Multidisciplinary estimates of connectivity and population structure suggest the use of multiple units for the conservation and management of meagre, Argyrosomus regius.

Information on population structure and connectivity of targeted species is key for proper implementation of spatial conservation measures. We used a combination of genomics, biophysical modelling, and biotelemetry to infer the population structure and connectivity of Atlantic meagre, an important fisheries resource throughout its distribution. Genetic samples from previously identified Atlantic spawning locations (Gironde, Tejo, Guadalquivir, Banc d'Arguin) and two additional regions (Algarve and Senegal) were analysed using genome-wide SNP-genotyping and mitochondrial DNA analyses. Biophysical models were conducted to investigate larval dispersal and connectivity from the known Atlantic spawning locations. Additionally, thirteen fish were double-tagged with biotelemetry transmitters off the Algarve (Portugal) to assess movement patterns and connectivity of adult individuals. This multidisciplinary approach provided a robust overview of meagre population structure and connectivity in the Atlantic. Nuclear SNP-genotyping showed a clear differentiation between the European and African populations, with significant isolation of the few known Atlantic spawning sites. The limited level of connectivity between these subpopulations is potentially driven by adults, capable of wide-ranging movements and connecting sites 500 km apart, as evidenced by tagging studies, whilst larval dispersal inferred by modelling is much more limited (average of 52 km; 95% of connectivity events up to 174 km). Our results show sufficient evidence of population structure, particularly between Africa and Europe but also within Europe, for the meagre to be managed as separate stocks. Additionally, considering the low degree of larvae connectivity, the implementation of marine protected areas in key spawning sites could be crucial towards species sustainability.

Residency and space use estimation methods based on passive acoustic telemetry data.

Acoustic telemetry has helped overcome many of the challenges faced when studying the movement ecology of aquatic species, allowing to obtain unprecedented amounts of data. This has made it into one of the most widely used methods nowadays. Many ways to analyse acoustic telemetry data have been made available and deciding on how to analyse the data requires considering the type of research objectives, relevant properties of the data (e.g., resolution, study design, equipment), habits of the study species, researcher experience, among others. To ease this decision process, here we showcase (1) some of the methods used to estimate pseudo-positions and positions from raw acoustic telemetry data, (2) methods to estimate residency and (3) methods to estimate two-dimensional home and occurrence range using geometric or hull-based methods and density-distribution methods, a network-based approach, and three-dimensional methods. We provide examples of some of these were tested using a sample of real data. With this we intend to provide the necessary background for the selection of the method(s) that better fit specific research objectives when using acoustic telemetry.

Integrated genetic and morphological data support eco-evolutionary divergence of Angolan and South African populations of Diplodus hottentotus.

The genus Diplodus presents multiple cases of taxonomic conjecture. Among these the D. cervinus complex was previously described as comprising three subspecies that are now regarded as separate species: Diplodus cervinus, Diplodus hottentotus and Diplodus omanensis. Diplodus hottentotus exhibits a clear break in its distribution around the Benguela Current system, prompting speculation that Angolan and South African populations flanking this area may be isolated and warrant formal taxonomic distinction. This study reports the first integrated genetic [mitochondrial (mt)DNA and nuclear microsatellite] and morphological (morphometric, meristic and colouration) study to assess patterns of divergence between populations in the two regions. High levels of cytonuclear divergence between the populations support a prolonged period of genetic isolation, with the sharing of only one mtDNA haplotype (12 haplotypes were fully sorted between regions) attributed to retention of ancestral polymorphism. Fish from the two regions were significantly differentiated at a number of morphometric (69·5%) and meristic (46%) characters. In addition, Angolan and South African fish exhibited reciprocally diagnostic colouration patterns that were more similar to Mediterranean and Indian Ocean congeners, respectively. Based on the congruent genetic and phenotypic diversity we suggest that the use of hottentotus, whether for full species or subspecies status, should be restricted to South African D. cervinus to reflect their status as a distinct species-like unit, while the relationship between Angolan and Atlantic-Mediterranean D. cervinus will require further demo-genetic analysis. This study highlights the utility of integrated genetic and morphological approaches to assess taxonomic diversity within the biogeographically dynamic Benguela Current region.

Prognostic factors for long-term renal function in boys with the prune-belly syndrome.

PURPOSE: Renal failure develops in 25 to 30% of patients with the prune-belly syndrome. The clinical parameters associated with renal failure in this condition are not well understood. We determined which factors predict renal failure in children with the prune-belly syndrome. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We reviewed the records of 35 patients with the prune-belly syndrome who were treated at our hospital during a 37-year period. Nadir serum creatinine, time to nadir creatinine, presence or absence of a patent urachus, presence and severity of urinary tract infection, and renal failure were analyzed. RESULTS: Mean followup was 14 years 2 months. In 2 of the 17 patients with a nadir serum creatinine of less than 0.7 mg./dl. renal failure developed. Each of these 2 children also had clinical pyelonephritis and urosepsis. In 12 of the 13 patients nadir serum creatinine greater than 0.7 mg./dl. strongly predicted renal failure. Nonfebrile urinary tract infection within the first year of life was not predictive of outcome (p = 0.8) but a history of clinical pyelonephritis correlated with eventual renal failure (p<0.001). Urosepsis also correlated with renal failure (p = 0.008). Children with at least 1 normal kidney on renal ultrasound or renal scan had a significantly lower chance of renal failure (p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Bilaterally abnormal kidneys on ultrasound or renal scan, a nadir serum creatinine of greater than 0.7 mg./dl. and clinical pyelonephritis are prognostic for renal failure.