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Introduction: The importance of holothuroids in marine ecosystems is related to their feeding activities, which have been little studied in the eastern Pacific. Objective: To describe the feeding habits of the sea cucumber Holothuria (Stauropora) fuscocinerea and their bioturbation potential in La Entrega reef, México. Methods: The population size of H. (Stauropora) fuscocinerea was determined by means of four 20 x 4 m (320 m2) band transects, while the available sediment for the sea cucumbers and their feces were characterized in three stations (A-C) via granulometry and quantification of organic carbon and organic matter. Excretion rate was determined every 4 hr over a 24 hr period and the relationship between sea cucumber length and biomass and the excretion rate evaluated. Results: According to non-parametric permutation, ordination and percentage similarity analyses, sea cucumber feces mostly comprised a large proportion of small grains compared to the available sediment, indicating that H. (Stauropora) fuscocinerea is selective on grain size. Preliminary bioturbation potential of the species may reach up to 8.71 ± 0.17 kg day of sediment in the study area. Conclusion: The spatial distribution of H. (Stauropora) fuscocinerea in the study area is a product of its selective feeding activity, evidencing the preliminary importance of the species in the trophic dynamics of La Entrega reef.
Introducción: La relevancia de los holoturoideos en los ecosistemas marinos está relacionada con sus actividades alimenticias, las cuales han sido escasamente estudiadas en el Pacífico oriental. Objetivo: Describir los hábitos alimenticios del pepino de mar Holothuria (Stauropora) fuscocinerea y su potencial de bioturbación en el arrecife La Entrega, México. Métodos: Se determinó el tamaño poblacional de H. (Stauropora) fuscocinerea mediante cuatro transectos de banda de 20 x 4 m (320 m2), mientras que la caracterización de los sedimentos disponibles y las heces de los pepinos se realizó en tres estaciones (A-C) mediante granulometría y cuantificación de carbono orgánico y materia orgánica. Se determinó la tasa de excreción cada 4 hr durante un periodo de 24 hr y se evaluó la relación entre la talla y la biomasa con la tasa de excreción. Resultados: De acuerdo con un análisis no paramétrico mediante permutaciones, ordenación y similitud, las heces de los pepinos estuvieron compuestas en su mayoría por una gran cantidad de granos pequeños en comparación con el sedimento disponible, lo que sugiere que H. (Stauropora) fuscocinerea es una especie selectiva respecto al tamaño de grano. El potencial de bioturbación preliminar de la especie puede alcanzar 8.71 ± 0.17 kg día en el área de estudio. Conclusiones: La distribución espacial de H. (Stauropora) fuscocinerea en el área de estudio es producto de su selectividad alimenticia, evidenciando la importancia de la especie en la dinámica trófica del arrecife La Entrega.
Subject(s)
Animals , Sea Cucumbers/anatomy & histology , Holothuria/growth & development , Diet, Food, and Nutrition , Echinodermata/growth & development , MexicoABSTRACT
Introducción: El género Leptopentacta solo ha sido reportado previamente en Florida, Cuba, Colombia, Costa Rica y Surinam. Objetivo: Presentar el primer registro del género para Nicaragua. Métodos: Los caracteres morfológicos del material nicaragüense del Smithsonian Institution (USNM 1014529), fueron corroborados con la descripción original. Resultados: Los cinco especímenes recolectados en el Caribe nicaragüense coinciden con el género. Conclusiones: Leptopentacta se reporta por primera vez en el Mar Caribe de Nicaragua. Esto aumenta el número de equinodermos nicaragüenses a 194 especies.
Introduction: The genus Leptopentacta has only been previously reported from Florida, Cuba, Colombia, Costa Rica, and Suriname. Objective: To present the first record of the genus for Nicaragua. Methods: The morphological characters of Nicaraguan material at the Smithsonian Institution (USNM 1014529), were corroborated with the original description. Results: The five specimens collected in the Nicaraguan Caribbean match the genus. Conclusions: Leptopentacta is reported for the first time from the Nicaraguan Caribbean Sea. This increases the number of Nicaraguan echinoderms to 194 species.
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To investigate the antioxidant and anti-melanogenesis activities of an ultrasonic extract of red sea cucumber, Stichopus japonicus, collected from Jeju Island. Methods: Antioxidant activity experiments were assessed by an electron spin resonance system and a cellular model of immortalized human keratinocytes (HaCaT) to determine its radical scavenging activity and protective effects against 2,2'-azobis (2-amidinopropane) dihydrochloride (AAPH)-induced oxidative stress. Antimelanogenic activity of the ultrasonic extract of red sea cucumber was also examined using the melanoma cell model B16F10 and mushroom tyrosinase. Following the induction by ?-melanocytestimulating hormone, the effects of the ultrasonic extract of red sea cucumber on intracellular tyrosinase activity, melanin content and the melanogenic protein expression of microphthalmia-associated transcription factor, tyrosinase, and tyrosinase-related proteins (TRP-1, and TRP-2) were examined. Results: The ultrasonic extract of red sea cucumber significantly scavenged 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl and alkyl radicals [IC50: (0.9240.035) and (0.3270.006) mg/mL, respectively], as well as showed a protective effect against oxidative stress and attenuated generation of intracellular reactive oxygen species on AAPHinduced HaCaT cells, with no cytotoxicity (12.5-400 ug/mL). The ultrasonic extract of red sea cucumber also exhibited a tyrosinase inhibitory effect [IC50: (2.7500.006) mg/mL]. On ?-melanocytestimulating hormone-stimulated B16F10 melanoma cells, the ultrasonic extract of red sea cucumber (25-200 ug/mL) significantly inhibited not only melanin synthesis and tyrosinase activity, but also protein expressions of microphthalmia-associated transcriptional factor, tyrosinase, TRP-1, and TRP-2. Conclusions: The ultrasonic extract of red sea cucumber shows antioxidant and anti-melanogenic potential and may be a natural candidate for anti-aging as well as a whitening agent in the cosmeceuticals industry.
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@#Introduction: The outbreaks of foodborne diseases have been linked to the consumption of contaminated seafood. This research aims to screen the bacteria from the sea cucumbers Acaudina molpadioides collected from Pulau Langkawi. Methods: A total of 22 sea cucumber samples were collected randomly from Pulau Langkawi, Kedah, Malaysia. The samples were isolated and identified for the presence of bacteria using the conventional culture-based method. Presumptive bacteria colonies were subjected to various biochemical and antimicrobial susceptibility tests. Results: There were no bacterial growth in Hektoen Enteric (HE) agar and Thiosulphate-Citrate-Bile Salt (TCBS) agar. Positive samples were isolated from MacConkey (MAC) agar with 6 samples were Staphylococcus spp. (27.27%), 14 samples were Proteus spp. (63.63%) and 2 samples were Bacillus spp. (9.01%). Among these isolates, highest resistance was found against Ampicillin (45%) followed by Tetracycline (40%). Conclusion: The results indicate that the sea cucumbers Acaudina molpadioides were contaminated with potential bacteria. There is a need for adequate consumer protection measures.
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Objective: To investigate the antioxidant and anti-melanogenesis activities of an ultrasonic extract of red sea cucumber, Stichopus japonicus, collected from Jeju Island. Methods: Antioxidant activity experiments were assessed by an electron spin resonance system and a cellular model of immortalized human keratinocytes (HaCaT) to determine its radical scavenging activity and protective effects against 2,2'-azobis (2-amidinopropane) dihydrochloride (AAPH)-induced oxidative stress. Anti-melanogenic activity of the ultrasonic extract of red sea cucumber was also examined using the melanoma cell model B16F10 and mushroom tyrosinase. Following the induction by α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone, the effects of the ultrasonic extract of red sea cucumber on intracellular tyrosinase activity, melanin content and the melanogenic protein expression of microphthalmia-associated transcription factor, tyrosinase, and tyrosinase-related proteins (TRP-1, and TRP-2) were examined. Results: The ultrasonic extract of red sea cucumber significantly scavenged 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl and alkyl radicals [IC50:(0.924±0.035) and (0.327±0.006) mg/mL, respectively], as well as showed a protective effect against oxidative stress and attenuated generation of intracellular reactive oxygen species on AAPH-induced HaCaT cells, with no cytotoxicity (12.5-400 μg/mL). The ultrasonic extract of red sea cucumber also exhibited a tyrosinase inhibitory effect [IC50: (2.750±0.006) mg/mL]. On α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone-stimulated B16F10 melanoma cells, the ultrasonic extract of red sea cucumber (25-200 μg/mL) significantly inhibited not only melanin synthesis and tyrosinase activity, but also protein expressions of microphthalmia-associated transcriptional factor, tyrosinase, TRP-1, and TRP-2. Conclusions: The ultrasonic extract of red sea cucumber shows antioxidant and anti-melanogenic potential and may be a natural candidate for anti-aging as well as a whitening agent in the cosmeceuticals industry.
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The effects of diets containing different concentration of Saccharina japonica algae (0%, 5%, 10%, 15%, 20% and 25%) on growth and Interleukin (IL)-10 gene expression of juvenile sea cucumber Apostichopus japonicus were studied. At first, 08 weeks feeding trail was conducted to evaluate the growth performance of sea cucumbers fed with one of the six experimental diets. Result showed that sea cucumbers fed 15% Saccharina japonica algae diet had higher specific growth rate (SGR) and food conversion efficiency (FCE) than the other experimental diets (P<0.05). Secondly, Interleukin (IL)-10 gene expression was determined where mice splenocytes were treated with different experimental diets fed sea cucumber extracts for two hours. The highest Interleukin (IL)-10 gene expressions was found in 15% Saccharina japonica algae diets fed sea cucumbers extract compared to other diets except 10% Saccharina japonica algae diet. Results of this experiment suggest that 15% Saccharina japonica containing diet perform better growth and could elevate IL-10 gene expression. This information might be useful in the further development of more appropriate diets for the culture of sea cucumbers.
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Background: The alga Laminaria japonica is the most economically important brown seaweed cultured in China, which is used as food and aquatic animal feedstuff. However, the use of L. japonica as a feedstuff in Apostichopus japonicasfarming is not ideal because A. japonicas does not produce enough enzyme activity for degrading the large amount of algin present in L. japonica. In this study, semi solid fermentation of the L. japonica feedstuff employing a Bacillus strain as the microbe was used to as a mean to degrade the algin content in L. japonica feedstuff. Results: The Bacillus strain, Bacillus amyloliquefaciens WB1, was isolated by virtue of its ability to utilize sodium alginate as the sole carbon source. Eight factors affecting growth and algin-degrading capacity of WB1 were investigated. The results of Plackett-Burman design indicated that fermentation time, beef extract, and solvent to solid ratio were the significant parameters. Furthermore, the mutual interaction between the solvent to solid ratio and beef extract concentration was more significant than the other pairs of parameters on algin degradation. Optimal values obtained from Central-Composite Design were 113.94 h for fermentation time, 0.3% (w/v) beef extract and 44.87 (v/w) ratio of solvent to feedstuff. Under optimal conditions, 56.88% of the algin was degraded when a 50-fold scale-up fermentation was carried out, using a 5-L fermenter. Conclusions: This study provides an alternative and economical way to reduce the algin content in L. japonicathrough degradation by WB1, making it a promising potential source of feed for cultured L japonica.
Subject(s)
Stichopus , Bacillus amyloliquefaciens/metabolism , Laminaria , Animal Feed , Sea Cucumbers , Microscopy, Electron, Scanning , Fermentation , Bacillus amyloliquefaciens/chemistryABSTRACT
Objective To determine skin whitening and wrinkle improvement efficacy, glycoprotein fractions were extracted from liquid extracts of boiled sea cucumber and their effects on tyrosine and elastase inhibitory activities were assayed. Methods Fractions above and below 50 kDa (>50 kDa and 50 kDa enhanced tyrosinase and elastase inhibitory activities by 50.84% and 28.78%, respectively. Correlations of the >50 kDa concentration with tyrosinase inhibitory (R2 = 0.968) and elastase inhibitory (R2 = 0.983) efficacy were significant. Conclusions >50 kDa glycoprotein fraction isolated from liquid extracts of boiled sea cucumber, which can serve as a functional cosmetic ingredient for whitening and wrinkle improvement of skin.
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Objective To study the chemical constituents from the Stichopus variegatus .Method The compounds were isolated and purified by silica gel column chromatography ,Sephadex LH-20 gel filtration and recrystallization .The structures of these compounds were identified through chemical reactions and spectral analyses ,such as IR ,1 H ,13C NMR ,MS .Results Three compounds were identified as 3-O-[3-O-methyl-β-D-glucopyranosyl (1→3)-β-D-xylopyranosyl (1→3)-β-D-glucopyranosyl (1→2)-β-D-xylopyranosyl]-holosta-7 ,24-diene-3β,23S-diol ,named as variegatuside C ;3-O-{3-O-methyl-β-D-glucopy-ranosyl(1→3)-β-D-xylopyranosyl(1 → 4)-β-D-glucopyranosyl (1 → 2)[β-D-glucopyranosyl (1 → 4)]-β-D-xylopyranosyl-holosta-8-ene-3β, 23S-diol ,named as variegatuside D ;3-O-{3-O-methyl-β-D-glucopyranosyl(1→3)-β-D-xylopyranosyl(1→4)-β-D-glucopyranosyl (1→ 2 ) [3-O-methyl-β-D-glucopyranosyl (1 → 3 )-β-D-glucopyranosyl (1 → 4 )]-β-D-xylopyranosyl}-holosta-9-ene-3β,23S-diol , named as variegatuside E .Conclusion All three compounds are new compounds .
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OBJECTIVE@#To determine skin whitening and wrinkle improvement efficacy, glycoprotein fractions were extracted from liquid extracts of boiled sea cucumber and their effects on tyrosine and elastase inhibitory activities were assayed.@*METHODS@#Fractions above and below 50 kDa (>50 kDa and 50 kDa enhanced tyrosinase and elastase inhibitory activities by 50.84% and 28.78%, respectively. Correlations of the >50 kDa concentration with tyrosinase inhibitory (R2 = 0.968) and elastase inhibitory (R2 = 0.983) efficacy were significant.@*CONCLUSIONS@#>50 kDa glycoprotein fraction isolated from liquid extracts of boiled sea cucumber, which can serve as a functional cosmetic ingredient for whitening and wrinkle improvement of skin.
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Abstract The sea cucumber Holothuria (Halodeima) grisea is a widely distributed and economically important species that has been harvested in Brazil for several years, where there are no studies on its reproduction. We studied a population near Guaratuba Bay in Southern Brazil. Four sampling campaigns were made, in February, April, June and October 2008. We examined the macroscopic and microscopic features of the gonads to describe the gametogenesis. In addition, we analyzed the weight change of body organs. A total of 94 individuals were examined and no evidence of external sexual dimorphism was found. In April there were more males than females. Biometrically the body wall and gonads are the most important organs. The body wall increases in the June and the gonads during October and February; there might be an exchange of energy between these organs. Mature gonads are elongated and thick (red in females, cream in males). There were mature individuals year round, with an increase of sexual activity in February when oocyte mature diameter ranges from 70 to 160 µm. Spawning was in winter (June). Maturation period and body component variations were similar between sexes. Rev. Biol. Trop. 63 (Suppl. 2): 285-296. Epub 2015 June 01.
Resumen El pepino de mar Holothuria (Halodeima) grisea es una especie ampliamente distribuida y económicamente importante que se ha recolectado en Brasil desde hace varios años. No hay estudios previos realizados sobre la reproducción de esta especie en Brasil. Además, son aún poco conocidos los aspectos bio-ecológicos de esta especie. En este estudio, se investigaron algunos aspectos de la reproducción del pepino de mar Holothuria (Halodeima) grisea en una población cerca de la bahía de Guaratuba en el sur de Brasil. Se hicieron cuatro salidas de muestreo, en febrero, abril, junio y octubre de 2008, abarcando las cuatro estaciones. Examinamos las características macroscópicas y microscópicas de las gónadas para describir la gametogénesis, adicionalmente, se analizó el cambio de peso de cada componente de los órganos del cuerpo (pared corporal, gónadas, sistema haemal, tracto digestivo y árbol respiratorio). Se examinó un total de 94 individuos y no se encontraron evidencias de dimorfismo sexual externo. Los resultados del análisis estadístico de la prueba x² rechazan la hipótesis nula (H0) con una relación de sexos igual a 1, sin embargo, el análisis de cada mes, esta diferencia de género se observó sólo en el mes de abril, cuando el número de los males es mucho mayor que la de las hembras. Las medidas biométricas mostraron que la pared del cuerpo y las gónadas son los órganos más importantes, con aumentos de la pared corporal en el junio y de las gónadas durante octubre y febrero, que pueden indicar que hay un intercambio de energía entre estos órganos. Macroscópicamente, las gónadas maduras muestran túbulos largos, gruesos y ramificados siendo que las hembras presentan coloración rojiza e los machos tonos de crema. Sin embargo, durante el crecimiento y agotado, no se observaron diferencias morfológicas macroscópicas entre los sexos. Microscópicamente, se observó la presencia constante de individuos maduros entre meses, con un aumento de la actividad sexual en febrero, cuando los ovocitos maduros tuvieron un diámetro oscila entre 70 a 160 μ. El período de desove ocurrió en los meses de invierno (junio). El periodo de maduración y la variación del cuerpo de los componentes fueron similares entre los sexos. La similitud en las demandas metabólicas de la población podría estar confirmando una estrategia para maximizar la sincronía reproductiva.
Subject(s)
Animals , Sea Cucumbers/growth & development , Holothuria/growth & development , GametogenesisABSTRACT
Aim To investigate the effects of saponin of sea cucumber ( SSC ) on the blood pressure in obese mice. Methods C57BL/KsJ(db/db) mice were ran-domized into 3 groups ( 8 mice each ): model group, low-dose SSC group and high-dose SSC group. Normal C57BL/KsJ mice were used as control. The low and high SSC groups were fed on basal diets incorporated with 0. 02% and 0. 04% SSC. Different treatments were administered for 6 weeks and arterial pressure was measured in the third and sixth weeks. The abundance of renal ACE, ACE2 and REN mRNA was detected by real time PCR . Results Compared with control group, the blood pressure of model group mice was ob-viously raised ( P<0. 01 ) . Low-dose SSC group mice showed lower blood pressure than model group without statistically significant differences, and the blood pres-sure of high-dose SSC group mice was similar to that of control group and significantly lower than model group. ( P<0. 05 ) There were no remarkable differences a-bout ACE and REN mRNA among the groups, howev-er, ACE2 mRNA level was significantly increased in high-dose SSC group. Conclusion SSC plays a vital role in decreasing blood pressure, which probably re-lates to the regulating function of renin-angiotensin sys-tem( RAS) .
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Aim To investigate the immunomodulatory effects of sea cucumber fucoidan ( SC-FUC) on macro-phage and the signaling pathways. Methods Cell via-bilities in response to different concentrations of SC-FUC were analyzed by MTT, phagocytosis ability was detected by neutral red,and nitric oxide ( NO) produc-tion was examined by Griess reaction kit. The mRNA expression levels of IL-6 , IL-10 , Toll-like receptors (TLRs) and related signal molecules MyD88, TRIF, NF-κB were assayed by real-time PCR. All the experi-ments were based on murine RAW264. 7 cell line. Re-sults SC-FUC could promote RAW264 . 7 cell prolif-eration, phagocytosis as evidenced by uptake of neutral red and release of NO. The effects were significant at the early stage (6 h and 12 h) . SC-FUC could up-reg-ulate the expression of IL-6 , IL-10 , TLR4 , TLR5 , TLR9. Moreover, mRNA expressions of TLRs signaling molecules were increased, as well as MyD88, TRIF, NF-κB. Conclusions SC-FUC could activate macro-phage, and then promote the immune function by pro-moting production or expression of NO, IL-6, IL-10. It is speculated to be relevant to activated cell surface re-ceptors in macrophage, including TLR4, TLR5, TLR9, and NF-κB signaling pathways.
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Se evaluó la estructura genética de las poblaciones de Holothuria (Halodeima) inornata Semper, 1868, y se investigó cuáles podrían ser las barreras para el flujo de genes y procesos históricos. Se recolectaron muestras tratando de abarcar su ámbito de distribución, desde México hasta el norte de Perú. Con base en secuencias del gen COI se detectaron 118 haplotipos en 220 individuos y las diferencias entre dichos haplotipos fueron debidas a 97 sitios variables (21.41%) en los 453 pb secuenciados. Se observó una alta diversidad de haplotipos (h=0.979) y moderada diversidad nucleotídica (π=0.017). Para analizar la diferenciación genética, se utilizaron los valores de Fst, el test exacto de diferenciación poblacional y los análisis de varianza molecular (AMOVA). Estos análisis sugieren que existen dos poblaciones: las del norte, frente a las costas de: Sinaloa, Jalisco, Michoacán, Guerrero y Oaxaca; y las del sur, frente a las costas de: Chiapas, El Salvador, Panamá y Perú. Los acontecimientos históricos y los patrones oceanográficos podrían ser los principales factores que determinaron la dispersión y estructura de la población de H. inornata, es probable que la población original se haya extendido inicialmente en el sur y luego hacia el norte. Además, la separación entre estas dos poblaciones podría deberse al Golfo de Tehuantepec, el cual está constituido por una serie de eventos tectónicos y oceanográficos que constituyen una barrera para el asentamiento de H. inornata.
Genetic structure of the populations of H. inornata was evaluated and the barriers for genetic flux and historic processes were investigated. Samples were collected trying to cover the distribution range of the species, from Mexico to northern Perú. Based on COI sequences, 118 haplotypes from 220 specimens were detected; the differences between such haplotypes were due to 97 variable sites (21.41%) of the 453 bp sequenced. A high haplotype diversity (h=0.979) and a moderate nucleotidic diversity were observed. The values of Fst, the exact test of population differentiation, and the molecular variance analysis (AMOVA) were used in order to analyze the genetic differentiation. These analyses suggest the existence of two populations: northern, off the coasts of Sinaloa, Jalisco, Michoacán, Guerrero, and Oaxaca, and southern, off the coasts of Chiapas, El Salvador, Panamá and Perú. Historic events and oceanographic patterns may be the main factors determining dispersion and structure of Hi populations. It seems probable that the original population have extended first in the south and then northern. Besides, the split between these two populations may be due to several tectonic and oceanographic events constituting a barrier for H. inornata settling.
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Objective To observe the effect of freeze-dried sea cucumber powder in the treatment of patients with kidney-yang deficiency of perimenopause syndrome ,and to observe its effect on the levels of gonadal hormone . Methods 30 patients with kidney-yang deficiency of perimenopause syndrome were selected ,the changes of the Kup-perman score,the clinical effect and the levels of serum E2,FSH and LH before and after treatment were observed. Results After treatment,the clinical symptoms were significantly improved and the total effective rate was 90%.The improvement of Kupperman scores had significant difference (P<0.01).The serum level of E2 was increased signifi-cantly after treatment (P<0.05),while the serum levels of FSH and LH were decreased significantly (P<0.05). Conclusion Freeze-dried sea cucumber powder in the treatment of patients with kidney-yang deficiency of perimeno-pause syndrome has preferable clinical effects and can modify gonadal hormone levels .
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Se registra por primera vez para el Perú la especie de pepino de mar Heterocucumis godeffroyi (Semper, 1868) (Echinodermata: Holothuroidea). La especie fue recolectada a 19 m de profundidad en Pucusana, departamento de Lima. Este registro representa el límite más norteño de distribución de la especie reconocido hasta el momento. Material de referencia se encuentra depositado en la Colección de Zoología Acuática, del Laboratorio de Biología Marina, Departamento de Ciencias Biológicas y Fisiológicas, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Perú.
This is the first record of Heterocucumis godeffroyi (Semper, 1868) (Echinodermata: Holothuroidea) for Peruvian waters. The species was collected at19 m deep, in Pucusana, off Lima Departamento. This record represents the northern most distribution limit knowing to the present. Reference material has been deposited at the Colección de Zoología Acuática, Laboratorio de Biología Marina, Departamento de Ciencias Biológicas y Fisiológicas, at Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Perú.
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The brown sea cucumber fishery is active in the Galapagos Islands since the year 1991 after its collapse in mainland Ecuador. This paper analyzes the Galapagos Sea cucumber fishery over the past decade and the reasons for its management pitfalls and chronic over fishing, and proposes an improved strategy for estimating stock size and harvest potential. Based on the historical distribution of the fishing fleet and past fishery surveys, 15 macrozones were defined; their areas were estimated from the coastline to the 30m isobaths and the numbers of sample replicates per macrozone were calculated for a density estimate precision of ±25%. Overall stock size was calculated by summing over all macrozones and was multiplied by 0.122 to obtain the annual quota. This multiplier was derived by inserting an exploitation rate of E=0.3 and a published natural mortality value of M=0.17 into Cadimas formula, thereby obtaining a more conservative precautionary quota estimate. Pre-fishery stock densities in 2009 were below the legal threshold value and the fishery remained closed. Mean densities were significantly lower in the deeper (>15m) than in the shallower (<15m) stratum, contrary to fishermen expectations. Through an empirical regression of (log) pre-fishery density versus subsequent annual catch for the period 1998-2008 we found that catches of most years greatly exceeded the here proposed quota explaining the collapsed nature of the stock. Rev. Biol. Trop. 60 (2): 539-551. Epub 2012 June 01.
Este artículo analiza la pesquería del pepino de mar en Galápagos, durante la década pasada y se estudian las razones de su difícil manejo y la sobre-explotación crónica. El objetivo principal de este trabajo fue proponer una estrategia mejorada para estimar el tamano poblacional y el potencial de captura. Se definieron 15 macrozonas, y para ello se tomo en cuenta la distribución histórica de la flota pesquera y los resultados de prospecciones pesqueras pasadas. Las respectivas aéreas fueron estimadas desde la línea de costa hasta la isobata de los 30m. El numero de replicas de muestreo por macrozona fueron calculadas para estimar la densidad poblacional con una precisión del ±25%. El tamano poblacional total fue calculado sumando la densidad poblacional de todas las macrozonas, luego el resultado fue multiplicado por 0.122 para obtener la cuota anual de captura. Este factor de multiplicación fue derivado mediante la fórmula de Cadima, en la cual se considero una tasa de explotación (E) de 0.3 y una tasa de mortalidad natural (M) de 0.17. Estos resultados permitieron obtener una estimación precautoria y más conservadora de la cuota total de captura. La densidad poblacional pre-pesquería en 2009 estuvo por debajo del punto de referencia límite establecido, en consecuencia fue declarada en veda. Las densidades poblacionales promedio fueron significativamente menores a profundidades mayores a los 15m, contrario a lo esperado por los pescadores. A través de una regresión empírica entre el logaritmo de la densidad poblacional pre-pesquería y la subsecuente cuota de captura anual para el periodo 1998-2008, se descubrió que las capturas totales en la mayoría de los años han excedido la cuota de captura propuesta en este articulo, lo que explica el estado actual de este recurso, el cual se encuentra colapsado.
Subject(s)
Animals , Humans , Conservation of Natural Resources , Environmental Monitoring/methods , Fisheries , Sea Cucumbers , Ecuador , Population Density , Population DynamicsABSTRACT
Objective To investigate the secondary metabolites of actinomycete Brevibacterium sp. associated with the sea cucumber Apostichopus japonicus Selenka. Methods The ethyl acetate extract of the actinomycete was purified by repeated column chromatography on silica gel, Sephadex LH-20, and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) to obtain pure compounds; and the compound structures were elucidated by spectroscopic analysis (nuclear magnetic resonance, NMR; mass spectrometry, MS) and the results were compared with the previously reported data. Results Seven compounds were isolated: cyclo-(L-Pro-L-Phe) (1), cyclo-(L-Pro-L-Met) (2), cyclo-(L-Pro-L-Tyr) (3), cyclo-(L-Pro-L-Val) (4), cyclo-(L-Pro-L-Pro) (5), cyclo-(L-Val-Gly) (6), and cyclo-(L-Pro-L-Leu) (7). Conclusion This is the first report on the secondary metabolites of microorganisms associated with the sea cucumber Apostichopus japonicus Selenka, and all the seven compounds have been reported from the actinomycete Brevibacterium sp. for the first time.
ABSTRACT
Distribution and density of two holothurian species in Cubagua Island, Venezuela. Holothurian populations in the Caribbean have been significantly depleted in some areas, and others are still in danger to satisfy international markets. In Venezuela, this marine resource has been illegally exploited since the early 1990s. To contribute with their management and protection, this work analyzed the distribution, abundance and population structure of two commercial holothurians Isostichopus badionotus and Holothuria mexicana in Cubagua Island shores. A total of 52 stations were studied around the island during the year 2008. Surveys included visits to each station, for which a band transect of 50m² with four replicates were carried out. The results show that I. badionotus has a higher distribution on the East coast of the island, and is found over Thalassia testudinum beds or bivalve molluscs aggregations, with an average density of 0.011ind/m², C.I. 95%=0.005-0.017, n=122, and a general abundance estimated in 117ind/ha. H. mexicana has been practically depleted (0.001 ind/m2 C.I. 95%=0.0002-0.0013, 7.7 ind/ha, n=8). We recommend the maintenance of the total ban adopted in 1997 to assure the protection of these species, mainly because no previous data supported the start of the fishery, and also, because the current densities are still very low when compared to other areas in Venezuela and the Caribbean. These are animals easy to catch, susceptible to overfishing, and with a very low recovery rate; thus, more control is required from the local authorities. Rev. Biol. Trop. 59 (2): 843-852. Epub 2011 June 01.
En algunas zonas del Caribe, poblaciones enteras de holoturias han sido agotadas. En Venezuela, éste recurso ha sido explotado ilegalmente desde inicios de 1990. Por esta razón, se planteó estimar la distribución, abundancia y estructura poblacional de las holoturias comerciales Isostichopus badionotus y Holothuria mexicana en la isla Cubagua. Para ello, durante el año 2008, se realizaron cuatro transectas bandas de 50m² cada una en 52 estaciones ubicadas alrededor de la isla. Entre los resultados obtenidos destacan: I. badionotus presenta mayor distribución en el lado este de la isla, sobre fondos de Thalassia testudinum o bancos de moluscos bivalvos; con una densidad promedio de 0.011±0.022ind/m² (n=122), y una abundancia general estimada en 117ind/ha. Se identificaron cinco posibles zonas de crianza para esta última especie. H. mexicana ha sido prácticamente agotada (0.001±0.002ind/m², 7.7ind/ ha, n=8). Se recomienda mantener la veda total implantada en 1997, principalmente por no tener conocimiento de las densidades previas al inicio de la pesquería; por considerar que la densidad actual sigue siendo muy baja en comparación con otras zonas de Venezuela, y por ser animales de fácil captura, rápidamente sobreexplotables y de recuperación lenta.
Subject(s)
Animals , Biodiversity , Sea Cucumbers/classification , Population Density , Population Dynamics , Seasons , VenezuelaABSTRACT
Objective: To study the constituents from the sea cucumber, Stichopus variegatus. Methods: The crude saponins of S. variegatus were desulfated with pyridine-dioxane (1:1), the desulfated products were separated by multi-chromatography to afford two compounds. Results: On the basis of chemical methods and spectral evidences, especially 2D-NMR and ESI-MS, these two compounds were identified as 3-0-[β-D-xylopyranosyl-(1→2)-4′-O- sulfate-β-D-xylopyranosyl]-holosta-9-ene-3β,12α,17α, 25β-tetraol sodium salt, named as variegatuside A (1) and 16β-acetoxy-3-O-β-D-xylopyranosyl-holosta-22,25-epoxy-9-ene-3β, 12α,17α-triol, named as variegatuside B (2). Conclusion: Compounds 1 and 2 are new compounds.