Loading...
2 results
Search Results
Now showing 1 - 2 of 2
- Benthic food webs support the production of sympatric flatfish larvae in estuarine nursery habitatPublication . Dias, Ester; Morais, Pedro; Faria, Ana M.; Antunes, C.; Hoffman, Joel C.Identifying nursery habitats is of paramount importance to define proper management and conservation strategies for flatfish species. Flatfish nursery studies usually report upon habitat occupation, but few attempted to quantify the importance of those habitats to larvae development. The reliance of two sympatric flatfish species larvae, the European flounder Platichthys flesus and the common sole Solea solea, on the estuarine food web (benthic versus pelagic), was determined through carbon and nitrogen stable isotope analysis. The organic matter sources supporting the production of P.flesus and S.solea larvae biomass originates chiefly in the benthic food web. However, these species have significantly different C-13 and N-15 values which suggest that they prey on organisms that use a different mixture of sources or assimilate different components from similar OM pools (or both).
- Blackfordia virginica in non-native distribution range: A potential food Source for humans?Publication . Cruz, Mariana; e Sousa de Aguilar Dias, Sofia Ester; Custódio, Luísa; Encarnação, João Pedro da Silva; Cruz, Joana; Baptista, Vânia; Teodosio, MariaThe seasonal occurrence of the Black Sea jellyfish Blackfordia virginica Mayer, 1910 blooms is a reason of concern in the Guadiana estuary in the South of Portugal (South-West Europe), causing considerable economic and ecological impacts to fisheries. Due to jellyfish biochemical properties, they may represent an opportunity as an alternative food source for humans. In this context, this work evaluated the nutritional profile of B. virginica (proximate composition, amino acids, minerals, and fatty acids methyl ester content). Blackfordia virginica biomass may be adequate for human consumption, as it has nutritional properties resembling other edible jellyfish species, with relevant levels of minerals, moderate content in crude protein, low-fat content, and a low energetic value. The high Cd levels in the biomass of B. virginica from the Guadiana Estuary may compromise its safety as a food source. Moreover, if these jellyfishes are proven as an edible invasive species, their management through fisheries should evaluate the cost effectiveness of investments.