University Marine Biological Station Millport

About: University Marine Biological Station Millport is a based out in . It is known for research contribution in the topics: Burrow & Nephrops norvegicus. The organization has 200 authors who have published 388 publications receiving 13258 citations. The organization is also known as: FSC Millport.

Separation of the haemocyte populations of Carcinus maenas and other marine decapods, and prophenoloxidase distribution.

Abstract: Three morphologically distinct populations of haemocytes; the granular, semigranular and hyaline cells; were isolated from the haemolymph of Carcinus maenas and other decapod crustaceans by density gradient centrifugation. Cell lysis and coagulation during separation were prevented, without significant loss of cell viability, by the use of citrate/EDTA buffer at low pH as an anticoagulant. Biochemical analyses of the haemocyte fractions revealed that prophenoloxidase is present in the granular and semigranular cells, but not the hyaline cells, and, thus, is a useful marker for cell purity in the hyaline haemocyte populations. A method for rapidly detecting prophenoloxidase contamination of the hyaline cells using L-dopa and trypsin in drop assay is described.

Global-scale latitudinal patterns of species diversity in the deep-sea benthos

Abstract: LATITUDINAL gradients of species diversity are ubiquitous features of terrestrial and coastal marine biotas, and they have inspired the development of theoretical ecology1–3. Since the discovery of high species diversity in the deep-sea benthos4, much has been learned about local5,6and regional7–9patterns of diversity. Variation in diversity on larger scales remains poorly described. Latitudinal gradients of diversity were unexpected because it was assumed that the environmental gradients that cause large-scale patterns in surface environments could not affect communities living at great depths10. Here we report that deep-sea bivalves, gastropods and isopods show clear latitudinal diversity gradients in the North Atlantic, and strong interregional variation in the South Atlantic. Many seemingly incompatible mechanisms have been proposed to explain deep-sea species diversity11. The existence of regular global patterns suggests that these mechanisms operate at different spatial and temporal scales.

Trawling damage to Northeast Atlantic ancient coral reefs

Abstract: This contribution documents widespread trawling damage to cold-water coral reefs at 840-1300 m depth along the West Ireland continental shelf break and at 200 m off West Norway. These reefs are spectacular but poorly known. By-catches from commercial trawls for deep-water fish off West Ireland included large pieces (up to 1 m(2)) of coral that had been broken from reefs and a diverse array of coral-associated benthos. Five azooxanthellate scleractinarian corals were identified in these by-catches, viz. Desmophyllum cristagalli, Enallopsammia rostrata, Lophelia pertusa, Madrepora oculata and Solenosmilia variabilis. Dating of carbonate skeletons using (14)C accelerator mass spectrometry showed that the trawled coral matrix was at least 4550 years old. Surveys by remotely operated vehicles in Norway showed extensive fishing damage to L. pertusa reefs. The urgent need for deep-water coral conservation measures is discussed in a Northeast Atlantic context.

Scallop dredging has profound, long-term impacts on maerl habitats

Abstract: Maerl beds are mixed sediments built by a surface layer of slow-growing, unattached coralline algae that are of international conservation significance because they create areas of high biodiversity. They are patchily distributed throughout Europe (to ∼30 m depth around the British Isles and to ∼120 m depth in the Mediterranean) and many are affected by towed demersal fishing. We report the effects of Newhaven scallop dredges on a previously unfished maerl bed compared with the effects on similar grounds that have been fished commercially in the Clyde Sea area, Scotland. Sediment cores were taken to assess the population density of live maerl thalli prior to scallop dredging on marked test and control plots. These plots were then monitored biannually over a four-year period. Live maerl thalli were sparsely distributed at the impacted site, and experimental dredging had no discernible effect on their numbers. The previously unfished ground had dense populations of live maerl and scallops (both Aequipecten opercularis and Pecten maximus). While counts of live maerl remained high on the control plot, scallop dredging led to a >70% reduction with no sign of recovery over the subsequent four years. The vulnerability of maerl and associated benthos (e.g., the delicate bivalve, Limaria hians) is discussed in relation to towed demersal fishing practices.

Conservation and management of northeast Atlantic and Mediterranean maerl beds

Abstract: 1. Maerl beds occur worldwide and are formed by an accumulation of unattached calcareous red algae (Rhodophyta). 2. Maerl-forming algae grow in a superficial living layer on sediments within the photic zone. 3. Maerl beds are spatially complex habitats with a high degree of species and trophic group diversity. 4. The European Commission's ‘Habitats Directive’ mandates the conservation management of two of the main European maerl-forming species, Phymatolithon calcareum and Lithothamnion corallioides. 5. Mediterranean maerl beds are to be considered for inclusion in national inventories of sites of conservation interest, as required by the SPABIM Protocol of the Barcelona Convention. 6. In spite of their importance, and the requirement for their conservation management, European maerl grounds suffer a variety of anthropogenic perturbations including direct exploitation through extraction, fishing impacts and chemical pollution by organic matter and excess nutrients. 7. The ecology of northeast Atlantic and Mediterranean maerl beds has received little attention, in contrast to other marine communities (e.g. kelp forests, sea-grass meadows). 8. Key conservation and management measures proposed include: the recognition that maerl beds are non-renewable resources and cannot sustain direct exploitation; prohibitions on the use of towed gear on maerl grounds; moratoria on the issue of further permits for the siting of aquaculture units above maerl grounds; monitoring of existing exploited or impacted maerl beds; the designation of ‘no-take’ reserves; measures to limit the impacts that might affect water quality above maerl beds; a programme of monitoring of the ‘health’ of European maerl beds; an awareness campaign on the biological importance of maerl beds; a higher conservation status for maerl habitats and maerl-forming species in European legislation; and further research on maerl ecosystems. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.