In the French West Indies (Caribbean), the insecticide Chlordecone (CLD) has been extensively used to reduce banana weevil (Cosmopolites sordidus) infestations in banana plantations. Previous studies have shown high CLD concentrations in freshwater and coastal communities of the region. CLD concentrations, however, have not yet been assessed in marine top predators. We investigated CLD concentrations in cetacean blubber tissues from Guadeloupe, including Physeter macrocephalus, Lagenodelphis hosei, Stenella attenuata and Pseudorca crassidens. Chlordecone was detected in all blubber samples analysed, with the exception of four P. macrocephalus. Concentrations (range: 1 to 329 ng·g−1 of lipid weight) were, however, lower than those found in species from fresh and brackish water. Ecological factors (open ocean habitat), CLD kinetics, and cetacean metabolism (high or specific enzymatic activity) might explain low concentrations found in cetacean blubber. Future analyses that include internal organ sampling would help to confirm CLD levels observed in this study.

International audience | In the French West Indies (Caribbean), the insecticide Chlordecone (CLD) has been extensively used to reducebanana weevil (Cosmopolites sordidus) infestations in banana plantations. Previous studies have shown high CLDconcentrations in freshwater and coastal communities of the region. CLD concentrations, however, have not yetbeen assessed in marine top predators. We investigated CLD concentrations in cetacean blubber tissues fromGuadeloupe, including Physeter macrocephalus, Lagenodelphis hosei, Stenella attenuata and Pseudorca crassidens.Chlordecone was detected in all blubber samples analysed, with the exception of four P. macrocephalus.Concentrations (range: 1 to 329 ng·g−1 of lipid weight) were, however, lower than those found in species fromfresh and brackish water. Ecological factors (open ocean habitat), CLD kinetics, and cetacean metabolism (highor specific enzymatic activity) might explain low concentrations found in cetacean blubber. Future analyses thatinclude internal organ sampling would help to confirm CLD levels observed in this study.

Hydrocarbon degradation (HD) potential by autochthonous microorganisms in the coastal sediments of the NW area of Portugal (coastal sandy beaches and estuaries of the rivers Minho and Douro) was evaluated, investigating if water and sediment contamination/characteristics influence it. Sediments were characterized for microbial abundance (by DAPI), HD microorganisms' abundance (by MPN), microbial community structure (by ARISA), hydrocarbons (by FTIR and SPME-GC–MS), hazardous and noxious substances (SPME-GC–MS) and metals (by AAS). To our knowledge, this is the first time all these pollutants, including the selected HNS, were measured simultaneously in sediments of the selected coastal area. Higher contaminants concentrations were, generally, registered in Douro samples. A clear differentiation of the microbial community structure between beaches and estuaries was observed, as well as, between Douro and Minho river estuaries. BIO-ENV analysis indicated both sediment characteristics (e.g. OM content) and contaminants presence/concentrations (e.g. tetrachloroethylene presence) affected the structure of the microbial community along the studied areas. In all the selected sites, the characterized autochthonous microbial communities showed potential for hydrocarbons degradation, with HD microorganisms being found in all collected sediments. These microorganisms can be a valuable asset to recover contaminated areas, but sediment characteristics and contaminants presence/levels need to be taken into account as they can affect their bioremediation potential and the success of their application as biotechnological tool.

Hydrocarbon degradation (HD) potential by autochthonous microorganisms in the coastal sediments of the NW area of Portugal (coastal sandy beaches and estuaries of the rivers Minho and Douro) was evaluated, investigating if water and sediment contamination/characteristics influence it. Sediments were characterized for microbial abundance (by DAPI), HD microorganisms' abundance (by MPN), microbial community structure (by ARISA), hydrocarbons (by FTIR and SPME-GC-MS), hazardous and noxious substances (SPME-GC-MS) and metals (by AAS). To our knowledge, this is the first time all these pollutants, including the selected HNS, were measured simultaneously in sediments of the selected coastal area. Higher contaminants concentrations were, generally, registered in Douro samples. A clear differentiation of the microbial community structure between beaches and estuaries was observed, as well as, between Douro and Minho river estuaries. BIO-ENV analysis indicated both sediment characteristics (e.g. OM content) and contaminants presence/concentrations (e.g. tetrachloroethylene presence) affected the structure of the microbial community along the studied areas. In all the selected sites, the characterized autochthonous microbial communities showed potential for hydrocarbons degradation, with HD microorganisms being found in all collected sediments. These microorganisms can be a valuable asset to recover contaminated areas, but sediment characteristics and contaminants presence/levels need to be taken into account as they can affect their bioremediation potential and the success of their application as biotechnological tool. © 2018 Elsevier | This research was partially supported by the Strategic Funding UID/Multi/04423/2013 through national funds provided by FCT – Foundation for Science and Technology and European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), in the framework of the programme PT2020, by the structured Program of R&D&I INNOVMAR - Innovation and Sustainability in the Management and Exploitation of Marine Resources, reference NORTE-01-0145-FEDER-000035 , namely within the Research Line ECOSERVICES (Assessing the environmental quality, vulnerability and risks for the sustainable management of the NW coast natural resources and ecosystem services in a changing world) within the R&D Institution CIIMAR (Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research), supported by the Northern Regional Operational Programme ( NORTE2020 ), through the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and by the research project SpilLess - First line response to oil spills based on native microorganisms cooperation ( EASME/EMFF/2016/1.2.1.4/010 ) supported by the Executive Agency for Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (EASME) delegated by the European Commission. Appendix A

Given scarcity of knowledge on gender ecophysiological responses of tropical marine organisms to global climate change, the major aim of this research was to investigate potential sex differences in oxidative status of topshell Trochus histrio, after a combined exposure to increased temperature and pCO2. Lipid peroxidation, heat-shock response and antioxidant enzymatic activities were evaluated. Lipid peroxidation varied differently between sexes, with males undergoing cellular damage under high pCO2, which was elevated temperature-counteracted. Heat shock response was thermo- and sex-regulated, with males exhibiting significantly higher heat shock proteins production than females. Catalase activity increased with temperature and was exacerbated in combination with hypercapnia, being highest in females, while glutathione S-transferases activity peaked in males. These results clearly support the existence of distinct physiological strategies to cope oxidative stress between sexes, apparently more efficient in females, and also reinforce for the need of encompassing sex as meaningful variable in future biomarker studies.

Given scarcity of knowledge on gender ecophysiological responses of tropical marine organisms to global climate change, the major aim of this research was to investigate potential sex differences in oxidative status of topshell Trochus histrio, after a combined exposure to increased temperature and pCO2. Lipid peroxidation, heat-shock response and antioxidant enzymatic activities were evaluated. Lipid peroxidation varied differently between sexes, with males undergoing cellular damage under high pCO2, which was elevated temperature-counteracted. Heat shock response was thermo- and sex-regulated, with males exhibiting significantly higher heat shock proteins production than females. Catalase activity increased with temperature and was exacerbated in combination with hypercapnia, being highest in females, while glutathione S-transferases activity peaked in males. These results clearly support the existence of distinct physiological strategies to cope oxidative stress between sexes, apparently more efficient in females, and also reinforce for the need of encompassing sex as meaningful variable in future biomarker studies. | info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersion

Anthropogenic CO2 emissions are rapidly changing seawater temperature, pH and carbonate chemistry. This study compares the embryonic development under high pCO2 conditions across the south-north distribution range of the marine clam Limecola balthica in NW Europe. The combined effects of elevated temperature and reduced pH on hatching success and size varied strongly between the three studied populations, with the Gulf of Finland population appearing most endangered under the conditions predicted to occur by 2100. These results demonstrate that the assessment of marine faunal population persistence to future climatic conditions needs to consider the interactive effects of co-occurring physico-chemical alterations in seawater within the local context that determines population fitness, adaptation potential and the system resilience to environmental change.

Anthropogenic CO2 emissions are rapidly changing seawater temperature, pH and carbonate chemistry. This study compares the embryonic development under high pCO2conditions across the south-north distribution range of the marine clam Limecola balthicain NW Europe. The combined effects of elevated temperature and reduced pH on hatching success and size varied strongly between the three studied populations, with the Gulf of Finland population appearing most endangered under the conditions predicted to occur by 2100. These results demonstrate that the assessment of marine faunal population persistence to future climatic conditions needs to consider the interactive effects of co-occurring physico-chemical alterations in seawater within the local context that determines population fitness, adaptation potential and the system resilience to environmental change.

Five stations (≤250 m from the well heads) from three exploration wells of different ages from the SW Barents Sea were studied to investigate the spreading of drill cuttings and sediment quality. Two of the wells were drilled before the restriction of use of oil-based drilling fluids (1993). Elevated concentrations of Ba were found in sediments near all the wells with the highest concentrations at ≤60 m from the well head. The thickness of drill cutting layers was between >20 cm (well head) and 2 cm (250 m from the well head). The sediment quality varied from very bad (oldest well) to background (normal) (newer wells). Regulations led to better sediment quality. Metal concentrations from the oldest well suggested that the top 4 cm of the core represents sediment recovery. However, Ba concentrations of the top sediment layer at all the stations of the three wells indicate no physical recovery.

Accepted manuscript version, licensed <a href=http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/> CC BY-NC-ND 4.0.</a> Published version available at <a href=https://doi.org/10.1016/j.marpolbul.2018.06.064>https://doi.org/10.1016/j.marpolbul.2018.06.064. </a> | Five stations (≤250 m from the well heads) from three exploration wells of different ages from the SW Barents Sea were studied to investigate the spreading of drill cuttings and sediment quality. Two of the wells were drilled before the restriction of use of oil-based drilling fluids (1993). Elevated concentrations of Ba were found in sediments near all the wells with the highest concentrations at ≤60 m from the well head. The thickness of drill cutting layers was between > 20 cm (well head) and 2 cm (250 m from the well head). The sediment quality varied from very bad (oldest well) to background (normal) (newer wells). Regulations led to better sediment quality. Metal concentrations from the oldest well suggested that the top 4 cm of the core represents sediment recovery. However, Ba concentrations of the top sediment layer at all the stations of the three wells indicate no physical recovery

Fishing gears are marked to establish and inform origin, ownership and position. More recently, fishing gears are marked to aid in capacity control, reduce marine litter due to abandoned, lost or otherwise discarded fishing gear (ALDFG) and assist in its recovery, and to combat illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing. Traditionally, physical marking, inscription, writing, color, shape, and tags have been used for ownership and capacity purposes. Buoys, lights, flags, and radar reflectors are used for marking of position. More recently, electronic devices have been installed on marker buoys to enable easier relocation of the gear by owner vessels. This paper reviews gear marking technologies with focus on coded wire tags, radio frequency identification tags, Automatic Identification Systems, advanced electronic buoys for pelagic longlines and fish aggregating devices, and re-location technology if the gear becomes lost.

2018

A study on Trace Elements (TE) from sea urchin gonads has been conducted in the western Mediterranean Sea. Contamination data were used to determine a Trace Method Pollution Index (TEPI). TE concentrations varied considerably depending on the location of the sampling stations. The results showed that five trace elements (Zn, Fe, As, Al, Cu) are ubiquitous. The geographical area considered (Corsica) represents an important range of environmental conditions and types of pressure that can be found in the western Mediterranean Sea. TEPI was used to classify the studied sites according to their degree of contamination and allowed reliable comparison of TE contamination between local and international sites. TE contamination of the western Mediterranean Sea displayed a north-to-south gradient, from the Italian coasts down through the insular Corsican coasts to the north African littoral. Due to the increasing environmental pressure on the Mediterranean Sea, a regular monitoring of TE levels in marine organisms is necessary to prevent any further environmental deterioration.

peer reviewed | A study on Trace Elements (TE) from sea urchin gonads has been conducted in the western Mediterranean Sea. Contamination data were used to determine a Trace Method Pollution Index (TEPI). TE concentrations varied considerably depending on the location of the sampling stations. The results showed that five trace elements (Zn, Fe, As, Al, Cu) are ubiquitous. The geographical area considered (Corsica) represents an important range of environmental conditions and types of pressure that can be found in the western Mediterranean Sea. TEPI was used to classify the studied sites according to their degree of contamination and allowed reliable comparison of TE contamination between local and international sites. TE contamination of the western Mediterranean Seadisplayed a north-to-south gradient, from the Italian coasts down through the insular Corsican coasts to the north African littoral. Due to the increasing environmental pressure on the Mediterranean Sea, a regular monitoring of TE levels in marine organisms is necessary to prevent any further environmental deterioration.

The primary aim of this research was to identify the physicochemical properties of the oil and water-in-oil (W/O) emulsions used during a NOFO Oil-on-Water field trials that reduced the performance of the skimmers recovery efficacy during the trials. Extensive studies were performed at SINTEF laboratories with the residues of oil topped (i.e. evaporative loss of crude oil components by distillation process at large scale) for the field trial and compared it with different residues of oil topped by bench scale laboratory procedures. In order to obtain a sufficient stable W/O emulsion for the field trial, bunker fuel oil (IFO380) and various concentrations of an emulsifier (Paramul®) were also added to the residues of oil topped on large scale and investigated through interfacial tension, contact angle, droplet adhesion and “dip and withdraw” tests. The investigations revealed that the addition of an emulsifier lowered the interfacial tension of oil residues, which consequently reduced the adherence properties of the oil and emulsions to the surface of the skimmer material. Too high concentration of an emulsifier (>0,5%) also had a negative effect on the stability of W/O emulsion.

The primary aim of this research was to identify the physicochemical properties of the oil and water-in-oil (W/O) emulsions used during a NOFO Oil-on-Water field trials that reduced the performance of the skimmers recovery efficacy during the trials. Extensive studies were performed at SINTEF laboratories with the residues of oil topped (i.e. evaporative loss of crude oil components by distillation process at large scale) for the field trial and compared it with different residues of oil topped by bench scale laboratory procedures. In order to obtain a sufficient stable W/O emulsion for the field trial, bunker fuel oil (IFO380) and various concentrations of an emulsifier (Paramul®) were also added to the residues of oil topped on large scale and investigated through interfacial tension, contact angle, droplet adhesion and “dip and withdraw” tests. The investigations revealed that the addition of an emulsifier lowered the interfacial tension of oil residues, which consequently reduced the adherence properties of the oil and emulsions to the surface of the skimmer material. Too high concentration of an emulsifier (>0,5%) also had a negative effect on the stability of W/O emulsion. | Study of the oil interaction towards oil spill recovery skimmer material: Effect of the oil weathering and emulsification properties | acceptedVersion

The ingestion of microplastics and natural fibres (<5 mm) was assessed for two commercial fish species in the western Mediterranean Sea: Sardina pilchardus and Engraulis encrasicolus. Gastrointestinal tracts from 210 individuals from 14 stations were examined with 14.28–15.24% of the small pelagic fish S. pilchardus and E. encrasicolus having ingested microplastics and natural fibres. A latitudinal increase in condition index (Fulton's K) of S. pilchardus gave an indication that larger individuals with better physical condition are less likely to ingest microplastics and natural fibres. Fibres were the most frequent particle type (83%) and Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) analysis indicated polyethylene terephthalate was the most common microplastics material (30%). Results from this study show that both microplastics and natural fibres of anthropogenic origin are common throughout the pelagic environment along the Spanish Mediterranean coast.

The ingestion of microplastics and natural fibres (< 5 mm) was assessed for two commercial fish species in the western Mediterranean Sea: Sardina pilchardus and Engraulis encrasicolus. Gastrointestinal tracts from 210 individuals from 14 stations were examined with 14.28–15.24% of the small pelagic fish S. pilchardus and E. encrasicolus having ingested microplastics and natural fibres. A latitudinal increase in condition index (Fulton's K) of S. pilchardus gave an indication that larger individuals with better physical condition are less likely to ingest microplastics and natural fibres. Fibres were the most frequent particle type (83%) and Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) analysis indicated polyethylene terephthalate was the most common microplastics material (30%). Results from this study show that both microplastics and natural fibres of anthropogenic origin are common throughout the pelagic environment along the Spanish Mediterranean coast | M. Compa is the recipient of a FPI Fellowship from Conselleria d'Innovació, Recerca i Turisme of the regional Government of the Balearic Islands co-financed by the European Social Fund as part of the FSE 2014–2020 operational program. This study was partially funded by Ajuts per dur a terme Accions Especials de Recerca i Desenvolupament 2015–2016 del Govern de les Illes Balears, Ref: 17/2015. Additional appreciation to Antonio Esteban for coordinating the sample collection and special thanks to Tamara Gajst, Tine Bizjak and Arto Koistinen from SIB Labs at the University of Finland. The MEDIAS surveys have been co-funded by the European Union through the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund (EMFF) within the National Program of collection, management and use of data in the fisheries sector and support for scientific advice regarding the Common Fisheries Policy. In addition, this study was partially funded by the European Commission DG Environment project: “Support Mediterranean Member States towards coherent and Coordinated Implementation of the second phase of the MSFD – MEDCIS” with Grant no. 11.0661/2016/748067/SUB/ENV.C2. | Peer reviewed

Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) is a reliable biomarker of pesticide exposure although in clams this activity is often very low or undetectable. Carboxylesterases (CEs) exhort several physiological roles, but also respond to pesticides. Searching for an AChE alternative, baseline CE activities were characterised in Ruditapes decussatus gills and digestive glands using five substrates suggestive of different isozymes. The long chain p-nitrophenyl butyrate and 1-naphthyl butyrate were the most sensitive. In the digestive gland, their kinetic parameters (Vmax and Km) and in vitro sensitivity to the organophosphorus metabolite chlorpyrifos oxon (CPX) were calculated. IC50 values, in the pM–nM range, suggest a high protection efficiency of CE-related enzymes towards CPX neurotoxicity. Other targeted enzymes were: activities of glutathione reductase, glutathione peroxidase, catalase, glutathione S-transferases (GSTs) and lactate dehydrogenase in gills and digestive glands. The high GSTs activity and CE/AChE ratio suggests that R. decussatus has a great capacity for enduring pesticide exposure.

7 pages, 3 figures, 2 tables | Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) is a reliable biomarker of pesticide exposure although in clams this activity is often very low or undetectable. Carboxylesterases (CEs) exhort several physiological roles, but also respond to pesticides. Searching for an AChE alternative, baseline CE activities were characterised in Ruditapes decussatus gills and digestive glands using five substrates suggestive of different isozymes. The long chain p-nitrophenyl butyrate and 1-naphthyl butyrate were the most sensitive. In the digestive gland, their kinetic parameters (Vmax and Km) and in vitro sensitivity to the organophosphorus metabolite chlorpyrifos oxon (CPX) were calculated. IC50 values, in the pM–nM range, suggest a high protection efficiency of CE-related enzymes towards CPX neurotoxicity. Other targeted enzymes were: activities of glutathione reductase, glutathione peroxidase, catalase, glutathione S-transferases (GSTs) and lactate dehydrogenase in gills and digestive glands. The high GSTs activity and CE/AChE ratio suggests that R. decussatus has a great capacity for enduring pesticide exposure | This work was financed by Spanish Ministry of Economy, Industry and Competitivity (ref CGL2016-76332-R MINECO/FEDER/UE) | Peer Reviewed

Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) is a reliable biomarker of pesticide exposure although in clams this activity is often very low or undetectable. Carboxylesterases (CEs) exhort several physiological roles, but also respond to pesticides. Searching for an AChE alternative, baseline CE activities were characterised in Ruditapes decussatus gills and digestive glands using five substrates suggestive of different isozymes. The long chain p-nitrophenyl butyrate and 1-naphthyl butyrate were the most sensitive. In the digestive gland, their kinetic parameters (Vmax and Km) and in vitro sensitivity to the organophosphorus metabolite chlorpyrifos oxon (CPX) were calculated. IC50 values, in the pM–nM range, suggest a high protection efficiency of CE-related enzymes towards CPX neurotoxicity. Other targeted enzymes were: activities of glutathione reductase, glutathione peroxidase, catalase, glutathione S-transferases (GSTs) and lactate dehydrogenase in gills and digestive glands. The high GSTs activity and CE/AChE ratio suggests that R. decussatus has a great capacity for enduring pesticide exposure. | published