Journal of Marine Science and Engineering

Editorial

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4 pages, 180 KiB

Open AccessEditorial

The Impact of Changes in the Marine Environment on Marine Organisms

by Hung-Yen Hsieh, Kwee-Siong Tew and Pei-Jie Meng

J. Mar. Sci. Eng. 2023, 11(4), 809; https://doi.org/10.3390/jmse11040809 - 11 Apr 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1419

Abstract

The ocean is a critical element of human well-being and livelihood, providing a home for a diverse range of creatures that inhabit both coastal and pelagic ecosystems, from microbes to marine mammals [...] Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Impact of Changes in the Marine Environment on Marine Organisms)

Research

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28 pages, 2077 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Taxonomic Revision of the Genus Croaker Johnius (Perciformes: Sciaenidae) in Taiwanese Waters

by Norhafiz Hanafi, Meng-Hsien Chen, Ying Giat Seah, Chih-Wei Chang, Shang Yin Vanson Liu, Chien-Cheng Lai and Ning Labbish Chao

J. Mar. Sci. Eng. 2023, 11(3), 471; https://doi.org/10.3390/jmse11030471 - 22 Feb 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2257

Abstract

Given the identification of the new species Johnius taiwanesis, the Johnius genus in Taiwanese water is here reviewed through a collection of field samples, museum specimens, and a review of the Taiwanese scientific literature. Seven valid Johnius species were successfully identified and [...] Read more.

Given the identification of the new species Johnius taiwanesis, the Johnius genus in Taiwanese water is here reviewed through a collection of field samples, museum specimens, and a review of the Taiwanese scientific literature. Seven valid Johnius species were successfully identified and distinguished based on gill raker length, tip of upper jaw to mouth hinge length, tip of lower jaw to mouth hinge length, and length of second spine of anal fin. Our phylogenetic tree based on cytochrome oxidase subunit I (COI) showed the existence of high interspecific genetic diversity within the genus Johnius forming a monophyletic group. The Johnius species in Taiwan are mainly distributed in a latitude ranging from Xingda (22.4° N) to Hsinchu (24.8° N) with J. taiwanensis, J. distinctus, and J. belangerii representing the most abundant species caught throughout the year. Johnius amblycephalus and J. borneensis were only caught in the summer, while J. trewavasae was rarely caught. In conclusion, we provide a dichotomous key for the genus Johnius in Taiwan waters. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Impact of Changes in the Marine Environment on Marine Organisms)

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19 pages, 2413 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Combined Culture and DNA Metabarcoding Analysis of Cyanobacterial Community Structure in Response to Coral Reef Health Status in the South China Sea

by Jianhua Kang, Hala F. Mohamed, Xinming Liu, Lulu Pei, Shuhong Huang, Xiangyuan Lin, Xinqing Zheng and Zhaohe Luo

J. Mar. Sci. Eng. 2022, 10(12), 1984; https://doi.org/10.3390/jmse10121984 - 13 Dec 2022

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1951

Abstract

Cyanobacteria occupy an extraordinarily diverse array of ecological niches in coral reefs because they play multifaceted roles, including primary carbon and nitrogen fixation, calcification, nutrient cycling, and oxygen production, as well as coral reef degradation through skeletal biocorrosion and polymicrobial diseases. In this [...] Read more.

Cyanobacteria occupy an extraordinarily diverse array of ecological niches in coral reefs because they play multifaceted roles, including primary carbon and nitrogen fixation, calcification, nutrient cycling, and oxygen production, as well as coral reef degradation through skeletal biocorrosion and polymicrobial diseases. In this study, cyanobacterial diversity in sediment, water, and coral tissues were explored in relation to coral health status (slightly, moderately, and severely damaged) of coral reefs at Weizhou Island, South China Sea. Microscopy of taxa morphological characteristics was combined with 16S rRNA gene metabarcoding. Fifteen and forty-three cyanobacterial genera were identified based on universal prokaryotic 16S rRNA gene primers and cyanobacteria-specific 16S rRNA gene primers metabarcoding, respectively, indicating a more sophisticated efficiency of the latter. In addition, three out of seven cyanobacterial strains that were isolated and identified based on morphology and phylogeny could not be detected using either molecular method. Therefore, culture-based combined cyanobacteria-specific 16S rRNA gene metabarcoding are highly recommended in future routine surveys. There was a clear distinction in cyanobacterial assemblage composition among locations with different coral health statuses, with degraded reefs exhibiting approximately a 1.25-fold increase in species compared to healthy habitats. In addition, the spreading of potentially toxic cyanobacteria, such as Nostoc and Lyngbya, in the degraded reef implies putative links to reef degradation. This study provides novel insights into the taxonomical diversity of cyanobacteria in tropical coral reefs. Metabarcoding is recommended as an effective tool for revealing cyanobacterial diversity patterns and thereby providing critical information for the effective management of coral reef ecosystems. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Impact of Changes in the Marine Environment on Marine Organisms)

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15 pages, 1043 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Concentrations and Characteristics of Polybrominated Diphenyl Ethers (PBDEs) in Marine Zooplankton from the Gaoping Waters of Southwestern Taiwan

by Hung-Yen Hsieh, Kuang-Ching Huang, Jing-O Cheng, Fung-Chi Ko and Pei-Jie Meng

J. Mar. Sci. Eng. 2022, 10(12), 1943; https://doi.org/10.3390/jmse10121943 - 8 Dec 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1620

Abstract

Bioaccumulation by zooplankton is the outset for persistent organic pollutants that enter the marine food chain. Owing to a full spectrum of anthropogenic activities, the Gaoping waters of southwestern Taiwan are exposed to large quantities of polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs). However, information on [...] Read more.

Bioaccumulation by zooplankton is the outset for persistent organic pollutants that enter the marine food chain. Owing to a full spectrum of anthropogenic activities, the Gaoping waters of southwestern Taiwan are exposed to large quantities of polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs). However, information on these contaminants in zooplankton in this study area is lacking. In this study, we analyzed 19 PBDE congeners concentrations in 36 zooplankton samples from the Gaoping waters. A high variation in the total PBDE concentrations in zooplankton (from not detected to 1415 ng g⁻¹ dry weight) was found, with the highest PBDE levels being recorded near the entrance of the Kaohsiung Harbor (KH). Significantly higher levels were noted for the KH transect than for the Gaoping River estuary (GR) and Fengshan Township (FS) transects, indicating that PBDE inputs originate from the ocean sewage outfalls. BDE-15 (43%) and BDE-209 (16%) were the predominant PBDE congeners in the zooplankton. Our results suggest that anthropogenic activities might predominantly contribute to significantly high PBDE concentrations. The traditional food web may easily transport these higher levels of PBDEs in zooplankton to higher trophic levels of marine organisms, since the Gaoping waters serve as essential nursery and spawning grounds for invertebrates and fishes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Impact of Changes in the Marine Environment on Marine Organisms)

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11 pages, 1687 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Verification of an Environmental Impact Assessment Using a Multivariate Statistical Model

by Wei-Rung Chou, Hung-Yen Hsieh, Guo-Kai Hong, Fung-Chi Ko, Pei-Jie Meng and Kwee Siong Tew

J. Mar. Sci. Eng. 2022, 10(8), 1023; https://doi.org/10.3390/jmse10081023 - 26 Jul 2022

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1371

Abstract

Environmental impact assessment is a means of preventing and mitigating the adverse effects of economic development activities on the natural environment. It is meant to ensure that decision-makers have sufficient information to consider environmental impacts before proceeding with new projects. Despite their important [...] Read more.

Environmental impact assessment is a means of preventing and mitigating the adverse effects of economic development activities on the natural environment. It is meant to ensure that decision-makers have sufficient information to consider environmental impacts before proceeding with new projects. Despite their important role in public policy, verification of environmental impact assessments has seldom been conducted. In this study, we used principal component analysis (PCA) to identify the major sources of influence on the coastal waters adjacent to a major tourist facility (an aquarium) in southern Taiwan, followed by the construction of a structural equation model (SEM) to determine the direct and indirect effects of the abiotic factors on phytoplankton and zooplankton density and diversity. Based on the loadings of principal components 1–3, we identified that river input, suspended matter, and seasonal changes were the major factors affecting the coastal area. The SEM further suggested that phytoplankton density and diversity were affected directly by seasonal changes and suspended matter, but only indirectly by river input, owing to the latter’s effect on suspended matter. In contrast, the SEM suggested that zooplankton density and diversity were affected directly by seasonal changes, but indirectly by both river input and suspended matter owing to their effects on phytoplankton density and diversity. Q2 was the season with the highest number of visitors to the aquarium, but none of the abiotic or biotic parameters showed particular differences, implying that the variations in those parameters in the adjacent coastal waters were not related to the visitors. We suggest that PCA and SEM be used in the future in other contexts to verify environmental impact assessments. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Impact of Changes in the Marine Environment on Marine Organisms)

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20 pages, 4636 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effect of Various Local Anthropogenic Impacts on the Diversity of Coral Mucus-Associated Bacterial Communities

by Emad I. Hussein, Abdul-Salam F. Juhmani, Jacob H. Jacob, Mahmoud A. Telfah, Mutaz A. Abd Al-razaq, Fuad A. Al-Horani, Mazhar Salim Al Zoubi and Hanan I. Malkawi

J. Mar. Sci. Eng. 2022, 10(7), 863; https://doi.org/10.3390/jmse10070863 - 24 Jun 2022

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2217

Abstract

The global continued decline in coral reefs is intensifying the need to understand the response of corals to local environmental stressors. Coral-associated bacterial communities have been suggested to have a swift response to environmental pollutants. This study aims to determine the variation in [...] Read more.

The global continued decline in coral reefs is intensifying the need to understand the response of corals to local environmental stressors. Coral-associated bacterial communities have been suggested to have a swift response to environmental pollutants. This study aims to determine the variation in the bacterial communities associated with the mucus of two coral species, Pocillopora damicornis (Linnaeus, 1758) and Stylophora pistillata (Esper, 1792), and the coral-surrounding seawater from three areas exposed to contamination at the Jordanian coast of the Gulf of Aqaba (Red Sea), and also explores the antibacterial activity of these bacteria. Corals were collected from three contaminated zones along the coast, and the bacteria were quantified and identified by conventional morphological and biochemical tests, as well as 16S rRNA gene sequencing. The average number of bacteria significantly varied among the coral mucus from the sampling zones and between the coral mucus and the surrounding seawater. The P. damicornis mucus-associated bacterial community was dominated by members of the classes Gammaproteobacteria, Cytophagia, and Actinomycetia, while the mucus of S. pistillata represented higher bacterial diversity, with the dominance of the bacterial classes Gammaproteobacteria, Actinomycetia, Alphaproteobacteria, and Bacilli. The effects of local anthropogenic impacts on coral mucus bacterial communities were represented in the increased abundance of bacterial species related to coral diseases. Furthermore, the results demonstrated the existence of bacterial isolates with antibacterial activity that possibly acted as a first line of defense to protect and maintain the coral host against pathogens. Indeed, the dynamics of coral-associated microbial communities highlight the importance of holistic studies that focus on microbial interactions across the coral reef ecosystem. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Impact of Changes in the Marine Environment on Marine Organisms)

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16 pages, 11899 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Assessing the Effects of Ocean Warming and Acidification on the Seagrass Thalassia hemprichii

by Pi-Jen Liu, Hong-Fong Chang, Anderson B. Mayfield and Hsing-Juh Lin

J. Mar. Sci. Eng. 2022, 10(6), 714; https://doi.org/10.3390/jmse10060714 - 24 May 2022

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2434

Abstract

Seagrass beds serve as important carbon sinks, and it is thought that increasing the quantity and quality of such sinks could help to slow the rate of global climate change. Therefore, it will be important to (1) gain a better understanding of seagrass [...] Read more.

Seagrass beds serve as important carbon sinks, and it is thought that increasing the quantity and quality of such sinks could help to slow the rate of global climate change. Therefore, it will be important to (1) gain a better understanding of seagrass bed metabolism and (2) document how these high-productivity ecosystems are impacted by climate change-associated factors, such as ocean acidification (OA) and ocean warming (OW). A mesocosm-based approach was taken herein in which a tropical, Western Pacific seagrass species Thalassia hemprichii was cultured under either control or OA-simulating conditions; the temperature was gradually increased from 25 to 31 °C for both CO₂ enrichment treatments, and it was hypothesized that this species would respond positively to OA and elevated temperature. After 12 weeks of exposure, OA (~1200 ppm) led to (1) increases in underground biomass and root C:N ratios and (2) decreases in root nitrogen content. Rising temperatures (25 to 31 °C) increased the maximum quantum yield of photosystem II (Fv:Fm), productivity, leaf growth rate, decomposition rate, and carbon sequestration, but decreased the rate of shoot density increase and the carbon content of the leaves; this indicates that warming alone does not increase the short-term carbon sink capacity of this seagrass species. Under high CO₂ and the highest temperature employed (31 °C), this seagrass demonstrated its highest productivity, Fv:Fm, leaf growth rate, and carbon sequestration. Collectively, then, it appears that high CO₂ levels offset the negative effects of high temperature on this seagrass species. Whether this pattern is maintained at temperatures that actually induce marked seagrass stress (likely beginning at 33–34 °C in Southern Taiwan) should be the focus of future research. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Impact of Changes in the Marine Environment on Marine Organisms)

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8 pages, 758 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Key Impact on Water Quality of Coral Reefs in Kenting National Park

by Chung-Chi Chen, Hung-Yen Hsieh, Anderson B. Mayfield, Chia-Ming Chang, Jih-Terng Wang and Pei-Jie Meng

J. Mar. Sci. Eng. 2022, 10(2), 270; https://doi.org/10.3390/jmse10020270 - 15 Feb 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2187

Abstract

Southern Taiwan’s Kenting National Park is a popular retreating place for many domestic and international tourists, with increasing tourist numbers potentially over-burdening the coastal ecosystems. To better understand human impacts, a long-term ecological research program was initiated in 2001 to track water quality [...] Read more.

Southern Taiwan’s Kenting National Park is a popular retreating place for many domestic and international tourists, with increasing tourist numbers potentially over-burdening the coastal ecosystems. To better understand human impacts, a long-term ecological research program was initiated in 2001 to track water quality at 14 coral reef-abutting sites throughout the park since then. Extracting the data from this 20-year survey, we found that increasing in the nutrient levels during the summer rainy season, together with the drops in salinity led by freshwater inputs (land- & rainfall-derived), was the main impact to coral reef ecosystem of Kenting. Cluster analysis further confirmed the nutrient influx was mainly attributed to the local discharge outlets with dense of villages and hotels at upstream. Therefore, more efforts are needed to input to control tourist number, treat waste water discharge and strengthen land protection facilities. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Impact of Changes in the Marine Environment on Marine Organisms)

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