Center for Marine Sciences and Technology

Plastic debris is now ubiquitous in the marine environment affecting a wide range of taxa, from microscopic zooplankton to large vertebrates. Its persistence and dispersal throughout marine ecosystems has meant that sensitivity toward the scale of threat is growing, particularly for species of conservation concern, such as marine turtles. Their use of a variety of habitats, migratory behaviour, and complex life histories leave them subject to a host of anthropogenic stressors, including exposure to marine plastic pollution. Here, we review the evidence for the effects of plastic debris on turtles and their habitats, highlight knowledge gaps, and make recommendations for future research. We found that, of the seven species, all are known to ingest or become entangled in marine debris. Ingestion can cause intestinal blockage and internal injury, dietary dilution, malnutrition, and increased buoyancy which in turn can result in poor health, reduced growth rates and reproductive output, or death. Entanglement in plastic debris (including ghost fishing gear) is known to cause lacerations, increased drag—which reduces the ability to forage effectively or escape threats—and may lead to drowning or death by starvation. In addition, plastic pollution may impact key turtle habitats. In particular, its presence on nesting beaches may alter nest properties by affecting temperature and sediment permeability. This could influence hatchling sex ratios and reproductive success, resulting in population level implications. Additionally, beach litter may entangle nesting females or emerging hatchlings. Lastly, as an omnipresent and widespread pollutant, plastic debris may cause wider ecosystem effects which result in loss of productivity and implications for trophic interactions. By compiling and presenting this evidence, we demonstrate that urgent action is required to better understand this issue and its effects on marine turtles, so that appropriate and effective mitigation policies can be developed.

Sharks may have an important role in marine ecosystems in relation to populations of fish and invertebrates at lower trophic levels. Fishery management plans stress the need for an ecosystem approach, but few quantitative studies on the foraging ecology of sharks have been published. Stomach contents and catch data of early life stages of Atlantic sharpnose Rhizoprionodon terraenovae, blacktip Carcharhinus limbatus, finetooth Carcharhinus isodon, and spinner sharks Carcharhinus brevipinna taken from fishery independent surveys in Apalachicola Bay, Florida, USA, were examined to test for overlap in resource use. Young-of-the-year Atlantic sharpnose sharks were found to feed mainly on shrimp, juveniles on sciaenids, and adults on clupeids. Young-of-the-year blacktip sharks were found to feed mainly on sciaenids, whereas juveniles fed on clupeids. The primary prey of young-of-the-year and juvenile finetooth and spinner sharks was clupeids. Eight of 10 prey size-selectivity tests showed neutral selection. Compared to relative prey sizes published for teleost piscivores, Atlantic sharpnose and finetooth sharks consume relatively small-sized prey while blacktip sharks consume relatively large prey. Regardless of maturity state and species, diet overlap was high for species-life stage combinations that are similar in size; however, species-life stages did not show significant habitat overlap. Prey categories shared by similar-sized species may not be limiting, although shark species may have alleviated competition pressure by partitioning the resource of time or space.

Widespread and persistent organochlorine (OC) contaminants, such as polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and pesticides, are known to have broad-ranging toxicities in wildlife. In this study we investigated, for the first time, their possible health effects on loggerhead sea turtles (Caretta caretta). Nonlethal fat biopsies and blood samples were collected from live turtles for OC contaminant analysis, and concentrations were compared with clinical health assessment data, including hematology, plasma chemistry, and body condition. Concentrations of total PCBs (Sigma PCBs), Sigma DDTs, Sigma chlordanes, dieldrin, and mirex were determined in 44 fat biopsies and 48 blood samples. Blood concentrations of Sigma chlordanes were negatively correlated with red blood cell counts, hemoglobin, and hematocrit, indicative of anemia. Positive correlations were observed between most classes of OC contaminants and white blood cell counts and between mirex and Sigma TCDD-like PCB concentrations and the heterophil:lymphocyte ratio, suggesting modulation of the immune system. All classes of OCs in the blood except dieldrin were correlated positively with aspartate aminotransferase (AST) activity, indicating possible hepatocellular damage. Mirex and Sigma TCDD-like PCB blood concentrations were negatively correlated with alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity. Significant correlations to levels of certain OC contaminant classes also suggested possible alteration of protein (increasing blood urea nitrogen, decreasing albumin:globulin ratio), carbohydrate (decreasing glucose), and ion (increasing sodium, decreasing magnesium) regulation. These correlations suggest that OC contaminants may be affecting the health of loggerhead sea turtles even though sea turtles accumulate lower concentrations of OCs compared with other wildlife.

Infrared spectroscopy is being increasingly utilized for the analysis of peptides and proteins because it probes the universally available amide (peptide) bonds, which display distinct IR signals for differently folded peptides and proteins. Other spectroscopic techniques useful for studying protein structures in solutions are circular dichroism (CD), ultraviolet absorption and fluorescence spectroscopy, Raman and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR). Among the techniques for secondary structure, NMR and Raman spectroscopy need unusually high concentration of proteins, and NMR analysis is still limited to small proteins of about 200 amino acid residues. CD analysis is limited to clear protein solution (as opposed to membrane proteins) due to the problem with light scattering. Furthermore, for estimation of secondary structure of protein by CD accurate protein concentration is needed. Infrared spectroscopy is an emerging technique for protein analysis. Amide I, II and III are most commonly used IR spectral regions used for protein structure-function analysis. Recent advances in the development of instrumentation (Fourier transformation, sampling), protein IR data bank (band assignments to different components of secondary structure), and techniques (two-dimensional IR methods, time-resolution, and isotopic labeling) have significantly augmented IR spectroscopy as an analytical tool for peptides and proteins. This chapter provides an overview of the basic technique and some of the applications of IR spectroscopy to examine structure, interaction, and conformational changes in peptides and proteins.

The last ICES Symposium on recruitment variability was held in Århus, Denmark, in the summer of 1970. The 1970 symposium brought together many important ideas on the topic. A contemporary perspective on recruitment variability is developed based on (1) the post-1970 accumulated record and (2) many of the ideas tabled in 1970. A brief review focuses on the multidecadal nature of recruitment variability and the fact that recruitment and its integral, stock size, often vary quite independently from fishing mortality, providing a strong implication that multidecadal changes in the environment are a major cause of recruitment variability. This evokes the old issue of the need to separate the effects of fishing from the effects of the environment. An important pathway leading to such a separation was suggested at the 1970 symposium. This pathway involved the notion that an understanding of recruitment variability required examining non-linear interactions among fish life-history stages. However, an intellectual tension between the need to examine life-history stages and the need to study factors affecting the mortality of fish larvae became apparent. These two approaches are now brought together by linking survival at the egg and early larval stage with fecundity. This generates a recruitment–stock curve that exhibits a collapsed and a non-collapsed phase and couples directly, in principle, with the physical structure of the environment.

Characterization of a population of green turtles inhabiting the northeastern Gulf of Mexico was made possible by the mortality of a subset of > 4500 sea turtles that stranded during a mass cold stunning event in Florida, USA, during January 2010. In total, 434 dead, stranded green turtles Chelonia mydas were evaluated through necropsy and skeletochronological analysis to characterize morphology, sex, body condition, disease status, age structure, and growth patterns. Standard straightline carapace lengths ranged from 18.1 to 78.5 cm (mean SD = 36.3 10.4 cm) and did not significantly differ from those of stranded green turtles that survived this event. Prevalence of fibropapilloma (FP) was low, at 6%, and sex ratio was significantly biased toward females (2.45F:1M). Age estimates ranged from 2 to 22 yr (mean SD = 9 4 yr) and female age distribution was significantly greater than that of males. Mean stage durations, as calculated through sum mation of size class-specific growth rates and fitting smoothing spline models to length-at-age data, were similar and ranged from 17 to 20 yr. Generalized additive models and generalized additive mixed models were used to assess the potential influence of discrete and continuous covariates on growth rates. Somatic growth was significantly influenced by size, age, and calendar year; however, no effect of sex, FP status, or body condition was found. Increased understanding of population parameters will improve population models for the species and can also serve as a reference for assessing potential effects of the 2010 Deepwater Horizon oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico.

Two of the greatest problems in coastal waters are eutrophicaton and rapid decline in populations of important fish species. Salt marshes are important in combating both these problems. A paradigm for salt marsh function: marshes import inorganic nutrients and export organic nutrients and, as a result, grow fish. As ground and tidal water flow through salt-water wetlands, plants, bacteria and algae produce or transform the organic matter of the food chain that supports fish and shellfish populations. While salt marshes modify the principal plant nutrients, N and P, some of the pathways result in removal of nutrients from biologically active systems. Nitrogen is removed primarily either by being trapped in refractory organic matter that contributes to marsh maintenance through accretion or through loss to the atmosphere (as N2) by denitrification. Salt marshes along the Atlantic coast of the United States have changed during the past century; the number of hectares has declined and the nutrient loading per hectare has increased. We examine data on the correlation between fish catch and various marsh features from Long Island, New York in 1880. We review research on the ways salt marshes reduce both the level and rate of eutrophication of coastal waters by intercepting nitrate in discharging groundwater. Finally, we consider how these functions have changed with the decrease in area of salt marshes along the Atlantic coast from Georgia to Maine.

BACKGROUND: Elasmobranchs (sharks, skates, and rays) are of commercial, sport, research, and exhibit importance, however, blood chemistry reference values have been determined for few of these species. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to establish plasma biochemistry and PCV reference values for wild bonnethead sharks (Sphyrna tiburo). METHODS: Heparinized blood samples were collected from 24 bonnethead sharks at the time of capture in trawl nets off the coast of South Carolina and Georgia. Weight, length, PCV, total solids (TS, by refractometry), and plasma biochemical analyses were done using standard techniques. Wilcoxon rank-sum and Kendall tau b tests were used to compare values by animal size, boat and sex; 1-way ANOVA was used to compare TS and total protein (TP) concentrations. RESULTS: Median (quartile; minimum-maximum) values were as follows: PCV 22% (22%, 26%; 17-28%), TS 6.3 (6.0, 6.8; 5.8-7.5) g/dL, total protein 2.9 (2.7, 3.4; 2.2-4.3) g/dL, albumin 0.4 (0.4, 0.4; 0.3-0.5) g/dL, globulins 2.6 (2.3, 3.0;1.9-3.8) g/dL, sodium 282 (279, 285;273-292) mmol/L, potassium 7.3 (6.4, 7.9; 5.7-9.2) mmol/L, chloride 290 (285, 296; 277-304) mmol/L, total CO2 3 (2, 4; 0-5) mmol/L, calcium 16.8 (16.2, 17.4;15.8-18.2) mg/dL, phosphorus 8.8 (7.5, 10.0; 5.9-12.7) mg/dL, urea nitrogen 1004 (986, 1028; 944-1068) mg/dL, creatinine <0.1 mg/dL, glucose 184 (165, 191; 155-218) mg/dL, aspartate aminotransferase 42 (33, 66; 15-132) U/L, lactate dehydrogenase <5 U/L, creatine kinase 82 (47, 233; 18-725) U/L, and osmolality 1094 (1078, 1111; 1056-1139) mOsm/kg. No differences based on sex were detected. TS and TP values were related by the fitted line TS = (1.006 X TP) + 3.318. CONCLUSION: Values reported here will be useful for evaluating the health status of bonnetheads in wild and captive research conditions and in exhibits.

Cells of the giant diatom Ethmodiscus Castr. gathered from the upper 15 m were examined for O 2 evolution, nitrate reductase activity (NRA), C and N composition, internal NO concentrations, , and 15 NO, 15 NH , and 32 Si uptake in a series of cruises in the central N. Pacific gyre. The δ 15 N (2.56–5.09 ‰), internal NO concentrations (0.0– 11.5 mM NO − ), and NRA (6.7 ± 4.7 × 10 −4 μM NO cell −1 ·h −1 ) were consistent with recent exposure to elevated nitrate concentrations and utilization of deep NO as a primary N source. These results are similar to other diatoms that migrate vertically to the nutricline as part of their life cycle. Rate measures (Si[OH] 4 uptake, NRA, and O 2 evolution) indicated surface doubling times from 45 h to 75 h. Both NO and NH uptake in surface waters were low and inadequate to supply N needs at surface NO and NH concentrations. Our results suggest a partitioning in nutrient acquisition, with N acquired at depth and C and Si acquired at the surface. Doubling rates were two to three times higher than predicted from cell volume and C content models. These data are consistent with the observed elemental content being lower than expected because of the dominance of cell volume by the vacuole. Our calculations suggest that Ethmodiscus contributes little to the biogeochemistry of the upper water column via upward nutrient transport. Although reported as a paleo‐upwelling indicator, thisevidence suggests that Ethmodiscus has adapted to the nutrient‐poor open ocean by a vertical migration strategy and has biological characteristics inconsistent with a upwelling indicator.

OBJECTIVE: To compare blood biochemical values obtained from a handheld analyzer, 2 tabletop analyzers, and 2 diagnostic laboratories by use of replicate samples of sea turtle blood. DESIGN: Validation study. ANIMALS: 22 captive juvenile sea turtles. PROCEDURES: Sea turtles (18 loggerhead turtles [Caretta caretta], 3 green turtles [Chelonia mydas], and 1 Kemp's ridley turtle [Lepidochelys kempii]) were manually restrained, and a single blood sample was obtained from each turtle and divided for analysis by use of the 5 analyzers. Hematocrit and concentrations or activities of aspartate aminotransferase, creatine kinase, glucose, total protein, albumin, BUN, uric acid, P, Ca, K, Na, Cl, lactate dehydrogenase, and alkaline phosphatase were determined. Median values for each analyte were compared among the analyzers. RESULTS: Significant differences were found among the analyzers for most values; however, data obtained from the 2 diagnostic laboratories were similar for all analytes. The magnitude of difference between the diagnostic laboratories and in-house units was > or = 10% for 10 of the 15 analytes. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Variance in the results could be attributed in part to differences in analyzer methodology. It is important to identify the specific methodology used when reporting and interpreting biochemical data. Depending on the variable and specific case, this magnitude of difference could conceivably influence patient management.

Rapid, safe, and effective methods of anesthetic induction and recovery are needed for sea turtles, especially in cases eligible for immediate release. This study demonstrates that intravenous propofol provides a rapid induction of anesthesia in loggerhead (Caretta caretta) sea turtles and results in rapid recovery, allowing safe return to water shortly after the procedure. Forty-nine loggerhead sea turtles were recovered as local fishery by-catch in pound nets and transported to a surgical suite for laparoscopic sex determination. Treatment animals (n = 32) received 5 mg/kg propofol intravenously (i.v.) as a rapid bolus, whereas control animals (n = 17) received no propofol. For analgesia, all animals received a 4 ml infusion of 1% lidocaine, locally, as well as 2 mg/kg ketoprofen intramuscularly (i.m.). Physiologic data included heart and respiratory rate, temperature, and a single blood gas sample collected upon termination of the laparoscopy. Subjective data included jaw tone and ocular reflex: 3 (vigorous) to 0 (none detected). Anesthetic depth was scored from 1, no anesthesia, to 3, surgical anesthesia. Turtles receiving propofol became apneic for a minimum of 5 min with a mean time of 13.7 +/- 8.3 min to the first respiration. Limb movement returned at a mean time of 21.1 +/- 16.8 min. The treatment animals were judged to be sedated for approximately 30 min (mean anesthetic depth score > or = 1.5) when compared to controls. Median respiratory rates for treatment animals were slower compared to controls for the first 15 min, then after 35 min, they became significantly faster than the controls. Median heart rates of control animals became significantly slower than treatment animals between 40 and 45 min. Physiologic differences between groups persisted a minimum of 55 min. Possible explanations for heart rate and respiratory rate differences later in the monitoring period include a compensatory recovery of treatment animals from anesthesia-induced hypoxia and hypercapnia or, alternatively, an induced response of the nonsedated control animals. The animals induced with propofol were easier to secure to the restraint device and moved less during laparoscopy. In conclusion, propofol is a safe and effective injectable anesthetic for use in free-ranging loggerhead sea turtles that provides rapid induction and recovery.

Abstract Restoration of oyster reefs is increasing worldwide due to oyster populations reaching historic lows and recognition of the many ecosystem services provided by oyster reefs, such as essential fish habitat. This study took advantage of an existing network of subtidal oyster reefs and a large‐scale oyster reef restoration effort in Pamlico Sound, North Carolina, to (1) compare estuarine fish assemblages on oyster reefs with those on unstructured bottom, (2) identify the short‐term change in fish abundance and richness in response to reef creation, and (3) identify spatiotemporal trends in fish abundance and richness. We quantified transient and reef fish using gill nets and fish traps, respectively. Oyster reefs harbored more unique species than unstructured bottom, thereby enhancing the overall diversity of estuarine fish assemblages. Fish abundance on recently created experimental reefs (6–8 months postconstruction) was similar to that on control reefs that were 4–6 years old, suggesting rapid colonization of new reefs. Fish diversity at 1 of 2 sites actually decreased on control reefs after reef construction, suggesting that rapid colonization of new reefs was due, in part, to the movement of fish from old to new reefs. Information on the distribution, abundance, and diversity of estuarine fish in relation to restored oyster reefs will improve our understanding of oyster reefs as essential fish habitat.

Geospatial habitat suitability index (HSI) models have emerged as powerful tools that integrate pertinent spatial information to guide habitat restoration efforts, but have rarely accounted for spatial variation in ecosystem service provision. In this study, we utilized satellite-derived chlorophyll a concentrations for Pamlico Sound, North Carolina, USA in conjunction with data on water flow velocities and dissolved oxygen concentrations to identify potential restoration locations that would maximize the oyster reef-associated ecosystem service of water filtration. We integrated these novel factors associated with oyster water filtration ecosystem services within an existing, 'Metapopulation Persistence' focused GIS-based, HSI model containing biophysical (e.g., salinity, oyster larval connectivity) and logistical (e.g., distance to nearest restoration material stockpile site) factors to identify suitable locations for oyster restoration that maximize long-term persistence of restored oyster populations and water filtration ecosystem service provision. Furthermore, we compared the 'Water Filtration' optimized HSI with the HSI optimized for 'Metapopulation Persistence,' as well as a hybrid model that optimized for both water filtration and metapopulation persistence. Optimal restoration locations (i.e., locations corresponding to the top 1% of suitability scores) were identified that were consistent among the three HSI scenarios (i.e., "win-win" locations), as well as optimal locations unique to a given HSI scenario (i.e., "tradeoff" locations). The modeling framework utilized in this study can provide guidance to restoration practitioners to maximize the cost-efficiency and ecosystem services value of habitat restoration efforts. Furthermore, the functional relationships between oyster water filtration and chlorophyll a concentrations, water flow velocities, and dissolved oxygen applied in this study can guide field- and lab-testing of hypotheses related to optimal conditions for oyster reef restoration to maximize water quality enhancement benefits.

An experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of a hot water extract of brown seaweeds Sargassum duplicatum and Sargassum wightii on the growth and white spot syndrome virus (WSSV) resistance in shrimp Penaeus monodon postlarvae (PL). Artemia nauplii (instar II) were enriched with both seaweed extracts at various concentrations (250, 500 and 750 mg L−1) and fed to the respective P. monodon (PL15–35) group for 20 days. A control group was also maintained without seaweed extract supplementation. The weight gain of the experimental groups was significantly higher (0.274–0.323 g) than the control group (0.261 g). Similarly, the specific growth rate was also significantly higher (16.27–17.06%) in the experimental groups than in the control group (16.03%). After 20 days of the feeding experiment, the shrimp PL were challenged with WSSV for 21 days. During the challenge test, the control shrimp displayed 100% mortality within 8 days. In contrast, the mortality percentage of the highest concentration (750 mg L−1) of seaweed extract enriched Artemia nauplii fed shrimp was 54–79%. Comparatively, low mortality was observed in S. wightii extract-enriched Artemia nauplii fed shrimp. The polymerase chain reaction analysis indicated the concentration-dependent infection of WSSV in P. monodon PL.

The intraocular pressure of 12 apparently healthy juvenile loggerhead sea turtles (Caretta caretta) was determined by applanation tonometry while the turtles were held in dorsoventral, ventrodorsal, and head-down suspended positions. The median intraocular pressures were 5 mmHg (range 4 to 9 mmHg) in the dorsoventral position, 7 mmHg (range 5 to 12 mmHg) in the ventrodorsal position, and 23 mmHg (range 17 to 33 mmHg) in the suspended position.

Several restored oyster (Crassostrea virginica Gmelin) reefs in Pamlico Sound, North Carolina, have experienced recent population crashes, potentially caused in part by clionid boring sponge infestation of the marl rock (a calcium carbonatemud composite material) commonly used as a reef substrate and of the shells of oysters that colonize the marl reef foundation. The composition and porosity of marl may make it vulnerable to infestation by carbonate bioeroders, particularly clionid sponges. The objective of this study was to quantify the effects of carbonate (CaCO3; oyster shell, marl) versus noncarbonate (non-CaCO3; granite, concrete) reef-building substrates on C. virginica demographic rates, including oyster density and oyster growth, on experimental reefs constructed along the salinity gradients of two estuaries in coastal North Carolina. There were no differences in oyster density among substrate types through the first 6 mo of reef sampling, although at 12 mo after reef construction, differences in density among substrates had emerged. Sites in high-salinity areas had much greater oyster recruitment than up-estuary, lower salinity locations. Early-life growth (<6 mo) of oysters was assessed for recruits to experimental reefs, with few differences seen in oyster mean valve length or growth rate on different substrate types. These results support consideration of non-CaCO3 materials, particularly concrete, for future oyster reef restoration, especially in high-salinity areas where the boring sponge Cliona is abundant, because both oyster density and growth were similar on oyster shell and concrete substrates as long as 1 y after reef construction.

The loggerhead sea turtle (Caretta caretta) is found throughout the waters of the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian Oceans. It is a protected species throughout much of its range due to threats such as habitat loss, fisheries interactions, hatchling predation, and marine debris. Loggerheads that occur in the southeastern U.S. are listed as "threatened" on the U.S. Endangered Species List, and receive state and federal protection. As part of an on-going population assessment conducted by the National Marine Fisheries Service, samples were collected from juvenile loggerhead sea turtles in Core Sound, North Carolina, between 2004 and 2007 to gain insight on the baseline health of the threatened Northwest Atlantic Ocean population. The aims of the current study were to establish hematologic and biochemical reference intervals for this population, and to assess variation of the hematologic and plasma biochemical analytes by season, water temperature, and sex and size of the turtles. Reference intervals for the clinical pathology parameters were estimated following Clinical Laboratory Standards Institute guidelines. Season, water temperature, sex, and size of the turtles were found to be significant factors of variation for parameter values. Seasonal variation could be attributed to physiological effects of decreasing photoperiod, cooler water temperature, and migration during the fall months. Packed cell volume, total protein, and albumin increased with increasing size of the turtles. The size-related differences in analytes documented in the present study are consistent with other reports of variation in clinical pathology parameters by size and age in sea turtles. As a component of a health assessment of juvenile loggerhead sea turtles in North Carolina, this study will serve as a baseline aiding in evaluation of trends for this population and as a diagnostic tool for assessing the health and prognosis for loggerhead sea turtles undergoing rehabilitation.

MEPS Marine Ecology Progress Series Contact the journal Facebook Twitter RSS Mailing List Subscribe to our mailing list via Mailchimp HomeLatest VolumeAbout the JournalEditorsTheme Sections MEPS 371:213-220 (2008) - DOI: https://doi.org/10.3354/meps07699 Disturbance-induced 'spill-in' of Caribbean spiny lobster to marine reserves David B. Eggleston1,2,*, Darren M. Parsons1,3 1North Carolina State University, Department of Marine, Earth and Atmospheric Sciences, Raleigh, North Carolina 27695-8208, USA 2North Carolina State University, Center for Marine Sciences and Technology, 303 College Circle, Morehead City, North Carolina 28557, USA 3National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research, Private Bag 99940, Auckland, New Zealand *Email: eggleston@ncsu.edu ABSTRACT: Marine reserves have the potential to enhance fisheries productivity by increasing total spawning potential or by spillover, the migration of juveniles and adults from reserves to non-reserve areas. Spillover has been the focus of many studies and has been an important argument in promoting the benefits of marine reserves to gain public support. Few studies, however, have examined mechanisms for colonization or migrations into marine reserves. The present study provides direct field evidence that disturbance from a sport diving fishery can elevate the abundance of Caribbean spiny lobster Panulirus argus in nearby marine reserves—particularly in reserves containing relatively high densities of non-disturbed lobsters—presumably through conspecific attraction where lobsters follow chemical cues to undisturbed sites in marine reserves. Population redistribution following fishery disturbance has implications for marine reserve design and application. For example, risk-averse fishery management strategies might locate reserves adjacent to intensely fished areas to enhance spill-in of mobile species. KEY WORDS: Animal behavior · Caribbean spiny lobster · Disturbance · Fisheries management · Sociality · Marine protected areas · Marine reserves · Predation · Spill-in · Spillover · Sport divers Full text in pdf format PreviousNextCite this article as: Eggleston DB, Parsons aDM (2008) Disturbance-induced 'spill-in' of Caribbean spiny lobster to marine reserves. Mar Ecol Prog Ser 371:213-220. https://doi.org/10.3354/meps07699 Export citation RSS - Facebook - Tweet - linkedIn Cited by Published in MEPS Vol. 371. Online publication date: November 19, 2008 Print ISSN: 0171-8630; Online ISSN: 1616-1599 Copyright © 2008 Inter-Research.

Chronically debilitated loggerhead sea turtles (Caretta caretta) (DT) are characterized by emaciation, lethargy, and heavy barnacle coverage. Although histopathological findings associated with this condition have been reported, only limited data is available on health variables with clinical application. The objectives of this study were to 1) to compare morphometrics, clinicopathological variables, and immune functions of DTs to a group of apparently healthy loggerhead turtles to better understand the pathophysiology of the condition and 2) to assess health parameters in live debilitated turtles as they recovered during rehabilitation in order to identify potential prognostic indicators. We examined and sampled 43 DTs stranded from North Carolina to Florida for 47 health variables using standardized protocols to further characterize the condition. DTs were grouped into categories of severity of the condition, and those that survived were sampled at four time points through rehabilitation. All groups and time points were compared among DTs and to clinically healthy loggerhead turtles. Compared to healthy turtles, DTs had significantly lower body condition index, packed cell volume (PCV), total white blood cell (WBC) count, lymphocytes, glucose (Glc), total protein, all protein fractions as determined by electrophoresis, calcium (Ca), phosphorus (P), Ca:P ratio, potassium (K), lymphocyte proliferation, and greater heterophil toxicity and left-shifting, uric acid (UA), aspartate aminotransferase, creatine kinase, lysozyme, and respiratory burst. From admission to recovery, hematology and plasma chemistry data improved as expected. The most informative prognostic indicators, as determined by correlations with a novel severity indicator (based on survival times), were plastron concavity, P, albumin, total solids, UA, lymphocyte proliferation, WBC, K, Glc, Ca:P, and PCV. The results of this study document the wide range and extent of morphometric and metabolic derangements in chronically debilitated turtles. Monitoring morphometrics and clinicopathological variables of these animals is essential for diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis during rehabilitation.

ABSTRACT A hypothermic-stunned juvenile Kemp's ridley sea turtle, Lepidochelys kempii , developed right carpal swelling early in rehabilitation. Osteomyelitis was detected initially as a small radiolucency of the proximal aspect of the metacarpal of digit I, and spread over the course of several weeks nearly to obliterate the distal carpal row and affect the ulnar and pisiform carpals and metacarpals II and III. Unbranching unpigmented septate fungal hyphae were observed cytologically from a fine needle aspirate, however fungal culture was negative. A Nocardia sp. was cultured from the fine needle aspirate. Although surgical debridement was strongly considered, concerns over postoperative management of a submerged open contaminated wound at a mobile joint led to a decision to attempt medical management alone. Prolonged combined treatment with fluconazole (one year) and azithromycin (162 d) resulted in a functional carpal joint with substantial remineralization of the carpal and metacarpal bones, normal flipper contour, full range of motion and apparently normal swimming. Anti-nocardial treatment preceding azithromycin, first with sulfadimethoxine, then with oxytetracycline, appeared to reduce swelling but were associated with suspected adverse reactions. Husbandry conditions with a good plane of nutrition, excellent water quality and minimal disturbance undoubtedly contributed to the successful outcome. The sea turtle was released 20 m after stranding.