ALBERT

Description: The holoplanktonic family Miraciidae (Copepoda, Harpacticoida) is revised and a key to the four monotypic genera presented. Amended diagnoses are given for Miracia Dana, Oculosetella Dahl and Macrosetella A. Scott, based on complete redescriptions of their respective type species M. efferata Dana, 1849, O. gracilis (Dana, 1849) and M. gracilis (Dana, 1847). A fourth genus Distioculus gen. nov. is proposed to accommodate Miracia minor T. Scott, 1894. The occurrence of two size-morphs of M. gracilis in the Red Sea is discussed, and reliable distribution records of the problematic O. gracilis are compiled. The first nauplius of M. gracilis is described in detail and changes in the structure of the antennule, P2 endopod and caudal ramus during copepodid development are illustrated. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that Miracia is closest to the miraciid ancestor and placed Oculosetella-Macrosetella at the terminal branch of the cladogram. Various aspects of miraciid biology are reviewed, including reproduction, postembryonic development, vertical and geographical distribution, bioluminescence, photoreception and their association with filamentous Cyanobacteria (Trichodesmium).

Description: The data presented provides new information on the distribution of Antarctic squids and on the summer diet of the emperor penguins. The diet of 58 adult emperor penguins (Aptenodytes forsteri) on the fast ice of the Drescher Inlet, Vestkapp Ice Shelf (72°52′S, 19°25′W) in the eastern Weddell Sea was investigated. Prey consisted principally of squid, fish, krill, amphipods and isopods. Squids were identified by the lower beaks and allometric equations were used to estimate the squid biomass represented. Beaks occurred in 93% of the stomach samples. Each sample contained a mean of 27 beaks (range 1–206). Ninety-two percent of the squids could be identified by the lower beaks and belonged to four families (Onychoteuthidae, Psychroteuthidae, Neoteuthidae and Gonatidae). The most abundant squid was Psychroteuthis glacialis which occurred in 52 samples with lower rostral lengths (LRL) ranging from 1.4–7.2 mm. Forty-five samples contained Alluroteuthis antarcticus (LRL range 1.8–5.8 mm), 17 Kondakovia longimana (LRL range 4–12.1 mm), and four Gonatus antarcticus (LRL range 4.1–6.1 mm). In terms of biomass K. longimana was the most important species taken by the penguins comprising 50% of total estimated squid wet mass (245348 g) in 1990 and 48% in 1992 (154873 g). However, if only fresh beaks were considered for estimations of squid consumption, i.e. beaks that have been accumulated for not longer than 5–6 days in the stomachs, squid diet was of minor importance. Then total squid wet mass accounted for only 4809 g in 1990 and 5445 g in 1992 which implies that one penguin took c.30 g squid d−1 with P. glacialis and A. antarcticus being the most important by mass. The prey composition suggests that emperor penguins take squid at the steep slope regions of the eastern Weddell Sea.

Description: The stomach contents of 723 Loligo vulgaris and 440 Loligo forbesi caught in the northwestern Spanish Atlantic waters have been examined. The diets of both species are described and compared. Loligo vulgaris shows 28 different types of prey belonging to four groups (Teleostei, Crustacea, Cephalopoda and Polychaeta) and Loligo forbesi 27 different types of prey belonging to three groups (Teleostei, Crustacea and Cephalopoda). Both species catch similar prey species but in different proportions. Cannibalism was observed in both species. Estimated prey sizes were smaller than squid sizes. No differences in feeding habits of males and females of both species were observed, but females seem to increase food intake during maturation. No significant changes were found in the diet of Loligo vulgaris within the size (DML) range studied (65–465 mm). Importance of cephalopods increased and importance of fish decreased in the diet of Loligo forbesi with growth (65–685 mm). Diet and food intake varied with seasons in both species. Diets of both squids were significantly different. Los contenidos estomacales de 723 Loligo vulgaris y 440 Loligo forbesi capturados en aguas de Galicia (Noroeste de España) fueron examinados. Se describe y compara la dieta de ambas especies. Se identificaron 28 tipos de presa diferentes en Loligo vulgaris que pertenecen a cuatro grupos (Teleostei, Crustacea, Cephalopoda y Polychaeta); y 27 tipos de presa en Loligo forbesi, pertenecientes a tres grupos (Teleostei, Crustacea y Cephalopoda). Ambas especies comen pres as similares, pero en proporciones diferentes. En ambas especies se observó canibalismo. La talla de las presas fue menor que la de los calamares. No se encontraron diferencias en la dieta entre machos y hembras en ambas especies, pero se observó que las hembras incrementan su tasa de ingestión durante la maduración. No se hallaron cambios significativos en la dieta de Loligo vulgaris en función de la talla (DML) dentro del rango de tamanos estudiado (65–465 mm). En Loligo forbesi, los cefalópodos aumentaron y los peces disminuyeron en importancia con la talla (65–685 mm DML). La dieta y la tasta de ingestión de ambas especies varió con la época del ano. Las dietas de ambas especies fueron significativemente diferentes entre sí.

Description: During a study based on catches taken in the northern North Sea by selected Scottish fishing boats during 1985–1992, large numbers of the normally rare short-fin squid, Todaropsis eblanae (Cephalopoda: Ommastrephidae), were recorded in 1987 and 1990. Our findings, supported by data obtained from plankton/young fish surveys in 1988 and 1989, suggest that in northern waters Todaropsis eblanae generally mates and spawns during late summer and early autumn (June-November). Successful hatching events appear to occur during October-March, producing juvenile (stage I) squid in the early part of the year (January-June). Estimations of maximum male reproductive output and female fecundity were up to 130 spermatophores and ~28,000 eggs per individual, respectively.

Description: Individual polychlorinated biphenyl (CB) congeners in adipose and whole blood tissues of a capacitor manufacture worker (occupational/accidental exposure) and of the general population were determined. Nondestructive sample cleanup and multidimensional gas chromatography-electron capture detection (MDGC-ECD) techniques were applied. Special attention was given to the toxicologically relevant congeners CB-77, CB-126, CB-169, CB-105, CB-114, CB-118, CB-156, CB-167, and CB-189 (IUPAC). Lipid-based tissue contents of sigma CBs were higher in the occupationally/accidentally exposed worker (adipose = 7,000 ng/g; whole blood = 11 ng/g) than in the general population (adipose = 300 ng/g; whole blood = 1.9 ng/g). Among the non-ortho Cl CBs, CB-77 was below detection limit (〈 1.0 pg/g). The contents of CB-126 for the capacitor manufacture worker were 2,000 and 3 pg/g, and in the general population were 100 and 2 pg/g for adipose and whole blood, respectively. The corresponding data for CB-169 were 3,500 and 4 for adipose and whole blood, respectively, in the exposed worker, and 40 and 2 for adipose and whole blood, respectively, in the general population. Congeners with highest contents were CB-153, CB-138, CB-180, CB-170, and CB-187. These congeners possess chlorine substitution patterns, making them resistant to metabolism. X/153 ratios suggest that both PB and 3-MC type cytochrome P-450 enzymes were induced in the exposed worker, as well as in the general population.

Description: A coupled ocean-atmosphere GCM is being developed for use in seasonal forecasting. As part of the development work, a number of experiments have been made to explore some of the sensitivities of the coupled model system. The overall heat balance of the tropics is found to be very sensitive to convective cloud cover. Adjusting the cloud parameterization to produce stable behaviour of the coupled model also leads to better agreement between model radiative fluxes and satellite data. A further sensitivity is seen to changes in low-level marine stratus, which is under-represented in the initial model experiments. An increase in this cloud in the coupled model produces a small improvement in both the global mean state and the phase of the east Pacific annual cycle. The computational expense of investigating such small changes is emphasized. An indication of model sensitivity to surface albedo is also presented. The sensitivity of the coupled GCM to initial conditions is investigated. The model is very sensitive, with tiny perturbations able to determine El Niño or non-El Niño conditions just six months later. This large sensitivity may be related to the relatively weak amplitude of the model ENSO cycle.

Description: ECHO is a new global coupled ocean-atmosphere general circulation model (GCM), consisting of the Hamburg version of the European Centre atmospheric GCM (ECHAM) and the Hamburg Primitive Equation ocean GCM (HOPE). We performed a 20-year integration with ECHO. Climate drift is significant, but typical annual mean errors in sea surface temperature (SST) do not exceed 2° in the open oceans. Near the boundaries, however, SST errors are considerably larger. The coupled model simulates an irregular ENSO cycle in the tropical Pacific, with spatial patterns similar to those observed. The variability, however, is somewhat weaker relative to observations. ECHO also simulates significant interannual variability in mid-latitudes. Consistent with observations, variability over the North Pacific can be partly attributed to remote forcing from the tropics. In contrast, the interannual variability over the North Atlantic appears to be generated locally.

Description: This paper describes the evolution of the former Tethys ocean in terms of successive positions of the involved plates, their boundaries, and the oceanic and continental elements they bore. Most of the past positions for the major continents are obtained from published data on the kinematics of the Atlantic and Indian oceans. As they do not cover the complete time span and area under study, additional solutions for the missing parts are proposed on the basis of paleomagnetic and geologic data. A revised reconstruction of Eastern Gondwana and a reappraisal of the early history of the Indian ocean is presented, as well as a discussion of the Pangea megashear concept which applies to the relations between Gondawa and Laurussia during latest Palaeozoic to Mid-Triassic times. Past positions of continental blocks, basins and associated plate boundaries within the now disappeared Tethys ocean, are determined through the kinematic inversion of the Alpine chains interpreted in terms of break-up, oceanic spreading and drift, subduction and collision. A quantitative solution is obtained by associating Eulerian rotation parameters to any relative displacement, computing their combination, then adjusting until a complete coherency through time and space is obtained. Our method puts emphasis on the former positions of the plate boundaries in the Tethys, and stresses the drastically different organisation of Tethys west and east of a fundamental triple junction located in its Mediterranean part. A symmetric Atlantic part of Tethys, governed by a mid-ocean diverging boundary, was thus linked eastwards to an asymmetric “Transit” part of Tethys where southern diverging boundaries and northern converging boundaries defined a Transit plate (or group of plates). Besides several reorganisations through southward shift of these boundaries, the successive (or coeval) transit plates systematically exhibited the same north-south asymmetry responsible for the northward migration of the various continental blocks they carried, which were successively detached from Gondwana to become accreted to Eurasia. The transit process, while an essential element of the Tethyan tectonic pattern, was not restricted to lifetime of Tethys, as it is still active nowadays and was already active during the Palaeozoic. Nevertheless, its association with the Atlantic Tethys diverging boundary is typical for the lifetime of Tethys, both constituting a “Tethys plate pattern”, in opposition to the present-day and to Hercynian “Anti-Tethys plate pattern” where a converging boundary is and was associated with the transit plate system. Two pre-eminent tectonic events, the Late Triassic switchover from the Anti-Tethys pattern to the Tethys pattern, and the Late Cretaceous switchover back to the Anti-Tethys pattern, decided birth and death of the Tethys ocean.

Description: The functional morphology of the buccal mass of 23 species of cephalopod (Octopoda, 4 species; Teuthoidea, 17; Sepioidea, 2) was investigated by gross dissection, histology and observations on fresh preparations. Cephalopod beaks lack a joint or articulation point. The jaws slide and rotate around an area rather than a fixed point. During closing the superior mandibular muscle (SMM) provides the force of a bite and the largest movement vector, whilst the inferior mandibular muscle (IMM) acts to retract the upper beak, causing shearing action. Dorsal portions of the lateral mandibular muscles (LMM) flex the upper beak walls outwards, probably to accomodate the backwards sweep of the radula and buccal palps during closing. To open the beaks, the ventral portions to the lateral mandibular muscles pull the rear lateral walls of the two beaks towards each other, moving the lower beak back relative to the upper. The buccal mass weighs more in decapods (0.65-4.34% of body weight) than octopods (0.49-0.77%). The weight difference is mainly accounted for by the size of the superior mandibular muscle. Beak shape and muscle volume are related. Increasing the size of the upper beak hood and lateral wall area results in larger SMM and LMM respectively Increasing hood size in the lower beak increases IMM size, and altering the angle by which the wings meet the lateral wall changes the volume of the SMM and LMM. To accomodate the decapod pointed upper rostrum, the lateral walls of the lower beak have shortened in length, whilst increasing in breadth and surface relief to maintain the area available for muscle insertion. In species with a lateral wall ridge or fold (e.g. Onychoteuthis) this may mark the insertion point of the LMM.

Description: Arm autotomy was induced in a living specimen of Metacrinus rotundus (Echinodermata: Crinoidea). An arm was autotomized at a ligamentary articulation known as a cryptosyzygy, following incision by scissors distal to the break point. Although sessile stalked crinoids cannot entirely escape from a predatory attack by arm autotomy and they do not have an active defense, arm autotomy at cryptosyzygies reduces damage and arm loss by effective distribution, and by minimizing trauma and facilitating subsequent regeneration. The paradigmatic distribution of cryptosyzygies in which arm loss is set at a minimum, compared with the actual distribution, shows that these two patterns are similar and that actual specimens successfully reduce arm loss by the effective distribution of cryptosyzygies. The crinoid branching pattern also affects arm loss, and two different paradigms are discussed: anti-predatory and harvesting. Arm branching patterns of various isocrinids have tended toward the anti-predatory configuration from the Jurassic to the Recent, suggesting that the isocrinids have coped with increased predation. Shallow-water comatulids generally adopt the anti-predatory paradigm in their branching pattern, whereas many deep-water, stalked crinoids adopt a harvesting paradigm, reflecting that shallow-water comatulids receive more predatory attacks than do deep-water crinoids.

Description: Site fidelity and dispersal of juvenile and sexually mature adults was investigated at the largest southern African gannetry on Bird Island, Algoa Bay, where a minimum of 65000 airs occupy approximatel 2 ha at a mean density of 2,85 nests per m2. Based on 512 ring recoveries and live retraps of known-aged birds of this colony, immature and non-breeding adult gannets dispersed widely along the coasts o Africa, reaching Maputo Bay (southern Mozambique) on the eastern side of the continent and the Namibian Skeleton Coast on the western side. Very few birds flew farther. There were conspicuously few ring recoveries at 400–500 km straight-line distance east from Bird Island, corresponding with the Pondoland coast in Transkei. A similar drop was observed in the west for the Tsitsikamma coast and the stretch of coast from Cape St. Blaize to Cape Infanta. In these regions reporting by members of the public is presumed to be low. either because the rocky coast is inaccessible or because of socioeconomic reasons. The geographical spread of the ring recoveries suggested a possible range contraction of the species between the 1950's and the period 1978–1993 but the nature of the data prevented a test of this hypothesis. No evidence was found that gannets from Bird Island breed or roost at other southern African colonies as a matter of habit. On the contrary, all survivors of post-fledgling dispersal eventually returned to their native colony, where they exhibited pronounced fidelity to the site where they hatched from the egg. Based on multiple retraps of 862 known-age individuals, 71.7 % of young adults took over vacant sites in the immediate vicinity of their original nest, 8,1% moved once but were faithful to their new site and in 20,2% of all cases faithfulness to the original site could not be shown. Moreover, in subsequent years edge birds did not vacate their sites to move towards the center, refuting the hypothesis that fringes are physically inferior breeding sites.

Description: This article introduces a resampling procedure called the stationary bootstrap as a means of calculating standard errors of estimators and constructing confidence regions for parameters based on weakly dependent stationary observations. Previously, a technique based on resampling blocks of consecutive observations was introduced to construct confidence intervals for a parameter of the m-dimensional joint distribution of m consecutive observations, where m is fixed. This procedure has been generalized by constructing a “blocks of blocks” resampling scheme that yields asymptotically valid procedures even for a multivariate parameter of the whole (i.e., infinite-dimensional) joint distribution of the stationary sequence of observations. These methods share the construction of resampling blocks of observations to form a pseudo-time series, so that the statistic of interest may be recalculated based on the resampled data set. But in the context of applying this method to stationary data, it is natural to require the resampled pseudo-time series to be stationary (conditional on the original data) as well. Although the aforementioned procedures lack this property, the stationary procedure developed here is indeed stationary and possesses other desirable properties. The stationary procedure is based on resampling blocks of random length, where the length of each block has a geometric distribution. In this article, fundamental consistency and weak convergence properties of the stationary resampling scheme are developed.

Description: A large, discrete aggregation of squid was sampled at short intervals by means of jigging, midwater trawling and purse-seining. Differences among basic parameters of the population (e.g. length frequency) indicate that jigging is a more selective, and therefore biased, method of sampling than midwater trwaling or purse-seining. This has important consequences for stock assessments that take commercial catches into account. The selectivity curve indicates that squid of mantle lenghts (ML) 28-33cm are over-represented (in terms of the situation in the population) in fisheries conducted by jigging and that squid 〈26 and 〉34cm ML are under-represented if purse-seine results are considered to be representative of the population.

Description: The occurrence and distribution of dinoflagellate resting cysts in Recent sediments was investigated at 9 locations in Kiel Bight, Baltic Sea. The assemblage comprised 25 known cyst species and 4 unknown cyst types and is characterized by the dominance of Protoperidinium cf. divergens with a maximal abundance of 1695 living cysts/cm3 in the upper half centimeter. Cysts of the potentially toxic dinoflagellates of the Alexandrium excavatum/tamarense group and A. minutum were scarce. Micro-reticulate resting cysts of the toxic, unarmoured Gymnodinium catenatum, whose motile cell has not been recorded in Northern European waters, are reported for the first time from Recent sediments of the Baltic Sea. In the top 2-cm of sediment up to 1200 living dinoflagellate cysts/cm3 were found and the following trends were noted: Cysts were primarily associated with sediments dominated by mud, sandy stations exhibited the lowest cyst abundance. Highest cyst concentrations were found at the deepest stations and the small-scale vertical distribution ofcysts usually exhibited maximum concentrations below the sediment surface. Empty cysts constituted 16.5–64.0% of total cyst abundance. These results suggest that the spatial distribution of several cyst species is controlled by water circulation patterns. The wide distribution ofliving and empty cysts of Peridinium dalei, Protoperidinium denticulatum and P. punctulatum and corresponding germination experiments suggest that the motile forms, which have not previously been recorded in the area, are common members of the plankton community in the western Baltic Sea. The cysts of Gonyaulax polyedra, P. dalei and Protoceratium reticulatum exhibited a reduced length of processes compared to individuals from marine habitats.

Description: In situ caging experiments showed that both littorinid snails and gammarid amphipods exerted minimal effects on the suite of algae comprising the canopy of littoral fringe tide pools dominated by Fucus distichus. In the absence of grazers, the Fucus canopy was dramatically reduced by fatal endophyte infections. Among the 10dependent variables making up the algal species and forms at the substratum level below the canopy, 3 were highly affected by grazing. The germlings of F. distiehus were greatly reduced by littorinids. Gamrnarids also reduced germling cover, but were less effective. In addition, the two grazer guilds interactively reduced the cover of algae belonging to the Uniseriate functional form at the substratum level. Sheet/Tube form algae were reduced in cover only by littorinids. Other forms, including calcareous crusts, thalli of Chondrus crispus and 3 Cladophora species were unaffected by grazing. There was no indication of food resource partitioning between littorinids and gammarids.

Description: Long-range global climate forecasts have been made by use of a model for predicting a tropical Pacific sea surface temperature (SST) in tandem with an atmospheric general circulation model. The SST is predicted first at long lead times into the future. These ocean forecasts are then used to force the atmospheric model and so produce climate forecasts at lead times of the SST forecasts. Prediction of the wintertime 500mb height, surface air temperature and precipitation for seven large climatic events of the 1970 1990s by this two-tiered technique agree well in general with observations over many regions of the globe. The levels of agreement are high enough in some regions to have practical utility.

Description: The present study contributes new information on the cephalopods off Namibia, contains the first record of Ornithoteuthis volatilis (Sasaki, 1915) in the Atlantic, and adds records of six species in the Benguela Current and three species in Namibian waters. The presence of certain species seldom encountered in the Benguela Current has been confirmed. A compilation of the cephalopod fauna off Namibia had also been included, listing 65 species. Additional morphological data on Stoloteuthis leucoptera, Lycoteuthis lorigera, Architeuthis sp., Pholidoteuthis boschmai, Ornithoteuthis volatilis, Eledone nigra, and Graneledone sp. have been provided. The status of the genus Lycoteuthis has been reviewed in the light of the first collection of Lycoteuthis lorigera (Steenstrup, 1875) males in the Atlantic, and Lycoteuthis diadema (Chun, 1900) has been considered to be a synonym for Lycoteuthis lorigera

Description: The stomachsof 23 striped dolphins (Stenella coeruleoalba Meyen, 1833, Cetacea), stranded along the Ligurian coast (western Mediterranean Sea), contained 32 species of cephalopods, crustaceans and fishes, totalling an estimated 2,723 prey specimens representing about 36 kg in weight. Cephalopods and bony fishes were equally important in the diet (50%). Todarodes sagittatus (34.5%) and Micromesistius poutassou (25.9%) were found to be the most important food species. Other species belonging to six cephalopod families, three crustacean families and nine bony fish families, contributed to the diet with variable numbers, weights, and occurrences, demonstrating the opportunistic character of striped dolphin feeding.

Description: During the years 1989–1993 an intensive collection of fishes from the aphotic zone (below 150 m) of the northern part of the Gulf of Aqaba was conducted. This survey recorded 69 fish species, 8 elasmobranchs, and 61 teleosts, belonging to 45 families. Fifteen species are endemic to the Red Sea: Mustelus mosis, Narcine bentuviai, Rhinobatos punctifer, Ophichthus echeloides, Rhynchoconger sp., Physiculus marisrubri, Ostichthys hypsipterygion sufensis, Pterygotrigla sp., Uranoscopus marisrubri, Parascolopsis sp.1 and sp. 2, Atrobucca geniae, Chromis pelloura, Samariscus sp., Thamnaconus modestoides erythraeensis. Eleven species are new records for the Red Sea: Gymnothorax johnsoni, Rhynchoconger sp., Synodus doaki, Pterygotrigla sp., Chelidoperca pleurospilus, Carangoides equula, Parascolopsis sp. 1 and sp. 2, Bodianus leucostictus, Paracaesio sordidus, and Samariscus sp. Two species, Cociella crocodilo and Parascolopsis eriomma, are first substantiated records for the Red Sea. None of the species recorded in this list is considered conventional deep-sea fishes. The ichthyofauna of the aphotic zone of the Gulf of Aqaba is composed of species of shallower origin.

Description: Samples of two loliginid squids Alloteuthis africana and A. subulata were collected from the continental shelf off the west Sahara in August-September 1987. Statoliths were taken from 124 specimens and processed using statolith ageing techniques. Statoliths of both species were very similar in shape. In the ground statolith, growth increments were examined and grouped into four growth zones distinguished mainly by the width of the increments. Age of adult mature males of both species did not exceed eight months, that of females six months. Alloteuthis africana grew faster than A. subulata in weight and, particularly, in length. At age 180 d the mantle of A. africana was twice as long and the body weight 1·2–1·5 times as large. Both species matured over a wide range of sizes and ages (from 120 to 180 d). The life span of A. africana and A. subulata hatching between January and May on the west Saharan shelf is about six months, much shorter than that of A. subulata in its northern temperate range.

Description: Tests on the effects of two herbivore groups (littorinid snails and gammarid amphipods), on algal succession in high intertidal tidepools dominated by Fucus distichus showed that the grazer groups exert different grazing pressures on the algae. The differences can be related to the feeding morphologies ofthe two grazer guilds. The scraping, microphagous littorinid snails prevent the establishment of both micro- and rnacroalgae at the microscopic level. The biting, macrophagous gammarid amphipods are ineffective at grazing microalgae and prostrate macroalgae from the substratum, but exert a considerable influence on the erect macroalgae which escape littorinid grazing. Despite differences in feeding mechanisms, the magnitude of the effect of the two grazer groups on the canopy cover of macroalgae is similar.

Description: A new species of Siboglinum is reported from off the Tejo mouth, Portugal. It was dredged from c. 1100 m. It resembles S. atlanticum and certain other species, in having paired white glandular stripes on the forepart. In the posterior trunk region we found small gram-negative internal symbiotic bacteria. All described species of the genus Siboglinum are equipped with a single tentacle, but one of our specimens bears two tentacles.

Description: Most atmospheric parameters relevant to microbe dissemination into the atmosphere, including aerial transport and deposition, can be monitored by temperature and humidity, aerosols, clouds, precipitation, and wind through current meteorological and other satellite systems. A wide range of these parameters are already extracted and distributed operationally on a regional or global basis like cloudiness, cloud height, cloud motion, winds, surface temperature and atmospheric temperature profiles, and precipitation estimates, Some of these products like cloud motion, winds, and temperature profiles enter weather forecast models for initialization purposes. These models predict the global state of the atmosphere (some include precipitation and cloudiness) quite reliably for several days. Thus, an important part of the necessary technical framework for global disease spread and transmission monitoring exists.

Description: Statoliths of Loligo gahi were sampled in the fishery region 45–47°S on the Patagonian shelf during September 1989. Peculiarities of the growth zones in the ground statoliths of adults are described. Maximum age of large maturing and mature females (130–160 mm of mantle length, ML) was estimated to be 325–345 d, that of large mature males (250–290 mm ML) ranged from 360 to 396 d. The squid Loligo gahi d'Orbigny, 1835, occurs in temperate shelf and upper slope waters of the Atlantic and Pacific coasts of South America and is caught commercially by the international fleet in the southern part of the Patagonian shelf within the Falkland Islands Interim Conservation Zone (FICZ) (Roper et al., 1984; Csirke, 1987). Occasionally, dense shoals of L. gahi appear in the fishery region 45–47°S off the Exclusive Economic Zone of Argentina (EEZA) and have been caught in significant numbers by trawlers at depths of 120–150 m in September-October (Chesheva, 1990). Loligo gahi is a medium sized loliginid; in Falkland waters males attain 350 mm ML, females 210 mm ML (Hatfield, 1991), while in the fishery region 45–47°S maximum size is 260 mm and 160 mm, respectively (Chesheva, 1990). Patterson (1988) revealed two Falkland spawning stocks of L. gahi of unclear status, spring-spawners and autumn-spawners (austral seasons) and pointed out that the life span of squid of each stock lasted ~1 y. Recently Hatfield (1991) used statoliths to elucidate Patterson's (1988) estimations of age and growth of Falkland stocks of L. gahi and confirmed the 1-y duration of L. gahi's life span.

Description: During the ‘Meteor’ Expedition 13 in July and August 1990 to the northern part of the Norwegian Sea off west Spitsbergen, 7 stations with a depth of 2000 m or more were sampled with Agassiz trawl or hyperbenthos sledge, 14 more with a large box corer. Sponges were found at 6 of the trawl stations and in 2 box cores. A total of 19 species occurred, most of which were new to the area. Eight of the species were encountered more often than the other 11. Literature review and check of unpublished samples showed that by distribution, frequency of occurrence or abundance these species can be defined as the typical sponge association of the Norwegian and Greenland abyssal sea. This sponge association has a wide occurrence over the deep Norwegian-Greenland seas and parts of the Arctic basins. The analysis of substrate utilization of the 8 core species shows that all of them are able to colonize soft bottom, even some that previously had been considered to be dependent on hard substrate exclusively. Alternative substrate utilization and, in some species, the adoption of an infaunallife style are judged to be major reasons for the success of these species in the deep sea. The infaunal life style of the species Thenea abyssorum, Trichostemma sol and Tentorium semisuberites is documented and population structure data are given for the first time.

Description: Climatological data sets are used to estimate the amount of water changing temperature and salinity at the sea-surface owing to air-sea exchanges. Considering this conversion as a function of sea-surface temperature and salinity leads to the definition of a conversion vector, which represents mass sources and sinks for each water type. The vector representation shows graphically the way the shape of the temperature-salinity relation is driven at the surface by the air-sea heat and fresh water fluxes.

Description: Outer membrane (OM), cytoplasmic membrane (CM) and intracytoplasmic membranes (ICM) from the halophilic phototrophic purple sulphur bacterium Ectothiorhodospira mobilis 9903 were purified and characterized. The three membrane fractions were significantly different in regard to protein profiles on SDS-PAGE, and to the composition of amino acids, fatty acids and lipids. The presence of lipoproteins, the occurrence of lyso-phosphatidyl-ethanolamine and an increased content of saturated and short-chain fatty acids are characteristic properties of the OM. CM and ICM fractions are different on the basis of buoyant density, of protein profiles and amino acid composition, and due to the presence of succinate dehydrogenase activity in CM. In addition, CM and ICM showed significant differences in pigment content and absorption spectra.

Description: The cephalopod fauna of the Sea of Marmara was investigated during the years 1991-1992. Three species, Sepia orbignyana Ferussac, 1826; Rondeletiola minor Naef, 1912; and Todaropsis eblanae (Ball, 1841), are hereby recorded for the first time from the Sea of Marmara.

Description: Fertilizing capacity of spermatozoa collected from various storage sites in the male and female squids were examined by inseminated eggs in the presence or absence of gelatinous substances of the oviducal gland origin. Over 90% of the eggs were fertilized by the spermatozoa collected from the female's seminal receptacle regardless of the presence or absence of the gelatinous substance. Elevation of the chorion and the formation of perivitelline space was observed only in the jellied eggs. All jellyless eggs without perivitelline space died in 4 days after insemination. Spermatozoa collected from the spermatophore in the male's accessory gland could fertilize the majority of the eggs. On the other hand, those from the male's vas deferens could fertilize only 30–50% of both the jellied and jellyless eggs. It may be concluded from these experiments that the gelatinous substance of the oviducal gland origin has nothing to do with fertilization. However, it is essential for the elevation of the chorion and the formation of the perivitelline space. It may also be concluded that squid spermatozoa become fertile before they are transferred to the female's seminal receptacle.

Description: Mature males of Histioteuthis atlantica are described. They differ from immature animals mainly in the unique photophore pattern of the distal portion of the mantle, i.e. in the presence of densely set, lensless photophores. These photophores resemble those on H. elongata, but they are smaller and much more dense on male H. atlantica. The occurrence of the photophore pattern in approximately the same dense concentration on the dorsum as well as the ventrum is unique in the family Histioteuthidae.

Description: Within the Western Ross Sea, there are six emperor penguin colonies of widely different size that occur exclusively on sea ice. In 1990 a survey of all six sites, two by close overflights and four from the ground, showed that the breeding habitats were highly variable. The most important physical characteristics of these habitats appear to be stable fast ice, nearby open water, access to fresh snow, and shelter from the wind.

Description: The groundmass of andesitic dykes at Sezaki, southwest Japan, has trachytic texture and contains microscopic shear zones. The shear zones comprise a conjugate pair formed by flattening of the solidifying dyke rock, probably caused by the magma pressure of the still molten part of the dyke. This pressure shortened the solidifying rock perpendicular to the dyke margins and caused it to extrude parallel to the magma flow direction. The groundmass shears indicate that locally the magma flowed 60° upward in the dykes. It is concluded that while groundmass shears are a useful indicator of flow direction in dykes, phenocryst alignment in dykes is strongly influenced by magma-pressure flattening and thus may be a poor indicator of flow direction.

Description: Age and growth were estimated in the European squid, Loligo vulgaris, by examining growth increments in the statoliths of 203 specimens collected from off the French Mediterranean coast. Length and increment data were analyzed assuming that the increments were formed daily. The relationships between age and length showed that: growth rate varied considerably among individuals; growth was double exponential; the squids grew on average to 240 mm ML at 240 d from hatching, with a maximum of 350 mm at 240 d; the life span is probably about one year.

Description: Some of the limits to the use of serology to identify prey species in the digestive tracts of cephalopods have been evaluated. Cuttlefish, Sepia officinalis, were given meals of krill slurry (Euphausia superba). Protein extracts of contents from four regions of the digestive tract, stomach, caecum, digestive gland and intestine, were tested for prey antigenicity. Digestion times (loss of antigenicity) ranged from 1 to 8 h depending on sampling site. Stomach and caecum emptied rapidly, but meal antigenicity persisted longer in the digestive gland. The Sepia experiments provide a basis for interpretation of results from natural predation by cephalopods).

Description: The beaks of 9,994 cephalopods of 61 species, obtained mainly from chick regurgitations of wandering albatrosses (Diomedea exulans L.) at Gough, Auckland, Antipodes, Prince Edward and Macquarie Islands and South Georgia, were used to specify and calculate the biomass of cephalopods consumed. Histioteuthidae were most important by numbers and biomass at Gough Island (in warmest seas), but Onycboteuthidae increasingly superseded them southwards; Kondakovia longimana formed 59 to 75% of biomass eaten at the three localities nearest the Antarctic Polar Front. Other important families were Octopoteuthidae, Cranchiidae, Architeuthidae (juveniles) and Ommastrephidae (South Georgia only). Most frequently eaten were Histioteuthis atlantica 13.7%, Galiteuthis glacialis 12.4%, H. eltaninae 12.0% and Kondakovia longimana 11.6%. Wandering albatrosses rearing chicks can forage at least to 3,000 km in a single foray, and may exploit an important food source about 1200 km from the nest (as in the probable commensalism of South Georgian birds with the Falkland Islands fishery). They feed, sometimes opportunistically, on cephalopods active or moribund at the surface, or discarded or lost by trawlers, cetaceans or seals. Vertically migrating cephalopods, especially bioluminescent species, are disproportionately frequent in their non-commensal diet, suggesting that they often feed at night.

Description: A link is proposed between the processes that led to the evolution of large species of squid and the highly variable, cyclic recruitment seen in squid fisheries. Maximum growth requires maximal feeding and minimal routine metabolism at optimum temperatures, which decrease as squid grow. Topographically induced upwelling zones, inshore of western boundary currents, provide productive environments with appropriate temperatures for all life stages. Most squid are small and live in the tropics or subtropics; locomotor constraints prevent them from swimming long distances. Long annual migrations to spawn upstream in current systems require short-lived squids to maximize rates of growth. Therefore, such systems provide the opportunity and a powerful selective advantage for large size and rapid growth. Increased fecundity and cannibalism provide additional directional selection for large individuals. Current systems show food production peaks (blooms); paralarval release must match these to increase survival. Because squid are semelparous, disruption of delicately balanced lifecycles by physical events can virtually annihilate stocks. Recovery probably requires that populations of large squid "re-evolve" from smaller, more-stable tropical populations of small squid. This recovery phase may extend the "down-side" of abundance cycles. Studies of squid/current systems have focused on western boundary currents, but the Illex complex also associates with eastern boundaries. Such populations are generally smaller than in larger systems, supporting the hypothesis, but more detailed comparisons are required.

Description: During a cruise in March 1988 dedicated to investigation of the marine resources of South Africa's continental slope, 62 species in 22 families of Cephalopoda were collected from the Cape Canyon and Cape Point Valley. Multivariate analysis revealed a clear distinction between cephalopods of the upper and lower continental slope in both benthic and epibenthic habitats. Todaropsis eblanae and Todarodes angolensis were indicator species for the upper slope benthic, from 300 to 500 m, but on the lower slope, in 700–900 m of water, they were replaced by Histioteuthis miranda and Opisthoteuthis agassizii. In the epibenthic, both upper and lower slopes were dominated by Abraliopsis gilchristi and Lycoteuthis ?diadema, but other species characteristic of the lower slope were the oceanic species Mastigoteuthis hjorti, Ctenopteryx sicula and Taonius sp. A. Cranchia scabra indicated the presence of oceanic water at stations 700–900 m deep. Other species of significance in the catches were Todarodes filippovae, Histioteuthis macrohista, Rossia enigmatica and Bathypolypus valdiviae. Species affinities indicate that the cephalopod fauna of the southern African continental slope includes the following zoogeographic components: southern African endemic, circum-Subantarctic species associated with Antarctic Intermediate Water, circum-global southern tropical/subtropical, tropical Indo-Pacific and cosmopolitan tropical/subtropical.

Description: Literature on trophic relationships in the Benguela ecosystem has stressed the importance of cephalopods as prey of groundfish. The groundfish community of the shelf and upper slope of southern Africa is dominated by the Cape hakes, and the results presented (1984–1991) confirm that both species of hake are important predators of cephalopods, especially taking into consideration the abundance of hake in the ecosystem. However, geographic, seasonal and species variability are evident in the patterns observed. The main prey species are Sepia spp. (predominantly Sepia australis), Loligo vulgaris reynaudii, Todaropsis eblanae and Lycoteuthis ?diadema. The last-named is an important food organism for fish. Its systematic status needs revision, however. Qualitative results of studies of cephalopod predation are also provided for kingklip and monkfish.

Description: Cephalopods of importance in the Benguela ecosystem include Loligo vulgaris reynaudii, Todarodes angolensis, Todaropsis eblanae, Lycoteuthis ?diadema, Sepia australis, Octopus spp. (up to three species) and Argonauta spp., and possibly also Ocythoe tuberculata and Rossia enigmatica. Species which may prove important as a result of further research are Lolliguncula mercatoris, Ommastrephes bartramii, Todarodes filippovae, Histioteuthis miranda and Abraliopsis gilchristi. "Importance" is defined on the basis of "survey abundance" (including commercial fisheries) and their trophic links with other organisms. Use of the latter criterion indicates that Sepia australis, Todaropsis eblanae and Lycoteuthis ?diadema are sufficiently abundant to be exploited by fisheries. Unknown factors are dispersal, availability and market considerations. The only examples of cephalopods feeding on commercial species of fish are Loligo v. reynaudii feeding on anchovy Engraulis capensis and Cape hakes Merluccius capensis and/or M. paradoxus in the southern Benguela and Todarodes angolensis preying on Cape hake in the northern Benguela. Such feeding is opportunistic and is not believed to threaten the fish stocks. Predators of cephalopods are mostly opportunistic, switching to other prey when cephalopods are not available. There is no evidence that such predators pose a threat to the Loligo fisheries. The opportunistic nature of cephalopods as prey and predators makes quantification of predation (in both directions) difficult. Data for such quantification are, as yet, unavailable.

Description: The results of ichthyoplankton surveys carried out by the Instituto Nacional de Pesca (INAPE) in the Argentine–Uruguayan Common Fishing Zone (AUCFZ) in summer 1980 and the winters of 1980–1982 are presented. In addition, the results of joint research with INIDEP, the Argentine and Japan Fisheries Agency, on larvae, juveniles and adults of the short-finned squid Illex argentinus carried out in winter 1989 are given, as are data obtained during the joint sardine and anchovy recruitment project carried out by R.V. Meteor in November/December 1989. The short-finned squid Illex argentinus is the most important cephalopod resource of the area, and an extended fishery is carried out on the Patagonian shelf and in the proximity of the Falkland Islands. The fishing season in the AUCFZ, for pre-spawning and spawning animals, extends from early autumn to winter (March–August). Abundance of rhynchoteuthion larvae (417–485 larvae·10 m−2) was greatest in winter in surface temperatures of 12,1–16,9°C and surface salinities of 34,8 – 35,2 × 10−3. The distribution of the larvae is related to the western boundary of the Brazil Current and the convergence front.

Description: The question whether the chokka squid Loligo vulgaris reynaudii resource can be managed effectively is examined in the light of developments in the fishery and knowledge of the resource gathered in recent years. The history of the fishery since its inception in 1985, management controls and the current state of knowledge of stock identity, distribution, seasonality and abundance, life cycle and population dynamics are reviewed as a background to a discussion of management alternatives. Long-term measures, such as fleet limitation, seasonal closures and de facto closed areas and size limits, all appropriate in the early stages of a fishery when knowledge is limited, should be replaced by more-flexible alternatives as knowledge improves. Methods of stock assessment, stock-recruitment studies and further basic biological analyses are recognized as being crucial to improving management methods. An explanation embracing physical oceanographic features and plankton productivity in the vicinity of the spawning grounds is advanced for the mechanisms underlying hatchling survival. The possible contribution of trophic studies to squid management is recognized. Effective management of the chokka squid resource is concluded to be possible provided that the specific areas needing attention be addressed by means of goal-orientated research. Rational, but not necessarily optimal, management decisions can, however, be made even in the absence of stock-recruitment data, by the employment of common-sense measures which generally include some form of effort control.

Description: The results of ichthyoplankton surveys carried out by the Instituto Nacional de Pesca (INAPE) in the Argentine–Uruguayan Common Fishing Zone (AUCFZ) in summer 1980 and the winters of 1980–1982 are presented. In addition, the results of joint research with INIDEP, the Argentine and Japan Fisheries Agency, on larvae, juveniles and adults of the short-finned squid Illex argentinus carried out in winter 1989 are given, as are data obtained during the joint sardine and anchovy recruitment project carried out by R.V. Meteor in November/December 1989. The short-finned squid Illex argentinus is the most important cephalopod resource of the area, and an extended fishery is carried out on the Patagonian shelf and in the proximity of the Falkland Islands. The fishing season in the AUCFZ, for pre-spawning and spawning animals, extends from early autumn to winter (March–August). Abundance of rhynchoteuthion larvae (417–485 larvae·10 m−2) was greatest in winter in surface temperatures of 12,1–16,9°C and surface salinities of 34,8 – 35,2 × 10−3. The distribution of the larvae is related to the western boundary of the Brazil Current and the convergence front.

Description: The population size and breeding success of Emperor Penguins Aptenodytes forsteri at the Auster and Taylor Glacier colonies were estimated during the 1988 breeding season. At Auster a total of 10 963 pairs produced about 6350 fledglings for a breeding success of 58%. At Taylor Glacier about 2900 pairs raised 1774 fledglings for a breeding success of 61%. Fledglings left Taylor Glacier over a period of 33 days at a mean mass of 10.56 kg.

Description: This paper presents an idea on the possible structuring effect of hex actinellids on Antarctic sponge associations. To this end, information derived from underwater photography performed on the eastern Weddell Sea shelf is reported and original trawl data are presented. Underwater photography shows the existence of different sponge associations; species poor associations are connected to soft bottom, species rich associations exist on substrates characterized by bryozoan debris and especially sponge spicule mats. The trawl. catches show differences in the population structure of a hexactinellid sponge, Rassella racovitzae Topsent at two stations, distinguishable from each other by substrate structure. On average small and therefore probably young specimens were found on bryozoan debris, while a population with larger and probably older specimens was found on solid hexactinellid spicule mats. These observations form the basis for the hypothesis that hexactinellid sponges are a major biological structuring agent for Antarctic sponge associations; they colonize soft substrate and bryozoan debris dominated areas and subsequently change the quality of the substrate by spicule deposition. The ensuing spicule mats are a suitable settling ground for a large number of demosponge species dependent on hard substrates. Mass occurrences of hexactinellids are also found in areas other than Antarctica. The phenomenon recognized in the Weddell Sea probably occurs more widely spread.

Description: A method is proposed for cloud detection over sea using a single infrared channel of a high spatial resolution satellite radiometer. The method combines a spatial coherence test and an absolute threshold test for the temperature field. The threshold for the second test is automatically determined by a histogram analysis of data which were preselected by the coherence test. The coherence test used differs from the classical standard deviation test in the way of the test value computation: the weight of the pixel to be investigated is increased. A simulation shows that under conditions of low cloud cover this makes the proposed coherence test more sensitive than the standard deviation test. When applied to real data the test was also found to be very sensitive compared with visible and IR threshold tests. Cloud cover obtained by the whole method is finally compared with that resulting from the visible and IR histogram analysis procedure of Phulpin et al. This comparison indicates a high reliability of the proposed method.

Description: The diets of 20 species of smaller Odontoceti were investigated. The material was collected along the southern African coast between 1966 and 1990 and included 158 strandings, 29 animals killed incidentally and 49 animals caught under permit. In total, 57 species in 34 families of fish and 89 species in 24 families of cephalopods were identified from remains in the 236 stomachs investigated. Most Odontoceti fed on commercially unexploited cephalopods and fish, or on fish below commercially utilized sizes. However, the average sizes of anchovy and pilchard eaten by Delphinus delphis and Lagenorhynchus obscurus were larger than the sizes most frequently taken commercially. The species composition of the prey items reflected the onshore-offshore distribution (and possibly the foraging depths) of different Odontoceti. Tursiops truncatus and Cephalorhynchus heavisidii were closest to shore and D. delphis and L. obscurus over the continental shelf. The rest were distributed around the shelf-edge and just off the edge. A comparison of the stomach contents of stranded and non-stranded D. delphis, L. obscurus and C. heavisidii demonstrated that results from stranded animals are biased.

Description: Samples of female lllex argentinus were taken from the catch of a Japanese squid jigging vessel on the Patagonian Shelf during March 1986. Morphometrics of the somatic and reproductive organ systems and the histological structure of the mantle in relation to maturation were examined. The data suggest that growth and maturation occur simultaneously during most of the time that lllex argentinus females are on the feeding grounds. In a squid of a ‘standard’ mantle length the whole body mass increases relative to mantle length during maturation and growth of the reproductive organs. This is accompanied by a small but significant decrease in the relative mass of the mantle, head and viscera whilst the mass of the digestive gland remains constant. Although mantle mass of a ‘standard’ female squid decreases relative to mantle length with maturity this is not associated with degeneration of the mantle muscles. Energy and nutrient resources for maturation are apparently derived from the squid's food, not from reserves, and during the course of maturation there is an increasing shift of emphasis from somatic growth to production of gonad and accessory reproductive organs.

Description: The timing of spawning and recruitment in the squid Loligo forbesi in Scottish waters is described on the basis of data from three sources: monthly samples of squid caught by commercial trawls (1986–1988), egg masses found by fishermen (1987–1991), and statistical data on animals caught by research trawls (1978–1987). Spawning females were present in samples from December to June, with peak spawning occurring in March. Most records of egg masses were from these months, but eggs were also found in August and September. These results suggest that there is an extended spawning season. Small squid (≤100 mm dorsal mantle length) were rarely present in commercial samples, but were recorded in research samples almost all year round. Thus there appears to be more or less continuous recruitment into the catchable population. The results of the present study are consistent with published data from other parts of the geographic range in that there is a regular seasonal peak in spawning, and spawning adults disappear from the population in summer. Further interpretation of the life-cycle of this species is not justified on the basis of current knowledge, and more information is needed on migrations, geographical variation, and lifespan in Loligo forbesi.

Description: Cephalopod remains from the stomachs of a Risso's dolphin (Grampus griseus Cuvier, 1812, Cetacea) entangled in a fishing net off the Ligurian coast (central Mediterranean Sea) include squids Ancistroteuthis lichtensteini, Histioteuthis bonnellii, H. reversa and Todarodes sagittatus and the sepiolid Heteroteuthis dispar. All these cephalopods live in oceanic water including water over the steep continental slope where Risso's dolphin is frequently sighted. Histioteuthis reversa contributed 78% of the cephalopods by number, 81% of the wet weight and 73% of the dry weight and calorific value. The total calorific value of the cephalopods represented by lower beaks was 17,300 kj.

Description: The stomach contents of 235 specimens of the squid Sthenoteuthis oualaniensis (4·3–36·5 cm mantle length, ML) were examined. A detailed list of 60 species of prey, comprising young and adult squid, is given together with their frequency of occurrence and proportional contribution. The size and number of each food item was investigated. Three ontogenetic size-groups of S. oualaniensis were distinguished: I, fry and young (4–10 cm ML), micronektonic epipelagic plankton-eaters; II, transient critical size group (10–15 cm ML), converting from feeding on planktonic crustaceans and fish larvae to myctophid fishes; III, medium-sized (adult) nyctoepipelagic nektonic predators (15–36·5 cm ML), feeding primarily on myctophids and secondarily on squid. Myctophids (genera Symbolophorus, Myctophum and Hygophum) were the most abundant prey in the diet of adult S. oualaniensis from different parts of its distribution.

Description: Samples of male Illex argentinus were taken from the catch of a Japanese squid jigging vessel on the Patagonian Shelf during March 1986 and an analysis was carried out on the morphometrics of the somatic and reproductive organ systems in relation to maturation. The data show that growth and maturation occurred simultaneously during most of the time that Illex argentinus males were on the feeding grounds over the southern Patagonian Shelf. In a squid of a ‘standard’ mantle length the whole body mass increased relative to mantle length during maturation and this could be attributed to the increase in mass of the reproductive and accessory reproductive organs. During maturation the mantle and digestive gland mass showed no significant change relative to mantle length. The mass of the head increased and the mass of the viscera decreased relative to mantle length. In male Illex argentinus, as in the female, the energy and nutrient resources for maturation are derived from the squid's food and during the course of maturation there is an increasing shift of emphasis from somatic growth to production of gonad and accessory reproductive organs. The proportional investment of body mass in reproductive and accessory reproductive organs predicted for a fully mature male Illex argentinus was less than half that of the female.

Description: The community of benthic organisms in the lower zone of a rocky shore at Praia Rasa, Brazil is distinctly patchy in structure. We examined the hypothesis that two types of patch (a. red algal turf and b. colonial coelenterate) represent different temporal stages in the same successional trajectory. We made observations on a) the stability of patch boundaries, b) successional sequence in experimental clearings within both patch types and c) species composition through time in undisturbed patches. In most cases, the coelenterate overgrew the algae at the patch boundaries, thus showing a competitive asymmetry. In the successional sequence, diatoms were followed by ulvoid species. Thereafter, within clearings in the algal patches, a red algal turf was once more established over one year. In contrast, the mid successional period in clearings within the coelenterate patch was characterized by very low cover of sessile organisms. Colonization by red algal turfs and by the coelenterate colony is largely dependent on vegetative spread. Thus later succession is not predictable on the basis of time alone. Supply-side processes are clearly of equal importance. Therefore it cannot be stated without qualification that patches of red algal turfs and colonial coelenterate at Praia Rasa are part of the same successional sequence.

Description: A vertical mixing model was applied to a location off the west coast of the South Island, New Zealand, with the aim of simulating the seasonal cycle of temperature and mixed layer depth in the region. Observed weather data for 1973–89 were used to drive the model. Model results for sea temperature and mixed layer depth were compared to measurements from ships, moored temperature sensors, and satellites. The main features of the variations in temperature and mixed layer depth can be explained by the local meteorological forcing and vertical mixing, together with a general southward flow in the study area. Superimposed are short‐term variations which are obviously related to variable currents and the associated horizontal heat transport.

Description: Specimens of Siboglinum poseidon were collected by box coring and studied together with their undisturbed habitat. Occupied tubes occur in depse aggregations beneath the sediment surface directly at methane seep sites. Fertilized eggs develop into small larvae within the anterior transparent region of the tube. The oldest larvae observed in tubes measure c. 370 µm in length. It is concluded that released larvae develop in the sediment in the oxygenated top layer. Three tube types have been found: 1, the larval envelope; 2, the juvenile, transparent tube and 3, the ringed, adult tube. The smallest specimens recovered from the sediment measure c. 2 mm. They are complete with a tentacle, pyriform glands, bacteriocytes and juvenile opisthosoma. Some larvae were reared under laboratory conditions for 10 weeks. At that stage red blood becomes visible and a small tentacular bud is formed dorsally.

Description: Kanechlor-300, -400, -500 and -600, Phenoclor DP-3, -4, -5 and -6 and Sovol mixtures were analyzed for their chlorobiphenyl (CB) composition using high-resolution one-dimensional and multidimensional gas chromatography-electron capture detection (MDGC-ECD) techniques. The congener patterns of tested Kanechlor and Phenoclor mixtures resembled Aroclor 1016, 1242, 1254 and 1260. However, differences in the percentage contribution of minor constituents were noticed among these mixtures, which could be due to variations in the boiling-point fractionation of these commercial products. CB pattern of Sovol was different from the rest of the mixtures tested. It showed a composition in between ca. 30%, 40%, 50% and 60% overall chlorine levels. MDGC-ECD study showed the presence of hitherto unnoticed non-CB compounds coeluting with CBs in some commercial PCBs. The use of these mixtures as quantitation standards should be considered with caution. CB patterns of Sovol and a water extract of the Gulf of Finland matched closely, indicating a point source contamination to these waters.

Description: A series of field experiments has been made to determine the occurrence of small-scale surface motions that might enhance gas exchange by surface renewal. Out of 93 runs under natural conditions on open bodies of water, only 19 gave no indication of surface streaming within a few seconds. The data cover the wind speed range up to about 6 ms-1. Above 2 or 3 ms-1, predominately line structures were observed. This points to an important r6le of surface renewal in gas exchange.

Description: The upper bathyal sea-pen Kophobelemnon stelliferum extends to depths of about 1600 m in the Porcupine Seabight, to the south-west of Ireland, but is rare below about 1150 m. Photographic data suggest that the species attains numerical abundances of more than 2 m−2and a wet weight biomass of at least 4 g m−2. The highest densities, however, do not necessarily correspond to the highest biomass values since there is a clear depth-related change in population structure. The largest sea-pens are restricted to the deeper parts of the bathymetric range of the species. There is also a marked change in the growth form at a total colony length of about 250 mm, with larger colonies having relatively more polyps than smaller ones. The sexes are separate in Kophobelemnon stelliferum and the sex ratio of colonies is about 1:1. The maximum oocyte diameter is about 800 μm, but there is no evidence of seasonal reproduction by this pennatulid in the Porcupine Seabight.

Description: The North Pacific is a sea area of primary interest to Russia, which inherited key strategic interests of the former Soviet Union. But the North Pacific has also become an area of increasing resource exploitation activity. These factors lead to an even more active involvement in regional political relations. The article touches on a number of most urgent, controversial, and still unsolved issues faced today by the Russian Federation. The author concentrates on two major problems: the issue of international fisheries in the so‐called doughnut hole (located in the central Bering Sea), and the highly controversial questions of marine spaces delimitation between Russia on one side and Japan (which raises a more general political question of sovereignty over the four southernmost islands of the Kuril chain) and the United States on the other.

Description: Results are presented following a long-term study of the diet of the Cape gannet Morus capensis at Bird Island, Algoa Bay, examining 4 178 regurgitations representing 36 351 prey items collected during 12 breeding cycles from April 1979 to March 1991. In all, 32 teleost and two cephalopod species were recorded. The pelagic shoaling pilchard Sardinops ocellatus, anchovy Engraulis capensis and saury Scomberesox saurus scombroides were identified as the main prey species. The diet composition showed marked interannual fluctuations during the sampling period, which appear to be related to changes in the abundance of the main prey species. The relative abundance of pilchard, anchovy and saury was also found to change intra-annually, the first two species occurring more frequently in the diet during the breeding season and saury dominating the diet in the non-breeding season. These changes are thought to originate from temporal variation in the oceanographic regime within the foraging range of the gannets.

Description: Six species of skates were trawled commonly on the continental shelf off the Southern Cape during routine surveys of demersal fish between 1986 and 1990. Raja miraletus is a small skate found principally in shallow (〈50 m) water that feeds mainly on small crustaceans, such as mysids and macrurans. The large Raja alba occurs over most of the continental shelf, is a piscivore throughout its life and preys heavily on flatfish, especially Cynoglossus zanzibarensis. R. cf. clavata is ubiquitous on the shelf but most abundant between 50 and 150 m deep. Feeding predominantly on crustaceans, this skate switches from carids, penaeids and mysids when small to brachyurans and small benthic fish when larger. R. pullopunctata is found over a similar depth range but attains a much larger size. It eats small mysids and macrurans when small, but brachyurans and fish become more important in the diet with increasing size of the predator. R. wallacei is most commonly taken at depths of 80–〉200 m, feeds initially on small crustaceans, but switches to fish, including eels, as it grows. The small Cruriraja parcomaculata is found at the edge of the continental shelf and over the upper slope; it preys on small crustaceans, including mysids, isopods and macrurans. The distribution pattern of the skates and their prey suggest overlap in prey taken, the overlap being greatest in those species which feed on crustaceans. The large biomass of skates in the area suggests that they are an important component of the demersal faunal assemblage of the continental shelf there, and also that they may have a significant impact on the benthic fauna.

Description: Oogenesis in four commercial Caribbean sponge species, Hippospongia lachne, Spongia barbara, S. cheiris and S. graminea, was studied using light and transmission electron microscopy. Eggs and embryos develop asynchronously in localized endosomal nurseries of these viviparous and gonochoristic species. Statistical analyses of specific morphological characteristics of reproductive elements have unequivocally identified four specific stages in the process of oogenesis. Oogonia undergo mitotic division to produce primary oocytes. Meiotic division occurs producing secondary oocytes which are fertilized before zygotes undergo major growth by phagocytosis and the transfer of nutrients through cytoplasmic bridges. During cleavage of the zygote, umbilici form between embryos and nurse cell layers and these function in the transfer of symbiotic bacteria and other mesohyl substances from the maternal parent to the embryo. These symbionts were observed dispersed between blastomeres of all young and maturing embryos and between internal cells of cytodifferentiated parenchymella larvae. Extracellular transfer of symbiotic bacteria from maternal tissues to developing embryos has not been reported in any other viviparous invertebrate.

Description: Before 1985, Martialia hyadesi (Cephalopoda: Ommastrephidae) in the Pacific Ocean was known only from the Eltanin Fracture Zone and Macquarie Island. A joint Japan‐New Zealand squid survey around New Zealand captured many immature ommastrephid squids. Gel electrophoresis confirmed the presence of immature M. hyadesi. Aspects of the external morphology are described. The distinctive tentacle club was evident in the smallest specimen examined, 19 mm dorsal mantle length (ML). Arm trabeculae were first evident in specimens of 40–50 mm ML. Immature squid were distributed around and southward of the Subtropical Convergence Zone. The presence of very small squid (〈 10 mm ML) indicated spawning on or near the Auckland Island Shelf.

Description: The presence of Stoloteuthis leucoptera in the Mediterranean is recorded on the basis of three specimens, including an adult male, caught by IKMT and by commercial otter-trawl in the Ligurian Sea. The hypothesis of a recent immigration is discussed. The list of Mediterranean cephalopods (Mangold Wirz, 1963; Torchio, 1968; Bello, 1986; Mangold & Boletzsky, 1987) includes the Sepiolidae of the subfamily Heteroteuthinae, whose members are supposed to be pelagic throughout their life cycle. Mangold Wirz (1963) recognizes in the Mediterranean fauna the unique species Heteroteuthis dispar, the other authors include H. atlantis Voss, which Voss himself (1955) reported at Messina. To this group may now be added Stoloteuthis leucoptera (Verrill, 1878) a species until now recorded in limited Atlantic areas. Verrill (1881) wrote “This species is an exceedingly beautiful one, when living, owing to the elegance and brilliancy of its colours and the gracefulness of its movements. In swimming it moves its fins in a manner analogous to the motion of the wings of a butterfly.”

Description: Sexual reproductive cycles of a Florida, U.S.A., population of four Caribbean commercial sponge species, Hippospongia lachne, Spongia barbara, S. cheiris and S. graminea, were determined by analysis of tissue samples collected over a three-year period. Spermatogenesis in these species was studied using light and transmission electron microscopy. The production of male gametes occurs in cysts within the endosomal tissue of mature specimens. Reproductive elements within an individual cyst develop synchronously while development between cysts is asynchronous. All available evidence suggests that these species are dioecious. Spermatogonia differentiate directly from choanocytes in situ. All cells of the chamber lose their collars and flagella and undergo mitosis to produce primary spermatocytes, each possessing a single flagellum. The ratio of nucleus to cell diameter in these cells is almost double that of choanocytes. Circumstantial evidence suggests that primary spermatocytes undergo meiosis to produce four spermatids, but confirmational chromatid linkage figures are still lacking. The mature spermatozoa lack both intermediate segments and acrosomes. Male gametes displayed a bright yellow-white autofluorescence when excited with blue light (460–485 nm).

Description: Squid on their spawning grounds feed mainly at night when they are more dispersed. In all, 28,5 per cent of squid sampled at night had food in their stomachs, whereas only 6,7 per cent of those collected by day had food. Most stomachs contained only a single prey species (90,8% of those analysed). Teleosts dominated the prey of squid collected at night (58%M), followed by crustaceans (25%), polychaetes (9%) and cephalopods (3%). By day the prey was dominated by cephalopods (61%), followed by teleosts (20%), crustaceans (14%) and polychaetes (2%). Bregmaceros sp. was the most frequently identified teleost, Loligo vulgaris reynaudii (cannibalism) the dominant cephalopod, ?Betaeus sp. (Alpheidae; pieces of coral were also found) the commonest crustacean and Nereis sp. the commonest polychaete. There were seasonal differences in the diet too: squid caught during summer seemed to have similar proportions of the four main prey components. Also, the incidence of feeding was higher than in winter. There were, however, no significant differences in stomach mass expressed as a percentage of body mass between day and night nor between season nor between sexes. The average stomach mass of all samples was 0,6 per cent of body mass, less than on the feeding grounds, where it is generally about 2 per cent.

Description: The enoploteuthid cephalopod Abraliopsis lineata is re-described and its generic position discussed. Specimens for the present study were captured during the Indian Ocean Expedition of RV Meteor in 1987, where the species occurred in considerable numbers. The geographical distribution of A. lineata is described and discussed. The detailed analysis of the photophore pattern of the present specimens differs from the original description. The diagnostic features in the male, especially the structure of the hectocotylus which separates A. lineata easily from the members of the subgenus Pfefferiteuthis, are outlined. The morphological differences which separate A. lineata from A. gilchristi, the only other member of the subgenus Micrabralia, are summarized.

Description: Larval behaviour, settlement, and metamorphosis were investigated in four Caribbean commercial sponges, Hippospongia lachne, Spongia barbara, S. cheiris and S. graminea, using light and transmission electron microscopy. The parenchymella larvae of these viviparous and gonochoristic species have an average size of 350 μm by 420 μm when released. Symbiotic bacteria occur intercellularly in both larvae and post-larvae. Laboratory behavioural studies demonstrate that free-swimming larvae display directional swimming with constant lateral rotation and negative phototaxis. Larval settlement occurs 26–56 hours after release from the parent and involves the formation of a basal lamella between the post-larva and substrate. There is no evidence of larval substrate selection by type or orientation. The canal system begins to form six days after settlement and oscules are apparent eleven days post-settlement. Available evidence suggests that larval ciliated epithelial cells are terminally differentiated and do not appear to contribute to formation of post larva or adult in this group of Porifera.

Description: To evaluate the feasibility of feeding Sepia officinalis on artificial food, a food pellet consisting of Palaemon serratus powder and alginate as binding agent was developed and tested. Six of seven cuttlefish clearly ingested the artificial food during the ten days it was supplied.

Description: Knowledge concerning biology of two loliginids and three sepiids which are found in the Japanese waters was reviewed including unpublished information of the authors. The swordtip squid, Photololigo edulis, is one of the most important resources for the coastal fisheries of Kyushu and the prefectures facing the southwest Japan Sea. This species is the only species of genus Photololigo found along the Japanese mainland coast and is easily distinguished from other loliginids, by the light organs on the ink sac. The species is distributed from southern Japan to the Red Sea. The spawning season extends throughout the year. Egg cases are laid in clusters on the sandy bottom. The life span is about one year. In the juvenile stage they feed on Crustacea and after reaching pre‐maturity they prey mainly on fish, but many have empty stomachs. Most catches are made by jigging and trawler. The fishing season extends throughout the year. The fishing grounds are widely spread over the continental shelf. Annual catches are around 25 000 metric tonnes. Although this level varies from year to year, it is fairly stable. Fishing has probably little effect on the stocks. The spear squid, Heterololigo bleekeri, can be easily distinguished from other loliginids by its shorter tentacles. The species is endemic in the Far East waters. The stocks are larger in the north. The spawning season is winter in south Japan, and from spring to early summer in north Japan. Egg cases are laid beneath the undersurfaces of firm substances. The life span is about one year. Its feeding behaviour is similar to that of the swordtip squid. Catches are made mainly with bottom trawler and fixed nets from autumn to spring. Annual landings fluctuate widely from year to year. Several prefectures along the northern Japan Sea coast are promoting the large scale development of artificial spawning beds of the species to increase the stocks. The three sepiids, golden cuttlefish. Sepia esculenta, kisslip cuttlefish. Sepia lycidas, and spineless cuttlefish, Sepiella japonica are important in mainland Japan. Those three spawn from spring to early summer in the innermost waters of semi‐enclosed inlets. Eggs are laid in batches of 50–300 every day for 3–4 days followed by a rest period of 1–2 days. This pattern is repeated until several thousands of eggs have been laid. The life span of Sepia esculenta and Sepiella japonica is one year. They feed mainly on decapod crustaceans and fish but as growth proceeds the proportion of fish increases. They are fished mainly by cuttlefish trap and beam trawler. In the early 1960s annual landings were 20 000 metric tonnes but since 1980 catches have decreased below 10 000 metric tonnes. Of the three species, the stock of Sepiella japonica is the most fluctuable. Judging from the result of the stock assessment studies on Sepiella japonica in the western Inland Sea, their stocks have been over‐exploited.

Description: A correlation of the Campanian–Maastrichtian boundary is attempted using foraminiferal and nannoplankton data from two areas: the eastern North Atlantic and northwestern Germany. The Boreal benthic and Tethyan planktonic foraminiferal zonation schemes are applied to Site 548A, where both foraminiferal groups occur frequently. A direct comparison of both biozonations reveals that the base of the Maastrichtian, according to planktonic foraminifers, has to be placed in the Upper Campanian of the Boreal benthic foraminiferal biozonation, which concurs with the nannoplankton results. The Tethyan Middle and Upper Maastrichtian are probably equivalent to the Upper Maastrichtian in the Boreal sense. The bases of the Maastrichtian substages are thus diachronous between the Boreal and Tethyan realms. Palaeotemperatures (which were estimated using the oxygen isotopic composition of the Goban Spur chalks) indicate, in combination with palaeowind directions, that the faunal and floral distribution pattern recorded is the result of a stable, warm water outflow from the northwest European epicontinental seas through the Channel area to the Celtic Shelf sea and Goban Spur. This mechanism appears to have been a dominant separating factor of the Boreal and Tethyan bioprovinces on the western European Shelf.

Description: The model presented here provides an explanation of the rapid response of atmospheric CO2 to increasing solar insolation. In the glacial ocean, during periods of slow, deep water renewal, when less oxygen is supplied to the deep ocean and into sediments, manganese oxide in the sediments is reduced and forms soluble MnCO3 and stays in the water column. The dissolved Mn-carbonate should then reach a concentration of ≥ 10µMol/liter, approximately 5,000 to 104 times larger than it is at present. This is the mode prevailing until deep water formation at high latitudes starts again. As soon as the balance between oxygen and organic matter becomes oxidizing once more, the deposition of MnO2 recommences. Oxidation of dissolved Mn2+CO3 to Mn4+O2 which is a spike of acidity to the ocean, rapidly lowers the CO3−− concentration in the water column and enhances release of CO2 to the atmosphere, producing the observed events of CO2 increase at the transitions from glacials to interglacials. The surprising conclusion is that the oceanic (redox-) cycle of a minor element may have had a major impact on Earth's climate.

Description: The free-running locomotor activity rhythms of freshly-captured swimming crabs Liocarcinus holsatus and L. depurator have been studied in constant conditions in the laboratory. L. holsatus captured in the intertidal zone of sandy beaches showed strong circatidal activity rhythms with maximum activity at high tide. L. holsatus captured in the sublittoral zone had a clear tendency to show circadian activity rhythms with highest activity during day-time hours. L. depurator occurred only sublittorally and showed circadian activity patterns with highest activity during the night. Exposure to hydrostatic pressure cycles of tidal amplitude and periodicity, entrained strong circatidal activity rhythms in previously arhythmic L. holsatus. This activity pattern also showed a marked circadian component. Exposure to the same regime entrained a circadian rhythm, but not a circatidal rhythm in L. depurator. In the sublittoral zone L. depurator is active mainly during the night, whereas L. holsatus, is active mainly during the day. This may constitute a behavioural mechanism for minimizing competitive interactions between these two sympatric crabs

Description: The role of substratum surface tension on the colonization process (fouling) on artificial substrata was investigated in Kiel Bay (Western Baltic). The density of organisms from the major groups (bacteria, microalgae, protozoa, macroorganisms) was monitored on test panels after several exposure intervals in two experimental series. The results showed that substrata with a surface free energy of 24 mN/m were initially less densely colonized by representatives of the different fouling groups. The most hydrophobic substrata and those between 31–43 mN/m were heavily colonzied but there was a slight decrease in density towards the most hydrophilic material (glass). After an immersion time of 64 d these differences were not apparent for bacteria, microalgae or protozoa. These results correspond with thermodynamic predictions, which propose minimum bioadhesion on substrata with critical surface tensions between 20–25 mN/m in seawater. In addition, factors other than the surface tension may be important in marine fouling.

Description: The methodology for analysis of marine mammal diets may be thought of as a series of choices; about the sampling regime, the type of sample, the processing of samples, the identification of prey remains, the quantification of prey importances, and the estimation of population food consumption. In addition to directed sampling, samples may be obtained directly or opportunisitically and the most frequently used types of sample are gut contents of dead animals, and faeces. Direct observation of feeding may be possible for species living inshore, and humane approaches to sampling (e.g. lavaging) have been succesfully applied to seals, but all methods are subject to bias. Identification of fish prey usually relies on recognition of otoliths, but additional information may be obtained from other hard remains or serological analysis of proteins. Remains of invertebrate prey may also be identified from hard parts. A variety of methods exists for quantifying the importance of prey in marine mammal diets. The most useful currency is probably prey biomass but, for fish, natural variation in otolith size-fish weight relationships makes it difficult to estimate fish weights from otolith size. Also, otoliths are reduced in size or lost during digestion. Notwithstanding these problems, otoliths are widely used. If the diet of a population has been adequately characterised, the amounts of each prey type consumed may be derived from direct or indirect estimates of energy requirements. Ideally the measurements should be taken in the field. Possible improvements in methodology include improved calibrations for otolith measurements, the development of keys and guides to fish bones, and of serological methods for identifying fish proteins. Feeding is normally inferred rather than directly monitored and a means for remote detection of prey ingestion and defaecation would greatly enhance the interpretation of foraging activity. To predict diet choice it is necessary to undertand the underlying behavioural mechanisms. Measurement of the energetic costs of prey capture would be an important step in this direction.

Description: Opportunistically collected information on sea temperature and wind was used in a preliminary investigation of physical factors affecting jigged catches of chokka squid Loligo vulgaris reynaudii. Results revealed sea temperature and wind to be correlated with catches during part of the summer upwelling season (October and December) in 1988. Multiple linear regression analysis confirmed that sea temperature was a highly significant explanatory variable (p = 0,0000) for catches from three boats, as well as for the overall catch. Wind direction also played a significant role (p = 0,0085) in the overall catch. A statistical linear multiple regression model is proposed for each boat and for the total catch. Upwelling events are suggested to play a major role in the availability of squid on the inshore spawning grounds (〈50 m) during summer. With further study, other independent physical variables, such as currents, swell height and turbidity, are likely to be introduced into the proposed model.

Description: The feeding patterns of fish caught on the inshore (〈50 m deep) spawning grounds of chokka squid Loligo vulgaris reynaudii were investigated between November 1988 and September 1990. Fish were sampled by demersal trawl, gillnet, handline and longline. SCUBA was used to observe interactions in situ. Potential predators consisted of 16 species each of teleost and elasmobranch. Of the teleosts, five species preyed on whole squid and one appeared to have scavenged squid fragments. Of the elasmobranchs, 12 species had squid in their stomachs, nine of these with a high incidence (〉33% frequency of occurrence). The squid were in spawning condition when taken and no spent squid were recovered from stomach contents. There was no evidence that squid had been moribund when ingested and no dead or moribund squid were encountered while diving during the two-year study. Cannibalism by squid was observed. Marine mammals and avian predators were rarely sighted on the spawning grounds.

Description: The enoploteuthid cephalopod Abraliopsis lineata is re-described and its generic position discussed. Specimens for the present study were captured during the Indian Ocean Expedition of RV Meteor in 1987, where the species occurred in considerable numbers. The geographical distribution of A. lineata is described and discussed. The detailed analysis of the photophore pattern of the present specimens differs from the original description. The diagnostic features in the male, especially the structure of the hectocotylus which separates A. lineata easily from the members of the subgenus Pfefferiteuthis, are outlined. The morphological differences which separate A. lineata from A. gilchristi, the only other member of the subgenus Micrabralia, are summarized.

Description: A pathogenic species of marine slime mold, Labyrinthula, has been identified as the etiological agent of the present recurrence of wasting disease of eelgrass, Zostera marina. It is also implicated as causing the previous epidemic eelgrass wasting disease that occurred in the 1930s. We propose Labyrinthula zosterae sp. nov. for this pathogen based on its host specificity, cytology, characteristic growth patterns in culture, cell size, color in mass, and aggregation structures.

Description: The biology of the chokker squid Loligo vulgaris reynaudii on inshore grounds in the South-East Cape was studied by examination of trends in jig catches, length frequency analyses, length/weight relationships, analyses of maturity stages and SCUBA diving transects in a spawning area. Commercial catches probably reflected the influx of squid into shallow waters to spawn. Modal length at spawning was between 265 and 305 mm mantle length (ML) in males and between 175 and 195 mm ML in females. There was no modal progression to indicate growth, nearly all squid were mature, a percentage of males were spent, the level of feeding on the grounds was very low, and mantle walls were thinner than those of squid offshore. These factors all indicate that the squid population inshore had reached the end of its life cycle and was in the spawning phase. The sex ratio was biased towards males, an indication either of differential inshore migration or of greater longevity in males than in females. The frequency of occurrence of trawled egg capsules was highest in summer and all eggs were between 18 and 25 m deep. The preferred substratum for spawning appeared to be low-relief reef interspersed with coarse sand, and the stalks of egg capsules were always embedded in the sand to form individual clusters, as in most other loliginids. No evidence was found of post-spawning mortality in the areas examined.

Description: Serological methods for prey identification have been applied to detection of residues ofsandeel (Ammodytidae) protein in faeces of common seals (Phoca vitulina) and grey seals(Halichoerus grypus) from the Moray Firth, north-east Scotland. Antisera raised to muscleprotein from Ammodytes marinus were evaluated by testing their reactions with proteinextracts made from a range of North Sea fish species and protein residues in in vitro digestates,seal digestive tracts and seal faeces. It was concluded that, using fused rocketimmuno-electrophoresis, linkage of precipitin peaks from unknown samples with peaksfrom standard sandeel extract was a reliable indicator of the presence of sandeel in theunknown sample. Seasonal variation in the incidence of sandeels in common seal diet in theMoray Firth was examined by identifying otoliths, bones, and proteins, and all threemethods indicated that sandeels occurred in the majority of samples tested in the summer,but were less important during the winter. Proteins were detected in fewer samples thanotoliths, particularly in February and March. Possible reasons for this difference arediscussed. Serological identification of sandeel proteins is potentially applicable to dietarystudies on all marine predators.

Description: Thirty-four adult individuals of Loligo forbesi (males and females with dorsal mantle lengths from 27–77 cm) were observed in captivity in a 3 m diameter closed sea-water system on Faial Island, Azores. Squids were caught by jigging and were fed with horse mackerel (Trachurus picturatus) and chub mackerel (Scomber japonicus), either alive or dead. The maximum survival was 73 days. Feeding behaviour was dependent upon both the size of prey and its state of preservation;e.g. the squid would eat the head of small fish (〈 about 15 cm), reject the head of medium-sized fish (about 15–35 cm) and would eat only the dorsal part of a big fish (〉 about 35 cm) or a fish poorly preserved. Seventeen chromatic, 9 postural and 6 movement components of body patterns were observed and described. Conspecific interactions considered to be aggression and dominance were observed among males; no such interactions occurred when one male and two females were kept together. Body patterns in relation to relaxation, stress, shock, feeding, locomotion and aggression are also described.

Description: Changes in the ovaries and testes during sexual maturation of Loligo vulgaris reynaudii were examined histologically. Fonnation and development of the spermatozoa and oocytes could be divided into four distinct stages for males and five for females, and frequencies of these stages in the morphologically determined categories of development of the whole reproductive System were calculated. These frequencies were then compared between morphological categories. Results showed that microscopic changes are reflected in macroscale changes for Categories I-IV, but differences between Categories IV and V are mostly morphological for both sexes. It is suggested that Loligo v. reynaudii is an intermittent spawner.

Description: General biology of cephalopods is described. First, all commercially important cephalopods are classified and the general morphology and distribution of all major families is described in detail. Mating and spawning characteristics of all major families are discussed in detail. This is followed by a discussion on early life history, growth and principal ecoological changes that occur during the growth period. Schooling and migration characteristics are also taken up in considerable detail. The paper closes with a brief discussion on the trophic relation. The author points out that cephalopods are extremely important to mankind due to their unique position in the food chain extending from the oceans to man.

Description: Grab samples collected in 1987 from the Valu Fa back-arc ridge in the SW Pacific include sulfide-bearing basaltic andesites and andesitic xenoliths, massive sulfide-barite-silica mineralization, native sulfur, and a large number of Fe-Mn crusts. Sphalerite, pyrite, marcasite, barite, and amorphous silica are the predominant minerals in the massive samples. Smaller amounts of chalcopyrite, galena, tennantite, and covellite have been identified. This assemblage formed at the seafloor from smoker-type hydrothermal fluids with temperatures 〈300°C and high concentrations of reduced sulfur. Sulfide mineralization in basaltic andesites consists of disseminated pyrite and marcasite. The scarity of pyrrhotite suggests precipitation of sulfides under elevated fS2-fO2 conditions and at temperatures that may have been as low as 150°C. Extensive deposits of Fe- or Mn-dominated hydrothermal crusts at the Valu Fa Ridge have formed at considerably lower temperatures (≤20°C). High-temperature hydrothermal products including intergrowths of Cu-Fe-Zn-S intermediate solid solution and pyrrhotite were found in a mineralized xenolith from a subvolcanic level.

Description: The time-scale of colour/pH changes in the caeca of 196 longfinned squid Loligo vulgaris reynaudii during digestion/absorption was tested at sea. Red, brown, dark, yellow, pale yellow and white were the recorded colours. The range of mean pH for these colours was 6,019-5,638. The time-span of the whole process in the field, at a mean pH being 5,756 for the dark yellow phase, 5,699 for the pale yellow and 5,638 for the white. It is suggested that sex, stage of maturity, size of animal, food type and meal volume have a negligible impact on the colour and pH in the caeca of the squid investigated and, therefore, on the duration of the digestion/absorption process of wild squid unter all circumstances, it requires further testing in aquaria as well as in the field.

Description: Organic-rich shales sampled from the aples Beach section of the Monterey Formation. Califomia. contain authigenic phosphorite phases which apparently formed within bacterial mat laminations. Light and scanning electron microscope observations show that the fossilized remains ofthese mats are similar to communities of filamentous sulfur-oxidizing bacteria found today at slope-depth, sediment, oxic anoxic interfaces. The crystal size and habits ofthe phosphatic minerals resemble contemporaf) prec1pitates in contact with pore water solutions. Mineralogical and chemical analyses ofthe most phosphatic layers show that some are a nearly pure carbonate fluorapatite (or francolite). These la)ers are lightly colored and are sandwiched between black siliceous muds with 〈0.2% CaCOJ . and organic carbon contents that excecd 25%. In othcr phosphatic intcrvals of thc Naplcs Beach section. ca leite is a major diluent oflight and dark layers. The C:P ratio of a single modern bacterial mat sample shows that these benthic communities are more enriched in phosphorus than planktonic organic matter. Thus, the generally believed premise that authigenic phosphorite formation results from organic matter diagenesis in near-surface anoxic sediments is hcre modified by the contention that such transformations are more highly favored in sediments supporting massive microbial communities.

Description: The influence of photoperiodicity on hatching of Loligo forbesi and Loligo vulgaris embryos was investigated under different experimental light-dark (LD) conditions. The transition from light to dark stimulated hatching and functions as a "Zeitgeber" or synchronizer. Independent of the timing and duration of the dark period most embryos hatched soon after termination of the light period. Embyros which had developed in constant light, showed no hatching rhythm at all. If these embryos were exposed to a dark shock most embryos hatched soon after the onset of darkness. A twilight shock, in which the light was reduced by 50% (i.e. 50 µE s -1m-²), could not simulate hatching. Embryos which were kept from stage X on in an artifically controlled LD cycle, preferentially hatch in a period which coincides with the period at which darkness usually occured when placed in constant illumination from stage XX onwards.

Description: Light absorbed by the photoreceptor membranes of the retina is transformed by a series of biochemical steps into changes in receptor potential. The visual pigment, rhodopsin, and associated enzymes which relay the visual signal belong to a widespread family of receptorenzyme complexes which transmit sensory, hormonal and neurotransmitter signals into cells. In the invertebrate visual system, rhodopsin activates enzymes which increase cytoplasmic calcium. The highly specialised and structurally ordered photoreceptors of the squid retina provide a favourable system for studying the mechanisms of these enzyme pathways.

Description: This article describes the natural history of a large colony of emperor penguins Aptenodytes for steri , its size, dispersal pattern of chicks, and associations with other bird and mammal species. A mid-season count of 19,364 chicks indicated that about 20–25,000 breeding pairs had been present in June and July. The colony was fragmented into several sub-groups which showed different mean sizes of chicks and survival to fledging. Other species observed included leopard seals Hydrurga leptonyx , the only major predators, which preyed heavily on both adults and fledging chicks. Fledgelings left the colony over a period of about 10 days; departure was an active process in which the chicks walked to the ice edge and dispersed in groups, swimming consistently southward. At this time they were still in about 60% down and weighed about 10 kg, having lost some 30% of the heaviest mass achieved during parental feeding.

Description: Increasing atmospheric concentrations of carbon dioxide and other gases are expected to cause a global warming that could raise sea level a few feet in the next century. This paper examines four options by which barrier-island communities could respond, focussing on Long Beach Island, New Jersey. For the next few decades, the most common response will probably be to raise the islands in place by pumping sand onto beaches and building lots. Eventually, as costs increase, many communities may accept a gradual landward retreat. Nevertheless, federal agencies that encourage risky development, state agencies that discourage it, residents who feel entitled to subsidized coastal protection, and environmentalists insensitive to constitutional property rights will all have to compromise for a rational solution to be possible. Local officials on barrier islands should begin to hold public meetings to develop a public consensus on the appropriate response to sea level rise.

Description: The deep eastern Arctic basin between the Lomonosov Ridge and the Eurasian continental margin differs from other ocean basins in the very slow spreading of its floor and unusual depositional environment under perennial sea-ice cover. The recent expedition ARK IV/3 of RV Polar stern for the first time made geoscientific investigations from the northern margin of the Barents Sea north to the Nansen-Gakkel Ridge. Much deeper than most other mid-ocean ridges, this ridge is poorly-surveyed, but has a central valley which in places is deeper than 5.5 km, 1–1.5 km below the basin floors on either side. Heat flow in the central part of the valley is very rapid; both basement rocks and overlying sediments showed unexpectedly the influence of intense and long-term hydrothermal activity. The sediments on the northern and southern flanks of the ridge are slightly calcareous pelagic mud layers alternating with carbonate-free horizons, where up to 40% of the sedimentary section is soft mud clasts. Similar mud aggregates were observed on the surface of the multi-year sea ice, appearing to represent a special type of sediment transport by sea ice in the Transpolar Drift. In contrast to the western Arctic, Fram Strait and the Norwegian-Greenland Sea, gravel is rarely found in sediment cores. Recovered cores indicate that icebergs and sea ice carrying coarse sediment seldom rafted detritus to the study area during the last approximately 300,000 years.

Description: Dissolution rates of small forsterite spheres in superheated melts of basalt, andesite and rhyolite composition have been measured at 1300°C, atmospheric pressure. The rate is constant (83 µm hr−1) in the basalt, regardless of run duration. In the andesite the initial dissolution rate is 200µm hr−1, followed by a decrease to a constant value of 16µmhr−1 in 2–3 hours. Dissolution rate in the rhyolite decreases from an initial value of 1.7 to 〈0.1 µmhr−1 over 280 hours and never reaches a constant rate. Once the rate of dissolution has become constant, the film of contaminated melt that forms in melt about a crystal does not thicken with time, indicating attainment of a steady-state condition. Steady state is attributed to natural convection arising from the difference in density between the film of contaminated melt surrounding a crystal and that beyond. The density difference is approximately 2% of the density of the rock melt.

Description: Afferent activity in the stellar nerves of Octopus vulgaris has been recorded in response to a probe applying a mechanical stimulus of approximately 5 gm/mm2 to the inner surface of the mantle. Mechanical sensitivity is distributed throughout the mantle surface and there is a large degree of overlap between the peripheral fields of nearby stellar nerves but no overlap of either ventral or dorsal midline. The afferent activity probably results from stimulation of sensory receptors located in the mantle and skin, but antidromic discharge in motor fibres is also possible.

Description: Squids (teuthoids) fall into two distinct groups according to their density in sea water. Squids of one group are considerably denser than sea water and must swim to stop sinking; squids in the other group are nearly neutrally buoyant. Analyses show that in almost all the neutrally buoyant squids large amounts of ammonium are present. This ammonium is not uniformly distributed throughout the body but is mostly confined to special tissues where its concentration can approach half molar. The locations of such tissues differ according to the species and developmental stage of the squid. It is clear that the ammonium-rich solution are almost isosmotic with sea water but of lower density and they are present in sufficient volume to provide the main buoyancy mechanism of these squids. A variety of evidence is given which suggests that squids in no less than 12 of the 26 families achieve near-neutral buoyancy in this way and that 14 families contain squids appreciably denser than sea water [at least one family contains both types of squid]. Some of the ammonium-rich squids are extremely abundant in the oceans.