Abstract: Many species of baleen whales were hunted to near extinction in the Southern Hemisphere. The recovery of these populations will be affected by the availability of krill, a major dietary component, in the Southern Ocean. We combine a novel energetics model for baleen whales with a state dependent foraging model to explore the impacts of an expanding krill fishery on baleen whales. We parameterize the model for blue whales, but with simple modifications it could be applied to most baleen whales. We predict that an expanding fishery will have a small but significant impact on the blue whale population through decreased birth rates. However, spreading the catch limit throughout the range of krill can reduce these effects. In addition, whales may be able to reduce these impacts through adaptive changes in foraging behavior. The relationship between krill abundance and blue whale foraging and reproductive success is nonlinear, such that larger reductions in krill biomass, potentially following a loss of sea ice due to climate change, could have a much larger negative impact on the recovery of blue whales. (C) 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Abstract: STOLT, M.; BRADLEY, M.; TURENNE, J.; PAYNE, M.; SCHERER, E.; CICCHETTI, G.; SHUMCHENIA, E.; GUARINELLO, M.; KING, J.; BOOTHROYD, J.; OAKLEY, B.; THORNBER, C., and AUGUST, P., 2011. Mapping shallow coastal ecosystems: a case study of a Rhode Island lagoon. Journal of Coastal Research, 27(6A), 1-15. West Palm Beach (Florida), ISSN 0749-0208. In order to effectively study, manage, conserve, and sustain shallow-subtidal ecosystems, a spatial inventory of the basic resources and habitats is essential. Because of the complexities of shallow-subtidal substrates, benthic communities, geology, geomorphology, and water column attributes, few standard protocols are fully articulated and tested that describe the mapping and inventory processes and accompanying interpretations. In this paper, we describe a systematic approach to map Rhode Island's shallow-subtidal coastal lagoon ecosystems, by using, integrating, and reconciling multiple data sets to identify the geology, soils, biological communities, and environments that, collectively, define each shallow-subtidal habitat. We constructed maps for these lagoons via a deliberate, step by step approach. Acoustics and geostatistical modeling were used to create a bathymetric map. These data were analyzed to identify submerged landforms and geologic boundaries. Geologic interpretations were verified with video and grab samples. Soils were sampled, characterized, and mapped within the context of the landscape and geologic boundaries. Biological components and distributions were investigated using acoustics, grab samples, video, and sediment profile images. Data sets were cross-referenced and ground-truthed to test for inconsistencies. Maps and geospatial data, with Federal Geographic Data Committee (FGDC)-compliant metadata, were finalized after reconciling data set inconsistencies and made available on the Internet. These data allow for classification in the revised Coastal and Marine Ecological Classification Standard (CMECS). With these maps, we explored potential relationships among and between physical and biological parameters. In some cases, we discovered a clear match between habitat measures; in others, however, relationships were more difficult to distinguish and require further investigation.

Abstract: In the Eastern oyster (Crassostrea virginica) hemocytes are important effector cells for maintenance of defense against pathogenic microorganisms. Various forms of beta-glucans have been suggested for use in shrimp and fish aquaculture because of their potential to enhance disease resistance via hemocyte activation. To gain insight to the effects of these compounds in molluscs, changes in circulating oyster hemocyte numbers, population profiles, and adhesion were quantified after injection of beta-1,3-glucans. These agents included zymosan A or MacroGard, an immune stimulant suggested for aquaculture applications. Results were compared with those from estuarine water-injected control oysters at daily intervals for 3 days. MacroGard produced a rapid (by 1 day) elevation of total circulating hemocytes, which remained significant for 3 days; zymosan A stimulation of this response was not statistically significant. MacroGard administration resulted in a sustained increase in percent granulocytes in circulation. Zymosan A also produced an increment in the numbers of granulocytes that became significant by 3 days. Granulocytes are considered to be the most immunologically active hemocyte subclass. Both beta-glucan preparations promoted hemocyte aggregation at days 1-3 after injection. Analysis of avidity of hemocyte aggregation using an index of clump cellular density confirmed this observation. Hemocytic aggregation is thought to be an indicator of cell activation. These results suggest that beta-glucans can act to increase the numbers of circulating hemocytes available for defense responses, to promote long-term changes in the hemocyte profile favoring immunologically active cells, and to enhance hemocytic aggregation. Further studies of the physiological consequences of these effects of beta-glucans on oyster hemocyte defense parameters are in progress.