Achieving conservation and restoration outcomes through ecologically beneficial aquaculture.

A range of conservation and restoration tools are needed to safeguard the structure and function of aquatic ecosystems. Aquaculture, the culturing of aquatic organisms, often contributes to the numerous stressors that aquatic ecosystems face, yet some aquaculture activities can also deliver ecological benefits. We reviewed the literature on aquaculture activities that may contribute to conservation and restoration outcomes, either by enhancing the persistence or recovery of one or more target species or by moving aquatic ecosystems toward a target state. We identified 12 ecologically beneficial outcomes achievable via aquaculture: species recovery, habitat restoration, habitat rehabilitation, habitat protection, bioremediation, assisted evolution, climate change mitigation, wild harvest replacement, coastal defense, removal of overabundant species, biological control, and ex situ conservation. This list may be expanded as new applications are discovered. Positive intentions do not guarantee positive ecological outcomes, so it is critical that potentially ecologically beneficial aquaculture activities be evaluated via clear and measurable indicators of success to reduce potential abuse by greenwashing. Unanimity on outcomes, indicators, and related terminology will bring the field of aquaculture-environment interactions into line with consensus standards in conservation and restoration ecology. Broad consensus will also aid the development of future certification schemes for ecologically beneficial aquaculture.

Se necesita una gama de herramientas de conservación y restauración para salvaguardar la estructura y función de los ecosistemas acuáticos. La acuacultura (el cultivo de organismos acuáticos) generalmente contribuye a los numerosos estresantes que soportan los ecosistemas acuáticos, aunque algunas actividades de la acuacultura también pueden proporcionar beneficios ecológicos. Revisamos la literatura sobre las actividades de acuacultura que pueden contribuir a los resultados de conservación y restauración, ya sea al incrementar la persistencia o recuperación de una o más especies objetivo o al llevar a los ecosistemas acuáticos hacia un estado objetivo. Identificamos doce resultados con beneficios ecológicos que pueden lograrse con la acuacultura: recuperación de la especie, recuperación del hábitat, restauración del hábitat, rehabilitación del hábitat, protección del hábitat, bioreparación, evolución asistida, mitigación del cambio climático, sustitución de la captura silvestre, defensa costera, eliminación de las especies sobreabundantes, control biológico y conservación ex situ. Esta lista puede expandirse conforme se descubren nuevas aplicaciones. Las intenciones positivas no garantizan resultados ecológicos positivos, así que es importante que se evalúen las actividades de acuacultura con un posible beneficio ecológico por medio de indicadores del éxito claros y medibles para reducir el abuso potencial por ecoblanqueo o greenwashing. La unanimidad en los resultados, indicadores y terminología relacionada armonizará las interacciones entre la acuacultura y el ambiente con los estándares de la conservación y la ecología de la restauración. Un consenso generalizado también ayudará con el desarrollo de futuros esquemas de certificación para la acuacultura con beneficios ecológicos. Obtención de resultados de conservación y restauración a través de la acuacultura con beneficios ecológicos.

Anopheles plumbeus (Diptera: Culicidae) in Germany: updated geographic distribution and public health impact of a nuisance and vector mosquito.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to map the current spatial distribution of Anopheles plumbeus in Germany, a potential vector of malaria parasites and West Nile virus. Reports of mass occurrence and nuisance connected with artificial breeding site usage by this species were analysed. METHODS: Distribution data were collected from 2011 to 2014 mainly through trapping and submissions of adult mosquito specimens to a citizen science project. In the framework of the latter, additional information was gathered on recent nuisance incidents caused by An. plumbeus, including a longitudinal analysis of mosquito occurrence and the impact of management measures at a nuisance site in south-western Germany. RESULTS: Based on the most comprehensive set of collection data obtained during the last decades, An. plumbeus is shown to be widely distributed over Germany. The data also indicate a continuing extension of the breeding site repertoire of the species from natural to artificial habitats that facilitate mass development. Increasing incidents of persistent nuisance suggest that this mosquito species is rarely diagnosed correctly and managed adequately. CONCLUSIONS: As An. plumbeus is both a serious nuisance pest and a potential vector species, awareness of this species and the public health problems linked to it should be raised among pest managers and public health personnel.

Risk assessment of inbreeding and outbreeding depression in a captive-breeding program.

Captive-breeding programs can be implemented to preserve the genetic diversity of endangered populations such that the controlled release of captive-bred individuals into the wild may promote recovery. A common difficulty, however, is that programs are founded with limited wild broodstock, and inbreeding can become increasingly difficult to avoid with successive generations in captivity. Program managers must choose between maintaining the genetic purity of populations, at the risk of inbreeding depression, or interbreeding populations, at the risk of outbreeding depression. We evaluate these relative risks in a captive-breeding program for 3 endangered populations of Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar). In each of 2 years, we released juvenile F(1) and F(2) interpopulation hybrids, backcrosses, as well as inbred and noninbred within-population crosstypes into 9 wild streams. Juvenile size and survival was quantified in each year. Few crosstype effects were observed, but interestingly, the relative fitness consequences of inbreeding and outbreeding varied from year to year. Temporal variation in environmental quality might have driven some of these annual differences, by exacerbating the importance of maternal effects on juvenile fitness in a year of low environmental quality and by affecting the severity of inbreeding depression differently in different years. Nonetheless, inbreeding was more consistently associated with a negative effect on fitness, whereas the consequences of outbreeding were less predictable. Considering the challenges associated with a sound risk assessment in the wild and given that the effect of inbreeding on fitness is relatively predictable, we suggest that risk can be weighted more strongly in terms of the probable outcome of outbreeding. Factors such as genetic similarities between populations and the number of generations in isolation can sometimes be used to assess outbreeding risk, in lieu of experimentation.

Vigilancia entomoepidemiológica de la especie Anopheles albimanus en el municipio de Santiago de Cuba / Entomological and epidemiological surveillance of the Anopheles albimanus species in Santiago de Cuba municipality

Se efectuó un estudio observacional, descriptivo y transversal, a fin de caracterizar algunas variables entomológicas de la vigilancia de culícidos transmisores de paludismo en Santiago de Cuba, desde 2006 hasta 2010. El universo de estudio se agrupó según los métodos establecidos para las colectas larvales de Anopheles albimanus. Se realizaron 602 encuestas larvarias donde existían focos de culícidos sujetos a vigilancia. Finalmente se demostró que 19,6 % de los criaderos fueron positivos a la especie antes citada. Asimismo, la densidad larvaria general fue de 13,4 larvas/m² y la específica de 1,8 larvas/m², con una tendencia al incremento de la positividad en estos criaderos. Se recomendó mantener una estrecha vigilancia en las áreas donde circulaba este vector.

An observational, descriptive and cross-sectional study was carried out, in order to characterize some entomological variables of the surveillance of culicids transmitting malaria in Santiago de Cuba, from 2006 to 2010. The study universe was formed according to the established methods for the larval collections of Anopheles albimanus. There were 602 larval interviews carried out in the culicids breeding under surveillance. Finally it was demonstrated that 19.6 % of the breedings were positive for the above mentioned species. Also, the larval general density was 13.4 larvae/m² and the specific of 1.8 larvae/m², with a tendency to the increase of positive results in these breedings. It was recommended to maintain a closed surveillance in the areas where this vector circulated.

Vigilancia entomoepidemiológica de la especie Anopheles albimanus en el municipio de Santiago de Cuba / Entomological and epidemiological surveillance of the Anopheles albimanus species in Santiago de Cuba municipality

Se efectuó un estudio observacional, descriptivo y transversal, a fin de caracterizar algunas variables entomológicas de la vigilancia de culícidos transmisores de paludismo en Santiago de Cuba, desde 2006 hasta 2010. El universo de estudio se agrupó según los métodos establecidos para las colectas larvales de Anopheles albimanus. Se realizaron 602 encuestas larvarias donde existían focos de culícidos sujetos a vigilancia. Finalmente se demostró que 19,6 por ciento de los criaderos fueron positivos a la especie antes citada. Asimismo, la densidad larvaria general fue de 13,4 larvas/m2 y la específica de 1,8 larvas/m2, con una tendencia al incremento de la positividad en estos criaderos. Se recomendó mantener una estrecha vigilancia en las áreas donde circulaba este vector(AU)

An observational, descriptive and cross-sectional study was carried out, in order to characterize some entomological variables of the surveillance of culicids transmitting malaria in Santiago de Cuba, from 2006 to 2010. The study universe was formed according to the established methods for the larval collections of Anopheles albimanus. There were 602 larval interviews carried out in the culicids breeding under surveillance. Finally it was demonstrated that 19.6 percent of the breedings were positive for the above mentioned species. Also, the larval general density was 13.4 larvae/m2 and the specific of 1.8 larvae/m2, with a tendency to the increase of positive results in these breedings. It was recommended to maintain a closed surveillance in the areas where this vector circulated(AU)

Calidad de la ejecución del Programa de Vigilancia y Control de Otros Culícidos / Quality of the implementation of the Surveillance and Control Program of Other Culicids

Se realizó una investigación sobre sistemas y servicios de salud para evaluar la calidad de la ejecución del Programa de Vigilancia y Control de otros Culícidos en las áreas de salud "XX Aniversario" y "Armando García Aspurú" del municipio de Santiago de Cuba, en el período 2009-2010. El universo estuvo constituido por 28 criaderos naturales, 10 puntos de captura específica, 11 prestadores y 60 usuarios. Las dimensiones estudiadas fueron la calidad científico-técnica (competencia profesional) y la satisfacción de prestadores y usuarios. La evaluación de la estructura reveló que fue inadecuada por déficit de personal especializado (50,0 %), por la ausencia del programa y por la escasa disponibilidad de pilas y cucharones carter; la del proceso, por baja competencia profesional e incumplimientos de tratamientos biológicos y físicos; la de los resultados, por insatisfacción con las actividades de capacitación (81,1 %) y por déficit de recursos materiales (63,6 %). El porcentaje de positividad de los criaderos resultó ser elevado, las densidades larvarias e índices de picada estuvieron fuera de parámetros permisibles y predominaron las malas condiciones de saneamiento. Se emitieron recomendaciones relacionadas con los problemas identificados.

A research on health systems and services was conducted to evaluate the quality of implementation of the Surveillance and Control Program of other culicids in "XX Aniversario" and "Armando García Aspurú" health areas of Santiago de Cuba municipality in the period 2009-2010. The sample consisted of 28 natural breeding sites, 10 specific capture points, 11 providers and 60 users. The aspects studied were scientific and technical quality (professional competence) and satisfaction of providers and users. Evaluation of the structure revealed that it was inadequate due to specialized personnel deficit (50.0 %), absence of the program and limited availability of batteries and carter buckets; evaluation of the process revealed low professional competence and failure to comply with biological and physical treatments; and that of the results showed dissatisfaction with the training activities (81.1 %) and lack of material resources (63.6 %). The percentage of positive breeding sites was found to be high, larval densities and bite rates were out of permissible parameters, and poor sanitation prevailed. Recommendations related to identified problems were given.

Calidad de la ejecución del Programa de Vigilancia y Control de Otros Culícidos / Quality of the implementation of the Surveillance and Control Program of Other Culicids

Se realizó una investigación sobre sistemas y servicios de salud para evaluar la calidad de la ejecución del Programa de Vigilancia y Control de otros Culícidos en las áreas de salud XX Aniversario y Armando García Aspurú del municipio de Santiago de Cuba, en el período 2009-2010. El universo estuvo constituido por 28 criaderos naturales, 10 puntos de captura específica, 11 prestadores y 60 usuarios. Las dimensiones estudiadas fueron la calidad científico-técnica (competencia profesional) y la satisfacción de prestadores y usuarios. La evaluación de la estructura reveló que fue inadecuada por déficit de personal especializado (50,0 por ciento), por la ausencia del programa y por la escasa disponibilidad de pilas y cucharones carter; la del proceso, por baja competencia profesional e incumplimientos de tratamientos biológicos y físicos; la de los resultados, por insatisfacción con las actividades de capacitación (81,1 por ciento) y por déficit de recursos materiales (63,6 por ciento). El porcentaje de positividad de los criaderos resultó ser elevado, las densidades larvarias e índices de picada estuvieron fuera de parámetros permisibles y predominaron las malas condiciones de saneamiento. Se emitieron recomendaciones relacionadas con los problemas identificados(AU)

A research on health systems and services was conducted to evaluate the quality of implementation of the Surveillance and Control Program of other culicids in XX Aniversario and Armando García Aspurú health areas of Santiago de Cuba municipality in the period 2009-2010. The sample consisted of 28 natural breeding sites, 10 specific capture points, 11 providers and 60 users. The aspects studied were scientific and technical quality (professional competence) and satisfaction of providers and users. Evaluation of the structure revealed that it was inadequate due to specialized personnel deficit (50.0 percent), absence of the program and limited availability of batteries and carter buckets; evaluation of the process revealed low professional competence and failure to comply with biological and physical treatments; and that of the results showed dissatisfaction with the training activities (81.1 percent) and lack of material resources (63.6 percent). The percentage of positive breeding sites was found to be high, larval densities and bite rates were out of permissible parameters, and poor sanitation prevailed. Recommendations related to identified problems were given(AU)

Análisis de abundancia, distribución y tallas de tiburones capturados por pesca artesanal en el parque nacional archipiélago los roques, Venezuela / Analysis of abundance, distribution and length of sharks caught by artisanal fishery in the los roques archipelago national park, Venezuela / Análise de abundância, distribuição e tamanhos de tubarões capturados mediante pesca artesanal no parque nacional arquipélago los roques, Venezuela

Se analizó la abundancia relativa, distribución y estructura de tallas de tiburones en el Parque Nacional Archipiélago Los Roques, Venezuela. La información fue obtenida a través del monitoreo de la pesca artesanal local dirigida a los tiburones durante 2001-2002. Fueron registradas un total de 13 especies de tiburones, de las cuales Carcharhinus limbatus (47,9%) y C. perezi (37,7%) dominaron la composición de la captura. Las especies Ginglymostoma cirratum, C. falciformis y Negaprion brevirostris obtuvieron conjuntamente un valor de importancia de 10,7%. El esfuerzo pesquero se concentró principalmente en el tercer trimestre en ambos años y a su vez a profundidad <10m. C. limbatus y C. perezi obtuvieron un promedio general en el índice de abundancia relativa (CPUE ±desv. estándar) de 2,76 ±2,43 y 2,35 ±2,17 ind 100-anz-1, respectivamente. Los ejemplares de C. limbatus midieron 53-218cm LT y el 96,5% resultaron ser juveniles capturados en la laguna central del archipiélago. En el caso de C. perezi, la captura estuvo conformada por individuos 67-270cm LT y el 82,6% fueron juveniles capturados en áreas poco profundas cercanas a las islas. Este estudio muestra que el Archipiélago Los Roques funciona como área de criadero para C. limbatus y C. perezi. La protección de las áreas de criadero, como estrategia de conservación, contribuiría directamente con el proceso natural del reclutamiento y mantenimiento del tamaño de las poblaciones y debe ser promovida en ese Parque Nacional.

Relative abundance, distribution and length structure of sharks were examined based on specimens caught during 2001 and 2002 by the artisanal shark fishery from Los Roques Archipelago National Park. A total of 13 species of sharks were reported during the study period, in which Carcharhinus limbatus (47.9%) and C. perezi (37.7%) were the most common frequently caught. Ginglymostoma cirratum, C. falciformis and Negaprion brevirostris together comprised 10.7% of the shark catch. The fishing effort was primarily concentrated during the third quarter in both years of the study period, and in the depth strata of < 10 m. General mean CPUE showed that the most abundant species were C. limbatus (2,76 ind 100-anz-1 ± 2,43 DS) and C. perezi (2,35 ind 100-anz-1 ± 2,17 DS). C. limbatus catches were constituted by individuals measuring between 53 and 218 cm TL. However, 96.5% of those caught were juveniles captured within the central lagoon of the archipelago. The catches of C. perezi were represented by individuals with sizes between 67 and 270 cm TL, and the 82.6% of them were juveniles captured in shallow water zones near the islands. The present study showed that the Los Roques Archipelago is an important nursery area for the species C. limbatus and C. perezi. The protection of the nursery areas of sharks, as a conservation measure, should be promoted in the study area.

Analisou-se a abundância relativa, distribuição e estrutura de tamanhos de tubarões no Parque Nacional Arquipélago Los Roques, Venezuela. A informação foi obtida através do monitoramento da pesca artesanal local dirigida aos tubarões durante 2001-2002. Foram registradas um total de 13 espécies de tubarões, das quais Carcharhinus limbatus (47,9 %) e C. perezi (37,7 %) dominaram a composição da captura. As espécies Ginglymostoma cirratum, C. falciformis e Negaprion brevirostris obtiveram conjuntamente um valor de importância de 10,7%. O esforço pesqueiro se concentrou principalmente no terceiro trimestre de ambos os anos e na profundidade <10m. C. limbatus e C. perezi obtiveram uma média geral no índice de abundância relativa (CPUE ±desv. estándar) de 2,76 ±2,43 e 2,35 ±2,17 ind 100-anz-1, respectivamente. Os exemplares de C. limbatus mediram 53-218cm LT e 96,5% resultaram ser juvenis capturados na lagoa central do arquipélago. No caso de C. perezi, a captura esteve conformada por indivíduos 67-270cm LT e 82,6% foram juvenis capturados em áreas pouco profundas próximas às ilhas. Este estudo mostra que o Arquipélago Los Roques funciona como área de criadouro para C. limbatus e C. perezi. A proteção das áreas de criadouro, como estratégia de conservação, contribuiria diretamente com o processo natural do recrutamento e manutençãoo do tamanho das populações e deve ser promovida nesse Parque Nacional.