Percorrer por autor "Perez-Ruzafa, Angel"
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- Assessing, quantifying and valuing the ecosystem services of coastal lagoonsPublication . Newton, Alice; Brito, Ana C.; Icely, John; Derolez, Valerie; Clara, Ines; Angus, Stewart; Schernewski, Gerald; Inacio, Miguel; Lillebo, Ana I.; Sousa, Ana I.; Bejaoui, Bechir; Solidoro, Cosimo; Tosic, Marko; Canedo-Arguelles, Miguel; Yamamuro, Masumi; Reizopoulou, Sofia; Tseng, Hsiao-Chun; Canu, Donata; Roselli, Leonilde; Maanan, Mohamed; Cristina, Sónia; Carolina Ruiz-Fernandez, Ana; de Lima, Ricardo F.; Kjerfve, Bjorn; Rubio-Cisneros, Nadia; Perez-Ruzafa, Angel; Marcos, Concepcion; Pastres, Roberto; Pranovi, Fabio; Snoussi, Maria; Turpie, Jane; Tuchkovenko, Yurii; Dyack, Brenda; Brookes, Justin; Povilanskas, Ramunas; Khokhlov, ValeriyThe natural conservation of coastal lagoons is important not only for their ecological importance, but also because of the valuable ecosystem services they provide for human welfare and wellbeing. Coastal lagoons are shallow semi-enclosed systems that support important habitats such as wetlands, mangroves, salt-marshes and seagrass meadows, as well as a rich biodiversity. Coastal lagoons are also complex social-ecological systems with ecosystem services that provide livelihoods, wellbeing and welfare to humans. This study assessed, quantified and valued the ecosystem services of 32 coastal lagoons. The main findings of the study are: (i) the definitions of ecosystem services are still not generally accepted; (ii) the quantification of ecosystem services is made in many different ways, using different units; (iii) the evaluation in monetary terms of some ecosystem service is problematic, often relying on non-monetary evaluation methods; (iv) when ecosystem services are valued in monetary terms, this may represent very different human benefits; and, (v) different aspects of climate change, including increasing temperature, sea-level rise and changes in rainfall patterns threaten the valuable ecosystem services of coastal lagoons.
- Conservation physiology of marine fishes: state of the art and prospects for policyPublication . McKenzie, David J.; Axelsson, Michael; Chabot, Denis; Claireaux, Guy; Cooke, Steven J.; Corner, Richard A.; De Boeck, Gudrun; Domenici, Paolo; Guerreiro, Pedro M; Hamer, Bojan; Jørgensen, Christian; Killen, Shaun S.; Lefevre, Sjannie; Marras, Stefano; Michaelidis, Basile; Nilsson, Göran E.; Peck, Myron A.; Perez-Ruzafa, Angel; Rijnsdorp, Adriaan D.; Shiels, Holly A.; Steffensen, John F.; Svendsen, Jon C.; Svendsen, Morten B. S.; Teal, Lorna R.; van der Meer, Jaap; Wang, Tobias; Wilson, Jonathan M.; Wilson, Rod W.; Metcalfe, Julian D.The state of the art of research on the environmental physiology of marine fishes is reviewed from the perspective of how it can contribute to conservation of biodiversity and fishery resources. A major constraint to application of physiological knowledge for conservation of marine fishes is the limited knowledge base; international collaboration is needed to study the environmental physiology of a wider range of species. Multifactorial field and laboratory studies on biomarkers hold promise to relate ecophysiology directly to habitat quality and population status. The 'Fry paradigm' could have broad applications for conservation physiology research if it provides a universal mechanism to link physiological function with ecological performance and population dynamics of fishes, through effects of abiotic conditions on aerobic metabolic scope. The available data indicate, however, that the paradigm is not universal, so further research is required on a wide diversity of species. Fish physiologists should interact closely with researchers developing ecological models, in order to investigate how integrating physiological information improves confidence in projecting effects of global change; for example, with mechanistic models that define habitat suitability based upon potential for aerobic scope or outputs of a dynamic energy budget. One major challenge to upscaling from physiology of individuals to the level of species and communities is incorporating intraspecific variation, which could be a crucial component of species' resilience to global change. Understanding what fishes do in the wild is also a challenge, but techniques of biotelemetry and biologging are providing novel information towards effective conservation. Overall, fish physiologists must strive to render research outputs more applicable to management and decision-making. There are various potential avenues for information flow, in the shorter term directly through biomarker studies and in the longer term by collaborating with modellers and fishery biologists.
- Genetic considerations on the introduction of farmed fish in marine protected areas: The case of study of white seabream restocking in the Gulf of Castellammare (Southern Tyrrhenian Sea)Publication . Gonzalez-Wangueemert, Mercedes; Fernandez, Tomas Vega; Perez-Ruzafa, Angel; Giacalone, Maximilian; D'Anna, Giovanni; Badalamenti, FabioHuman exploitation has drastically reduced the abundance and distribution of several marine fish and invertebrate populations through overfishing and habitat destruction. Restocking can potentially mitigate these impacts and help to reconstitute depleted stocks but genetic repercussions must be considered. In the present study, the degree of genetic similarity between white seabream (Diplodus sargus Linnaeus 1758) individuals reared for restocking purposes and the receiving population in the Gulf of Castellammare fishery reserve (Sicily, Italy) was assessed using microsatellites. We also inferred the spatial pattern of the genetic structure of D. sargus and connectivity along Sicilian coasts. The farmed population showed significant heterozygosity deficiency in 6 loci and an important reduction in the number of alleles, which could indicate an incipient inbreeding. Both the farmed population and the target one for restocking (Castellammare fishery reserve), showed high and significant values of genetic differentiation due to different allele frequencies, number of privative alleles and total number of alleles. These findings indicate a low degree of genetic similarity between both populations, therefore this restocking initiative is not advisable. The genetic connectivity pattern, highly consistent with oceanographic currents, identified two distinct metapopulations of white seabream around Sicily. Thus it is recommended to utilize broods from the same metapopulation for restocking purposes to provide a better genetic match to the wild populations.
- Genetic diversity and connectivity remain high in Holothuria polii (Delle Chiaje 1823) across a coastal lagoon-open sea environmental gradientPublication . Vergara-Chen, Carlos; Gonzalez-Wangueemert, Mercedes; Marcos, Concepcion; Perez-Ruzafa, AngelCoastal lagoons represent habitats with widely heterogeneous environmental conditions, particularly as regards salinity and temperature,which fluctuate in both space and time. These characteristics suggest that physical and ecological factors could contribute to the genetic divergence among populations occurring in coastal lagoon and opencoast environments. This study investigates the genetic structure of Holothuria polii at a micro-geographic scale across theMar Menor coastal lagoon and nearbymarine areas, estimating the mitochondrial DNA variation in two gene fragments, cytochrome oxidase I (COI) and 16S rRNA (16S). Dataset of mitochondrial sequences was also used to test the influence of environmental differences between coastal lagoon andmarine waters on population genetic structure. All sampled locations exhibited high levels of haplotype diversity and low values of nucleotide diversity. Both genes showed contrasting signals of genetic differentiation (non-significant differences using COI and slight differences using 16S, which could due to different mutation rates or to differential number of exclusive haplotypes. We detected an excess of recent mutations and exclusive haplotypes, which can be generated as a result of population growth. However, selective processes can be also acting on the gene markers used; highly significant generalized additive models have been obtained considering genetic data from16S gene and independent variables such as temperature and salinity.
- In two waters: contemporary evolution of lagoonal and marine white seabream (Diplodus sargus) populationsPublication . Gonzalez-Wangueemert, Mercedes; Perez-Ruzafa, AngelBrackish water ecosystems are often exposed to wide variations in environmental variables, including temperature and salinity, which may cause strong selective pressures on organisms modifying the genetic patterns of species. The aim of this work was to test whether there is a ‘divergence-with-gene flow’ in coastal lagoon populations of white seabream (Diplodus sargus) (Ria Formosa, S Portugal and Mar Menor, SE Spain) respect to four marine populations, by using partial sequences of cyt b mitochondrial gene and information from nine microsatellite loci. Genetic diversity was highest in both coastal lagoons (Mar Menor and Ria Formosa) considering mitochondrial and nuclear markers. Although some of FST population pairwise comparisons were not significant, analyses of molecular variance (AMOVAs) detected differences between groups (coastal lagoon and marine) close to significance. Also, only two haplotypes (Cytb-17 and Cytb-18) were detected in both coastal lagoon sampling sites and these localities (Mar Menor and Ria Formosa) showed the highest number of singletons, some of them with a high number of mutations, as has been already described for other Mar Menor populations (Pomatochistus marmoratus and Holothuria polii). Also, several tests detected significant positive and balancing selection considering mtDNA and microsatellite data. These data support the hypothesis of selection as one of the drivers of the genetic differences found between coastal lagoon and marine populations. The life strategy adopted by Diplodus sargus in coastal lagoons allows it to decrease its mortality rate and improve the heritability of its genes. Also, the increase time spent in coastal lagoons with different temperatures and salinities favours the fitness selection and the maintenance of exclusive haplotypes and genotypes in coastal lagoon inhabitants favouring the ‘divergence-with-gene-flow’.
- Phosphoglucose isomerase variability of Cerastoderma glaucum as a model for testing the influence of environmental conditions and dispersal patterns through quantitative ecology approachesPublication . Gonzalez-Wangueemert, Mercedes; Canovas, Fernando; Marcos, Concepcion; Perez-Ruzafa, AngelExtreme conditions of coastal lagoons could directly modify the genetic patterns of species. The aim of this work was to investigate the influence of environmental conditions and small scale dispersal patterns on the phosphoglucose isomerase (PGI*) genetic variability of Cerastoderma glaucum from the Mar Menor coastal lagoon. For this purpose, 284 cockles were collected around the perimeter of the lagoon. Vertical polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis was used to scan for PGI* polymorphisms, giving a total of seven alleles. The spatial genetic distribution of the PGI* variability, which seems to be marked by the main circulation in the lagoon, discriminates four hydrological basins. In the central basin, a gradient of allelic composition reflects the circulation forced by the dominant winds and the main channel communicated to the open sea. This result is well supported by the salinity GAM model that defines this gradient. The other three basins are defined by the distribution of fine sand in a more complex model that tries to explain the isolation of the three sites localized inside these basins. The southern, western and northern basins show the lowest degree of interconnection and are considered the most confined areas of the Mar Menor lagoon. This situation agrees with the confinement theory for benthic assemblages in the lagoon. The greater degree of differentiation seen in the Isla del Ciervo population is probably due to recent human intervention on the nearby Marchamalo channel, which has been drained in recent years thus altering the influence of the Mediterranean Sea on the southern basin.
- Phylogeographical history of the white seabream Diplodus sargus (Sparidae): Implications for insularityPublication . Gonzalez-Wangueemert, Mercedes; Froufe, Elsa; Perez-Ruzafa, Angel; Alexandrino, PauloPartial sequences of the mitochondrial control region and its comparison with previously published cytochrome b (cyt-b) and microsatellite data were used to investigate the influence of island isolation and connectivity on white seabream genetic structure. To achieve this, a total of 188 individuals from four island localities (Castellamare and Mallorca, Mediterranean Sea; Azores and Canary Islands, Atlantic Ocean) and five coastal localities (Banyuls, Murcia and Tunisia, Mediterranean Sea; Galicia and Faro, Atlantic Ocean) were analysed. Results showed high haplotype diversity and low to moderate nucleotide diversity in all populations (except for the Canary Islands). This pattern of genetic diversity is attributed to a recent population expansion which is corroborated by other results such as cyt-b network and demographic analyses. Low differentiation among Mediterranean/Atlantic and coastal/island groups was shown by the AMOVA and FST values, although a weak phylogeographic break was detected using cyt-b data. However, we found a clear and significant island/ distance effect with regard to the Azores islands. Significant genetic differentiation has been detected between the Azores islands and all other populations. The large geographical distance between the European continental slope and the Azores islands is a barrier to gene flow within this region and historic events such as glaciation could also explain this genetic differentiation.
- Phyto- and zooplankton dynamics in two ICOLLs from Southern PortugalPublication . Gamito, Sofia; Coelho, Susana; Perez-Ruzafa, AngelFoz do Almargem and Salgados are two small, intermittently closed and open lakes and lagoons (ICOLLs) located in the Portuguese southern coast, both remaining isolated from the sea throughout great part of the year. Based on environmental and biotic parameters, the first lagoon was classified as mesotrophic, with a greater marine influence, while the second one was classified as hypereutrophic. The plankton relations and seasonal variation were examined in both lagoons aiming at understanding the biological patterns here present and relating them with the environmental conditions, as well as inferring possible top-down or bottom-up control in the communities, determining also in which alternative trophic state they are: a clean-water lagoon, with submerged macrophyte vegetation; or a turbid-water lagoon, with only phytoplankton as primary producer. The plankton community greatly differs in the two lagoons. Salgados lagoon presented extremely high concentrations of phytoplankton, which form blooms throughout the year, mostly composed by potential harmful organisms. This lagoon also had very high densities of zooplankton. Phytoplankton and zooplankton density were always lower in Foz do Almargem. Rotifera, Ostracoda and Cladocera dominated the Zooplankton community in Salgados. In Foz do Almargem, Rotifera also dominates, together with other groups, such as annelids, crustaceans and mollusks larvae, which denotes a stronger marine influence. In both lagoons, organisms with body size inferior to 100 mm mainly composed the zooplankton. In Salgados lagoon, excess nutrient load induced a high density of phytoplankton, which is utilized by a high density of zooplankton, following a bottom-up control model. The lagoon clearly showed a permanent turbid-water alternative state due to excess nutrients. On Foz do Almargem, the frequent openings of the inlet throughout the wet season caused strong physical disturbance, which prevented the development of a stable planktonic community.
- Small-scale genetic structure of Cerastoderma glaucum in a lagoonal environment: potential significance of habitat discontinuity and unstable population dynamicsPublication . Vergara-Chen, Carlos; Gonzalez-Wangueemert, Mercedes; Marcos, Concepcion; Perez-Ruzafa, AngelEnvironmental heterogeneity in coastal lagoons is expected to facilitate local adaptation in response to different ecological conditions, causing significant genetic structuring within lagoon populations at a small scale and also differentiation between lagoons. However, these patterns and processes of genetic structuring are still poorly understood. The aims of our study were (1) to seek genetic structure at a small scale in Cerastoderma glaucum inside the Mar Menor coastal lagoon using a mitochondrial DNA marker (COI) that has previously detected genetic differentiation inside the lagoon in other species and (2) to evaluate the influence of extreme environmental conditions and habitat discontinuity on its genetic composition. The results indicate high levels of haplotype diversity and low values of nucleotide diversity. COI data provide evidence of significant population differentiation among some localities within the lagoon. Limited gene flow and unstable population dynamics (i.e. fluctuations in population size caused by local extinction and recolonization), probably due to the high environmental heterogeneity, could generate the small-scale genetic divergence detected between populations within the lagoon.
- Vindicating the biological and socioeconomic importance of coastal lagoons and transitional watersPublication . Marcos, Concepcion; Gamito, Sofia; Umgiesser, Georg; Perez-Ruzafa, AngelThe European Congress on Coastal Lagoons celebrates this year 2018 its fifteen years of existence. Its first edition, in November 2003 in Ferrara (Italy), under the slogan “The Influence of River Basin-Coastal Zone Interactions”, opened a series of actions and opportunities that have been consolidated in the biannual celebration of this meeting, the creation of the Euro-Mediterranean Federation on Coastal Lagoons and the reinforce of national networks as Lagunet. In addition, numerous collaborations have been established in projects, publications and ex- changes that, without a doubt, are having impact in a solid and important advance in the study of these transitional ecosystems.