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Mangrove wetlands provide essential ecosystem services such as coastal protection and fisheries. Metal pollution due to industrial and agricultural activities represents an issue of growing concern for the Guayas River Basin and related mangroves in Ecuador. Fisheries and the related human consumption of mangrove crabs are in need of scientific support. In order to protect human health and aid river management, we analyzed several elements in the Guayas Estuary. Zn, Cu, Ni, Cr, As, Pb, Cd, and Hg accumulation were assessed in different compartments of the commercial red mangrove crab Ucides occidentalis (hepatopancreas, carapax, and white meat) and the environment (sediment, leaves, and water), sampled at fifteen sites over five stations. Consistent spatial distribution of metals in the Guayas estuary was found. Nickel levels in the sediment warn for ecological caution. The presence of As in the crabs generated potential concerns on the consumers’ health, and a maximum intake of eight crabs per month for adults is advised. The research outcomes are of global importance for at least nine Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The results presented can support raising awareness about the ongoing contamination of food and their related ecosystems and the corresponding consequences for environmental and human health worldwide.
Andrée De Cock; Niels De Troyer; Marie Anne Forio Eurie; Isabel Garcia Arevalo; Wout Van Echelpoel; Liesbeth Jacxsens; Stijn Luca; Gijs Du Laing; Filip Tack; Luis Dominguez Granda; Peter L. M. Goethals. From Mangrove to Fork: Metal Presence in the Guayas Estuary (Ecuador) and Commercial Mangrove Crabs. Foods 2021, 10, 1880 .
AMA StyleAndrée De Cock, Niels De Troyer, Marie Anne Forio Eurie, Isabel Garcia Arevalo, Wout Van Echelpoel, Liesbeth Jacxsens, Stijn Luca, Gijs Du Laing, Filip Tack, Luis Dominguez Granda, Peter L. M. Goethals. From Mangrove to Fork: Metal Presence in the Guayas Estuary (Ecuador) and Commercial Mangrove Crabs. Foods. 2021; 10 (8):1880.
Chicago/Turabian StyleAndrée De Cock; Niels De Troyer; Marie Anne Forio Eurie; Isabel Garcia Arevalo; Wout Van Echelpoel; Liesbeth Jacxsens; Stijn Luca; Gijs Du Laing; Filip Tack; Luis Dominguez Granda; Peter L. M. Goethals. 2021. "From Mangrove to Fork: Metal Presence in the Guayas Estuary (Ecuador) and Commercial Mangrove Crabs." Foods 10, no. 8: 1880.
Malaria parasites are transmitted to humans by infectious female Anopheles mosquitoes. Chemical-insecticide-based mosquito control has been successful in reducing the burden of malaria. However, the emergence of insecticide resistance in malaria vectors and concerns about the effect of the chemicals on the environment, human health, and non-target organisms present a need for new or alternative vector control intervention tools. Biocontrol methods using aquatic invertebrate predators have emerged as a potential alternative and additional tool to control mosquito populations. Ecological control specifically makes use of species insights for improving the physical habitat conditions of competitors and predators of vectors. A first step towards this is to gain knowledge on the predation potential of several typically present macroinvertebrates. Hence, this study aimed at (1) examining the influence of the predation of hemipterans on the number of emerging adult mosquitoes and (2) detecting Anopheles mosquito DNA in the gut of those predators. The prey and predators were collected from a range of water bodies located in the Gilgel Gibe watershed, southwest Ethiopia. A semi-field study was carried out using mesocosms which were constructed using plastic containers mimicking the natural aquatic habitat of immature Anopheles mosquitoes. Adult mosquitoes that emerged from the mesocosms were collected using a mechanical aspirator. At the end of the experiment, predators were withdrawn from the mesocosms and identified to genus level. Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) was employed to identify sibling species of Anopheles gambiae s.l. and to detect Anopheles mosquito DNA in the gut of the predators. Data were analysed using R software. Giant water bugs (belostomatids) were the most aggressive predators of Anopheles larvae, followed by backswimmers (notonectids) and water boatmen (corixids). All female Anopheles gambiae s.l. emerged from the mesocosms were identified as Anopheles arabiensis. Anopheles arabiensis DNA was detected in the gut content of hemipteran specimens analysed from the three families. The number of the adult mosquitoes emerging from the mesocosms was affected by the presence of predators. The findings of this study provide evidence of the potential use of aquatic macroinvertebrate predators as biocontrol agents against immature Anopheles mosquitoes and their potential to be considered as a component of integrated vector management for insecticide resistance and the combined restoration of aquatic ecosystems via smart ecological engineering.
Beekam Olkeba; Peter Goethals; Pieter Boets; Luc Duchateau; Teshome Degefa; Kasahun Eba; Delenasaw Yewhalaw; Seid Mereta. Mesocosm Experiments to Quantify Predation of Mosquito Larvae by Aquatic Predators to Determine Potential of Ecological Control of Malaria Vectors in Ethiopia. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 2021, 18, 6904 .
AMA StyleBeekam Olkeba, Peter Goethals, Pieter Boets, Luc Duchateau, Teshome Degefa, Kasahun Eba, Delenasaw Yewhalaw, Seid Mereta. Mesocosm Experiments to Quantify Predation of Mosquito Larvae by Aquatic Predators to Determine Potential of Ecological Control of Malaria Vectors in Ethiopia. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. 2021; 18 (13):6904.
Chicago/Turabian StyleBeekam Olkeba; Peter Goethals; Pieter Boets; Luc Duchateau; Teshome Degefa; Kasahun Eba; Delenasaw Yewhalaw; Seid Mereta. 2021. "Mesocosm Experiments to Quantify Predation of Mosquito Larvae by Aquatic Predators to Determine Potential of Ecological Control of Malaria Vectors in Ethiopia." International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 18, no. 13: 6904.
Adequate environmental management in tropical aquatic ecosystems is imperative. Given the lack of knowledge about functional diversity and bioassessment programs, management is missing the needed evidence on pollution and its effect on biodiversity and functional ecology. Therefore, we investigated the composition and distribution of the macroinvertebrate community along two rivers. Specifically, 15 locations were sampled in the Coca and Aguarico Rivers (Ecuadorian Amazon) and the macroinvertebrates were used to indicate water quality (WQ), expressed as the Biological Monitoring Working Party Colombia (BMWP-Col) classes. Results indicate that elevation, pH, temperature, width, and water depth played an important role in the taxa and functional feeding groups (FFG) composition. The results show that diversity of taxa and FFG were generally scarce but were more abundant in good quality sites. Collector-gathers (CG) were, in general, dominant and were particularly abundant at low WQ and downstream sites. Scrapers (SC) were the second most abundant group, dominating mostly at good WQ and upstream sites. Predators (PR) were homogeneously distributed among the sites, without clear dominance, and their abundance was slightly higher in sites with medium-low WQ and downstream sites. Lastly, both shredders (SH) and collector-filterers (CF) were almost absent and were more abundant in good quality sites. The findings of this research can be used as baseline information in the studied region since a dam was constructed two years after the sampling campaign, which has been operating since. Furthermore, the results can be used to fill the knowledge gaps related to the bioassessments of other similar systems, particularly for a tropical rainforest.
Santiago Cabrera; Marie Eurie Forio; Koen Lock; Marte Vandenbroucke; Tania Oña; Miguel Gualoto; Peter Goethals; Christine Van der Heyden. Variations in Benthic Macroinvertebrate Communities and Biological Quality in the Aguarico and Coca River Basins in the Ecuadorian Amazon. Water 2021, 13, 1692 .
AMA StyleSantiago Cabrera, Marie Eurie Forio, Koen Lock, Marte Vandenbroucke, Tania Oña, Miguel Gualoto, Peter Goethals, Christine Van der Heyden. Variations in Benthic Macroinvertebrate Communities and Biological Quality in the Aguarico and Coca River Basins in the Ecuadorian Amazon. Water. 2021; 13 (12):1692.
Chicago/Turabian StyleSantiago Cabrera; Marie Eurie Forio; Koen Lock; Marte Vandenbroucke; Tania Oña; Miguel Gualoto; Peter Goethals; Christine Van der Heyden. 2021. "Variations in Benthic Macroinvertebrate Communities and Biological Quality in the Aguarico and Coca River Basins in the Ecuadorian Amazon." Water 13, no. 12: 1692.
As an “international aquatic ecosystem” in Northern Iran, the Anzali wetland is a nursery for fish and a breeding and wintering area for a wide variety of waterfowl. The wetland is threatened by human activities (deforestation, hunting, tourism, and urbanization), leading to habitat destruction, eutrophication, and sediment accumulation. To stop the degradation and to set up effective protection and restoration in line with the Sustainable Development Goals, scientific insights must be integrated into a practical framework for evidence-based support for policymakers and managers of the Anzali wetland. In this study, the Drivers–Pressure–State–Impact–Response (DPSIR) framework is used as a suitable tool to link human pressures and state changes to derive an overview of the potential impacts. Population growth, intensive agriculture, increased urbanization, and industrialization are the major driving forces that have led to a complex cascade of state changes. For instance, during recent years, water quality deterioration, habitat degradation, and the overgrowth of invasive species in the Anzali wetland watershed have caused negative socio-economic and human health impacts. Integrated and innovative monitoring programs combined with socio-environmental modeling techniques are needed for a more evidence-based management approach as part of a multiresponse strategy for the sustainable development of the wetland system. In this respect, there is a critical gap in useful information concerning biological composition and innovative monitoring methods. Moreover, the relation of biota with human activity and environmental conditions needs to be better quantified. Therefore, ecological modeling techniques based on machine learning and statistics were reviewed for their advantages and disadvantages. The overview of approaches presented here can serve as the basis for scientists, practitioners, and decision-makers to develop and implement evidence-based management programs for the Anzali wetland.
Roghayeh Sadeghi Pasvisheh; Marie Eurie Forio; Long Ho; Peter Goethals. Evidence-Based Management of the Anzali Wetland System (Northern Iran) Based on Innovative Monitoring and Modeling Methods. Sustainability 2021, 13, 5503 .
AMA StyleRoghayeh Sadeghi Pasvisheh, Marie Eurie Forio, Long Ho, Peter Goethals. Evidence-Based Management of the Anzali Wetland System (Northern Iran) Based on Innovative Monitoring and Modeling Methods. Sustainability. 2021; 13 (10):5503.
Chicago/Turabian StyleRoghayeh Sadeghi Pasvisheh; Marie Eurie Forio; Long Ho; Peter Goethals. 2021. "Evidence-Based Management of the Anzali Wetland System (Northern Iran) Based on Innovative Monitoring and Modeling Methods." Sustainability 13, no. 10: 5503.
Sustainably feeding a growing human population is one of the greatest food system challenges of the 21st century. Seafood plays a vital role in supporting human wellbeing, by providing bioavailable and nutrient-dense animal-source food. In Thailand, seafood demand is increasing, and wild capture fishery yields have plateaued, due to oceanic ecosystem degradation and fishery stock exploitation. In this study, we investigated the supply trend of fishery products and subsequent seafood-derived nutrient availability over the last decade. In addition, we explored the possibility of predicting seafood availability and consumption levels, including adherence to Thailand’s national food guide and global dietary recommendations for sustainable seafood consumption. Our findings indicate that, at national-level, fishery products supplied between 19% and 35% of the Thai populations recommended dietary protein intake, 4–6% of calcium, 6–11% of iron, and 2–4% of zinc from 1995 to 2015. Nevertheless, our research also reports that if Thailand’s wild-caught seafood production were to decrease by 13%, as is highly likely, by 2030, the country might face a per capita supply deficit of fish and shellfish to meet healthy and sustainable dietary recommendations (28–30 g/day), let alone the current Thai average intake (32 g/day). Although a 1% per year increase in aquaculture production might bridge this supply gap, policymakers and relevant fishery stakeholders must consider the long-term environmental impacts of such an approach in Thailand.
Tiptiwa Sampantamit; Long Ho; Carl Lachat; Giles Hanley-Cook; Peter Goethals. The Contribution of Thai Fisheries to Sustainable Seafood Consumption: National Trends and Future Projections. Foods 2021, 10, 880 .
AMA StyleTiptiwa Sampantamit, Long Ho, Carl Lachat, Giles Hanley-Cook, Peter Goethals. The Contribution of Thai Fisheries to Sustainable Seafood Consumption: National Trends and Future Projections. Foods. 2021; 10 (4):880.
Chicago/Turabian StyleTiptiwa Sampantamit; Long Ho; Carl Lachat; Giles Hanley-Cook; Peter Goethals. 2021. "The Contribution of Thai Fisheries to Sustainable Seafood Consumption: National Trends and Future Projections." Foods 10, no. 4: 880.
Riparian zones form the interface between stream and terrestrial ecosystems and play a key role through their vegetation structure in determining stream biodiversity, ecosystem functioning and regulating human impacts, such as warming, nutrient enrichment and sedimentation. We assessed how differing riparian vegetation types influence the structural and functional composition (based on species traits) of stream invertebrate communities in agricultural catchments. We characterized riparian and stream habitat conditions and sampled stream invertebrate communities in 10 independent site pairs, each comprising one “unbuffered” reach lacking woody riparian vegetation and a second downstream reach with a woody riparian buffer. Forested riparian buffers were associated with greater shading, increased gravel content in stream substrates and faster flow velocities. We detected changes in invertebrate taxonomic composition in response to buffer presence, with an increase in sensitive Ephemeroptera, Plecoptera and Trichoptera (EPT) taxa and increases in key invertebrate species traits, including species with preference for gravel substrates and aerial active dispersal as adults. Riparian vegetation independently explained most variation in taxa composition, whereas riparian and instream habitat together explained most variation in functional composition. Our results highlight how changes in stream invertebrate trait distributions may indirectly reflect differences in riparian habitat, with implications for stream health and cross-ecosystem connectivity.
Jasmina Sargac; Richard Johnson; Francis Burdon; Amélie Truchy; Geta Rîşnoveanu; Peter Goethals; Brendan McKie. Forested Riparian Buffers Change the Taxonomic and Functional Composition of Stream Invertebrate Communities in Agricultural Catchments. Water 2021, 13, 1028 .
AMA StyleJasmina Sargac, Richard Johnson, Francis Burdon, Amélie Truchy, Geta Rîşnoveanu, Peter Goethals, Brendan McKie. Forested Riparian Buffers Change the Taxonomic and Functional Composition of Stream Invertebrate Communities in Agricultural Catchments. Water. 2021; 13 (8):1028.
Chicago/Turabian StyleJasmina Sargac; Richard Johnson; Francis Burdon; Amélie Truchy; Geta Rîşnoveanu; Peter Goethals; Brendan McKie. 2021. "Forested Riparian Buffers Change the Taxonomic and Functional Composition of Stream Invertebrate Communities in Agricultural Catchments." Water 13, no. 8: 1028.
Oceanic islands harbor unique yet fragile marine ecosystems that require evidence-based environmental management. Among these islands, the Galapagos archipelago is well known for its fish diversity, but the factors that structure communities within and between its islands remain poorly understood. In this study, water quality, physical habitats and geographical distance were assessed as potential predictors for the diversity and structure of fish assemblages. Differences in the structure of fish assemblages of the two studied islands (Santa Cruz and Floreana) were most likely driven by temperature and nutrient concentrations. In the relatively highly populated island Santa Cruz, the structure of fish assemblages was more affected by water conditions than physical habitats while the contrary was true for the more pristine area of Floreana. A wide variety of species with different geographical origins were distributed over the different islands, which indicates that most fish species are able to reach the islands of the archipelago. However, temperature gradients and elevated nutrient levels cause large differences in the structure of local fish assemblages. In addition, in Santa Cruz nutrient concentrations were negatively correlated with
Stijn Bruneel; Wout Van Echelpoel; Long Ho; Heleen Raat; Amber Schoeters; Niels De Troyer; Ratha Sor; José Ponton-Cevallos; Ruth Vandeputte; Christine Van der Heyden; Nancy De Saeyer; Marie Forio; Rafael Bermudez; Luis Dominguez-Granda; Stijn Luca; Tom Moens; Peter Goethals. Assessing the Drivers behind the Structure and Diversity of Fish Assemblages Associated with Rocky Shores in the Galapagos Archipelago. Journal of Marine Science and Engineering 2021, 9, 375 .
AMA StyleStijn Bruneel, Wout Van Echelpoel, Long Ho, Heleen Raat, Amber Schoeters, Niels De Troyer, Ratha Sor, José Ponton-Cevallos, Ruth Vandeputte, Christine Van der Heyden, Nancy De Saeyer, Marie Forio, Rafael Bermudez, Luis Dominguez-Granda, Stijn Luca, Tom Moens, Peter Goethals. Assessing the Drivers behind the Structure and Diversity of Fish Assemblages Associated with Rocky Shores in the Galapagos Archipelago. Journal of Marine Science and Engineering. 2021; 9 (4):375.
Chicago/Turabian StyleStijn Bruneel; Wout Van Echelpoel; Long Ho; Heleen Raat; Amber Schoeters; Niels De Troyer; Ratha Sor; José Ponton-Cevallos; Ruth Vandeputte; Christine Van der Heyden; Nancy De Saeyer; Marie Forio; Rafael Bermudez; Luis Dominguez-Granda; Stijn Luca; Tom Moens; Peter Goethals. 2021. "Assessing the Drivers behind the Structure and Diversity of Fish Assemblages Associated with Rocky Shores in the Galapagos Archipelago." Journal of Marine Science and Engineering 9, no. 4: 375.
Worldwide river systems are under pressure from human development. River managers need to identify the most important stressors in a stream basin, to propose effective management interventions for river restoration. In the European Union, the Water Framework Directive proposes the ecological status as the management endpoint for these interventions. Many decision support tools exist that use predictive water quality models to evaluate different river management scenarios, but only a few consider a river’s ecological status in this analysis explicitly. This paper presents a novel method, which combines abiotic monitoring data and biological monitoring data, to provide information and insight on why the ecological status does not reach the good status. We use habitat suitability models as a decision support tool, which can identify the most important stressors in river systems to define management scenarios. To this end, we disassemble the ecological status into its individual building blocks, i.e., the community composition, and we use habitat suitability models to perform an ecological gap analysis. In this paper, we present our method and its underlying ecological concepts, and we illustrate its benefits by applying the method on a regional level for Flanders using a biotic index, the Multimetric Macroinvertebrate Index Flanders (MMIF). To evaluate our method, we calculated the number of correctly classified instances (CCI = 47.7%) and the root-mean-square error (RMSE = 0.18) on the MMIF class and the MMIF value. Furthermore, there is a monotonic decreasing relationship between the results of the priority classification and the ecological status expressed by the MMIF, which is strengthened by the inclusion of ecological concepts in our method (Pearson’s R2 −0.92 vs. −0.87). In addition, the results of our method are complementary to information derived from the legal targets set for abiotic variables. Thus, our proposed method can further optimize the inclusion of monitoring data for the sake of sustainable decisions in river management.
Elina Bennetsen; Sacha Gobeyn; Gert Everaert; Peter Goethals. Setting Priorities in River Management Using Habitat Suitability Models. Water 2021, 13, 886 .
AMA StyleElina Bennetsen, Sacha Gobeyn, Gert Everaert, Peter Goethals. Setting Priorities in River Management Using Habitat Suitability Models. Water. 2021; 13 (7):886.
Chicago/Turabian StyleElina Bennetsen; Sacha Gobeyn; Gert Everaert; Peter Goethals. 2021. "Setting Priorities in River Management Using Habitat Suitability Models." Water 13, no. 7: 886.
Riparian zones form a boundary between aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems, with disproportionate influences on food web dynamics and ecosystem functioning in both habitats. However, riparian boundaries are frequently degraded by human activities, including urbanization, leading to direct impacts on terrestrial communities and indirect changes that are mediated through altered connectivity with adjacent aquatic ecosystems. We investigated how riparian habitat influences fish communities in an urban context. We electrofished nine urban site pairs with and without forested riparian buffers, alongside an additional 12 sites that were located throughout the river networks in the Oslo Fjord basin, Norway. Brown trout (Salmo trutta) were the dominant fish species. Riparian buffers had weak positive effects on fish densities at low to moderate levels of catchment urbanization, whereas fish were absent from highly polluted streams. Subtle shifts in fish size distributions suggested that riparian buffers play an important role in metapopulation dynamics. Stable isotopes in fish from buffered reaches indicated dietary shifts, pointing to the potential for a greater reliance on terrestrial-sourced carbon. Combining these results, we postulate that spatially-mediated ontogenetic diet shifts may be important for the persistence of brown trout in urban streams. Our results show that using a food web perspective is essential in understanding how riparian buffers can offset impacts in urban catchments.
Benjamin Kupilas; Francis Burdon; Jens Thaulow; Johnny Håll; Petra Mutinova; Marie Forio; Felix Witing; Geta Rîșnoveanu; Peter Goethals; Brendan McKie; Nikolai Friberg. Forested Riparian Zones Provide Important Habitat for Fish in Urban Streams. Water 2021, 13, 877 .
AMA StyleBenjamin Kupilas, Francis Burdon, Jens Thaulow, Johnny Håll, Petra Mutinova, Marie Forio, Felix Witing, Geta Rîșnoveanu, Peter Goethals, Brendan McKie, Nikolai Friberg. Forested Riparian Zones Provide Important Habitat for Fish in Urban Streams. Water. 2021; 13 (6):877.
Chicago/Turabian StyleBenjamin Kupilas; Francis Burdon; Jens Thaulow; Johnny Håll; Petra Mutinova; Marie Forio; Felix Witing; Geta Rîșnoveanu; Peter Goethals; Brendan McKie; Nikolai Friberg. 2021. "Forested Riparian Zones Provide Important Habitat for Fish in Urban Streams." Water 13, no. 6: 877.
Ecuador is well-known as one of the most biodiverse countries, but this species richness is being threatened by invasive alien species. The early detection of these invasive species is crucial for their fast and successful eradication and for limiting their effects on aquatic communities. Therefore, a Belgian VLIR-UOS project was started that aims at the development of a fast detection method to monitor the Ecuadorian Amazon river basin for the presence of invasive fishes, macroinvertebrates and amphibians. An (e)DNA field lab, equipped with miniaturized and portable DNA-processing equipment, such as centrifuges, thermal cyclers, and electrophoresis equipment (MiniPCR), was developed. In the next phase, the Nanopore Next-Generation sequencing (NGS) technique (MinION) will be optimized to enable the eDNA-based biomonitoring of tropical aquatic environments in the field. The fast detection of invasive species may help to prevent their further spread and perhaps even facilitate their eradication, and will promote more effective actions for the conservation of aquatic ecosystems. Furthermore, new DNA-sequences of amphibians, macroinvertebrates, and fishes are being incorporated into the newly developed Ecuadorian DNA database. We also focus on building and strengthening the capacities of staff and students (Ecuadorian as well as Belgian) through theses, practical courses, field work, trainings and internships.
Christine Van der Heyden; Lenin Riascos; Andrea Carrera-Gonzalez; Katherine Elizabeth Apunte Ramos; Marcela Carbrera; Rodrigo Espinosa; Pieter Boets; Tom Moens; Wim Vanden Berghe; Erik Verbruggen; Filip Volckaert; Francisco Villamarin; Peter Goethals; Julio Bonilla; Mauricio Ortega; Jorge Celi. DNA-based monitoring for assessing the effect of invasive species on aquatic communities in the Amazon basin of Ecuador. ARPHA Conference Abstracts 2021, 4, e65376 .
AMA StyleChristine Van der Heyden, Lenin Riascos, Andrea Carrera-Gonzalez, Katherine Elizabeth Apunte Ramos, Marcela Carbrera, Rodrigo Espinosa, Pieter Boets, Tom Moens, Wim Vanden Berghe, Erik Verbruggen, Filip Volckaert, Francisco Villamarin, Peter Goethals, Julio Bonilla, Mauricio Ortega, Jorge Celi. DNA-based monitoring for assessing the effect of invasive species on aquatic communities in the Amazon basin of Ecuador. ARPHA Conference Abstracts. 2021; 4 ():e65376.
Chicago/Turabian StyleChristine Van der Heyden; Lenin Riascos; Andrea Carrera-Gonzalez; Katherine Elizabeth Apunte Ramos; Marcela Carbrera; Rodrigo Espinosa; Pieter Boets; Tom Moens; Wim Vanden Berghe; Erik Verbruggen; Filip Volckaert; Francisco Villamarin; Peter Goethals; Julio Bonilla; Mauricio Ortega; Jorge Celi. 2021. "DNA-based monitoring for assessing the effect of invasive species on aquatic communities in the Amazon basin of Ecuador." ARPHA Conference Abstracts 4, no. : e65376.
Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd) is a fungus that parasites vertebrates, and is associated with population declines worldwide in endemic amphibian species. As such, it is one of several invasive species which pose a serious threat to a variety of vertebrate hosts, in casu: amphibians. Detection of such invasive species is generally based on DNA-based methods where, for instance, swabs or tissue samples of candidate hosts are analysed for their presence. Any management strategy of these invasive species would greatly benefit from sensitive and rapid detection methods which can be applied at a large scale. The analysis of eDNA from the habitat of candidate host organisms may hold significant potential for this purpose. In this study, we compare the ability of eDNA from habitat samples with that of swab and/or tissue samples of candidate hosts to detect the presence of Bd in Ecuador. We collected individuals from the amphibians: Pristimantis (Anura: Craugastoridae), Rhinella (Anura: Bufonidae), Gastroteca (Anura: Hemiphractidae), from the endangered toad species of the genus Atelopus (Anura: Bufonidae) as well as water samples from different water bodies in Andean and coastal Ecuadorian areas. Samples were processed using a portable field molecular laboratory. Commercial primers for the internal transcribed spacer (ITS), in combination with a new set of primers designed from Bd sequences from tropical countries, were used. Positive PCR results from both types of samples were obtained within eight hours after sampling. Prevalence of BD was detected in eDNA, swab and tissue samples in four of the six ecosystems monitored -14 out of 26 water samples and 27 out of 43 amphibian of in total 12 species- including three endangered toad species (Atelopus balios, A. nanay, and the rediscovered A. bomolochos). Our results highlight the potential of eDNA-based monitoring to assess the presence and prevalence of Bd in Ecuadorian aquatic ecosystems, in accordance with the National Action Plan for the Conservation of Ecuadorian Amphibians. Furthermore, our field lab approach leads to reliable and fast results for the monitoring of invasive species in a tropical context of a pandemic.
Lenin Riascos-Flores; Andrea Carrera; Leopoldo Naranjo; Jomira Yanez; Peter Goethals; Julio Bonilla; Jorge Celi; Christine Van der Heyden; Mauricio Ortega. DNA-based biomonitoring in the tropics: Detection and control of Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis in Ecuadorian ecosystem. ARPHA Conference Abstracts 2021, 4, e65304 .
AMA StyleLenin Riascos-Flores, Andrea Carrera, Leopoldo Naranjo, Jomira Yanez, Peter Goethals, Julio Bonilla, Jorge Celi, Christine Van der Heyden, Mauricio Ortega. DNA-based biomonitoring in the tropics: Detection and control of Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis in Ecuadorian ecosystem. ARPHA Conference Abstracts. 2021; 4 ():e65304.
Chicago/Turabian StyleLenin Riascos-Flores; Andrea Carrera; Leopoldo Naranjo; Jomira Yanez; Peter Goethals; Julio Bonilla; Jorge Celi; Christine Van der Heyden; Mauricio Ortega. 2021. "DNA-based biomonitoring in the tropics: Detection and control of Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis in Ecuadorian ecosystem." ARPHA Conference Abstracts 4, no. : e65304.
Fisheries play a significant role in the livelihoods of the world population, while the dependence on fisheries is acute in developing countries. Fisheries are consequently a critical element for meeting the sustainable development (SDG) and FAO goals to reduce poverty, hunger and improve health and well-being. However, 90% of global marine fish stocks are fully or over-exploited. The amount of biologically unsustainable stocks increased from 10% in 1975 to 33% in 2015. Freshwater ecosystems are the most endangered ecosystems and freshwater fish stocks are worldwide in a state of crisis. The continuous fish stock decline indicates that the world is still far from achieving SDG 14 (Life Below Water), FAO’s Blue Growth Initiative goal and SDG 15 (Life on Land, including freshwater systems). Failure to effectively manage world fish stocks can have disastrous effects on biodiversity and the livelihoods and socio-economic conditions of millions of people. Therefore, management strategies that successfully conserve the stocks and provide optimal sustainable yields are urgently needed. However, successful management is only possible when the necessary data are obtained and decision-makers are well informed. The main problem for the management of fisheries, particularly in developing countries, is the lack of information on the past and current status of the fish stocks. Sound data collection and validation methods are, therefore, important. Stock assessment models, which support sustainable fisheries, require life history traits as input parameters. In order to provide accurate estimates of these life history traits, standardized methods for otolith preparation and validation of the rate of growth zone deposition are essential. This review aims to assist researchers and fisheries managers, working on marine and freshwater fish species, in understanding concepts and processes related to stock assessment and population dynamics. Although most examples and case studies originate from developing countries in the African continent, the review remains of great value to many other countries.
Shewit Gebremedhin; Stijn Bruneel; Abebe Getahun; Wassie Anteneh; Peter Goethals. Scientific Methods to Understand Fish Population Dynamics and Support Sustainable Fisheries Management. Water 2021, 13, 574 .
AMA StyleShewit Gebremedhin, Stijn Bruneel, Abebe Getahun, Wassie Anteneh, Peter Goethals. Scientific Methods to Understand Fish Population Dynamics and Support Sustainable Fisheries Management. Water. 2021; 13 (4):574.
Chicago/Turabian StyleShewit Gebremedhin; Stijn Bruneel; Abebe Getahun; Wassie Anteneh; Peter Goethals. 2021. "Scientific Methods to Understand Fish Population Dynamics and Support Sustainable Fisheries Management." Water 13, no. 4: 574.
Mosquitoes have been a nuisance and health threat to humans for centuries due to their ability to transmit different infectious diseases. Biological control methods have emerged as an alternative or complementary approach to contain vector populations in light of the current spread of insecticide resistance in mosquitoes. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate the predation efficacy of selected potential predators against Anopheles mosquito larvae. Potential invertebrate predators and Anopheles larvae were collected from natural habitats, mainly (temporary) wetlands and ponds in southwest Ethiopia and experiments were conducted under laboratory conditions. Optimal predation conditions with respect to larval instar, water volume and number of predators were determined for each of the seven studied predators. Data analyses were carried out using the Poisson regression model using one way ANOVA at the 5% significant level. The backswimmer (Notonectidae) was the most aggressive predator on Anopheles mosquito larvae with a daily mean predation of 71.5 larvae (95% CI: [65.04;78.59]). Our study shows that larval instar, water volume and number of predators have a significant effect on each predator, except for dragonflies (Libellulidae), with regard to the preference of the larval instar. A selection of mosquito predators has the potential to control Anopheles mosquito larvae, suggesting that they can be used as complementary approach in an integrated malaria vector control strategy.
Kasahun Eba; Luc Duchateau; Beekam Kebede Olkeba; Pieter Boets; Dechasa Bedada; Peter L. M. Goethals; Seid Tiku Mereta; Delenasaw Yewhalaw. Bio-Control of Anopheles Mosquito Larvae Using Invertebrate Predators to Support Human Health Programs in Ethiopia. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 2021, 18, 1810 .
AMA StyleKasahun Eba, Luc Duchateau, Beekam Kebede Olkeba, Pieter Boets, Dechasa Bedada, Peter L. M. Goethals, Seid Tiku Mereta, Delenasaw Yewhalaw. Bio-Control of Anopheles Mosquito Larvae Using Invertebrate Predators to Support Human Health Programs in Ethiopia. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. 2021; 18 (4):1810.
Chicago/Turabian StyleKasahun Eba; Luc Duchateau; Beekam Kebede Olkeba; Pieter Boets; Dechasa Bedada; Peter L. M. Goethals; Seid Tiku Mereta; Delenasaw Yewhalaw. 2021. "Bio-Control of Anopheles Mosquito Larvae Using Invertebrate Predators to Support Human Health Programs in Ethiopia." International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 18, no. 4: 1810.
Emerging global threats, such as biological invasions, climate change, land use intensification, and water depletion, endanger the sustainable future of lake ecosystems. To deal with the threats, a multidimensional view on the protection and exploitation of lake ecosystems is needed. The holistic approach needs to contain not just the development of economy and society but also take into account the negative impacts of this growth on the environment, from that, the balance between the three dimensions can be sustained to reach a sustainable future. This chapter provides a comprehensive review on future opportunities and challenges for lake sustainable development in relation to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). From ancient times to the present, lakes have been a key freshwater resource. They play crucial roles in human societies for drinking water provision, food production, recreation, energy provision, water treatment and flood and drought control. Because of the recent intensive exploitations, numerous lakes have severely been deteriorated. In recent years, physical habitat degradation has become very problematic while eutrophication remains the main issue for lakes worldwide. Besides constant threats from urbanization, industry, aquaculture, and watercourse alterations, climate change and emerging contaminants, such as microplastics and antimicrobial resistance, are generating universal problems for the sustainability of lake ecosystems. In relation to the SDGs, the actions for achieving the sustainability of lake ecosystems have positive links with the SDGs related to environmental dimensions (Goals 6, 13, 14 and 15) as they are mutually reinforcing each other. On the other hand, these actions have direct potential conflicts with the SDGs related to social and economic dimensions (Goals 1, 2, 3 and 8). Based on the interlinkages, we propose 20 indicators that can be used by decision makers for monitoring and assessing lake sustainable development.
Long Ho; Peter Goethals. Imperiled Lake Ecosystems. Reference Module in Earth Systems and Environmental Sciences 2021, 1 .
AMA StyleLong Ho, Peter Goethals. Imperiled Lake Ecosystems. Reference Module in Earth Systems and Environmental Sciences. 2021; ():1.
Chicago/Turabian StyleLong Ho; Peter Goethals. 2021. "Imperiled Lake Ecosystems." Reference Module in Earth Systems and Environmental Sciences , no. : 1.
Stream and terrestrial ecosystems are intimately connected by riparian zones that support high biodiversity but are also vulnerable to human impacts. Landscape disturbances, overgrazing, and diffuse pollution of agrochemicals threaten riparian biodiversity and the delivery of ecosystem services in agricultural landscapes. We assessed how terrestrial invertebrate communities respond to changes in riparian vegetation in Romanian agricultural catchments, with a focus on the role of forested riparian buffers. Riparian invertebrates were sampled in 10 paired sites, with each pair consisting of an unbuffered upstream reach and a downstream reach buffered with woody riparian vegetation. Our results revealed distinct invertebrate community structures in the two site types. Out of 33 invertebrate families, 13 were unique to either forested (6) or unbuffered (7) sites. Thomisidae, Clubionidae, Tetragnathidae, Curculionidae, Culicidae, and Cicadidae were associated with forested buffers, while Lycosidae, Chrysomelidae, Staphylinidae, Coccinellidae, Tettigoniidae, Formicidae, and Eutichuridae were more abundant in unbuffered sites. Despite statistically equivocal results, invertebrate diversity was generally higher in forested riparian buffers. Local riparian attributes significantly influenced patterns in invertebrate community composition. Our findings highlight the importance of local woody riparian buffers in maintaining terrestrial invertebrate diversity and their potential contribution as a multifunctional management tool in agricultural landscapes.
Cristina Popescu; Mihaela Oprina-Pavelescu; Valentin Dinu; Constantin Cazacu; Francis Burdon; Marie Forio; Benjamin Kupilas; Nikolai Friberg; Peter Goethals; Brendan McKie; Geta Rîșnoveanu. Riparian Vegetation Structure Influences Terrestrial Invertebrate Communities in an Agricultural Landscape. Water 2021, 13, 188 .
AMA StyleCristina Popescu, Mihaela Oprina-Pavelescu, Valentin Dinu, Constantin Cazacu, Francis Burdon, Marie Forio, Benjamin Kupilas, Nikolai Friberg, Peter Goethals, Brendan McKie, Geta Rîșnoveanu. Riparian Vegetation Structure Influences Terrestrial Invertebrate Communities in an Agricultural Landscape. Water. 2021; 13 (2):188.
Chicago/Turabian StyleCristina Popescu; Mihaela Oprina-Pavelescu; Valentin Dinu; Constantin Cazacu; Francis Burdon; Marie Forio; Benjamin Kupilas; Nikolai Friberg; Peter Goethals; Brendan McKie; Geta Rîșnoveanu. 2021. "Riparian Vegetation Structure Influences Terrestrial Invertebrate Communities in an Agricultural Landscape." Water 13, no. 2: 188.
The Rwenzori region in Uganda, a global biodiversity hotspot, is currently undergoing exponential economic and population growth, which puts continuous stress on its freshwater ecosystems. In Sub-Saharan Africa, biomonitoring campaigns using region-specific biotic indices is limited, particularly in Uganda. In this research, we present the Rwenzori Score (RS), a new macroinvertebrate-based biotic index developed to specifically assess the aquatic health of Rwenzori streams and rivers. We collected and measured both biological and physicochemical variables and identified 34,202 macroinvertebrates, belonging to 64 different taxa. The RS was developed in two steps. First, using canonical ordination, we identified chemical variables that correlated significantly with gradients in macroinvertebrate assemblage distribution and diversity. Second, based on selected variables and weighted averages, we determined specific family indicator values and assigned pollution tolerance values (varying from 1: tolerant; to 10: sensitive) to a family. Finally, we established four water quality classes: poor, fair, good, and excellent. The RS is highly correlated with the Average Score Per Taxon System (p < 0.05), a well-known and widely used biotic index. The RS has 5 unique taxa that are not included in other regional indices. In this regard, the development of the RS is a beneficial tool for tailor-made biomonitoring that can contribute to the sustainable development of the Rwenzori stream and river basins.
Peace Musonge; Pieter Boets; Koen Lock; Minar Ambarita; Marie Forio; Peter Goethals. Rwenzori Score (RS): A Benthic Macroinvertebrate Index for Biomonitoring Rivers and Streams in the Rwenzori Region, Uganda. Sustainability 2020, 12, 10473 .
AMA StylePeace Musonge, Pieter Boets, Koen Lock, Minar Ambarita, Marie Forio, Peter Goethals. Rwenzori Score (RS): A Benthic Macroinvertebrate Index for Biomonitoring Rivers and Streams in the Rwenzori Region, Uganda. Sustainability. 2020; 12 (24):10473.
Chicago/Turabian StylePeace Musonge; Pieter Boets; Koen Lock; Minar Ambarita; Marie Forio; Peter Goethals. 2020. "Rwenzori Score (RS): A Benthic Macroinvertebrate Index for Biomonitoring Rivers and Streams in the Rwenzori Region, Uganda." Sustainability 12, no. 24: 10473.
Patches of riparian woody vegetation potentially help mitigate environmental impacts of agriculture and safeguard biodiversity. We investigated the effects of riparian forest on invertebrate diversity in coupled stream-riparian networks using a case study in the Zwalm river basin (Flanders, Belgium). Agriculture is one of the main pressures in the basin and riparian forest is limited to a number of isolated patches. Our 32 study sites comprised nine unshaded “unbuffered” sites which were paired with nine shaded “buffered” sites on the same stream reach, along with five ‘least-disturbed’ sites and nine downstream sites. We sampled water chemistry, habitat characteristics and stream and riparian invertebrates (carabid beetles and spiders) at each site. Three methods were used to quantify riparian attributes at different spatial scales: a visually-assessed qualitative index, quantitative estimates of habitat categories in six rectangular plots (10 × 5 m) and geographic information system (GIS)-derived land cover data. We investigated relationships between invertebrates and riparian attributes at different scales with linear regression and redundancy analyses. Spiders and carabids were most associated with local riparian attributes. In contrast, aquatic macroinvertebrates were strongly influenced by the extent of riparian vegetation in a riparian band upstream (100–300 m). These findings demonstrate the value of quantifying GIS-based metrics of riparian cover over larger spatial scales into assessments of the efficacy of riparian management as a complement to more detailed local scale riparian assessments in situ. Our findings highlight the value of even small patches of riparian vegetation in an otherwise extensively disturbed landscape in supporting biodiversity of both terrestrial and freshwater invertebrates and emphasize the need to consider multiple spatial scales in riparian management strategies which aim to mitigate human impacts on biodiversity in stream-riparian networks.
Marie Anne Eurie Forio; Niels De Troyer; Koen Lock; Felix Witing; Lotte Baert; Nancy De Saeyer; Geta Rîșnoveanu; Cristina Popescu; Francis J. Burdon; Benjamin Kupilas; Nikolai Friberg; Pieter Boets; Martin Volk; Brendan G. McKie; Peter Goethals. Small Patches of Riparian Woody Vegetation Enhance Biodiversity of Invertebrates. Water 2020, 12, 3070 .
AMA StyleMarie Anne Eurie Forio, Niels De Troyer, Koen Lock, Felix Witing, Lotte Baert, Nancy De Saeyer, Geta Rîșnoveanu, Cristina Popescu, Francis J. Burdon, Benjamin Kupilas, Nikolai Friberg, Pieter Boets, Martin Volk, Brendan G. McKie, Peter Goethals. Small Patches of Riparian Woody Vegetation Enhance Biodiversity of Invertebrates. Water. 2020; 12 (11):3070.
Chicago/Turabian StyleMarie Anne Eurie Forio; Niels De Troyer; Koen Lock; Felix Witing; Lotte Baert; Nancy De Saeyer; Geta Rîșnoveanu; Cristina Popescu; Francis J. Burdon; Benjamin Kupilas; Nikolai Friberg; Pieter Boets; Martin Volk; Brendan G. McKie; Peter Goethals. 2020. "Small Patches of Riparian Woody Vegetation Enhance Biodiversity of Invertebrates." Water 12, no. 11: 3070.
The Lower Mekong Basin (LMB) is a key biodiversity hotspot. To facilitate conservation and management, we examine mollusc biodiversity patterns and distribution along LMB’s longitudinal gradients, identify environmental drivers, and discuss the importance of these drivers to management. Cluster analysis, redundancy analysis (RDA), and variation partitioning were conducted using mollusc data collected from 63 sampling sites. Results indicated that species diversity is dominated by gastropods (61%) and bivalves (39%) and feeding trait diversity by scrapers (52%) and filter-collectors (37%). Only 48 species (49%) out of 98 taxa have been assessed by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) including a growing number of invasive species. The lack of complete, up-to-date information highlights the need for more research on both native and alien species. Cluster analysis revealed a clear mollusc biodiversity structure along the LMB’s longitudinal segments. Diversity was lowest in upstream tributaries, increased in upstream main channels, and was highest in downstream channels and the Mekong delta, the exception being the observed high gastropod abundance in Chi-Mun river mouth and Luang Prabang areas. The RDA and variation partitioning demonstrated that combined physical–chemical and climatic conditions are the key drivers of biodiversity patterns. Given the potential spread of invasive alien species and increasing anthropogenic impacts, further ecological research, regular monitoring, and adaptive management are needed to sustain mollusc biodiversity and associated ecosystem services, which contribute to food security, nutrition, and livelihoods in the LMB.
Ratha Sor; Peng Bun Ngor; Pieter Boets; Peter L. M. Goethals; Sovan Lek; Zeb S. Hogan; Young-Seuk Park. Patterns of Mekong Mollusc Biodiversity: Identification of Emerging Threats and Importance to Management and Livelihoods in a Region of Globally Significant Biodiversity and Endemism. Water 2020, 12, 2619 .
AMA StyleRatha Sor, Peng Bun Ngor, Pieter Boets, Peter L. M. Goethals, Sovan Lek, Zeb S. Hogan, Young-Seuk Park. Patterns of Mekong Mollusc Biodiversity: Identification of Emerging Threats and Importance to Management and Livelihoods in a Region of Globally Significant Biodiversity and Endemism. Water. 2020; 12 (9):2619.
Chicago/Turabian StyleRatha Sor; Peng Bun Ngor; Pieter Boets; Peter L. M. Goethals; Sovan Lek; Zeb S. Hogan; Young-Seuk Park. 2020. "Patterns of Mekong Mollusc Biodiversity: Identification of Emerging Threats and Importance to Management and Livelihoods in a Region of Globally Significant Biodiversity and Endemism." Water 12, no. 9: 2619.
Marine fish populations can be vulnerable to overfishing, as a response of their life history, ecology, and socio-economic aspects. Vulnerability assessments, in this regard, can be used to support fisheries decision-making by aiding species prioritization. Assessments like Productivity–Susceptibility Analyses are well suited for multispecies fisheries, with low gear selectivity and insufficient fishery-independent and dependent data. Using this method, we assessed local vulnerability of the Galapagos grouper (‘bacalao’; Mycteroperca olfax) and compared it with other phylogenetically-related species caught in the Galapagos’ handline-fishery. Bacalao is an overfished regionally endemic fish species, characterized by low resilience, high market and cultural value and high spatial overlap with the fishery. Our results suggested that bacalao is a species of high management priority, requiring urgent measures to prevent fisheries’ collapse. In addition, if current fishing pressure persists, other related species may become threatened in the near future. We also evaluated different management scenarios using this approach. Results suggested that the inclusion of additional no-take zones in the marine reserve, comprising key nursery habitats (such as mangroves) and spawning aggregation sites, would be necessary to reduce species vulnerability and to benefit other related species. Improving enforcement and fishers’ compliance are essential to guarantee the effectiveness of these measures.
José Pontón-Cevallos; Stijn Bruneel; José Marín Jarrín; Jorge Ramírez-González; Jorge Bermúdez-Monsalve; Peter Goethals. Vulnerability and Decision-Making in Multispecies Fisheries: A Risk Assessment of Bacalao (Mycteroperca olfax) and Related Species in the Galapagos’ Handline Fishery. Sustainability 2020, 12, 6931 .
AMA StyleJosé Pontón-Cevallos, Stijn Bruneel, José Marín Jarrín, Jorge Ramírez-González, Jorge Bermúdez-Monsalve, Peter Goethals. Vulnerability and Decision-Making in Multispecies Fisheries: A Risk Assessment of Bacalao (Mycteroperca olfax) and Related Species in the Galapagos’ Handline Fishery. Sustainability. 2020; 12 (17):6931.
Chicago/Turabian StyleJosé Pontón-Cevallos; Stijn Bruneel; José Marín Jarrín; Jorge Ramírez-González; Jorge Bermúdez-Monsalve; Peter Goethals. 2020. "Vulnerability and Decision-Making in Multispecies Fisheries: A Risk Assessment of Bacalao (Mycteroperca olfax) and Related Species in the Galapagos’ Handline Fishery." Sustainability 12, no. 17: 6931.
Aquatic ecosystems are one of the most threatened ecosystems in the world resulting in the decline of aquatic biodiversity. Monitoring and the assessment of aquatic ecosystems are necessary to protect and conserve these ecosystems as monitoring provides insights into the changes in the aquatic ecosystem over a long period of time and assessment indicates the status of these ecosystems. This paper presents an overview of different methods for the hydromorphological, physical–chemical and the biological monitoring and assessment of surface waters. Furthermore, recently developed monitoring and assessment methods are discussed to support sustainable water management and contribute to the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals 6 (SDG6 related to clean water and sanitation) and 15 (SDG15 related to terrestrial and freshwater systems) of the United Nations. However, many other SDGs are dependent on freshwater, such as food (e.g., SDG2) and climate-related SDGs. We presented an innovative concept for integrated monitoring and assessment. The main new elements are the monitoring of all communities and the use of integrated socio-environmental models to link these communities to ecosystem interactions and functions as a basis for determining their relation to the SDGs. Models can also allow to determine the effects of changes in SDGs on the different elements of the concept, and serve in this manner as tools for the selection of an optimal balance between the SDGs in the context of sustainable development.
Marie Forio; Peter Goethals. An Integrated Approach of Multi-Community Monitoring and Assessment of Aquatic Ecosystems to Support Sustainable Development. Sustainability 2020, 12, 5603 .
AMA StyleMarie Forio, Peter Goethals. An Integrated Approach of Multi-Community Monitoring and Assessment of Aquatic Ecosystems to Support Sustainable Development. Sustainability. 2020; 12 (14):5603.
Chicago/Turabian StyleMarie Forio; Peter Goethals. 2020. "An Integrated Approach of Multi-Community Monitoring and Assessment of Aquatic Ecosystems to Support Sustainable Development." Sustainability 12, no. 14: 5603.