Using Observed Residual Error Structure Yields the Best Estimates of Individual Growth Parameters

Marcelo Vidal Curiel Bernal EUGENIO ALBERTO ARAGON NORIEGA MIGUEL ANGEL CISNEROS MATA LAURA SANCHEZ VELASCO SYLVIA PATRICIA ADELHEID JIMENEZ ROSENBERG ALEJANDRO FRANCISCO PARES SIERRA (2021, [Artículo])

"Obtaining the best possible estimates of individual growth parameters is essential in studies of physiology, fisheries management, and conservation of natural resources since growth is a key component of population dynamics. In the present work, we use data of an endangered fish species to demonstrate the importance of selecting the right data error structure when fitting growth models in multimodel inference. The totoaba (Totoaba macdonaldi) is a fish species endemic to the Gulf of California increasingly studied in recent times due to a perceived threat of extinction. Previous works estimated individual growth using the von Bertalanffy model assuming a constant variance of length-at-age. Here, we reanalyze the same data under five different variance assumptions to fit the von Bertalanffy and Gompertz models. We found consistent significant differences between the constant and nonconstant error structure scenarios and provide an example of the consequences using the growth performance index _0 to show how using the wrong error structure can produce growth parameter values that can lead to biased conclusions. Based on these results, for totoaba and other related species, we recommend using the observed error structure to obtain the individual growth parameters."

multimodel inference, error structure, totoaba, growth performance BIOLOGÍA Y QUÍMICA CIENCIAS DE LA VIDA BIOLOGÍA ANIMAL (ZOOLOGÍA) FISIOLOGÍA ANIMAL FISIOLOGÍA ANIMAL

Indicadores de estrés y desempeño biológico de juveniles de lobina rayada (Morone saxatilis) en agua marina: efecto de la densidad de cultivo y color del tanque

Stress indicators and biological performance of striped bass (Morone saxatilis) juvenile in seawater: effect stock density and tank color

DENISE ENCARNACION MAYORAL NORIEGA (2023, [Tesis de maestría])

Existen factores ambientales de naturaleza física, química o biológica que afectan directamente la alimentación de los peces. Por ejemplo, las altas densidades de cultivo pueden generar estrés en los organismos, resultando en la merma del consumo de alimento y por ende su crecimiento. Sin embargo, algunas especies toleran altas densidades formando un grupo o cardumen que les confiere un mejor desempeño. Otro factor que afecta el comportamiento de algunas especies es la coloración de los tanques de cultivo; demostrando la necesidad de utilizar tanques con un entorno físico adecuado para la especie a cultivar. Actualmente, M. saxatilis se produce en tanques en laboratorio y se engorda en jaulas marinas en Baja California; así que existe un gran interés por mejorar su crecimiento y eficiencia alimenticia. Por ello, el objetivo de esta investigación fue evaluar tres densidades de cultivo (alta: 6.2 kg·m-3, media: 3.1 kg·m-3 y baja: 1.5 kg·m-3) y dos colores de tanque (azul celeste y negro) en el crecimiento, supervivencia, utilización del alimento, índices corporales y concentración de cortisol y glucosa de juveniles de lobina rayada en agua marina para su mantenimiento en laboratorio durante nueve semanas. Los resultados demostraron que los organismos obtuvieron el mayor crecimiento en peso en la densidad media, indistintamente del color del tanque. Asimismo, la densidad afectó significativamente los índices hepatosomático y liposomático, ya que disminuyeron conforme aumentó la densidad. El color del tanque influyó de manera importante en el consumo de alimento (azules: 37.4 ± 1.9 g·pez-1; negros: 35.9 ± 2.0 g·pez-1). La interacción de los factores afectó la TCE, TCA y TEP. Las concentraciones de cortisol (81.8 ± 22.5 ng·ml-1) y glucosa (83.2 ± 11.4 mg·100 ml-1) fueron similares en todos los tratamientos y relativamente bajas para la especie. En conclusión, se logró elucidar bajo qué condiciones de cultivo en laboratorio los organismos lograron superar los factores de estrés sin comprometer su crecimiento y supervivencia, reflejándose en un mejor desempeño biológico. Se recomienda utilizar tanques azules o negros con densidades iniciales de 4.2 kg·m-3 o 233 peces·m-3 para el cultivo de juveniles de M. saxatilis en agua salada bajo condiciones de laboratorio.

Environmental factors of a physical, chemical or biological nature such as high stocking densities can directly affect fish feeding and generate stress in organisms, resulting in a decrease in food intake and therefore growth. However, some species tolerate high densities, forming a group or shoal resulting in better overall performance. Another factor that influences the behavior of some species is the color of the culture tank; warranting the need to use tanks with a physical environment suitable for the species to be cultivated. Currently, striped bass are produced in tank-based hatcheries to be socked in sea cages for growout in Baja California. Thus, there is interest in improving their growth rate and feed efficiency under laboratory conditions. Therefore, the objective of this research was to evaluate the effect of three stocking densities (high: 6.2 kg m-3, medium: 3.1 kg m-3 and low: 1.5 kg m-3) and two tank colors (light blue and black) on the biological performance (growth, survival, food utilization), somatic indices and fish stress using the concentration of cortisol and glucose in blood serum as response variables of juvenile striped bass cultured in seawater for nine weeks. The results showed that the organisms had greater growth in terms of final weight when they were cultured at the medium stocking density, regardless of tank color. Likewise, density had a significant effect on hepatosomatic and liposomatic indices, with a tendency to decrease as density increased. The color of the tank significantly influenced the food consumption (blues: 37.4 ± 1.9 g·fish-1; blacks: 35.9 ± 2.0 g·fish-1). The interaction of the factors influenced TCE, TCA and TEP. The concentrations of cortisol (81.8 ± 22.5 ng·ml-1) and glucose (83.2 ± 11.4 mg·100 ml-1) were similar in all treatments indicating low fish stress. In conclusion, it was possible to elucidate under which laboratory culture conditions the organisms were able to overcome the stress factors without compromising their growth and survival; reflected in better biological performance. A stocking density of 4.2 kg m-3 o 233 fish·m-3 for M. saxatilis juvenile reared in saltwater under laboratory culture conditions is recommended.

lobina rayada, densidad cultivo, color tanque, estrés, crecimiento striped bass, stocking density, tank color, stress, growth CIENCIAS AGROPECUARIAS Y BIOTECNOLOGÍA CIENCIAS AGRARIAS PECES Y FAUNA SILVESTRE PISCICULTURA PISCICULTURA

PROPUESTA DE MANEJO DE LA PESQUERÍA EMERGENTE DE MERLUZA DEL PACÍFICO NORTE Merluccius productus EN EL GOLFO DE ULLOA, BAJA CALIFORNIA SUR

PABLO MORA ZAMACONA (2023, [Tesis de doctorado])

"La merluza del Pacífico Merluccius productus se distribuye desde Alaska hasta el sur de México, con una población particular descrita al sur de la península de Baja California conocida como merluza enana, de la que poco se sabe. Dicha población actualmente no es pescada comercialmente, por lo que representa un recurso con potencial de explotación. Las pesquerías potenciales y emergentes crean desafíos y oportunidades para los administradores pesqueros que necesitan tomar decisiones sobre cómo gestionar de forma sostenible una pesquería previa a su inicio. Este trabajo propone y analiza posibles medidas alternativas de gestión pesquera para esta potencial pesquería, bajo incertidumbre biológica y de mercado. Debido al desconocimiento de diversos aspectos de la biología del recurso primeramente se analizó el crecimiento individual del stock y posteriormente se realizó un análisis bioeconómico de la potencial pesquería.

Para el análisis del crecimiento individual se utilizó un total de 240 otolitos y datos de longitud patrón de 932 especímenes muestreados de mayo a diciembre de 2015. La formación anual de incrementos en los otolitos se verificó mediante la relación de incremento marginal y el análisis de borde. La edad se estimó a partir de recuentos de anillos en secciones sagitales de otolitos y el crecimiento se analizó mediante un enfoque de inferencia multimodelo. Se consideraron los modelos de crecimiento de von Bertalanffy (VBGM), VBGM generalizado, Gompertz, Logístico y Johnson, los cuales se ajustaron a conjuntos de datos de talla a la edad observados y retrocalculados agrupados por sexo. Según el criterio de información de Akaike, el VBGM generalizado fue el más apropiado para las hembras (L∞= 31.36 cm, k= 0.15 cm año-1), mientras que el VBGM proporcionó el mejor ajuste para los machos (L∞= 25.35 cm, k= 0.28 cm año-1).

El análisis bioeconómico de alternativas de manejo para una potencial pesquería de merluza enana indicó que una nueva pesquería de dicho stock podría ser biológicamente sostenible y económicamente rentable, bajo un conjunto de estrategias de gestión y reglas de control. Se recomienda un acceso limitado con bajo esfuerzo pesquero ya que resulta más redituable por barco y biológicamente precautorio, considerando la alta incertidumbre asociada con la explotación de una población virgen..."

"The Pacific hake Merluccius productus is distributed from Alaska to southern Mexico, with a particular population described south of the Baja California peninsula known as dwarf hake, about which little is known. This population is not currently commercially fished; hence it represents a resource with potential for exploitation. Potential and emerging fisheries create challenges and opportunities for fishery managers who need to make decisions about how to sustainably manage a fishery prior to its initiation. This work proposes and analyzes possible alternative fishery management measures for this potential fishery, under biological and market uncertainty. Due to the lack of knowledge of various aspects of the biology of the resource, the individual growth of the stock was first analyzed and subsequently a bioeconomic analysis of the potential fishery was carried out.

A total of 240 otoliths and standard-length data from 932 specimens sampled from May to December 2015 were used for the analysis of individual growth. The annual formation of otolith increments was verified using the marginal increment analysis and the edge analysis. Age was estimated from annuli counts in sagittal sections of otoliths and growth was analyzed using a multi-model inference approach. The von Bertalanffy growth models (VBGM), generalized VBGM, Gompertz, Logistic and Johnson growth models were considered, which were fitted to observed and back calculated length-at-age data sets grouped by sex. According to Akaike's information criterion, the generalized VBGM was the most appropriate for females (L∞= 31.36 cm, k= 0.15 cm year-1), while the VBGM provided the best fit for males (L∞= 25.35 cm, k= 0.28 cm year-1).

The bioeconomic analysis of management alternatives for a potential dwarf hake fishery indicated that a new fishery for said stock could be biologically sustainable and economically profitable, under a set of management strategies and control rules. Limited access with low fishing effort is recommended as it is more profitable by boat and biologically precautionary, considering the high uncertainty associated with the exploitation of an unfished stock. Despite the combination of high fishing costs and low prices, the fishery could still be profitable in the long term, although there is risk of overexploitation if high fishing effort is allowed..."

Merluza enana, stock no explotado, crecimiento individual, análisis bioeconómico, pesquería potencial Dwarf hake, unexploited stock, individual growth, bioeconomic analysis, potential fishery CIENCIAS AGROPECUARIAS Y BIOTECNOLOGÍA CIENCIAS AGRARIAS PECES Y FAUNA SILVESTRE REGLAMENTACIÓN Y CONTROL REGLAMENTACIÓN Y CONTROL

TRABAJO, [RE] CREACIÓN Y CUERPO. LAS COCINAS DE SAN BLAS ATEMPA, OAXACA COMO LABORATORIOS ACTIVOS DEL SER MUJER.

Julissa Estefanía Díaz Villalobos (2023, [Tesis de maestría])

"La presente investigación propone realizar un análisis de los espacios-cocinas y las labores “femeninas” de cocinar, comprendiéndola como un lugar social y afectivamente estratégico para las mujeres que preparan alimentos de manera cotidiana para la subsistencia de sus familias en el pueblo de San Blas Atempa. Se coloca dentro de los estudios de género y la antropología feminista que indaga en las dinámicas, procesos y fenómenos socio-culturales, políticos y simbólicos de la relación de las mujeres con las cocinas, la comida y la alimentación. Parte del contexto sociocultural de SBA para reflexionar sobre problemáticas que resultan centrales en el campo de los estudios de género y de la alimentación: el papel de la cocina en la división sexual del trabajo, la reproducción social y estrategias de economía y apoyo mutuo que se despliegan desde estos espacios, y hacen frente a las lógicas patriarcales y capitalistas. Profundiza en la cocina como un campo dinámico de saberes y conocimientos, indaga en los procesos de interaprendizaje, la transmisión, reproducción y recreación de los saberes que circulan en estos espacios, retomando como eje central de análisis el cuerpo de las mujeres que se implican en estas labores de cocinar y desde ahí problematiza las heridas y el desgaste corporal. Desarrolla el concepto de laboratorio activo del ser mujer postulando que la cocina es un espacio donde a partir de la narración de experiencias de vida se transmiten valores e ideologías que se relacionan con ser mujer en el contexto sociocultural del pueblo de SBA. Desde ahí postula que no sólo es un espacio de reproducción, sino uno en el que las mujeres se escuchan, reflexionan y piensan los valores relacionados con la feminidad. Esta tesis propone ver más allá de esto, continuando y ampliando las reflexiones en el histórico binomio mujeres-cocinas".

Cocinas oaxaqueñas - Aspectos sociales - Oaxaca - San Blas Atempa. Cocina mexicana - Aspectos sociales - Oaxaca - San Blas Atempa. Mujeres como cocineras - México - San Blas Atempa, Oaxaca. Mujeres - Aspectos sociales - San Blas Atempa. Tesis - Maestría en Antropología Social, Sureste. CIENCIAS SOCIALES SOCIOLOGÍA GRUPOS SOCIALES POSICIÓN SOCIAL DE LA MUJER POSICIÓN SOCIAL DE LA MUJER

Chronic toxicity of shrimp feed added with silver nanoparticles (Argovit-4®) in Litopenaeus vannamei and immune response to white spot syndrome virus infection

Carlos Rosendo Romo Quiñonez Píndaro Álvarez Ruiz CLAUDIO HUMBERTO MEJIA RUIZ NINA BOGDANCHIKOVA Alexey Pestryakov CARINA GAMEZ JIMENEZ WENCESLAO VALENZUELA QUIÑONEZ Magnolia Montoya Mejía EUSEBIO NAVA PEREZ (2022, [Artículo])

"In recent years, the application of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) as antibacterial compounds has been widely used in human and veterinary medicine. In this work, we investigated the effects of AgNPs (Argovit-4 R ) as feed additives (feed-AgNPs) on shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) using three different methods: 1) chronic toxicity after 28 days of feeding, 2) Effects against white spot syndrome virus (WSSV) challenged by oral route, and 3) transcriptional responses of immune-related genes (PAP, ProPO, CTL-3, Crustin, PEN3, and PEN4) following WSSV infection. The results showed that the feed-AgNPs did not interfere with the growth and survival of shrimp. Also, mild lesions in the hepatopancreas were recorded, proportional to the frequency of the feed-AgNP supply. Challenge test versus WSSV showed that feeding every 7 days with feed-AgNPs reduced mortality, reaching a survival rate of 53%, compared to the survival rates observed in groups fed every 4 days, daily and control groups of feed-AgNPs for the 30%, 10%, and 7% groups, respectively. Feed-AgNPs negatively regulated the expression of PAP, ProPO, and Crustin genes after 28 days of treatment and altered the transcriptional responses of PAP, ProPO, CTL-3, and Crustin after WSSV exposure. The results showed that weekly feeding-AgNPs could partially prevent WSSV infection in shrimp culture. However, whether or not transcriptional responses against pathogens are advantageous remains to be elucidated."

Silver nanoparticles, Shrimp, Aquaculture, Chronic toxicity, WSSV, AgNP, Argovit, Litopenaeus vannamei , Silver fed, White spot syndrome virus BIOLOGÍA Y QUÍMICA CIENCIAS DE LA VIDA INMUNOLOGÍA INMUNIZACIÓN INMUNIZACIÓN

Dual function of EDTA with silver nanoparticles for root canal treatment–A novel modification

JUAN MANUEL MARTINEZ ANDRADE (2018, [Artículo])

The chelating and antimicrobial capacity of a novel modification of 17% EDTA with silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) (EDTA-AgNPs) was evaluated in-vitro for root canal treatment (RCT). The EDTA-AgNPs solution was characterized by UV-Vis spectroscopy, ?-potential and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM). Antimicrobial capacity was evaluated against Candida albicans and Staphylococcus aureus in planktonic and biofilm cells by broth macrodilution (24 h) and XTT assays, (1, 10 and 30 min) respectively. The chelating capacity of EDTA-AgNPs was assessed indirectly (smear layer removal) and directly (demineralizing effect) in bovine dentin at two silver concentrations, 16 and 512 ?g/ ml at 1 and 10 minutes of exposure time. Smear layer removal was evaluated by atomic force microscopy (AFM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The demineralizing effect was determined by atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS), microhardness test (MH) and X-ray diffractometer (XRD). Synthesized AgNPs were quasi-spherical in shape with an average size of 13.09 ± 8.05 nm. 17% EDTA-AgNPs was effective to inhibit C. albicans and S. aureus in planktonic and biofilm cultures. The smear layer removal and demineralizing effect were similar between 17% EDTA-AgNPs and 17% EDTA treatments. The 17% EDTA-AgNPs solution proved to be an effective antimicrobial agent, and has a similar chelating capacity to 17% EDTA alone. These in-vitro studies strongly suggest that EDTA-AgNPs could be used for effective smear layer removal, having an antimicrobial effect at the same time during RCT. © 2018 Martinez-Andrade et al. This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited.

edetic acid, silver nanoparticle, edetic acid, metal nanoparticle, silver, antibacterial activity, antibiotic sensitivity, antifungal activity, antimicrobial activity, Article, atomic absorption spectrometry, atomic force microscopy, biofilm, bovine, BIOLOGÍA Y QUÍMICA CIENCIAS DE LA VIDA MICROBIOLOGÍA MICROBIOLOGÍA

Uso del cártamo (Carthamus tinctorius L.) como ingrediente en alimentos para juveniles del camarón Litopenaeus vannamei

ALFONSO GALICIA GONZALEZ (2009, [Tesis de doctorado])

Debido a los altos costos e incertidumbre en el abasto de la harina de pescado y pasta de soya, en los últimos años se han buscado alternativas que puedan sustituirlos sin tener un efecto negativo en el crecimiento de los camarones en el cultivo. En el presente trabajo se realizó un estudio para evaluar el valor nutricional del cártamo (Carthamus tinctorius) como fuente proteica en alimentos para juveniles de camarón blanco del Pacífico Litopenaeus vannamei. El primer capítulo comprende el estudio de la caracterización de tres productos de cártamo (HIC; Harina Integral de Cártamo, PCB; Pasta de cártamo baja en proteína y PCA; Pasta de cártamo alta en proteína) en base a su composición de nutrientes y algunos factores antinutricionales (hemaglutininas, saponinas, actividad uréasica, aflatoxinas e inhibidor de tripsina). Los productos de cártamo tuvieron un contenido de proteína entre 20.6 y 36.8%. La harina integral fue la que presentó el mayor nivel de extracto etéreo 31%, mientras que las pastas tuvieron un nivel bajo (1.8-1.0%). El contenido de fibra en el cártamo fue alto (17-23%). Los aminoácidos más abundantes en los productos de cártamo fueron el ácido aspártico y glutámico, en contraste los menos abundantes fueron lisina y metionina. Los ácidos grasos más abundantes fueron el ácido oleico, el linoleico, el palmítico y el estéarico. El contenido de calcio de los productos de cártamo varió de 0.25 a 0.42%, mientras que el contenido de fósforo varió del 0.23 a 0.25%. No se encontraron los factores antinutricionales buscados, a excepción del inhibidor de tripsina que tuvo valores bajos (7.56 UTI/mg de muestra). No se encontraron diferencias significativas en los coeficientes de utilización digestiva aparente (CUDA) de materia seca y carbohidratos de los productos de cártamo; sin embargo, sí se encontraron diferencias en los CUDA de proteína, lípidos (CUDAl) y de energía digestible (CUDAe). La actividad de las enzimas digestivas de camarones que fueron alimentados con productos de cártamo mostró un incremento en proteinasas generales y quimotripsina. La atractabilidad y el consumo de los alimentos con un 30% de inclusión de los productos de cártamo se vieron afectadas negativamente en los camarones [...]

In recent years, alternatives to fish and soybean meals in aquacultural feeds that do not have negative effects on growth of cultivated shrimp have been intensively studied in an effort to reduce the high costs and uncertainty in supplies. In this study, the nutritional value of safflower (Carthamus tinctorius) meal as a protein source in diets for juveniles Pacific whiteleg shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) was investigated. Initially, characterization of three safflower meals (i.e. WSM; whole safflower meal, LPSM; low-protein safflower meal and HPSM; high-protein safflower meal), focusing on chemical composition and antinutritional factors (hemaglutinine, saponine, ureasic activity, aflatoxin, and trypsin inhibitor) was conducted. Protein content ranged from 20.6 to 36.8%. Whole safflower meal contained the highest level of lipids (31%); lipids in the other safflower meals were as low as 1.0–1.8%. Fiber content was high (17–23%). The most abundant amino acids were aspartic and glutamic acids and lysine and methionine were less abundant. Oleic, linoleic, palmitic, and stearic fatty acids were present in greatest amounts. Calcium content ranged from 0.25–0.42% and phosphorus content ranged from 0.23–0.25%. Anti-nutritional factors were not found in the analyses, except for trypsin inhibitor, with values as low as 7.56 UTI mg–1 per sample. No significant differences between the apparent digestibility coefficients (ADC) for dry matter and carbohydrates in safflower meals were detected; however, protein ADC, lipid ADC, and energy ADC were different. Total proteinase and chymotrypsin increased significantly in diets where safflower meals were included. Atractability and consumption of feed with 30% safflower meals appeared to have negative effects on the juveniles [...]

atractabilidad; camarón; cártamo; Carthamus tinctorius; digestibilidad; enzimas digestivas; factores antinutricionales; Litopenaeus vannamei CIENCIAS FÍSICO MATEMÁTICAS Y CIENCIAS DE LA TIERRA CIENCIAS DE LA TIERRA Y DEL ESPACIO OCEANOGRAFÍA OCEANOGRAFÍA ACUICULTURA MARINA OCEANOGRAFÍA ACUICULTURA MARINA

Contrasting spatial patterns in active-fire and fire-suppressed mediterranean climate old-growth mixed conifer forests

Danny L. Fry  (2014, [Artículo])

In Mediterranean environments in western North America, historic fire regimes in frequent-fire conifer forests are highly variable both temporally and spatially. This complexity influenced forest structure and spatial patterns, but some of this diversity has been lost due to anthropogenic disruption of ecosystem processes, including fire. Information from reference forest sites can help management efforts to restore forests conditions that may be more resilient to future changes in disturbance regimes and climate. In this study, we characterize tree spatial patterns using four-ha stem maps from four old-growth, Jeffrey pine-mixed conifer forests, two with active-fire regimes in northwestern Mexico and two that experienced fire exclusion in the southern Sierra Nevada. Most of the trees were in patches, averaging six to 11 trees per patch at 0.007 to 0.014 ha-1, and occupied 27-46% of the study areas. Average canopy gap sizes (0.04 ha) covering 11-20% of the area were not significantly different among sites. The putative main effects of fire exclusion were higher densities of single trees in smaller size classes, larger proportion of trees (≥56%) in large patches (≥10 trees), and decreases in spatial complexity. While a homogenization of forest structure has been a typical result from fire exclusion, some similarities in patch, single tree, and gap attributes were maintained at these sites. These within-stand descriptions provide spatially relevant benchmarks from which to manage for structural heterogeneity in frequent-fire forest types.

article, climate, controlled study, ecosystem fire history, forest structure, geographic distribution, geographic mapping, land use, mathematical computing, mathematical model, Mexico, spatial analysis, taiga, United States, comparative study, conife CIENCIAS AGROPECUARIAS Y BIOTECNOLOGÍA CIENCIAS AGROPECUARIAS Y BIOTECNOLOGÍA

Do marine reserves increase prey for California sea lions and Pacific harbor seals?

ALEJANDRO ARIAS DEL RAZO (2019, [Artículo])

Community marine reserves are geographical areas closed to fishing activities, implemented and enforced by the same fishermen that fish around them. Their main objective is to recover commercial stocks of fish and invertebrates. While marine reserves have proven successful in many parts of the world, their success near important marine predator colonies, such as the California sea lion (Zalophus californianus) and the Pacific harbor seal (Phoca vitulina richardii), is yet to be analyzed. In response to the concerns expressed by local fishermen about the impact of the presence of pinnipeds on their communities’ marine reserves, we conducted underwater surveys around four islands in the Pacific west of the Baja California Peninsula: two without reserves (Todos Santos and San Roque); one with a recently established reserve (San Jeronimo); and, a fourth with reserves established eight years ago (Natividad). All these islands are subject to similar rates of exploitation by fishing cooperatives with exclusive rights. We estimated fish biomass and biodiversity in the seas around the islands, applying filters for potential California sea lion and harbor seal prey using known species from the literature. Generalized linear mixed models revealed that the age of the reserve has a significant positive effect on fish biomass, while the site (inside or outside of the reserve) did not, with a similar result found for the biomass of the prey of the California sea lion. Fish biodiversity was also higher around Natividad Island, while invertebrate biodiversity was higher around San Roque. These findings indicate that marine reserves increase overall fish diversity and biomass, despite the presence of top predators, even increasing the numbers of their potential prey. Community marine reserves may help to improve the resilience of marine mammals to climate-driven phenomena and maintain a healthy marine ecosystem for the benefit of both pinnipeds and fishermen. © 2019 Arias-Del-Razo et al. This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited.

Article, biodiversity, biomass, climate change, ecosystem resilience, environmental exploitation, fish stock, fishing, marine environment, marine invertebrate, nonhuman, Phoca vitulina, Pinnipedia, prey searching, Zalophus californianus, animal, biom BIOLOGÍA Y QUÍMICA CIENCIAS DE LA VIDA BIOLOGÍA ANIMAL (ZOOLOGÍA) BIOLOGÍA ANIMAL (ZOOLOGÍA)

Waterhole detection using a vegetation index in desert bighorn sheep (Ovis canadensis cremnobates) habitat

Jonathan Gabriel Escobar Flores (2019, [Artículo])

In arid ecosystems, desert bighorn sheep are dependent on natural waterholes, particularly in summer when forage is scarce and environmental temperatures are high. To detect waterholes in Sierra Santa Isabel, which is the largest area of desert bighorn sheep habitat in the state of Baja California, Mexico, we used the normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) and normalized difference water index (NDWI) from Sentinel-2 satellite images. Waterhole detection was based on the premise that sites with greater water availability, where NDVI was higher, can be identified by their density of vegetation greenness. For the detected waterholes, we estimated the escape terrain (presence of cliffs or steep, rocky slopes) around each by the vector ruggedness measure to determine their potential use by desert bighorn sheep based on the animals’ presence as documented by camera traps. We detected 14 waterholes with the NDVI of which 11 were known by land owners and 3 were unrecorded. Desert bighorn were not detected in waterholes with high values of escape terrain, i.e., flat areas. Waterhole detection by NDVI is a simple method, and with the assistance and knowledge of the inhabitants of the Sierra, it was possible to confirm the presence each waterhole in the field. © 2019 Escobar-Flores et al. This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited.

Article, bighorn sheep, environmental aspects and related phenomena, environmental parameters, habitat, Mexico, nonhuman, normalized difference vegetation index, normalized difference water index, water availability, waterhole, animal, bighorn sheep, CIENCIAS AGROPECUARIAS Y BIOTECNOLOGÍA CIENCIAS AGRARIAS CIENCIA FORESTAL CIENCIA FORESTAL