1. The duck mussel, Anodonta anatina, has been described as abundant and widespread in Europe. Ho... more 1. The duck mussel, Anodonta anatina, has been described as abundant and widespread in Europe. However, it is listed as near threatened or threatened in several countries owing to severe declines in abundance and/or spatial distribution.
This study focused on mapping the general transport pathways of the northeast Atlantic Ocean by u... more This study focused on mapping the general transport pathways of the northeast Atlantic Ocean by using the Regional Oceanic Modeling System to calculate ocean current velocity components (u, v, w), and Ariane (an off-line Fortran code dedicated to the computation of three-dimensional streamlines from velocity fields) to calculate the transport of particles around the numerical model domain. The study was undertaken using a 10-year climatic simulation. Statistical comparisons with satellite and in situ data showed that the ocean circulation model captured known regional oceanographic features. Four depth ranges showed different Lagrangian transport pathways, 0–10m, 20–200m, 300–500m, and 600– 2000 m, confirming that these routes are consistent with the known ocean circulation patterns. Our results were supported by multiple sources: (i) connectivity between the African coast and the Canary Islands for sardine (Sardina pilchardus), anchovy (Engraulis encrasicolus), (ii) panmixia of lobsters (Scyllarides latus and Palinurus elephas), and European conger eel (Conger conger); (iii) connectivity between Azores and Canary archipelagos for sponge (Phorbas fictitius); and (iv) observed drifting of crude oil from the Prestige oil tanker spill. These results should help guide future observational cam- paigns, as well as the interpretation of open-ocean transport patterns and the distribution of marine organisms and chemical tracers in the northeast Atlantic region.
Margaritifera marocana is one of the rarest freshwater mussel species (listed as critically endan... more Margaritifera marocana is one of the rarest freshwater mussel species (listed as critically endangered), and is endemic to Morocco. Despite its constrained distribution and low abundance, to date there are no quantitative studies addressing the conservation status of this species. Surveys were conducted in 36 sites along the Oum Er Rbia river basin (Rivers Derna, Laabid and Oum Er Rbia) to assess the distribution, abundance, population structure and genetic diversity of M. marocana. Just one specimen was found on River Oum Er Rbia and none on River Derna; however, a high abundance was found in the lower section of River Laabid (e.g., site Laabid 6 reached a mean density of 11.0±6.8ind.m(-2)). Contrary to earlier information, which reported an overall population size fewer than 250 individuals in a restricted area and no juvenile presence, this study showed that a much higher abundance exists in River Laabid alone. In addition, the species is present in more than 50km of this river and is still recruiting since small specimens were found. Regarding genetic diversity, six of nine loci previously used in Margaritifera margaritifera were polymorphic and suitable in M. marocana. The spatial range contraction of this species is likely to be very recent, since no strong signature was detected by the molecular diversity indices. Information gathered in this study can be used as a reference to the present conservation status of M. marocana, and guide future research and management initiatives to better conserve it. We conclude discussing the potential major threats for the future survival of M. marocana and suggest some management measures (and research needs) that should be urgently applied.
Biological reviews of the Cambridge Philosophical Society, Jan 4, 2016
Freshwater mussels of the Order Unionida provide important ecosystem functions and services, yet ... more Freshwater mussels of the Order Unionida provide important ecosystem functions and services, yet many of their populations are in decline. We comprehensively review the status of the 16 currently recognized species in Europe, collating for the first time their life-history traits, distribution, conservation status, habitat preferences, and main threats in order to suggest future management actions. In northern, central, and eastern Europe, a relatively homogeneous species composition is found in most basins. In southern Europe, despite the lower species richness, spatially restricted species make these basins a high conservation priority. Information on freshwater mussels in Europe is unevenly distributed with considerable differences in data quality and quantity among countries and species. To make conservation more effective in the future, we suggest greater international cooperation using standardized protocols and methods to monitor and manage European freshwater mussel diversit...
The species Apseudes talpa is redescribed and its impact on the systematics of Apseudidae is disc... more The species Apseudes talpa is redescribed and its impact on the systematics of Apseudidae is discussed. The finding of multiple conflicting characters with the generic diagnosis, as well as the novel character of a denticulate ridge on the mandibular body, suggest that a redefinition of the genus Apseudes is necessary. The genus Androgynella is here demoted to a junior synonym of Apseudes.
Samples collected from the Antarctic (ANDEEP/2002) and Mid-Pacific (BIONOD/2012) Oceans allowed a... more Samples collected from the Antarctic (ANDEEP/2002) and Mid-Pacific (BIONOD/2012) Oceans allowed analyses of several specimens of the family Neotanaidae. From these surveys two new species are described: Neotanais bicornutus and Venusticrus thor. The new material led to a re-diagnosis of Venusticrus, and N. rotermundiae is now assigned to this genus. The male of N. bicornutus shares a number of characters with the "robustus" species group, but differs by having a pleotelson about 1.5 times as wide as long, cheliped carpus about 1.5 times as long as cephalothorax, cheliped propodus with two long dorsal projections, and uropod endopod article 1 with 8-10 fine setae proximal to mid-length on outer margin. The N. bicornutus preparatory female differs from all species by a combination of characters including the number of setae on dorsal margin of cheliped carpus (about 15 setae), the uropod attachment slightly posterior to mid-length, uropod basal article about 2.7 times as long as endopod article 1. The female of V. thor differs from those of V. insolitus, V. glandurus and V. rotermundiae by the body proportions, the pleon having three lateral setae on epimera, pleon with a blunt ventral keel, pereopodal setation, number of setae on maxilliped endite and basis as well as other characters. Total genomic DNA was extracted from two specimens of V. thor and sequences of two genes, i.e., cytochrome oxidase 1 (COI) and ribosomal (28S) were obtained.
Freshwater mussels of the family Unionidae exhibit a particular form of mitochondria inheritance ... more Freshwater mussels of the family Unionidae exhibit a particular form of mitochondria inheritance called double uniparental inheritance (DUI), in which the mitochondria are inherited by both male and female parents. The (M)ale and (F)emale mitogenomes are highly divergent within species. In the present study, we determine and describe the complete M and F mitogenomes of the Endangered freshwater mussel Potomida littoralis (Cuvier, 1798). The complete M and F mitogenomes sequences are 16 451 bp and 15 787 bp in length, respectively. Both F and M have the same gene content: 13 protein-coding genes (PCGs), 22 transfer RNA (trn) and 2 ribosomal RNA (rrn) genes. Bayesian analyses based on the concatenated nucleotide sequences of 12 PCGs and 2 rrn genes of both genomes, including mitogenome sequences available from related species, were performed. Male and Female lineages are monophyletic within the family, but reveal distinct phylogenetic relationships.
The introduction of non-native crayfish in aquatic ecosystems is very common due to human activit... more The introduction of non-native crayfish in aquatic ecosystems is very common due to human activities (e.g. aquaculture, recreational and commercial fisheries). The signal crayfish, Pacifastacus leniusculus (Dana, 1852), is one of the most widespread invasive species in Europe. Although several important ecological and economic impacts of this species have been reported, its European population genetic characterisation has never been undertaken using nuclear markers. Thus, the aim of this study was to develop and characterise new microsatellite markers for signal crayfish that can be useful in future studies in its invaded range, since only five are available so far. In total, 93 individuals from four geographically distinct European populations (Portugal, Great Britain, Finland and Sweden) were scored for the new markers and for those previously described, with the Bayesian analysis revealing a clear distinction among populations. These markers are suitable for future studies of the...
We used species-specific microsatellite markers to investigate the genetic structure of three mar... more We used species-specific microsatellite markers to investigate the genetic structure of three marine exploited lobsters (the spiny lobster Palinurus elephas, and two slipper lobsters, Scyllarides latus and Scyllarus arctus) in several regions from the NE Atlantic and Mediterranean waters. Except for S. latus, genetic diversity was globally high and similar to that estimated for other marine crustaceans. Overall, very low and non-significant genetic differentiation was observed in all species. Bayesian clustering analysis also suggested homogeneity within species across regions. The maintenance of genetic homogeneity in these species is likely to result from their high fecundity and long-lived pelagic larva, which can promote high levels of connectivity between geographically distant populations. Conservation strategies should treat these three species as single stocks and propose adequate trans-regional measures to protect such vulnerable and endangered resource.
The North East Atlantic region has been the focus of intense phylogeographic research over the la... more The North East Atlantic region has been the focus of intense phylogeographic research over the last 20 years. However, most of those studies have been centered on the Atlantic – Mediterranean junction and have consistently neglected the Macaronesian archipelagos (Cape Verde, Madeira, Selvagens, Azores and Canary Islands). Here we used mtDNA COI sequences to infer common patterns of differentiation in three Achelata lobster species: Scyllarides latus (N=26) from the Cape Verde, Azores and Atlantic coast; Palinurus elephas (N=247) from the Azores, Atlantic and Mediterranean; and Panulirus regius (N=19) from the Cape Verde and southwestern Africa. Two competing phylogeographic hypotheses were tested: panmixia due to long-distance dispersion and population structuring due to environmental factors (e.g. oceanographic barriers and currents). Our analyses suggested: 1) panmixia in the Azores populations and between the Azores and the continental populations of P. elephas and S. latus; and ...
Based on new information, the current conservation status of the freshwater pearl mussel Margarit... more Based on new information, the current conservation status of the freshwater pearl mussel Margaritifera margaritifera (Linnaeus, 1758) in Portugal is revised. Between 2010 and 2013 surveys were conducted in eight different rivers to assess distribution, abundance, size-frequency and preferential habitat of this species. Rivers Neiva, Cávado and Terva presented very low abundances (in the Cávado no specimens were found) and showed acute signs of ageing, calling into question the future survival of these populations. Although abundances were low in Rivers Beç a, Paiva and Mente, juveniles were present and populations may improve their conservation status in the future, if appropriate management measures are applied. Rivers Rabaç al and Tuela presented the highest abundances of adults and juveniles and these two rivers have the highest potential for the conservation of freshwater pearl mussels in Portugal. However, these two populations have suffered severe declines in several stretches due to the construction of dams in recent years. Given that the Portuguese pearl mussel populations are at the southern range of the species distribution, their conservation should be a priority. This current description of the conservation status of M. margaritifera in Portugal can be used as a reference, and guide future research and management initiatives to better conserve this species.
We isolated and characterized eight polymorphic microsatellite markers for Brachymystax lenok (Pa... more We isolated and characterized eight polymorphic microsatellite markers for Brachymystax lenok (Pallas, 1773) from genomic libraries enriched for (GATA) n , (GACA) n and (ATG) n microsatellites. The number of alleles per locus ranged from two to 17. Heterozygosity ranged from 0.2 to 0.95. In addition, cross-species amplification was successful for seven loci in Hucho hucho , eight in H. taimen and seven in Parahucho perryi .
1. The duck mussel, Anodonta anatina, has been described as abundant and widespread in Europe. Ho... more 1. The duck mussel, Anodonta anatina, has been described as abundant and widespread in Europe. However, it is listed as near threatened or threatened in several countries owing to severe declines in abundance and/or spatial distribution.
1. The duck mussel, Anodonta anatina, has been described as abundant and widespread in Europe. Ho... more 1. The duck mussel, Anodonta anatina, has been described as abundant and widespread in Europe. However, it is listed as near threatened or threatened in several countries owing to severe declines in abundance and/or spatial distribution.
This study focused on mapping the general transport pathways of the northeast Atlantic Ocean by u... more This study focused on mapping the general transport pathways of the northeast Atlantic Ocean by using the Regional Oceanic Modeling System to calculate ocean current velocity components (u, v, w), and Ariane (an off-line Fortran code dedicated to the computation of three-dimensional streamlines from velocity fields) to calculate the transport of particles around the numerical model domain. The study was undertaken using a 10-year climatic simulation. Statistical comparisons with satellite and in situ data showed that the ocean circulation model captured known regional oceanographic features. Four depth ranges showed different Lagrangian transport pathways, 0–10m, 20–200m, 300–500m, and 600– 2000 m, confirming that these routes are consistent with the known ocean circulation patterns. Our results were supported by multiple sources: (i) connectivity between the African coast and the Canary Islands for sardine (Sardina pilchardus), anchovy (Engraulis encrasicolus), (ii) panmixia of lobsters (Scyllarides latus and Palinurus elephas), and European conger eel (Conger conger); (iii) connectivity between Azores and Canary archipelagos for sponge (Phorbas fictitius); and (iv) observed drifting of crude oil from the Prestige oil tanker spill. These results should help guide future observational cam- paigns, as well as the interpretation of open-ocean transport patterns and the distribution of marine organisms and chemical tracers in the northeast Atlantic region.
Margaritifera marocana is one of the rarest freshwater mussel species (listed as critically endan... more Margaritifera marocana is one of the rarest freshwater mussel species (listed as critically endangered), and is endemic to Morocco. Despite its constrained distribution and low abundance, to date there are no quantitative studies addressing the conservation status of this species. Surveys were conducted in 36 sites along the Oum Er Rbia river basin (Rivers Derna, Laabid and Oum Er Rbia) to assess the distribution, abundance, population structure and genetic diversity of M. marocana. Just one specimen was found on River Oum Er Rbia and none on River Derna; however, a high abundance was found in the lower section of River Laabid (e.g., site Laabid 6 reached a mean density of 11.0±6.8ind.m(-2)). Contrary to earlier information, which reported an overall population size fewer than 250 individuals in a restricted area and no juvenile presence, this study showed that a much higher abundance exists in River Laabid alone. In addition, the species is present in more than 50km of this river and is still recruiting since small specimens were found. Regarding genetic diversity, six of nine loci previously used in Margaritifera margaritifera were polymorphic and suitable in M. marocana. The spatial range contraction of this species is likely to be very recent, since no strong signature was detected by the molecular diversity indices. Information gathered in this study can be used as a reference to the present conservation status of M. marocana, and guide future research and management initiatives to better conserve it. We conclude discussing the potential major threats for the future survival of M. marocana and suggest some management measures (and research needs) that should be urgently applied.
Biological reviews of the Cambridge Philosophical Society, Jan 4, 2016
Freshwater mussels of the Order Unionida provide important ecosystem functions and services, yet ... more Freshwater mussels of the Order Unionida provide important ecosystem functions and services, yet many of their populations are in decline. We comprehensively review the status of the 16 currently recognized species in Europe, collating for the first time their life-history traits, distribution, conservation status, habitat preferences, and main threats in order to suggest future management actions. In northern, central, and eastern Europe, a relatively homogeneous species composition is found in most basins. In southern Europe, despite the lower species richness, spatially restricted species make these basins a high conservation priority. Information on freshwater mussels in Europe is unevenly distributed with considerable differences in data quality and quantity among countries and species. To make conservation more effective in the future, we suggest greater international cooperation using standardized protocols and methods to monitor and manage European freshwater mussel diversit...
The species Apseudes talpa is redescribed and its impact on the systematics of Apseudidae is disc... more The species Apseudes talpa is redescribed and its impact on the systematics of Apseudidae is discussed. The finding of multiple conflicting characters with the generic diagnosis, as well as the novel character of a denticulate ridge on the mandibular body, suggest that a redefinition of the genus Apseudes is necessary. The genus Androgynella is here demoted to a junior synonym of Apseudes.
Samples collected from the Antarctic (ANDEEP/2002) and Mid-Pacific (BIONOD/2012) Oceans allowed a... more Samples collected from the Antarctic (ANDEEP/2002) and Mid-Pacific (BIONOD/2012) Oceans allowed analyses of several specimens of the family Neotanaidae. From these surveys two new species are described: Neotanais bicornutus and Venusticrus thor. The new material led to a re-diagnosis of Venusticrus, and N. rotermundiae is now assigned to this genus. The male of N. bicornutus shares a number of characters with the "robustus" species group, but differs by having a pleotelson about 1.5 times as wide as long, cheliped carpus about 1.5 times as long as cephalothorax, cheliped propodus with two long dorsal projections, and uropod endopod article 1 with 8-10 fine setae proximal to mid-length on outer margin. The N. bicornutus preparatory female differs from all species by a combination of characters including the number of setae on dorsal margin of cheliped carpus (about 15 setae), the uropod attachment slightly posterior to mid-length, uropod basal article about 2.7 times as long as endopod article 1. The female of V. thor differs from those of V. insolitus, V. glandurus and V. rotermundiae by the body proportions, the pleon having three lateral setae on epimera, pleon with a blunt ventral keel, pereopodal setation, number of setae on maxilliped endite and basis as well as other characters. Total genomic DNA was extracted from two specimens of V. thor and sequences of two genes, i.e., cytochrome oxidase 1 (COI) and ribosomal (28S) were obtained.
Freshwater mussels of the family Unionidae exhibit a particular form of mitochondria inheritance ... more Freshwater mussels of the family Unionidae exhibit a particular form of mitochondria inheritance called double uniparental inheritance (DUI), in which the mitochondria are inherited by both male and female parents. The (M)ale and (F)emale mitogenomes are highly divergent within species. In the present study, we determine and describe the complete M and F mitogenomes of the Endangered freshwater mussel Potomida littoralis (Cuvier, 1798). The complete M and F mitogenomes sequences are 16 451 bp and 15 787 bp in length, respectively. Both F and M have the same gene content: 13 protein-coding genes (PCGs), 22 transfer RNA (trn) and 2 ribosomal RNA (rrn) genes. Bayesian analyses based on the concatenated nucleotide sequences of 12 PCGs and 2 rrn genes of both genomes, including mitogenome sequences available from related species, were performed. Male and Female lineages are monophyletic within the family, but reveal distinct phylogenetic relationships.
The introduction of non-native crayfish in aquatic ecosystems is very common due to human activit... more The introduction of non-native crayfish in aquatic ecosystems is very common due to human activities (e.g. aquaculture, recreational and commercial fisheries). The signal crayfish, Pacifastacus leniusculus (Dana, 1852), is one of the most widespread invasive species in Europe. Although several important ecological and economic impacts of this species have been reported, its European population genetic characterisation has never been undertaken using nuclear markers. Thus, the aim of this study was to develop and characterise new microsatellite markers for signal crayfish that can be useful in future studies in its invaded range, since only five are available so far. In total, 93 individuals from four geographically distinct European populations (Portugal, Great Britain, Finland and Sweden) were scored for the new markers and for those previously described, with the Bayesian analysis revealing a clear distinction among populations. These markers are suitable for future studies of the...
We used species-specific microsatellite markers to investigate the genetic structure of three mar... more We used species-specific microsatellite markers to investigate the genetic structure of three marine exploited lobsters (the spiny lobster Palinurus elephas, and two slipper lobsters, Scyllarides latus and Scyllarus arctus) in several regions from the NE Atlantic and Mediterranean waters. Except for S. latus, genetic diversity was globally high and similar to that estimated for other marine crustaceans. Overall, very low and non-significant genetic differentiation was observed in all species. Bayesian clustering analysis also suggested homogeneity within species across regions. The maintenance of genetic homogeneity in these species is likely to result from their high fecundity and long-lived pelagic larva, which can promote high levels of connectivity between geographically distant populations. Conservation strategies should treat these three species as single stocks and propose adequate trans-regional measures to protect such vulnerable and endangered resource.
The North East Atlantic region has been the focus of intense phylogeographic research over the la... more The North East Atlantic region has been the focus of intense phylogeographic research over the last 20 years. However, most of those studies have been centered on the Atlantic – Mediterranean junction and have consistently neglected the Macaronesian archipelagos (Cape Verde, Madeira, Selvagens, Azores and Canary Islands). Here we used mtDNA COI sequences to infer common patterns of differentiation in three Achelata lobster species: Scyllarides latus (N=26) from the Cape Verde, Azores and Atlantic coast; Palinurus elephas (N=247) from the Azores, Atlantic and Mediterranean; and Panulirus regius (N=19) from the Cape Verde and southwestern Africa. Two competing phylogeographic hypotheses were tested: panmixia due to long-distance dispersion and population structuring due to environmental factors (e.g. oceanographic barriers and currents). Our analyses suggested: 1) panmixia in the Azores populations and between the Azores and the continental populations of P. elephas and S. latus; and ...
Based on new information, the current conservation status of the freshwater pearl mussel Margarit... more Based on new information, the current conservation status of the freshwater pearl mussel Margaritifera margaritifera (Linnaeus, 1758) in Portugal is revised. Between 2010 and 2013 surveys were conducted in eight different rivers to assess distribution, abundance, size-frequency and preferential habitat of this species. Rivers Neiva, Cávado and Terva presented very low abundances (in the Cávado no specimens were found) and showed acute signs of ageing, calling into question the future survival of these populations. Although abundances were low in Rivers Beç a, Paiva and Mente, juveniles were present and populations may improve their conservation status in the future, if appropriate management measures are applied. Rivers Rabaç al and Tuela presented the highest abundances of adults and juveniles and these two rivers have the highest potential for the conservation of freshwater pearl mussels in Portugal. However, these two populations have suffered severe declines in several stretches due to the construction of dams in recent years. Given that the Portuguese pearl mussel populations are at the southern range of the species distribution, their conservation should be a priority. This current description of the conservation status of M. margaritifera in Portugal can be used as a reference, and guide future research and management initiatives to better conserve this species.
We isolated and characterized eight polymorphic microsatellite markers for Brachymystax lenok (Pa... more We isolated and characterized eight polymorphic microsatellite markers for Brachymystax lenok (Pallas, 1773) from genomic libraries enriched for (GATA) n , (GACA) n and (ATG) n microsatellites. The number of alleles per locus ranged from two to 17. Heterozygosity ranged from 0.2 to 0.95. In addition, cross-species amplification was successful for seven loci in Hucho hucho , eight in H. taimen and seven in Parahucho perryi .
1. The duck mussel, Anodonta anatina, has been described as abundant and widespread in Europe. Ho... more 1. The duck mussel, Anodonta anatina, has been described as abundant and widespread in Europe. However, it is listed as near threatened or threatened in several countries owing to severe declines in abundance and/or spatial distribution.
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