Search results

Title: Variable responses of temperate calcified and fleshy macroalgae to elevated pCO2 and warming
Description: Anthropogenic carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions simultaneously increase ocean temperatures and reduce ocean surface pH, a process termed ocean acidification (OA). OA is expected to negatively affect the growth and physiology of many calcified organisms, but the response of non-calcified (fleshy) organisms is less well understood. Rising temperatures and pCO2 can enhance photosynthetic rates (within tolerance limits). Therefore, warming may interact with OA to alter biological responses of macroalgae in complicated ways. Beyond thresholds of physiological tolerance, however, rising temperatures could further exacerbate negative responses to OA. Many studies have investigated the effects of OA or warming independently of each other, but few studies have quantified the interactive effects of OA and warming on marine organisms. We conducted four short-term independent factorial CO2 enrichment and warming experiments on six common species of calcified and fleshy macroalgae from southern California to investigate the independent and interactive effects of CO2 and warming on growth, carbonic anhydrase (CA) enzyme activity, pigment concentrations, and photosynthetic efficiency. There was no effect of elevated pCO2 on CA activity, pigment concentration, and photosynthetic efficiency in the macroalgal species studies.However,we found that calcareous algae suffered reduced growth rates under high pCO2 conditions alone, although the magnitude of the effect varied by species. Fleshy algae had mixed responses of growth rates to high pCO2, indicating that the effects of pCO2 enrichment are inconsistent across species. The combined effects of elevated pCO2 and warming had a significantly negative impact on growth for both fleshy and calcareous algae; calcareous algae experienced five times more weight loss than specimens in ambient control conditions and fleshy growth was reduced by 76%. Our results demonstrate the need to study the interactive effects of multiple stressors associated with global change on marine communities., http://icesjms.oxfordjournals.org/content/early/2015/09/25/icesjms.fsv168.abstract, Advanced view
Author: Kram, Price, Donham, Johnson, Kelly, Hamilton, Smith
Date: 2015-09-25T00:00:00Z

Title: Condensation of the isoprenoid and amino precursors in the biosynthesis of domoic acid
Description: Understanding how environmental signals regulate production of domoic acid in blooms of Pseudo-nitzschia spp. at a molecular level requires description of the biochemical pathway to this kainoid neurotoxin. Precursor feeding studies have suggested domoic acid arises from the condensation of the C 10 isoprenoid geranyl diphosphate with glutamate, but the specific reactions leading to domoic acid from these precursors remain undescribed. Here, we develop a method to derivatize domoic acid with propyl chloroformate that enables gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis to measure incorporation of stable isotopes into domoic acid generated in cultures incubated with isotopically-labeled substrates. We apply this method to demonstrate that both 2H from [1- 2H 2]geraniol are incorporated into domoic acid, suggesting that the condensation of geranyl diphosphate with an amino group occurs by nucleophilic substitution of the diphosphate rather than by oxidation of geraniol to the aldehyde before reaction with an amino group to form an imine. Ultimately, these and similar studies will facilitate the identification of DA biosynthetic enzymes and genes which will enable the study of how environmental factors regulate DA biosynthesis at the molecular level. © 2011 Elsevier Ltd., Seaweeds, CODEN: TOXIA
Author: Savage, Smith, Clark, Saucedo
Date: 2012-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: Artisanal fisheries and reproductive biology of the golden cownose ray, Rhinoptera steindachneri Evermann and Jenkins, 1891, in the northern Mexican Pacific,
Description: The golden cownose ray, Rhinoptera steindachneri, was one of the most abundant species landed in artisanal elasmobranch fisheries in the northern Gulf of California (Baja California and Sonora) and Bahía Almejas, Mexico during 1998-1999. In the northern Gulf of California, R. steindachneri was most frequently observed during summer months (11.4% of elasmobranch landings, catch per unit effort (CPUE) = 6.8 individuals/vessel trip) and was rare during winter (0.1%, CPUE = 0.1). In Bahía Almejas, its relative abundance was greater during August (5.2%) than June (0.3%), a trend also evident in CPUE (August = 1.2, June = 0.1). The mean size of R. steindachneri landed in the Gulf of California was 64.3 ± 12.8 (S.D.) cm disc width (DW). Median size at maturity for Gulf of California specimens was similar for females (70.2 cm DW) and males (69.9 cm DW). Fecundity was found to be one offspring per female, with parturition estimated to occur from late June-August. Size at birth was estimated at 38-45 cm DW after a gestation period of approximately 11-12 months. Greater maximum sizes (to 104 cm DW) and embryo sizes (to 43 cm DW) were observed in Bahía Almejas. The large size at maturity, low fecundity, and long gestation period determined for R. steindachneri indicate that this species could be particularly susceptible to overexploitation. © 2006 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved., Cited By (since 1996):20, Fish and Fisheries, CODEN: FISRD, ,
Author: Bizzarro, Smith, Márquez-Farías, Hueter
Date: 2007-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: Southern Ocean Iron Enrichment Experiment,
Description: The availability of iron is known to exert a controlling influence on biological productivity in surface waters over large areas of the ocean and may have been an important factor in the variation of the concentration of atmospheric carbon dioxide over glacial cycles. The effect of iron in the Southern Ocean is particularly important because of its large area and abundant nitrate, yet iron-enhanced growth of phytoplankton may be differentially expressed between waters with high silicic acid in the south and low silicic acid in the north, where diatom growth may be limited by both silicic acid and iron. Two mesoscale experiments, designed to investigate the effects of iron enrichment in regions with high and low concentrations of silicic acid, were performed in the Southern Ocean. These experiments demonstrate iron's pivotal role in controlling carbon uptake and regulating atmospheric partial pressure of carbon dioxide., Cited By (since 1996):316, Oceanography, CODEN: SCIEA, ,
Author: Coale, Johnson, Chavez, Buesseler, Barber, Brzezinski, Cochlan, Millero, Falkowski, Bauer, Wanninkhof, Kudela, Altabet, Hales, Takahashi, Landry, Bidigare, Wang, Chase, Strutton, Friederich, Gorbunov, Lance, Hilting, Hiscock, Demarest, Hiscock, Sullivan, Tanner, Gordon, Hunter, Elrod, Fitzwater, Jones, Tozzi, Koblizek, Roberts, Herndon, Brewster, Ladizinsky, Smith, Cooper, Timothy, Brown, Selph, Sheridan, Twining, Johnson
Date: 2004-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: Developing standards for dissolved iron in seawater
Description: Cited By (since 1996):114
Author: Johnson, Boyle, Bruland, Coale, Measures, Moffett, Aguilar-Islas, Barbeau, Bergquist, Bowie, Buck, Cai, Chase, Cullen, Doi, Elrod, Fitzwater, Gordon, King, Laan, Laglera-Baquer, Landing, Lohan, Mendez, Milne, Obata, Ossiander, Plant, Sarthou, Sedwick, Smith, Sohst, Tanner, Van den Berg, Wu
Date: 2007-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: Species-specific consequences of ocean acidification for the calcareous tropical green algae Halimeda
Description: Ocean acidification (OA), resulting from increasing dissolved carbon dioxide (CO2) in surface waters, is likely to affect many marine organisms, particularly those that calcify. Recent OA studies have demonstrated negative and/or differential effects of reduced pH on growth, development, calcification and physiology, but most of these have focused on taxa other than calcareous benthic macroalgae. Here we investigate the potential effects of OA on one of the most common coral reef macroalgal genera, Halimeda. Species of Halimeda produce a large proportion of the sand in the tropics and are a major contributor to framework development on reefs because of their rapid calcium carbonate production and high turnover rates. On Palmyra Atoll in the central Pacific, we conducted a manipulative bubbling experiment to investigate the potential effects of OA on growth, calcification and photophysiology of 2 species of Halimeda. Our results suggest that Halimeda is highly susceptible to reduced pH and aragonite saturation state but the magnitude of these effects is species specific. H. opuntia suffered net dissolution and 15% reduction in photosynthetic capacity, while H. taenicola did not calcify but did not alter photophysiology in experimental treatments. The disparate responses of these species to elevated CO2 partial pressure (pCO2) may be due to anatomical and physiological differences and could represent a shift in their relative dominance in the face of OA. The ability for a species to exert biological control over calcification and the species specific role of the carbonate skeleton may have important implications for the potential effects of OA on ecological function in the future. © 2011 Inter-Research., Cited By (since 1996):12, Seaweeds, CODEN: MESED
Author: Price, Hamilton, Tootell, Smith
Date: 2011-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: Maturity and growth characteristics of a commercially exploited stingray, Dasyatis dipterura,
Description: Maturity and growth characteristics were estimated for Dasyatis dipterura from western Mexico, where it is a common component of artisanal elasmobranch fisheries. Median disc width at maturity was estimated as 57.3 cm for females (n = 126) and 46.5 cm for males (n = 55) respectively. Age estimates were obtained from 304 fishery-derived specimens (169 female, 135 male). An annual pattern of band-pair deposition was validated through modified centrum edge and marginal increment analyses. Gompertz, polynomial and von Bertalanffy growth models were fit to disc width and weight-at-age data. Resulting models were evaluated based on biological rationale, standard error of model estimates, and Akaike's information criteria. Growth characteristics differed significantly between females and males. Maximum age estimates were 28 years for females and 19 years for males. Three-parameter von Bertalanffy growth models of disc width-at-age data generated the most appropriate fits and produced relatively low estimates of instantaneous growth rates for females (DW∞ = 92.4 cm, k = 0.05, t0 = -7.61, DW0 = 31.4 cm) and males (DW ∞ = 62.2 cm, k = 0.10, t0 = -6.80, DW0 = 31.3 cm). These values are the lowest reported for myliobatiform stingrays and indicate slow growth rates in comparison with elasmobranchs in general. © CSIRO 2007., Cited By (since 1996):25, CODEN: AJMFA, ,
Author: Smith, Cailliet, Melendez
Date: 2007-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: Glacial meltwater dynamics in coastal waters west of the Antarctic peninsula,
Description: The annual advance and retreat of sea ice has been considered a major physical determinant of spatial and temporal changes in the structure of the Antarctic coastal marine ecosystem. However, the role of glacial meltwater on the hydrography of the Antarctic Peninsula ecosystem has been largely ignored, and the resulting biological effects have only been considered within a few kilometers from shore. Through several lines of evidence collected in conjunction with the Palmer Station Long-Term Ecological Research Project, we show that the freshening and warming of the coastal surface water over the summer months is influenced not solely by sea ice melt, as suggested by the literature, but largely by the influx of glacial meltwater. Moreover, the seasonal variability in the amount and extent of the glacial meltwater plume plays a critical role in the functioning of the biota by influencing the physical dynamics of the water (e.g., water column stratification, nearshore turbidity). From nearly a decade of observations (1991-1999), the presence of surface meltwater is correlated not only to phytoplankton blooms nearshore, but spatially over 100 km off-shore. The amount of meltwater will also have important secondary effects on the ecosystem by influencing the timing of sea ice formation. Because air temperatures are statistically increasing along the Antarctic Peninsula region, the presence of glacial meltwater is likely to become more prevalent in these surface waters and continue to play an ever-increasing role in driving this fragile ecosystem., Cited By (since 1996):69, CODEN: PNASA, ,
Author: Dierssen, Smith, Vernet
Date: 2002-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: Trace metals in mussels transplanted to San Francisco Bay,
Description: Mussels (Mytilus californianus) transplanted to San Francisco Bay exhibited elevated trace metal concentrations compared with those in other mussel watch studies on the west coast of the United States. The highest concentrations of Ag, Cu, Hg, Mn, Pb and Zn were at the South Bay stations, and often in the Redwood Creek area. Ag and Hg concentrations were linearly correlated with station distance from the North Bay (San Pablo Bay), indicating that the South Bay is a major reservoir of these pollutants within San Francisco Bay. © 1986., Cited By (since 1996):7, CODEN: ETOCD, ,
Author: Smith, Stephenson, Flegal
Date: 1986-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: Cytometric quantification of nitrate reductase by immunolabeling in the marine diatom Skeletonema costatum,
Description: Background: The uptake of nitrate by phytoplankton is a central issue in biological oceanography due to its importance to primary production and vertical flux of biogenic carbon. Nitrate reductase catalyzes the first step of nitrate assimilation, the reduction of NO'3 to NO 2. A cytometric protocol to detect and quantify relative changes in nitrate reductase (NR) protein content of the marine centric diatom Skeletonema costatum is presented. Methods: Immunolabeling of NR protein was achieved with polyclonal antibodies raised against S. costatum NR. Antisera specific to a NR protein subunit and to a NR polypeptide sequence were compared and cytometric results of NR protein abundance were related to Western analyses. Changes in cellular NR abundance and activity were followed during an upwelling simulation experiment in which S. costatum was exposed to a shift from ammonia to nitrate as major nitrogen source. Results: NR protein could be detected in NO 3-grown cells and at extremely low levels hardly discernible by Western Blot densiometry in NH 4-grown cells. The protocol allowed observation of early stages of NR induction during an upwelling simulation. NR abundance increased after the nutrient shift to reach a new physiological 'steady- state' 96 hrs later. NR activity exhibited diel variation with maxima at mid- day. NR abundance as estimated by both flow cytometry and Western analysis exhibited a hyperbolic relationship to NR activity. This pattern suggests post-translational activation of NR protein. Conclusions: The presented protocol allows the differentiation of NH 4- versus NO 3-grown algae as well as the monitoring of early stages in the induction of nitrate assimilatory capacities. (C) 2000 Wiley-Liss, Inc., Cited By (since 1996):8 Seaweeds, CODEN: CYTOD, ,
Author: Jochem, Smith, Gao, Zimmerman, Cabello-Pasini, Kohrs, Alberte
Date: 2000-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: Determination of tributyltin in tissues and sediments by graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry,
Description: A method for the determination of tributyltin (TBT) in tissue and sediments has been developed for environmental samples. The technique involves extraction with methylene chloride and isolation of TBT from mono- and dibutyltin with a sodium hydroxide wash. The TBT is then back extracted and converted to elemental Sn with nitric acid. Analysis is by Zeeman graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Recoveries of spiked samples were between 99 % and 111% for mussel and fish tissues and 72% and 99% for various sediments. The limit of quantification was 0.0025 μg/g for tissue (on a wet weight basis). This technique was developed in response to our need to process large numbers of environmental samples with a minimum time investment., Cited By (since 1996):9, ,
Author: Stephenson, Smith
Date: 1988-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: Domoic acid contamination within eight representative species from the benthic food web of Monterey Bay, California, USA
Description: Benthic food webs often derive a significant fraction of their nutrient inputs from phytoplankton in the overlying waters. If the phytoplankton include harmful algal species like Pseudonitzschia australis, a diatom capable of producing the neurotoxin domoic acid (DA), the benthic food web can become a depository for phycotoxins. We tested the general hypothesis that DA contaminates benthic organisms during local blooms of P. australis, a widespread toxin producer along the US west coast. To test for trophic transfer and uptake of DA into the benthic food web, we sampled 8 benthic species comprising 4 feeding groups: filter feeders (Emerita analoga and Urechis caupo); a predator (Citharichthys sordidus); scavengers (Nassarius fossatus and Pagurus samuelis) and deposit feeders (Neotrypaea californiensis, Dendraster excentricus and Olivella biplicata). Sampling occurred before, during and after blooms of P. australis in Monterey Bay, CA, USA during 2000 and 2001. DA was detected in all 8 species, with contamination persisting over variable time scales. Maximum DA levels in N. fossatus (674 ppm), E. analoga (278 ppm), C. sordidus (515 ppm), TV. californiensis (145 ppm), P. samuelis (56 ppm), D. excentricus (15 ppm) and O. biplicata (3 ppm) coincided with P. australis blooms, while DA levels in U. caupo remained above 200 ppm (max. = 751 ppm) throughout the study period. DA in 6 species exceeded levels thought to be safe for higher level consumers (i.e. ≥20 ppm) and thus is likely to have deleterious effects on marine birds, sea lions and the endangered California sea otter, known to prey upon these benthic species. © Inter-Research 2008., Cited By (since 1996):17, Ecology, CODEN: MESED
Author: Kvitek, Goldberg, Smith, Doucette, Silver
Date: 2008-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: How many organisms are in ballast water discharge?: A framework for validating and selecting compliance monitoring tools
Description: As regulations governing the discharge of living organisms in ships' ballast water enter into force, tools to rapidly and easily measure compliance with the discharge standards will be essential. To assess, validate, and select compliance tools, a framework-consisting of three parts-is presented: proof-of-concept, validation and verification, and final selection stages. Next, a case study describing the proof-of-concept stage is discussed. Specifically, variable fluorescence was evaluated as an approach for determining compliance with the discharge standard for living organisms ≥10. μm and <50. μm (typically protists). Preliminary laboratory experiments were conducted, which were followed by an expert workshop to gauge the feasibility of this approach and propose hypothetical thresholds indicating when the discharge standard is undoubtedly exceeded. Subsequently, field trials were conducted to assess this approach and recommended thresholds. All results were favorable, indicating the validation and verification stages are merited to further evaluate fluorometers as compliance monitoring tools. © 2014.
Author: Drake, Tamburri, First, Smith, Johengen
Date: 2014-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: Evaluating the farming/language dispersal hypothesis with genetic variation exhibited by populations in the Southwest and Mesoamerica,
Description: The Farming/Language Dispersal Hypothesis posits that prehistoric population expansions, precipitated by the innovation or early adoption of agriculture, played an important role in the uneven distribution of language families recorded across the world. In this case, the most widely spread language families today came to be distributed at the expense of those that havemore restricted distributions. In the Americas, Uto-Aztecan is one such language family that may have been spread across Mesoamerica and the American Southwest by ancient farmers. We evaluated this hypothesis with a large-scale study of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) and Y-chromosomal DNA variation in indigenous populations from these regions. Partial correlation coefficients, determined with Mantel tests, show that Y-chromosome variation in indigenous populations from the American Southwest and Mesoamerica correlates significantly with linguistic distances (r = 0.33-0.384; P < 0.02), whereas mtDNA diversity correlates significantly with only geographic distance (r = 0.619; P = 0.002). The lack of correlation between mtDNA and Y-chromosome diversity is consistent with differing population histories ofmales and females in these regions. Although unlikely, if groups of Uto-Aztecan speakers were responsible for the northward spread of agriculture and their languages from Mesoamerica to the Southwest, this migration was possibly biased tomales. However, a recent in situ population expansion within the American Southwest (2,105 years before present; 99.5% confidence interval = 1,273-3,773 YBP), one that probably followed the introduction and intensification of maize agriculture in the region, may have blurred ancient mtDNA patterns, which might otherwise have revealed a closer genetic relationship between females in the Southwest and Mesoamerica., Cited By (since 1996):16, CODEN: PNASA, ,
Author: Kemp, González-Oliver, Malhi, Monroe, Schroeder, McDonough, Rhett, Resendéz, Peñaloza-Espinosa, Buentello-Malo, Gorodesky, Smith
Date: 2010-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: The Applicability of Sonars for Habitat Mapping: a Bibliography
Author: Smith, McConnaughey

Title: Age and growth studies of chondrichthyan fishes,
Description: Validated age and growth estimates are important for constructing age-structured population dynamic models of chondrichthyan fishes, especially those which are exploited. We review age and growth studies of chondrichthyan fishes, using 28 recent studies to identify areas where improvements can be made in describing the characteristics of ageing structures (both traditional and novel) utilized to estimate ages of sharks, rays, and chimaeras. The topics identified that need consistency include the: (1) terminology used to describe growth features; (2) methods used to both verify and validate age estimates from chondrichthyan calcified structures, especially edge and marginal increment analyses; and (3) the functions used to produce and describe growth parameters, stressing the incorporation of size at birth (L0) and multiple functions to characterize growth characteristics, age at maturity and longevity. © 2006 Springer Science+Business Media, Inc., Cited By (since 1996):76, Fish and Fisheries, CODEN: EBFID, ,
Author: Cailliet, Smith, Mollet, Goldman
Date: 2006-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: Temperature dependence of nitrate reductase activity in marine phytoplankton: Biochemical analysis and ecological implications,
Description: The temperature dependence of NADH:NR activity was examined in several marine phytoplankton species and vascular plants. These species inhabit divergent thermal environments, including the chromophytes Skeletonema costatum (12-15°C), Skeletonema tropicum (18-25°C), Thalassiosira antarctica (-2 to 4°C), and Phaeocystis antarctica (-2 to 4°C), the green alga Dunaliella tertiolecta (14-28°C), and the vascular plants Cucurbita maxima (20-35°C) and Zea mays (20-25°C). Despite the difference in growth habitats, similar temperature response curves were observed among the chromophytic phytoplankton, with temperatures optimal for NR activity being between 10-20°C. In contrast, the chlorophyll b-containing alga and vascular plants exhibited optimal temperatures for NR activity above 30°C. Such dramatic differences in NR thermal characteristics from the two taxonomic groups reflect a divergence in NR structure that may be associated with the evolutionary diversification of chromophytes and chlorophytes. Further, it suggests a potential contribution of the thermal performance of NR to the geographic distributions, seasonal abundance patterns, and species composition of phytoplankton communities. NR partial activities, which assess the individual functions of Mo-pterin and FAD domains, were evaluated on NR purified from S. costatum to determine the possible causes for high temperature (>20°C) inactivation of NR from chromophytes. It was found that the FAD domain and electron transport among redox centers were sensitive to elevated temperatures. S. costatum cells grown at 5, 15, and 25°C exhibited an identical optimal temperature (15°C) for NADH:NR activity, whereas the maximal NR activity and NR protein levels differed and were positively correlated with growth temperature and growth rate. These findings demonstrate that thermal acclimation of NO 3 - reduction capacity is largely at the level of NR protein expression. The consequences of these features on NO 3 - utilization are discussed., Cited By (since 1996):26, Seaweeds, Oceanography, CODEN: JPYLA, ,
Author: Gao, Smith, Alberte
Date: 2000-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: An evaluation of ISFET sensors for coastal pH monitoring applications
Description: Abstract The accuracy and precision of ion sensitive field effect transistor (ISFET) pH sensors have been well documented, but primarily by ocean chemistry specialists employing the technology at single locations. Here we examine their performance in a network context through comparison to discrete measurements of pH, using different configurations of the Honeywell DuraFET pH sensor deployed in six coastal settings by operators with a range of experience. Experience of the operator had the largest effect on performance. The average difference between discrete and ISFET pH was 0.005 pH units, but ranged from −0.030 to 0.083 among operators, with more experienced operators within ± 0.02 pH units of the discrete measurement. In addition, experienced operators achieved a narrower range of variance in difference between discrete bottle measurements and ISFET sensor readings compared to novice operators and novice operators had a higher proportion of data failing quality control screening. There were no statistically significant differences in data uncertainty associated with sensor manufacturer or deployment environment (pier-mounted, flowthrough system, and buoy-mounted). The variation we observed among operators highlights the necessity of best practices and training when instruments are to be used in a network where comparison across data streams is desired. However, while opportunities remain for improving the performance of the ISFET sensors when deployed by less experienced operators, the uncertainty associated with their deployment and validation was several-fold less than the observed natural temporal variability in pH, demonstrating the utility of these sensors in tracking local changes in acidification.
Author: McLaughlin, Dickson, Weisberg, Coale, Elrod, Hunter, Johnson, Kram, Kudela, Martz, Negrey, Passow, Shaughnessy, Smith, Tadesse, Washburn, Weis
Date: 2017-04-01T00:00:00Z

Title: Rapid enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for detection of the algal toxin domoic acid,
Description: Domoic acid (DA) is a potent toxin produced by bloom-forming phytoplankton in the genus Pseudo-nitzschia, which is responsible for causing amnesic shellfish poisoning (ASP) in humans. ASP symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea, and in more severe cases confusion, loss of memory, disorientation, and even coma or death. This paper describes the development and validation of a rapid, sensitive, enzyme linked immunosorbent assay test kit for detecting DA using a monoclonal antibody. The assay gives equivalent results to those obtained using standard high performance liquid chromatography, fluorenylmethoxycarbonyl high performance liquid chromatography, or liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry methods. It has a linear range from 0.1-3 ppb and was used successfully to measure DA in razor clams, mussels, scallops, and phytoplankton. The assay requires approximately 1.5 h to complete and has a standard 96-well format where each strip of eight wells is removable and can be stored at 4°C until needed. The first two wells of each strip serve as an internal control eliminating the need to run a standard curve. This allows as few as 3 or as many as 36 duplicate samples to be run at a time enabling real-time sample processing and limiting degradation of DA, which can occur during storage. There was minimal cross-reactivity in this assay with glutamine, glutamic acid, kainic acid, epi- or iso-DA. This accurate, rapid, cost-effective, assay offers environmental managers and public health officials an effective tool for monitoring DA concentrations in environment samples., Cited By (since 1996):7, CODEN: JSHRD, ,
Author: Litaker, Stewart, Eberhart, Wekell, Trainer, Kudela, Miller, Roberts, Hertz, Johnson, Frankfurter, Smith, Schnetzer, Schumacker, Bastian, Odell, Gentien, Le Gal, Hardison, Tester
Date: 2008-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: Quantifying patterns of fish herbivory on Palmyra Atoll (USA), an uninhabited predator-dominated central Pacific coral reef
Description: On many coral reefs, herbivorous fish play an essential role in regulating algal growth and influencing the outcome of coral-algal competition. Working on a remote predator-dominated coral reef on Palmyra Atoll, USA, we used behavioral foraging observations to quantify the roles of common parrotfish and surgeonfish in the roving herbivore guild. We recorded species-specific bite rates on different benthic organisms, quantified the relative abundance of those benthic organisms, and estimated benthos-specific grazing intensities as a function of bite rates, fish abundance, and percent cover. These grazing metrics were compared between the exposed fore reef (∼10 m depth) and protected reef terrace (∼5 m depth) habitats. We observed large differences in feeding rates and substrate selectivity among fish species. Most species fed predominately on algal turfs; however, some species foraged broadly among fleshy macroalgal taxa, while others specialized on calcified green algae of the genus Halimeda. The highest bite rates were recorded from species targeting algal turfs, while the highest rates of defecation were recorded from species targeting Halimeda. Per capita bite rates of all species were higher in the fore reef habitat (mean 45% more bites min-1); however, overall grazing intensities on turf algae (bites cm-2 d-1) were 5 times higher on the reef terrace than on the fore reef. Despite habitat-specific differences in the herbivore assemblages, the estimated distribution of total bites showed consistency among habitats, with strong guild-level positive foraging selectivity for algal turf. Comparisons of bite and defecation rate data for these herbivores across the Indo-Pacific highlight phylogenetic constraints on grazing activities. Overall, this study illustrates the importance of herbivore functional redundancy, variability in species-specific grazing, and provides a framework for assessing guildwide grazing impacts on coral reefs. © Inter-Research 2014.
Author: Hamilton, Smith, Price, Sandin

Title: Causality of an extreme harmful algal bloom in Monterey Bay, California, during the 2014–2016 northeast Pacific warm anomaly
Description: An ecologically and economically disruptive harmful algal bloom (HAB) affected much of the northeast Pacific margin in 2015, during a prolonged oceanic warm anomaly. Caused by diatoms of the genus Pseudo-nitzschia, this HAB produced the highest particulate concentrations of the biotoxin domoic acid (DA) ever recorded in Monterey Bay, California. Bloom inception followed strong upwelling during the spring transition, which introduced nutrients and eliminated the warm anomaly locally. Subsequently, moderate and intermittent upwelling created favorable conditions for growth and accumulation of HAB biomass, which was dominated by a highly toxigenic species, P. australis. High cellular DA concentrations were associated with available nitrogen for DA synthesis coincident with silicate exhaustion. This nutrient influence resulted from two factors: (1) disproportionate depletion of silicate in upwelling source waters during the warm anomaly, the most severe depletion observed in 24 years, and (2) silicate uptake by the dense diatom bloom., Published
Author: Bowers, Smith

Title: The artisanal elasmobranch fishery on the east coast of Baja California, Mexico: Characteristics and management considerations,
Description: The Mexican elasmobranch fishery ranks among the most important in the world, but details associated with fishing effort and species composition are generally unavailable, particularly for the extensive artisanal fishery. Seasonal surveys were conducted during 1998-1999 in the state of Baja California to determine the extent and activities of the artisanal elasmobranch fishery along its Gulf of California coast. Artisanal fishermen were highly opportunistic, and temporally switched targets depending on the local abundance of teleost, invertebrate, and elasmobranch fisheries resources. At least 17 species of shark, 13 species of ray, and 2 species of skate were identified among the 4495 specimens observed. Small, coastal sharks and rays were typically landed with bottom set gillnets during all surveyed seasons (spring-autumn) and large sharks were targeted with surface set (drift) gillnets during summer and autumn. Sharks and rays contributed similarly to elasmobranch landings, comprising 50.9% and 48.3%, respectively, of the total recorded catch. Overall landings were dominated by mustelid sharks (Mustelus henlei, Mustelus spp.) and the shovelnose guitarfish (Rhinobatos productus), with Alopias pelagicus, Gymnura spp., Heterodontus mexicanus, Mobula munkiana, Myliobatis californica, and Squatina californica also representing important components of the landings. Alopias vulpinus had previously been unreported for the Gulf of California and a new maximum size record was documented for Myliobatis longirostris. Catch rates (mean elasmobranchs/vessel/trip ± standard error) were lowest during autumn (17.4 ± 3.9) and highest in spring (35.3 ± 14.1). Adult, commonly gravid, A. pelagicus, Carcharhinus falciformis, and R. productus females comprised a disproportionately greater component of the landings than did their male counterparts. Given the decades of largely unrestricted exploitation of elasmobranchs in Mexican waters, population declines and shifts in size structure are likely to have occurred among those species with the lowest fecundity and latest ages at maturity., Cited By (since 1996):13, Fish and Fisheries, La pesca artesanal de elasmobranquios en la costa oriental de Baja California, México: Características y consideraciones de manejo, ,
Author: Smith, Bizzarro, Cailliet
Date: 2009-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: Alliance for coastal technologies: Advancing moored pCO2 instruments in coastal waters
Description: The Alliance for Coastal Technologies (ACT) has been established to support innovation and to provide the information required to select the most appropriate tools for studying and monitoring coastal and ocean environments. ACT is a consortium of nationally prominent ocean science and technology institutions and experts who provide credible performance data of these technologies through third-party, objective testing. ACT technology verifications include laboratory and field tests over short- and long-term deployments of commercial technologies in diverse environments to provide unequivocal, unbiased confirmation that technologies meet key performance requirements. ACT demonstrations of new technologies validate the technology concept and help eliminate performance problems before operational introduction. ACT's most recent demonstration of pCO2 sensors is an example of how ACT advances the evolution of ocean observing technologies, in this case to address the critical issue of ocean acidification, and promotes more informed decision making on technology capabilities and choices., Cited By (since 1996):1, Oceanography
Author: Tamburri, Johengen, Atkinson, Schar, Robertson, Purcell, Smith, Pinchuk, Buckley
Date: 2011-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: Can stormwater be detected by algae in an urban reef in Hawai'i?,
Description: Nitrogen (N) enrichment of tropical reefs can result in the dominance of invasive algae. The invasive alga Acanthophora spicifera and the native alga Laurencia nidifica are part of a diverse reef assemblage in 'Ewa Beach, O'ahu. Their N contents and δ15N values were investigated to determine if N was enriched and to evaluate potential nitrogenous sources near and removed from storm-drain outlets. δ15N values of algae (3.8-17.7‰) were within and above the range for algae around the island (1.9-11.9‰). Elevated algae N isotope values (δ15N>+7‰, [N]>1.6%) and seawater nitrate+nitrite levels (0.59-7.93μM) indicated a mixed, high nutrient environment. The overlap in δ15N values with multiple nitrogenous sources precluded identification. However, spatial and temporal patterns did not support stormwater as the dominant, nitrogenous source. Patterns were congruent with algal incorporation of terrestrial derived N, subjected to a high degree of biogeochemical cycling. © 2013 Elsevier Ltd., Seaweeds, CODEN: MPNBA, ,
Author: Cox, Smith, Popp, Foster, Abbott
Date: 2013-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: Genetic differences between two growth-forms of Lithophyllum margaritae (Rhodophyta) in Baja California Sur, Mexico,
Description: Unattached, nongeniculate, coralline algae or rhodoliths exhibit a range of morphological variability seemingly dependent on environmental factors. Rhodoliths have an extensive fossil record, and environmentally dependent characteristics make them potentially reliable paleoindicators. Species of the rhodolith-forming genus Lithophyllum Philippi in Baja California Sur, Mexico were recently consolidated into one species. Under the new classification, L. margaritae (Hariot) Heydrich consists of several growth forms presumably reflecting local environmental conditions. We examined the genetic structure of four populations of this species using amplified fragment length polymorphisms (AFLP) to characterize the extent of genetic variation associated with foliose and fruticose growth forms. AFLP band sharing analysis revealed that foliose growth forms exhibited consistently higher intrapopulation similarities (0.75-0.85) than fruticose growth forms (similarity range, 0.55-0.67). This trend was also evident in comparisons of geographically isolated populations. These data indicate that the two morphologies are genetically distinct and that genetic exchange between foliose and fruticose growth forms of L. margaritae may be limited. Consequently, rhodolith growth forms appear to be the result of an interplay between both genetic makeup and environmental conditions., Cited By (since 1996):5, CODEN: JPYLA, ,
Author: Schaeffer, Smith, Foster, DeTomaso
Date: 2002-01-01T00:00:00Z

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