The control of floating macrophytes by grass carp in net cages: experiments in two tropical hydroelectric reservoirs

The efficiency of grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella Val.) for biological control of floating aquatic macrophytes in net cages was assessed in two eutrophic tropical hydroelectric reservoirs through experiments using three macrophyte species (Eichhornia crassipes, Pistia stratiotes and Salvinia auriculata). A total of twenty experiments were performed in these reservoirs with a duration period between 21 and 30 days, during distinct seasons of the year. Sets of experiments were conducted using the three macrophyte species simultaneously in both reservoirs, and additional experiments were performed in one reservoir involving the separate use of each species. All macrophytes demonstrated significant growth in the absence of fish with total per day biomass increase rate ranging from 0.06 to 17.00%. The presence of grass carp significantly reduced macrophyte biomass in both reservoirs independent of fish size, stocking rate and available cage space. In all seasons, grass carp grazing pressure was higher for S. auriculata and lower for P. stratiotes. The results show that grass carp in net cages was able to use aquatic macrophytes as the only food source, controlling massive plant growth (especially S. auriculata and E. crassipes). Fish cages, already implemented in several reservoirs in Brazil, are easily manageable units at relatively low cost. Thus, biocontrol of macrophytes using caged grass carp is proposed as an effective low‐budget ecotechnological tool to control consumable plants while avoiding the removal of desirable aquatic vegetation and the resultant impact on local fauna.     

Defining critical habitat conditions for the conservation of three endemic and endangered cyprinids in a Mediterranean intermittent river before the onset of drought

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Harbour seal movements and haul‐out patterns: implications for monitoring and management

• 1. Compliance with conservation legislation requires knowledge on the behaviour, abundance and distribution of protected species. Seal life history is characterized by a combination of marine foraging and a requirement to haul out on a solid substrate for reproduction and moulting. Thus understanding the use of haul out sites, where seals are counted, as well as their at‐sea movements is crucial for designing effective monitoring and management plans.
• 2. This study used satellite transmitters deployed on 24 harbour seals in western Scotland to examine movements and haul‐out patterns.
• 3. The proportion of time harbour seals spent hauled out (daily means of between 11 and 27%) varied spatially, temporally and according to sex. The mean haul‐out duration was 5 h, with a maximum of over 24 h.
• 4. Patterns of movement were observed at two geographical scales; while some seals travelled over 100 km, 50% of trips were within 25 km of a haul‐out site. These patterns are important for the identification of a marine component to designated protected areas for the species.
• 5. On average seals returned to the haul‐out sites they last used during 40% of trips, indicating a degree of site fidelity, though there was wide variation between different haul‐out sites (range 0% to >75%).
• 6. Low fidelity haul‐out sites could form a network of land‐based protected areas, while high fidelity sites might form appropriate management units.

Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Nutrient availability in the initial stages of surface mine spoil reclamation — Impact on plant growth

The aim of this study was to characterise nutrient availability in the initial stages of reclamation and its impact on the growth of Secale multicaule L., the typical cover crop in newly established Pinus silvestris L. stands. A field experiment testing different levels of nutrient supply (N, P, K) was conducted on a carboniferous and a non-carboniferous sandy mine spoil representing typical mine spoils in the open-cast lignite mining district of Lower Lusatia. On both types of mine spoils, primarily N and P limited plant growth. On non-carboniferous mine spoil, low P availability to plants was alleviated by mineral fertiliser application while on carboniferous mine spoil, due to P immobilisation, P availability was still limiting plant growth after similar levels of P fertilisation. The elevated N_min content in carboniferous mine spoil compared to non-carboniferous mine spoil is probably the result of less N leaching as the dominant N form in carboniferous mine spoil is NH₄⁺ while the highly mobile NO₃^— is prevailing in the non-carboniferous mine spoil. N release from geogenic organic matter in carboniferous mine spoil as suggested by comparable N_t contents in pedogenetically formed soil organic matter is less likely.     

A blue carbon model for the European flat oyster (Ostrea edulis) and its application in environmental restoration

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REVIEW: Effects of Germination on the Nutritional Profile of Gluten‐Free Cereals and Pseudocereals: A Review

There are a growing number of individuals diagnosed with food allergies and intolerances. Gluten, in particular, is avoided by many individuals because of celiac disease, gluten intolerance, and gluten ataxia. Individuals with allergies, intolerances, or both follow strict diets, but there is concern that these individuals may be at risk of several nutrient deficiencies, including decreased calcium, iron, B vitamins, and fiber. To prevent deficiencies, alternative sources of these nutrients must be provided. Gluten‐free cereals and pseudocereals such as amaranth, buckwheat, corn, millet, rice, sorghum, and quinoa can be excellent sources of vitamins, minerals, fiber, and other important nutrients. Germination of these edible seeds has been shown to further increase nutrient content and to reduce antinutrients. Their use to naturally fortify and enrich gluten‐free foods has great potential. Although there are many benefits to germinated seeds in food, more research must be done to improve texture and sensory properties to gain wider consumer acceptance. A review of germination of gluten‐free cereals and pseudocereals and its effect on their nutritional profile is presented.