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Phyllospadix spp. play a crucial role in the supply of ecosystem services in rocky shores, but they have been rapidly reduced because of natural and anthropogenic causes. Since Phyllospadix spp. are attached to rocks in the surf zone with a strong hydrodynamic condition, their transplanted shoots easily disappear due to the high current velocity, resulting in the failure of transplantation. We described a leaf trimming method for transplanting shoots of surfgrass Phyllospadix iwatensis and evaluated the method’s establishment success for potential use in large-scale restoration projects. A 30-day laboratory experiment was conducted to determine the effect of leaf trimming on shoot survival, growth, and physiology. Successful establishment of new patches from shoots transplanted with the leaf trimming method was assessed through a shoot-transplanting field experiment over 15 months. The survival of P. iwatensis shoots was not significantly affected by the leaf trimming proportion of 10%–60%. The leaf elongation rate and total leaf area of the shoots exposed to 10%–50% leaf trimming reached or exceeded those of the control at the end of the laboratory experiment; however, the growth of the shoots under 60% leaf trimming was significantly lower than those under the control (p < 0.05). The soluble sugar and starch contents of the shoots also displayed a similar trend to the growth, with the lowest values attained at 60% of leaf trimming. The survival rate of shoots exposed to 50% leaf trimming treatment was 70% after 15 months following transplantation, which was 1.23 times higher than that of shoots in the control (p < 0.05). The shoot height in the 50% leaf trimming treatment was 1.02 times higher than that of shoots in the control at the end of the field experiment. There were no significant differences in photosynthetic pigment contents of P. iwatensis shoots between the leaf trimming treatment and the control (p > 0.05). Our study suggested that the leaf trimming method is an efficient restoration technique for the transplantation of P. iwatensis shoots, and is potentially useful in facilitating large-scale restoration projects.

The unprecedented rates of current biodiversity loss have motivated a renewed interest in environmental and biodiversity monitoring. The need for sustained monitoring strategies has prompted not only the establisment of new long-term monitoring programmes, but also the rescue of data from historical or otherwise archived sources. Amongst the most valuable datasets are those containing information on intertidal systems, as they are particularly well suited for studying the biological effects of climate change. The Portuguese rocky coast is quite interesting for studying the effects of climate change on the distribution of species due to its geographical orientation, latitudinal patterns in temperature, species richness, species' distribution patterns and availability of historical information. This work aims at providing a comprehensive picture of the distribution and abundance of intertidal macro-invertebrates and macro-algae along the Portuguese rocky coast in the early 2000s.This study provides a description of the rocky shore intertidal biodiversity of the mainland Portuguese coast in the early 2000s. The spatial distribution and semi-quantitative abundance of a total of 238 taxa were assessed at 49 wave-exposed locations. These data provide a comprehensive baseline against which biodiversity changes can be effectively and objectively evaluated.

Abstract We hypothesized congruence in the spatial structure of abundance data sampled across multiple scales for an ecological guild of consumers that exploit similar nutritional and habitat resources. We tested this hypothesis on the spatial organization of abundance of an herbivorous guild of sea urchins. We also examined whether the amount of local along‐shore rocky habitat can explain the observed spatial patterns of abundance. Standardized estimates of abundance of four intertidal sea urchins—Diadema cf. savignyi, Echinometra mathaei, Parechinus angulosus, and Stomopneustes variolaris—were determined by six observers at 105 sites across 2,850 km of coast of South Africa. For each species and observer, wavelet analysis was used on abundance estimates, after controlling for potential biases, to examine their spatial structure. The relationship between local sea urchin abundance and the amount of upstream and downstream rocky habitat, as defined by the prevailing ocean current, was also investigated. All species exhibited robust structure at scales of 75–220 km, despite variability among observers. Less robust structure in the abundances of three species was detected at larger scales of 430–898 km. Abundance estimates of sympatric populations of two species (D. cf. savignyi and E. mathaei) were positively correlated with the amount of rocky habitat upstream of the site, suggesting that upstream populations act as larval sources across a wide range of scales. No relationship between abundance and habitat size was found for P. angulosus or S. variolaris. Within the range of scales examined, we found robust congruence in spatial structure in abundance at the lower, but not the larger, range of scales for all four species. The relationship between abundance and upstream habitat availability in two species suggests that larval supply from upstream populations was probably the mechanism linking habitat size and abundance.

Abstract The Environmental Sensitivity Index (ESI) for oil spills was developed to assist coordinators to evaluate oil spill impact along shorelines and also to coordinate the allocation of resources during and after the incident, aiming to reduce environmental damage and consequences. Recently, Remotely Piloted Aerial Systems (RPAS) are being used in a wide range of areas, since they complement traditional remote sensing data (e.g., satellite images) and offer a rapidly, precise, detail and high-resolution images that fit well for environmental studies. Herein, the use of high-resolution RPAS images for ESI analysis of rocky shores in the Brazilian territory was performed. Using RPAS images, with their higher-resolution compared with ArcGIS Pro Basemap satellite images, increased the detailed of ESI analysis for oil spills, increasing the number of regions in the rocky shore that are more sensitive to oil spills. The RPAS images were able to decrease the number of areas that were less sensitive to oil spills, and increase areas that are more sensitive to oil spills. This increase is important, since they were not detected in the ESI analysis using conventional ArcGIS Pro Basemap satellite images. The RPAS images permit to delineate precisely rocky shores, improving ESI interpretation in rocky shores.

Bouet, A.; Collin, A.; James, D.; Rintz, C-L.; Dusseau, P.; Lesacher, M., and Feunteun, E., 2024. On the synergy of the UAV spatial modelling and citizen science for tidal coasts: The case of canopy-forming macroalgae and gastropods on the Emerald Coast, Brittany, France. In: Phillips, M.R.; Al-Naemi, S., and Duarte, C.M. (eds.), Coastlines under Global Change: Proceedings from the International Coastal Symposium (ICS) 2024 (Doha, Qatar). Journal of Coastal Research, Special Issue No. 113, pp. 154-158. Charlotte (North Carolina), ISSN 0749-0208. Coastal marine ecosystems provide crucial services to cope with accelerating global changes. Among them, intertidal rocky shores and their canopy-forming macroalgal habitats support a high biodiversity, provide food, offer coastal protection, and multiple cultural services. Due to their location, at the land-sea interface, these coastal areas are threatened by various distal and local anthropogenic pressures. Their monitoring at very high (dm) spatial resolution is necessary to better inform their sustainable management. The very high temporal resolution of the unmanned airborne vehicle (UAV) imagery can be agile enough to monitor intertidal shores during the low tide's short window. Active or passive UAV imagery, coupled with machine learning, has the capabilities to map habitats, but requires ground-truth data, whose amount is strongly constrained by the low tide period. The study proposes to combine quantitative information, collected by trained citizens, with UAV data. UAV-based data were collected using two different sensors: a topographic Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) system DJI L1 and a multispectral imager MicaSense Altum-PT. Linear regressions of the canopy-forming macroalgae cover and the abundance of the gastropod, Steromphala umbilicalis, were run based on UAV by-products. Multispectral orthomosaics better predicted the algae cover (R2 = 0.52) and the abundance of gastropod (R2 = 0.45) than lasergrammetric data (algae cover: R2 = 0.48; gastropod abundance: R2 = 0.42). A combination of both source of data revealed better prediction for the algae cover (R2 = 0.68), as well as for the gastropod abundance (R2 = 0.55). Results are discussed in the light of the cm-scale remote sensing but also in its aspect of environmental awareness and responsive action. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Intertidal macroalgal habitats are major components of temperate coastal ecosystems. Their distribution was studied using field sampling and hyperspectral remote mapping on a rocky shore of Porspoder (western Brittany, France). Covers of both dominating macroalgae and the sessile fauna were characterized in situ at low tide in 24 sampling spots, according to four bathymetric levels. A zone of ca. 17,000 m2 was characterized using a drone equipped with a hyperspectral camera. Macroalgae were identified by image processing using two classification methods to assess the representativeness of spectral classes. Finally, a comparison of the remote imaging data to the field sampling data was conducted. Seven seaweed classes were distinguished by hyperspectral pictures, including five different species of Fucales. The maximum likelihood (MLC) and spectral angle mapper (SAM) were both trained using image-derived spectra. MLC was more accurate to classify the main dominating species (Overall Accuracy (OA) 95.1%) than SAM (OA 87.9%) at a site scale. However, at sampling points scale, the results depend on the bathymetric level. This study evidenced the efficiency and accuracy of hyperspectral remote sensing to evaluate the distribution of dominating intertidal seaweed species and the potential for a combined field/remote approach to assess the ecological state of macroalgal communities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Light pollution is becoming prevalent among other coastal stressors, particularly along intertidal habitats, arguably the most exposed to anthropogenic light sources. As the number of light pollution studies on sandy beaches, rocky shores and other intertidal habitats raises, commonalities, research gaps and venues can be identified. Hence, the influence of light pollution on the behavior and ecology of a variety of intertidal macro-invertebrates and vertebrates are outlined by examining 54 published studies. To date, a large majority of the reported effects of light pollution are negative, as expected from the analysis of many species with circadian rhythms or nocturnal habits, although the severity of those effects ranges widely. Experimental approaches are well represented throughout but methodological limitations in measurement units and standardization continue to limit the proposal of general conclusions across species and habitats. In addition, studies targeting community variables and the explicit influence of skyglow are heavily underrepresented. Likewise, studies addressing the interaction between light pollution and other natural and anthropogenic stressors are critically needed and represent a key venue of research. The nature of those interactions (synergistic, additive, antagonistic) will likely dictate the impact and management of light pollution in the decades ahead.

Global warming has been causing severe impacts on marine ecosystems, a notorious one being shifts in the geographical ranges of species. The north-western coast of the Iberian Peninsula is an especially interesting zone to study distributional shifts as it has a strong latitudinal thermal gradient, is influenced by the Canary upwelling system (which partially cancels coastal warming) and holds some of the most diverse macroalgae communities in Europe. Notably, it is within this region that many cold-water species, common in northern Europe, have their southernmost distribution refuge. Recent studies hypothesize that the environmental conditions may be nonetheless changing and already threatening this biodiversity hotspot. The main goal of this study was to carry out a fine-scale assessment of the distributional limits of several macroalgae in North-western Iberia, as well as identify possible population and range shifts using historical data (2001-2005) as reference. In addition, non-indigenous species were also surveyed. We also assessed if the regions of (i) Galicia, (ii) Northern Portugal, and (iii) Central Portugal displayed distinctive characters regarding macroalgae composition and abundance. We identified an increase in abundance of some non-indigenous macroalgae as well as a decrease in the abundance of some cold-water species. In the most severe cases, cold-water species were extirpated along hundreds of km. The compounded effect of the decrease in the abundance of cold-water species and the increase in the abundance of non-indigenous species is leading to the homogenization of macroalgae communities in north-western Iberia.

Data about meiobenthic ostracodes species on the different substrates of Zmiiniy Island nearshore water area are presented. The density and biomass means of the ostracodes were higher on the algal substrates (on Laurencia paniculata made up 41931 ± 12689 ind.·m-2 and 400.56 ± 125.65 mg·m-2 respectively). In the current study for the first time 13 ostracodes species were found, most of which are common in all types of substrate. The dominant species were Loxoconcha pontica Klie, 1937, Paradoxostoma intermedium Müller, 1894, Xestoleberis cornelii Caraion, 1963 and Xestoleberis decipiens (Müller, 1894). All of them are common species in the north-western Black Sea. Non-metric multidimensional scaling (nMDS) analysis of ostracodes species abundance shown that the samples of sandy-shells bottom differed significantly from algal and mussel substrates. According to the cluster analysis sand-shells bottom samples on almost 80 % differed from hard substrates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Climate change has been increasing at an unprecedented rate in the last decades. Global warming has been causing a variety of impacts in marine ecosystems, including shifts in the geographical ranges of species. The north-western Iberian Peninsula coast is particularly interesting to study distribution shifts as it features a strong latitude thermal gradient, establishing a biogeographical transitional region where several cold- and warmadapted species have their equatorward or poleward distributions. In the early 2000s, it appeared that, while warm-water species were already responding to warming, cold-water species did not display a coherent response. It is now necessary to gather up-to-date data on the distribution of the same group of species to understand if current patterns of change confirm or deny those observed back then, which may give us important clues about the mechanisms setting species limits in the area. New information This study provides a fine-scale description of the occurrence of intertidal macroalgae species in the rocky shores of the north-western Iberian coast. Specifically, the spatial distribution and semi-quantitative abundance of 34 native and invasive species were assessed at 70 wave-exposed locations. This included 19 species of cold-water affinity, 10 species of warm-water affinity and five neutral species. When contrasted with historical observations, these new data can be used to quantify and map biodiversity change in the region, as well as help understanding the mechanisms constraining species distributions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The seaweed Caulerpa cylindracea Sonder is one of the most important invaders on Mediterranean rocky shores. However, many driving pressures affecting its spread are poorly understood and seem to involve the interactions between abiotic and biotic factors. We studied the invasiveness of C. Cylindracea on two shallow vermetid platforms with a con­trasting ecological status on which C. Cylindracea was first detected simultaneously 15 years ago. The cover values of C. Cylindracea and the other macroalgal species were assessed for one year, embracing the whole platform width. Caulerpa cylindracea cover was higher on the platform that had a low ecological status, especially during warmer months at the outer seaward margin. The ecological status of the overstory of native species seems to be a key point conditioning the success of C. Cylindracea invasiveness on these platforms.

Data about meiobenthic ostracodes species on the different substrates of Zmiiniy Island nearshore water area are presented. The density and biomass means of the ostracodes were higher on the algal substrates (on Laurencia paniculata made up 41931 ± 12689 ind.·m-2 and 400.56 ± 125.65 mg·m-2 respectively). In the current study for the first time 13 ostracodes species were found, most of which are common in all types of substrate. The dominant species were Loxoconcha pontica Klie, 1937, Paradoxostoma intermedium Müller, 1894, Xestoleberis cornelii Caraion, 1963 and Xestoleberis decipiens (Müller, 1894). All of them are common species in the north-western Black Sea. Non-metric multidimensional scaling (nMDS) analysis of ostracodes species abundance shown that the samples of sandy-shells bottom differed significantly from algal and mussel substrates. According to the cluster analysis sand-shells bottom samples on almost 80 % differed from hard substrates.

Kelps dominate rocky shores in temperate latitudes, acting as important foundation species. Recently, kelp forests have received growing attention for their decline around the world. Climate change is one of the main drivers of their deforestation, both through abiotic stress and/or distortion of biotic interactions. In NW Spain, golden kelp (Laminaria ochroleuca) forests have recently declined in some areas due to excessive grazing. To further investigate the mechanisms behind this decline, a thorough 1-year seasonal demographic study was carried out on eight golden kelp reefs: four healthy and four degraded by herbivory. Kelps covered the full range of size classes throughout the year on healthy reefs. By contrast, only small, newly recruited kelps were found on degraded reefs in spring-summer, because excessive herbivory in autumn-winter caused a total collapse of kelp populations on a reef-scale (i.e., all kelps reduced to inviable stubs with no blade and no growth meristem). Bite marks in kelps covering all size classes showed that fishes, instead of invertebrates, were the culprits of the excessive herbivory. Recent studies, mostly conducted in the Indo-Pacific, also found that fish herbivory, alone or in combination with abiotic stressors, can maintain a canopy-free state in kelp reefs. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first time that fish is also shown to cause the collapse of entire kelp forests on a reef scale in the temperate Atlantic. The implications of this finding for the management and potential recovery of degraded reefs are discussed.

Environments with strong gradients in physical conditions, such as rocky intertidal, induce animal morphological strategies to face them. The gastropod Trophon geversianus inhabit within the intertidal and subtidal habitats of Patagonian rocky shores. Although there is a wide knowledge of the phenotypic differences of this species regarding habitats (i.e., intertidal/subtidal), little is known about the interaction between habitat and latitude. Here, we studied form variation (size and shape) by using 3D geometric morphometric of T. geversianus shells from alive gastropods and analyzed the phenotypic effect from micro-scale (habitat), macro-scale (latitude), and the interaction habitat-latitude (site). Lastly, we tested the classification accuracy of the shape variable for each predictor variable and a synthetic variable (from a cluster analysis). We found that habitats and sites had the greatest influence on shape variation. Moreover, we found that the largest shell sizes were more likely to be located in subtidal habitats. Also, the size differences between sites were not negligible. Finally, habitat demonstrated the highest classification accuracy for shape, even higher than genetically determined (sex) and synthetic variables. We found that the gastropods from the intertidal habitat presented a globular morph with shorter spire and larger relative size of the shell aperture, while subtidal gastropod showed an elongated morph, with smaller aperture and longer spire. We present evidence of the complexity of size and shape variation in T. geversianus, highlighting that site-dependence on shape variation must be considered in geometric morphometrics studies at a latitudinal scale. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To enable the process of energy transition towards carbon neutrality, it is important to educate the community on the need for social, economic, environmental and institutional transformation, and to educate and inform citizens to participate proactively in this change. This study evaluated the effectiveness of participation by elementary school students in educational activities and citizen science actions in enhancing their scientific knowledge and skills related to Ocean Literacy in the context of climate change. The activities were directed to children (aged 9–11) and involved pre-service teachers, in-service teachers and researchers, in formal and non-formal contexts. A total of 329 elementary school students participated in interdisciplinary science activities, focusing on the cause & effect of climate change in the ocean. They learned to identify rocky shore marine species used to monitor climate change and acquired ICT skills by inserting species observations in a biodiversity mapping platform. Finally, students worked collaboratively to communicate to the community what they have learned through an exhibition at the Museum João de Deus. To assess the impact of the activities on acquisition of scientific knowledge and skills by the students, a mixed methodology was applied using pre and post-tests, analysis of the data inserted by students in the platform, and content analysis of the students’ work for the museum exhibition. The results of pre and post-tests revealed a significant increase in knowledge of the effects of climate change on the rocky shore species distribution, as well as of the importance of monitoring these species distribution. The data from the online biodiversity platform showed that 42% of the species identifications made by the students were correct. The ability of the students to communicate their learning to the wider community was evaluated by the scientific content, structure, presentation and creativity and of posters, models, videos and games produced. Most of students focused their communications and creations on the greenhouse effect, cause & effect of climate change in the ocean and biodiversity. This study reinforces the importance of addressing Ocean Literacy and climate change through formal and non-formal educational activities with an investigative nature.

Background: The unprecedented rates of current biodiversity loss have motivated a renewed interest in environmental and biodiversity monitoring. The need for sustained monitoring strategies has prompted not only the establisment of new long-term monitoring programmes, but also the rescue of data from historical or otherwise archived sources. Amongst the most valuable datasets are those containing information on intertidal systems, as they are particularly well suited for studying the biological effects of climate change. The Portuguese rocky coast is quite interesting for studying the effects of climate change on the distribution of species due to its geographical orientation, latitudinal patterns in temperature, species richness, species' distribution patterns and availability of historical information. This work aims at providing a comprehensive picture of the distribution and abundance of intertidal macro-invertebrates and macro-algae along the Portuguese rocky coast in the early 2000s. New information: This study provides a description of the rocky shore intertidal biodiversity of the mainland Portuguese coast in the early 2000s. The spatial distribution and semi-quantitative abundance of a total of 238 taxa were assessed at 49 wave-exposed locations. These data provide a comprehensive baseline against which biodiversity changes can be effectively and objectively evaluated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We hypothesized congruence in the spatial structure of abundance data sampled across multiple scales for an ecological guild of consumers that exploit similar nutritional and habitat resources. We tested this hypothesis on the spatial organization of abundance of an herbivorous guild of sea urchins. We also examined whether the amount of local along‐shore rocky habitat can explain the observed spatial patterns of abundance. Standardized estimates of abundance of four intertidal sea urchins—Diadema cf. savignyi, Echinometra mathaei, Parechinus angulosus, and Stomopneustes variolaris—were determined by six observers at 105 sites across 2,850 km of coast of South Africa. For each species and observer, wavelet analysis was used on abundance estimates, after controlling for potential biases, to examine their spatial structure. The relationship between local sea urchin abundance and the amount of upstream and downstream rocky habitat, as defined by the prevailing ocean current, was also investigated. All species exhibited robust structure at scales of 75–220 km, despite variability among observers. Less robust structure in the abundances of three species was detected at larger scales of 430–898 km. Abundance estimates of sympatric populations of two species (D. cf. savignyi and E. mathaei) were positively correlated with the amount of rocky habitat upstream of the site, suggesting that upstream populations act as larval sources across a wide range of scales. No relationship between abundance and habitat size was found for P. angulosus or S. variolaris. Within the range of scales examined, we found robust congruence in spatial structure in abundance at the lower, but not the larger, range of scales for all four species. The relationship between abundance and upstream habitat availability in two species suggests that larval supply from upstream populations was probably the mechanism linking habitat size and abundance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract This study examines the distribution of primary and secondary space holders integrated in morphological and feeder functional groups as well as the species richness over the seasons on northern Patagonian rocky shores. We also evaluated whether the temporal changes in species richness, assemblage structure and species turnover were related to seasonal changes. These patterns were studied by non-destructive samplings between December 2013 and March 2015. Thirty taxa were identified, including six algal morphological functional and three invertebrate feeder groups. The cover of seaweeds and invertebrates was positively correlated with changes in the environmental factors. The marked seasonality in this Patagonian zone changed between two contrasting periods. Species richness and assemblage structure were associated with seasonal changes and were influenced by the more abundant morphological and feeder functional groups. We suggest that habitat-formers, such as articulated calcareous and suspensor feeder groups, can expand and retract over time-scales of months to seasons, generating available space for the colonization and growth of other organisms. We conclude that seasonal changes and the dynamics of articulated calcareous and suspensor feeder groups drive changes in the algal and invertebrate abundances, in turn driving changes in species richness and assemblage structure.

Identifying susceptible regions where biodiversity changes occur at fast rates is essential in order to protect and ameliorate affected areas. Large-scale coastal monitoring programs that focus on long-term variability are scarce, yet the Marine Biodiversity Observation Network Pole to Pole is currently developing a regional collaboration throughout the American continent collecting biodiversity data in coastal habitats with a standardized systematic protocol. The use of photographic methods to collect assemblage data on intertidal rocky shores can be appropriate. The goal of this study was to analyze the performance of a simple, low-cost, non-destructive and low-tech photographic method on a broad geographical scale (∼ 2,000 km) of Atlantic Patagonian coastline. Concurrently, we aimed to identify indicators whose cover, presence or condition can be followed in time and used as beacons of change in biodiversity on these rocky intertidal shores. We also explored the potential relationships between assemblage structure and environmental variables, such as seascape classes. We identified and propose cover of mytilids, Corallina spp. and bare substrate as indicators of change due to their ecological relevance in intertidal assemblages and their visible and rapid response to human stressors or changes in environmental conditions. Finally, we illustrate the practicality and usefulness of remotely accessible environmental data, for instance the seascape classes approach as an integrative tool for large-scale rocky shore studies.

Nowadays, coastal urbanization is one of the most serious and prevalent pressures on marine ecosystems, impacting their biodiversity. The objective of this study was to explore differences in attributes and biodiversity associated with an intertidal ecosystem engineer, the mussel Mytilus galloprovincialis Lamarck, 1819 between urban and non-urban shores. For this, mussel attributes and their associated macrofauna were compared between urban and non-urban rocky shores in the north of Portugal. Results showed that the largest sized mussels were more frequent on urban shores, whereas the smallest size class was only present in non-urban shores. Regarding macrofauna associated with mussels, the number of taxa was significantly higher on non-urban shores. Moreover, the structure of the macrobenhic assemblages was significantly different between urban and non-urban shores. Most important taxa responsible for differences were more abundant on non-urban shores except for Nucella lapillus, Idotea pelagica and Oligochaeta that were more abundant on urban shores. Therefore, our results showed that the mussel size frequency and the structure of the associated macrobenthic assemblages changed in urban shores. Considering the relevance of mussel beds for biodiversity and human well-being, our results indicate the need of adopting proper management plans to minimize these effects on urban intertidal ecosystems.

Material of Jania J.V.Lamour. with a different morphology from the typical one attributed to J. longifurca Zanardini and J. rubens (L.) J.V.Lamour.—the only species in this habitat in Galicia—has been detected in the maerl beds of Galicia. This morphology consists on: thin intergenicula, an irregular pattern of dichotomies and secondary attachment discs that facilitate the refixation to the substrate, all of them similar to those of other southern species of Jania. Nevertheless, the integrative taxonomic study of this material and other collections from rocky habitat confirmed its identification as J. longifurca. Thereby, the atypical morphology with thin intergenicula and secondary attachment disc is dominant in samples of J. longifurca from maerl beds, while the samples from rocky environments showed the typical robust intergenicula. Moreover, molecular analysis resolved some phylogenetic affinities with samples from New Zealand, where this species is not recorded. It is concluded therefore the morphological variation related to the environment and it is evident the need of molecular studies to clarify this genus taxonomy, which is based fundamentally on morphological characters.

This paper describes a dataset of polychaetes (Annelida) from 14 midlittoral rocky shore sampling sites in Greece and Italy (Mediterranean Sea). The dataset combines the outcome of four different projects studying the hard substrate midlittoral zone in the Mediterranean between 1984 and 2009. Samples were collected by scraping and collecting the organisms from a framed area. The maximal sampling depth was 1.5 m. In total, 123 polychaete species were recorded, five of which are new records for the respective biogeographic sectors of the Mediterranean. The dataset contains 788 occurrence records, fully annotated with all required metadata. These data contribute to the knowledge of a previously very understudied regional habitat, since at present, comprehensive lists of the midlittoral communities in the Mediterranean are provided through only a few, paper-based, studies. This dataset is one of the first electronic data compilations of the Mediterranean midlittoral zone communities and certainly the most comprehensive of its kind, contributing to the ongoing efforts of the Ocean Biogeographic Information System (OBIS) which aims at filling the gaps in our current knowledge of the world's oceans. It is accessible at http://ipt.vliz.be/resource.do?r=mediterraneanpolychaetaintertidal.

Neritas are among the most dominant groups of Gastropoda in the Persian Gulf. There is no previous study in relation to molecular and phylogeny of Neritas in the study area. The molecular identification of Nerita species have been studied for the first time in the northern rocky coastal zones of Persian Gulf during 2013 and 2014. After morphological identifications of species, DNA extraction, amplifying partial of cytochrome oxidase COI and 16S rRNA and sequencing procedure were done in the laboratory. In this study, 6 COI and 6 16S rRNA sequences, belonging to 3 species, were obtained. Also, phylogeny analyses with drawing phylogeny trees of Maximum Likelihood and Bayesian were done using MEGA6 and BEAST softwares. Morphological and molecular identification results were similar for 2 species and dissimilar for one species. This discrepancy shows that a combination of morphological and molecular studies is more reliable for species identification than either of them solely. The results also showed that Nerita species are monophyletic.

Barnacles are most important macro benthic population of Rocky shores that Amphibalanusimprovisus is a dominant invasive species of this group. Present study aims to define the number, biomass, coverage rate and to study the factors affecting on the distribution of this species in various parts of rocky shores of south Caspian Sea. Ten sampling stations were selected in the natural and artificial rocky shores from Astara to Babolsar and during two years and every 2 months, once from September 2013 to July2014. In general, the mean number of individuals in this species in the coasts was 404.75 271.165, coverage rate was 36.83 19.657, and weight was 17.81 11.825g in unit surface. While relatively even distribution results are displayed in 10 Stations. But in one-way ANOSIM grouping it was noted that most similarity of habitat was related to the stations 3, 4,5,6,9 and results of One-way ANOVA in various months indicated that temporal changes do not dramatically effect on the frequency of Amphibalanusimprovisus. In addition, it was defined that salinity of southern coasts have not effect for growth of barnacles and temperature was an important and positive factor in frequency.

The first records of the maritime earwig Anisolabis maritima from South Africa are reported. The species was first discovered in 2015 in the upper intertidal zone of an artificial rubble causeway at Port Shepstone, on the east coast of South Africa, where it appears to feed on driftline isopods and amphipods. The study site operated briefly as a harbour from 1880-1902, suggesting that this introduction took place via shipping at that time and has remained undetected for more than a century. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT Bonnici, L.; Borg, J.A.; Evans, J.; Lanfranco, S., and Schembri, P.J., 2018. Of rocks and hard places: Comparing biotic assemblages on concrete jetties versus natural rock along a microtidal Mediterranean shore. The species composition and structure of littoral assemblages on concrete jetties were compared with those on natural rocky shores at two localities on the microtidal NE coast of Malta. Algal species richness and total algal biomass were significantly lower on jetties. Faunal species richness and faunal abundance were also lower on jetties, albeit not significantly so. Jetties and natural rocky shores differed in relative species composition. The algae Palisada perforata/Laurencia obtusa and several mobile animals, mostly crustaceans, molluscs, and polychaetes, were more abundant on rocky shores. In particular, the supralittoral gastropod Melarhaphe neritoides had a density ranging between 8 ind./m2 to 98 ind./m2 on rocky shores but was never recorded on jetties. Conversely, the algae Cladophoropsis spp., the barnacle Chthamalus stellatus, and the limpets Patella caerulea and P. ulyssiponensis were more abundant on jetties. The rocky shores of sites with jetties were compared with those of a reference site (Dahlet ix-Xmajjar) that lacked jetties. No significant differences occurred in algal biomass and faunal abundance; however, faunal species richness was significantly higher at the reference site. These results may be linked to a number of abiotic factors inclusive of increased exposure to waves, decreased area for colonisation, and habitat homogeneity. The present case study has implications for coastal zone management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The porcelain crab Porcellana africana Chace, 1956, a species native to NW Africa, between Western Sahara and Senegal, is reported from Saldanha Bay, South Africa, and both morphological evidence and DNA analysis are used to confirm its identity. The taxonomic history of P. africana is summarized, and the taxonomic implications of the DNA analysis are discussed. The observations that the South African population appeared suddenly and that it is located in and around a major international harbour, strongly suggest that it represents a recent shipping introduction. Porcellana africana was first detected at a single site within Saldanha Bay in 2012, but by 2016 was abundant under intertidal boulders and within beds of the invasive mussel Mytilus galloprovincialis across most of the Bay. It remains absent along the adjacent oceanic coastline and in other regional harbours, but these should be monitored to detect any subsequent range expansion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The most important primary producers of rocky shores are macroalgae. The present study investigated the temporal–spatial changes, the percentage of coverage and the influence of abiotic factors on macroalgae on rocky shores of southern Caspian Sea. Ten sampling stations were selected in the natural and artificial rocky shores from Astara to Babolsar. Sampling lasted for one year and took place every 2 months from September 2013 to July 2014 using a 50×50 quadrate sampler. Epibenthic macroalgae consisted of 2 genus, Cladophora and Entromorpha, from green algae and one genus, Laurenica, from red algae. The average water temperature, salinity, pH, dissolved oxygen and water conductivity were 16.48 °C, 9.87ppt, 8.27, 9.89 mg/l and 16.52 m/s, respectively. According to the results, the maximum algal coverage was observed in September (70.50 %) and the minimum coverage was observed in January (21.50 %). Results of one-way ANOVA indicated that the mean of algal coverage in various months of the year were significantly different (P

By altering the phenotypic properties of their hosts, endolithic parasites can modulate the engineering processes of marine ecosystem engineers. Here, we assessed the biogeographical patterns of species assemblages, prevalence and impact of endolithic parasitism in two mussel species that act as important ecosystem engineers in the southern African intertidal habitat, Perna perna and Mytilus galloprovincialis. We conducted large-scale surveys across three biogeographic regions along the South African coast: the subtropical east coast, dominated by the indigenous mussel, P. perna, the warm temperate south coast, where this species coexists with the invasive Mediterranean mussel, M. galloprovincialis, and the cool temperate west coast dominated by M. galloprovincialis. Infestation increased with mussel size, and in the case of M. galloprovincialis we found a significantly higher infestation in the cool temperate bioregion than the warm temperate region. For P. perna, the prevalence of infestation was higher on the warm temperate than the subtropical region, though the difference was marginally non-significant. On the south coast, there was no significant difference in infestation prevalence between species. Endolith-induced mortality rates through shell collapse mirrored the patterns for prevalence. For P. perna, endolith species assemblages revealed clear grouping by bioregions. Our findings indicate that biogeography affects cyanobacteria species composition, but differences between biogeographic regions in their effects are driven by environmental conditions.

Ecosystem engineers can modulate harsh abiotic conditions, thus creating habitat for species that cannot withstand the local environment. In this study, we investigated if vacant boreholes created by the rock-boring bivalve Petricola dactylus increase species richness in the low intertidal zone of a Patagonian rocky shore characterized by intense hydrodynamic forcing and sediment scour. Invertebrate species richness was three times higher in engineered than unengineered habitats (i.e., with and without Petricola boreholes, respectively) and the increase in species richness was area-independent. The most prevalent species in unengineered areas showed strong adhesion mechanisms, whereas infaunal and vagile species were mostly restricted to boreholes. The positive influence of engineered microhabitats on species richness can largely be attributed to amelioration of physical conditions, particularly a reduction in hydrodynamic forces and sediment trapping/stabilization within boreholes. We conclude that vacant boreholes are essential microhabitats for the maintenance of biodiversity within the otherwise inhospitable low intertidal zone.

The need to carry out monitoring programs for environmental pollution of coastal ecosystems makes it necessary to increase the number of indicator species in order to have a wide range of suitable organisms for most of the possible toxic substances and ways of exposure. With the purpose of analyzing the suitability of limpets ( Patella spp.) for their use in biomonitoring programs, a literature review was performed on 88 cases found in the Web of Science online platform. The capacity of limpets to accumulate metals and hydrocarbons has been examined in several field studies. In most cases there is a clear relationship between body content of a pollutant in soft tissues of limpets and the corresponding environmental level. Likewise, different responses to pollutants have been reported in limpets, including induction of DNA damage, induction of metallothioneins, oxidative stress, decrease of Neutral Red retention or variations in heart rate. Regarding the study of changes in community structure, an uneven response to disturbances (e.g. oil spills, wastewater discharge) by species of the genus Patella has been documented. Moreover, generally limpets respond to pollutants similarly to, or even more effectively than, mussels; therefore, their inclusion as sentinel organisms in regional monitoring plans seems appropriate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Macroalgae are unavoidable biological elements when monitoring and assessing costal environments. However, these tasks can be difficult to address because macroalgae a) present a high natural variability across a range of spatial and temporal scales, b) they imply a high sampling and laboratory processing effort and good taxonomical expertise (as they are a very diverse group of species), and c) there is insufficient knowledge about their structural and functional characteristics. This work addressed how the vertical (intertidal zonation) and horizontal (latitudinal gradient) variability of macroalgae assemblages are structured across continental Portugal, as well as how some surrogates for species-level biodiversity measures (namely functional groups and thallus morphology approaches) respond to such large-scale variability. Particularly, it was tested if intertidal zonation patterns are higher than fine-scale horizontal variation, and however, if vertical variation decreases along broad-scale horizontal variation. To do so, cover per species was taken (using a photographical and GIS methodological approach) from five sites located along the shoreline and along respective upper- mid- and lower-intertidal zones. The work findings include that both intertidal and latitudinal gradients impose deep structural changes on assemblages patterns. That is, broad-scale processes along Portuguese latitudes act as strongly as vertical stress gradients on assemblages patterns. Functional groups and thallus morphology approaches were useful to generalize the latitudinal assemblages patterns, where some groups emerge at the expense of others, and may improve biodiversity understanding and ecological synthesis. Because these surrogates decrease taxonomical expertise needs and can provide insight into the functional structure of macroalgal communities, their patterns founded may be particularly useful as reference data for further monitoring, so that shifts in such patterns might represent early warning surrogate approaches to detect environmental impact changes. Ultimately, to generate broader databases on rocky shore assemblages diversity (from species-level to functional groups and thallus morphologies approaches) can be useful for large-scale comparisons and for establishing ecological reference conditions, including for monitoring programs and environmental impact studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Anthropogenic-mediated disturbances can induce major effects on the structure and functioning of natural systems. Understanding how stressors jointly interact to impact ecosystems has become a central interest to ecological researchers. In this study, we investigated the potential synergies between two recognised threats to the marine environment: eutrophication and biological invasions. Coastal eutrophication is usually regarded as a local stressor resulting from inland agricultural and industrial runoffs. Biological invasions are considered a global threat to coastal ecosystems, mainly derived from the increase of the spatial scale of human activities. We carried out an experimental study to investigate how nutrient supply affected the invasion success of two introduced seaweeds widely recognised as highly invasive species, Sargassum muticum and Grateloupia turuturu. In our study, we seeded experimental macroalgae assemblages with propagules from these two invaders, which were afterwards placed in rock pools under two different nutrient conditions. Results suggested that besides species-specific differences, nutrients promoted the establishment of these two introduced seaweeds. Also, the results from our structural and functional studies showed that functional impacts by invaders may occur even before structural effects are detected in the invaded communities. Even in the absence of large structural impacts associated with the invasion of S. muticum, functional effects were obvious for this species. The assemblages initially seeded with S. muticum presented higher rates of productivity and higher photosynthetic efficiency compared to the other treatments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Caulerpa scalpelliformis grows on rocky and sandy bottoms at different depths in Jacuacanga Cove, Ilha Grande Bay, where it can form dense patches. The invasive behavior of this and other species of Caulerpa is well documented in the literature. This study analyzed the variation of the vegetative development of C. scalpelliformis from Baleia Beach (23º01'63''S and 44º14'18''W) in Jacuacanga Cove, from June 2003 to September 2004, including plants from rocky and sandy substrates. Morphometric and dry weight data from the erect and prostrate portions were used. Plants were collected from 20 x 20 cm² plots (n=3), randomly positioned on the rocky boulders (≅1.5 m depth) and on contiguous sandy bottom (≅3.0 m depth). During the study period, C. scalpelliformis occurred on both substrates as a pseudo-perennial species, showing partial loss of the erect portions from winter to spring; the height and dry weight of the erect portions increased from summer to autumn on both substrates. The temporal variation of C. scalpelliformis vegetative development in Baleia Beach was similar to that described for the invasive C. racemosa and C. taxifolia from different geographical regions of the world.Caulerpa scalpelliformis cresce sobre substrato rochoso e arenoso a diferentes profundidades na Enseada de Jacuacanga, Baía da Ilha Grande, onde pode formar bancos densos. O comportamento invasor desta e de outras espécies de Caulerpa é bem documentado na literatura. Este estudo analisou a variação do desenvolvimento vegetativo de C. scalpelliformis da Praia da Baleia (23º01'63''S e 44º14'18''W), Enseada de Jacuacanga, de junho de 2003 a setembro de 2004, considerando plantas do substrato rochoso e do fundo de areia. Dados morfométricos e de peso seco das porções prostrada e ereta foram usados. Plantas foram coletadas em quadrados de 20 cm de lado (n=3), posicionados aleatoriamente sobre o substrato rochoso (profundidade ≅ 1,5 m) e sobre o substrato arenoso (profundidade ≅ 3,0 m). Durante o período de estudo, C. scalpelliformis ocorreu nos dois substratos como espécie pseudo-perene, mostrando perda parcial das porções eretas do talo do inverno para a primavera; altura e massa seca das porções eretas mostraram tendência de aumento do verão para o outono nos dois substratos. A variação temporal do desenvolvimento vegetativo de C. scalpelliformis na Praia da Baleia foi similar à descrita para C. racemosa e C. taxifolia, espécies invasoras em diferentes regiões do mundo.

Em unidades de conservação da zona costeira, o conhecimento das macroalgas marinhas é essencial para monitoramento e manejo. Para o Núcleo Picinguaba do Parque Estadual da Serra do Mar (PESM), Ubatuba, norte do Estado de São Paulo, estudos pretéritos realizados na Enseada da Fazenda listam espécies de macroalgas, coletadas em costões rochosos e manguezais. O presente estudo visou complementar o levantamento taxonômico da flora ficológica marinha do Núcleo Picinguaba, avaliando também a adequação da metodologia para amostragens de suas comunidades de costões rochosos. Foram selecionados 13 pontos de coleta, entre a Ponta da Almada e a Ponta do Cambury, área de maior interferência antropogênica na zona costeira do PESM. No verão de 2007, foram efetuadas coletas de macroalgas, desde a franja da região sublitorânea até o limite do substrato rochoso com a areia. Para uniformizar o esforço amostral, estas buscas foram efetuadas, em cada ponto de coleta, pelo mesmo especialista, durante uma hora de mergulho em apnéia, em uma extensão horizontal do costão rochoso de cerca de 20 m. Foram identificados 128 táxons de categoria infragenérica (80 Rhodophyta, 22 Ochrophyta e 26 Chlorophyta). Callithamniella flexilis Baardseth, Cryptonemia seminervis (C. Agardh) J. Agardh, Cladophora pseudorupestris C. Hoek e Cladophora cf. pygmaea Reinke são ocorrências novas para o litoral do Estado de São Paulo, tendo sido descritas e ilustradas. Foram acrescentadas 64 espécies de macroalgas para os costões rochosos do PESM. O esforço amostral foi considerado adequado, resultando na identificação de número de espécies de macroalgas similar ao de outros estudos realizados no litoral norte do estado de São Paulo e no extremo sul do estado do Rio de Janeiro. Para o monitoramento da zona costeira desta unidade de conservação, recomenda-se o levantamento taxonômico das macroalgas dos costões rochosos de modo continuado, durante o período de verão de anos sucessivos, seguindo a mesma metodologia aqui descrita.Greater knowledge of the macroalgae from rocky shores is essential to monitor and manage marine coastal conservation units. Previous surveys of the coastal zone of the Picinguaba unit in the Serra do Mar State Park (PESM), Ubatuba, northern São Paulo state, list macroalgal species from the rocky shores and the mangroves of Fazenda Inlet. The present study aimed to improve the taxonomic survey of seaweeds from the Picinguaba unit and to evaluate the suitability of sampling methodology for rocky shore communities in this conservation unit. Thirteen sampling stations, situated between Almada and Cambury Headlands, were studied in summer 2007; this part of the PESM coastal zone is subject to anthropogenic interference. We carefully searched for macroalgae in different rocky habitats, from the sublittoral fringe towards the sand domain. Aiming to standardize sampling effort at each station, the same specialist searched for macroalgae over a 20 m horizontal extension of the rocky shore, for one hour, by apnea diving. 128 infrageneric taxa were identified (80 Rhodophyta, 22 Ochrophyta and 26 Chlorophyta). Callithamniella flexilis Baardseth, Cryptonemia seminervis (C. Agardh) J. Agardh, Cladophora pseudorupestris C. Hoek and Cladophora cf. pygmaea Reinke are new records for the coast of São Paulo state. These species are described and illustrated here. Sixty four species are new occurrences for the rocky shores of PESM. Taking into account other studies, carried out on the northern São Paulo coast and on the southernmost Rio de Janeiro coast, the sampling effort of the present study can be considered suitable for taxonomic surveys, because it produced a comparable number of macroalgal species. In conclusion, for monitoring purposes of the Picinguaba coastal environment, we recommend sampling rocky shore macroalgae yearly, in the summer, using the methodology described in this paper.

O levantamento das espécies pertencentes aos gêneros de grandes parmélias do litoral centro-sul do Estado de São Paulo revelou a ocorrência de sete espécies de Parmotrema sensu stricto (talos foliosos de lobos arredondados em geral com mais de 0,5 cm larg. com margens inferiores não rizinadas) contendo como constituintes químicos medulares os ácidos equinocárpico ou stíctico. São tipicamente reconhecidos pela forte cor amarela que resulta dos testes de coloração com hidróxido de potássio. São apresentados chave de identificação, descrições, comentários e ilustrações baseados em material brasileiro.In a survey of the species pertaining to genera of large parmeliae occurring in the coastal areas of the central-southern coast of São Paulo state, Brazil, seven species of Parmotrema sensu stricto (foliose thalli with rounded lobes usually more than 0.5 mm wide with nude lower margins) containing equinocarpic or stictic acids as the main medullar substances were found. These are typically recognized by the strong yellow- staining potassium hydroxide spot test. An identification key, descriptions, comments, and illustrations based on Brazilian material are provided for these species.

O levantamento das espécies pertencentes aos gêneros de grandes parmélias do litoral centro-sul do Estado de São Paulo revelou a ocorrência de nove espécies de Parmotrema sensu stricto (talos foliosos de lobos arredondados em geral com mais de 0,5 cm larg. com margens inferiores não rizinadas) contendo como constituintes químicos medulares os ácidos norstíctico ou salazínico. São tipicamente reconhecidos pela cor amarela que se torna avermelhada resultante dos testes de coloração com hidróxido de potássio. São apresentados uma chave de identificação, descrições, comentários e ilustrações, baseados em material brasileiro.In a survey of the species pertaining to genera of large parmeliae occurring in the coastal areas of south-central São Paulo state, Brazil, nine species of Parmotrema sensu stricto (foliose thalli with rounded lobes usually more than 0,5 mm wide with nude lower margins) containing norstictic or salazinic acids as main medullar substances were found. These are typically recognized by the yellow then red staining potassium hydroxide spot tests. Identification key, descriptions, comments, and illustrations based on Brazilian material are provided for these species.

This study aimed to compare the density of Isognomon bicolor on four rocky shores of the State of Espírito Santo, Brazil. Further, size and weight comparisons were undertaken for the flat and creviced surfaces. Quarterly samplings were taken in 2006 and 2007, by removing organisms from 10 x 10 cm quadrants in the mid-intertidal zone, with five samples from flat surfaces and five from crevices. Although densities of I. bicolor were considered low as compared with those of other studies, this species is well established in the State. The most well-established population of I. bicolor was found in the rock crevices. The most important factor for the establishment of I. bicolor on rocky shores is substrate heterogeneity.O objetivo deste estudo foi comparar a densidade de Isognomon bicolor em quatro costões rochosos no Espírito Santo, Brasil. Além disso, comparações do tamanho e do peso foram feitas para as superfícies lisas e com fendas. Coletas trimestrais foram realizadas entre 2006 e 2007, os organismos foram removidos utilizando um quadrado de 100 cm² na faixa do médiolitoral, sendo cinco nas superfícies lisas e cinco nas fendas. As densidades de I. bicolor foram consideradas baixas em comparação com outros estudos, mas a espécie encontra-se bem estabelecida. Foi obtido um maior número de indivíduos nas fendas. O fator mais importante para o estabelecimento de I. bicolor nos costões rochosos estudados mostrou ser a heterogeneidade do substrato.

O levantamento das espécies pertencentes aos gêneros de grandes parmélias do litoral centro-sul do Estado de São Paulo revelou a ocorrência de sete espécies de Parmotrema (talos foliosos de lobos arredondados em geral com mais de 0,5 cm larg. com margens inferiores não rizinadas) contendo como constituintes químicos medulares os ácidos girofórico e lecanórico, tipicamente reconhecidos pela cor avermelhada que resulta dos testes de coloração com hipoclorito de cálcio. São apresentados uma chave de identificação, descrições, comentários e ilustrações baseados em material brasileiro.In a survey of the species pertaining to genera of large parmeliae occurring in the coastal areas of central-southern São Paulo state, Brazil, seven species of Parmotrema (foliose thalli with rounded lobes usually more than 0.5 cm wide with nude lower margins) containing gyrophoric and lecanoric acids as main medullar substances were found. These are typically recognized by the red staining calcium hypochlorite spot tests. Identification key, descriptions, comments, and illustrations based on Brazilian material are provided for these species.