discharges and average (unchanged) temperatures increased the suitable habitat in the outermost regions of the Ria. The spatially explicit information provided contributes to a better understanding of the vulnerability of C. edule in the Ria de Aveiro to extreme weather events (e.g., droughts, river floods) and may support adaptive management strategies of the cockle fishery during these conditions. Moreover, this approach can be transferred to other estuarine ecosystems for which data describing the environmental conditions (e.g., derived from numerical models), and information about species presence are available (including data-poor species). LA/P/0094/2020 POCI-01-0145-FEDER-028425 info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersion

Rivers are responsible for the main transport of nutrients from land to estuaries and coastal areas. Understanding the fate of these anthropogenic inputs and their impacts on estuaries and adjacent marine ecosystems is essential for the protection of coastal waters. Here, the 3D MOHID hydrodynamic model coupled with a biogeochemical model was used to determine seasonal nutrient fluxes between areas of the Tagus estuary. For this purpose, the estuary was divided into boxes, which allowed to evaluate nutrients (and phytoplankton) exchanges between areas, to identify source and sink zones, to estimate the amount of nutrients exported to the coastal zone adjacent to the estuary, and to understand the recycling capacity of this estuarine system. Globally, for all nutrients and seasons, the highest net fluxes were observed in the main and central body of the estuary. The differences observed in the flux budget for each box and for all nutrients are mostly related to variations in the seasonal abundance of phytoplankton, which is much higher in Spring/Summer than in the rest of the year due to the higher seawater temperature and irradiance. During these seasons the high temperatures also promoted the fast mineralization of organic matter along the water column and in the sediment. For all seasons, an export of nutrients and phytoplankton from upstream to downstream was observer at the surface, and from the most confined areas of the southern margin into the central body and main channel of the estuary, whilst the opposite was observed in the bottom layers. Nevertheless, surface fluxes were always higher than those recorded at depth, indicating that the estuary exported nutrients to the coast, all year round. For 2020 it was estimated that 52%, 88% and 65% of the ammonium, nitrate, and phosphate, respectively, that entered the estuary from both rivers and wastewater treatment plants were exported to the adjacent coast. The amount of nutrients exported to the coastal area is closely related to river discharge, being much higher in flood years than in dry years, particularly for nitrate. info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersion

This study describes Apseudopsis formosus sp. nov., a new apseudomorph tanaidacean species from the Ria Formosa lagoon (southern Portugal). Species description was based on 223 individuals (22 juveniles, 60 males and 141 females), comprising diverse developmental stages (juveniles II, males I and II, preparatory, copulatory and intermediate females). The total length of the studied population ranged from 2.2 to 3.0 mm in juveniles, 2.5 to 4.8 mm in males and 2.9 to 4.9 mm in females. Overall, Apseudopsis formosus sp. nov. differs from congeneric tanaidaceans from the Atlantic Ocean and Mediterranean Sea by the presence of combined different morphological characters such as short pointed rostrum, posterolateral pointed corners on pereonites 2-6, hyposphenium only on pereonite 6, antennular outer flagellum 7- to 10-segmented, inner flagellum 3-segmented and five spines on propodus of pereopod 1, and sexual dimorphism evidenced by a pronounced mid-dorsal triangular wing-shaped protuberance on male merus cheliped, unique in Apseudopsis genus. At each studied developmental stage, some individuals presented abnormalities in spination, having only four spines in one of the propodus of pereopod 1. Additionally, five first records of Apseudopsis from the Algarve coast (A. adami, A. bacescui, A. elisae, A. mediterraneus and A. uncidigitatus) are reported for Portuguese waters. A biogeographic overview of the genus Apseudopsis is presented through the compilation and mapping of all worldwide reported occurrences. Passive dispersion can explain the most recent species distribution, yet not disregarding that the study area is taxonomically understudied. This study contributes to improve the current knowledge on tanaidacean taxonomy and updates the geographical distribution range of the Apseudopsis-complex. Portuguese Fisheries Operational Programme (Mar2020) [MAR-02-01-02-FEAMP-0061] European Maritime and Fisheries Fund (EMFF 2014-2020) Fundacao para a Ciencia e a Tecnologia (FCT)Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology [SFRH/BPD/94985/2013] Centro de Estudos do Ambiente e do Mar (CESAM) [UID/AMB/50017] FCT/MEC FEDER, within the PT2020 Partnership Agreement FEDER, within Compete 2020European Union (EU)

This study describes the reproductive cycle of the common limpet (Patella vulgata) and rough limpet (Patella ulyssiponensis) from the Algarve coast (southern Portugal). Individuals of both species were sampled monthly during two consecutive years, and subjected to gonad histology and calculation of the mean gonadal index (GI). Both species had balanced sex ratios (P. vulgata = 1M: 0.98F; P. ulyssiponensis = 1M: 1.03F), similar size-frequency distribution between sexes, and equivalent mean shell lengths (SL) and total weights (TW) between males and females. In these protandrous hermaphrodites, the estimated size at sex change was slightly smaller in P. vulgata (SL50 approximate to 29 mm) than in P. ulyssiponensis (SL50 approximate to 36 mm). The reproductive cycles of both species were characterised by a main spawning season in early spring to early summer, sometimes including subsidiary spawning events. A comparison of the main spawning season throughout the species distributional ranges revealed that populations of P. vulgata and P. ulyssiponensis from southern Portugal have later spawning periods than other populations from the northeastern Atlantic Ocean. The present information is relevant for conservation purposes and for the proposal of management measures for the harvesting activity targeting P. vulgata and P. ulyssiponensis in southern Portugal. Agência financiadora Fisheries Operational Programme (MAR 2020) European Maritime and Fisheries Fund (EMFF 2014-2020) Corporation Bank of India info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersion

The present study reports a detailed description of the catches of cuttlefish (Sepia officinalis) in the trap fishery performed seasonally off the Algarve coast (southern Portugal). A total of 86 fishing surveys were performed during the fishing season (May-September) from 2009 to 2014, on sandy bottoms at bathymetrics ranging from 8 to 10 m depth. During the whole study period, fishing operations involved 6311 cuttlefish traps with a gear catch rate of 37% (frequency of traps with cuttlefish) and a mean of 0.9 S. officinalis caught per trap. A total of 5883 S. officinalis (1424.0 kg) were caught, being only recorded 282 dead individuals (mortality rate of 4.6%). The mean fishing yield (standardised CPUE's in number and weight) was 46.6 individuals and 11.3 kg 50 traps(-1). Overall, males (n = 3188) outnumbered females (n = 2695), producing a significant male-biased (1 M: 0.85 F) sex ratio. On average, females were significantly larger and heavier (124.4 +/- 22.9 mm ML; 253.1 +/- 148.8 g TW) than males (121.9 +/- 24.0 mm ML; 230.7 +/- 143.1 g TW). Accordingly, the length-frequency distributions displayed significant gender differences, with 89.6% of females and 85.8% of males accomplishing the MCRS (100 mm ML). This markedly seasonal, highly sustainable and low impacting small-scale fishery constitutes a locally important socio-economic activity during spring and summer. Undamaged catches and highly fresh individuals further contribute to the considerable price reached by S. officinalis caught using this artisanal fishing gear. Agência financiadora European Union (EU) Fisheries Operational Programme (MAR 2020) European Maritime and Fisheries Fund (EMFF 2014-2020) info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersion

Ocean acidification (OA) will decrease shellfish growth and survival, with ecological and economic consequences for fisheries and aquaculture. However, the high variability of results among experiments, and the lack of long-term studies, make it difficult to predict the effect that OA will have on bivalve species. We tested the long-term effect of high CO2 on growth, calcification rates, and survival of juveniles of the commercial bivalve species Chamelea gallina from Southern Portugal. The local high alkalinity of seawater probably buffered the negative effect of the pH drop, and after 75 days juveniles increased their growth and calcification rates with CO2. However, after 217 days, the situation reversed, bivalves under control conditions had the highest growth and calcification rates, while individuals under high CO2 presented negative calcification rates. The biometric variable that responded first was the width of the individuals, followed by the height and length of the shells. Survival was unaffected except for a mortality peak of juveniles under control and intermediate conditions as a consequence of a temperature drop. In the short term, C. gallina will increase their calcification rates to compensate for OA. However, in the long term, the additional energy expended will be translated into growth losses with negative repercussions for the fisheries and aquaculture. The cultivation of shellfish on high alkaline seawater should be further explored as a bioremediation measure to mitigate the negative effect of OA on shellfish aquaculture.

This study reports the reproductive cycle, condition index, size at first maturity, growth and the morphometric relationships of the common cockle Cerastoderma edule in Ria de Aveiro (NW Portugal), fundamental knowledge in fisheries management planning and ecosystem conservation. The reproductive cycle was monitored for a period of two years, from January 2013 to December 2014. Spawning extended from June to October, with a peak in the summer months (July to September). The condition index showed a seasonal pattern which appear related to food availability and gametogenic cycle. Sexual maturity was attained at a shell length of 18.6 mm during the first year of life, which stands below the minimum landing size currently in force (25 mm). The von Bertalanffy growth equation was based on size-at-age data obtained from the microscopic analysis of growth rings in sectioned shells: Lt = 40.7[1-e −0.74(t-0.30)]. The morphometric relationships between shell dimensions (length, height and width) were studied in order to understand the effects of ontogenetic changes in cockles` shell morphology, an information that is useful to improve the selectivity of the fishing gears and the size-sorting devices. Some management strategies for the Ria de Aveiro cockle fishery were proposed.

This is the first attempt to apply an expert-based ecological vulnerability assessment of the effects of climate change on the main marine resources of Portugal. The vulnerability, exposure, sensitivity, adaptive capacity, and expected directional effects of 74 species of fish and invertebrates of commercial interest is estimated based on criteria related to their life-history and level of conservation or exploitation. This analysis is performed separately for three regions of Portugal and two scenarios of climate change (RCP 4.5 and RCP 8.5). To do that, the fourth assessment report IPCC framework for vulnerability assessments was coupled to the outputs of a physical-biogeochemical model allowing to weight the exposure of the species by the expected variability of the environmental variables in the future. The highest vulnerabilities were found for some migratory and elasmobranch species, although overall vulnerability scores were low probably due to the high adaptive capacity of species from temperate ecosystems. Among regions, the highest average vulnerability was estimated for the species in the Central region while higher vulnerabilities were identified under climate change scenario RCP 8.5 in the three regions, due to higher expected climatic variability. This work establishes the basis for the assessment of the vulnerability of the human activities relying on marine resources in the context of climate change. FCT: UIDB/04326/2020/ UIDP/50017/2020+UIDB/50017/2020; MAR2020-FEAMP through project CLIMA-PESCA: MAR-01.03.02-FEAMP-0052/ n2/SAICT/2017-SAICT/ SAICT-45-2017-02/ ALG-01-0145-FEDER-028518/ PTDC/ASP-PES/28518/2017 info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersion

Biological invasions are among the most challenging ecological and conservation riddles of our times. Fortunately, citizen science projects became a valuable tool to detect non-indigenous species (NIS), document their spread, prevent dispersion, and eradicate localized populations. We evaluated the most undisputed definitions of citizen science and proposed that a combination of two of them is a better reflection of what citizen science has become. Thus, citizen science is any environmental and/or biological data collection and analysis, including data quality control, undertaken by members of the general public, as individuals or as organized groups of citizens, with the guidance and/or assistance of scientists toward solving environmental and/or community questions. With this review, we also assessed how citizen science has been advancing biological invasions research and its focus, by analyzing 126 peer-reviewed articles that used citizen science methods or data concerning NIS. Most of the articles studied terrestrial species (68%) and terrestrial plants were the most studied group (22.7%). Surprisingly, most first detection reports were of non-indigenous marine fish probably due to the constraints in accessing aquatic ecosystems which delays the detection of new NIS. Citizen science projects running over broad geographical areas are very cost-effective for the early detection of NIS, regardless of the studied environment. We also discuss the applicability and need to adapt the methods and approaches toward the studied ecosystem and species, but also the profile of the participating citizens, their motivations, level of engagement, or social status. We recommend authors to better acknowledge the work done by contributing citizens, and the putative limitations of data generated by citizen science projects. The outreach planning of citizen science projects is also evaluated, including the use of dedicated web platforms vs. pre-existent and disseminated web platforms, while discussing how such outreach actions can be maximized. Lastly, we present a framework that contextualizes the contributions of citizen science, scientific research, and regional and national stakeholders toward the integrated management of biological invasions. FCT: SFRH/BD/140556/2018/ UIDB/04326/2020 info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersion

Understanding the diversity and community composition of marine communities in coastal areas is of utmost importance to understand how overlapping anthropogenic pressures impact the marine environment. The demersal and epibenthic communities of the Portuguese northern continental shelf were surveyed using a bottom trawl to understand their taxonomic composition, abundance, spatial distribution, and their relationship with environmental variables such as sediment, organic matter, depth and latitude. Bottom sediments were homogenous, being mainly composed by sand particles. The diversity of the study area was low, but high abundance of important commercial species, as Trisopterus luscus, Trachurus trachurus, Palaemon serratus and Merluccius merluccius, in the juvenile stage of life, points out the importance of the area as nursery grounds. Four assemblages were identified, with a visible geographical pattern. Results obtained supply background information that may contribute to the development of future management and monitoring plans for this important and sensible coastal area. Project PRESPO 2008-1/038; PD/BD/135065/2017 info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersion

Coastal bivalve populations are characterized by large temporal fluctuations, driven by recruitment success dependent on environmental conditions. The present study evaluated the relationship of rainfall, chlorophyll-α, sea surface temperature (SST) and wind, with the biomass of four commercial bivalve species (Spisula solida, Donax trunculus, Chamelea gallina and Ensis siliqua) that occur both along the Barlavento (western region), and the Sotavento (eastern region), along the South coast of Portugal, between 1999 and 2011. Multiple regression models were used to test two hypotheses: a) the association between environmental conditions three months prior to the spawning period and the biomass in the following year (response variable) and b) the association between environmental conditions during the spawning season plus one month and the biomass in the following year. Wind was not included in the model to test a). The environmental variables considered were not important for E. siliqua. In the period prior to spawning, temperature was significant for S. solida (both study areas), rain for D. trunculus and C. gallina (western area) and chlorophyll-α for C. gallina (western area). All the correlations were positive. During the spawning period, rain was significant for all three species but with different trends. The correlation with rain in months early in the spawning season was positive for S. solida (both areas) and D. trunculus (western area). The correlation with the rain in months towards the end of the spawning period was negative for D. trunculus, and C. gallina (western area). Chlorophyll-α in months at later stages of spawning was significant and positive for D. trunculus (both areas) and C. gallina (western area). The wind, expressed as an index developed to indicate the overall occurrence of winds blowing parallel to the coast (assumes to favour the retention of larvae in appropriate environments), was negatively correlated with biomass for mid to late spawning season for S. solida (eastern area) and D. trunculus (western area). For C. gallina there was a positive correlation with wind early in the spawning season. The SST was not an important variable during the spawning period with the exception of D. trunculus where the temperature at mid spawning season was significant with a negative correlation in the western coast and positive in the eastern coast. This study highlighted the annual spatial distribution of four commercially important bivalves and how environmental factors are likely to play an important role on both biomass and location of the fishing beds. Monitoring of the environmental variables could provide information to predict biomasses of bivalve species, an important tool for its management, as well as predict trends and plan strategies in response to global environmental changes. info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersion

The epifauna associated to farmed mussels in southern Portugal coast was analysed, aiming at identifying the species with spreading potential through commercial transport. The presence of a relevant number of the species here found is not reported to at least one of the common mussel export/transposition countries. Indeed, important species biogeographic dissimilarities between the mussel farm area and the Greater North Sea and Western Mediterranean Sea sub-regions were detected, suggesting the potential transport of non-indigenous species (NIS) into other countries. Among them, fouling species such as the anemones Paractinia striata and Urticina felina, the acorn barnacles Balanus glandula and Balanus trigonus or the bryozoans Bugulina stolonifera and Schizoporella errata exhibit functional attributes that allow them to colonise and spread in new areas. This combined biogeographic and functional approach may contribute to clarify the role of aquaculture on the transport of NIS and to predict and prevent their spreading worldwide. info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersion

This study analysed the shell morphology, morphometric relationships and relative growth in three topshell species (Phorcus lineatus, Phorcus sauciatus and Steromphala umbilicalis) collected in the Algarve coast (southern Portugal). A total of 1382 individuals were sampled (465 P. lineatus, 447 P. sauciatus and 470 S. umbilicalis) and all species comprised individuals with broad size and weight ranges. Morphometric relationships were established between linear (shell height, width, spire height, aperture height, aperture width) and ponderal (total weight) variables, whose relative growth (isometry vs. allometry) was analysed to assess variation throughout the species ontogeny. All morphometric relationships were highly significant (P < 0.001) and displayed invariably high correlation coefficients (r = 0.828 to 0.977), presenting mostly negative allometries (77.8%), distantly followed by positive allometries (16.7%) and by isometric growth (5.5%). In addition, four morphometric indices (sphericity, conicity, aperture roundness and density) were calculated to further describe and discern variation in shell shape in these topshell species. Moreover, this study provides a useful compilation and comparison of morphometric relationships, indices and relative growth features, thus improving the knowledge currently available on these subjects for P. lineatus, P. sauciatus and S. umbilicalis. IPMA-2019-042-BI info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersion

We used a new, easy to use, highly selective, low impact and cheap method of sampling in the swash zone of a sandy beach to obtain catch per unit effort data (CPUE) for Pennant's swimming crab, Portumnus latipes (Pennant, 1777). Metal stakes baited with sardines were used to attract the crabs that were caught by hand. Crab density was estimated based on area of attraction and maximum CPUE and compared with estimates from bivalve dredges used at depths from 3 to 6.5 m. The baited stake method gave an estimate of 0.026 crabs m(-2), which is comparable to bivalve dredge estimates (0.0059-0.045 crabs m(-2)). This approach can be used for crustaceans, gastropods and other mobile benthic organisms. FCT-Foundation for Science and TechnologyPortuguese Foundation for Science and Technology [CCMAR/Multi/04326/2013] info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersion

Populations of marine bivalves are subject to large interannual fluctuations as a result of their sensitivity to unfavourable environmental conditions. These populations have a strong dependence on recruitment, which constitutes a risk to stock conservation and the sustainability of the commercially exploited species. Bivalve sanctuaries comprising no‐take areas can promote the restocking of large coastal areas as a result of the high fecundity and the potentially long‐distance larval dispersal of bivalves. The present study explores a novel spatio‐temporal approach to investigate suitable locations for bivalve sanctuaries, aimed at protecting and enhancing stocks along the Algarve coast in southern Portugal. In the context of small‐scale fisheries, bivalve dredging constitutes an important socio‐economic activity. Three bivalve species are targeted: the striped venus (Chamelea gallina), the donax clam (Donax trunculus), and the surf clam (Spisula solida). Data gathered from 36 bivalve fishing surveys conducted over three decades (1986–2015) were analysed using geostatistical methods, accounting for temporal and spatial autocorrelation to produce continuous prediction maps of species distribution for each survey. The approach taken permitted the use of all scattered historical data collected by different methods. The predictions were then used to summarize and illustrate the spatial distribution of species across time, in terms of average biomass, variability, and maximum potential biomass, and to delimit the areas as a function of the species persistence (recurrent, occasional, or rare). The temporal patterns through space were further investigated using empirical orthogonal function (EOF) analysis. The areas accounting for 80% of the species biomass were also estimated. Results of this set of analyses led to the proposal of locations for establishing bivalve sanctuaries, aimed at enhancing the stocks of commercial bivalve species in the long term. Such an innovative spatio‐temporal approach and management strategy is replicable in other fishing resources and geographic areas.

This study examined temporal distributions of macrobenthic communities in relation to bottom depth and specifically addressed whether variation in sedimentary dynamics affects species composition and functional structure. Sampling was carried in 2014 (February, May and September) off Tavira Island (southern Portugal). In each sampling period, three replicates of sediment samples were collected at 7, 12, 17 and 22 m deep for both macrobenthic and sediment characterisation. Distributional patterns of macrofauna communities were a function of the interaction between depth and temporal variability, influenced by a gradient in hydrodynamics and species recruitment. The duration of sediment remobilisation and the organic matter content in sediments were the main features of the shoreface sedimentary dynamics responsible for differences in macrobenthic species composition and feeding habits. At low depths (7 m), under intense hydrodynamic conditions and longer period of sediment remobilisation, sediments were characterised by slightly gravelly sand with low contents of organic matter and calcium carbonate. Macrobenthic communities inhabiting shallow depths displayed low abundance and species richness, being dominated by grazers and suspension feeders. In contrast, at the highest studied depth (22 m), subject to low sediment remobilisation, sediments were composed by gravelly sand with high contents of organic matter and calcium carbonate. This depth (22 m) was characterised by high abundances and species richness, reflecting a more stable macrobenthic community composed mainly by surface deposit feeders. According to the benthic communities, the seaward limit of significant wave effects on the seabed is around 7 m in low-energy periods and over 17 m in high hydrodynamic energy periods.

The present study reports the weight-length (W-L) relationships and assesses the relative growth of the common cuttlefish (Sepia officinalis) from the Algarve coast (southern Portugal). Overall, were sampled and analysed 5883 individuals with broad ranges in both mantle length and total weight, with females being significantly larger and heavier than males. In males, females and sexes combined, the W-L relationships were highly significant and the morphometric parameters were highly correlated. Regarding relative growth, males, females and sexes combined displayed negative allometries, reflecting a slower growth rate in total weight than in mantle length during the species ontogeny, being the hypoallometric growth less intense in females than in males. An extensive compilation of analogous data reported throughout the distributional range of S. officinalis (Atlantic Ocean and Mediterranean Sea) further confirmed that negative allometries (weaker in females than in males) between specimen size and total weight are a typical feature in this species. The main factors responsible for this hypoallometric growth are analysed and their implications are discussed in terms of the species functional morphology and behavioural ecology.

In the current work we propose a new method to sample surface sediment during bivalve fishing surveys. Fishing institutes all around the word carry out regular surveys with the aim of monitoring the stocks of commercial species. These surveys comprise often more than one hundred of sampling stations and cover large geographical areas. Although superficial sediment grain sizes are among the main drivers of benthic communities and provide crucial information for studies on coastal dynamics, overall there is a strong lack of this type of data, possibly, because traditional surface sediment sampling methods use grabs, that require considerable time and effort to be carried out on regular basis or on large areas. In face of these aspects, we developed an easy and un-expensive method to sample superficial sediments, during bivalve fisheries monitoring surveys, without increasing survey time or human resources. The method was successfully evaluated and validated during a typical bivalve survey carried out on the Northwest coast of Portugal, confirming that it had any interference with the survey objectives. Furthermore, the method was validated by collecting samples using a traditional Van Veen grabs (traditional method), which showed a similar grain size composition to the ones collected by the new method, on the same localities. We recommend that the procedure is implemented on regular bivalve fishing surveys, together with an image analysis system to analyse the collected samples. The new method will provide substantial quantity of data on surface sediment in coastal areas, using a non-expensive and efficient manner, with a high potential application in different fields of research.

This paper develops a decision support tool that can help fishery authorities to forecast bivalve landings for the dredge fleet accounting for several contextual conditions. These include weather conditions, phytotoxins episodes, stock-biomass indicators per species and tourism levels. Vessel characteristics and fishing effort are also taken into account for the estimation of landings. The relationship between these factors and monthly quantities landed per vessel is explored using multiple linear regression models and data mining techniques (random forests, support vector machines and neural networks). The models are specified for different regions in the Portugal mainland (Northwest, Southwest and South) using six years of data 2010-2015). Results showed that the impact of the contextual factors varies between regions and also depends on the vessels target species. The data mining techniques, namely the random forests, proved to be a robust decision support tool in this context, outperforming the predictive performance of the most popular technique used in this context, i.e. linear regression. Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT, Portugal) [SFRH/BPD/99570/2014] ERDF European Regional Development Fund through the Operational Programme for Competitiveness and Internationalisation - COMPETE Programme [POCI-01-0145-FEDER-006961] National Funds through the FCT Fundacao para a Ciencia e a Tecnologia (Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology) [UID/EEA/50014/2013] project MONTEREAL MAR Program European fund for Fisheries and Maritime Affairs (EFFM) Portuguese Government info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersion

In this study, the genetic diversity of Donax vittatus across the Iberian Peninsula was investigated using four mitochondrial (COI, Cytb, 16S F and M types) and three nuclear (H8, 18S and 285) genes. These same molecular markers were also sequenced in D. semistriatus and D variegatus to address the phylogenetic relationships of the species of the genus Donax common along the European coasts. Our results showed high haplotype diversity in combination with a low nucleotide diversity and a star-shaped network with a predominant haplotype, indicating a recent population expansion for the examined sampling sites of D. vittatus. Furthermore, analyses of population differentiation performed with COI mitochondrial marker, including global Far estimation and pairwise Far values, indicated the non-existence of significant genetic structure in D. vittatus of Northwest Iberian populations. Because these localities show a high genetic similarity, we suggest that D. vittatus could be a potentially alternative exploitable resource, as complement to the D. trunculus fisheries, whose natural stocks have decreased dramatically in some areas. Furthermore, we present for the first time, evidence of DUI in the clams D. vittatus and D. semistriatus. (C) 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reservd. Ministerio de Economia y Competitividad [AGL2016-75288-R AEI/FEDER] Northern Regional Operational Programme (NORTE), through the European Regional Development Fund INDITEX-UDC Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT) [SFRH/BPD/108445/2015] [NORTE-01-0145-FEDER-000035] info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersion

The main objectives of this study were (i) to provide an updated age-length key for D. trunculus from Atlantic waters, and (ii) to evaluate population dynamics, the timing of recruitment and production parameters of the wedge clam Donax trunculus in two moderately exposed sandy beaches (the protected area of Donana National Park and the tourist destination of Isla Canela) along the littoral of Huelva (SW Spain). First an in-depth analysis of the shell and updated estimation of growth parameters of the intertidal D. trunculus population were performed between January 2014 and July 2015 using two different methods i) thin-layer cross section (TL) (ii) length-frequency distributions (LFD). Von Bertalanffy growth functions provided an asymptotic length of 46 mm (LFD) and 46.7 mm (TL) and growth constants of 0.48 (LFD) and 0.47 yr(-1) (TL) in Donana beach. In addition, several deformities as well as signs of shell repair were observed. Population dynamics analyses through length frequency distribution clarified the timing of recruitment (February-March and July). The mean annual biomass ((B) over bar) of intertidal populations of D. trunculus ranged between 3.03 (Donana) and 3.31 g ash-free dry mass (AFDW) m(-2) yr(-1) (Isla Canela). Individual production showed the highest value at 27 mm length (0.117 g AFDW m(-2) yr(-1)) and annual production (P) ranged between 3.40 (Donana) and 4.91 g (Isla Canela), resulting in renewal rate (P/(B) over bar) values between 1.03 and 1.61, respectively. The present results, together with information on environmental parameters, revealed clear differences in population dynamics and production between beaches related to the presence or absence of a protection figure. European Fisheries Fund info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersion

The present study reports the first record of the Monrovia doctorfish, Acanthurus monroviae (Steindachner, 1876) in the Algarve coast (southern Portugal). A female (257 mm TL) was caught 21 April 2016 off the beach of Olhos d’Agua by a small-scale fishing boat operating bottom-set gill nets at approximately 15 m depth. Morphometric and meristic parameters of the specimen are reported and compared with previous records of A. monroviae. This is the second occurrence of this tropical fish species in Portuguese waters and the second northernmost capture ever reported for the northeastern Atlantic. The present record is an additional example of tropicalisation of the ichthyofauna in temperate waters by a thermophilic tropical species. Indeed, although not established in the study area, A. monroviae found a suitable seawater temperature regime in southern Portugal and further expanded its distributional range along the Iberian coasts. For biogeographic purposes, all reported occurrences of this species in the northeastern Atlantic and Mediterranean (including very recent records and sightings) are compiled and mapped.

A large portion of the Portuguese fisheries is characterised as small-scale fisheries, since 85% of the fleet is comprised of small-scale vessels employing static gears. Small-scale fisheries in Portugal target multiple species and employ a wide range of fishing gear, such as set gillnets, trammel nets, set longlines, handlines, pole-and-lines, and pots and traps. Fish landed by the small-scale fleet has a high quality and is commercialised fresh in the national market or exported to European and North American countries. Small-scale fisheries in Portugal have a high social, economic and cultural importance; with Portuguese culture and traditions deeply rooted in fishing and with fishing being the economic basis of many communities characterised by low economic diversification. However, there is a general lack of information about the environmental and human dimensions of small-scale fisheries, which hampers the sustainable management of the fleet, resources and ecosystems where fisheries take place. Furthermore, small-scale fisheries have traditionally been neglected, and this has resulted in, and is also a consequence of, small-scale and artisanal fishers being poorly organised, weakly represented and often ignored in local, regional and national decision-making processes that regulate their fisheries. This chapter describes small-scale fisheries in Portugal. It gives an overview of the status and trends of the sector, its socioeconomic and cultural importance, the management of small-scale fisheries, and the current challenges and opportunities for small-scale fisheries.

A multimetric approach was used to detect structural, compositional, and functional shifts in the underlying macrobenthic communities of an offshore mussel (Mytilus galloprovincialis) farm in a Portuguese Aquaculture Production Area. Sampling stations distributed inside and outside this area were used to evaluate sediment descriptors and macrobenthic samples collected before (April and September 2010) and after (June and September 2014) the initiation of mussel farming. Sediment fine fraction, organic matter content, and trace element concentrations were found to increase with depth, independently from the mussel farm. Moreover, the structure and composition of the macrobenthic communities were likewise structured by depth. Turnover was the dominant temporal and spatial pattern of beta diversity for all communities. Furthermore, the functional diversity of these communities was unaffected by the mussel farm. These results suggested that an offshore profile allowed hydrodynamic conditions to weaken the impact of mussel farming and highlighted the importance of conducting an integrative multimetric analysis when studying aquaculture impacts on benthic communities. FEDER Program through the project IAPAA "Avaliacao do impacto da area de producao aquicola da Armona no ecossistema costeiro e comunidades locais" (PROMAR project) [31-03-01-FEP-0014]

The present study reports six new and consecutive records of the Atlantic blue crab (Callinectes sapidus Rathbun, 1896) in the southern coast of Portugal. Specimens were caught during less than two months (22nd November 2018 - 18th January 2019) as bycatch of trammel nets operated by small-scale fishing boats in scattered locations along the Algarve coast and in the Ria Formosa lagoon. Four adult males (221-236 mm carapace width) and two adult females (191-207 mm carapace width) were caught at relatively shallow depths (1-6 m), on muddy and sandy bottoms in the Ria Formosa lagoon and in the Algarve coast. Morphometric parameters of the specimens are compiled and the respective occurrences are mapped for biogeographic purposes. These first three occurrences in the Algarve coast and the second, third and fourth records in the Ria Formosa lagoon, further supported by additional anecdotal evidences and recent sales at the wholesale market, reveal a rapid westward expansion and confirm the establishment of C. sapidus along the southern coast of Portugal. Possible sources of introduction and causes for the distributional expansion are evaluated. The potential impacts of this invasive species on local ecosystems and fishing/harvesting resources are discussed. Fisheries Operational Programme (MAR 2020) European Maritime and Fisheries Fund (EMFF 2014-2020) info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersion

Harvested populations of the sea urchin (Paracentrotus lividus) from the northwestern (Carreco) and southwestern (Aljezur) coasts of Portugal were surveyed to describe the species reproductive cycle and assess possible relationships with geographical location and seawater temperature. Individuals were sampled monthly to analyze gonad histology, mean gonadal index (GI), and gonadosomatic index (GSI) during 2 consecutive years (November 2010-November 2012). Both populations presented an annual reproductive cycle, with synchronous gonad maturation and gamete release between sexes. Gonad maturation occurred throughout autumn-winter, followed by a single but prolonged spawning season during spring-summer. The duration of the spawning season displayed a latitudinal gradient likely related to the north-south increasing trend in seawater temperature, with the northwestern population (Carreco) exhibiting a shorter spawning period compared to the southwestern population (Aljezur). The timing and duration of the spawning season was compared with several populations throughout the distributional range of P. lividus in the Atlantic Ocean and Mediterranean Sea. In the population from Carreco, the size at first sexual maturity (test diameter = 35.9 mm) was considerably smaller than the minimum conservation reference size (MCRS) of 50 mm test diameter legally established for P. lividus. This study confirms that sustainable exploitation depends on harvesters' awareness of and compliance with the MCRS and provides useful information for the eventual establishment of a closed season in the harvesting of P. lividus. Fisheries Operational Programme European Maritime and Fisheries Fund Fisheries Operational Programme European Maritime and Fisheries Fund

The Atlantic blue crab Callinectes sapidus Rathbun, 1896 is native in the western Atlantic, however it is a non-indigenous species across Europe since 1900, among other world regions. In this paper, we report the first occurrences of this species in the Ria Formosa lagoon and in the Guadiana estuary (SW-Iberian Peninsula, Europe) which occurred in 2016 and July 2017, respectively. We hypothesize that the introduction of this species into these ecosystems might be due to the expansion of the Guadalquivir estuary population through natural processes (larval advection, active movement), or due to unintended introduction events after being transported aboard fishing boats, or, less likely, through ballast water. Changes in Guadiana's river flow after the construction of the Alqueva dam might also explain the presence of another non-indigenous species in the Guadiana estuary. The hypotheses presented, regarding the introduction of the Atlantic blue crab into these ecosystems and of its co-occurrence with other decapod species, are framed in a broader context to serve as a future research framework. The use of the Atlantic blue crab as a new fishing resource is also proposed, namely if it is to be used exclusively by local communities and if no deleterious impacts upon other fisheries and the ecosystem occur from this new fishery. Agência financiadora / Número do projeto Delta Stewardship Council Delta Science Program 1167 Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT, Portugal) UID/Multi/04326/2013 European Regional Development Fund (COMPETE program-Operational Competitiveness Programme) FCT IF/00661/2014/CP1234 SFRH/BD/104209/2014 SFRH/BPD/108949/2015 Berkeley Research Impact Initiative (BRII) - UC Berkeley Library 16-01-04-FMP-0005 info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersion info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersion

The present study assessed the metal genotoxicity potential at chromosome-level in the bivalve Ruditapes philippinarum collected along different areas of the Tagus estuary. Higher levels of aneuploidy on gill cells were detected at the most sediment contaminated area both in May (31.7%) and October (36.0%) when compared to a less contaminated area over the same periods (203% and 29.0% respectively). Interestingly, metal bioaccumulation in gills was higher in the specimens collected at the least contaminated area with the exception of Pb. Indeed, the multivariate analysis revealed a stronger relation between aneuploidy and sediment contamination than between aneuploidy and the bioaccumulation of the metals. The temporal and spatial inconsistency found for the bioaccumulation of metals in It philippinarum and the positive correlation between sediment contamination and aneuploidy at the most contaminated area suggest that these chromosome-level effects might be due to chronic metal contamination occurring in the Tagus estuary, rather than a direct result of the temporal variation of bioavailable contaminants. The vertical transmission phenomenon of bivalve aneuploidy levels may then be perpetuating those levels on clams from the most contaminated area. The present results shed light about the effect of metal toxicity at the chromosome-level in species inhabiting chronic contaminated areas and highlight the use of aneuploidy as an effective tool to identify persistent contamination in worldwide transitional waters. (C) 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved. Fundacao para a Ciencia e Tecnologia (FCT) project "ECOAPPROACH" [PTDC/AAC-AMB/121037/2010] FCT [SFRH/BPD/69563/2010] "Estrutura de Missao para a Extensao da Plataforma Continental" (EMEPC)

This study reports the morphometric relationships and relative growth of 20 uncommon bivalve species collected along the Algarve coast (southern Portugal). Morphometric relationships were established between three linear variables (shell length, height and width) and one ponderal variable (total weight) and the relative growth between variables (isometryvsallometry) was analysed in order to assess their variation throughout ontogeny. In addition, morphometric indices (elongation, compactness, convexity and density) based on ratios of those linear and ponderal variables were calculated in order to further characterize morphologically the bivalve species. A total of 2512 individuals belonging to nine bivalve families were analysed, comprising specimens with broad ranges in both shell length (11.8–109.0 mm SL) and total weight (0.2–354.6 g TW). All morphometric relationships were highly significant (P< 0.001) and displayed invariably high correlation coefficients (r= 0.727–0.998). Among a total of 60 morphometric relationships, 27 isometries, 25 positive allometries and 8 negative allometries were registered. The morphometric indices displayed a remarkable variation among taxa, reflecting the high morphological diversity of these miscellaneous bivalve species. Discriminant analysis provided a spatial visualization of the species morphometric variables that further evidenced their main shape features, the distinctness between some species and families (e.g. Pharidae and Cardiidae) and the morphological resemblance among some species belonging to other families (e.g. Veneridae and Tellinidae). Overall, this information is useful and has practical application in diverse research fields, including studies on systematics and taxonomy, physiology, biology, ecology, fisheries assessment and management.

The reproductive cycle of Acanthocardia tuberculata (Linnaeus, 1758) was studied in M’diq Bay. The gonadal development was determined by means of standard histological techniques, mean oocyte diameters and a condition index. Rough cockle is a gonochoric species with synchronous gonadal development and spawning in males and females. The sex ratio obtained was not significantly different to 1:1. Gametogenesis began in late winter (November) coinciding with the temperature drop. In June, with increasing sea water temperature, most of the population was spent and resting oocytes appeared dispersed in the gonad. Resting stage occurred from August to October, during which time sex could not be determined in 100% of the population. A. tuberculata showed a clear seasonality in its gametogenic cycle, with one spawning peak per year in June. Quantitative measurements of 6318 oocyte diameters indicated the patterns of development observed in the qualitative staging. The results obtained revealed the direct influence of temperature on the reproductive cycle. First sexual maturity occurred at 42.77 mm shell length. The information gathered in this study allowed preliminary management measures to be suggested for the fishery of this species, including a closed season during the main spawning season (May-June) and the establishment of a minimum landing size (at least 50 mm shell length) for A. tuberculata from the Moroccan Mediterranean coast.

This study reports a detailed description of the bycatch, discards and survival rates in the cuttlefish (Sepia officinalis) trap fishery off the Algarve coast (southern Portugal). A total of 86 fishing surveys involving 6,311 cuttlefish traps were performed between May and September from 2009 to 2014. Bycatch species were caught in 1,037 traps (bycatch catchability rate of 16.4%), comprising 1576 individuals with an overall weight of 268.3 kg. During the study period, bycatch CPUEs were 12.5 ind./50 traps and 2.1 kg/50 traps, with bycatch rates of 21.1% by number and 15.9% by weight. Thirty-four species (89.5% of bycatch taxa) were discarded at sea, corresponding to discard rates of 19.5% by number and 11.1% by weight. The short-snouted seahorse, Hippocampus hippocampus (L.), was the third most abundant bycatch species (11.6% No.; 0.4% kg) and the second most discarded (12.6% No.; 0.6% kg), being invariably discarded live and undamaged owing its conservation status. This markedly seasonal small-scale trap fishery constitutes a locally important socio-economic activity during spring and summer, characterised by low bycatch and discard rates, complemented by high survival rates of discards. Agência financiadora Interreg IVB-Atlantic Arc Programme European Union (EU) Fisheries Operational Programme MAR 2020 European Maritime and Fisheries Fund EMFF 2014-2020 info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersion

Macrobenthic responses to dredging activities were evaluated in a mesotidal coastal lagoon (Ria Formosa South Portugal). Four areas (2 dredged and 2 non-dredged) were analysed along different dredging situations (pre-dredging, during dredge 1, during dredge 2 and post-dredging). Beyond the evaluation of sediment descriptors and classical ecological indicators (number of species and abundance), the beta diversity component (partitioned into turnover and nestedness) was used to detect dredging effects on macrobenthic communities, together with a multivariate analysis (both quantitative and qualitative) including the ecological status assessment. Results confirmed the limitations of alpha diversity indicators in detecting dredging effects in naturally stressed systems, given the absence of clear patterns regarding number of species, abundance and equitability among areas and dredging situations. Moreover, post-dredging presented a higher number of species compared to pre-dredging, suggesting a positive disequilibrium induced by these activities. In contrast, partitioned beta diversity analysis revealed higher nestedness values at dredged areas, while turnover clearly prevailed at non-dredged ones. Such results suggest an effective impact of dredging on these communities, namely through the decrease of rarer species after sediment removal. This qualitative analysis, based on presence absence data (Sorensen dissimilarity), was complemented by multivariate analysis (SIMPER and PERMANOVA) based on quantitative data (Bray-Curtis dissimilarity), highlighting the importance of adopting both approaches to detect dredging impacts on benthic communities. Lower effectiveness was found for M-AMBI index when evaluating benthic Ecological Status, since the apparent absence of organic matter and sediment composition shifts induced by dredging, together with the noticeable high diversity even during dredging situations, strongly limited the analysis. The multimetric approach here proposed can contribute to detect dredging effects on lagoonal benthic communities by disentangling the responses caused by dredging from those resulting from the system natural dynamics. society "Polls Litoral Ria Formosa"

Non-indigenous species (NIS) are increasingly widespread and abundant in coastal areas, hence being considered indicators to assess the environmental status of marine waters under the Marine Strategy Framework Directive. However, information on the effects of biological invasions on species composition and abundance is still scarce, particularly for soft-sediment benthic communities, which remain poorly understood. Therefore, the present study aimed at monitoring the benthic communities of two Portuguese estuarine systems, with a particular focus on NIS. Sampling surveys were conducted at the Tagus and Sado estuaries, in three different years. Invertebrate communities were collected at sampling stations located along the estuarine gradient, using a clam dredge, and several water and sediment parameters were measured at the same locations. NIS represented nearly one fourth (23%) of the total observed individuals across all years and estuaries, with Ruditapes philippinarum accounting for 22% of the total abundance across estuaries and years. Although both estuaries presented a similar total number of species (91 at the Tagus and 81 at the Sado), three-fold more NIS were identified at the Tagus estuary. The frequency of occurrence of the NIS Crassostrea (Magallana) gigas, Mya arenaria and Panopeus occidentalis increased significantly over the three years at the Tagus estuary and decreased significantly for Dyspanopeus sayi from 2015 to 2018. The Tagus and Sado estuaries presented distinct and diverse communities, with the abundance of R. philippinarum being eleven-fold greater at the Tagus estuary than at the Sado estuary. This study provides a baseline list of the NIS occurring in two of the main Portuguese estuarine systems, as well as an approach to estimate NIS abundance, richness, frequency of occurrence and community diversity. Although most studies on NIS impacts have focused on single species, the assessment of the environmental status of marine waters requires that overall impacts of NIS on marine ecosystems are determined. This study indicated metrics that are appropriate to evaluate changes in soft-sediment benthic communities associated to the introduction of NIS. Fundacao para a Ciencia e Tecnologia (FCT)Portuguese Foundation for Science and TechnologyEuropean Commission [UID/MAR/04292/2019] project CRASSOSADO project AQUASADO (Programa Mar 2020) project COCKLES (Interreg Atlantic) [EAPA_458/2016] project NIPOGES (Programa Mar 2020) project COASTNET [PINFRA/22128/2016] Direcao Geral de Recursos Naturais, Seguranca e Recursos Maritimos (DGRM) Instituto da Conservacao da Natureza e das Florestas (ICNF) [SFRH/BD/145746/2019]

Humans as models of human disease Mice are a convenient model for exploring the functions of cellular signaling pathways. Occasionally, however, an “experiment of nature” highlights the perils of overreliance on mice. RIPK1 is a well studied protein kinase that regulates cell death. Mice deficient in RIPK1 die soon after birth because of the protein's widespread role in multiple tissues and organs. Cuchet-Lourenço et al. studied patients with inherited immunodeficiency of unknown cause (see the Perspective by Pasparakis and Kelliher). They identified inactivating mutations in the RIPK1 gene in four individuals. Unlike what has been seen in mice, the deleterious effects of RIPK1 loss in humans were confined to the immune system, a finding with potential therapeutic implications. Science , this issue p. 810 ; see also p. 756

The present study aimed to investigate the response of macrobenthic assemblages along a gradient of metal contamination using a combination of uni- and multivariate methods focusing on their composition, structure and function. A total of six sites were established based on a preliminary survey, which identified three areas with different levels of contamination. These areas were defined as slightly contaminated (SC), moderately contaminated (MC) and highly contaminated (HC). Each area comprised two sites, sampled in four sampling surveys (September 2012, February, May and October of 2013). To investigate the response of the macrobenthic assemblages the number of individuals (N), number of taxa (S), Shannon–Weaver diversity (H′), Pielou's equitability (J′) and different distance-based multivariate measures of β-diversity (complementarity) were analysed. β-diversity as turnover was also analysed together with spatial and temporal changes in the trophic structure. A clear gradient of increasing contamination was consistently detected, but comparisons with available sediment quality guidelines indicated that adverse biological effects may be expected in all areas. This result suggests measuring concentrations of contaminants in the sediment per se may be insufficient to establish a clear link between ecological patterns and the contamination of the system. Also it highlights the difficulty of identifying reference areas in highly urbanized and industrialized estuaries. Only multivariate analysis (dbRDA; both using the taxonomic and trophic composition) and β-diversity as turnover showed a consistent response to metal contamination. Higher heterogeneity, mainly due to contribution of rare species (i.e. species present in a single sampling period), was observed in the least contaminated area (SC), decreasing towards the HC. In terms of the trophic function, a shift from a dominance of carnivores in the SC to the dominance of deposit-feeding organisms (and associations) along the contamination gradient was evident.

The present study reports morphometric relationships and discusses the relative growth in the banded murex (Hexaplex trunculus) and the purple dye murex (Bolinus brandaris) from the Ria Formosa lagoon (southern Portugal). A total of 11 morphometric parameters (eight linear variables: shell length, shell width, total aperture length, aperture length, aperture width, spire length, spire width and siphonal canal length; three ponderal variables: total weight, soft parts weight and shell weight) were analysed in both species. The analyses comprised numerous individuals of both sexes and with broad size ranges (H. trunculus: 10.7–82.8 mm shell length;B. brandaris: 14.6–107.7 mm shell length), fairly representative of the populations from the Ria Formosa lagoon. In general,B. brandarisexhibited greater morphological plasticity and higher variability in shell shape compared withH. trunculus. In both species, the vast majority of morphometric relationships displayed positive allometries, distantly followed by negative allometries and by isometries. AlthoughH. trunculusandB. brandarisare known to lack external sexual dimorphism, several morphometric relationships revealed significant differences in the type of growth between sexes, which should be further confirmed using more powerful techniques, such as geometric morphometric analyses of shell shape.

The bivalve dredge fleet, considered as one of the most important artisanal fleets due to the high value of the catches, is by far the most extensively studied among the Portuguese artisanal segment. Acknowledging the growing presence of marine phycotoxins in the waters, the present study explores their impact on the revenue of the fleet that operates along the coast of mainland Portugal. The results obtained using stochastic frontier analysis models enlighten the harmful impact of algae blooms on the activity of the artisanal dredge fleets. In particular, it was observed that in the Algarve region, where the frequency and the intensity of these episodes is higher, the sustainability of the dredge fishing activity is seriously compromised by the phycotoxins.