Browsing by Author "Chainho, Paula"
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- Age and growth of a highly successful invasive species: the Manila clam Ruditapes philippinarum (Adams & Reeve, 1850) in the Tagus Estuary (Portugal)Publication . Moura, Paula; Garaulet, Lucia L.; Vasconcelos, Paulo; Chainho, Paula; Costa, Jose Lino; Gaspar, MiguelThe Manila clam Ruditapes philippinarum (Adams & Reeve, 1850) was introduced in several regions worldwide where it is permanently established. In Portuguese waters, the colonisation of the Tagus Estuary by this invasive species coincided with a significant decrease in abundance of the native Ruditapes decussatus (Linnaeus, 1758). This study aimed to estimate the age and growth of the Manila clam, to compare the growth performance between R. philippinarum and R. decussatus in several locations worldwide, and to ascertain whether the Manila clam's growth patterns contributed to the extensive distribution of this invasive bivalve in the Tagus Estuary. The growth of R. philippinarum in the Tagus Estuary was described through the von Bertalanffy equation SLt=65.2[1-e(-0.34(t+0.93))],corresponding to a phi-prime index (phi') of 3.160 and an overall growth performance of 4.974. This growth performance is the second highest recorded for R. philippinarum worldwide and was much higher than that of R. decussatus from Portugal. This study confirmed that the Tagus Estuary presents near-ideal environmental conditions for growth of the Manila clam. R. philippinarum displayed clearly invasive behaviour, spreading widely and growing faster than the native R. decussatus, which certainly contributed to the decline of its populations in the Tagus Estuary.
- Anelídeos poliquetas como isco vivo: caracterização da atividade de apanha em ambientes salobros costeiros PortuguesesPublication . Fidalgo E Costa, Pedro; Sá, Erica; Alves, Ana Sofia; Cabral, Sara; Castro, Nuno; Picard, David; Castro, João J.; Cancela Da Fonseca, Luís; Chainho, Paula; Canning-Clode, João; Pombo, Ana Margarida; Costa, José LinoA captura de isco vivo para a pesca, efetuada em sedimentos intertidais, tem aumentado em todo o Mundo, pois face ao incremento da procura, constitui uma importante fonte de rendimento para as populações que vivem junto à costa. Macroinvertebrados, tais como, moluscos, crustáceos e anelídeos poliquetas, entre outros, são capturados em muitos sistemas estuarinos portugueses, sendo a dimensão real das capturas subestimada. Este é o caso das capturas de anelídeos poliquetas para utilização, quer como isco vivo, quer como suplemento alimentar em atividades de aquacultura.Com o intuito de estimar o esforço da apanha de isco, espécies-alvo, técnicas e ferramentas utilizadas nesta atividade e as características dos apanhadores (número, idade e género), foram escolhidos como locais de estudo os estuários do Tejo e do Sado e as Rias de Aveiro e Formosa, no âmbito do projeto“Anelídeos Poliquetas como Isco Vivo em Portugal: Gestão da Apanha, Importação e Cultivo”, financiado pelo Programa PROMAR. Os resultados obtidos nestes sistemas mostraram que: i) os apanhadores de moluscos bivalves foram claramente maioritários no Estuário do Tejo e nas Rias de Aveiro e Formosa.
- Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory extracts from sea cucumbers and tunicates induce a pro-osteogenic effect in Zebrafish LarvaePublication . Carletti, Alessio; Cardoso, Carlos; Lobo-Arteaga, Jorge; Sales, Sabrina; Juliao, Diana; Ferreira, Inês; Chainho, Paula; Dionísio, Maria Ana; Gaudêncio, Maria J.; Afonso, Cláudia; Lourenço, Helena; Cancela, M. Leonor; Bandarra, Narcisa M.; J. Gavaia, PauloBone metabolic disorders such as osteoporosis are characterized by the loss of mineral from the bone tissue leading to its structural weakening and increased susceptibility to fractures. A growing body of evidence suggests that inflammation and oxidative stress play an important role in the pathophysiological processes involved in the rise of these conditions. As the currently available therapeutic strategies are often characterized by toxic effects associated with their long-term use, natural antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds such as polyphenols promise to be a valuable alternative for the prevention and treatment of these disorders. In this scope, the marine environment is becoming an important source of bioactive compounds with potential pharmacological applications. Here, we explored the bioactive potential of three species of holothurians (Echinodermata) and four species of tunicates (Chordata) as sources of antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compounds with a particular focus on polyphenolic substances. Hydroethanolic and aqueous extracts were obtained from animals' biomass and screened for their content of polyphenols and their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Hydroethanolic fractions of three species of tunicates displayed high polyphenolic content associated with strong antioxidant potential and anti-inflammatory activity. Extracts were thereafter tested for their capacity to promote bone formation and mineralization by applying an assay that uses the developing operculum of zebrafish (Danio rerio) to assess the osteogenic activity of compounds. The same three hydroethanolic fractions from tunicates were characterized by a strong in vivo osteogenic activity, which positively correlated with their anti-inflammatory potential as measured by COX-2 inhibition. This study highlights the therapeutic potential of polyphenol-rich hydroethanolic extracts obtained from three species of tunicates as a substrate for the development of novel drugs for the treatment of bone disorders correlated to oxidative stress and inflammatory processes.
- Ecological aspects and potential impacts of the non-native hydromedusa Blackfordia virginica in a temperate estuaryPublication . Marques, Filipa; Angelico, Maria Manuel; Costa, Jose Lino; Teodósio, Maria; Presado, Patricia; Fernandes, Antonio; Chainho, Paula; Domingos, IsabelThe hydrozoan Blackfordia virginica has been reported over a wide geographical area, although it is mainly restricted to scattered records within estuarine areas of temperate and tropical regions. The aim of this study was to understand the spatial and temporal variability of an established population of this non-indigenous species on a temperate estuarine ecosystem, and its impacts over the plankton community. Sampling was conducted from 2011 to 2013 in the Mira estuary (Portugal) and higher densities were observed during the summer of 2013, with a maximum of 1689.3 medusae.m(-3). Spatially, higher abundances of medusae were associated with sites of higher abundance of oyster shells and higher percentage of hard substrate in the river bed. Smaller jellyfish were sampled in the vicinity of these hard substrate locations, suggesting these might be habitats for polyp fixation. A higher potential predation impact on the copepod population along the estuary was estimated for the summer of 2013, with a median half life of 6.1 days. (C) 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
- Insight into aquaculture's potential of marine annelid worms and ecological concerns: a reviewPublication . Pombo, Ana; Baptista, Teresa; Granada, Luana; Ferreira, Susana M. F.; Gonçalves, Sílvia C.; Anjos, Catarina; Sá, Erica; Chainho, Paula; Fonseca, Luís Cancela da; Costa, Pedro Fidalgo e; Costa, José L.Polychaetes are marine annelid worms that can contribute to aquaculture diversification. Its culture has been viable, and commercially attempted, but intensive production has progressed only in few countries around the world. In the countries with no production, marine polychaetes are imported or harvested. A strong and sustained research investment provided to a better understanding of the nutritional requirements and reproduction of some species. Recent studies showed new technical improvements, which can lead to an important progress in productivity and give a new impetus to the polychaete production. Some marine worm species were identified as good candidates for integrated multitrophic aquaculture. The development of cost-effective aquaculture techniques for marine annelid worms is essential to ensure a balance between commercial interests and the preservation of ecosystems. The influence of polychaete aquaculture on the environment and vice versa raise important concerns related to ecological security and sustainability of this activity. This review focus on the main technical improvements and advances that have been made in areas as diverse as: aquaculture potential of polychaetes, reared species, main species used worldwide, and highlights biological and ecological concerns, important challenges and recommendations.
- A multi-taxa assessment of aquatic non-indigenous species introduced into Iberian freshwater and transitional watersPublication . Zamora-Marín, Jose M.; Ruiz-Navarro, Ana; Oficialdegui, Francisco J.; Anastácio, Pedro M.; Miranda, Rafael; García-Murillo, Pablo; Cobo, Fernando; Ribeiro, Filipe; Gallardo, Belinda; García-Berthou, Emili; Boix, Dani; Medina, Leopoldo; Morcillo, Felipe; Oscoz, Javier; Guillén, Antonio; Herrero-Reyes, Antonio A.; Aguiar, Francisca C.; Almeida, David; Arias, Andrés; Ayres, César; Banha, Filipe; Barca, Sandra; Biurrun, Idoia; Cabezas, M. Pilar; Calero, Sara; Campos, Juan A.; Capdevila-Argüelles, Laura; Capinha, César; Carapeto, André; Casals, Frederic; Chainho, Paula; Cirujano, Santos; Clavero, Miguel; Cuesta, Jose A.; Deltoro, Vicente; Encarnação, João; Fernández-Delgado, Carlos; Franco, Javier; García-Meseguer, Antonio J.; Guareschi, Simone; Guerrero-Gómez, Adrián; Hermoso, Virgilio; López-Cañizares, Celia; López-Soriano, Joaquín; Machordom, Annie; Martelo, Joana; Mellado-Díaz, Andrés; Moreno, Juan C.; Olivo del Amo, Rosa; Otero, J. Carlos; Perdices, Anabel; Pou-Rovira, Quim; Quiñonero-Salgado, Sergio; Rodríguez-Merino, Argantonio; Ros, Macarena; Sánchez-Gullón, Enrique; Sánchez, Marta I.; Sánchez-Fernández, David; Sánchez-González, Jorge R.; Soriano, Oscar; Teodosio, M A; Torralva, Mar; Vieira-Lanero, Rufino; Zamora-López, Antonio; Oliva-Paterna, Francisco J.Aquatic ecosystems are particularly vulnerable to the introduction of non-indigenous species (NIS), lead-ing to multi-faceted ecological, economic and health impacts worldwide. The Iberian Peninsula comprises an exceptionally biodiverse Mediterranean region with a high number of threatened and endemic aquatic species, most of them strongly impacted by biological invasions. Following a structured approach that combines a systematic review of available information and expert opinion, we provide a comprehensive and updated multi-taxa inventory of aquatic NIS (fungi, macroalgae, vascular plants, invertebrates and vertebrates) in Iberian inland waters. Moreover, we assess overall patterns in the establishment status, in-troduction pathways, native range and temporal introduction trends of listed NIS. In addition, we discuss the legal coverage provided by both national (Spanish and Portuguese) and European NIS regulations. We inventoried 326 aquatic NIS in Iberian inland waters, including 215 established, 96 with uncertain estab-lishment status and 15 cryptogenic taxa. Invertebrates (54.6%) and vertebrates (24.5%) were the groups with the highest number of NIS, with Arthropoda, Mollusca, and Chordata being the most represented phyla. Recorded NIS originated from diverse geographic regions, with North and South America being the most frequent. Vertebrates and vascular plants were mostly introduced through intentional pathways (i.e. release and escape), whereas invertebrates and macroalgae arrived mostly through unintentional ways (i.e. contaminant or stowaway). Most of the recorded NIS were introduced in Iberian inland waters over the second half of the 20th century, with a high number of NIS introductions being reported in the 2000s. While only 8% of the recorded NIS appear in the European Union list of Invasive Alien Species of Union concern, around 25% are listed in the Spanish and Portuguese NIS regulations. This study provides the most updated checklist of Iberian aquatic NIS, meeting the requirements set by the EU regulation and providing a baseline for the evaluation of its application. We point out the need for coordinated transna-tional strategies to properly tackle aquatic invasions across borders of the EU members.
- Non-indigenous species in soft-sediments: are some estuaries more invaded than others?Publication . Cabral, Sara; Carvalho, Frederico; Gaspar, Miguel; Ramajal, Joao; Sa, Erica; Santos, Catia; Silva, Gilda; Sousa, Antonio; Costa, Jose Lino; Chainho, PaulaNon-indigenous species (NIS) are increasingly widespread and abundant in coastal areas, hence being considered indicators to assess the environmental status of marine waters under the Marine Strategy Framework Directive. However, information on the effects of biological invasions on species composition and abundance is still scarce, particularly for soft-sediment benthic communities, which remain poorly understood. Therefore, the present study aimed at monitoring the benthic communities of two Portuguese estuarine systems, with a particular focus on NIS. Sampling surveys were conducted at the Tagus and Sado estuaries, in three different years. Invertebrate communities were collected at sampling stations located along the estuarine gradient, using a clam dredge, and several water and sediment parameters were measured at the same locations. NIS represented nearly one fourth (23%) of the total observed individuals across all years and estuaries, with Ruditapes philippinarum accounting for 22% of the total abundance across estuaries and years. Although both estuaries presented a similar total number of species (91 at the Tagus and 81 at the Sado), three-fold more NIS were identified at the Tagus estuary. The frequency of occurrence of the NIS Crassostrea (Magallana) gigas, Mya arenaria and Panopeus occidentalis increased significantly over the three years at the Tagus estuary and decreased significantly for Dyspanopeus sayi from 2015 to 2018. The Tagus and Sado estuaries presented distinct and diverse communities, with the abundance of R. philippinarum being eleven-fold greater at the Tagus estuary than at the Sado estuary. This study provides a baseline list of the NIS occurring in two of the main Portuguese estuarine systems, as well as an approach to estimate NIS abundance, richness, frequency of occurrence and community diversity. Although most studies on NIS impacts have focused on single species, the assessment of the environmental status of marine waters requires that overall impacts of NIS on marine ecosystems are determined. This study indicated metrics that are appropriate to evaluate changes in soft-sediment benthic communities associated to the introduction of NIS.
- Polychaete annelids as live bait in Portugal: harvesting activity in brackish water systemsPublication . Cabral, Sara; Alves, Ana Sofia; Castro, Nuno; Chainho, Paula; Sá, Erica; Cancela Da Fonseca, Luís; Fidalgo e Costa, Pedro; Castro, João; Canning-Clode, João; Pombo, Ana; Costa, José LinoPolychaete annelids are some of the most heavily harvested invertebrates collected in coastal areas and estuaries for their economic value as live fishing bait or as food supplement in aquaculture activities. However, information on bait digging in Portugal is scarce or incomplete. Thus, the present study aimed at investigating the bait digging activity in the four most relevant brackish water systems in Portugal: Ria de Aveiro and Ria Formosa coastal lagoons and Tagus and Sado estuaries. Direct observations were performed in each brackish water system 1 h and a half before and after the diurnal low spring tide (< 0.8 m height), on working days. Additionally, logbooks were delivered to bait diggers and two types of surveys were conducted in every system: one to all the intertidal users and the other only to bait diggers. The estimated daily weighted number of bait diggers varied between 31 in the Tagus estuary and 69 in the Ria Formosa coastal lagoon. Diopatra neapolitana (Delle Chiaje, 1841) was the main target species in Ria de Aveiro (more than 83%), Tagus estuary (more than 60%) and Ria Formosa (more than 90%), while in Sado estuary most of the bait diggers targeted Marphysa sp. (92.6%). The highest and lowest amount of polychaete annelid catches were estimated for Ria de Aveiro coastal lagoon (almost 50 tons per year) and Tagus estuary (11 tons per year), respectively. A total annual bait catch value in these four systems was estimated as €3.84 millions. The most important brackish water systems concerning bait diggers’ number and bait captures were Sado estuary and Ria de Aveiro coastal lagoon where management measures should be considered, although managing polychaete harvesting activity is still difficult due to limited information on harvesting and on direct and indirect impacts on population dynamics.
- Shifts in estuarine macroinvertebrate communities associated with water quality and climate changePublication . Goulding, Thomas; Sousa, Pedro M.; Silva, Gilda; Medeiros, João Paulo; Carvalho, Frederico; Metelo, Inês; Freitas, Catarina; Lopes, Nuno; Chainho, Paula; Costa, José LinoThe present work aims to identify changes in the macroinvertebrate community of the Tagus estuary (Portugal) due to improvements in water quality and to climate change. Data was collected over a period of 16 years (1998–2014) from different sites located along the estuarine gradient. The AZTI Marine Biotic Index (AMBI) was used to assess the ecological quality status based on benthic invertebrate communities and identify possible variations associated with changes in water quality. The overall distribution of each species was examined to detect possible changes associated with climate, based on species’ affinity for more temperate or subtropical climates. Results demonstrate that there was an overall improvement of AMBI scores during the assessment period. The analysis of the geographical distribution of benthic species seems to indicate that there has been an increase of species which prefer subtropical climates in the shallower waters of the estuary, whereas in the deeper estuarine sections the propensity is for species that prefer temperate climates.
- Spatial and temporal variations of Cockle (Cerastoderma spp.) populations in two portuguese estuarine systems with low directed fishing pressurePublication . Santos, Cátia; Cabral, Sara; Carvalho, Frederico; Sousa, António; Goulding, Thomas; Ramajal, João; Medeiros, João Paulo; Silva, Gilda; Angélico, Maria Manuel; Gaspar, Miguel; Brito, Ana C.; Costa, José Lino; Chainho, PaulaCockles are amongst the most exploited bivalve species in Portugal, playing an important ecological and socioeconomic role in coastal ecosystems. Two sympatric species of cockles, Cerastoderma edule (Linnaeus, 1758) and Cerastoderma glaucum (Bruguiere, 1789-1792) may co-occur in estuaries and coastal lagoons in mixed populations along the European Atlantic coast, namely in Portugal, France and the United Kingdom. The increasing importance of shellfish harvesting in Portugal requires a good knowledge of cockle stocks and temporal variability in stock levels to better inform sustainable management practices. Therefore, this study aimed at assessing spatial and temporal variations in cockle populations in two Portuguese estuarine systems where the species are exploited at low levels. Sampling was carried out using a clam dredge, covering the entire potential area of occurrence of cockles in the Tagus and Sado estuaries at around the same time of the year in each of the three sampling years (2015, 2018, and 2019). The abundance, spatial distribution and population structure of cockles were examined at each system. Moreover, several water and sediment parameters were measured to understand the influence of environmental conditions on the spatial distribution and abundance of cockles. The results obtained showed that cockles occur mostly in the intermediate areas of both estuarine systems and are more abundant in the Tagus estuary. Depth, average sediment grain size and the species Ruditapes philippinarum were the factors that better explained the probability of species occurrence. The population structure analysis indicated that natural mortality is constraining the cockle communities given the low abundance of adult individuals with marketable size in both estuaries. This study highlights the need for appropriate management measures to ensure the sustainability of these bivalve population stocks that have significant socioeconomic importance for local populations.