Department of Fisheries and Marine Research

Worldwide, states are gazetting new Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) to meet the international commitment of protecting 30% of the seas by 2030. Yet, protection benefits only come into effect when an MPA is implemented with activated regulations and actively managed through continuous monitoring and adaptive management. To assess if actively managed MPAs are the rule or the exception, we used the Mediterranean and Black Seas as a case study, and retrieved information on monitoring activities for 878 designated MPAs in ten European Union (EU) countries. We searched for scientific and grey literature that provides information on the following aspects of MPA assessment and monitoring: ecological (e.g., biomass of commercially exploited fish), social (e.g., perceptions of fishers in an MPA), economic (e.g., revenue of fishers) and governance (e.g., type of governance scheme). We also queried MPA authorities on their past and current monitoring activities using a web-based survey through which we collected 123 responses. Combining the literature review and survey results, we found that approximately 16% of the MPA designations (N = 878) have baseline and/or monitoring studies. Most monitoring programs evaluated MPAs based solely on biological/ecological variables and fewer included social, economic and/or governance variables, failing to capture and assess the social-ecological dimension of marine conservation. To increase the capacity of MPAs to design and implement effective social-ecological monitoring programs, we recommend strategies revolving around three pillars: funding, collaboration, and technology. Following the actionable recommendations presented herein, MPA authorities and EU Member States could improve the low level of MPA monitoring to more effectively reach the 30% protection target delivering benefits for biodiversity conservation.

Abstract The study investigated the Microplastics (MPs) abundance in the two distinct locations (Avoimitroghat and Kalurghat) of the Karnaphuli River, Chattogram, Bangladesh. Eight samples were collected monthly throughout the study period, with three transects covering a total area of 500 m at each site. MPs were collected using a 200 μm mesh size manta net, separated through a density separator, enumerated, and characterized using a microscope. Avoimitro Ghat (94861 ± 97126) had a higher mean abundance of MPs (particles per Km2) than Kalurghat (31343 ± 33183). Statistically significant variation was observed (p < 0.05) in the mean abundance of MPs per km2 between the rainy (76134 ± 89641) and dry (63101 ± 79174) seasons. Fragment group MPs had the highest mean abundance (117430 ± 105028 MPs/Km2), whereas pellets had the lowest (8264± 8637). MPs with an elongated shape were dominant at both stations and during all seasons. Blue MPs had the highest mean item value in Avoimitro Ghat and during the dry season, while brown-colored MPs were highest in Kalurghat and during the rainy season. Among the five different size groups, 1–2 mm MPs were abundant in both seasons and Avoimitro Ghat, whereas 500 µm to < 1 mm MPs were abundant at the Kalurghat stations. This study identified and quantified microplastics at the chosen sites, which will be helpful for stakeholders in mitigating microplastic pollution in the Karnaphuli River.

マダイの熟成（0℃）が呈味性に及ぼす影響を，塩締めおよび脱水シートの有無，熟成期間の違いによって調べた。また，熟成によるエキス成分の抽出性の変化も調べた。脱水シートはエキス成分の抽出性を低下させ，塩化ナトリウムはドリップ量を増大させ，うま味成分の抽出性を低下させた。イノシン酸（IMP）は熟成3日以降低下するのに対して，グルタミン酸（Glu）は熟成14日まで増加した。IMPとGluの濃度から算出されるうま味強度は，熟成1日がピークとはならず，少なくとも熟成5日まで高い値を維持することが確認された。

Ring nets are modified purse seines used for pelagic fishing along the Kenya coast. This method is however associated with potential negative environmental implications in inshore and shallow fishing grounds. Biological impacts on selected pelagic species caught in the marine waters of Kilifi were investigated during the Southeast Monsoon season (SEM) in April, May and September 2014, and the Northeast Monsoon season (NEM) in October and November 2014, and March 2015. Amblygaster sirm, Rastrelliger brachysoma, Sardinella gibbosa, Rastrelliger kanagurta, Hemiramphus far and Sphyraena obtusata were the most abundant species caught by the ring nets and comprised 68.9 % of fish catch composition. Analysis of ring net impacts on the fish sizes and maturity status were conducted for the NEM and SEM seasons. The catch composition for A. sirm in October comprised of 53.3 % juveniles and 53.4 % juveniles for S. obtusata in November. High percentages of H. far (78.3%) and S. obtusata (58.9 %) were captured in September. Incidences of undersize fish for A. sirm, S. gibbosa, R. kanagurta and R. brachysoma were observed across the seasons. Sex ratios for A. sirm, R. brachysoma, R. kanagurta and S. obtusata in the NEM season deviated from a normal ratio of 1:1 with more males observed. Females were dominant in the catch for H. far (1: 1.28) but the ratio was not different for S. gibbosa (χ² = 5.564, df = 1, p = 0.21). Males were dominant for A. sirm (1: 0.8) and S. gibbosa (1: 0.7) in the SEM season but the ratios were not different for H. far, S. obtusata, R. brachysoma and R. kanagurta. Differences in sex ratios were attributed to fish migrations and reproductive processes. Ring nets fished relatively offshore during the NEM season and targeted mainly spawning aggregations in stage IV. Immature fish in stage I and II which comprised of juveniles were harvested within sheltered inshore waters in the SEM season. Use of ring nets to target juveniles and spawning aggregations may disrupt recruitment processes. To enhance sustainable management of the ring net fishery, there is a need to develop harvesting strategies based on the information on stock status of the target fish.

The righting coefficient of individual Strongylocentrotus droebachiensis varied unpredictably from day to day, and in successive trials on the same day. In another set of trials, on samples obtained by either dredging or SCUBA diving, there was no statistically significant (P > 0.05) relationship between the activity coefficient and infection by the endoparasitic nematode Echinomermella matsi. A weak (R2 = 0.2), but statistically significant (P < 0.01), negative linear relationship between righting coefficient and body size (wet weight or test diameter) or gonad size (wet weight) was limited to non-infected sea urchins obtained by SCUBA diving. The righting coefficient was not correlated with the gonad index or parasite abundance of the sea urchins. These results are contrary to claims in the recent literature.

A lip balm is needed to overcome skin problems such as dry lips, cracked, dark, and wrinkled and premature aging of the lips. A Lip balm that contains antioxidants and bioactive compound is needed to inhibit free radical activity and overcome problems in the lips. Seaweed is a natural material that is quite abundant and has a variety of bioactive compounds, including seaweed Sargassum sp. and E.cottonii. This study aimed to characterize and obtain the best formulas of seaweed Sargassum sp. and E. cottonii combination in producing lip balm preparations, as well as obtaining the best lip balm formulations perceived from antioxidant analysis, pH, and loss on drying. This research consists of two stages of research. First stage research was to characterize and prepare the seaweed raw material, characterize and production of seaweed Sargassum sp. and Eucheuma cottonii porridge. Second stage research was the preparation of lip balm preparations. The results showed that the best ratio of seaweed Sargassum sp. and E. cottonii was found on 1: 1 ratio with IC50 antioxidant value of 576.41 ppm, pH 5.39, and Loss on drying 3.52%. The pH value of the lip balm in corresponds to the SNI and pH of the normal human skin balance. Sargassum sp. and E. cottonii seaweed contain phytochemical compounds such as steroids, triterpenoids, flavonoids, and saponins. The content of phytochemical compounds indicates that Sargassum sp. and E. cottonii potential can be used as raw material in making lip balm.

冷凍カツオ肉の解凍後の肉色保持を目的に解凍前の温度変更処理を検討した。−6℃，−8℃のNAD加水分解酵素活性を求めるとそれぞれ3.7×10−3，2.8×10−3 μmol/(g・min)であった。−6，−8℃で24時間の温度変更処理でNAD+濃度がそれぞれ3.8，5.2%にまで減少した。5℃-1日後のpHは，無処理では5.6まで低下したが，温度変更処理区は6.3以上の値を保った。5℃-1日後のメト化率は，真空包装した温度変更処理区のみ上昇が抑制され，無処理はいずれも大きく上昇した。

The study aimed to determine the effect of pH and temperature on N-Acetylglucosamine (GlcNAc) formation from shrimp shell chitin by Serratia marcescens PT-6 fermented in chitin broth medium. Parameters examined on GlcNAc formation include bacteria growth, chitinase activity (U/ml), and GlcNAc concentration in medium (mg/ ml). Bacteria growth was measured by turbidity (OD600), while chitinase activity and GlcNAc concentration in the medium were analyzed quantitatively by colorimetric assay. The variation of initial pH examined in chitin broth medium was 5; 6; 7; 8, while temperature variation was 30°C; 37°C; dan 40°C. The results show that maximum concentration of GlcNAc formed by Serratia marcescens PT-6 was 39.30 mg/ml on day 5 of fermentation, at pH 7 and temperature of 30°C. Chitinase activity on the same day was 0.007 U/ml, while OD600 value of the culture was 0.51 indicating the bacteria were in the log phase. This research implies that Serratia marcescens PT-6 is potential to be optimized further for the bioconversion process of GlcNAc from shrimp shell waste through an enzymatic method by modifying its growth environment.

The first isolation of Vibrio vulnificus biotype I from disease outbreaks in cultured tiger grouper Epinephelus fuscoguttatus Forsskal, 1775 in southern Thailand has been described. Gross signs of diseased fish included dark coloration of body, anorexia, petechial hemorrhages in the skin of the tail and fins and ulceration of the skin. Hemorrhagic septicemia was observed in intestine, body cavity and spleen. The 205-bp amplified DNA fragment of the hemolysin gene (vvhA) was detected from all of bacterial isolates, indicating V. vulnificus. Bacteria showed characteristics of biotype 1, the human clinical isolate, as indicated by their motility, positive results for indole production, ornithine decarboxylation activity, acid production from D-mannitol and growth at 42°C. The human virulence potential of V. vulnificus isolates using three biomarkers, 16S ribosomal ribonucleic acid (rRNA), vvhA gene and virulence-correlated gene (vcg), showed that genotypes of V. vulnificus was the clinical-type with two profiles. The susceptibility of tiger grouper to V. vulnificus isolate was performed by intraperitoneal injection (i.p.) with 106 CFU/mL bacterial suspensions. The experimentally injected tiger grouper had mortalities within 5 days post-injection and developed clinical signs similar to those found in disease outbreak. In a vaccination trial, the tiger grouper vaccinated with formalin inactivated whole-cell vaccine exhibited relative percent survival (RPS) of 68% following homologous isolate challenge. In conclusion, V. vulnificus biotype 1 strain that caused disease in tiger groupers is similar to V. vulnificus pathogenic to humans.