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In recent years, the use of wood has gained social interest, leading to a global increase in its demand. Yet, this demand is often covered by the production of woods of low natural durability against biological deterioration. The main biological agents with the potential to attack the structural integrity of wood are wood-decay fungi, saproxylic beetles, termites, and marine molluscs and crustaceans. In most circumstances, fungi are the main wood-deteriorating agents. To attack the cell wall, wood-decay fungi combine a complex enzymatic mechanism with non-enzymatic mechanisms based on low-molecular-weight compounds. In some cases, the larvae of saproxylic beetles can also digest cell wood components, causing serious deterioration to wooden structures. The impact of subterranean termites in Europe is concentrated in the Southern countries, causing important economic losses. However, alien invasive species of voracious subterranean termites are expanding their presence in Europe. Wooden elements in permanent contact with marine water can be readily deteriorated by mollusc and crustacean borers, for which current preservatives lack efficacy. The natural durability of wood is defined as the inherent resistance of wood to catastrophic action by wood-destroying organisms. Besides exposure to the climate, product design and use conditions, the natural durability of wood is key to the prediction of the service life of wooden products, which can be shortened due to the impact of global change. The major wood properties involved in natural durability are related to the composition of lignin in the cell wall, the anatomy of the xylem, nutrient availability, the amount and composition of heartwood extractives, and the presence of moisture-regulating components since wood moisture content influences the establishment of wood-degrading organisms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Construction using timber has seen a resurgence in light of global climate mitigation policies. Wood is a renewable resource, and engineered wood products are proving to be competitive against concrete and steel while having several advantages. However, while the renewable nature of wood in construction is a beneficial property for climate mitigation policies, the process of biodegradation introduces a challenge for service life planning. A review of hazard mapping is presented while developing contemporary hazard maps, occurrence maps and projected hazard maps for 2050 using representative concentration pathways (RCP) 2.6 and 8.5. The risk of timber decay is expected to increase in most of Europe as the temperatures rise, with a decrease expected in dryer regions. Termites are likely to experience a range expansion as more areas become suitable, while human activity and an increase in extreme weather events like floods are expected to facilitate dispersion. Marine borer species already present a risk in most European coastal regions; however, the effect of changes in water temperatures are likely to shift the boundaries for individual borer species. Overall, warmer climates are expected to increase the metabolic activity of all of these organisms leading to a general reduction in service life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Acetylation of wood to enhance its resistance against wood-decaying fungi and insects has been studied extensively under both laboratory and terrestrial field trials. Also several studies are investigating the performance of acetylated wood in marine and fresh water exposures. This paper updates nine-year marine tests with acetylated radiata pine in Hejlsminde (Denmark) and presents data on 3-year field tests at three marine locations in Italy (Follonica, Genova, Venice) and one in Oregon (USA) as well as an oyster bed test at two locations in Australia. Data are also presented on the performance of acetylated Scots pine, radiata pine, and popular as sheet piling installed in fresh water in 1995 or 2000 in the Netherlands. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Kuphus polythalamius (Teredinidae) is one of the world's largest, most rarely observed, and least understood bivalves. Kuphus polythalamius is also among the few shallow-water marine species and the only teredinid species determined to harbor sulfur-oxidizing chemoautotrophic (thioautotrophic) symbionts. Until the recent discovery of living specimens in the Philippines, this species was known only from calcareous hard parts, fossils, and the preserved soft tissues of a single large specimen. As a result, the anatomy, biology, life history, and geographic range of K. polythalamius remain obscure. Here we report the collection and description of the smallest living specimens of K. polythalamius yet discovered and confirm the species identity of these individuals by using sequences of three genetic markers. Unlike previously collected specimens, all of which have been reported to occur in marine sediments, these specimens were observed burrowing in wood, the same substrate utilized by all other members of the family. These observations suggest that K. polythalamius initially settles on wood and subsequently transitions into sediment, where this species may grow to enormous sizes. This discovery led us to search for and find previously unidentified and misidentified wood-boring specimens of this species within museum collections, and it allowed us to show that the recent geographic range (since 1933) of this species extends across a 3000-mile span from the Philippines to Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Bioeroding sponges break down calcium carbonate substratum, including coral skeleton, and their capacity for reef erosion is expected to increase in warmer and more acidic oceans. However, elevated temperature can disrupt the functionally important microbial symbionts of some sponge species, often with adverse consequences for host health. Here, we provide the first detailed description of the microbial community of the bioeroding sponge Cliona orientalis and assess how the community responds to seawater temperatures incrementally increasing from 23°C to 32°C. The microbiome, identified using 16S rRNA gene sequencing, was dominated by Alphaproteobacteria, including a single operational taxonomic unit (OTU; Rhodothalassium sp.) that represented 21% of all sequences. The “core” microbial community (taxa present in >80% of samples) included putative nitrogen fixers and ammonia oxidizers, suggesting that symbiotic nitrogen metabolism may be a key function of the C. orientalis holobiont. The C. orientalis microbiome was generally stable at temperatures up to 27°C; however, a community shift occurred at 29°C, including changes in the relative abundance and turnover of microbial OTUs. Notably, this microbial shift occurred at a lower temperature than the 32°C threshold that induced sponge bleaching, indicating that changes in the microbiome may play a role in the destabilization of the C. orientalis holobiont. C. orientalis failed to regain Symbiodinium or restore its baseline microbial community following bleaching, suggesting that the sponge has limited ability to recover from extreme thermal exposure, at least under aquarium conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The application of wood in seawater is one of the most challenging. Impregnated wood is exposed to leaching and to various marine borers, Limnoria sp. and Teredo sp. being the most important ones. The present research investigated the durability of pine wood impregnated with copper-amine based preservative solution (Silvanolin) of different concentrations exposed to the seawater according to EN 275 standard. Performance of Silvanolin treated wood was compared to the performance of reference wood (Quercus sp., Castanea sativa, Larix decidua). After 10, 18 and 32 months of exposure, specimens were removed and assessed. The results show clearly that the reference wood species were completely degraded after 10 months of exposure. On the other hand, it became evident that Silvanolin prolonged the service life of wood exposed to the sea. The specimens impregnated with the lowest concentration of preservative solution (cCu = 0.31 %) were slightly decayed. The specimens, impregnated with higher concentrations of copper (cCu > 0.31 %), showed almost no defects after expsore to marine borers.

Marine borers can destroy wooden structures exposed to the marine environment and cause great monetary loss. In the region of Amasra of the Black Sea in Turkey, ships continue to be built from wood, mainly Castanea sativa (sweet chestnut) and Quercus petraea (sessile oak) and therefore are subject to destruction by marine borers. Copper-chromium-arsenic (CCA), used to be one of the most common wood preservatives used in Turkey. However, in this area its efficacy against marine borers is unknown. The resistance of untreated and CCA-treated samples of chestnut, oak and Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris) was examined and after twelve months evaluated in two ways, EN 275, and a non-destructive measurement for dynamic modulus of elasticity (MOE). Untreated samples, particularly Scots pine were severely attacked by Teredo navalis. Treated samples of oak and chestnut were moderately attacked while treated samples of Scots pine sapwood and heartwood were sound. Severity of wood boring attack determined using MOE showed a very good correlation with that determined by visual assessment in untreated wood, and a good correlation for treated wood. Dynamic MOE allows rapid on-site evaluation rather than measurements within a laboratory and also without causing damage to the structures being evaluated.

Copyright of Brazilian Journal of Oceanography is the property of Instituto Oceanografico da Universidade de Sao Paulo 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.)

For some time now, timber has been relegated to the back stage due to competition from modern alternatives. Yet, this lone renewable structural material is all set to stage a comeback soon because of the carbon benefits accruing from its use. Although India is blessed with over 4000 woody plant species, the country is timber deficient. In order to bridge the gap between supplies and demand, timber from different countries is being imported. But the performance of such timbers under various service conditions in different Indian environments is not known. Since information on these lines is desirable to put any timber to its best end-use, evaluation of the bioresistance of some of the imported timbers in marine regime was included in a larger programme and the results of this marine component are presented in this paper. A total of twenty timbers that originated from eleven countries together with two Indian timbers were subjected to marine exposure trial in Visakhapatnam tropical waters. The trial followed by data analysis distinguished the twenty imported timbers into five groups, viz ., A. pseudoplatanus and Fagus sylvatica from Belgium with 8 months durability; A . pseudoplatanus , Fagus grandifolia , F . sylvatica and Fraxinus angustifolia from France and Havea brasiliensis from India with 9 months longevity; Fraxinus excelsior (Belgium) and Quercus robur (France) with 10 months life; Michelia champaka (India) and Shorea macroptera (Malaysia) with 14 months longevity and Dryobalanops aromatica (Malaysia), Pteocarpus soyauxii (Africa and Cameroon), Shorea s (Indonesia), Shorea robusta (Malaysia), Tectona grandis (Australia, Burma, Ghana, Ivory coast and Tanzania) and Xylia dolabriformis (Burma) with 18 months durability. Compared to the natural resistance of fifty-eight Indian timbers assessed earlier by various workers in the same harbour, performance of the twenty imported timbers tested now is considered as only moderate. While European timbers are advised to be used as marine structural components not in contact with sea water, others may be used universally in all marine applications. However, all the twenty imported timbers had exhibited inferior durability than Dalbergia sisoo , Diospyros melanoxylon , Kingiodendron pinnatum , Lagerstroemia hypoleuca , Lagerstroemia parviflora , Mimusops littoralis , Pterocarpus dalbergioides , Pterocarpus marsupium , Schleichera oleosa , S . robusta , Terminalia arjuna and Terminalia paniculata . [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wooden material has been used for shipbuilding and structural purposes in the marine environment since ancient times. Wood being used in the sea water can be damaged by marine wood boring organisms, which can turn marine wooden structures unserviceable with great economic cost. Using naturally durable species and preservative treated wood can increase the service life of wooden maritime structures and avoid or minimise the damages caused by marine borers. In this study, Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris), Black pine (Pinus nigra) and Turkish fir (Abies bornmülleriana) naturally grown and economically important wood species in Turkey were treated with copper-azole and evaluated in marine trials for 7 and 14 months in the Western Black Sea region. In this experiment, Teredo navalis was the only teredinid species identified. Copper-azole treated fir and Scots pine specimens suffered no attack, after 7 and 14 months exposure, except four panels which suffered minor damage. However, copper-azole treated Black pine panels were moderately damaged, and all of the control panels of the softwoods were strongly attacked. The average largest shell diameter was found to be 4,79 mm in Scots pine, while the longest pallets (4,71 mm) was found in Black pine. All untreated test panels scored an average of 4 (heavily attacked) after a 14 month period. The cellulose ratio of Black pine decreased from 56 % to 50 %, and the holo-cellulose ratio from 76 % to 71 %. The treated samples showed resistance against marine borers although the copper (cu) leaching was high during the 14 months exposure underwater. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Marine borers such as the shipworm, Teredo navalis , can cause great destruction to wooden archaeological remains in the marine environment. The focus of this study was to investigate whether shipworm preferentially settle on one orientation of the wood over another, i.e. radial, tangential or transversal and if the resulting tunnels are oriented in a specific direction according to the fibres within the wood. This was investigated using Computed Tomography (CT) scanning and subsequent 3D modelling as a method of both quantifying the severity of attack by shipworm and examining the orientation of the tunnels. Panels of pine, cut in tangential, radial and transversal planes, were placed in the sea at a location where shipworm was known to be abundant. After attack, the panels were weighed, X-rayed, entrance holes counted and 3D CT models created. All results show a difference between the three planes. The specific direction of the single tunnels could be evaluated using the CT models, since the individual tunnels could be isolated, and followed throughout the panel. The results show that the radial plane suffered a more severe attack than either of the two other planes. These results have implications for archaeological interpretation and conservation. For example, the results show that ancient ships built with timbers cut in a radial plane (e.g. Viking Ships or other structural elements cut in radial plane) may be more prone to attack and thus require more protection than those built in tangential or transversal plane should they be raised (difficulties lifting due to fragility) or preserved in situ . [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Marine borers can destroy wooden structures exposed to the marine environment and cause great monetary loss. In the region of Amasra of the Black Sea in Turkey, ships continue to be built from wood, mainly Castanea sativa (sweet chestnut) and Quercus petraea (sessile oak) and therefore are subject to destruction by marine borers. Copper-chromium-arsenic (CCA), used to be one of the most common wood preservatives used in Turkey. However, in this area its efficacy against mari-ne borers is unknown. The resistance of untreated and CCA-treated samples of chestnut, oak and Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris) was examined and aft er twelve months evaluated in two ways, EN 275, and a non-destructive measurement for dynamic modulus of elasticity (MOE). Untreated samples, particularly Scots pine were severely attacked by Teredo navalis. Treated samples of oak and chestnut were moderately attacked while treated samples of Scots pine sapwood and heartwood were sound. Severity of wood boring attack determined using MOE showed a very good correlation with that de-termined by visual assessment in untreated wood, and a good correlation for treated wood. Dynamic MOE allows rapid on-site evaluation rather than measurements within a laboratory and also without causing damage to the structures being evaluated.

This study deals with the role of hardness and chemical toxicity in the resistance of pinewood to marine borers. Portuguese wood Maritime pine (Pinus pinaster) was modified with 1,3-dimethylol 4,5-dihydroxy ethylene urea (DMDHEU), methylated methylol melamine (MMF), tetraethoxysilane (TEOS) and two types of wax. In addition, for comparative purposes, different control species, Ipê, Beech and Blue Gum and CCA treated pine were included. All specimens were exposed over 2 years in sea (Porto, north of Portugal). Three inspections were performed after exposure (6, 12 and 24 months). The influence of type and level of modification as well as hardness was evaluated. As results: Specimens modified with resin have shown slight or trace attack by Teredinids in DMDHEU with low level of modification (10% of weight percent gain, WPG); MMF resin with high and low level of modification (25% and 10% of WPG) have shown trace to moderate attack, respectively. With the TEOS and wax impregnated wood which fill the cell lumens no significant difference in marine borers attack was found as compared to unmodified control specimens, despite the increased hardness.

Wood products are commonly degraded by decay fungi, insects (including termites), or other organisms (marine borers). Chemical treatments with biocides are the most effective way to protect wood from these organisms. Surface treatments by immersion, aspersion, spraying, brushing, dipping and injection are extensively used to apply the biocidal products to the wood. The performance of preservative treatments is often evaluated according to their retention and penetration. It is therefore important, for either quality control or research and development purposes, to study the penetration capacity of a biocidal product. The methods commonly used for determining penetration of wood preservatives include observing their migration through their own color, or through color indicators, or extracting samples followed by chemical detection by chromatography analysis. However, these multistep methods are time consuming and do not allow the detection and precise location of active substances within the wood structure. Here, we present the general principle of a novel specific approach for detection, visualization and ultrastructural localization of biocidal active substances in treated wood using immunological techniques together with electron microscopy. In the present work, we raised a polyclonal antibody against cypermethrin and applied it for the detection of the pyrethroid insecticide in Pinus sylvestris samples and its localization within the wood cell walls by transmission electron microscopy. Thus, the distance of penetration of cypermethrin from the sample surface could be evaluated and the results were correlated with chemical analysis. The interest of the immunological detection method is discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

7 hard wood species including: Beech (Fagus orientalis), Oak (Quercus castaneafolia), Hornbeam (Carpinus betulus), Alder (Alnus subcordata), Oriental plane (Platanus orientalis), Eucalyptus camaldulensis and Babul (Acacia arabica) were treated with Creosote and Celcure. The dimensions of samples were 20 x 7.5 x 2 cm. Both preservative treated and untreated samples were placed in seawater in Mahshahr (Persian Gulf), Bandar Torkman and Noshahr (Caspian Sea) coasts according to IRGIWP-4432 (1985). In Mahshahr after 8, 17, 23, 28, 35 and 49 months, in Bandar Torkman after 8, 14, 22, 29, and 39 months and in Noshahr after 8, 18, 25, 31 and 40 months, the samples were inspected according with recommendation of IRG/WP-4432 (1985) and ASTM D-2481. All the control samples (untreated wood) of Beech, Oak, Hornbeam and Alder over 22 months, Oriental plane over 25 months and Babul over 20 months, were seriously attacked. Untreated Eucalyptus and all the treated samples with celcure and creosote were sound. All the treated and untreated samples in Caspian Sea were sound. It is concluded that there is no marine borers in south coasts of Caspian Sea.

Four hardwood species including: Alder (Alnus subcordata), Oriental plane (Platanus orientalis), Eucalyptus camaldulensis and Babul (Acacia arabica) were treated with Creosote and Celcure. The dimension of samples was 20 x 7.5 x 2 cm. Both preservative treated and untreated samples were placed in seawater (Boshehr in Persian Gulf) according to IRG/WP-4432 (1985). After 9, 15, 24, 29, 38, 47, 53, 58 and 64 months, the samples were inspected according with recommendation of IRG/WP-4432(1985) and ASTM D- 240. All the control samples (untreated wood) of Alder and Oriental plane over 9 months, Eucalyptus and Babul over 20 months, were seriously attacked. Treated samples with Celcure of Alder and Oriental plane after 38 months were completely damaged and Eucalyptus over 38 months were severely degraded. Creosote treated samples of Eucalyptus over 58 months and Babul over 38 months were seriously attacked. Creosote treated of Alder and Oriental plane samples after 64 months installation were sound. It can be concluded that treatment with Creosote using full cell process (Bethel) increased resistance of investigated wood species against marine borers.

Samples of 6 wood species including: Oak (Quercus castaneafolia) Horn beam (Carpinus betulus), Beech (Fagus orientalis), Alder (alnus subcordata), Oriental plane (platanus orientalis) and Babul (Acasia arabica) were treated with Creosote. The dimension of samples was 200 x 75 x 20 mm. Both treated and untreated samples were installed in sea water (Chabahar port coasts) according to IRG/WP-4432 (1985). After 8, 12, 24, 33 months, the samples were inspected according to recommendation of ASTM D 2481. During this installation period, the control samples of Alder after 8 months, the samples of Oak and Hornbeam, Beech and Oriental plane after 12 months, seriously attacked. The grade of samples Babul after 12 months installation in sea water was 3.8. Treated samples with Creosote, samples of Oak 24 months and Hornbeam, after 33 months, were seriously attacked.So, treating with creosote using full cell process causes an increase in wood, durability against marine boreres approximately more than two times of untreated samples.

Samples of 3 wood species including: Beech (Fagus orientalis), Oak (Quercus castaneafolia) and Hornbeam (Carpinus betulus) were treated with creosote and celcure. The dimension of samples were 200 x 7 x 20 mm. Both treated and untreated samples were placed in sea water (Boshehr in Persian Gulf) according to IRG/WP-4432(l985). After 5, 9, 15, 24, 29 and 38 months, the samples were inspected according to recommendation of ASTM D 248. The control samples (untreated wood) of Beech, Hornbeam after 9 months, the samples of Oak after 14 months, seriously attacked. Treated samples of Beech, Oak and Hornbeam with celcure, after 14 months, were seriously attacked. Creosote, treated samples of Beech, after 29 months, Oak and Hornbeam after 38 months were seriously attacked. It can be concluded that treatment with creosote using full cell process (Bethell) increased resistance of investigated wood species against marine borers.

Wood samples of seven Iranian hardwood species including: Beech (Fagus orientalis), Oak (Quercus castaneaefolia), Hombeam (Carpinus betulus), Alder (Alnus subcordata), Oriental plane (Platanus orientalis), Eucalyptus camaldulensis and Babul (Acacia arabica) were treated with Creosote and Celcure. Then the samples were installed in the sea water of Bandar Abbas coast (Persian Gulf) for a period of 36 months. During 9, 12, 18 and 36 months, the samples were inspected according with recommendation of IRG/WP/4432(l985).The results showed that, untreated samples of all species were not resisted to the marine borers. The samples treated with creosote using full cell process increased durability of all species expect Hombeam and Babul. Treated samples with celcure were not resisted very well and after 15 months were destroyed.

Wooden structure, specially vessels and launch boats were studied along all shores and ports of Persian Gulf, Oman Sea and Caspian Sea during two years in different seasons .Factors causing damage in the vessels and coastal wooden constructions were evaluated. Based on the results, north coasts, as compared to south cost of the country, were affected more intensively by fungi damages were lower at Caspian sea shores than those at shores of Persian Gulf and Oman sea. A major reason of this is lower level of salt in Caspian sea than in Persian Gulf. At the south coast, in addition to wood decay, marine borers are the main cause of damages. At coastal zones of Khozestan province, fewer damages were found, as compared to other points of several rivers flowing to the sea at these shores and sailing of vessels through low salt waters.

The resistance of differently modified wood to the common shipworm, Teredo navalis , and the wood boring crustacean, Limnoria quadripunctata , was assessed in a field trial and by means of a short term laboratory assay, respectively. Scots pine ( Pinus sylvestris ) sapwood was treated with TEOS (tetra-ethoxy-ortho-silane) and different thermosetting resins, namely phenol formaldehyde (PF) and methylated melamine formaldehyde (MMF). Additionally, acetylated and untreated Radiata pine ( Pinus radiata ) was included. In the field trial according to EN 275 in the Baltic Sea over a period of six years the specimens were exclusively attacked by T . navalis . For the laboratory assay, matchstick-sized samples cut from spare panels prepared for the field trial were subjected to individuals of L . quadripunctata ; faecal pellet production served as a measure of feeding rate. Treatments that prevented shipworm attack in the field also reduced feeding of L . quadripunctata in the laboratory assay: efficacy of resin treatments was enhanced by parameters that increase the amount of resin in the cell wall (i.e. high WPG and dry curing conditions); acetylation resulted in high resistance; and TEOS treatment was not effective. The results suggest that modification on cell wall level is required to impart marine borer resistance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this research was to evaluate the natural durability of different wood species against marine organisms in the Messina strait to determine the most durable wood species for the replacement of wooden docks. The wood species tested were Bilinga/Opepe ( Nauclea diderrichii Merril), Okan ( Cylicodiscus gabunensis Taub (Harms), Demerara Greenheart ( Ocota rodiaei Mez) and Azobé ( Lophira alata Banks ex Gaertn), the current wood species used for docks. Scots Pine ( Pinus sylvestris L.) was used for reference controls. The assessment was performed in accordance with EN 275 combined with a software for image acquisition called Nis D3.22. From the results of this experiment, it can be seen that Bilinga and Okan can well replace the current utilization of Azobè for wooden banking in the Sicilian strait. The Nis D3.22 software distinguished slight differences not perceived by the human eye in the assessment described in EN 275. These differences, which were lost in visual assessment associated with the wide nominal durability classes of EN 275, can contribute to the choice of wood species that are not suitable for their purpose, so the improvement of the assessment due to image analysis might be important even from an economic point of view. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Over the millennia, mankind has recognized the inherent resistance of certain wood species against attack by fungi, insects and marine borers. Despite our advances in wood protection technology, people still rely on naturally durable timbers for construction of various structures. Of late, this property of several wood species, known for their high durability, has become unreliable due to changes in silvicultural and pre-harvesting practices, which reportedly interfere with their durability performance. This warrants a periodic assessment and rating of natural durability properties to select the right species for various end uses. Moreover, the drastic decline in the availability of naturally durable timber species towards the end of 20th century has resulted in the import/export of timber world-wide. The inherent durability of these species under different climatic conditions is unknown but must be determined to utilize them effectively. Studies on natural resistance of wood to biological damage are therefore of prime importance. Before initiating durability studies, background information on different factors that impart durability to a timber is vital. This paper aims to compile secondary data on such aspects and to provide a necessary check-list of durability ratings of Indian and exotic timbers that have been tested under Indian environmental conditions. Probable factors responsible for imparting a built-in resistance to wood against bio-deterioration have also been discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cliona vermifera is one of the most abundant excavating sponges in Mexican coral reefs, and represents a potential threat to their health. It appears to have limited dispersal potential, but, paradoxically, it is widespread over much of the 2000 km of Mexican Pacific waters, suggesting mechanisms of long-distance dissemination. Despite its ecological importance, nothing is known about its patterns of genetic structure and connectivity in space and time. In this study, we assess levels of genetic structure and test the hypothesis of limited dispersal and isolation by distance among coral reef systems in the Mexican Pacific. Genetic diversity levels were consistently low in DNA sequences from two mitochondrial genes and one nuclear gene; however, they revealed strong and significant genetic differentiation throughout the study region. Patterns of genetic differentiation from the slow-evolving mitochondrial, but not the nuclear, genes were geographic scale dependent. We found higher mitochondrial genetic similarity among localities at 10-100s km than at larger scales (100-1000s km). However, all samples were genetically differentiated at the nuclear locus, which is inconsistent with frequent long-distance dispersal. Significant isolation by distance is consistent with life history traits shared by boring sponges: a short larval period and larval philopatric behavior. The patterns of genetic differentiation in C. vermifera concur with those found in other sympatric coral species, and suggest the influence of community-wide ecological and genetic mechanisms on the genetic makeup of coral reef species in the Mexican Pacific. Fixed genetic differences suggest that the southern population of Oaxaca may be experiencing incipient speciation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Endolith microboring infestation in bearded horse musselModiolus barbatuscollected from Mali Ston Bay, Croatia during 2010 was studied for incidence and distribution of damage in bivalve shells and in relation to shell length and condition index. Macroscopic changes in colour and thickness of the inner shell surface were investigated in order to determine endolith presence and host response. Results showed a significant percentage of over 93% of shells to be infested by endoliths. Analyses of shells grouped by the degree of infestation showed that the majority of specimens were moderately infested, most commonly within the central area of the shell. Microboring endoliths were dominated by cyanobacteriaPlectonema(Leptolyngbya)terebrans,Mastigocoleus testarum,Hyella caespitosaand by the green algaePhaeophilasp. andOstreobium quekettii. In addition, characteristic scars were carved into the host shell by the boring bivalveRocellaria dubiain over 40% of sampled shells. SEM photographs revealed added shell layer deposition in infested specimens; in some cases, a prismatic layer is formed on the inner shell surface. This study shows that the incidence of infestation increases with shell length and that the degree of endolith infestation has adverse effects on the condition index. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study deals with the role of hardness and chemical toxicity in the resistance of pinewood to marine borers. Portuguese wood Maritime pine (Pinus pinaster) was modified with 1,3-dimethylol 4,5-dihydrox ethylene urea (DMDHEU), methylated methylol melamine (MMF), tetraethoxysilane (TEOS) and two types of wax. In addition, for comparative purposes, different control species, Ipê, Beech and Blue Gum and CCA treated pine were included. All specimens were exposed over 2 years in sea (Porto, north of Portugal). Three inspections were performed after exposure (6, 12 and 24 months). The influence of type and level of modification as well as hardness was evaluated. As results: Specimens modified with resin have shown slight or trace attack by Teredinids in DMDHEU with low level of modification (10% of weight percent gain, WPG); MMF resin with hig and low level of modification (25% and 10% of WPG) have shown trace to moderate attack, respectively. With the TEOS and wax impregnated wood which fill the cell lumens no significant difference in marine borers attack was found as compared to unmodified control specimens, despite the increased hardness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Wood Industry / Drvna Industrija is the property of Drvna Industrija 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.)

This study applied the loss after combustion ( LAC) method and the acid decalcification ( ADC) method to quantify different components of an excavating sponge. Samples of dried coral skeleton of Favia sp. invaded by the Indo- Pacific excavating sponge Cliona orientalis Thiele, 1900 were used. The sponge tissue penetrated the 12-mm-thick samples to approximately 10 mm. The average proportional weight of organic matter, siliceous spicules, calcareous substrate and salts in the entire samples was found to be respectively 2.5%, 4.4%, 90.5% and 2.5% of dry weight applying the LAC method, and 2.9%, 5.9%, 89.0% and 2.3% of dry weight applying the ADC method. Respective volumetric proportions of the organic matter, spicules, substrate and salts were then calculated to be 6.4%, 5.5%, 85.2% and 3.0% of volume with the LAC method, and 7.4%, 7.2%, 82.7% and 2.7% of volume with the ADC method. The LAC method showed low variability of data and is simple and fast and therefore is recommended. The ADC method generated very similar results to the LAC method. However, due to the handling involved in the ADC method, more than half of the spicules may be lost and the method is therefore not recommended unless careful data corrections are considered. In addition, the buoyant weight method was used to quantify actual substrate weight in the fresh sponge-substrate samples. This method was found to be at least 97% effective, revealing that buoyant weights can potentially be used to quantify bioerosion rates of excavating sponges. To our knowledge, this is the first study to systemically quantify organic and inorganic components of an excavating sponge and its calcareous substrate, providing improved standard methods for future studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

New data about the highly variable test morphology of the benthic foraminifer Troglotella incrustans WERNLI & FOOKES (Oxfordian-Lower Cenomanian) are presented, permitting an emended species/genus diagnosis. This concerns mainly the existence of a large final chamber with fistulose extensions that may follow the uniserial or the irregular-branching test part. The way of life of T. incrustans (cryptoendolithic vs. euendolithic) is discussed against the background of different existing models in the literature. The study is based on material (thin-sections and provided photographs) mainly from the Upper Jurassic of Austria, Italy, Romania, Ukraine, and also the type-locality of France. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Marine borers constitute a great danger to historical shipwreck in marine environments as they are able to decompose wood material in just a few years. Recently, there have been indications that the marine borer Teredo navalis is spreading into the brackish Baltic sea, where thousands of invaluable historical wrecks for centuries have had unique preservation conditions. The WreckProtect project was a coordination and support action funded by the European Commission within the 7th Framework Program. The main objective of the project was to develop tools for predicting the spread of marine borers into the Baltic and to evaluate methods for in situ protection of the historical wreck and submerged settlements. This paper gives a summary final report of the project and an overview of results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Boring isopods damage expanded polystyrene floats under docks and, in the process, expel copious numbers of microplastic particles. This paper describes the impacts of boring isopods in aquaculture facilities and docks, quantifies and discusses the implications of these microplastics, and tests if an alternate foam type prevents boring. Floats from aquaculture facilities and docks were heavily damaged by thousands of isopods and their burrows. Multiple sites in Asia, Australia, Panama, and the USA exhibited evidence of isopod damage. One isopod creates thousands of microplastic particles when excavating a burrow; colonies can expel millions of particles. Microplastics similar in size to these particles may facilitate the spread of non-native species or be ingested by organisms causing physical or toxicological harm. Extruded polystyrene inhibited boring, suggesting this foam may prevent damage in the field. These results reveal boring isopods cause widespread damage to docks and are a novel source of microplastic pollution. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Marine borers can destroy wooden structures exposed to the marine environment and cause great monetary loss. In the region of Amasra of the Black Sea in Turkey, ships continue to be built from wood, mainly Castanea sativa (sweet chestnut) and Quercus petraea (sessile oak) and therefore are subject to destruction by marine borers. Copper-chromium-arsenic (CCA), used to be one of the most common wood preservatives used in Turkey. However, in this area its efficacy against marine borers is unknown. The resistance of untreated and CCA-treated samples of chestnut, oak and Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris) was examined and after twelve months evaluated in two ways, EN 275, and a non-destructive measurement for dynamic modulus of elasticity (MOE). Untreated samples, particularly Scots pine were severely attacked by Teredo navalis. Treated samples of oak and chestnut were moderately attacked while treated samples of Scots pine sapwood and heartwood were sound. Severity of wood boring attack determined using MOE showed a very good correlation with that determined by visual assessment in untreated wood, and a good correlation for treated wood. Dynamic MOE allows rapid on-site evaluation rather than measurements within a laboratory and also without causing damage to the structures being evaluated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article critically examines the United Nation's (UN) Convention on the Law of the Sea as it has been sought flaws on the protection of the lives of migrants at sea, It emphasizes the international refugee law that has a great responsibility of assuring the protection of those involved though the concept of non-refoulement. Moreover, a system of burden-sharing and permanent yet flexible reception agreements is seen as the only sustainable solution involving refugee-related issues.