Bioindicator species are increasingly valuable in environmental pollution monitoring, and elasmobranch species include many suitable candidates for that role. By measuring contaminants and employing biomarkers of effect in relevant elasmobranch species, scientists may gain important insights about the impacts of pollution in marine ecosystems. This review compiles biomarkers applied in elasmobranchs to assess the effect of pollutants (e.g., metals, persistent organic pollutants, and plastics), and the environmental changes induced by anthropogenic activities (e.g., shifts in marine temperature, pH, and oxygenation). Over 30 biomarkers measured in more than 12 species were examined, including biotransformation biomarkers (e.g., cytochrome P450 1A), oxidative stress-related biomarkers (e.g., superoxide anion, lipid peroxidation, catalase, and vitamins), stress proteins (e.g., heat shock protein 70), reproductive and endocrine biomarkers (e.g., vitellogenin), osmoregulation biomarkers (e.g., trimethylamine N-oxide, Na⁺/K⁺-ATPase, and plasma ions), energetic and neurotoxic biomarkers (e.g., lactate dehydrogenase, lactate, and cholinesterases), and histopathological and morphologic biomarkers (e.g., tissue lesions and gross indices).

We conducted a short-term field sampling complemented with time integrating stable isotope analysis to holistically investigate status and ecological interactions in a remote NE Atlantic Zostera marina meadow. We found high nutrient water concentrations, large biomass of fast-growing, ephemeral macroalgae, low abundance, and biodiversity of epifauna and a food web with thornback ray (Raja clavata) as intermediate and cod (Gadus morhua) as top predator. We observed no variation with increasing depth (3.5–11 m) except for decreasing shoot density and biomass of Zostera and macroalgae. Our results indicate that the Finnøya Zostera ecosystem is eutrophicated. During the past three to four decades, nutrients from aquaculture have steadily increased to reach 75% of anthropogenic input while the coastal top predator cod has decreased by 50%. We conclude that bottom-up regulation is a predominant driver of change since top-down regulation is generally weak in low density and exposed Zostera ecosystems such as Finnøya.

[Departement_IRSTEA]Eaux [ADD1_IRSTEA]Systèmes aquatiques soumis à des pressions multiples | International audience | In this lab-scale study, the POCIS capacity to integrate short contamination peaks of variable intensity and duration was evaluated. POCIS were immersed for 14 days in tanks filled with tap water and spiked at different concentrations with 12 pesticides of various polarities (log Kow = 1.1'4.7) and classes (herbicides, fungicides, and insecticides). Concentrations were kept relatively constant at 1 µg L'1 and 5 µg L'1, respectively, in two 'background' exposure tanks. Three contamination peaks of increasing intensity and decreasing duration were simulated (10 µg L'1 for 24 h, 40 µg L'1 for 6 h, and 60 µg L'1 for 1 h). This lab-scale study demonstrated that ten moderately polar compounds (2 < log Kow < 4) showed a linear uptake, as observed in previous studies, while a non-linear model fits the data of the two most polar pesticides (log Kow < 2). Depending on chemical polarity, some compounds exhibited a 'burst effect' or 'lag effect' during the first 3 days of exposure. After 14 days of exposure, contamination peaks appeared integrated for seven compounds, showing the ability of POCIS to catch very short pollution events and to provide acceptable time-weighted average concentration estimates under laboratory-controlled conditions.

The characterization of organic and inorganic environmental pollution in coastal ecosystems, such as port areas, is complex and difficult to carry out due to the effect of environmental variables, as well as anthropic activities. For this study, the objective was to define a statistical method, taking into account the confounding factors influence, to define reference values for biomarkers in the black scallop (Mimachlamys varia). Thus, for five biomarkers (SOD (Superoxyde Dismutase), GST (Glutathion-S Transferase), MDA (Malondialdehyde), AChE (Acetylcholinesterase) and LAC (Laccase)), reference data could be described for individuals placed on sites more or less strongly impacted by specific environmental contaminations in port areas for more than two years, which had never been done before. All these results enabled us to calibrate and validate our approach in terms of active biomonitoring for the evaluation of a good ecological status of the environment of a port located on the French Atlantic coast.

Sri Lanka is positioned as an important hub for international shipping. The recent naval accidents of MT New Diamond (in 2020) and MV X-Press Pearl (in 2021) suggest that the country is at risk for future maritime environmental disasters. However, Sri Lanka still has no adequate planning and regulation at the national policy level. Therefore, the objective of the current study is to formulate a national policy and contingency plan to augment maritime safety. This paper proposed the framework for the integrated coastal zone management in Sri Lanka, based on the national acts and laws, existing regulations, and analysis of international experiences. The integrated coastal zone management framework is proposed into four hierarchical levels. The proposed framework establishes a permanent coordination and management system for environmental assessment and sustainability of the coastal zone. This article describes requirements for coastal zone management, reasons for failures during recent naval accidents, possible drawbacks of implementing an integrated coastal zone management framework in Sri Lanka, and ways to overcome these challenges.

Shipwrecks are irreplaceable historical resources and valuable biological habitats. Understanding the environmental and anthropogenic factors affecting shipwrecks is critical for preservation in situ. We used remotely operated vehicles to study the benthic invertebrate communities on four shipwrecks in Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary (SBNMS, North Atlantic, USA). Shipwrecks included coal schooners and a passenger steamer, all >100 years old. These large, complex structures hosted dense populations of invertebrates (34 species), especially on high-relief and overhanging substrata. Some species that are otherwise rare in the community may proliferate through asexual reproduction and form dense populations on shipwrecks. We also investigated impacts of entangled fishing gear on the invertebrate communities on each shipwreck and found that areas with the most ghost gear have lower species richness and different community structure. Fishing, particularly bottom trawling, damages shipwrecks and poses a threat to these valuable cultural resources and biological habitats in SBNMS.

Peru has a large small-scale fishing fleet upon which many coastal communities depend for their food and livelihoods. Nonetheless, no thorough assessments have been conducted of solid waste production and management of small-scale fisheries (SSF) and associated communities. We aimed to assess gillnet SSF and household solid waste generation in San Jose, north Peru. A solid waste generation assessment was conducted by monitoring solid waste production during 22 fishing trips and interviewing 70 families. Daily waste generation and recycling per capita, were calculated applying separate Generalized Linear Mixed-Effect Models. Organic waste is the most frequently produced during fishing activities (38%) and at home (83%), followed by plastic and metal. Glass, paper/cardboard, and fishing nets were solely produced during fishing trips. Daily waste per capita was estimated on 0.14 kg∗(day)⁻¹ onboard, and 0.33 kg∗(day)⁻¹ at home. Additionally, perception interviews showed that the population of San Jose perceived solid waste as a threat to public health and marine ecosystems. This study provides a first attempt to assess solid waste production in a Peruvian fishing community, showing the need for an integrated management plan embracing vessel and land-based solid waste generation.

A major coal mine project in Queensland, Australia, is currently under review. It is planned to be located about 10 km away from the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area (GBRWHA). Sediment dispersal patterns and their impact on marine ecosystems have not been properly assessed yet. Here, we simulate the dispersal of different sediment types with a high-resolution ocean model, and derive their environmental footprint. We show that sediments finer than 32 μm could reach dense seagrass meadows and a dugong sanctuary within a few weeks. The intense tidal circulation leads to non-isotropic and long-distance sediment dispersal patterns along the coast. Our results suggest that the sediments released by this project will not be quickly mixed but rather be concentrated where the most valuable ecosystems are located. If accepted, this coal mine could therefore have a far-reaching impact on the GBRWHA and its iconic marine species.

Environmental contamination due to plastic waste mismanagement is a growing global concern. Plastic problem is of particular concern to the Indian Ocean nations as Asia currently contributes to the highest share of mismanaged plastic waste. Consequently, there is a worldwide interest to understand the distribution and transboundary movement of plastic from this region, which is crucial for implementing management measures. This review article focuses on current knowledge of plastic research, policies, waste management, socio-economics, challenges, and research opportunities. To date, marine plastic studies have focused on a few locations, providing an analysis of distribution and plastic–organism interactions in the Indian marine system. Along with scientific investigation, enforcement, improvisation, and, if necessary, framing new policies, integrated technologies to manage plastic waste, and behavioural changes are essential to mitigate plastic pollution. Such measures will be effective through a combination of actions among national and international researchers, industries, environmental managers, and the public.

Molecular genetic studies of stools were performed to assess the spread of some clinically relevant antimicrobial resistance determinants (ARD) in a gentoo penguin (Pygoscelis papua) and an Antarctic fur seal (Arctocephalus gazella) on Livingston Island. Glycopeptide resistance genes (vanA/vanD and vanB) were detected in both fecal samples, while the penguin's one was also mecA-positive and blaNDM-positive. Because of the remoteness and the isolation of the sampling locations, the carriage of vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus spp., methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, and NDM-producing Enterobacterales or other gram-negative bacilli suggested an ocean pollution with antibiotic resistant bacteria (ARB). Additionally, due to the type of ARD we detected, our results are alarming, and they cannot be explained only with agricultural and/or aquacultural pollution. Even though the current study is a preliminary one, it also demonstrates the potential of the field genetics analyses carried out with minimal equipment as a reliable monitoring tool for pollution with ARB.