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Highlights: [•] Food and feeding of Merluccius hubbsi larvae were studied in the north Patagonian shelf. [•] Prey selectivity of hake larvae was analyzed in the area for the first time. [•] Larvae were specialist at a population level toward calanoid copepodites. [•] Preferred prey may have been selected based on their high lipid content. [•] Data are relevant in the context of recruitment and trophic interactions studies. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The effects of release habitat on the effectiveness of stocking were evaluated in Miyako Bay, Iwate, Japan. Hatchery-reared black rockfish juveniles were released at four different stations characterized by different habitat conditions from 2002–2007, and a survey was conducted of landed fish at Miyako Fish Market. Growth rate and feeding condition of wild and released juveniles sampled from two known wild nursery areas (Stn. 1 and Stn. 2) were also examined to elucidate the conditions that form optimal habitat. Comparisons of growth and feeding condition of juveniles between Stn. 1 and Stn. 2 indicated that Stn. 1, with its brackish waters, seagrass beds, abundant mysids, and large gammarids, supported better growth and survival of released fish, which in turn led to a higher market return rate. The highest market return rate was estimated as 8.3% (for 45-mm total length juveniles released at Stn. 1 in 2007), corresponding to a maximum economic return rate (value of recaptured fish divided by hatchery and release costs) of 1.32. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Despite estuary-to-estuary differences in assemblage composition, fish faunas of tropical Indo-Pacific estuaries show parallel patterns of temporal change, suggesting a common set of ecological drivers. One potentially important driver is the interaction of different patterns of occupancy by functional groups that display different life-history patterns. However, most studies that have considered temporal change lack the detail needed to understand life-history utilisation. Most have focussed on changes in catch per unit effort (CPUE) or probability of encounter, with only one study going further and investigating changes in size structure and then only for a single estuary. One of the reasons for this lack of detail is the large volume of work needed to collect comprehensive data on size structures of species rich assemblages across multiple estuary systems over time. To overcome the logistical limitations on data collection, we used joint patterns of change in CPUE and mean biomass per fish (BPF) as proxies for changes in size structure. We investigated how different life-history strategies contributed to overall temporal patterns of assemblage change across four tropical Indo-Pacific estuaries. The three life-history strategies displayed characteristically different patterns in CPUE and BPF and the relationships between CPUE and BPF that reflect differences in the way that the three groups use estuaries. These different patterns interacted to produce complex assemblage patterns that are likely to be sensitive to location-specific differences in the mix of species from each group, providing at least part of the explanation for the site-specific fish assemblage structures that are characteristic of tropical estuarine fish fauna. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Coastal and estuarine systems provide nursery grounds for many marine fish species. Their productivity has been correlated with terrigeneous inputs entering the coastal–estuarine benthic food web, thereby favouring the establishment of fish juveniles. Studies in these ecosystems often describe the nursery as a single large habitat without verifying nor considering the presence of contiguous habitats. Our study aimed at identifying different habitats based on macrozoobenthic communities and morpho-sedimentary characteristics and assessing the trophic interactions between fish juveniles and their benthic preys within these habitats. It included 43 sampling sites covering 5 habitats in which we described taxonomically and quantitatively the invertebrates and fish communities with stable isotopes and gut contents. It suggested that the benthic common sole Solea solea displayed feeding plasticity at the population level, separating the juveniles (G0) from the older fish (G1) into different “feeding sub-populations”. Size-based feeding plasticity was also observable in the spatial occupancy of that species in the studied bay. The demersal pouting, Trisopterus luscus, equally used the different habitats but displayed low feeding plasticity across and inside each habitat. Stable isotopes proved to be powerful tools to study the spatial distribution of trophic interactions in complex ecosystems like the bay of Vilaine and to define optimal habitats for fish that use the coastal–estuarine ecosystem as nursery grounds. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The European flounder Platichthys flesus is a widely distributed epibenthic species and an important component of demersal fish assemblages in the European Atlantic coastal waters. In Portuguese estuaries, this species reaches high densities, especially in Minho estuary (NW Iberian Peninsula, Europe), potentially playing an important role in the system's ecology. In this context, the population structure, production and the habitat use of juvenile P. flesus were investigated. Sampling took place monthly, from February 2009 until July 2010 along the entire estuarine gradient (5 sampling stations distributed in the first 29km from the river mouth, with S1 located near the river mouth, S2 inside a salt marsh, S3 in a salinity transition zone, while S4 and S5 were located in the upper estuary). Flounder's density varied significantly among sampling stations and seasons (two-way PERMANOVA: p<0.001), with the majority of the individuals being found during the spring (30.1%) and in S3 and S4 (72.6%). Males and females presented an even distribution, with a higher proportion of males observed during summer. Fish length also differed among sampling stations and seasons (two-way PERMANOVA: p<0.001), with larger fishes being found in S1 during the autumn (168.50±59.50mm) and the smallest in S4 during the spring (33.80±3.12mm). Size classes associated differently with environmental variables, with larger juveniles being more abundant in the downstream areas of the estuary, whereas smaller juveniles were related to higher water temperatures, suggesting a habitat segregation of P. flesus of different sizes. The fish condition of P. flesus in Minho estuary was higher than in other systems, probably due to the dominance of juveniles on the population. Also, the densities found in this estuary were up to 32 times higher than in other locations, suggesting that Minho estuary is an important nursery area for the species. The estimated secondary production of P. flesus was lower than previous studies acknowledged in the system (0.037g.WWm−2.year−1), indicating that the production estimates of this species in estuaries can vary considerably depending on of several factors such as the sampling year and strategy, population and fish size. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Coastal and estuarine nursery grounds are essential habitats for sustaining flatfish stocks since only these shallow and productive areas provide the high food supply that allows maximizing juvenile growth and survival in most flatfish species. However, the main organic matter sources at the basis of benthic food webs might differ drastically between estuarine nursery grounds under strong freshwater influences, where food webs are mainly supported by continental organic matter, and coastal ecosystems under limited freshwater influence, where the local marine primary production is the main source of carbon for the benthos. To better understand the links between continental inputs to the coastal zone and stock maintenance in the highly prized common sole, Solea solea (L.), we investigated the variability in the organic matter sources supporting the growth of its young-of-the-year (YoY) in five contrasted estuarine and coastal nursery grounds under varying freshwater influence. Stable isotopes of carbon and nitrogen allowed tracing the origin of the organic matter exploited by YoY soles in the very first months following their benthic settlement, i.e. when most of the juvenile mortality occurs in the species. A mixing model was run to unravel and quantify the contribution of all major potential sources of organic matter to sole food webs, with a sensitivity analysis allowing assessment of the impact of various trophic enrichment factors on model outputs. This meta-analysis demonstrated a relative robustness of the estimation of the respective contributions of the various organic matter sources. At the nursery scale, the upstream increase in freshwater organic matter exploitation by YoY soles and its positive correlation with inter-annual variations in the river flow confirmed previous conclusions about the importance of organic matter from continental origin for juvenile production. However, inter-site differences in the organic matter sources exploited for growth showed that, although freshwater organic matter use is significant in all nursery sites, it is never dominant, with especially high contributions of local primary production by microphytobenthos or saltmarsh macrophytes to juvenile sole growth in tidal nursery ecosystems. These patterns stress the need for maintaining both the intensity of freshwater inputs to the coastal zone and of local autochthonous primary production (especially that of the intertidal microphytobenthos) to preserve the nursery function of coastal and estuarine ecosystems. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Stomach contents of 437 age-0 year Pacific bluefin tuna Thunnus orientalis (20·3-59·4 cm fork length, LF) caught in the Tsushima Current and the Kuroshio regions around Japan were examined to investigate their ontogenetic diet shift. Prey compositions were diverse and different between regions. Although the seasonal growth patterns were different between regions, ontogenetic diet shifts shared a common pattern. In the Tsushima Current region (Sea of Japan), small T. orientalis (20-25 cm LF) preyed upon small squid (juvenile Enoploteuthis chunii), and larger ones (25-35 cm LF) gradually shifted their diet to mesopelagic fish ( Maurolicus japonicus). In the Kuroshio region (Pacific Ocean), small T. orientalis (20-25 cm LF) preyed upon small zooplankton (mostly crustacean larvae), and larger ones (25-40 cm LF) shifted to epipelagic fishes ( Etrumeus teres, Sardinops melanostictus and Engraulis japonicus). The observed data suggest that T. orientalis switch to a diet more based on fish prey items, which have more body mass and greater swimming ability than small squid and zooplankton, after they reach a LF of 25 cm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Settlement of benthic marine invertebrates is determined by the interaction between physical factors and biological processes, in which the tide, wind, and predation can play key roles, especially for species that recruit within estuaries. This complexity promotes high variability in recruitment and limited predictability of the size of annual cohorts. This study describes the settlement patterns of megalopae of the commercially important crab Cancer edwardsii at three locations (one in the center and two at the mouth of the estuary) within the Valdivia River estuary (~39.9°S), over three consecutive years (2006-2008). At each location, 12 passive benthic collectors with a natural substratum were deployed for 48 h at 7-day intervals, over a lunar cycle. Half of the collectors were covered with mesh to exclude predators. The main findings were as follows: (1) circulation changes due to upwelling relaxation or onshore winds controlled crab settlement at sites within the mouth of the estuary, (2) at the internal estuarine site, settlement was dominated by tidal effects, and (3) the effect of predation on settlement was negligible at all scales. The results show that the predominant physical factor controlling the return of competent crab larvae to estuarine environments varies spatially within the estuary. The lack of tidal influence on settlement at the mouth of the estuary can be explained by the overwhelming influence of the intense upwelling fronts and the micro-tidal regime in the study area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The estimation of the trophic level (TL) occupied by organisms in estuarine food webs, based on isotopic analysis, is generally done only for one season or averaged among seasons and sites. This does not allow the observation of possible alterations of TL in time and space. As estuaries are highly dynamic environments, it is plausible that the TLs of many of its organisms are not static, like usually portrayed in food web diagrams, but fluctuate in space and time. The TLs of marine juvenile fish, resident fish, shrimp, polychaetes, bivalves and amphipods were determined isotopically, in the Tagus estuary. Sampling was carried out in two nursery areas at each season. Significant changes in TL were observed, in space and time, for the vast majority of the organisms. A drop in TL in summer was observed for various species. The high availability of microalgae and macroalgae in summer may be the cause for this drop, which mainly affects low TL omnivores. These omnivores may opportunistically increase the proportion of primary producers in their diet, thus lowering their mean TL. Such an effect seems to cascade to secondary consumers, like Solea senegalensis and Pomatoschistus microps, which also presented a drop in TL in summer. This study also revealed that organisms that have been considered to be mainly primary consumers, like Liza ramada, and Scrobicularia plana, can actually assume considerably higher TLs seasonally, placing them as secondary consumers. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Meiofauna, macro-infauna and epifauna were sampled at two offshore sandbanks in the southern North Sea in 2006. The epifaunal and infaunal communities in the dynamic environment of the sandbank crests were species poor, with lesser weever, solenette, Crangon crangon, amphipods and deposit-feeding polychaetes the predominant benthic taxa. Abundant early life-history stages (24–39 mm) of the lesser weever Echiichthys vipera on the sandbank crests indicated that these habitats may be important nursery grounds for this species. Species diversity of infauna and epifauna was greater in the deeper waters parallel to the sandbanks. Contrasting patterns were evident for meiofaunal nematodes, where communities collected on the sandbank crests were more diverse than those recorded in the deeper off-bank sites. The fauna of sandbank crests is composed of a restricted range of the fauna typically associated with sandy habitats, particularly taxa adapted to live in this dynamic environment. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Despite extensive knowledge of the genetic structure of sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax) populations, no studies have investigated genetic structure within early life stages, or compared such structure between such stages and (sub)adults. Using nine newly developed microsatellite loci, we investigated patterns of genetic variation and relatedness among juveniles that settled in two NW Mediterranean nursery grounds in close geographical proximity. There was no evidence for differentiation among samples at settlement (θ = -0.0010), and no significant genetic relatedness. Nevertheless, significant departures from Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium were detected in each sample, which could not be attributed exclusively to the presence of null alleles and to Wahlund effect. These results are compared with and discussed in relation to the genetic structure of adults described in the same area 10 years ago. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The importance of the surf zone as a nursery ground for larval and juvenile fishes has been widely recognized, however the zone has yet to be studied in Mauritius. Recently, the coastal area of the island has been increasingly affected by human activities, especially by tourism. We collected fish samples with a hand pulled seine net during the period of August 2001 to March 2003 to clarify the fish fauna and the dynamics of fishes in the surf zone. Two sampling sites adjacent to river mouth areas and one sampling site adjacent to a mangrove area were selected for comparison of fish fauna in relation to environmental conditions. A total of 9,429 fish larvae and juveniles, representing at least 112 species from 48 families were collected. The abundant species were hardyhead silverside, Atherinomorus lacunosus, bluespot mullet, Valamugil seheli, and Ambassis spp., each contributing 16.2, 12.4, and 11.8% of the total number of individuals, respectively. Estuarine species dominated in the surf zone adjacent to the river mouth areas. Species composition and diversity changed seasonally. The number of fish increased during the rainy season. Species diversity increased at the turn of the seasons from the dry season to the rainy season. We conclude that species composition in each site was affected by environmental factors, such as the scale of the flux from the rivers, which is related to the precipitation. The results indicated that freshwater from the river is a trigger to aggregate larvae and juveniles in the surf zone. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Bay of Seine is a potentially important nursery ground, especially for flatfish. This area, however, is also strongly anthropogenically influenced. A composite approach was chosen to compare the flatfish nursery function of the Seine estuary with other coastal and estuarine areas and to determine the impact of anthropogenic disturbances. It emerges that alteration of the nursery function in the Seine estuary is related to the loss of nursery habitat and to a lower quality of the residual surfaces. These observations stressed the importance of habitat destruction and decreased quality of remaining habitat for fish stocks renewal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Coastal and estuarine systems are among the most threatened by human activities which damage their ecological function and, in particular, their nursery role for many marine species. In this context, the protection of these vital ecosystems is a critical issue for the management of fisheries resources. To that aim, functional approaches have to be developed that make it possible to assess habitat suitability and quality. The common sole, Solea solea (L.) was selected as an indicator species to identify the features of coastal and estuarine nursery habitats in the Bay of Biscay (France). Previous studies have shown that young-of-the-year (YOY) sole are strongly dependent upon various abiotic factors, and especially bathymetry, sediment cover and the extent of river plumes. We investigated whether taking into account biological variables, based on benthic macrofauna biomasses aggregated into trophic group, may improve the description of the juvenile sole distribution in the Vilaine estuary nursery. Results from Generalised Linear Models demonstrated the importance of integrating these biological variables in the determination of juvenile habitats at a local scale. The abundance of YOY sole was correlated with an index of the benthic invertebrates biomass and, more specifically, with the biomass of suspension feeders. This result was reinforced by a one-dimensional spatial statistical analysis, which pointed out the similar distribution of invertebrate macrobenthos and juvenile sole along the upstream/downstream gradient of the estuary. Moreover, the inter-annual variations of abundance and distribution of juveniles were synchronous with those of the macrobenthos. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: This study describes the spatial distribution of young-of-the-year common sole based on beam trawl surveys conducted in late summer in the coastal and estuarine parts of the Bay of Biscay (France). Previous studies showed that habitat suitability for juvenile common sole varies according to physical factors and notably bathymetry and sediment structure. Nevertheless, the use of these descriptors alone to model habitat suitability led to considerable unexplained variability in juvenile common sole distribution. Hence, the epibenthic macro- and megafauna collected during beam trawl surveys was taken into account to improve models of habitat suitability for these juvenile flatfish. Ecotrophic guilds based on life traits (behaviour, mobility and feeding) were used to develop generic indicators of trawled benthic fauna. These synthetic descriptors were used in generalized linear models of habitat suitability in order to characterize the distribution of juvenile common sole. This approach significantly improved the description based on physical descriptors and allowed demonstrating that young common sole distribution is related to the density of trawled deposit and suspension feeders and also of carnivorous organisms. These models provide a reliable method to develop indicators of nursery habitat suitability from trawl survey data with the aim of assessing and surveying their quality. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: One hundred and eight fish species were collected between March 2003 and February 2004 from 11 study sites in Pattani Bay, southern Gulf of Thailand. The catches consisted primarily of juveniles or adults of small-sized fishes, indicating that the bay was important as nursery ground for fishes. Of the 43 families, Leiognathidae (43.3% contribution), Centropomidae (15.2%), Siganidae (13.8%), Engraulidae (10.3%), Atheriniidae (6.9%), Clupeidae (4.8%) and Ariidae (3.1%) were dominant in the catch. Significant differences were found in relative abundance and species richness between both sampling sites and months. The sampling sites were clearly defined by fish community into four different habitats that were directly related with the bottom structure of each site. The 30 most dominant fish species were categorized according to habitat preference into five different groups. Some species exhibited preference for specific habitats, whereas others were distributed throughout the bay. Seasonally, fish community structure revealed four different recruitment and occurrence periods, which were February to April, May to September, October and November to January, which was partially related to local monsoonal seasons. Analysis of the 30 most dominant fish species demonstrated that they were clustered into six different seasonal groups, with some showing a clear preference for specific months, although many recruited and occurred throughout the year. Results of this study help to clarify the ranges of habitats, months and seasons used by a number of fish species found in tropical coastal habitat. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: This study quantitatively assessed the distribution of postlarval and juvenile shrimps in natural, degraded and replanted stands of Sonneratia alba mangroves in Gazi Bay, Kenya in 2002–2003. Two plantations (matrix and integrated) differing in historical status and planting strategy were studied. Sampling was conducted using stake nets (2mm mesh), each net enclosing 9m2 of intertidal microhabitat. A total of 615 shrimps from 19 species/taxa were caught, including several penaeid species of major commercial importance. Penaeids dominated the catch (66%) followed by Macrobrachium spp. (16%) and Acetes sp. (6%). Shrimp abundance ranged from 0.42 to 10.0ind. per net (9m2) for individual sites across spring tides and significant differences were detected between sites and over time (p<0.001). Results showed no significant difference in diversity of species/taxa between sites. However, multivariate analysis revealed significant differences in community assemblages between sites, except for the natural stand and integrated plantation. These two sites harbored higher abundances of the majority of all taxa caught. The observed distribution patterns are discussed with regard to measured environmental parameters such as elevation, structural complexity and sediment characteristics. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The occurrence and distribution of larval and juvenile Japanese flounder Paralichthys olivaceus and major demersal fish from May to September were examined at seven sandy beaches at the central Seto Inland Sea. The flounder appeared from late May to August and were mainly collected at a depth of 2-5 m. Settlement of larval flounder was seen from late May to late June. A total of 6412 individuals of 17 species representing 12 families were collected in the study area. The dominant fish species were Favonigobius gymnauchen (56.0%), Tarphops oligolepis (8.1%), Rudarius ercodes (7.8%), P olivaceus (7.3%), Repomucenus spp. (7.0%) and Heteromycterisjaponica (3.3%). The catches of flounder differed among beaches and months. The number of flounder in June at Ohama Beach, where the most flounder were collected, was 22.6 individuals per haul (400 m²). The density of the flounder correlated negatively to that of F gymnauchen. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Trawl surveys were conducted in 2000 and 2001 to examine patterns of distribution and abundance of postsettlement red snapper (Lutjanus campechanus) on a shell bank, Freeport Rocks Bathymetric High (FRBH), in the northwestern Gulf of Mexico. In addition, otolith-based methods were used to determine age, hatch-date, growth and mortality of new recruits associated with FRBH. Date and region were significant factors affecting density of red snapper in 2000. Peak densities of red snapper were observed in July and August, and mean density among habitat types (shell bank, inshore mud, offshore mud) was similar (range: 50–52 ind hectare−1) in 2000. Alternatively, a habitat effect was detected during a limited survey conducted in 2001, with density higher on the shell bank than inshore or offshore mud habitat. Postsettlement red snapper were first detected at approximately 16 mm standard length, and individuals less than 20 mm were present in all habitats. Estimated ages of red snapper ranged from 26 to 121 d, with new settlers (≤20 mm) typically less than 28 d. Predicted hatch dates ranged from early April to mid August with a single peak occurring from late May to early June. Growth rate for the April–May cohort (0.817 mm d−1) was similar to the June–July cohort (0.830 mm d−1). Habitat-specific differences in growth were observed, and rates were highest for individuals from the inshore habitat (0.881 mm d−1). Mortality rates (Z) during the early post-settlement period were approximated using catch curves, and early life mortality of red snapper was 12.1% d−1 (Z=0.129). While the difference in mortality between cohorts was negligible, a habitat-specific difference in mortality was observed. Mortality rate of red snapper inhabiting the inshore mud habitat (Z=0.045, 4.4% d−1) was lower than rates observed for individuals on the shell bank (Z=0.120, 11.9% d−1) or offshore (Z=0.099, 9.3% d−1) habitat. Individuals residing in the inshore habitat had significantly higher growth rates and significantly lower mortality rates, suggesting that recruitment potential was higher for these individuals. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

This study describes the spatial distribution of young-of-the-year sole based on autumnal beam trawl surveys conducted in the Bay of Biscay (France) during a 15-y period. Previous studies showed that habitat suitability for juvenile sole varies according to physical factors such as bathymetry, sediment structure and river plume influence. These factors, which are known exhaustively for the entire Bay of Biscay from static maps (bathymetry and granulometry) or temporal maps based on a hydrodynamic model (the river plume), were used as descriptors in a generalised linear model of habitat suitability in order to characterise the distribution of juvenile 0-group sole according to delta distribution. This model was used to identify the habitats in which juvenile 0-group sole are concentrated. The respective areas of these habitats were determined from a Geographic Information System (GIS), and their respective contribution to the sole population in the Bay of Biscay was calculated in terms of the estimated number of young fish (GIS area×density derived from the model).Despite the great variability of survey data, this quantitative approach emphasises the highly important role of restricted shallow, muddy estuarine areas as nursery grounds of sole in the Bay of Biscay and demonstrates the relation between interannual variations of nursery habitat capacity (with respect to estuarine extent) and sole recruitment. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract Transport processes of jack mackerel (Trachurus japonicus ) larvae in the waters off the west coast of Kyushu in the eastern East China Sea, have been investigated using satellite-tracked surface drifters and consecutive satellite thermal images. Trajectories of drifters describe northward flows over the continental shelf, eastward flows of the Kuroshio south-west of Kyushu, and a weak clockwise gyre off the west coast of Kyushu. In particular, the clockwise gyre causes the entrainment of jack mackerel larvae into the waters off the west coast of Kyushu. Consecutive satellite thermal images help to elucidate the northward warm water intrusion from the Kuroshio front south-west of Kyushu. Particle trajectories using sea surface current fields computed with the Maximum Cross Correlation (MCC) technique also reveal that the transport of jack mackerel larvae into the nursery ground off the west coast of Kyushu caused by the anti-cyclonic gyre and the warm streamers are an important process for successful recruitment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Assemblages of vertical migratory mesopelagic fish are described for the nighttime upper 20 m layer of the transitional and adjacent waters in the western North Pacific. Twenty-three mesopelagic fish species belonging to six families and 16 genera were collected during June 1996. Family Myctophidae was most speciose, represented by 17 species, followed by Sternoptychidae (two spp.) and Bathylagidae (one spp.). Six assemblages are recognized based on their species composition: Subarctic, Northern Transition, Southern Transition, Subtropical, Slope Water and Seamount Assemblages. These assemblages are also characterized by size composition and biomass of the catches. The distributions of the Subarctic, Northern Transition, Southern Transition and Subtropical Assemblages are approximately defined by the Kuroshio and Oyashio fronts and the Subarctic Boundary. Slope Water and Seamount Assemblages are closely related to the slope water around the shelf edge off Japan and waters around the Shatsky Rise and the Emperor Seamount chain, respectively. The importance of the Southern Transition Assemblage area between the Kuroshio front and Subarctic Boundary as spawning and nursery grounds of many subarctic, transitional and subtropical fishes is elucidated, based on the geographical distribution patterns of their larvae and juveniles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates the trophic diversity of fishes living in a meadow of Caulerpa prolifera on a bimonthly basis between May 2006 and April 2007 in a semi-enclosed coastal marine ecosystem of the Mediterranean Sea (Elounda Bay, Crete Island). The study area is shallow and protected from waves, and it is covered by a C. prolifera bed, characterized by high organic input and a highly diverse macrobenthic community. Feeding patterns of the fish, investigated on the basis of stomach content analyses, were described in terms of numerical abundance and frequency of occurrence of prey taxa. A total of 1642 fish individuals, belonging to 17 species, were examined. In total, 45,674 prey individuals were identified belonging to 110 prey taxa, most of which were Malacostraca including their larvae and Copepoda (41,175 individuals identified to 71 taxa). Four different trophic groups were identified: herbivorous, pelagic, benthic (hyperbenthic) and piscivorous. Trophic diversity patterns of the fish species studied were also compared to the relative availability of macrobenthic and zooplanktonic taxa during the same period in the study area. The coexistence of many different, mostly benthic but also pelagic, fishes and their juveniles implies their high trophic flexibility, which is probably important for their survival in this particular habitat. Results of the present study provide basic knowledge on trophic diversity and interactions in the marine ecosystem and, therefore, some evidence as to the protection value of this particular habitat, which is essential for the implementation of a multispecies approach to decision-makers and managers of fisheries sources of the region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Estuarine structured habitats, including benthic cultivation structure, are widely cited as substantial nursery and feeding grounds for fish and macroinvertebrates. Activities such as locomotion and foraging behaviour of sediment-dwelling species, however, may be hindered in the presence of the obstacles. In this study, collected field evidence demonstrated that habitat utilization of the juvenile tri-spine horseshoe crab Tachypleus tridentatus , an iconic and endangered macroinvertebrate, was adversely affected by high-density intertidal oyster rubble zones. Despite the fact that the utilization area of individual juvenile horseshoe crabs was independent of the presence of these obstacles, the abundance and number of positional fixes of tagged juveniles in these areas were lower. The effects of these obstacles and their associated topographic changes on the movement of the juvenile horseshoe crabs was investigated in a simulated laboratory experiment. Both the simulated oyster cultches and hummocks formed between the cultches reduced the total distance and displacement of the feeding trail, and less juveniles preferred to forage on elevated, dry hummocks (dry at low tide) formed between the cultches. Our findings suggested that oyster cultches and rubbles reduced the habitat quality for juvenile horseshoe crabs. On-bottom oyster cultivation activities seeking to conserve horseshoe cabs by avoiding nursery habitats should instead consider off-bottom or offshore cultivation methods. • Horseshoe crabs are ecologically significant in coastal and estuarine ecosystems. • Intertidal oyster rubbles affected foraging behaviour of juvenile horseshoe crabs. • Laboratory studies confirmed the localized effects of physical structure additions. • On-bottom oyster culture not recommended on nursery habitats of horseshoe crabs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The significant role seagrass meadows play in supporting fisheries productivity and food security across the globe is not adequately reflected in the decisions made by authorities with statutory responsibility for their management. We provide a unique global analysis of three data sources to present the case for why seagrass meadows need targeted policy to recognize and protect their role in supporting fisheries production and food security. (1) Seagrass meadows provide valuable nursery habitat to over 1/5th of the world's largest 25 fisheries, including Walleye Pollock, the most landed species on the planet. (2) In complex small‐scale fisheries from around the world (poorly represented in fisheries statistics), we present evidence that many of those in proximity to seagrass are supported to a large degree by these habitats. (3) We reveal how intertidal fishing activity in seagrass is a global phenomenon, often directly supporting human livelihoods. Our study demonstrates that seagrasses should be recognized and managed to maintain and maximize their role in global fisheries production. The chasm that exists between coastal habitat conservation and fisheries management needs to be filled to maximize the chances of seagrass meadows supporting fisheries, so that they can continue to support human wellbeing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]