The distribution of benthic ecosystems, dominated by filter-feeding communities, is highly influenced by the seabed geomorphology. However, the spatial variation in settlement of these species is also affected by near-bottom currents and any changes in light, nutrient concentration and food quality often associated with increases of suspended sediment concentrations within the water column. Detailed predictions of the geographic distribution of filter-feeder species and a deeper understanding of the physical processes influencing their distribution patterns is key for effective management and conservation. To date, predictive distribution modelling has been derived essentially from geomorphological parameters, mainly using spatially limited observations. In this study, seabed mapping, oceanographic modelling, hydrographic records and biological observations are integrated to provide high-resolution prediction of filter-feeder habitat distribution within Queen Charlotte Sound/Tōtaranui and Tory Channel/Kura Te Au, South Island of New Zealand. The aim is to evaluate potential suitable habitat areas for filter-feeders to inform where habitat restoration management should focus efforts to recover communities such as the horse mussel (Atrina zelandica) or the green-lipped mussel (Perna canaliculus), both of which have high economic impact in New Zealand. To accomplish this, Maximum Entropy (MaxEnt) predictive modelling was used to produce Habitat Suitability (HS) maps, using geomorphological parameters and seafloor classification information. Final HS maps also incorporated oceanographic and sediment dynamic information, showing that filter-feeder habitat distribution is highly influenced by the hydrodynamics and sedimentary processes apart from the seafloor geomorphology. Filter-feeder communities inhabit quiescent areas, limited by depth, slope and sediment type; and coincide with regions presenting low near-bottom currents and low turbidity levels. Additionally, the obtained results reveal the effects of the coastal settlements and major marine traffic routes, limiting the suitable habitats to areas with less human impact. This study demonstrates that a multidisciplinary approach is crucial to better predict the spatial distribution of benthic communities, which is key to improve benthic habitat restoration and recovery assessments.
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http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.marenvres.2020.105218 | DOI Listing |
Healthcare (Basel)
December 2024
Department of Business Administration, College of Management and Human Potential, Walden University, Washington, MN 55401, USA.
: This paper suggests strategies for professionals' continuous development in healthcare institutions to ensure quality and sustainable healthcare delivery in a cost-effective way. Background: Healthcare services are increasingly becoming expensive, and receiving quality service is often difficult. This plunges practices and healthcare institutions into the sphere of the population's mistrust.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFPeerJ
January 2025
College of Forestry, Guizhou University, Guiyang, Guizhou, China.
Masson pine ( Lamb.) and Chinese fir ( (Lamb.) Hook.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFJ Transl Med
January 2025
Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center Mainz, 55131, Mainz, Germany.
Background: Recent research indicates a role of gut microbiota in development and progression of life-threatening diseases such as cancer. Carcinomas of the biliary ducts, the so-called cholangiocarcinomas, are known for their aggressive tumor biology, implying poor prognosis of affected patients. An impact of the gut microbiota on cholangiocarcinoma development and progression is plausible due to the enterohepatic circulation and is therefore the subject of scientific debate, however evidence is still lacking.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFBMC Microbiol
January 2025
Veterinary Research Institute, Hudcova 296/70, Brno, 621 00, Czech Republic.
Background: Gastrointestinal diseases in weaned piglets are a frequent cause of high morbidity and mortality in domestic pigs. The use of antibiotics is problematic due to increasing antibiotic resistance in bacterial populations, for which reason the use of suitable probiotics is highly recommended to maintain animal health and welfare.
Results: In this study, 57 strains of biologically safe lactic acid bacteria (LAB) and bifidobacteria originating from the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) of pigs were identified and characterized in terms of their probiotic properties for potential use in weaned piglets.
Sci Rep
January 2025
College of Geography and Planning, Chengdu University of Technology, Chengdu, 610059, China.
The natural suitability of human settlements is greatly influenced by the distinct ecological environment and natural conditions of the plateau area, which are of great eco-environmental significance. 32 counties in China's Western Sichuan Plateau were chosen as the study's research subjects. The evaluation index system and weight of the natural suitability of human settlements were established, along with the obstacle degree model, using the analytical hierarchy process, the entropy method, and the integrated weight method.
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