Dissertations / Theses on the topic 'Marine environment conditions'

This paper examines the economic effects of management policies on four of the seven beach-seine net fishing operations in False Bay. The effects of past regulations are examined by assessing whether or not this industry is at present profitable. It was found that under the present management policies all fishing crews are profitable. A new policy preventing fishermen from catching white steenbras has been introduced. This was examined and it was shown that only one of the crews examined would be effected. Two proposed policies were examined to determine their impact on the sector. The first proposal aims to remove kob as a target species, however none of the crews would be significantly effected by this proposal. The second proposal aims to restrict fishing to working days, this proposal would result in collapse of two crews. Long term feasibility was examined using three models that predict the NPV of income for each crew under different assumptions. It was shown that if stocks continue to decline and white steenbras remains restricted all crews except one would collapse. If stocks improve but the catching of white steenbras remains prohibited for IO years, one of the crews will collapse. The final section assessed the validity of a proposal that the Marine Resource Fund be used to buy trek fishermen's permits, it was concluded that this is not a feasible proposal.

The aim of this work was to investigate the production of antimicrobial compounds by marine epiphytic bacteria. This work was carried out by devising a "niche mimic bioreactor", in which physical and chemical conditions were similar to the original ecological niche from which the bacteria were isolated. A modified roller bottle bioreactor was designed to mimic the intertidal environment and could facilitate the production of antimicrobial compounds by two marine isolates. Biofilm formation by these bacteria was found to be the key requirement for this observation. An Air- Membrane Surface (AMS) bioreactor was therefore constructed to allow growth of attached bacteria within a biofilm. A Bacillus licheniformis strain, EI-34-6, isolated from the surface of the marine alga Palmaria palmala, produced bacitracin and a red pigment when cultivated using the AMS bioreactor but not using standard shake flask cultures. Glycerol and ferric iron were necessary for the production of both antimicrobial compounds and the red pigment. Further investigation into the mechanism of this induction showed that a small amount of the cell-free spent medium from the AMS culture of this isolate could induce the corresponding shake flask culture to produce bacitracin and the red pigment. Glycerol or ferric iron was not necessary for the production of inducer compounds. Furthermore, metabolites from the shake flask culture, which had been induced to produce bacitracin and the red pigment, were able to continue to induce other non-producing shake flask cultures. In addition, a small amount of cell-free spent medium from B. subtilis DSMIOT grown using the AMS bioreactor also induced B. licheniformis strain EI-34-6 to produce bacitracin and the red pigment in shake flask cultures. However, the spent medium from B. subtilis DSMIOT shake flask culture could not elicit this production. These results suggest the presence of a biofilm specific and cross-species signalling system which can elicit, in planktonic bacterial cells, the type of metabolism normally observed in cells grown in a biofilm. Based on this discovery, the AMS bioreactor was improved and it allowed a further nine Bacillus isolates to be obtained, which exhibited a similar phenomenon. The observations suggest a novel strategy to discover new antimicrobial compounds by taking advantage of their signalling system to reveal new metabolic pathways in marine microorganisms

Like all intertidal species, the barnacle Balanus glandula must cope with temperature and desiccation stress during daily low tide exposure. The increase in temperature at low tide leads to both increased metabolic rate and the potential for increased ATP demand. With its additional inhibition of oxygen intake, low tide thus has an energetic cost that is often reflected in an increase in oxygen consumption following resubmersion. As anthropogenically induced global climate change increases air and water temperatures, its cost might increase. B. glandula individuals were exposed to 4‑hour low tides with maximal temperatures of 18, 30, 35, and 38°C, and their oxygen consumption rates and behaviors were recorded for 4 hours upon resubmersion. It was found that aerial respiration could be measured, though aerial rates were only a fraction of aquatic rates. It was further found that relative aquatic oxygen consumption rates were not elevated following low tide for any temperatures. However, B. glandula individuals exposed to 35 and 38°C low tides remained active a significantly greater portion of time through the first and second hours of recovery, respectively. This indicates that a low tide stress effect is evident in B. glandula, but that it manifests not as an increase in the respiration rate when active, but rather as an increase in the overall activity time. Thus, with increasing global temperatures B. glandula will likely have increased energy needs. This might lead to range relocations, a drive to find new energy sources, and/or reallocations of energy budgets.

La fréquence des accidents en mer et l'ampleur des dégâts de certains d'entre eux permettent de s'interroger sur l'efficacité des mesures de sécurité et de sûreté maritimes. En parallèle, l'importante participation du facteur humain dans la survenance de ces accidents devient une réalité de plus en plus acceptée. Les conditions de vie et de travail des marins à bord des navires, l'effectif, la durée de travail... sont autant d'éléments déterminants dans la survenance de l'erreur humaine. Ce sont, par conséquent, autant d'éléments à considérer dans la prévention des accidents, sans pour autant les dissocier du système organisationnel global. Pourtant, à travers le monde, les mesures législatives prenant en considération ces éléments sont rares et souffrent d'une application partielle et d'un manque considérable de contrôle à l'occasion des différentes inspections maritimes. Même si cette constatation varie d'un État maritime à un autre, la Tunisie n'y déroge pas. Des lacunes en la matière existent aussi bien au niveau de l'adoption des lois, que de leur application effective ou du contrôle leur étant réservé. Il conviendra d'en déceler les causes et d'essayer de les combler
The frequency of maritime accidents and the extent of the damage some of them cause, can cast doubt on the effectiveness of maritime safety and security measures. At the same time, the ever increasing rôle played by man in such occurrences has been steadily recognized. Sailors' living and working conditions on board, crew size and working hours are just a few ofthe significant factors wich have contributed to human error. As a result, such factors, should not be excluded from the global organizational system when considering accident prevention. Nevertheless, throughout the word, legislative measures including these elements are either few and far between, only partially applied or immensely difficult to enforce during maritime inspections. Even if this observation varies from one maritime state to another, Tunisia is no exception. Shortcomings in the field range from, flaws in the adoption of laws, to ineffective law implementation, without forgetting the level of control they are granted. This paper will detect the causes behind this situation and go some way in attempting to remedy the failings

Les monts sous-marins sont des relevés topographiques omniprésents au sein de tous les bassins océaniques. Ils s’élèvent dans la colonne d’eau à partir des profondeurs abyssales. Selon leur taille, leur forme et la profondeur de leur sommet, les monts sous-marins auraient un impact sur les processus physiques susceptibles de favoriser l'agrégation du zooplancton, du micronecton et des prédateurs supérieurs au-dessus ou à proximité immédiate de leur sommet. Le micronecton forme un lien trophique clé entre le zooplancton et les prédateurs marins supérieurs et se compose de quatre grands groupes: plancton gélatineux, crustacés, céphalopodes et poissons mésopélagiques. La distribution verticale et horizontale, les assemblages et les relations trophiques du micronecton ont été étudiés sur deux monts sous-marins peu profonds du sud-ouest de l'océan Indien. Le mont sous-marin La Pérouse est un relevé topographique abrupt qui s'élève à partir d'un fond marin profond situé à 5000 m et dont la profondeur du sommet est d'environ 60 m sous la surface de la mer. Ce mont est situé au nord-ouest de la province oligotrophe "ISSG". Le mont sous-marin MAD-Ridge ("ainsi appelé dans cette étude"), est situé dans un "corridor de tourbillons" au sud de Madagascar dans la province "EAFR". Le Chapitre 4 examine l'influence des tourbillons méso-échelle, du plateau continental de Madagascar et des monts sous-marins peu profonds sur la distribution du micronecton en utilisant une approche acoustique. Il est démontré que les tourbillons méso-échelle et le plateau continental Malgache peuvent présenter des densités acoustiques de micronecton supérieures à celles du mont sous-marin MAD-Ridge. Les densités acoustiques du micronecton sont également plus élevées à MAD-Ridge qu’à La Pérouse, conformément aux différences de productivité existant entre les deux sites. Le Chapitre 5 est consacré aux assemblages de micronecton et aux schémas de migrations nycthémérales des communautés de micronecton. Il est démontré que la couche de diffusion peu profonde (0-200 m) est constituée d'espèces micronectoniques océaniques alors que les sommets et les flancs de La Pérouse et de MAD-Ridge présentent des espèces résidentes ou associées à ces monts sous-marins de jour comme de nuit. Les différentes stratégies de migration du micronecton sont également discutées. Le Chapitre 6 porte sur les interactions trophiques des communautés mésopélagiques de La Pérouse et de MAD-Ridge. Malgré les différences de productivité entre La Pérouse et MAD-Ridge, les organismes gélatineux, les crustacés, les céphalopodes de petite taille et les poissons mésopélagiques montrent des niveaux trophiques allant 2 à 4 aux deux monts sous-marins. Cette thèse met l’accent sur les importantes lacunes dans les connaissances et elle souligne également l'importance des études sur les écosystèmes des monts sous-marins du sud-ouest de l'océan Indien afin de promouvoir des mesures de gestion et de conservation pour une utilisation durable de ces environnements si particuliers
Seamounts are ubiquitous topographic features across all ocean basins. They rise steeply through the water column from abyssal depths. Depending on their size, shape and summit depths, seamounts reportedly have an impact on the physical flow regimes which may promote the aggregation of zooplankton, micronekton, and top predators above or in the immediate vicinity of their summits. Micronekton form a key trophic link between zooplankton and top marine predators and are divided into four broad categories: gelatinous plankton, crustaceans, cephalopods and mesopelagic fishes. The vertical and horizontal distributions, assemblages and trophic relationships of micronekton were investigated at two shallow seamounts of the south-western Indian Ocean. La Pérouse seamount is a steep bathymetric feature rising from a deep seabed located at 5000 m and with a summit depth at ~ 60 m below the sea surface. The seamount is located at the north-western periphery of the oligotrophic Indian South Subtropical Gyre province. MAD-Ridge seamount (“thus called in this study”), is ~ 240 m below the sea surface rising from a base located at ~2400 m. The seamount is located within an “eddy corridor” to the south of Madagascar within the productive East African Coastal Province. Chapter 4 investigates the influence of mesoscale eddies, Madagascar shelf and shallow seamounts on the distribution of micronekton using an acoustic approach. It is demonstrated that mesoscale eddies and the continental shelf may show enhanced acoustic densities of micronekton compared to MAD-Ridge seamount. The micronekton acoustic densities were also greater at MAD-Ridge compared to La Pérouse, in accordance with the difference in productivity between the two sites. Chapter 5 is dedicated to the micronekton assemblages and diel migration patterns of micronekton communities. It is shown that, while the shallow scattering layer (0-200 m) consisted of oceanic micronekton species; the summits and flanks of La Pérouse and MAD-Ridge showed presence of resident or seamount-associated species both during the day and night. I also discussed the different migration strategies of micronekton. Chapter 6 investigates the stable isotope patterns of mesopelagic communities at La Pérouse and MAD-Ridge. Despite the differing productivity at La Pérouse and MAD-Ridge, gelatinous organisms, crustaceans, smaller-sized squids and mesopelagic fishes exhibited trophic levels ranging from 2 to 4 at both seamounts. This thesis highlights important knowledge gaps on seamount ecosystems and ecological patterns associated to shallow seamounts. It also underlines the importance of studying seamount ecosystems of the south-western Indian Ocean in order to promote management and conservation measures for a sustainable use of such specific environments

The removal of marine species through fishing has impacted marine ecosystems for thousands of years. The pressure of exploitation on marine ecosystems has now reached a point at which there is serious concern over ecosystem well-being on a global scale. There has, therefore, been a global move towards an ecosystem approach to fisheries management. The objective of this study was to develop a decision tree framework to assess the status of exploited marine ecosystems, which could be successfully applied to numerous ecosystems and guide decision support under changing conditions. This work was based on that of the IndiSeas project, which makes use of indicators designed to detect the impacts of fishing on marine ecosystem around the world. A suite of indicators, selected from those utilised in the IndiSeas project, was divided into ecological and fishing pressure indicators. Ecosystem specific suites of environmental indicators were also included, allowing the framework to ascertain the impacts of environmental variability on ecosystem components. This is an important addition as currently many assessments of the impacts of fisheries do not account for the influence of the environment. The framework was developed for the Southern Benguela ecosystem and then applied, with minor adjustments to account for ecosystem-specific characteristics, to the South Catalan Sea and North Sea. Indicator time series were analysed making use of linear regressions, resulting in the assignment of a score between one and five, depending on the direction and significance of trends. Data series were divided into distinct periods based on known environmental changes or shifts within ecosystems. Careful consideration was given as to whether fishing and environmental indicator trends could explain the observed trends in ecological indicators. A method of score adjustment was then developed to account for the impacts of both fishing and environmental variability on ecological indicators. Correlations were conducted to detect potential redundancies of ecological indicators and weightings were applied to decrease the contribution of correlated indicators to overall ecosystem trends. However, as correlations differed between indicators and amongst ecosystems, it was necessary to adjust the applied weightings for individual ecosystems. Results for the Southern Benguela classified the ecosystem as neither improving nor deteriorating during Period 1 (1978-1993) and Period 2 (1994-2003). During Period 3 (2004-2010) the ecosystem was classified as possibly improving. The South Catalan Sea was classified as possibly deteriorating during Period 1 (1978-1990) and neither improving nor deteriorating during Period 2 (1991-2010). The North Sea ecosystem was classified as neither improving nor deteriorating during Period 1 (1983-1992). During the second (1993-2003) and third (2004-2010) periods the ecosystem was categorised as possibly improving. When assessing fisheries impacts at an ecosystem scale there are typically high levels of uncertainty. However, this thesisoncluded that the development of a scoring and weighting system, alongside the addition of environmental drivers and the inclusion of expert knowledge throughout the applications of this framework, has allowed the developed decision tree framework to successfully categorise the three ecosystems. It is anticipated that the knowledge that this framework will add to current methods of generating advice for fisheries management will aid future decision support within these ecosystems.

Exploited marine fish species with an affinity for cold waters inhabiting close to the warmer edge of their distribution area are exposed to stress caused by fishing and climate change. Three case studies of “cold water species” were selected (Argentina sphyraena, Micromesistius poutassou and Merluccius merluccius) and, in each case, various biological traits – including the factors regulating early oogenesis, reproductive tactics, physical condition, parasitism and energy allocation trade-offs – were examined. Overall, the main findings support the idea that species-specific biological traits and plasticity influence population’s sensitivity and response to external stressors. This thesis contributes to the improvement of egg production estimation methods and to the understanding of fundamental biological mechanisms and their variability
Les espècies comercials de peixos marins amb preferència per a aigües fredes, que viuen a l’hemisferi nord properes al límit sud de la seva àrea de distribució, es troben en una situació vulnerable degut al canvi climàtic i a la sobrepesca. Aquesta tesi es centra en tres “espècies d’aigua freda”: el moixó (Argentina sphyraena), la maire (Micromesistius poutassou) i el lluç (Merluccius merluccius). Per tal de completar el coneixement sobre les seves característiques reproductives i avaluar el seu estat de salut, es van escollir tres especies d’aigua freda (el moixó, Argentina sphyraena; la maire, Micromesistius poutassou; i el lluç, Merluccius merluccius) i es van examinar diferents trets biològics que comprenen des dels factors que regulen les etapes més inicials de la ovogènesi fins a diverses característiques reproductives, així com l’estat de condició, el parasitisme i els balanços en la distribució de l’energia interna

The condition of the herring (Clupea harengus) in the Baltic Sea has decreased during the past 30-40 years. This decrease could be explained by different factors; (1) change in diet due to changes in zooplankton community, (2) changes in water temperature and salinity, (3) increasing nutrient inputs and (4) competition for food with other species such as sprat (Sprattus sprattus). In this study the change in condition was analysed using the Fulton’s condition index, and by looking at age and sex of the fish as well as the season and locationthe fish was caught, the differences between these factors were presented. Data from the national Swedish contaminant monitoring programme where used from four locations in the Baltic Sea and two locations at the Swedish West coast. The data was analysed using multiple regressions in R Commander. The result show that the condition, and the temporal trends in condition value, varies at different locations, with higher condition values and increasing temporal trends at the Swedish West coast, compared to the Baltic Sea with lower condition values and where three of four locations show decreasing temporal trends. The condition varied between spring and autumn caught herring as well, while age and sex showed less significant differences.

A mesocosm experiment was carried out in a Norwegian fjord near Bergen in May 2006, with the main objective being the study of the effects of increasing concentrations of atmospheric CO2 (and associated effects such as increased acidification) on blooms of natural marine coastal plankton. Three mesocosms were bubbled with CO2(g) to achieve a high (~700ppm) CO2 concentration (pH ~7.8) to simulate predicted future conditions as a result of rising atmospheric CO2 concentrations. Another three mesocosms were treated as controls and bubbled with ambient air to represent a near pre-industrial scenario (atmospheric CO2 concentration ~300ppm, surface seawater pH ~8.15). Blooms in the mesocosms were stimulated by the addition of nutrients at a near-Redfield ratio ([N:P] ≈ [16:1]), and scientific measurements and analyses were carried out over the course of the blooms for approximately one month. Of particular interest in this study were the autotrophic plankton. The diversity and activities of these microorganisms under the two treatments was therefore investigated. By designing and using new degenerate primers specifically targeting ‘Green-type’ (Form IA and IB), ‘Red-type’ (Form IC and ID) and Form II RuBisCO, analysis of primary producers was carried out using PCR and either gDNA or cDNA (mRNA) templates from key time points spanning the complete duration of the blooms throughout the mesocosm experiment. Over 1250 novel RuBisCO large subunit sequences have been fully annotated and deposited in the NCBI GenBank® database. These sequences revealed distinct changes in the diversity of primary producers both over the courses of the blooms and between treatments. Particularly striking was the effect of acidification on the community structure of the eukaryotic picoplankton, Prasinophytes. A clade of prasinophytes closely related to Micromonas pusilla showed a distinct preference for the high CO2 conditions; a laboratory-based experiment confirmed the high tolerance of Micromonas pusilla to lower pH. Conversely, a clade related to Bathycoccus prasinos was almost entirely excluded from the high CO2 treatments. Clades of form II RuBisCO-containing dinoflagellates were also abundant throughout the experiment in both treatments. The high similarity of some of these clades to the toxin-producing species Heterocapsa triquetra and Gonyaulax polyedra, and apparent high tolerance of some clades to high CO2 conditions, is perhaps cause for concern in a high CO2 world and demands further research. In parallel with the RubisCO work, new primers were designed that target the gene encoding the Fe protein of nitrogenase (NifH). 82 Bergen genomic nifH sequences have been annotated and submitted to GenBank®. These sequences include those from organisms related to Alpha, Beta, and Gammaproteobacteria, and Cluster II and Cluster III sequences that align most closely with anaerobic Bacteria, Gram positive, and/or sulphur-reducing Bacteria. The biggest surprise, however, was the apparent abundance and significance of a Rhodobacter sphaeroides-like microorganism throughout the duration of the experiment in both treatments. Whilst this clade was unsurprisingly absent in the RuBisCO cDNA libraries, all but two of 128 nifH cDNA clones analysed were identical to the gene from Rhodobacter sphaeroides. This shows that this clade was potentially fixing N2 throughout the entire experiment, even in the presence of combined N added to both sets of mesocosms at the start of the experiment. A group of Rhodobacter sphaeroides-like microorganisms present at Bergen may therefore have been an unexpected source of new N during the experiment and contributed to the maintenance of the mesocosm communities as nutrients became depleted. One organism dominated the autotrophic communities after the blooms in both treatments. Synechococcus spp. Form IA rbcL clones most closely related to the coastal strain Synechococcus sp. strain CC9902 were recovered throughout the experiment but were particularly numerous toward the end of the experiment and dominated the “Green-type” libraries at this time. Initially, rbcL clones from these cyanobacteria were mostly derived from the ambient CO2 mesocosms but were equally distributed between treatments by the end of the experiment. This suggests that cyanobacteria related to strain CC9902 may be less tolerant of elevated CO2 (which was greatest at the beginning rather than the end of the experiment). However, despite the mesocosms being Pi-limited at the end of the experiment, several Synechococcus species (including those related to strain CC9902 and another coastal strain, CC9311) thrived. Following on from this observation, Pi uptake and assimilation mechanisms in a Synechococcus species were investigated in the laboratory. This led to the sequencing and characterisation of a pstS gene from the marine cyanobacterium Synechococcus sp. WH 8103. Unlike conventional pstS, it was discovered that the pstS II gene in this organism is constitutively expressed and unresponsive to or only weakly regulated by Pi supply. The use of PstS/pstS as a marker for P-limitation in natural samples, therefore, should be interpreted with caution.

Mangrove stands are uncommon within semi-arid climates and rare within inland systems. It is uncertain whether the same environmental variables influence mangroves growing in a semi-arid climate as the trees growing in tropical and sub-tropical areas. Field studies conducted on the ecophysiological responses of the mangrove species Avicennia marina are few; however hydrological regimes are considered the key factor influencing mangrove stand zonation, structure and individual tree growth. The Gascoyne region of Western Australia provides a unique opportunity to investigate whether mangroves growing within an inland semi-arid environment display similar growth patterns and ecophysiological responses to their coastal counterparts. This study investigates the distribution, structure and condition of the mangrove A. marina growing at Lake MacLeod and coastal and riverine stands near Carnarvon, Western Australia. Hydrological categories based on freshwater inputs, tidal influences, distance from permanent water sources and sediment elevations were used to investigate the environmental conditions present within specific hydrological regimes. Mangrove tree responses to environmental conditions were evaluated by assessing above-ground biomass, shoot production, water-use efficiency, photosynthesis, specific leaf area, weight and total chloride content. The overarching objective was to determine the environmental factors influencing the presence, morphology and physiological state of A. marina growing at inland, coastal and riverine sites in a semi-arid climate. Soil moisture content, organic matter content, average and seasonal range in sediment EC, and distance from the permanent water sources were found to influence vegetation characteristics at Lake MacLeod. Soil moisture content was highest close to permanent ponds and at lower sediment elevations. Sediment salinity was highest close to pond edges, although the majority of the lake bed is hypersaline due to high evapoconcentration. The environmental gradients are complex at Lake MacLeod as a result of the unique hydrological regime. Seawater supply to permanent ponds is constant via an underground karst system which enters the lake through vents and seepages present along the western edge of the lake bed. It is evident that the constant supply of marine water is the key environmental factor supporting mangrove presence and structure. Average mangrove tree height, basal area, density and canopy cover are greatest near the permanent ponds. Mangrove density and height was also high, though patchy away from the ponds where saline seepages occurred. A high density of stunted mangroves was found on lake shorelines receiving periodic saline flooding via wind surges. Samphire cover was also greatest close to the permanent ponds, demonstrating that both mangrove and Samphire presence and importance is influenced by consistency of water availability. Sediment conditions were significantly different between inland and coastal sites, with sediment salinity and moisture content higher at Lake MacLeod. The ecophysiological responses displayed by A. marina in different categories of hydrological regimes revealed that consistency of water supply, irrespective of salinity, is an important driver of long and short-term productivity, water-use efficiency, leaf size and weight, and tree height. In general, short and long-term production was inversely proportional to distance from permanent water sources, although it was highly variable due to seepages away from the permanent ponds. Mangrove trees growing at the landward edge of coastal sites were the most water-use efficient (~ -28 δ¹³C), relative to the inland Lake MacLeod trees (~ - 26 δ¹³C), and was directly linked to water supply not quality. Photosystem health in trees growing at both the riverine stands (yield 0.66 ± 0.01) and inland stands found at greater distances from ponds (yield 0.065 ± 0.02), were significantly lower than all other trees in this study. Relative maximum electron transfer rate was also significantly lower at these sites, suggesting that the riverine trees were affected by other stresses such as herbicides. Mangrove trees near permanent water sources, or that received tidal flushing, displayed larger leaves and lower specific leaf weight, indicating that A. marina has the ability to not only tolerate hypersaline conditions but also acclimate to harsh and variable conditions via changes to ecophysiological responses and morphology. This research has developed a better understanding of how A. marina persists at Lake MacLeod and whether these trees are under greater stress as opposed to the mangroves growing at coastal stands. Sediment conditions between coastal and inland sites were significantly different, but it was distance from permanent water sources that influenced mangrove stand features. Therefore, the key environmental variable influencing distribution, structure and ecophysiological state of A. marina growing in a semi-arid climate is predominantly water availability.

Increased availability of natural gas has boosted research and development efforts to further increase gas turbine performance. Performance has been increased remarkably and unit cost reduced due to achievements gained in improving thermodynamic cycles and cooling technologies. However, increased complexity in power industry regulations and fluctuations in fuel price have indicated that all the aforementioned improvements in gas turbine performance could not cope with the increased competition in the gas turbine industrial market. Innovation within the aero-derivative concept has enabled further significant improvement in the performance of industrial gas turbines. It allows a more beneficial approach than developing new designs of industrial gas turbines owing to reduced designing time and cost. Objectives in this project focus on developing a methodology of design and assessing aeroderivative gas turbine engines derived from a 130-seat aircraft engine. Developed methodology includes techno-economic and environmental assessment, conducted through further developments of models based on Techno-economic and Environmental Risk Assessment (TERA) philosophy, to be applied in further industrial applications. Tools used in this investigation include a significant literature research on the development of aero-derivative gas turbine technologies, including thermodynamic cycles and its land-based applications. Turbomatch is a homebased code developed in Cranfield University, used in calculating design point and predicting off-design performance of parent aero-engine and the aeroderivative engines developed. Excel and FORTRAN code are also used in calculating engine’s design parameters, and creating a model of life estimation Creep. Moreover, FORTRAN code is used for building emission and economic models for power generation and combined heat and power applications. Finally, MATLAP code is used in creating a small model for generating performance TXT files, and running marine integrated models platform. All models needed to develop the methodology have been created, and calculations of an engine’s performance and assessment were conducted based on this developed methodology. Sensible results are generated from the investigated methodology and they show acceptable designs of aero-derivative engines on different thermodynamic cycles. Based on the acceptable level of technology and material thermal barriers, all design and off-design performance limitations of new developed aero-derivative engines have been determined for a wide range of ambient conditions. Techno-economic and environmental assessment performed through implementing the developed aero-derivative engines on power generation and marine applications under different operating scenarios. Results of operating the engines on power generation and marine applications have been investigated and compared. It is observed that engines respond differently when operating under different environmental profiles, depending on the number of units engaged and their thermodynamic cycle as well as mechanical configurations. Also, the selected specific gas turbine engine can be the best economical choice for operating on determined scenario, while it cannot be when operating in different scenarios. Assessment of developed engines on the investigated application shows how the lowest specific cost (small engine size) can constitute important criteria in engine selection.

The ability of corals to build reefs can be attributed to their relationship with single-celled algae of the familySymbiodiniaceae.Through the process of photosynthesis, these algae can provide their coral hosts with over 90% of their daily energy requirements. Most coral species acquire multiple species of symbionts from the surrounding water during their larval stage or immediately after settling. However, over time, the coral will select a dominant symbiont speciesthat can depend on the local environment. Until this study, the size or age of the coral at which this transition from multiple Symbiodiniaceaespecies to one dominant species occurs has remained uncertain. Likewise, it was unclear whether the selection of Symbiodiniaceaespeciesis influenced by the environment. The environmental conditions and symbiont composition of one hundred and eighteen juvenile Siderastrea siderea were assessed across four sites in Broward County, Florida. Presuming newly settled corals acquire multiple symbionts and then select just one dominant species, it was determined that the transition from multiple symbiont speciesto one dominant species in Siderastrea sidereaoccurs in the single polyp stage, between the time of settlement and approximately 4 to 6 months of age. The results also suggest that the selection of these dominant symbiont speciesis influenced by the environment, and that juveniles commonly select the same species as adults inhabiting similar environmental conditions. The selection of symbionts homologous to adult corals combined with environmental influences may be an early indicator of acclimatization in Siderastrea siderea.

Marine Renewable Energy (MRE) is a promising source of energy for the future. However, it is still under development and many challenges need to be overcome to develop competitive solutions. While the design of the station keeping system of traditional offshore oil and gas structures is driven mainly by their low frequency motions, MRE devices are installed at nearshore locations and move dynamically. Because of these criteria, MRE mooring systems require novel mooring systems and associated standards. MRE mooring standards need to take into account the highly dynamic behaviour of these systems, which can lead to large mooring loads. The nature of these loads needs to be investigated to improve the confidence in mooring design and to improve cost-effectiveness. The aim of this thesis is to develop the understanding of peak mooring loads on highly dynamic mooring systems, in particular, the environmental conditions associated with the loads. In addition, preliminary research into the response of the mooring systems to environmental conditions is presented. Both field tests and tank tests have been conducted. Field tests give insight into the behaviour of a dynamic mooring system in real sea conditions. Measuring the mooring loads and the environmental conditions - wave, and current if available – for several months, a methodology has been developed to detect peak mooring loads and identify the associated environmental conditions in order to compare them with the environmental conditions recorded throughout the field tests. The principal finding is that peak mooring loads occur for sea states with large but not always the highest significant wave height HS. The understanding of the effect of tidal conditions on peak mooring loads requires further work. A tank test of a dynamic mooring system in moderate sea states has been conducted to observe the dynamic behaviour of the mooring system. Tank tests enable detailed observations of the dynamic behaviour of a system in a well controlled environment and allow the calibration of a numerical model. The model can be used to investigate separate physical parameters. The results from this thesis will assist in the development of specific standards for MRE mooring systems. These standards are essential for the evolution of the MRE industry.

The diseases Dermo and MSX have devastated Chesapeake Bay populations of the eastern oyster, Crassostrea virginica. The protozoan Perkinsus marinus, which causes Dermo, is particularly problematic since it persists over a wide range of salinities and temperatures. An objective of this dissertation was to determine whether specific wild oyster stocks had developed natural resistance to Dermo and if several parameters (survival, growth, condition and energy reserves) were associated with resistance. Another objective was to characterize heat shock protein (hsp70) expression in the eastern oyster. Heat shock proteins such as hsp70 protect organisms from thermal stress and other stressors, and this function may play an important role in disease resistance in oysters. In field trials a F0 Chesapeake Bay stock from Tangier Sound (CTS) survived similarly to a disease resistant hatchery strain (XB). A Louisiana stock was also resistant to Dermo, but not MSX. Despite high mortality, a disease-susceptible stock (CRB) reached market size the fastest. Growth and condition index varied between stocks, but did not reflect Dermo resistance. Energy reserves were affected strongly by season, but not disease or stock. Results imply that Dermo resistant strains could be developed from these stocks but criteria for optimal strain selection for aquaculture and restoration may be divergent. Mortalities of F1 oysters (CRB, CTS and XB) were similar to F0 parents, demonstrating a genetic basis to Dermo resistance. Total hsp70 did not correlate with seasonal temperatures, while hsp70 isoforms (hsp69 and hsp72) varied inversely across seasons. Hsp70 did not vary significantly between strains, indicating a stronger environmental influence on hsp70 expression. In lab experiments hsp70 in oyster gills was elevated greater than two weeks after a sub-lethal heat shock. Thermal tolerance, but not hsp70, varied between CTS and Louisiana oyster stocks. Heat shock protected oysters experimentally infected with P. marinus and non-infected oysters from lethal heat stress. Infection alone induced expression of hsp70. Observed inherent and induced differences in thermal tolerance suggest that both genotype and phenotype may be manipulated to improve survival in cultured bivalves. The implications of this research for bivalve aquaculture as well as areas for future research are discussed.

Recent research has suggested that the build-up of a Diffusion Boundary Layer (DBL) around the coral’s tissue can potentially create a buffer to ocean acidification and oxygen depletion. However, to date few studies have investigated the DBL’s potential role in supporting corals’ calcification and highlighted contrasting results. In this study I analysed pH and oxygen dynamics within the DBL of two populations of the reef-building corals A. tenuis, M. digitata and P. damicornis, originating from two sites with markedly different flow regimes, under a combination of slow/fast flow and ambient/low pH in indoor flumes. Furthermore, I attempted to determine the effect of water flow under different pH conditions upon corals' calcification, photosynthesis and respiration. Finally, I assessed in situ physiological responses of corals to changes in flow speeds through a crossed transplant experiment carried out in the lagoon of Bouraké, a naturally extreme and variable environment in New Caledonia. The results of the present study show that hydrodynamic conditions, characterising the environment in which coral grow, have a deep impact on the build-up of a DBL and, therefore, on coral’s physiology. Water flow seems to have different effects on metabolic processes, driving species-specific responses that can further differ among individuals within the same species. Slow flows leaded to significant increases in pH and oxygen concentration within the DBL of all three species, and in A. tenuis and M. digitata ameliorated the negative impact of ocean acidification, allowing corals to sustain higher calcification rates in slow flows than in fast flows. These findings suggest that slow flow habitats, where a DBL can form, may act as a potential refugia for some species of corals and thus the DBL must be considered as potential tool in the conservation of coral reefs under future climate change conditions.

La PSM est un processus de mise en cohérence des usages en mer dans un contexte de diversification des activités maritimes. Ce processus public s'est concrétisé dans l'Union Européenne avec l’adoption de la Directive-cadre 2014/89/UE du 23 juillet 2014, établissant un cadre pour la planification de l’espace maritime. La PSM se diffuse de plus en plus dans l’ensemble des régions du monde avec des approches différenciées et la mise en avant des priorités propres à chaque pays. Si la protection de l'environnement ne constitue pas l’objectif essentiel de la PSM, elle n’en demeure pas moins un élément central. La continuité des écosystèmes marins et la dépendance des activités maritimes au milieu supposent d’accorder une place importance à l’enjeu écologique. Il importe désormais de proposer les conditions juridiques qui permettent cette intégration environnementale dans ce processus.L’idée d’intégration en lien avec le concept de développement durable irrigue le processus de planification et découle de l’application du droit de l'environnement notamment par les outils transversaux tels que la participation du public ou encore l’étude d’impact stratégique.Cependant, ces outils n’existent pas partout. C’est pourquoi, nous développons des arguments pour l’adoption et l’adaptation de ces instruments transversaux comme des préalables à l’élaboration des plans spatiaux marins. Ces préalables constituent une condition de la cohérence normative et institutionnelle des activités déployées sur le milieu marin dans un objectif de gestion intégrée.La multiplicité et la diversité des instruments normatifs et institutionnels existant en mer constituent en effet l’un des grands écueils à l’harmonisation des utilisations des espaces marins. La PSM qui se présenterait comme le réceptacle de ces enjeux, dans une finalité de mise en cohérence, nécessite donc un encadrement juridique qui constitue un facteur de sécurité juridique à la fois pour la protection de l’environnement mais aussi pour les acteurs impliqués
MSP is a process for ensuring the consistency of uses at sea in a context of diversification of maritime activities. This public process took shape in the European Union with the Directive 2014/89/EU of 23 July 2014, establishing a framework for maritime spatial planning. The MSP is increasingly spreading to all regions of the world with differentiated approaches and the promotion of country-specific priorities. While environmental protection is not the main objective of the MSP, it is nevertheless a central element. The continuity of marine ecosystems and the dependence of maritime activities on the environment imply that the ecological issue must be given a prominent place. It is now important to propose the legal conditions that allow this environmental integration into this process.The idea of integration in connection with the concept of sustainable development informs the planning process, and results from the application of environmental law, in particular through transversal tools such as public participation or strategy impact assessment.However, these tools do not exist everywhere. This is why we are developing arguments for the adoption and adaptation of these transversal instruments as prerequisites for the development of marine spatial plans.These prerequisites are a condition for normative and institutional coherence of activities carried out in the marine environment with a view to integrated management.The multiplicity and diversity of normative and institutional instruments existing in the marine field constitute one of the major obstacles to the harmonization of the uses of marine spaces. The MSP, which would present itself as the receptacle of these issues, in order to ensure coherence, requires a legal framework that constitutes a factor of legal security both for the protection of the environment and for the actors involved

In upcoming decades, the conservation and sustainable use of coastal and marine resources will become a major political and environmental challenge, as two-thirds of the world's population lives in coastal zones. The issue will likely become more problematic in developing countries, where an important number of coastal inhabitants still rely on marginal extractive activities such as fishing, farming and cattle ranching for subsistence, and where the rural poor's demand for development often lead to unsustainable extractive practices. Thus, innovative solutions need to be developed to ensure the long-term conservation and sound management of marine and coastal resources. This Masters thesis addresses the case of Coiba National Park, a marine protected area located in the Gulf of Chiriqui, Panama, and its relationship with coastal fishing and farming communities located at its outskirt. Particularly, this thesis aims to discover the drivers that pushed an important number of coastal agro-pastoralists of Coiba National Park's buffer zone to switch to artisanal fishing over the past three decades, and to determine the social, economic, and environmental impacts that resulted from that switch. In addition, this thesis analyses the relationship between Coiba National Park's authorities and buffer zone communities, and how this relationship has evolved over the years as more and more resource-users exploit the marine resources of the park. Finally, this work analyses Coiba National Park's current management strategy, how park authorities have been able to adapt their planning and management activities over the years, and explores alternatives to improve Coiba National Park's management strategy so that it can better adapt to the ever changing social, economic, and environmental conditions in which Coiba National Park's buffer zone operates.

Les organismes font face à des compromis entre leur reproduction, leur maintenance et leur survie, dont découlent des stratégies adaptatives énergétiques, comportementales et écologiques.Ce travail de thèse propose de préciser les stratégies de reproduction chez la tortue luth Dermochelys coriacea nidifiant en Guyane. Nous avons étudié les caractéristiques maternelles, les performances de reproduction et les potentiels liens existants entre la migration et la reproduction chez une population d'individus d'identité connue, suivis grâce à un suivi longitudinal original combinant biométrie, physiologie et biologie moléculaire.Premièrement nous montrons que les tortues luth opèrent comme des reproducteurs sur capital, i.e., leur reproduction repose sur les ressources stockées sous forme de réserves corporelles pendant la migration précédant la saison de ponte. D'autre part, nous suggérons que les femelles ajustent la durée de leur migration en fonction des conditions océanographiques rencontrées pendant la migration. Ceci leur permettrait, à l'échelle de la vie, de répondre au compromis entre la reproduction en cours et les reproductions futures. Enfin, notre démarche souligne l'importance de prendre en compte les caractéristiques individuelles dans la compréhension des stratégies de reproduction, et de manière ultime pour l'établissement de modèles réalistes de la dynamique des populations, notamment dans le cas d'espèces emblématiques telles que les tortues marines.

The presence of the sea ice diatom biomarker IP25 in Arctic marine sediments has been used in previous studies as a proxy for past spring sea ice occurrence and as an indicator of wider palaeoenvironmental conditions for different regions of the Arctic over various timescales. The current study describes a number of analytical and palaeoceanographic developments of the IP25 sea ice biomarker. First, IP25 was extracted and purified from Arctic marine sediments. This enabled the structure of IP25 to be confirmed and enabled instrumental (GC-MS) calibrations to be carried out so that quantitative measurements could be performed with greater accuracy. Second, palaeo sea ice reconstructions based on IP25 and other biomarkers were carried out for a suite of sub-Arctic areas within the Greenland, Norwegian and Barents Seas, each of which represent contrasting oceanographic and environmental settings. Further, an evaluation of some combined biomarker approaches (e.g. the PIP25 and DIP25 indices) for quantifying and/or refining definitions of sea ice conditions was carried out. Temporally, particular emphasis was placed on the characterisation of sea ice conditions during the Younger Dryas and the Holocene. Some comparisons with other proxies (e.g. foraminifera, IRD) were also made. A study of a sediment core from Andfjorden (69.16˚N, 16.25˚E), northern Norway, provided unequivocal evidence for the occurrence of seasonal sea ice conditions during the Younger Dryas. The onset (ca. 12.9 cal. kyr BP) and end (ca. 11.5 cal. kyr BP) of this stadial were especially clear in this location, while in a study from the Kveithola Trough (74.52˚N, 16.29˚E), western Barents Sea, these transitions were less apparent. This was attributed to the presence of colder surface waters and the occurrence of seasonal sea ice both before and after this stadial at higher latitudes. Some regional differences regarding the severity of the sea ice conditions were also observed, although an overall general picture was proposed, with more severe sea ice conditions during the early-mid Younger Dryas and less sea ice observed during the late Younger Dryas. A shift in the climate towards ice-free conditions was recorded in northern Norway during the early Holocene (ca. 11.5 – 7.2 cal. kyr BP). Milder conditions were also observed during the Holocene in the western Barents Sea, with three main climate periods observed. During the early Holocene (ca. 11.7 – 9.5 cal. kyr BP), the position of the spring ice edge was close to the study area which resulted in high productivity during summers. During the mid-late Holocene (ca. 9.5 – 1.6 cal. kyr BP), sea ice was mainly absent due to an increased influence of Atlantic waters and northward movement of the Polar Front. During the last ca. 1.6 cal. kyr BP, sea ice conditions were similar to those of the present day. In addition to the outcomes obtained from the Norwegian-Barents Sea region, comparison of biomarker and other proxy data from 3 short cores from Kangerdlugssuaq Trough (Denmark Strait/SE Greenland) with historical climate observations allowed the development of a model of sea ice conditions which was then tested for longer time-scales. It is suggested that the IP25 in sediments from this region is likely derived from drift ice carried from the Arctic Ocean via the East Greenland Current and that two main sea surface scenarios have existed over the last ca. 150 yr. From ca. AD 1850 – 1910, near perennial sea ice conditions resulted in very low primary productivity, while from ca. AD 1910 – 1986, local sea ice conditions were less severe with increased drift ice and enhanced primary productivity. This two-component model was subsequently developed to accommodate different sea surface conditions that existed during the retreat of the Greenland Ice Sheet during the deglaciation (ca. 16.3 – 10.9 cal. kyr BP).

The Veracruz Reef System (VRS) is located in the southwestern Gulf of Mexico. It is comprised of 28 coral reefs in various stages of development and conservation. They are protected under the Parque Nacional Sistema Arrecifal Veracruzano National Park created in 1992. There are many threats to the reefs of the VRS, including the Port and city of Veracruz, which hosts half a million inhabitants and Mexico’s oldest active port. The inhabitants of Veracruz have used reef resources for thousands of years, as evidenced in archaeological sites on Sacrificios island, and constructions throughout the city, most notably in the San Juan de Ulúa Fort which was built entirely of coral skeletons. Despite the usage and protection given under the National Park, there is relatively little known about the health and condition of the stony corals in the System. There has only been one large scale study of 21 reefs conducted in the VRS in the late 1980’s. Since then, the National Park was created and 28 reefs are now recognized. This study performed point-intercept transects on 24 of these reefs including five reefs added to the official list in 2012. Point-intercept transects were surveyed at 63 sites between 2007 and 2014. Percent cover was calculated for seven functional groups. Additionally, demographic data of a subset of individual stony coral colonies were assessed on each transect. The functional group with the greatest cover in the VRS was crustose coralline algae (mean ± S.E.: 28.9% ± 1.97), stony corals had the second highest cover (21.5% ± 1.24). The Jamapa river divides the VRS into two groups the Veracruz group to the North and the Anton Lizardo group to the south of the river mouth. The Veracruz group had lower crustose coralline algae cover (28.1% ± 2.71) and coral cover (17.8% ± 1.55) than the Anton Lizardo group (29.6% ± 2.87 CCA and 25.3% ± 1.86 coral cover). The highest average coral cover on a reef was recorded at Ahogado Chico (45.5% ± 5.58), and the highest cover recorded on a single transect was 70% at Santiaguillo reef. The lowest coral cover was recorded at the fringing reefs on the north of the VRS, Punta Gorda and Punta Brava which had less than 1% coral cover. Coral colonies averaged 69.1 cm ± 3.10 in length at the VRS, 56.8 cm ± 2.98 in the Veracruz group and 81.7 cm ± 5.11 in the Antón Lizardo group. Old partial mortality was 25% ± 1.05 overall and similar between groups, recent partial mortality was 1.2% ± 0.21 and 1% at both groups. Disease prevalence was 3.9% for the VRS, 2.9% ± 0.88 in the Veracruz group and 4.9% ± 1.11 in the Antón Lizardo group. Overall, these reefs are faring slightly better than other reefs in the Caribbean having higher coral cover and larger colonies. However, the great variability in the health and condition of these reefs demands added attention and clear management goals to ensure their persistence in the face of ever growing threats. It is important to decrease the sources of stress, such as construction and poor waste water management in the area, better regulate fishing and approach a watershed wide management plan which takes into account upstream effects from the rivers that discharge into the Veracruz Reef System.

To study the impact of environmental changes in a coastal marine ecosystem, it is necessary to use indicator species. It is crucial to understand the foraging performances that proceed from environmental changes. The aim of my thesis was to examine the influence of intrinsic and extrinsic factors on the foraging activity of the little penguins (Eudyptula minor). The thermocline allowed birds to approach optimal behaviour. However, the thermocline is an unstable element. I did not find any effect of individual characteristics on their foraging behaviour and success. My work suggests that environmental conditions are major factors that will influence the behaviour of little penguins, allowing me to conclude that little penguins are good ecological indicators.

L'étude des mécanismes endocriniens est particulièrement intéressante du fait du rôle majeur des hormones dans la régulation des interactions entre la physiologie d'un organisme, son comportement, et les modifications de son environnement. Cette thèse s'est intéressée aux relations entre le statut hormonal, les performances de reproduction et le succès reproducteur d'un oiseau marin longévif, le manchot Adélie Pygoscelis adeliae, dans un contexte environnemental soumis à des changements. Le statut endocrinien de manchots mâles a été manipulé en utilisant des implants dégradables sous-cutanés diffusant l'hormone d'intérêt ou un inhibiteur de sa sécrétion. Les effets d'une modification des niveaux d'hormones sur l'investissement parental pendant l'incubation ont été mesurés à l'aide d'observations directes et d'oeufsfactices enregistrant les paramètres d'incubation. Les niveaux de corticostérone - hormone dite de stress, de prolactine - hormone des soins parentaux, et de testostérone - hormone liée aux comportements sexuels et à l'agressivité, ont été manipulés. Les effets d'une augmentation des niveaux de corticostérone sur les performances et le succès reproducteur pendant la période de l'élevage des poussins ont également été mesurés. Enfin, les conséquences d'une légère élévation des niveaux de corticostérone pendant l'ensemble de la saison de reproduction en termes de comportement et de succès reproducteur ont été examinées. Une augmentation des niveaux de corticostérone a globalement diminué les performances et le succès de reproduction. D'autre part, une modification des niveaux de prolactine ou de testostérone a affecté la durée etles paramètres d'incubation, suggérant une implication de ces deux hormones dans le contrôle de la phénologie de la reproduction. Les résultats présentés dans cette thèse mettent l'accent sur le fait que la relation entre statut endocrinien et performances de reproduction est dose, état et contexte dépendante. Nos résultats illustrent le rôle majeur des hormones étudiées dans la régulation de l'effort reproducteur, et soulignent également l'importance de considérer les interactions entre les organismes et leur environnement.

Thesis (PhD) -- Stellenbosch University, 2004.
ENGLISH ABSTRACT:Heavy metals are persistent environmental contaminants whose sources of inputs into the environment are both natural and anthropogenic. The levels of heavy metals (cadmium, copper, nickel, lead and zinc) in the False Bay intertidal zone were measured in the water, sediments and invertebrate species between August 2000 and August 2001. The results of the water and sediment analyses revealed that most pollution was associated with the northern shore of the bay between Strand and Muizenberg, where the most populated and industrial catchments occur. Significant spatial variations occurred, indicating the presence of localised contamination, while seasonal variations may be related to changes in precipitation and runoff at different times of the year. The concentrations of cadmium, nickel and lead were occasionally higher than the levels recommended by the South African Water Quality Standards. The possible sources of pollution at the different sites are also discussed. The concentrations of the five metals in the different invertebrate species (Oxystele tigrina, 0. sinensis, Choromytilus meridionalis, Patella oculus, Patiriella exigua and Tetraclita serrata) also revealed significant seasonal and spatial variations, with both the soft tissues and shells accumulating heavy metals. The barnacle T serrata from Rooiels had the highest cadmium concentration (70.67 J.lg/g dry weight), which may be related to historic pollution inputs from the military activities which took place at a weapons testing site at this site between 1987 and 1994, although no evidence was found to confirm this. The periwinkle 0. tigrina from Strand had the highest copper concentration (70.25 J.lg/g) while the limpet P. oculus from the same site had the highest nickel concentration (35.75 J.lg/g). The shells of the mussel C. meridionalis from Muizenberg had the highest concentration of lead (25.75 J.lg/g). Since cadmium occurs as a constituent of phosphate fertilisers used widely in the False Bay catchments, the effects of cadmium exposure on the different species were investigated during 14-day laboratory exposures to 200 and 400 J.lg/LCdCh. The results revealed a general pattern of tissue metal increase in the exposed organisms, followed by slight reductions after decontamination in clean seawater. The viscera and kidneys of C. meridionalis accumulated most of the dissolved cadmium. The shells of the mussels also accumulated cadmium, indicating the possible use of shells as a detoxification matrix.
AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING:Swaarmetale is persisterende omgewingskontaminante waarvan die insetbronne beide natuurlik of van menslike oorsprong kan wees. Die kontaminasievlakke van swaarmetale (kadmium, koper, nikkel, lood en sink) in die Valsbaai tussengetysone is in die water, sedimente en invertebraatspesies bepaal vanaf Augustus 2000 tot Augustus 2001. Voorlopige resultate van die water- en sedimentontledings het getoon dat die meeste besoedeling by die noordelikke oewer van die baai voorgekom het tussen Strand and Muizenberg, waar die mees digbewoonde en ge-industrialiseerde opvangsgebiede is. Betekenisvolle ruimtelike en seisoenale variasie het in die konsentrasies van swaarmetale voorgekom, met die ruimtelike variasie wat moontlik gelokaliseerde kontaminasie aandui terwyl die seisoenale variasies weer verband mag hou met veranderings in die neerslag en afloop gedurende verskillende tye van die jaar. Die konsentrasie van kadmium, nikkel en lood was somtyds hoer as die vlakke wat deur die Suid-Afrikaanse Waterkwaliteitsstandaarde voorgestel word. Die moontlike bronne van besoedeling in die verskillende areas is ook in bespreking genoem. Die konsentrasies van die vyf swaametale in die verskillende invertebraatspesies (Oxystele tigrina, 0. sinensis, Choromytilus meridionalis, Patella oculus, Patiriella exigua and Tetraclita serrata) het ook seisoenale en ruimtelike variasies vertoon, die swaarmetale het in die sagte weefsel en skulpe van die invertebrate geakkumuleer. Die hoogste gemiddelde konsentrasie van kadmium (70.67 ).lg/g droe massa) is in die heel-liggaam monsters van die eendemossel T serrata gemeet wat by Rooiels versamel is. Die vlakke mag verband hou met die oprigting en aktiwiteite van die wapentoetsingsaanleg in die opvanggebied van die Rooiels lokaliteit tussen 1987 en 1994, maar geen bewyse daarvan is gevind nie. Die tolletjie, 0. tigrina wat in die 10kaliteit by Strand versamel is het die hoogste gemiddelde konsentrasie koper gehad 70.25 pig droe massa), terwyl die klipmossel P. oculus by dieselfde versamelpunt die hoogste konsentrasie nikkel (35.75 ).lg/gdroe massa) gehad het. Eksperimentele studies is ook uitgevoer op vier invertebraat spesies wat vir 14 dae in akwaria blootgestel is aan see-water met 200 en 400 p,g/L CdCh, en daama gedekontamineer is in skoon seewater.
The NRF and the University of Stellenbosch, for funding this study.

碩士
國立臺灣大學
大氣科學研究所
105
This study aims to discuss the cloud structure transition of marine low clouds propagating equatorward from the subtropics. Using the three dimensional Vector Vorticity equation cloud-resolving Model (VVM), idealized experiments are performed to determine the timing of stratus cloud to cumulus-under-stratus transition. In the control experiment, sea surface temperature (SST) increases as the large-scale subsidence decreases following the observational track calculated with the Lagrangian method. Sensitivity experiments are performed by modifying the total water mixing ratio difference (〖-∆q〗_t) and liquid water potential temperature difference (∆θ_l) between the free atmosphere and the boundary layer to evaluate the timing of stratus cloud breakup and cumulus-under-stratocumulus cloud development. The timing of the transition is determined by the liquid water path (LWP) probability density function (PDF) analyses. The results suggest that the stratus clouds breakup occurs around 44 minutes in the control run, and transits to cumulus-under-stratocumulus around 3 hours 28 minutes. While 〖-∆q〗_t increases (decreases) by 2.00 g kg-1, the timing of the stratus clouds breakup advances (postpones) 35 minutes (1 hour 20 minutes), and the timing of the cumulus-under-stratocumulus development advances (postpones) 1 hour 50 minutes (6 hours 25 minutes). In the experiments when the ∆θ_l decreases 4.98 K, the timing of stratus cloud breakup and cumulus-under-stratocumulus development both advances. While 〖-∆q〗_t stays the same (decreases by 2.00 g kg-1), the timing of the stratus clouds breaking advances 50 minutes (1 hour 40 minutes), and the timing of the cumulus-under-stratocumulus development advances 1 hour 30 minutes (7 hours 20 minutes). The timing of the cumulus-under-stratocumulus development is 3.8 times faster as well as the boundary layer height raises 1.7 times faster than the experiments which have higher ∆θ_l. The above experiments suggest that the transition of the marine boundary clouds are influenced by both 〖-∆q〗_t and ∆θ_l. On the other hand, the development of boundary layer depth is mainly influenced by ∆θ_l.

碩士
國立東華大學
環境政策研究所
96
The objectives of this study is(1) to collect the reference of coral ecological to know the coral life condition(2) to use the matrix model screen indicators and develop the conception model to choice indicator(3) to develop marine environmental condition indicators base on indicator analysis and the indicator trend(4) to confer standard marine environmental condition indicators. Use the collect rules, such as (1) human activity (2) land use condition (3) environmental condition (4) limit of the database. The health coral reef is the most important coastal indicator, if the coral quality is more, than the study can conjecture the marine condition better. After screening step, the study generalizes the study area are Green Island and Hengchun Peninsula, the coral reef quality make more in all of study area, so can reasonable conjecture the marine in the monitor years is making better. The coral monitor quality only have two years, data is too less. In future, if the study primary indicator must to search more database to improve the environmental trend and analysis result.

碩士
國立臺灣海洋大學
環境生物與漁業科學學系
95
Yellow-fin tuna is one of the major target fishes of commercial tuna longline fishery in the Arabian Sea. In this study, we collected the catch statistical data of yellow-fin tuna, water temperature, and satellite-derived data during the period of 1998 to 2004 for analysis. The satellite-derived data include Sea surface temperature (SST), ocean color, Sea surface height, precipitation images, and wind speed of the Arabian Sea. Principle components analysis (PCA) is used to investigate the relationship between the fishing condition of yellow-fin tuna and the oceanic environmental factors. The catch data shows that the fishing season began from February to July, the averaged CPUE (Catch per unit effort) is 10.71 (inds/1000 hooks)， the highest value of mean(±SD) about 17.58(±9.47) (inds/1000 hooks) in April and May. The result of PCA shows seasonal evolution of CPUE and oceanic condition of the Arabian Sea. The fishing condition of yellow-fin tuna may vary with the water temperature, thermocline depth, the occurrence rate of forge, and the body length. In general, the water temperature at 105 m is 21~24°C and thermocline of 115~155m during the high CPUE period. When the southwesterly monsoon increased with the strong Somalia Basin upwelling, the water temperature changes more quickly and then the CPUE value gradually decreases accordingly. Yellow-fin tuna was much like inhabited at the oceanic condition in stable, while the shallow thermocline depth less then 125m enhancing the the aggregating density which may cause the highest catch in 2004 in Arabian Sea. At the same time, the positive relationship of 2-month lag of Chl-a concentration and CPUE suggested the forage concentration of Yellow-fin tuna was also the attracted factors to accumulate the tuna school. The monthly mean body length of yellow-fin tuna is varied about 98cm to 145cm by month and year. The CPUE was also significantly in accordance with the occurrence rate of young yellow-fin tuna less than 105 cm of body length, as the monthly mean length of yellow-fin caught was varied between 98 to 112 cm in 2002. It suggested the high CPUE in 2002 was associated with the more recruits.

以海洋浮游植物為載體生產高附加值代謝產物如多不飽和脂肪酸、類胡蘿蔔素和多糖受它們所生存的環境條件影響。本研究旨在從一些選定的海洋浮游植物中比較使用不利物理環境處理條件如紫外線和低溫為誘導因數的有效性。首先，以來自於五種不同門的海洋浮游植物如紫球藻、新月菱形藻、湛江等鞭金藻、亞心形扁藻和集胞藻為研究物件進行調查和比較各自細胞體內各種脂肪酸、色素、碳水化合物和胞外多糖以及總類菌胞素氨基酸的含量水準，以篩選這些代謝物含量豐富的物種來進行進一步的物理誘導研究。 同時，對這五種浮游植物的90%丙酮提取物的抗氧化活性進行了比較。最後，通過利用化學方法和透射電鏡技術以及蛋白質組學分析方法， 對紫外線光和低溫如何施加影響於浮游植物代謝物的回應機制進行了研究。
採用包括太陽紫外線光（紫外線A和紫外線B）和人工365納米紫外線A等紫外線輻射條件，本研究對於四種進一步優選的海洋浮游植物紫球藻、新月菱形藻、湛江等鞭金藻和亞心形扁藻的生長及其代謝物如多不飽和脂肪酸、類胡蘿蔔素、多糖和總類菌胞素氨基酸的合成影響進行了進一步的比較。
在有關太陽紫外線的研究中，作為對於強烈太陽紫外輻射的回應，在亞心形扁藻胞內的類胡蘿蔔素如岩藻黃素和新葉黃素可在早期培養階段顯著（< 0.05）積累。此外，長期暴露於太陽紫外線輻射條件能顯著增加（< 0.05）紫球藻胞內碳水化合物以及胞外多糖的合成與積累。然而，太陽紫外輻射對浮游植物脂肪酸的影響具有種屬特異性，已發現其雖能顯著（< 0.05）增加紫球藻以及亞心形扁藻胞內多不飽和脂肪酸的含量，然而卻抑制了新月菱形藻胞內多不飽和脂肪酸的合成。
在進行人工365納米紫外線A處理（進行為期3天的紫外線A脅迫及其後為期3天的無紫外線A輻射處理）的研究中，已發現紫外線A能促進兩種海洋浮游植物新月菱形藻和湛江等鞭金藻的生長、總體及個別多不飽和脂肪酸和類胡蘿蔔素以及總類菌胞素氨基酸的合成。紫外線A對浮游植物生長的影響也具有種屬特異性，在當前的研究中，與亞心形扁藻相比，365納米紫外線A更能顯著（< 0.05）抑制紫球藻的生長。但是，該波段紫外線A卻可提高紫球藻和扁藻這兩種浮游植物胞內多不飽和脂肪酸、總類胡蘿蔔素和總類菌胞素氨基酸的合成與生產及其扁藻的色素含量。
在低溫效應研究中，以低溫主要是極低溫度（0攝氏度）為誘導因數對進一步優選的紫球藻和亞心形扁藻（含豐富多不飽和脂肪酸和個別類胡蘿蔔素資源）的生長以及它們胞內代謝物如多不飽和脂肪酸和色素（主要為類胡蘿蔔素）的合成進行了比較研究。低溫特別是極低溫度對兩種浮游植物細胞膜的流動性的提高以及它們胞內總體及個別多不飽和脂肪酸和類胡蘿蔔素的積累具有正面作用。此外，我們提出了一些關於順勢結構不飽和脂肪酸和類胡蘿蔔素在細胞膜裏的可能的功能以及它們在調節和控制細胞膜中所扮演角色的假說，如不飽和脂肪酸的"升臂假說"和類胡蘿蔔素的"鉚釘加鎖和螺栓固定功能"假說。
此外，無細胞壁紫球藻和具細胞壁亞心形扁藻被進一步選擇用於透射電鏡觀察研究以比較它們的細胞在紫外線A和極低溫度處理前後超微結構的變化。結果顯示，通過部分影響一些細胞器的結構和尺寸而非影響正常生理功能，紫外線A對此兩種浮游植物的超微結構僅施加較少的損傷。另一方面，儘管極低溫度使這兩種浮游植物胞內大部分的細胞器收縮或變形從而導致它們的正常生理活動受到嚴重破壞，它們整體的細胞結構並未受到破壞。因此，此兩種處理方式下的透射電鏡照片顯示，這兩種浮游植物中各種代謝物的合成並未受到如此惡劣物理環境的影響。
利用一維凝膠蛋白質組學分析，我們鑒定了紫球藻和亞心形扁藻胞內的功能蛋白以及比較了它們在紫外線A和極低溫處理前後的表達差異。進一步的研究發現，這兩種浮游植物對於紫外線A的回應機制相當不同。紫外線A處理後，紫球藻胞內葡萄糖磷酸變位酶和磷酸甘露糖變位酶的表達提高可能有助於該浮游植物分泌多糖物質於胞外環境中以清除由紫外線A誘導產生的自由基，另外，紫球藻胞內的過氧化物酶體式抗壞血酸過氧化物酶被啟動來合成抗壞血酸鹽以應對胞內也由紫外線A誘導而產生的自由基。然而，亞心形扁藻細胞壁的存在可能導致其胞內無需一些抗氧化相關酶和一些和扁藻多不飽和脂肪酸以及類胡蘿蔔素合成有關的中間合成酶如葡萄糖磷酸變位酶和丙酮酸甲酸裂解酶的存在，這導致了一些高值代謝物如多不飽和脂肪酸和類胡蘿蔔素在扁藻中的合成受到了抑制。三磷酸腺苷合成酶在紫球藻胞內表達水準的提高可能目標在於合成大量三磷酸腺苷以修復由紫外線A導致而受到破壞的細胞器，然而，這些三磷酸腺苷合成酶在扁藻裏受到了抑制，顯示可能扁藻胞內的三磷酸腺苷合成酶可能對紫外線A敏感，也可能是紫外線A對扁藻胞內各種細胞器的損害要比對紫球藻小。紫球藻胞內的熱激蛋白可能有助於保持於紫外線A下的細胞活力，然而，扁藻胞內該蛋白在紫外線A下卻受到抑制，結果揭示可能熱激蛋白在扁藻胞內並不是主要的應激蛋白。借由通過上調核酮糖1，5二磷酸羧化酶/氧化酶的活性和同時下調一些光合作用反應中心的蛋白，紫外線A對紫球藻的光合作用產生影響，進而影響細胞生長。但是，在紫外線A下，上下調的蛋白在扁藻的光合作用中卻互換了角色。此外，紫球藻的光合作用因受核酮糖1，5-二磷酸羧化酶的上調以及光合系統反應蛋白的下調而受到影響，導致了對紫球藻生長的影響。然而，相反的結果發生在扁藻胞內。此外，3-磷酸甘油醛脫氫酶，葡萄糖載體蛋白以及磷酸丙糖異構酶活性的下調可能進一步影響到這兩種浮游植物的碳水化合物代謝和醣酵解功能。
在極低溫度下，依據酶動力學原理，此兩種浮游植物中各種蛋白的活性受到了抑制。在此0攝氏度下，紫球藻胞內與抗氧化相關的酶以及多糖合成酶的活性受到抑制從而對該浮游植物的代謝物合成系統產生影響。與此同時，一些與合成紫球藻代謝物相關的中間酶的合成活力也由此下降。14-3-3 蛋白，三磷酸鳥苷結合蛋白，Ras和Rab蛋白在紫球藻胞內的下調意味著其胞內的信號轉導系統效率下降。然而，與紫球藻比較，扁藻能保持一個更有效的信號轉導系統。此外，線粒體在極低溫度下的降解抑制了三磷酸腺苷在此兩種浮游植物中的合成。有趣地是，熱激蛋白在紫球藻胞內的表達水準保持穩定，這可能是由低溫應激產生的表達提高以及低溫抑制酶活力之間的一種平衡關係。但是，極低溫下扁藻胞內的熱激蛋白卻與在紫外線A脅迫條件下一樣，活性受到了抑制。同樣地，極低溫度也可能通過穩定核酮糖1，5二磷酸羧化酶/氧化酶的表達以及抑制一些光合作用反應中心蛋白的活性來部分影響紫球藻以及扁藻的光合作用系統。最後看來，磷酸葡糖異構酶和3-磷酸甘油醛脫氫酶在紫球藻胞內的活性降低以及扁藻胞內甘油醛-3-磷酸，磷酸甘油酸酯激酶，澱粉磷酸化酶，烯醇酶，葡萄糖載體蛋白和6-磷酸葡萄糖異構酶的表達下調可能導致了對這兩種浮游植物碳水化合物運輸和代謝能力產生抑制作用。
所有上述結果促進了我們對不利物理條件如紫外輻射和低溫如何能被利用于以海洋浮游植物為生物反應器來提高高附加值代謝物產量的理解並揭示了它們潛在的生物技術應用前景。
The production of valuable metabolites such as polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), carotenoids and polysaccharides by marine phytoplanktons is affected by environmental conditions in which they are living. This study aimed at comparing the effectiveness of using adverse physical treatment conditions including ultraviolet radiation and low temperature as the induction factors for enhancing the production of these useful metabolites from some selected marine phytoplanktons. Various levels of metabolite profiles including fatty acids, pigments, carbohydrates and exopolysaccharides as well as total mycosporine-like amino acids (MAAs) based on five marine phytoplanktons from different phyla including Porphyridium cruentum, Nitzschia closterium, Isochrysis zhangjiangensis, Platymonas subcordiformis and Synechocystis pevalekii were firstly compared to screen the metabolite-rich species for further physical induction study. The antioxidant activities of 90% acetone extracts in these five phytoplanktons were also compared. The underlying mechanisms by which ultraviolet light and low temperature exert their effects on the phytoplankton metabolites were investigated by using chemical methods and TEM techniques as well as proteomic analysis.
The effects of ultraviolet radiation (UVR) including solar UV light [band A (UVA) and band B (UVB)] and artificial 365-nm UVA light on the growth and production of metabolites such as PUFAs, carotenoids, polysaccharides and MAAs of P. cruentum, N. closterium, I. zhangjiangensis and P. subcordiformis were compared.
In the study of solar UVR, carotenoids such as fucoxanthin and neoxanthin in P. subcordiformis could be significantly (p<0.05) accumulated inside this species at the early cultivation stage as a response to intensive solar UVR. Furthermore, longer exposure to solar UVR could significantly increase (p<0.05) the synthesis and accumulation of intracellular carbohydrates and extracellular polysaccharides in P. cruentum. The effects of solar UVR on phytoplankton fatty acids were species-specific, with significant increase (p<0.05) in PUFA contents being found in P. cruentum and P. subcordiformis whereas pronounced decrease in PUFAs being found in N. closterium compared with the control.
In the study of artificial 365-nm UVA treatment (3-day UVA-stress and 3-day UVA-recovery treatment), UVA was found to promote the growth, total and individual PUFAs and carotenoids as well as total MAAs of N. closterium and I. zhangjiangensis. The effects of UVA-stress on the growth of phytoplanktons were also species-specific. UVA radiation of 365-nm inhibited the growth of P. cruentum more than that of P. subcordiformis in the present study. However, this 365-nm artificial UVA radiation also enhancedthe synthesis and production of PUFAs, total carotenoids and MAAs in both phytoplanktons, as well as pigments in P. subcordiformis.
The effects of low temperature including extremely low temperature (0°C) on the growth of phytoplanktons and production of their metabolites includingPUFAs and pigments (carotenoids in particular) were compared in P. cruentum and P. subcordiformis due to their rich PUFA and individual carotenoid levels. The positive influence of low temperature, especially extremely low temperature (0°C) was shown on the increase in membrane fluidities of P. cruentum and P. subcordiformis as well as on enhancing the synthesis of total and individual PUFAs as well as individual carotenoids in their cells. In addition, some new insight into the possiblefunctions and the roles of cis-structure UFAs and carotenoids playing on adjusting and administering phytoplankton cellular membrane were also proposed by means of "arm-raising" hypothesis and "rivet-locking and screw-bolt fastening carotenoids" hypothesis, respectively.
P. cruentum (cell-wall-free) and P. subcordiformis (with cell wall) were further used for TEM observation study by comparing the variations of their ultrastructures after treated by UVAR and extremely-low-temperature as compared to the control. It was demonstrated that UVAR exerted less damage on the ultrastructures of these two phytoplanktons by partially affecting only the structures and sizes of some organelles rather than their normal physiological functions. On the other hand, although extremely-low-temperature shrunk or deformed most of the organelles in these two phytoplanktons severely affecting their normal physiological activities, their cellular structure seemed not to be destroyed. Therefore, the TEM images under both treatments indicated that the syntheses of metabolites in these two phytoplanktons were not affected by such harsh environments.
By use of one-dimensional gels in proteomic analysis, some functional proteins that were differentially expressed before and after UVAR-stress and extremely-low-temperature-stress in P. cruentum and P. subcordiformis were compared. The responsive mechanisms of these two phytoplanktons to UVAR-stress were rather different. After artificial UVAR-stress, the up-regulation of phosphoglucomutase and phosphomannomutase in P. cruentum might help to secrete exopolysaccharides into the extracellular circumstance to scavenging free radicals induced by UVAR.Peroxisome type ascorbate peroxidase inside the P. cruentum cell was activated to synthesize potent ascorbate to deal with intracellular free radicals also induced by UVAR. The existence of P. subcordiformis cell wall did not requireantioxidant-related enzymes and some intermediate enzymes such as phosphoglucomutase and pyruvate-formate lyase. This resulted in the down-regulation of the synthesis of valuable metabolites such as PUFAs and carotenoids in P. subcordiformis, The up-regulation of ATP synthases in P. cruentum might aim to synthesize large amounts of ATP to repair the organelles damaged by UVAR whereas those of ATPases in P. subcordiformis were down-regulated, indicating that ATPases in P. subcordiformis might be sensitive to UVAR and the damage of UVAR on various organelles of P. subcordiformis was less than those of P. cruentum. The enhanced expression of heat shock proteins in P. cruentum might help to maintain cellular viability under UVAR-stress whereas those in P. subcordiformis were suppressed, revealing that heat shock proteins in P. subcordiformis might not act as the important stress proteins. In addition, the photosynthesis in P. cruentum was affected by an up-regulation of ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase whereas there was a down-regulation of photosystem reaction proteins, leading to the influence on cellular growth in P. cruentum. However, an opposite result was observed at P. subcordiformis. The down-regulation of glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase, glucose transporter and triosephosphate isomerase might affect carbohydrate catabolism and glycolysis in these two phytoplanktons.
Under extremely-low-temperature-stress, the activities of various proteins in these two phytoplanktons were suppressed due to the principle of enzyme kinetics. At 0°C, the activities of antioxidant-related enzymes and polysaccharide synthases were down-regulated and the synthetic system of P. cruentum may be partially affected. Simultaneously, the synthetic capabilities of some intermediate enzymes on the synthesis of metabolites in P. subcordiformis were also significantly down-regulated. The down-regulation of 14-3-3 proteins, GTP-binding, Ras and Rab proteins in P. cruentum indicated an ineffective system of signal transduction whereas P. subcordiformis had a moreeffective signal transduction ability than P. cruentum. In addition, the degradation of mitochondria resulted in the suppression of ATP synthesis in both phytoplanktons. Interestingly, the levels of heat shock 70 proteins in P. cruentum were kept stable, which might be the balance between stress enhancement and enzyme activity inhibited by low temperature. However, heat shock 70 proteins in P. subcordiformis were significantly inhibited as those in the same species under UVAR-stress. Also, extremely-low-temperature might partially influence the photosynthetic system of P. cruentum and P. subcordiformis by stabilizing ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase and inhibiting the activities of some photosystem reaction center proteins at the same time. Finally, the down-regulation of phosphoglucose isomerase and glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase in P. cruentum as well as glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate, phosphoglycerate kinase, glycogen/starch/alpha-glucan phosphorylases, enolase, glucose transporter and glucose-6-phosphate isomerase in P. subcordiformis might lead to the inhibition on the capabilities of carbohydrate transport and catabolism in these two phytoplanktons.
All these results advance our understanding on how adverse physical conditions such as UVR and low temperature can be used to increase the production of valuable metabolites by using marine phytoplanktons as the bioreactor and indicate their potential biotechnological applications.
Detailed summary in vernacular field only.
Detailed summary in vernacular field only.
Detailed summary in vernacular field only.
Detailed summary in vernacular field only.
Detailed summary in vernacular field only.
Detailed summary in vernacular field only.
Detailed summary in vernacular field only.
Detailed summary in vernacular field only.
Detailed summary in vernacular field only.
Huang, Junhui.
Thesis (Ph.D.)--Chinese University of Hong Kong, 2012.
Includes bibliographical references (leaves 445-522).
Electronic reproduction. Hong Kong : Chinese University of Hong Kong, [2012] System requirements: Adobe Acrobat Reader. Available via World Wide Web.
Abstract also in Chinese.
Thesis Committee --- p.ii
Acknowledgements --- p.iii
Content Page --- p.iv
Content --- p.v
List of Tables --- p.xviii
List of Figures --- p.xxiii
Abbreviations --- p.xxix
摘要 --- p.xl
Abstract --- p.xlv
Chapter Chapter 1 --- Introduction --- p.1
Chapter 1.1 --- A brief introduction of marine phytoplankton --- p.1
Chapter 1.2 --- Microalgal metabolites --- p.6
Chapter 1.2.1 --- Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) --- p.7
Chapter 1.2.1.1 --- The important polyunsaturated fatty acids and their functions on human body and diseases --- p.7
Chapter 1.2.1.1.1 --- cis-9,12-Linoleic acid (C₁₈[subscript:]₂, n-6, LA) --- p.7
Chapter 1.2.1.1.2 --- cis-9,12,15-Linolenic acid (C₁₈[subscript:]₃, n-3, ALA) or α-Linolenic acid (cis-9,12,15-Octadecatrienoic acid) --- p.10
Chapter 1.2.1.1.3 --- cis-6,9,12-Linolenic acid (C₁₈[subscript:]₃, n-6, GLA) or γ-Linolenic acid (cis-6,9, 12-Octadecatrienoic acid) --- p.11
Chapter 1.2.1.1.4 --- Arachidonic acid (C₂₀[subscript:]₄, n-6, ARA) or cis-5,8,11,14-eicosatetraenoic acid --- p.13
Chapter 1.2.1.1.5 --- Eicosapentaenoic acid (C₂₀[subscript:]₅, n-3, EPA) or cis-5,8,11,14,17- eicosapentaenoic acid (Timnodonic acid) --- p.15
Chapter 1.2.1.1.6 --- Docosapentaenoic acid (C₂₂[subscript:]₅, n-3, DPA) or cis-7,10,13,16,19- docosapentaenoic acid (Timnodonic acid) --- p.19
Chapter 1.2.1.1.7 --- Docosahexaenoic acid (C₂₂[subscript:]₆, n-3, DHA) or cis-4,7,10,13,16,19- docosahexaenoic acid (Cervonic acid) --- p.21
Chapter 1.2.1.2 --- The physiological function of fatty acids in phytoplankton cells --- p.27
Chapter 1.2.1.3 --- The synthetic pathways of unsaturated fatty acids in phytoplankton cells --- p.27
Chapter 1.2.1.4 --- Important phytoplankton fatty acid synthases --- p.35
Chapter 1.2.1.4.1 --- Important phytoplankton fatty acid elongases --- p.35
Chapter 1.2.1.4.2 --- The important phytoplankton fatty acid desaturases --- p.37
Chapter 1.2.2 --- Carotenoids (CRTs) --- p.44
Chapter 1.2.2.1 --- The important carotenoids and their functions on human body and diseases --- p.47
Chapter 1.2.2.1.1 --- Zeaxanthin --- p.49
Chapter 1.2.2.1.2 --- Lutein --- p.50
Chapter 1.2.2.1.3 --- Astaxanthin --- p.52
Chapter 1.2.2.1.4 --- α-carotene --- p.53
Chapter 1.2.2.1.5 --- β-carotene --- p.53
Chapter 1.2.2.1.6 --- Lycopene --- p.55
Chapter 1.2.2.1.7 --- Violaxanthin --- p.56
Chapter 1.2.2.1.8 --- Canthaxanthin --- p.56
Chapter 1.2.2.1.9 --- Fucoxanthin --- p.57
Chapter 1.2.2.2 --- The physiological functions of carotenoids in phytoplankton cells --- p.58
Chapter 1.2.2.3 --- The biosynthetic pathways of carotenoids in phytoplankton cells --- p.59
Chapter 1.2.2.4 --- The important phytoplankton carotenoids synthases --- p.63
Chapter 1.2.3 --- Polysaccharides (PS) --- p.68
Chapter 1.2.3.1 --- The important phytoplankton monosaccharides --- p.70
Chapter 1.2.3.1.1 --- Fucose --- p.70
Chapter 1.2.3.1.2 --- α-L-Rhamnose --- p.70
Chapter 1.2.3.1.3 --- D(-)Ribose --- p.71
Chapter 1.2.3.1.4 --- L(+)Arabinose --- p.71
Chapter 1.2.3.1.5 --- D(+)Xylose --- p.71
Chapter 1.2.3.1.6 --- D(+)Mannose --- p.72
Chapter 1.2.3.1.7 --- D(+)Galactose --- p.72
Chapter 1.2.3.1.8 --- D(+)-Glucosamine --- p.72
Chapter 1.2.3.1.9 --- D(+)-Galactosamine --- p.73
Chapter 1.2.3.2 --- The important physiological functions and characteristics of polysaccharides in phytoplanktons --- p.73
Chapter 1.2.3.2.1 --- Porphyridium sp. polysaccharides (Rhodophyta) (PorPS) --- p.73
Chapter 1.2.3.2.2 --- Spirulina sp. polysaccharides (Cyanophyta) (SpiPS) --- p.74
Chapter 1.2.3.2.3 --- Aphanothece halophytica exopolysaccharides (Cyanophyta) (AhEPS) --- p.74
Chapter 1.2.3.2.4 --- Trichodesmium thiebautii exopolysaccharides (Cyanophyta) (TtEPS) --- p.74
Chapter 1.2.3.2.5 --- Microcystic aeruginosa acidic polysaccharides (Cyanophyta) (MaAPS) --- p.74
Chapter 1.2.3.2.6 --- Cyanospira capsulate exopolysaccharides (Cyanophyta) (CcEPS) --- p.74
Chapter 1.2.3.2.7 --- Platymonas subcordiformis (Will) Hazen polysaccharides (Chlorophyta) (PsPS) --- p.74
Chapter 1.2.3.2.8 --- Botryococcus braunii Kützing exopolysaccharides (Chlorophyta) (BbEPS) --- p.75
Chapter 1.2.3.2.9 --- Dwraliella salina exopolysaccharides (Chlorophyta) (DsEPS) --- p.75
Chapter 1.2.3.2.10 --- Chlorella sp. exopolysaccharides (Chlorophyta) (ChlEPS) --- p.75
Chapter 1.2.3.2.11 --- Crypthecodinium cohnii polysaccharides (Pyrrophyta) (CcPS) --- p.75
Chapter 1.2.3.2.12 --- Isochrysis galbana exopolysaccharides (Chrysophyta) (IgEPS) --- p.75
Chapter 1.2.3.2.13 --- Nitzschia closterium exopolysaccharides (Bacillariophyta) (NcEPS) --- p.75
Chapter 1.2.3.3 --- The various applications of phytoplankton polysaccharides and their important physiological functions in human body --- p.76
Chapter 1.2.3.3.1 --- Improved preparation of agricultural soil --- p.76
Chapter 1.2.3.3.2 --- Coagulant characteristics on environment --- p.77
Chapter 1.2.3.3.3 --- Anti-coagulant characteristics on human body --- p.77
Chapter 1.2.3.3.4 --- Anti-viral characteristics --- p.77
Chapter 1.2.3.3.5 --- Anti-bacterial characteristics --- p.79
Chapter 1.2.3.3.6 --- Cytotoxicity characteristics --- p.79
Chapter 1.2.3.3.7 --- Anti-hyperlipidemic activity --- p.79
Chapter 1.2.3.3.8 --- Immunostimulatory effects --- p.80
Chapter 1.2.3.3.9 --- Hematopoiesis --- p.80
Chapter 1.2.3.3.10 --- Anti-cancer characteristics --- p.80
Chapter 1.2.3.4 --- The biosynthetic pathways of polysaccharides in phytoplankton cells --- p.81
Chapter 1.2.3.5 --- The important polysaccharide synthases --- p.85
Chapter 1.2.4 --- Microalgal UV-absorbing mycosporine-like amino acids (MAAs) --- p.88
Chapter 1.2.4.1 --- The biosynthetic pathway of UV-absorbing mycosporine-like amino acids (MAAs) --- p.90
Chapter 1.2.4.2 --- The important UV-absorbing mycosporine-like amino acids synthases --- p.93
Chapter 1.2.5 --- Currently commercial applications of PUFAs, carotenoids and polysaccharides --- p.95
Chapter 1.3 --- Environmental factors and phytoplankton metabolites --- p.97
Chapter 1.3.1 --- Relations between chemical environments and phytoplankton PUFAs as well as carotenoids production --- p.97
Chapter 1.3.1.1 --- CO₂ concentration --- p.98
Chapter 1.3.1.2 --- O₂ concentration --- p.98
Chapter 1.3.1.3 --- Nitrogen starvation --- p.99
Chapter 1.3.1.4 --- Phosphorus starvation --- p.100
Chapter 1.3.2 --- Adverse physical environments on phytoplanktons and their metabolites --- p.100
Chapter 1.3.2.1 --- Ultraviolet radiation on phytoplanktons --- p.100
Chapter 1.3.2.1.1 --- Ultraviolet radiation on phytoplankton growths --- p.102
Chapter 1.3.2.1.2 --- Negative effects of UVR on unsaturated fatty acids of phytoplanktons --- p.103
Chapter 1.3.2.1.3 --- Positive effects of UVR on unsaturated fatty acids of phytoplanktons --- p.106
Chapter 1.3.2.1.4 --- Ultraviolet radiation and PUFA synthases --- p.110
Chapter 1.3.2.1.5 --- The positive effect of UVA on carotenoid production in phytoplanktons --- p.111
Chapter 1.3.2.1.6 --- The negative effect of UVB on phytoplankton carotenoids production --- p.112
Chapter 1.3.2.1.7 --- Ultraviolet radiation and phytoplankton carotenoids synthases --- p.114
Chapter 1.3.2.1.8 --- Ultraviolet radiation on polysaccharides synthesis of phytoplankton and algae --- p.114
Chapter 1.3.2.1.9 --- Ultraviolet radiation on algal MAAs synthesis --- p.115
Chapter 1.3.2.1.10 --- Changes of phytoplankton cell organelles under ultraviolet radiation observed by Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) --- p.116
Chapter 1.3.2.1.11 --- Effect of ultraviolet radiation on the expression of phytoplankton proteins --- p.119
Chapter 1.3.2.2 --- Low temperature on phytoplanktons and higher plants --- p.121
Chapter 1.3.2.2.1 --- Low temperature on unsaturated fatty acids of phytoplanktons --- p.122
Chapter 1.3.2.2.2 --- Effect of low temperature on PUFAs of higher plants --- p.126
Chapter 1.3.2.2.3 --- The association of low temperature and fatty acids composition with photoinhibition --- p.126
Chapter 1.3.2.2.4 --- Low temperature and phytoplankton PUFA synthases --- p.127
Chapter 1.3.2.2.5 --- Low temperature on phytoplankton carotenoids --- p.128
Chapter 1.3.2.2.6 --- Changes of phytoplankton and algal cell organelles under low temperature observed by Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) --- p.129
Chapter 1.3.2.2.7 --- Effect of low temperature on the expression of phytoplankton proteins --- p.130
Chapter 1.4 --- Research proposal --- p.131
Chapter 1.4.1 --- Key issues and problems --- p.134
Chapter 1.4.2 --- Objectives --- p.135
Chapter 1.4.3 --- Experimental design --- p.135
Chapter 1.4.4 --- Possible outcomes --- p.135
Chapter Chapter 2 --- Materials and Methods --- p.138
Chapter 2.1 --- Materials --- p.138
Chapter 2.1.1 --- Marine phytoplanktons --- p.138
Chapter 2.1.1.1 --- Porphyridium cruentum CTCCCAS 8001 (Rhodophyta) --- p.138
Chapter 2.1.1.2 --- Nitzschia closterium CTCCCAS 2045 (Bacillariophyta) --- p.140
Chapter 2.1.1.3 --- Isochrysis zhangjiangensis MBCCC chy-3 (Chrysophyta) --- p.141
Chapter 2.1.1.4 --- Platymonas subcordiformis CTCCCAS 1030 (Chlorophyta) --- p.142
Chapter 2.1.1.5 --- Synechocystis pevalekii CTCCCAS 898 (Cyanophyta) --- p.143
Chapter 2.1.2 --- Culture medium --- p.145
Chapter 2.1.3 --- Marine phytoplankton metabolites standards --- p.145
Chapter 2.2 --- Methods --- p.147
Chapter 2.2.1 --- Culture conditions under adverse physical environments --- p.147
Chapter 2.2.1.1 --- Solar ultraviolet radiation treatment --- p.147
Chapter 2.2.1.2 --- Artificial ultraviolet band A (UVA) treatment condition --- p.152
Chapter 2.2.1.3 --- Low temperature treatment condition --- p.154
Chapter 2.2.2 --- Harvest of phytoplanktons --- p.156
Chapter 2.2.3 --- Determination of phytoplankton biomass --- p.156
Chapter 2.2.4 --- Determination of fatty acid profile --- p.156
Chapter 2.2.4.1 --- Sample preparation for gas chromatography (GC) --- p.156
Chapter 2.2.4.2 --- Gas chromatography (GC) --- p.157
Chapter 2.2.4.2.1 --- GC analysis --- p.157
Chapter 2.2.4.2.2 --- Fatty acids quantification --- p.158
Chapter 2.2.4.3 --- Designed parameters for evaluating the fluidity of phytoplankton cellular membrane --- p.158
Chapter 2.2.4.3.1 --- cis-unsaturated fatty acid double bond index (cis-UFADBI) --- p.158
Chapter 2.2.4.3.2 --- cis-double bond unsaturated degree (cis-DBUD) --- p.159
Chapter 2.2.5 --- Determination of phytoplankton pigment profile --- p.159
Chapter 2.2.5.1 --- Sample preparation for High performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) --- p.160
Chapter 2.2.5.2 --- High performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) --- p.161
Chapter 2.2.5.2.1 --- Gradient reversed-phase HPLC analysis (Agilent 1100 Series) --- p.161
Chapter 2.2.5.2.2 --- Gradient reversed-phase HPLC analysis (Waters 600E Series) --- p.161
Chapter 2.2.5.2.3 --- Pigment identification, calibration and quantification --- p.162
Chapter 2.2.5.3 --- Determination of Chlorophyll a in phytoplankton acetone extract --- p.163
Chapter 2.2.5.4 --- Determination of total carotenoids in phytoplankton --- p.163
Chapter 2.2.6 --- Determination of antioxidant activities in phytoplankton acetone extracts --- p.164
Chapter 2.2.6.1 --- DPPH radical scavenging activity assay --- p.164
Chapter 2.2.6.2 --- Ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assay --- p.165
Chapter 2.2.6.3 --- Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC) assay --- p.166
Chapter 2.2.6.4 --- Determination of total phenolic content --- p.167
Chapter 2.2.6.5 --- Calculated parameters for evaluating the antioxidant capacities of phytoplankton acetone extract --- p.167
Chapter 2.2.6.5.1 --- Total conjugated double bond system mole index (TCDBSMI) [or total conjugated double bond system number index (TCDBSNI)] --- p.167
Chapter 2.2.6.5.2 --- Total antioxidant capacity index (TAOCI) --- p.168
Chapter 2.2.7 --- Determination of monosaccharide profile, total sugars and total acidic sugars --- p.169
Chapter 2.2.7.1 --- Determination of monosaccharide profile by Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) --- p.169
Chapter 2.2.7.1.1 --- Monosaccharide standard preparation --- p.169
Chapter 2.2.7.1.2 --- Sample preparation --- p.169
Chapter 2.2.7.1.3 --- GC-MS --- p.170
Chapter 2.2.7.2 --- Determination of total sugar by phenol-sulfuric acid method --- p.172
Chapter 2.2.7.3 --- Determination of acidic sugars by measurement of uronic acid content --- p.172
Chapter 2.2.8 --- Determination of total protein content by Lowry-Folin method --- p.173
Chapter 2.2.9 --- Determination on total UV-absorbing mycosporine-like amino acids (MAAs) --- p.174
Chapter 2.2.10 --- Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) --- p.175
Chapter 2.2.10.1 --- Preparation of Phosphate Buffer Solution (PBS) --- p.176
Chapter 2.2.10.2 --- Preparation of spur --- p.176
Chapter 2.2.10.3 --- Harvest of phytoplanktons for TEM observation --- p.176
Chapter 2.2.10.4 --- Routine preparation procedure for TEM observation --- p.177
Chapter 2.2.10.5 --- TEM observation --- p.178
Chapter 2.2.11 --- One-dimensional gel electrophoresis (1-D GE) --- p.179
Chapter 2.2.11.1 --- Preparation of solution and buffer --- p.179
Chapter 2.2.11.2 --- Harvest of phytoplanktons cells for 1-D GE --- p.179
Chapter 2.2.11.3 --- Phytoplankton protein extractions --- p.180
Chapter 2.2.11.4 --- Quantitative determination on extracted proteins of phytoplanktons for 1-D GE --- p.181
Chapter 2.2.11.5 --- 1-D GE protocol --- p.182
Chapter 2.2.11.6 --- In-gel tryptic digestion --- p.182
Chapter 2.2.11.7 --- nESI-LC-MS/MS analysis --- p.183
Chapter 2.3 --- Statistical Analysis --- p.185
Chapter Chapter 3 --- Results and Discussion --- p.186
Chapter 3.1 --- Chemical analysis of marine phytoplankton metabolites --- p.186
Chapter 3.1.1 --- Fatty acid profiles of marine phytoplanktons --- p.186
Chapter 3.1.2 --- Pigment profiles of marine phytoplanktons and the antioxidant activities of their acetone extracts --- p.193
Chapter 3.1.2.1 --- The pigment profiles of marine phytoplanktons from different phyla --- p.193
Chapter 3.1.2.2 --- Antioxidant activities of 90% acetone extracts from marine phytoplanktons --- p.201
Chapter 3.1.2.3 --- Correlation between antioxidant activities and pigment profile of phytoplanktons --- p.203
Chapter 3.1.3 --- Carbohydrate content and composition of phytoplanktons and their exopolysaccharides --- p.206
Chapter 3.1.3.1 --- Total carbohydrates, total acidic sugars as well as the sugar content and composition of intracellular carbohydrates of marine phytoplanktons --- p.206
Chapter 3.1.3.2 --- The sugar content and composition of exopolysaccharides (EPS) of marine phytoplanktons --- p.213
Chapter 3.1.4 --- The total UV-absorbing mycosporine-like amino acids (MAAs) of marine phytoplanktons --- p.219
Chapter 3.1.5 --- The total protein contents of five selected marine phytoplanktons --- p.219
Chapter 3.1.6 --- The distributions of all the metabolites investigated in five marine phytoplanktons from different phyla --- p.220
Chapter 3.2 --- Effects of ultraviolet radiation on phytoplankton growth and their metabolites --- p.227
Chapter 3.2.1 --- Effects of solar full-band ultraviolet radiation (PAB) on phytoplankton growth and their metabolites --- p.228
Chapter 3.2.1.1 --- Effects of PAB radiations on phytoplankton growth --- p.228
Chapter 3.2.1.2 --- Effects of PAB radiations on the phytoplankton carotenoids production and pigment profile of Platymonas subcordiformis --- p.231
Chapter 3.2.1.3 --- Effects of PAB on total conjugated double bond system number index (TCDBSNI) in Platymonas subcordiformis --- p.235
Chapter 3.2.1.4 --- Effects of PAB on fatty acid composition of phytplankton lipids --- p.235
Chapter 3.2.1.5 --- Effects of PAB on cis-unsaturated fatty acid double bond index (cis-UFADBI) in phytoplanktons --- p.241
Chapter 3.2.1.6 --- Effects of PAB on Porphyridium cruentum total intracellular carbohydrates and extracellular polysaccharides synthesis --- p.241
Chapter 3.2.1.7 --- Discussion --- p.243
Chapter 3.2.2 --- Effects of UVA radiation on fatty acids, carotenoids and UV-absorbing pigments in Nitzschia closterium and Isochrysis zhangjiangensis --- p.250
Chapter 3.2.2.1 --- Effects of UVA-stress on the growth of N. closterium and I. zhangjiangensis --- p.251
Chapter 3.2.2.2 --- Effects of UVA-stress on fatty acid composition in N. closterium and I. zhangjiangensis --- p.251
Chapter 3.2.2.3 --- Effects of UVA-stress on cis-unsaturated fatty acid double bond index (cis-UFADBI) in N. closterium and I. zhangjiangensis --- p.256
Chapter 3.2.2.4 --- Effects of UVA-stress on total carotenoid contents and pigment profiles in N. closterium and I. zhangjiangensis --- p.256
Chapter 3.2.2.5 --- Effects of UVA-stress on total conjugated double bond system number index (TCDBSNI) in N. closterium and I. zhangjiangensis --- p.266
Chapter 3.2.2.6 --- Effects of UVA-stress on the total UV-absorbing mycosporine-like amino acids (MAAs) of N. closterium and I. zhangjiangensis --- p.267
Chapter 3.2.2.7 --- Discussion --- p.269
Chapter 3.2.3 --- Effects of UVA radiation on polyunsaturated fatty acids, carotenoids and UV-absorbing pigments in Porphyridium cruentum and Platymonas subcordiformis --- p.280
Chapter 3.2.3.1 --- Effects of UVA-stress on growth of P. cruentum and P. subcordiformis --- p.280
Chapter 3.2.3.2 --- Effects of UVA-stress on fatty acids in P. cruentum and P. subcordiformis --- p.281
Chapter 3.2.3.3 --- Effects of UVA-stress on cis-double bond unsaturated degree (cis-DBUD) in P. cruentum and P. subcordiformis --- p.285
Chapter 3.2.3.4 --- Effects of UVA-stress on pigments in P. cruentum and P. subcordiformis --- p.286
Chapter 3.2.3.5 --- Effects of UVA-stress on the total UV-absorbing mycosporine-like amino acids (MAAs) in P. subcordiformis --- p.291
Chapter 3.2.3.6 --- Discussion --- p.292
Chapter 3.3 --- Effects of low temperature on the growth of phytoplanktons and their metabolites --- p.296
Chapter 3.3.1 --- Effects of low temperature treatment on the growth of Porphyridium cruentum and Platymonas subcordiformis --- p.297
Chapter 3.3.2 --- Effects of low temperature treatment on fatty acid composition of phytoplanktons --- p.299
Chapter 3.3.2.1 --- Effects of low temperature treatment on fatty acid composition of Porphyridium cruentum --- p.300
Chapter 3.3.2.2 --- Effects of low temperature treatment on fatty acid composition of Platymonas subcordiformis --- p.306
Chapter 3.3.3 --- cis-unsaturated fatty acid double bond index (cis-UFADBI) of Porphyridium cruentum and Platymonas subcordiformis under low temperature treatments --- p.311
Chapter 3.3.4 --- Effects of low temperature treatment on pigment profile of phytoplanktons --- p.312
Chapter 3.3.4.1 --- Effects of low temperature treatment on pigment profile of Porphyridium cruentum --- p.313
Chapter 3.3.4.2 --- Effects of low temperature treatment on pigment profile of Platymonas subcordiformis --- p.318
Chapter 3.3.5 --- Discussion --- p.324
Chapter 3.4 --- Effects of artificial UVA (365-nm) radiation and extreme low temperature (0°C) on cellular ultrastructures of Porphyridium cruentum and Platymonas subcordiformis using Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) --- p.336
Chapter 3.4.1 --- The ultrastructures of Porphyridium cruentum and Platymonas subcordiformis --- p.337
Chapter 3.4.1.1 --- The ultrastructures of Porphyridium cruentum --- p.337
Chapter 3.4.1.2 --- The ultrastructures of Platymonas subcordiformis --- p.340
Chapter 3.4.2 --- Effects of artificial UVA (365-nm) lamp on the ultrastructures of Porphyridium cruentum and Platymonas subcordiformis --- p.343
Chapter 3.4.2.1 --- Artificial UVAR-stress effect on the ultrastructures of Porphyridium cruentum --- p.343
Chapter 3.4.2.2 --- Artificial UVAR-stress effect on the ultrastructures of Platymonas subcordiformis --- p.346
Chapter 3.4.3 --- Effects of extremely low temperature (0°C) on the ultrastructures of Porphyridium cruentum and Platymonas subcordiformis --- p.349
Chapter 3.4.3.1 --- Extremely low temperature effect on the ultrastructure of Porphyridium cruentum --- p.349
Chapter 3.4.3.2 --- Extremely low temperature effect on the ultrastructure of Platymonas subcordiformis --- p.353
Chapter 3.4.4 --- Discussion --- p.359
Chapter 3.5 --- Proteomics analyses of P. cruentum and P. subcordiformis under UVA-stress and extremely-low-temperature-stress by one- dimensional gel electrophoresis --- p.366
Chapter 3.5.1 --- The protein profiles of Porphyridium cruentum and Platymonas subcordiformis --- p.366
Chapter 3.5.1.1 --- The protein profile of Porphyridium cruentum --- p.374
Chapter 3.5.1.2 --- The protein profile of Platymonas subcordiformis --- p.380
Chapter 3.5.2 --- Effects of artificial UVA (365-nm) lamp on the expression variations of proteins in Porphyridium cruentum and Platymonas subcordiformis --- p.384
Chapter 3.5.2.1 --- Artificial UVAR-stress effect on the protein profile of Porphyridium cruentum --- p.385
Chapter 3.5.2.2 --- Artificial UVAR-stress effect on the protein profile of Platymonas subcordiformis --- p.388
Chapter 3.5.3 --- Effects of extremely low temperature (0°C) on the expression variations of proteins in Porphyridium cruentum and Platymonas subcordiformis --- p.391
Chapter 3.5.3.1 --- Extremely low temperature effect on the protein profile of Porphyridium cruentum --- p.392
Chapter 3.5.3.2 --- Extremely low temperature effect on the protein profile of Platymonas subcordiformis --- p.395
Chapter 3.6 --- Design of bioreactor for large scale production of phytoplankton metabolites under ultraviolet-stress and low-temperature-stress --- p.424
Chapter 3.6.1 --- The main characteristics of the bioreactor --- p.424
Chapter 3.6.2 --- Innovative design of the bioreactor --- p.426
Chapter 3.6.2.1 --- The characteristic of “low carbon (energy and room saved) --- p.430
Chapter 3.6.2.2 --- Recycled light using the reflecting-film-wrapped wall of bioreactor --- p.430
Chapter 3.6.2.3 --- Stirring function and natural backflow system by the air distribution pipes --- p.431
Chapter 3.6.2.4 --- Special function of 200-litre air-lift and reflected light (low carbon) bioreactor --- p.432
Chapter 3.6.2.5 --- Perspex with higher transmissivity than common glass --- p.432
Chapter Chapter 4 --- Conclusion and prospect --- p.433
Chapter 4.1 --- Conclusion --- p.433
Chapter 4.2 --- Future prospect --- p.443
References --- p.445
Related publications --- p.523

博士
國立臺灣海洋大學
環境生物與漁業科學學系
100
Yellowfin tuna (YFT; Thunnus albacares) is one of the main target species of the commercial tuna longline (LL) fishery and has a long history of being the subject of scientific research in the Indian Ocean. In this study, we collected Taiwanese LL fishery data and environment variables during the period of 1980–2005. The principal component analysis (PCA) and wavelet analysis were used to investigate the relationship between LL catch data of YFT and oceanic environmental factors. The results were summarized as below: In the Indian Ocean, YFT is one of the most important target species in the Arabian Sea and Western-Center Indian Ocean. The major fishing season in the Arabian Sea is in the first and second quarters with a average nominal catch per unit effort (CPUE) about 14.92 fish/103 hooks and a average catch about 401 metric tons. In the Western-Center Indian Ocean, the catch and effort were the highest in all of the Indian Ocean and the average nominal CPUE was about 3.13 fish/103 hooks. Although there were highest effort in the Southern Indian Ocean from June to September, but the average nominal CPUE was lower than 2 (fish/103 hooks) and the average catch was lower than 50 metric tons. Results of the PCA showed that monthly variations in values were significantly correlated with the sea surface temperature (SST), subsurface temperature at 105 m and chlorophyll-a concentration. In April and May, the SST was generally higher with deep mixed layer depth. After July, a drop in the temperature below the preferred temperature range for YFT is probably the reason why the CPUE subsequently decreased. In addition, the CPUE at a given time was significantly affected by chlorophyll-a concentrations 1–3 months prior to that time were probably due to a lag effect of trophic transformation. The regular LL (RLL) CPUE had a negative coefficient and deep LL (DLL) had a positive coefficient with the mixed layer depth anomaly. This implies that the shallow mixed layer depth produces a high CPUE for the RLL and the deep mixed layer depth causes a high CPUE for the DLL. In the long-term time series analysis, the main factor causing interannual variations in the CPUE of the RLL and DLL might change with time. RLL and DLL CPUE values showed positive correlations with SST and Dipole Mode Index from the beginning of the 1980s to the middle of the 1990s. The RLL and DLL CPUE were found to have a significant coherence of the two phases with a periodicity of 3 yr with and mixed layer depth. Finally, we investigated the catches and distributions of yellowfin tuna in relation to climatic and marine environmental variations in the Indian Ocean. The gravity of yellowfin tuna fishing grounds showed similar variations with a climatic index, and an advanced time series analysis also showed a significant negative correlation between the climatic index and the CPUE with a periodicity of 2–3 yr. It suggested that decreases in areas of SST and net primary production optimal for YFT during positive Indian Ocean Dipole events would decrease the CPUE in the western Indian Ocean, while an increase in optimal areas would result in an increased CPUE in negative Indian Ocean Dipole events, especially in the Arabian Sea and surrounding seas of Madagascar.

碩士
國立臺灣海洋大學
環境生物與漁業科學學系
100
The swordfish (Xiphias gladius) is one of the important commercial species of the Taiwanese longline (LL) fishery in the Indian Ocean. In this study, we collected the Taiwanese LL data and environment variables during the period of 1998-2008. The Generalized Additive Models (GAM) was used to explore the correlation between LL catch data of swordfish and oceanic environmental factors. We then use the predict modes of GAM to predict the fishing grounds of swordfish. High nominal catch per unit effort (CPUE) areas are concentrated in the northwestern and southwestern Indian Ocean where are accounting for 66% and 20% of total catch, receptively. The major fishing season is in the second and third quarters. The results of statistics showed the CPUE were significantly correlated with all the temporal (year and month), spatial (longitude and latitude) and environmental variables (Sea surface temperature (SST), net primary production (NPP), sea surface height anomaly (SSHA), mixed layer depth (MLD), number of hook per basket (NHB)). The high CPUE is associated with 22-23℃ of SST, 200-400 mg C/m-2 d-1 of NPP, 0.6-0.7m of SSHA and around 100m of MLD. The predict models of GAM exhibit the best fishing grounds were located in the northwestern and southwestern Indian Ocean, too. The variations of catches and distributions of swordfish in relation to climatic index in the Indian Ocean were investigated by Regression Analysis. It suggested that decreases in areas of optimal SST and NPP areas for swordfish during positive Indian Ocean Dipole events would decrease the CPUE in the western Indian Ocean, while an increase in optimal areas would result in an increased CPUE in negative Indian Ocean Dipole events, especially in the seas around the eastern Somalia and northern Madagascar.

The role of seagrass systems, including those of Zostera muelleri, in providing critical ecosystem services including provision of nursery habitat for economically important fish species and significant nutrient cycling services are well known (Orth et al., 2006). The current understanding of the population ecology of the species is however lacking, potentially leading to management decisions that fail to incorporate the ability of Z. muelleri to disperse, recruit and grow as well as the role the species plays in the development of microphytobenthic communities within seagrass systems. Important abiotic (non-living) variables that influence the growth and survival of Z. muelleri within the marine environment include near-shore and oceanic currents, light availability, nutrients, temperature and salinity levels, with the latter being predominantly driven by changes in freshwater inputs (Kaldy et al., 2015). Biotic factors include herbivorous predation which may assist in propagule release, competition and potential facillitatory roles of existing seagrasses that may aid in the ongoing productivity of populations (Holmgren et al., 1997).