Search

Abstract: Between 1995 and 2001, the soft-bottom communities along the 1180km of the Algerian coast were sampled in nine gulfs and 12 harbours, providing a total of 655 samples. Eight macrozoobenthos-based biotic indices (S, N, H′, BQI, AMBI, BENTIX, BO2A and ITI) were selected to describe the general patterns of the coastal water quality status and to establish a quality diagnosis for the different zones subjected to anthropogenic pressure (e.g., harbour construction, industrial and urban pollution). Reference values were determined for each of the eight indices selected by analyzing the indices’ parameter distribution. The Ecological Quality Ratio (EQR) was estimated for each index, resulting in an EQR Mean Score and an EQR Bad Score. From these EQR, we defined an EQS for each sample. The agreement between these EQS was analysed using the Kappa method in order to propose a survey strategy for the Algerian coastal waters that would take into account the soft-bottom biological compartment. The results clearly indicate that high and good quality assessments are prevalent in the gulfs, while quality assessments in harbours vary greatly from bad to good. The effect of pollution observed in the harbours can be classified in two main groups, according to when they were constructed and their relative degree of openness to the sea, which permits better water circulation and probably dilutes the pollution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Archaeologischer Anzeiger is the property of Deutsches Archaologisches Institut and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Abstract: The proximity of commercial harbours to residential areas and the growing environmental awareness of society have led most port authorities to include environmental management within their administration plan. Regarding water quality, it is necessary to have the capacity and tools to deal with contamination episodes that may damage marine ecosystems and human health, but also affect the normal functioning of harbours. This paper presents a description of the main pollutant sources in Tarragona Harbour (Spain), and a numerical analysis of several pollution episodes based on the Port Authority’s actual environmental concerns. The results show that pollution generated inside the harbour tends to remain confined within the port, whereas it is very likely that oil spills from a nearby monobuoy may affect the neighbouring beaches. The present combination of numerical models proves itself a useful tool to assess the environmental risk associated to harbour activities and potential pollution spills. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: A methodology is presented to estimate the emissions of ships at berth based on their actual fuel consumption and the fuel quality. Accurate estimates of emissions from ships at berth demand reliable knowledge of the fuel consumption while at berth and associated fuel characteristics. However, assured information about energy use and fuel consumption of seagoing ships at berth is scarce. Proper estimation of ship emissions at berth is crucial for understanding the impact of shipping emissions on air quality and health in harbour cities as well as for a proper evaluation of the impact of abatement measures such as shore-side electricity and/or restrictions of sulphur content for shipping fuels to be used in ports. Therefore, a survey of energy consumption and fuel use on board of 89 seagoing ships was made in close cooperation with the Port of Rotterdam. Rotterdam is the major port of Europe ensuring that the results will have relevance for the larger European domain. On board of the ships at berth, a questionnaire was filled in by the chief engineer of that particular ship, assisted by two former mechanical shipping engineers employed at our organization. Survey results as well as the emission estimations are compared to the (scarce) information that is available and expert judgements in recent studies. The compiled survey data underlie the current Dutch emission estimation methodology for emissions of ships at berth. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Harbours and ships security protection is a global issue. It is a direct concern of the International Maritime Organisation and International Labour Organisation and member states of the organisations. Therefore the instruments were passed including the SOLAS Convention on Safety of Human Life at Sea in 1974 (Appendix Chapter XI-2, London 2002) and International Ship and Port Facility Security Code (ISPS Code). The Republic of Croatia harmonizes its legislation with these regulations binding ships, ports, seafarers and authorities to increase the safety level. This is regulated by the Regulation No 725/2004 on enhancing ship and port facility security of 31.03.2004 and the Directive 2005/65/EC on Enhancing port security that harmonize the application of the SOLAS Convention and ISPS Code. The Law on Safety Protection of Ships and Harbours harmonizes with the mentioned legislation, which is subject of this paper. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For the study and understanding of the structure and use of the ancient landscape and the maritime aspects of society, landing sites are one of the most sought after and discussed antiquities in the cultural landscape. Methodologically, in locating the places for landing, looking at their context, such as the prehistoric landscape, has been given a high priority throughout the history of research and landing sites are presumed to have existed in the vicinity of several material and non-material indicators of maritime presence. However, as the category of landing sites and their nature have not been properly defined, such indiscriminate designation based purely on circumstantial evidence poses serious problems. This paper evaluates research into landing sites in the Baltic Sea region, scrutinising terminological and methodological approaches used and suggests a way forward. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The 2002 Joint Expedition of the Institute of Nautical Archaeology and the Centro Nacional de Arqueologia Náutica e Subaquática examined Phoenician maritime involvement in Portugal, combining archaeological, geological and geophysical surveys of former coastal sites—Santa Olaia, Abul and Castro Marim—where previous excavations have uncovered Phoenician remains. Significant geomorphic evolution of bay-head delta and estuarine settings masks the fact that Phoenician sites were situated at the head of marine embayments or on estuary margins, had easy access to the sea, and immediate access to at least one natural anchorage. All sites exhibited topographical criteria familiar from Phoenician trading-stations and merchant outposts in the Mediterranean. © 2009 The Authors [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Archaeologischer Anzeiger is the property of Deutsches Archaologisches Institut and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The new occurrence of the bryozoan Zoobotryon verticillatum Della Chiaje, 1822 is herein recorded in multiple places throughout Azores archipelago. Where introduced, this species has caused important ecological and economical damage and therefore is regarded as invasive. In the Azores, no detrimental effects have yet been noted. The species is so far restricted to marinas (Horta, Faial Island; Vila Franca do Campo, São Miguel Island) and a natural coastal pool located near a secondary harbour (Lajes do Pico, Pico Island). A total of 29 colonies were counted during a specific survey conducted in August 2008 in the marina of Horta. The distribution of the species throughout the eastern and central island groups denotes a wide dispersion area and offers control or eradication measures a low probability of success together with the lack of harbour management practices that could effectively prevent the arrival, settlement and dispersal of non-native species transported by human-assisted means. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Bridlington Quay, Scarborough and Whitby have long possessed harbours. Scarborough and Whitby in particular were the bases for a range of maritime activities that for a period attained a degree of national and even international significance in the later eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries. However, overland transport difficulties constrained their abilities to service the growing inland industrial areas. All three harbours were largely reconstructed during the eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries with the aid of passing tolls paid by vessels engaged in the coal trade from the North-East. In the mid nineteenth century these tolls were abolished and the harbour authorities had to look for other sources of revenue. This paper seeks to examine how these harbours adapted to changing circumstances as their traditional maritime activities and sources of income declined and even disappeared during the nineteenth century. All three were increasingly marginalised in terms of maritime activity whilst their larger neighbours on the Tyne, Tees and Humber continued to expand. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The results of the comparative analysis of Lithuanian and Latvian transit transport show that transit transport systems of these countries compete against each other. Latvia has evidently better developed harbours, which are able to process bigger scopes of loads. In comparison with Lithuanian transit transport system, Latvia has the competitive advantages, which are determined by its historical and trading relations, infrastructure, socioâ€cultural environment and traditions as well as more favourable integration with other systems of transport. In this article general indicators of sea and railroads transit transport as well as the problems, which impede the development of transport system, are analysed. It is suggested to pay attention to the proposed strategic directions of transit services development as well as to solve (on the governmental level) the questions of competition choosing the cooperation policy of Lithuanian and Latvian systems of transit transport. First Published Online: 27 Oct 2010

Abstract: In the present study an integrated ecological risk assessment based on multiple lines of evidence (LOEs) was evaluated in order to better assess the risk from TBT in Dutch harbours and open coastal waters. On the basis of spatial distributions of measured tributyltin (TBT) concentrations in sediments and suspended matter, predictions of the intersex index (ISI) in Littorina littorea and the ecological risk expressed as the Potentially Affected Fraction (PAF) of species were made. The results were compared to actual ISI measurements and presence of L. littorea in the field. The PAF calculated on the basis of TBT levels for open coastal waters ranged from 4.2% to 15.3%; for harbours it ranged from 3.5% to 26.9%. Significant intersex levels were observed only in waters where the risk was calculated above 10% PAF. This study suggests that the absence of L. littorea from some harbours with high ecological risk values can be explained by high TBT concentrations. A call is made for the use of integrated approaches like weight-of-evidence (WOE) to help practitioners improve ecological risk assessment. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Copyright of Archaeologischer Anzeiger is the property of Deutsches Archaologisches Institut and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Abstract: Seiche modes in a compound harbour (an “Outer Harbour” connected both to the sea and to an “Inner Harbour”) were studied using water level data and a numerical model. A variety of harbour oscillations are present, with periods up to 67min. Periods longer than 25min exceed resonant modes of the harbour. This paper addresses the characteristics and causes of the open-basin modes. The dual harbour open-basin mode is modified by constriction at the connection between harbours, by partial reflection at the antinode, and by the geometry of the entrance. The single-harbour open-basin mode excites the dual harbour closed-basin mode, which has nearly the same period. This forcing moves the closed-basin antinode and slightly changes the modal period, but the coupling permits the amplitude to increase through the closed-basin resonance. The water level response to wind stress is weak, but significant residual currents can occur, which take the form of clockwise gyres in each basin. Energetic peaks in the water level spectrum at 26, 35, and 67min are shown to correspond to possible edge waves on the local shelf. The work has practical implications to port design, e.g. towards minimisation of ship ranging while at anchor. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to propose a variant of superiority and inferiority ranking (SIR) method called SIR-Grey for determining the location of large-scale harbour-front project development. Design/methodology/approach - The study is illustrated with an application example obtained from the Environmental Protection Department of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region to demonstrate the concept and application procedure of SIR-Grey. The strengths and weaknesses of SIR-Grey are highlighted when compared with the traditional weighted average approach. Findings - The strengths and weaknesses of SIR-Grey are highlighted when compared with the traditional weighted average approach. Among the strengths, the global comparison scores of SIR-Grey can give a clearer and easier comprehensible algorithm. Further, the global comparison generated from superiority flows (S-flows) [S-flow: A is preferred to A'(A P>A') or A is indifferent to A'(A I>A')] and inferiority flows (I-flows) [I-flow: A is preferred to A'(A P

Abstract: Significant spatial heterogeneity in the abundance and composition of meiofaunal and nematode assemblages was described inside the Genoa-Voltri harbour (Genoa, Italy) in relation to variation in the main environmental variables. In harbour sediments characterized by low Eh values and high organic matter concentrations, total meiofauna abundance was lower (948±919ind 10cm−2), nematode individual biomass was higher (0.17±0.07μgC), kinorhynchs and tanaids were completely absent, and the nematode assemblage was dominated by the genera Terschellingia, Sabatieria (pulchra group) and Paracomesoma. In contrast, in sediment characterized by lower levels of organic pollution, meiofaunal abundance was higher (1085±737ind 10cm−2), nematode individual biomass was lower (0.11±0.04μgC), kinorhynchs and tanaids were present and the nematodes were dominated by the genera Desmodora, Daptonema, Anticoma and Halalaimus. Environmental disturbance as assessed by the analysis of meiofaunal and nematode assemblages and sediment environmental variables changed significantly over a scale hundreds of meters, but did not follow a gradient from the inner to the outer harbour. Analysis of nematode assemblages is proposed as a useful tool for the identification of environmental risk areas which may assist in the development of good planning, monitoring programmes and better management of harbour ecosystems. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Background, Aim and Scope. The toxicity of contaminated sediments should be evaluated considering the direct exposure of laboratory organisms to whole sediments and the indirect exposure to elutriates or extracts (Tay et al. 1992, Byrne and Halloran 1999, Nendza 2002). The alga Dunaliella tertiolecta is indicated for the use in toxicity bioassays because it is highly sensitive to several xenobiotics. Harpacticoid copepods have been already used for toxicity testing and Tigriopus fulvus is a promising Mediterranean target-species in ecotoxicology (Todaro et al. 2001, Faraponova et al. 2003, Pane et al. 2005a). In this study, the toxicity of sediments collected in harbour sites of the Northeastern Adriatic Sea was evaluated by growth inhibition test with free living and alginate-immobilized Dunaliella tertiolecta and acute toxicity test with nauplii and adult Tigriopus fulvus with the aim of pointing out the importance to utilize model organisms from different trophic levels in sediment ecotoxicology. Methodology. Elutriates and whole sediments were tested on free living and immobilized (Pane et al. 1998) algal cells, and on laboratory reared copepods. Free-living D. tertiolecta were ex- posed to diluted elutriates in a static, multi-well plate system. Na-alginate immobilized D. tertiolecta were placed in polystyrene inserts fitted with polyester mesh bottoms and exposed to a thin layer (2 mm) of whole sediments in multi-well plates (EPS 1992, Pane and Bertino 1999). Toxicity tests with copepods were carried out on Tigriopus fulvus nauplii (elutriates) and adults (whole sediments and elutriates). Same-aged nauplii useful for toxicity tests were obtained by egg sac detaching and consequent hatching stimulation (Pane et al. 2006). Newborn nauplii (I-II stage) were exposed to elutriates in multi-well plates provided with polystyrene inserts. Adult T. fulvus maintained in polystyrene inserts fitted with polyester mesh bottoms were placed in con- tact with a thin layer (2 mm) of whole sediment placed on multi- well plate bottoms. All end-points were evaluated after 96 h. Results. In general, the effects increased with the increasing of elutriate concentration up to 50%; the stimulation or inhibition of algal growth was statistically significant in comparison to the control. The inhibiting elutriates induced EC50 variations of algal growth ranging from 66.9% to 74.3%. The mortality of T. fulvus nauplii was always < 25% after treatment with 100% elutriates and < 10% after treatment with 50% dilution; no effect was shown up with 25% dilution; therefore LC50 was not calculable. The effect of elutriates was negligible on adult copepods and LC50 values were never calculable; percent mortality always resulted in < 10% after treatment with whole sediments. Discussion. Both experimental systems gave substantially similar results after exposition to whole sediments and elutriates. During the experiment with algal cells, the immobilization in Na-alginate and the employment of inserts which allowed the contact of organisms with sediments and their easy counting were particularly useful. Likewise, the employment of inserts of adequate mesh size in the tests with copepods allowed the con- tact of organisms with the sediment and made organism handling and counting easy, as well as the evaluation of mortality. The methodology here described and the utilization of the proposed test-species could have an importance also considering that the current trend in ecotoxicological research is towards finding the most appropriate organism for specific areas of concern by using indigenous species (Mariani et al. 2006) and towards the major significance of chronic and reproductive end-points. Conclusions.… [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The variability of suspended sediments in a Mediterranean harbour was studied using high-frequency moored instruments. Data analysis revealed that the fundamental mode of oscillation or seiche is the main contribution to the sea level variability and currents. Yet a direct relation between the seiche and suspended sediment was not clear. To study the sediment dynamics, a coupled hydrodynamic-sediment one-dimensional vertical model for sand and non-cohesive mud was implemented. Results showed good agreement between most of the observed and simulated resuspension events. Indeed, the vertical extension and the duration of these events were satisfactorily simulated for mud class. Model simulations were used to determine the time delay between suspended sediment and currents, which improved the correlation between the seiche and suspended sediment to some degree. Scarce events of sediment advection from outside waters and fresh water discharges from land-based sources were identified. It is suggested that phytoplankton species detected in the harbour were responsible for discrepancies between observations and simulations. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

A network of 10 stations, with passive sampling for VOCs (including benzene), NO2, and SO2, over 2-week periods, grab sampling for CO, and 48-h pumped sampling for PM10, was set up to make an air quality survey for 12 months around Aberdeen Harbour. Benzene, CO, SO2 and PM10 were always well below the AQS target values. However, NO2 frequently showed a pronounced gradient across the harbour reaching its highest concentrations at the city end, indicating that the road traffic was the principal source of the pollution. This was backed up by the predominance of aromatics in the VOCs in the city centre, derived from petrol engined vehicles, compared to the predominance of alkanes and alkenes around the docks, derived from diesel engined heavy trucks and possibly ships. Black carbon on the PM10 filters also showed a gradient with highest levels in the city centre. It is proposed that for such surveys in future, NO2 and black carbon would be the two most informative parameters. This emissions inventory has shown first, that trucks contribute very little to the total, and second, that the ro-ro ferries are the major contributors as they burn light fuel oil while the oil platform supply vessels burn low-sulphur marine gas oil with around 0.1% S. When the whole picture of the emissions from the city is considered, the emissions from the harbour constitute only a small part. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The objective of this paper is to show the methodology developed to estimate particle emissions from several typical activities of bulk handling in harbours. It is based on several field experiments carried out in the Harbour of Tarragona, where high time resolution monitors were deployed close to different areas of bulk solids handling operations. Monitors recorded particle concentrations and meteorological variables. A high-resolution dispersion model is used to estimate the emission rates that best fits the observations. Results were comparable to those obtained with the AP-42 (EPA). The new emission estimates are used as input for an emission model called EMIPORT. The model also employs AP-42 (EPA) emission factors as a complement. This work is one of the activities of the LIFE project called HADA (Herramienta Automática de Diagnóstico Ambiental or in English Automatic Tool for Environmental Diagnostic). [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The use of copper in antifouling paints has increased in the UK in the last 20 years as TBT and several other organic biocides have been phased out. To assess the probable impact of copper on estuarine systems a survey was undertaken to measure the different fractions of copper present in the water column at current usage. The different fractions measured were; labile copper, (LCu) considered as both the free copper ions and inorganically bound copper, the total dissolved copper (TDCu) present, and the difference between them taken as the organically bound likely non-toxic copper fraction. The survey considered sites with different levels of boat use, namely marinas, harbours and estuaries, differing physical parameters of suspended and dissolved organic matter, different seasons of the year and different depths in the water column all of which control speciation behaviour. Suspended particulate matter (SPM) values were measured at all sites and increased from West to East coast locations (5.7–34.4mg/l). Dissolved organic matter (DOM) values ranged from 0.58 to 2.2mg/l C. The total dissolved copper concentrations ranged from 0.30 to 6.68 μg/l, with labile fraction ranging from 0.02 to 2.69μg/l, and most labile copper concentrations below 1μg/l. None of the yearly mean copper measurements exceeded the 76/464/EEC EQS of 5μg/l. Of the 306 measurements, only one dissolved copper value in one season was above 5μg/l. This ratio of labile to total copper was between 10 and 30%. The results from this survey suggest that if toxicity of copper is due to the labile fraction then using the total dissolved copper concentrations as an indicator of impact overestimate the risk by a factor of four times. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Copyright of Archaeologischer Anzeiger is the property of Deutsches Archaologisches Institut and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Abstract: In 1990, restrictions on the use of tributyltin (TBT)-based antifouling paints were implemented in Iceland. A previous study showed that the level of imposex in the dogwhelk, Nucella lapillus, in Icelandic waters had decreased significantly between 1992 and 1998. In this study, we repeated the survey on imposex in N. lapillus at 33 locations from the Icelandic coast in 2003. The results indicated that both Vas Deferens Sequence Index (VDSI) and Relative Penis Size Index (RPSI) had further declined in 13 locations since 1998. Among these 13 sites, RPSI was reduced to zero in five cases. While improvements from 1992/1993 to 1998 were seen in reduced levels of imposex near both large and small harbours, the pattern from 1998 to 2003 was somewhat different, with improvement mainly observed near smaller harbours. No significant changes in imposex levels near larger harbours occurred over this period. Although the imposex levels still remain high near the large harbour complexes in Reykjavík and Hafnarfjörður, it is evident that regulations, including the use of less toxic antifouling paints and community action, have lead to substantial improvements in the marine environment of Iceland. International Maritime Organisation’s ban on the application of TBT after 2003 is apparently necessary to allow further improvements in larger harbours. The environmental effects of new antifoulants replacing TBT need to be further evaluated. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: A broad-scale, small-fish survey was carried out in northern New Zealand inshore waters using beach seines. The survey covered 30 estuaries spanning ca 1000km of coastline and three degrees of latitude. Correspondence analysis and cluster analysis were used to identify assemblages, and Generalized Additive Models (GAMs) were used to model the abundance and occurrence of individual species. We aimed to assess the utility of these models for making predictions. The results were mixed. Descriptive models of fish abundance performed well for four out of 12 species; for most other species, and species richness, the models described the data well but performed poorly to moderately under cross validation. Predictive models of fish abundance usually performed worse than descriptive models, but appeared reasonable for four species. Presence–absence models performed better overall than abundance models: descriptive models showed good performance for all 12 species, and predictive models performed well for eight species. For an independent data set, the models successfully predicted occurrence for five species. Water clarity, salinity and the amount of freshwater inflow were important predictor variables. Despite the limitations of our GAMs, they should be useful for planning intensive process-based research, and for guiding the management of human activities that impinge on coastal marine environments. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are widespread carcinogenic, mutagenic and teratogenic pollutants that can significantly affect ecosystems and exert an influence on marine planktonic and benthic communities as well as on higher organisms such as fish and mammals, including humans. In this paper the concentrations of six PAHs in water, seston and copepods were examined in a harbour zone of the Genova Gulf (Ligurian Sea) from November 1997 to June 1998. The importance of freshwater inputs coming from a polluted stream and the influence of seasonal and atmospheric factors were also considered. Highest PAH values were recorded during spring. Fluoranthene, Benzo[b]fluoranthene and Benzo[k]fluoranthene were the most abundant PAHs either in water, seston or copepods. The concentration of total PAHs in seawater was often lower than the detection limit: recorded values ranged between 0.001 and 0.06 ppb. In seston, total PAHs ranged between 0.033 and 6.26 ng·g−1 and in copepods between 0.01 and 2.34 ng·g−1. With this study, PAH contamination in the harbour zone of Genova Sestri-Ponente and the importance of inputs of organic pollutants coming from land and freshwaters have been emphasized. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to evaluate effects of contaminants at high latitudes, the effects on scope for growth (SFG) were evaluated for both transplanted and resident blue mussel (Mytilus edulis L.) near large and small harbours in Iceland. Low SFG values were found for mussels at the mouth and in the inner part of the large Reykjavík harbour, which could be attributed to elevated levels of organotins and polyaromatic hydrocarbons. Mussels in smaller and/or less polluted harbours and sites off Reykjavík harbour only showed a slight reduction in SFG. No major effects were found at sites >3 km from the large harbour of Reykjavík. SFG provides valuable information on the effects of harbour pollutants in Iceland, in particular in areas of extensive shipping activity. The use of this biomarker on high latitude organisms is highly relevant due to extended oil exploration at higher latitudes. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Conventional harbours, provided with only one entrance and devoid of channels, are enclosed areas with low water renewal, high sedimentation rate and high concentrations of pollutants in sediments; the soft bottom communities are characterised by low species richness and low values of the diversity and evenness indexes. The harbour of Ceuta, North Africa, presents an unusual structure since it is provided with two opposing entrances and a channel, which increase the water renewal across the middle of the harbour. These unusual characteristics turn the harbour of Ceuta into an adequate locality to test its environmental implications on macrofaunal assemblages. In the present study, the spatial distribution of mollusc community associated with soft bottoms was studied in relation to the influence of environmental factors on the harbour of Ceuta and nearby areas, North Africa. Twenty-one stations (15 inside and six outside the harbour) were sampled and 26 variables were measured in the sediment of each station: depth, %sand, organic matter, lipids, P, N, Al, As, B, Ba, Ca, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, K, Li, Mg, Mn, Na, Ni, Pb, S, Sr, Zn. The special configuration of Ceuta harbour created a great variability in sediment characteristics and environmental measures depending on the stations and, due to this heterogeneity, the mollusc species richness in the sediments inside the harbour (45 species) was higher than in conventional harbours. The multivariate approach based on MDS analysis was much more sensitive than univariate techniques to detect differences between internal and external stations of the harbour of Ceuta. The percentage of sand was the main factor to affect the distribution of the mollusc assemblages according to the BIO-ENV procedure and the CCA. SIMPER showed that the bivalves Parvicardium exiguum, Ervilia castanea, Spisula subtruncata and Digitaria digitata were the species that most contributed to the dissimilarity between internal and external stations; P. exiguum, S. subtruncata and D. digitata were more abundant in the internal stations whereas E. castanea was more abundant in the external stations. The bivalves P. exiguum, Abra alba and Corbula gibba and the opistobranch Retusa obtusa dominated in the most enclosed stations inside the harbour where sediments contained very high values of organic matter, lipids, and heavy metals. The data of the present study might assist in the building of new harbours in the future. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

A three-dimensional flow and transport model was used to simulate the flow of water and assumed conservative substance in a large number of hypothetical, sea-connected lagoons and harbours experiencing tidal effects. The dimensions of the lagoons and harbours were selected to cover a wide range of widths, lengths, depths and entrance channel widths. The tidal flow in and out of each lagoon and harbour was simulated for durnal and semidurnal conditions for different tidal ranges. The water exchange for each lagoon and harbour was assessed on the basis of the exchange coefficient. The results of model runs and non-linear multiple regression techniques were used to develop equations for calculating the average exchange, in terms of lagoon dimensions, depth and tidal range for durnal and semidurnal conditions. These equations can be used for a quick assessment of water exchange conditions in lagoons and harbours, upon which their water quality depends. In designing an artificial, sea-connected lagoon and harbour, the developed equations can be used in the preliminary stages for testing options regarding the number and widths of entrances and the physical layout of the lagoon and harbour. This approach also allows for identification of unsuitable options, with the acceptable options being subjected to detailed mathematical modelling to assess their expected water exchange and water quality. The same approach can be applied to existing lagoons (natural or artificial) and harbours in designing layout modifications for improving water exchange and water quality conditions, as well as lakes directly connected to coastal waters and subject to tidal effects. The use of the equations presented in this report also can provide knowledge regarding the preferred water flushing conditions and/or improvements needed to enhance the water exchange in order to preserve the ecosystems in such water systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Various types of endocrine disruptors or environmental hormones flow from their sources down into harbours through rivers and other watercourses, and are accumulated in sediment on the sea bottom. Tributyltin, which has been used as paint for ship bottoms, is considered one of the endocrine disruptors.In close cooperation with the other ministries and agencies, the Ports and Harbours Bureau of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport carried out an investigation in 1999 to determine the actual condition of 12 endocrine disruptors in the sediment of 39 harbours, in order to gather fundamental data to be used in future examinations of policy.Furthermore, in 2000 the bureau chose seven harbours out of the above 39 harbours as subjects of an additional investigation regarding the surface distribution of endocrine disruptors in the harbour areas and the synchronistic change of accumulation of dioxin and other substances.As the result of the investigation regarding the surface distribution of endocrine disruptors accumulated in seven harbours, relatively high concentrations were measured in the innermost parts of harbours and the mouths of rivers.Synchronistic changes in the amount of dioxin and other substances accumulated in sediments of five harbours were determined. Small amounts of dioxin and other substances, including an especially small amount of coplanar-PCBs, were found in the layers formed before or around 1950. Relatively large amounts of these substances were measured in the upper layers formed during roughly 1960–1990, though no significant yearly differences in concentration could be identified. This result coincides with the facts that, during roughly 1960–1980, PCP and CNP were used as agricultural chemicals and full-scale production of PCBs started in 1960. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The concentration of a large spectrum of environmental contaminants (PCBs, PAHs, pesticides and metals) was assessed in surface sediments of two Ligurian harbours (Sanremo and Alassio, NW Mediterranean Sea, Italy) and their relative impact on micro-meiobenthic assemblages was analysed. Concentration, distribution and relative importance of the different contaminants varied considerably between harbours in relation to the different anthropic activities and contamination sources. Results from Principal Component Analysis indicated that high levels of contaminants were typically correlated with low micro-meiobenthic abundance in the sediment. Heavy metals and the organic enrichment were the main factors affecting the distribution and abundance of the bacterial and meiofaunal assemblages in Alassio harbour, whereas hydrocarbons and pesticides played a major role in Sanremo sediments. Neither the bacteria density nor the meiofauna abundance were dependent on sediment grain size, suggesting that micro-meiobenthic parameters may be under the influence of other variables. Our results suggest that high concentrations of contaminants independently from their source or typology are responsible for the impact observed on micro-meiobenthic assemblages in these harbours. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Artificial habitats, such as harbours and marinas, are entry doors for the introduction and dispersal of species. Surveys on fouling community in these habitats help to understand preventing environmental impacts and management of invasive species. Thus, a survey on fouling bryozoan fauna was carried out along 17 artificial habitats (eight harbours and nine marinas) from three coastal stretches in Southwestern Atlantic. A total of 55 species were identified, including 13 non-native, 33 cryptogenic and nine native taxa. Only five bryozoan species were found in more than 75% of sampled sites. Our analysis revealed that bryozoan fouling communities in artificial habitats do not vary significantly between commercial and recreational localities. However, we also found that faunal assemblages varied significantly along Brazilian coastal stretches that are distinguished by environmental conditions, such as salinity and temperature. • Artificial habitats in the Southwest Atlantic Ocean include 55 bryozoan species. • Communities in artificial habitats are mainly formed by cryptogenic species. • Faunal assemblages are not significantly influenced by type of artificial habitat. • Assemblages varied significantly along Brazilian coastal stretches and ecoregions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]