Parasites of American shad, Alosa sapidissima (Osteichthyes: Clupeidae), from rivers of the North American Atlantic coast and the Bay of Fundy, Canada

1993 ◽  
Vol 71 (5) ◽  
pp. 941-946 ◽  
Author(s):  
W. E. Hogans ◽  
Michael J. Dadswell ◽  
Leslie S. Uhazy ◽  
Ralph G. Appy
Keyword(s):  
Atlantic Coast ◽  
Geographic Location ◽  
Diversity Indices ◽  
American Shad ◽  
Bay Of Fundy ◽  
Alosa Sapidissima ◽  
The North ◽  
Abundance And Diversity ◽  
First Time ◽  
Hysterothylacium Aduncum

Parasites belonging to a total of 26 taxa were recovered from 695 American shad (Alosa sapidissima) sampled from six rivers and one marine location (Cumberland Basin, Bay of Fundy) on the east coast of North America. Of these, 23 taxa are reported from American shad for the first time. Species identified were predominantly boreal marine forms that have low host specificities and widespread distributions. Two species, Hysterothylacium aduncum and Scolex pleuronectis, were found in American shad from all localities (> 60% prevalence). Relative abundance and diversity indices of the parasite assemblages varied in relation to geographic location and temporally in Cumberland Basin. These data suggest that there is different timing of arrival and departure of shad from individual river populations in Cumberland Basin. High levels of prevalence and incidence of exotic, southern parasite species, such as Genitocotyle atlantica, in shad from Cumberland Basin and most or all river populations indicate that all individual shad spend some portion of their life at or near the southern extent of their reported range.

Effect of Turbidity on the Temporal and Spatial Utilization of the Inner Bay of Fundy by American Shad (Alosa sapidissima) (Pisces: Clupeidae) and its Relationship to Local Fisheries

1983 ◽  
Vol 40 (S1) ◽  
pp. s322-s330 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. J. Dadswell ◽  
G. D. Melvin ◽  
P. J. Williams
Keyword(s):  
Light Intensity ◽  
Atlantic Coast ◽  
American Shad ◽  
Bay Of Fundy ◽  
Eastern Canada ◽  
Alosa Sapidissima ◽  
Migration Timing ◽  
Swimming Depth ◽  
Preference Zone ◽  
High Turbidity

Since 1750, a unique, directed fishery for American shad (Alosa sapidissima) has existed in shallow, turbid, mega-tidal embayments of the inner Bay of Fundy during summer and fall. Tagging experiments indicated that migrating shad consisting of intermixed, river populations from the entire Atlantic coast of North America occur there between June and October. Shad migration was counterclockwise around the Bay following the residual current structure. Presence and duration of the shad run in Cumberland Basin was a result of interaction between migration timing, turbidity, and temperature. Mean daytime swimming depth was related to tidal phase and turbidity. High turbidity (Secchi [Formula: see text]) of the mega-tidal embayments apparently extends the preference zone for light intensity of ocean-feeding shad into surface waters (2–10 m), making them accessible to the local fishery.Key words: drift gillnets, shad migration, light intensity preference, swimming depth, mega-tidal, eastern Canada

Usefulness of Meristic and Morphometric Characters in Discriminating Populations of American Shad (Alosa sapidissima) (Ostreichthyes:Clupeidae) Inhabiting a Marine Environment

1992 ◽  
Vol 49 (2) ◽  
pp. 266-280 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gary D. Melvin ◽  
Michael J. Dadswell ◽  
Joseph A. McKenzie
Keyword(s):  
North Carolina ◽  
Atlantic Coast ◽  
American Shad ◽  
Cape Cod ◽  
Bay Of Fundy ◽  
Morphometric Characters ◽  
Alosa Sapidissima ◽  
Linear Discriminant ◽  
Percent Correct ◽  
Spawning Run

American shad (Alosa sapidissima) concentrate each summer in the basins of the inner Bay of Fundy during their coastal migration. Tag returns from 6124 marked shad indicated that these fish return to every important shad spawning stream on the Atlantic coast. Ten meristic and 16 morphometric characters of shad collected from 14 rivers (range: Florida to Quebec) were used to develop linear discriminant functions (LDF). Variables which differed significantly (p < 0.05) between the sexes, year of sampling, and the time of collection during the spawning run were removed prior to LDF classification. The highest mean percent correct classification was achieved by the allocation of fish into regional groups, after classification into individual rivers, using pooled meristic and morphometric variables: 87.2% for males and 82.4% for females. The functions were then used to assign shad from a mixed populations (Cumberland Basin) to individual rivers and regions. Of these, 10.9% were assigned to rivers south of Cape Lookout, North Carolina, 38.1% to rivers between Cape Lookout and Cape Cod, 32.5% into rivers of the Bay of Fundy, and 18.5% into rivers in the Gulf of St. Lawrence. In-river tag returns were compared with LDF classification and were found to be similar.

Discrimination among Atlantic Coast Populations of American Shad (Alosa sapidissima) Using Mitochondrial DNA

1991 ◽  
Vol 48 (9) ◽  
pp. 1724-1734 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kathleen Nolan ◽  
Joseph Grossfield ◽  
Isaac Wirgin
Keyword(s):  
Mitochondrial Dna ◽  
Atlantic Coast ◽  
Restriction Enzymes ◽  
Hudson River ◽  
Restriction Endonuclease Analysis ◽  
The United States ◽  
American Shad ◽  
Alosa Sapidissima ◽  
Coastal Fisheries ◽  
Latitudinal Clines

We used restriction endonuclease analysis of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) to differentiate among spawning stocks of American shad (Alosa sapidissima). Highly purified mtDNA was isolated from shad from four major spawning rivers: the St. John's (Florida), the Delaware, and the Hudson in the United States and the Miramichi in New Brunswick, Canada. Primarily four-and-five-base-cutting restriction enzymes were used to prepare both individual enzyme profiles and composite genotypes. Three separate spawning stocks, St. John's, Delaware–Hudson, and Miramichi, could be distinguished based on frequency differences in mtDNA genotypes generated by single restriction enzyme digests. We could not distinguish Delaware from Hudson River shad. Only a single definitive restriction site polymorphism was observed among all samples, but polyacrylamide gel electrophoretic mobility variants were common. Eco RI, Dde I, and Rsa I revealed stock-specific mtDNA genotypes. The frequencies of some genotypes occurred in latitudinal clines. Fifty-seven of 81 fish showed individual-specific composite genotypes. Geographic partitioning of genotypes suggests that mtDNA analysis may be useful for the identification of some American shad stocks and their relative contributions to mixed coastal fisheries.

Marine and estuarine piscicolid leeches (Hirudinea) of the Bay of Fundy and adjacent waters with a key to species

1981 ◽  
Vol 59 (2) ◽  
pp. 183-192 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ralph G. Appy ◽  
Michael J. Dadswell
Keyword(s):  
Additional Data ◽  
Clupea Harengus ◽  
Bay Of Fundy ◽  
Key To Species ◽  
Alosa Sapidissima ◽  
Pigmentation Pattern ◽  
New Hosts ◽  
First Time

The leeches (Hirudinea: Piscicolidae) Calliobdella vivida (Verrill, 1872), Malmiana brunnea (Johansson, 1896), M. scorpii (Malm, 1863), Oceanobdella sexoculata (Malm, 1863), Platybdella anarrhichae (Diesing, 1859), Myzobdella lugubris Leidy, 1851, Mysidobdella borealis (Johansson, 1899), and Oxytonostoma typica Malm, 1863 are reported from the Bay of Fundy region. Extensions of northern ranges are given for C. vivida and M. lugubris from the inner Bay of Fundy. Oxytonostoma typica is reported for the first time from Raja senta and R. erinacea. Anarhichus lupus, Acipenser oxyrhynchus, Clupea harengus, and Alosa sapidissima are new hosts for C. vivida. Additional data on morphology, pigmentation pattern, and prevalence are given for O. typica, O. sexoculata, M. scorpii, and P. anarrhichae. A key to marine and estuarine leeches presently known from the Bay of Fundy and adjacent waters is given.

scholarly journals Natural history of the terrestrial green alga, Prasiola crispa (Trebouxiophyceae), and associated Herring Gulls on Brier Island, Nova Scotia

2017 ◽  
Vol 49 (1) ◽  
pp. 49
Author(s):  
David J. Garbary ◽  
Nicholas M. Hill
Keyword(s):  
Nova Scotia ◽  
Coastal Wetland ◽  
Larus Argentatus ◽  
Bay Of Fundy ◽  
Nutrient Inputs ◽  
Herring Gulls ◽  
The North ◽  
Prasiola Crispa ◽  
History Of ◽  
First Time

The local distribution of Prasiola crispa is reported for the first time in Nova Scotia. It was common on emergent basalt outcrops in a coastal wetland on the Bay of Fundy shores of Brier Island. The alga was present on 19 of 102 basalt outcrops in one of the breeding colonies of the Herring Gull, Larus argentatus, and was only associated with basalt outcrops with gull feces. Patches of P. crispa were typically associated with the north facing slopes of the rock or were present in depressions or parts of the rock shaded by adjacent vegetation. At Western Light, the gulls are both facilitating the presence of P. crispa and acting as ecosystem engineers by nesting in the adjoining vegetation where their trampling and nutrient inputs are modifying the surrounding wetland ecosystem. 

Seasonal occurrence of waterbirds in Minas Passage, Bay of Fundy, Nova Scotia, Canada, 2010 to 2012

2021 ◽  
Vol 135 (2) ◽  
pp. 124-141
Author(s):  
Patrick L. Stewart ◽  
Fulton L. Lavender ◽  
Heather A. Levy
Keyword(s):  
Nova Scotia ◽  
Atlantic Coast ◽  
Early Summer ◽  
Seasonal Abundance ◽  
Bay Of Fundy ◽  
Somateria Mollissima ◽  
Migration Pathway ◽  
Cepphus Grylle ◽  
Surf Scoter ◽  
Abundance And Diversity

We determined patterns of seasonal abundance and diversity of seabirds and coastal waterfowl in Minas Passage, Bay of Fundy, Nova Scotia, Canada using quantitative, shore-based point surveys from mid-March to late August and mid-October to December 2010 to 2012. This area experiences the world’s highest tides and greatest tidal currents. We showed that species and seasonal cycles of waterbirds in Minas Passage reflect patterns typical of the inner Bay of Fundy and the northeast Atlantic coast of North America. The study highlights the importance of Minas Passage as an important local migration pathway for waterbirds including Black Scoter (Melanitta americana) and Red-throated Loon (Gavia stellata) passing through the Bay of Fundy. Large numbers of sea ducks (Black Scoter, Surf Scoter [Melanitta perspicillata], White-winged Scoter (Melanitta fusca), and Long-tailed Duck [Clangula hyemalis]), and Red-throated Loon were observed at the site in spring and fall, corresponding to known peak movements elsewhere in the Bay of Fundy. Fewest species and smallest abundances of waterbirds overall occurred in summer and early winter, while most species and largest abundances occurred in April-May and early November. Of the 46 species observed, resident breeders such as Herring Gull (Larus argentatus), Great Black-backed Gull (Larus marinus), Common Eider (Somateria mollissima), Black Guillemot (Cepphus grylle), and Double-crested Cormorant (Phalacrocorax auritus), were most abundant in spring to early summer during breeding and migrants including Red-throated Loon, Black Scoter, Ring-billed Gull (Larus delawarensis), Surf Scoter, and Northern Gannet (Morus bassanus) occurred in moderate numbers during migration periods.

scholarly journals First visual record of rare purple-colored dogwhelks (Nucella lapillus) on the Atlantic coast of Nova Scotia, Canada

F1000Research ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 5 ◽  
pp. 2435
Author(s):  
Sonja M. Ehlers ◽  
Julius A. Ellrich
Keyword(s):  
Nova Scotia ◽  
Field Experiments ◽  
Atlantic Coast ◽  
Rocky Intertidal ◽  
Bay Of Fundy ◽  
Nucella Lapillus ◽  
Shell Color ◽  
The North ◽  
Intertidal Gastropod ◽  
Visual Record

The dogwhelk Nucella lapillus is a rocky intertidal gastropod of the North Atlantic coast. Individual shell color varies. Common colors range between white and brown, with darker dogwhelks being more affected by heat stress than lighter-colored conspecifics. Other reported shell colors are purple, black, mauve, pink, yellow, and orange from UK coasts, red and gray from the Bay of Fundy coast of New Brunswick and Nova Scotia (Canada), and purple, black, gray, yellow, and orange from the coasts of Maine and Massachusetts (USA), with purple being considered as a rare color. On the Atlantic coast of Nova Scotia, dogwhelks are active from April until November, but information on dogwhelk shell color is missing for this coast. On 16 June 2016, we found two purple-colored dogwhelks in the mid-to-high intertidal zone of a moderately wave-exposed rocky shore near Duncans Cove, on the Atlantic coast of Nova Scotia while collecting dogwhelks (n= 1000) during low tide for manipulative field experiments. All other dogwhelks collected on that day were of common white and brown colors. During earlier dogwhelk collections in Atlantic Nova Scotia (between 2011-2013) and field surveys in Duncans Cove (between 2014-2016), we did not find any purple-colored dogwhelks, indicating the rareness of this color in that region. Apparently, our observations provide the first visual record of rare purple-colored dogwhelks on the Atlantic coast of Nova Scotia, Canada.

scholarly journals On the Occurrence of Parablennius Sanguinolentus (Pisces: Blenniidae) on the Portuguese Coast

1993 ◽  
Vol 73 (2) ◽  
pp. 465-467 ◽  
Author(s):  
Emanuel J. Gonçalves ◽  
Vitor C. Almada ◽  
Armando J. Almeida ◽  
Rui F. De Oliveira
Keyword(s):  
Present Finding ◽  
Atlantic Coast ◽  
Fish Fauna ◽  
Bay Of Biscay ◽  
North West ◽  
Portuguese Coast ◽  
The North ◽  
Mainland Portugal ◽  
The Mediterranean ◽  
First Time

In this paper we report for the first time the occurrence of Parablennius sanguinolentus in mainland Portuguese waters. Since this species is common in the Mediterranean and in the Bay of Biscay, there appears to be a distributional gap along the Portuguese coast. The present finding, together with recent data on the occurrence of several other blenniids in the Atlantic coast of the Iberian Peninsula, formerly supposed to be Mediterranean endemics, stresses the urgent need for detailed zoogeographical investigations on the inshore fish fauna of south-west Europe.Parablennius sanguinolentus (Pallas, 1811) is widespread in the Mediterranean (Zander, 1986). On the Atlantic coast of Europe, however, it was known only from the Bay of Biscay where it is abundant in some places (Motos & Ibañez, 1979), from the north-west coast of Spain (Devesa et al., 1979) and recently from the Atlantic coast of Andalucía (Spain) (Rubio, 1991). It is also very common in the Azores, Madeira and Canary Islands if one assumes that P. parvicornis (Valenciennes, 1836) belongs to the same species, but this is as yet an unresolved issue (Zander, 1979; Almeida & Harmelin-Vivien, 1983; Bath, 1990; Santos, 1992). Although Zander (1986) presented a distributional map that includes the mainland Portuguese coast, no report on the occurrence of this species was known for this area. In a survey of the literature on the blennioid fishes occurring in Portuguese waters, we could not find a single citation that could possibly be ascribed to P. sanguinolentus for mainland Portugal (Oliveira et al., 1992).

Potential of Parasites for Use as Biological Indicators of Migration, Feeding, and Spawning Behavior of Northwestern Atlantic Herring (Clupea harengus)

1985 ◽  
Vol 42 (12) ◽  
pp. 1957-1968 ◽  
Author(s):  
S. E. McGladdery ◽  
M. D. B. Burt
Keyword(s):  
Seasonal Dynamics ◽  
Parasite Species ◽  
Biological Indicators ◽  
Clupea Harengus ◽  
Bay Of Fundy ◽  
Atlantic Herring ◽  
Spawning Behavior ◽  
First Time ◽  
Nova Scotian ◽  
Hysterothylacium Aduncum

A parasite survey of Atlantic herring, Clupea harengus, collected from the Bay of Fundy, Nova Scotian Shelf, and Gulf of St. Lawrence, was conducted from May 1981 to November 1983. A total of 2380 herring were examined and 18 parasite species identified. These included the acanthocephalan Echinorhynchus gadi previously unreported from herring in the northwestern Atlantic and the monogenean Gyrodactyloides andriaschewski herein described from herring for the first time. The geographic distributions of the parasites, their seasonal dynamics, and relation to size of herring were recorded to determine whether they could be used as biological indicators, both to differentiate between individual herring populations and to determine their movements. Seven of the 18 species identified showed varying degrees of potential as biological indicators. Although no single parasite species was found which could clearly differentiate one population of herring from another, the differential prevalences and intensities of Anisakis simplex, Hysterothylacium aduncum, Derogenes varicus, Lecithaster gibbosus, Cryptocotyle lingua, Scolex pleuronectis, and Eimeria sardinae all provided valuable contributions to the knowledge already accumulated on herring migration, feeding, and spawning behavior. Parasite indicators, used in conjunction with other data and techniques, could eventually be used to distinguish between individual populations of herring.

scholarly journals Reconstruction of past marine submersion events (storms and tsunamis) on the North Atlantic coast of Morocco

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Otmane Khalfaoui ◽  
Laurent Dezileau ◽  
Jean-Philippe Degeai ◽  
Maria Snoussi
Keyword(s):  
North Atlantic ◽  
Atlantic Coast ◽  
High Energy ◽  
Economic Losses ◽  
The North ◽  
The North Atlantic ◽  
The One ◽  
Sediment Layers ◽  
First Time ◽  
Common Era

Abstract. The North Atlantic coast of Morocco has been affected historically by marine submersion events resulting from both storms and tsunamis and causing human and economic losses. The development of proactive adaptation strategies requires the study of these events over centennial to millennial timescales. Using a 2.7 m sediment core sampled from the Tahaddart estuary, we have been able to reconstruct past marine submersion events on this coastal area of Morocco over the last 4000 years. The high-resolution sedimentological and geochemical analysis conducted on this core allows us to identify 14 sediment layers attributed to marine high-energy events. The core was dated with isotopic techniques (137Cs, 210Pbex, 14C) and the outcomes reveal that three sediment layers are in connection with two major historical marine submersion events. The first layer mentioned as E1 seems to fit with the great Lisbon tsunami in 1755 CE (Common Era), an event dated for the first time on the Atlantic coast of Morocco. The other two layers referred as E13 and E14 were dated between 3464 and 2837 cal BP and correlated with marine submersion deposits found on Spanish and Moroccan coasts, which confirms the existence of a major high-energy event (around 3200 BP) similar to the one in 1755 CE.

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