Scottish Association for Marine Science

About: Scottish Association for Marine Science is a facility organization based out in Oban, United Kingdom. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Sea ice & Benthic zone. The organization has 524 authors who have published 1765 publications receiving 70783 citations. The organization is also known as: SAMS & Scottish Marine Station for Scientific Research.

Modelling dynamic ecosystems: venturing beyond boundaries with the Ecopath approach

Abstract: Thirty years of progress using the Ecopath with Ecosim (EwE) approach in different fields such as ecosystem impacts of fishing and climate change, emergent ecosystem dynamics, ecosystem-based management, and marine conservation and spatial planning were showcased November 2014 at the conference “Ecopath 30 years-modelling dynamic ecosystems: beyond boundaries with EwE”. Exciting new developments include temporal-spatial and end-to-end modelling, as well as novel applications to environmental impact analyses, in both aquatic and terrestrial domains. A wide range of plug-ins have been added to extend the diagnostic capabilities of EwE, and the scientific community is applying EwE to a diversified range of topics besides fishing impact assessments, such as the development of scientific advice for management, the analysis of conservation issues, and the evaluation of cumulative impacts of environmental and human activities in marine food webs (including habitat modification and the invasion of alien species). Especially promising is the new potential to include the EwE model in integrated assessments with other models such as those related to climate change research. However, there are still many challenges, including the communication of scientific results in management procedures. In addition, other important scientific issues are how to improve model result validation and perform model quality control. During the conference, the Ecopath International Research and Development Consortium was presented as a way for the EwE user community to become involved in the long-term sustainability of the EwE approach. Overall, exciting times are facing the ecosystem modelling scientific community, and as illustrated by the conference: synergistic cooperation is the future path for the EwE approach.

Intracellular bacteria associated with the ascidian Ecteinascidia turbinata: phylogenetic and in situ hybridisation analysis

Abstract: The ascidian Ecteinascidia turbinata (Herdman) is a colonial sea squirt found in the Caribbean and Mediterranean Seas. In the present study, the bacterial complement of E. turbinata has been assessed by 16S rRNA gene analysis and the most commonly occurring strains identified by restriction fragment length polymorphism. Three strains were found to predominate using this approach, with one representing >50% of clones from both larval and adult material. The 16S rRNA gene sequence of the most commonly occurring strain did not match with any known bacterial sequences and could only be assigned to the γ-proteobacteria subdivision. The two other frequently occurring strains were assigned to the Mollicutes. In situ hybridisation analysis with eubacterial probes to 16S rRNA revealed the presence of apparently endosymbiotic bacteria in adult and larval tissue, and electron microscopy confirmed the presence of putative bacteriocytes in the larval tissue. The presence of the same bacteria in the brooded larvae suggested that they were vertically transmitted from parent to offspring. Further hybridisation using a novel probe designed to be specific to the 16S rRNA sequence of the dominant strain, highlighted the same cell types as that revealed by the eubacterial probe. The results suggest that the bacteria represent a novel strain, denoted "Candidatus Endoecteinascidia frumentensis", and that they may have an important role in the biology of E. turbinata.

Benthic effects of offshore renewables: identification of knowledge gaps and urgently needed research

Abstract: As the EU's commitment to renewable energy is projected to grow to 20% of energy generation by 2020, the use of marine renewable energy from wind, wave and tidal resources is increasing. This literature review (233 studies) (i) summarizes knowledge on how marine renewable energy devices affect benthic environments, (ii) explains how these effects could alter ecosystem processes that support major ecosystem services and (iii) provides an approach to determine urgent research needs. Conceptual diagrams were set up to structure hypothesized cause-effect relationships (i.e. paths). Paths were scored for (i) temporal and spatial scale of the effect, (ii) benthic sensitivity to these effects, (iii) the effect consistency and iv) scoring confidence, and consecutively ranked. This approach identified prominent knowledge gaps and research needs about (a) hydrodynamic changes possibly resulting in altered primary production with potential consequences for filter feeders, (b) the introduction and range expansion of non-native species (through stepping stone effects) and, (c) noise and vibration effects on benthic organisms. Our results further provide evidence that benthic sensitivity to offshore renewable effects is higher than previously indicated. Knowledge on changes of ecological functioning through cascading effects is limited and requires distinct hypothesis-driven research combined with integrative ecological modelling.

Risk assessment of hull fouling as a vector for marine non-natives in Scotland

Abstract: To determine the importance of recreational boating as a vector for distributing marine organisms, including non-native species, the extent of hull fouling species on recreational yachts in Scotland was assessed. In August 2006, up to 100 yachts in each of the ten largest marinas in Scotland were ranked using a fouling index. 23 yacht owners were asked a questionnaire to determine the importance of general characteristics of the yacht and its travel history in relation to the level of hull fouling. 59 % of the yachts surveyed were found to have macrofouling attached to their hulls, suggesting that recreational boating has a high potential for distributing marine species throughout Scotland. Increased age of the antifouling paint, as well as long stationary periods and reduced sailing activity increase the risk of macrofouling species attaching to hulls. Recreational boating must be considered as a high risk vector for non-native species in Scotland.

A review of reported seaweed diseases and pests in aquaculture in Asia

Abstract: Department of Life Sciences, Natural History Museum, London, UK Aquaculture Department, Southeast Asian Fisheries Development Center, Iloilo, Philippines Scottish Association for Marine Science, Scottish Marine Institute, Oban, UK University of the Philippines Visayas, College of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences Institute of Aquaculture, Iloilo, Philippines Marine Biotechnology Unit, Institute of Ocean and Earth Sciences (IOES), University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia Botany Department, University of Dar es Salaam, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania Cefas, Dorset, UK