O presente trabalho tem, como objetivo, analisar o processo de sedimentação atual no Canal do Ararapira, Sistema Estuarino Lagunar de Cananéia-Iguape (SP), através das características composicionais e granulométricas dos sedimentos de fundo e distribuição da matéria orgânica sedimentar e carbonatos, relacionando estes parâmetros à configuração geral do canal e aos processos oceanográficos que ali atuam. Foram realizadas análises granulométricas, conteúdo de carbonato e matéria orgânica sedimentar (C, N, S) em 60 amostras de sedimentos coletadas em um cruzeiro oceanográfico realizado no mês de julho de 2004. Dentre o total de 60 amostras, foram selecionadas 16 para realização da análise da fração arenosa. A análise espacial da distribuição dos sedimentos e da matéria orgânica sedimentar, apontou para a predominância de sedimentos arenosos com baixos teores orgânicos ao longo de praticamente toda extensão do canal exceto em determinados pontos localizados no centro-norte do canal onde há presença de sedimentos finos associados a baixios e desembocaduras de gamboas e pequenos cursos d\'água continentais e insulares. Constatou-se a predominância da influência continental ao longo de todo o canal com pequenas concentrações de carbonatos. Os teores elementares da matéria orgânica sedimentar possuem, normalmente, comportamento e distribuição que estão diretamente relacionados aos tipos de sedimentos e à topografia de fundo, bem como à circulação. Observou-se uma relação direta entre os sedimentos mais finos e um maior conteúdo de matéria orgânica. / The aim of this study is the analysis of modern sedimentary process taking place in the Ararapira Channel, at Cananéia-Iguape lagoonal estuarine system (SP). The employed parameters for this were the composition and grain size characteristics of the bottom sediments , the distribution of the carbonates , organic matter, and relates these parameters to the general configuration of the channel and to the oceanographic process that takes place over there. The grain size analysis, the carbonate content, and the sediment organic matter (C, N, S) were conducted over 60 sediment samples collected during an oceanographic cruise that took place in July 2004. Among the total of the 60 samples, 16 were selected for the coarse fraction analysis. The spatial analysis of the distribution of sediments and sedimentary organic matter showed that sandy sediments, with low organic content, are predominant practically all along the whole of the channel extension, except in points located in the central-northern portion of the channel, where there are thin sediment associated to shoals or small continental and insular river courses. The C, N, S and carbonates contents observed with the coarse fraction analysis, allow identifying the predominance of continental influence all along the channel, with lower carbonate concentrations. The sediment organic matter contents have, usually, behavior and distribution which are directly related to the type of sediment ,to the bottom topography, as well as to the circulation. It was possible to observe a direct relationship between the thin sediment and a larger content of the organic matter.

A composição, distribuição, abundância, biomassa e produção secundária do zooplâncton do Sistema estuarino de Santos foram estudadas na baía de Santos (4 estações), canal de Santos (3 estações) e canal da Bertioga (4 estações), entre novembro de 2004 e outubro de 2005, em relação à temperatura, salinidade, material em suspensão, nutrientes dissolvidos e clorofila-a. Nas 114 amostras analisadas, o zooplâncton foi constituído de 101 táxons distribuídos em 10 filos: Arthropoda (subfilo Crustacea), Annelida (classe Polychaeta), Bryozoa, Chaetognatha, Chordata (subfilo Tunicata), Cnidaria, Ctenophora, Echinodermata, Mollusca e Phoronida, sendo o primeiro dominante. Os copépodes constituíram, em média, 85,5% do zooplâncton total. A comunidade zooplanctônica das três áreas incluiu táxons estuarinos, costeiros e oceânicos, sendo dominantes Oithona hebes, Oithona oswaldocruzi, Acartia lilljeborgi, Acartia tonsa, Bestiolina similis, Balanus spp. (náuplios), Paracalanus quasimodo, Paracalanus spp. (copepoditos), Parvocalanus scotti, Euterpina acutifrons, Pseudodiaptomus acutus, Oikopleura dioica e as larvas de Polydora spp., Aonides spp., Spionidae e Bivalvia. A abundância, biomassa e a produção secundária zooplanctônica foram maiores no canal da Bertioga, enquanto a produtividade foi maior na baía de Santos. Esses fatores estiveram associados, principalmente, à salinidade, temperatura da água e material em suspensão total. / The zooplankton´s composition, distribution, abundance, biomass and secondary production of Santos estuarine system were studied on Santos bay (4 stations), Santos channel (3 stations) and Bertioga channel (4 stations) between November 2004 and October 2005 in relation to temperature, salinity, suspended matter, dissolved nutrients and chlorophyll-a. On the 114 analyzed samples, zooplankton was constituted of 101 taxa distributed among 10 phyla: Arthropoda (subphylum Crustacea), Annelida (class Polychaeta), Bryozoa, Chaetognatha, Chordata (subphylum Tunicata), Cnidaria, Ctenophora, Echinodermata, Mollusca and Phoronida, being Arthropoda the dominant phylum. Copepoda (subphylum Crustacea) constituted on average 85,5% of total zooplankton. The zooplankton community among the three areas included estuarine, coastal and oceanic taxa, being Oithona hebes, Oithona oswaldocruzi, Acartia lilljeborgi, Acartia tonsa, Bestiolina similis, Balanus spp. (naupli), Paracalanus quasimodo, Paracalanus spp. (copepodite), Parvocalanus scotti, Euterpina acutifrons, Pseudodiaptomus acutus, Oikopleura dioica and the larvae of Polydora spp., Aonides spp., Spionidae and Bivalvia dominant. The abundance, biomass and zooplanktonic secondary production were higher on Bertioga channel, whereas the productivity was higher on Santos bay. These factors were associated mainly to salinity, water temperature and total suspended matter.

O presente estudo teve como objetivo desenvolver uma nova proposta de uso de um biomonitor na identificação de fontes emissoras de metais no meio ambiente. Foi selecionada a espécie de siri Callinectes danae como biomonitor e o estuário de Santos como área de estudo. Numa primeira etapa e considerando que o siri é um organismo bentônico, foi realizada uma avaliação preliminar do teor de metais no sedimento do estuário. Em seguida, foi realizada uma avaliação preliminar do teor de metais nos diferentes tecidos de indivíduos coletados na região (brânquias, hepatopâncreas e músculos). Baseado nos experimentos anteriores, foi proposto um modelo de distribuição dos metais entre os tecidos e destes em relação aos sedimentos. A validação deste modelo de distribuição (assinatura química) foi realizada por meio de um conjunto de procedimentos que visaram testar: 1) a robustez em função do tempo; 2) a especificidade para a região de estudo; 3) a sensibilidade às alterações dos níveis de metais em cada tecido. A partir deste modelo, foram identificados indícios para atribuição de fontes emissoras de metais. Desta forma, concluiu-se que, para a região do estuário de Santos, o siri da espécie C. danae pode ser utilizado como um biomonitor. O modelo proposto foi eficaz, uma vez que foi capaz de responder de forma conclusiva-positiva a todos os testes realizados na sua validação, confirmando esta espécie como um biomonitor definitivo para região. A robustez do modelo irá aumentar com novas coletas e a realimentação do banco de dados. / This study aimed to develop a new methodology for the use of a biomonitor in the identification of metal discharges in environmental evaluations. Crabs of Callinectes danae species were used in an evaluation conducted in the Santos Estuarine System. In the first experiment and since C. danae is a benthic species, a preliminary assessment of the metal concentrations in sediment samples collected in the Santos Estuarine System was performed. Subsequently, a preliminary assessment of metal concentrations in the C. danae tissues was also peformed. The last experiment aimed to identify a chemical fingerprint for the Santos Estuarine System.The development of validation procedures for this model (chemical fingerprint) was conducted and aimed to test: 1) the stability of this model through time; 2) its local specificity for the Santos Estuarine System; 3) the sensibility of this model due to modifications in the metal concentrations in each tissue (gills, hepatopancreas and muscles). By the use of this model, it was possible to identify the sources of metal emissions. According to the results, C. danae can be used as a biomonitor for the Santos Estuarine System. The established model was able to responde in a positive-conclusive way to all the tests performed in its validation, confirming this species as a definitive biomonitor for this area. Thus, the stability of this model will increase with new sampling campaings and consequently introduction of new information in the database.

Le concept de réseau d'interactions est central en Écologie et différents modèles et méthodes ont été utilisés. Ce travail de thèse met en relation deux approches développées par des courants séparés : l'étude des matrices de communauté et les analyses entrée-sortie. Il confronte leurs hypothèses aux propriétés fondamentales des écosystèmes estuariens. Il précise explicitement les liens entre les différentes matrices, ainsi que la signification des mixed trophic impacts. Les matrices de la storage et de la throughflowanalyses sont reliées à des jacobiennes de modèles à compartiments dont les flux sont contrôlés par les compartiments donneurs ou receveurs. Contrairement à ce qui est le plus souvent présenté dans la littérature, l'analyse des mixed trophic impacts est ici interprétée en terme de présence-absence du compartiment considéré. Avec les données disponibles sur les réseaux trophiques de cinq estuaires européens, des matrices qualitatives et quantitatives sont construites afin de réaliser des analyses de sensibilité. Ces premières explorations montrent des niveaux d'incertitudes très élevés, et ceci même pour le signe des prédictions. Par ailleurs, ce travail de thèse approfondit les possibilités d'étude de dynamiques transitoires à partir de la matrice de communauté. Il souligne des éléments importants qu'il est nécessaire de prendre en compte lorsque ces approches sont choisies. / Networks are a key concept in ecology and a number of models and methods have been used. This PhD dissertation links two approaches, the community matrix and input-output analyses, which have been developed by separate streams of theory. It compares their assumptions with important features of estuarine systems. It explicitly analyses the links between the matrices and the significance of the mixed trophic impacts analysis. Matrices of storage and throughflow analyses are linked to Jacobian matrices of donor or recipient controlled compartment models. Unlike most of what can be seen in the litterature, here the mixed trophic impacts are interpreted as the effects of a compartment being present or absent. Using available data in the case of five European estuaries, qualitative and quantitative matrices are built in the aim of performing sensitivity analyses. First explorations reveal high levels of uncertainties, even in the sign of the predictions. Furthermore, this work examines in more details the possibilities to explore transient dynamics from the community matrix. This PhD dissertation emphasises important features which are necessary to consider when choosing such approaches.

Common dolphins (genus Delphinus) are poorly understood within New Zealand waters. Prior to this study, most information relating to the taxonomy, population structure, diet and pollutant loads of this genus relied upon untested assumptions. Furthermore, factors affecting the occurrence, demographics and habitat use of common dolphins in the Hauraki Gulf remained unknown. This lack of empirical data has resulted in the inadequate recognition and management of New Zealand Delphinus. Inappropriately classified by the New Zealand Threat Classification System, the anthropogenic impacts that affect this genus have clearly been overlooked. The present study examines behaviour of common dolphins in the Hauraki Gulf and details analyses undertaken on tissue samples collected from around New Zealand. Results detailed here challenge many of the untested assumptions about this genus within New Zealand waters. The taxonomy of New Zealand common dolphins was assessed using 92 samples analysed for 577 base pairs (bps) of the mtDNA control region (D-loop). New Zealand samples were compared with 177 published sequences from eight other populations from around the world. New Zealand Delphinus exhibited a high genetic variability, sharing haplotypes with both short- (D. delphis) and long-beaked (D. capensis) populations. Indeed, the New Zealand population showed significant genetic differentiation when compared with most other populations world-wide. Furthermore, intrapopulation analyses revealed significant genetic differentiation between Hauraki Gulf individuals and other common dolphins sampled within New Zealand waters. Results suggest habitat choice and site fidelity may play a role in shaping the fragmented population structure of New Zealand Delphinus. Data relating to the occurrence and demographics of common dolphins in the Hauraki Gulf region were collected during boat-based surveys between February 2002 and January 2005. In total, 719 independent encounters, involving one to > 300 common dolphins were recorded. Dolphin presence was significantly affected by month, latitude and depth. Group size varied significantly by month, season, depth, sea surface temperature (SST) and latitude, and was highly skewed towards smaller groups comprising fewer than 50 animals. Calves were observed throughout the year but were most prevalent in the austral summer months of December and January. Group composition was significantly affected by month, season, depth and SST. The yearround occurrence and social organisation of Delphinus in Hauraki Gulf waters suggest this region is an important nursery and potential calving area. The effects of diel, season, depth, sea surface temperature, and group size and composition on dolphin behaviour were investigated using activity budgets. Foraging and social were the most and least frequently observed behaviours, respectively. A correlation between group size and behaviour was evident, although behaviour did not vary with the composition of dolphin groups. Resting, milling and socialising animals were more frequently observed in smaller groups. Foraging behaviour was prevalent in both small and large groups, suggesting foraging plasticity exists within this population. Behaviour differed between single- and multi-species groups, with foraging more frequent in mixed-species aggregations, indicating the primary mechanism for association is likely prey-related. Stomach contents analysed for forty-two stranded and eleven commercially by-caught individuals collected from around North Island, New Zealand between 1997 and 2006, revealed arrow squid (Nototodarus spp.), jack mackerel (Trachurus spp.) and anchovy (Engraulis australis) as the most prevalent prey. Stranded individuals and dolphins bycaught within neritic waters fed on both neritic and oceanic prey. Moreover, a mixed prey composition was evident in the diet of common dolphins by-caught in oceanic waters, suggesting inshore/offshore movements of New Zealand Delphinus on a diel basis. Additionally, prey differences were also evident in the stomach contents of common dolphins sampled from within the Hauraki Gulf. Trace elements, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and organochlorine (OC) pesticide levels were determined in five stranded and fourteen by-caught Delphinus sampled from around New Zealand between 1999 and 2005. Generally, levels of trace elements were low. However, concentrations of OC pesticides were similar in range to those previously reported for Hector’s (Cephalorhyncus hectori) and common bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus). Organochlorine pesticides dieldrin, hexachlorobenzene (HCB), o,p’-DDT and p,p’-DDE were present at the highest concentrations. Markov chain models were used to assess the impact of tourism activities on Delphinus within the Hauraki Gulf. Foraging and resting bouts were significantly disrupted by boat interactions. Both the duration of bouts and the time spent in these two behavioural states decreased during boat interactions. Additionally, foraging dolphins took significantly longer to return to their initial behavioural state in the presence of a tour boat. Impacts identified are similar to those previously reported for the common bottlenose dolphin, a coastal species typically considered to be more susceptible to cumulative anthropogenic impacts. Data presented here reveal the nature and apparent susceptibility of New Zealand common dolphins to human-induced impacts, namely fisheries by-catch, pollution and tourism. This in conjunction with taxonomic uncertainty, lack of abundance estimates and the year-round use of inshore waters for feeding, clearly warrants immediate attention from managers. Furthermore, the current threat classification of New Zealand Delphinus should be reconsidered in light of population uncertainties, and in view of the susceptibly to human-induced impacts revealed by the present study.

Common dolphins (genus Delphinus) are poorly understood within New Zealand waters. Prior to this study, most information relating to the taxonomy, population structure, diet and pollutant loads of this genus relied upon untested assumptions. Furthermore, factors affecting the occurrence, demographics and habitat use of common dolphins in the Hauraki Gulf remained unknown. This lack of empirical data has resulted in the inadequate recognition and management of New Zealand Delphinus. Inappropriately classified by the New Zealand Threat Classification System, the anthropogenic impacts that affect this genus have clearly been overlooked. The present study examines behaviour of common dolphins in the Hauraki Gulf and details analyses undertaken on tissue samples collected from around New Zealand. Results detailed here challenge many of the untested assumptions about this genus within New Zealand waters. The taxonomy of New Zealand common dolphins was assessed using 92 samples analysed for 577 base pairs (bps) of the mtDNA control region (D-loop). New Zealand samples were compared with 177 published sequences from eight other populations from around the world. New Zealand Delphinus exhibited a high genetic variability, sharing haplotypes with both short- (D. delphis) and long-beaked (D. capensis) populations. Indeed, the New Zealand population showed significant genetic differentiation when compared with most other populations world-wide. Furthermore, intrapopulation analyses revealed significant genetic differentiation between Hauraki Gulf individuals and other common dolphins sampled within New Zealand waters. Results suggest habitat choice and site fidelity may play a role in shaping the fragmented population structure of New Zealand Delphinus. Data relating to the occurrence and demographics of common dolphins in the Hauraki Gulf region were collected during boat-based surveys between February 2002 and January 2005. In total, 719 independent encounters, involving one to > 300 common dolphins were recorded. Dolphin presence was significantly affected by month, latitude and depth. Group size varied significantly by month, season, depth, sea surface temperature (SST) and latitude, and was highly skewed towards smaller groups comprising fewer than 50 animals. Calves were observed throughout the year but were most prevalent in the austral summer months of December and January. Group composition was significantly affected by month, season, depth and SST. The yearround occurrence and social organisation of Delphinus in Hauraki Gulf waters suggest this region is an important nursery and potential calving area. The effects of diel, season, depth, sea surface temperature, and group size and composition on dolphin behaviour were investigated using activity budgets. Foraging and social were the most and least frequently observed behaviours, respectively. A correlation between group size and behaviour was evident, although behaviour did not vary with the composition of dolphin groups. Resting, milling and socialising animals were more frequently observed in smaller groups. Foraging behaviour was prevalent in both small and large groups, suggesting foraging plasticity exists within this population. Behaviour differed between single- and multi-species groups, with foraging more frequent in mixed-species aggregations, indicating the primary mechanism for association is likely prey-related. Stomach contents analysed for forty-two stranded and eleven commercially by-caught individuals collected from around North Island, New Zealand between 1997 and 2006, revealed arrow squid (Nototodarus spp.), jack mackerel (Trachurus spp.) and anchovy (Engraulis australis) as the most prevalent prey. Stranded individuals and dolphins bycaught within neritic waters fed on both neritic and oceanic prey. Moreover, a mixed prey composition was evident in the diet of common dolphins by-caught in oceanic waters, suggesting inshore/offshore movements of New Zealand Delphinus on a diel basis. Additionally, prey differences were also evident in the stomach contents of common dolphins sampled from within the Hauraki Gulf. Trace elements, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and organochlorine (OC) pesticide levels were determined in five stranded and fourteen by-caught Delphinus sampled from around New Zealand between 1999 and 2005. Generally, levels of trace elements were low. However, concentrations of OC pesticides were similar in range to those previously reported for Hector’s (Cephalorhyncus hectori) and common bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus). Organochlorine pesticides dieldrin, hexachlorobenzene (HCB), o,p’-DDT and p,p’-DDE were present at the highest concentrations. Markov chain models were used to assess the impact of tourism activities on Delphinus within the Hauraki Gulf. Foraging and resting bouts were significantly disrupted by boat interactions. Both the duration of bouts and the time spent in these two behavioural states decreased during boat interactions. Additionally, foraging dolphins took significantly longer to return to their initial behavioural state in the presence of a tour boat. Impacts identified are similar to those previously reported for the common bottlenose dolphin, a coastal species typically considered to be more susceptible to cumulative anthropogenic impacts. Data presented here reveal the nature and apparent susceptibility of New Zealand common dolphins to human-induced impacts, namely fisheries by-catch, pollution and tourism. This in conjunction with taxonomic uncertainty, lack of abundance estimates and the year-round use of inshore waters for feeding, clearly warrants immediate attention from managers. Furthermore, the current threat classification of New Zealand Delphinus should be reconsidered in light of population uncertainties, and in view of the susceptibly to human-induced impacts revealed by the present study.

Common dolphins (genus Delphinus) are poorly understood within New Zealand waters. Prior to this study, most information relating to the taxonomy, population structure, diet and pollutant loads of this genus relied upon untested assumptions. Furthermore, factors affecting the occurrence, demographics and habitat use of common dolphins in the Hauraki Gulf remained unknown. This lack of empirical data has resulted in the inadequate recognition and management of New Zealand Delphinus. Inappropriately classified by the New Zealand Threat Classification System, the anthropogenic impacts that affect this genus have clearly been overlooked. The present study examines behaviour of common dolphins in the Hauraki Gulf and details analyses undertaken on tissue samples collected from around New Zealand. Results detailed here challenge many of the untested assumptions about this genus within New Zealand waters. The taxonomy of New Zealand common dolphins was assessed using 92 samples analysed for 577 base pairs (bps) of the mtDNA control region (D-loop). New Zealand samples were compared with 177 published sequences from eight other populations from around the world. New Zealand Delphinus exhibited a high genetic variability, sharing haplotypes with both short- (D. delphis) and long-beaked (D. capensis) populations. Indeed, the New Zealand population showed significant genetic differentiation when compared with most other populations world-wide. Furthermore, intrapopulation analyses revealed significant genetic differentiation between Hauraki Gulf individuals and other common dolphins sampled within New Zealand waters. Results suggest habitat choice and site fidelity may play a role in shaping the fragmented population structure of New Zealand Delphinus. Data relating to the occurrence and demographics of common dolphins in the Hauraki Gulf region were collected during boat-based surveys between February 2002 and January 2005. In total, 719 independent encounters, involving one to > 300 common dolphins were recorded. Dolphin presence was significantly affected by month, latitude and depth. Group size varied significantly by month, season, depth, sea surface temperature (SST) and latitude, and was highly skewed towards smaller groups comprising fewer than 50 animals. Calves were observed throughout the year but were most prevalent in the austral summer months of December and January. Group composition was significantly affected by month, season, depth and SST. The yearround occurrence and social organisation of Delphinus in Hauraki Gulf waters suggest this region is an important nursery and potential calving area. The effects of diel, season, depth, sea surface temperature, and group size and composition on dolphin behaviour were investigated using activity budgets. Foraging and social were the most and least frequently observed behaviours, respectively. A correlation between group size and behaviour was evident, although behaviour did not vary with the composition of dolphin groups. Resting, milling and socialising animals were more frequently observed in smaller groups. Foraging behaviour was prevalent in both small and large groups, suggesting foraging plasticity exists within this population. Behaviour differed between single- and multi-species groups, with foraging more frequent in mixed-species aggregations, indicating the primary mechanism for association is likely prey-related. Stomach contents analysed for forty-two stranded and eleven commercially by-caught individuals collected from around North Island, New Zealand between 1997 and 2006, revealed arrow squid (Nototodarus spp.), jack mackerel (Trachurus spp.) and anchovy (Engraulis australis) as the most prevalent prey. Stranded individuals and dolphins bycaught within neritic waters fed on both neritic and oceanic prey. Moreover, a mixed prey composition was evident in the diet of common dolphins by-caught in oceanic waters, suggesting inshore/offshore movements of New Zealand Delphinus on a diel basis. Additionally, prey differences were also evident in the stomach contents of common dolphins sampled from within the Hauraki Gulf. Trace elements, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and organochlorine (OC) pesticide levels were determined in five stranded and fourteen by-caught Delphinus sampled from around New Zealand between 1999 and 2005. Generally, levels of trace elements were low. However, concentrations of OC pesticides were similar in range to those previously reported for Hector’s (Cephalorhyncus hectori) and common bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus). Organochlorine pesticides dieldrin, hexachlorobenzene (HCB), o,p’-DDT and p,p’-DDE were present at the highest concentrations. Markov chain models were used to assess the impact of tourism activities on Delphinus within the Hauraki Gulf. Foraging and resting bouts were significantly disrupted by boat interactions. Both the duration of bouts and the time spent in these two behavioural states decreased during boat interactions. Additionally, foraging dolphins took significantly longer to return to their initial behavioural state in the presence of a tour boat. Impacts identified are similar to those previously reported for the common bottlenose dolphin, a coastal species typically considered to be more susceptible to cumulative anthropogenic impacts. Data presented here reveal the nature and apparent susceptibility of New Zealand common dolphins to human-induced impacts, namely fisheries by-catch, pollution and tourism. This in conjunction with taxonomic uncertainty, lack of abundance estimates and the year-round use of inshore waters for feeding, clearly warrants immediate attention from managers. Furthermore, the current threat classification of New Zealand Delphinus should be reconsidered in light of population uncertainties, and in view of the susceptibly to human-induced impacts revealed by the present study.

Common dolphins (genus Delphinus) are poorly understood within New Zealand waters. Prior to this study, most information relating to the taxonomy, population structure, diet and pollutant loads of this genus relied upon untested assumptions. Furthermore, factors affecting the occurrence, demographics and habitat use of common dolphins in the Hauraki Gulf remained unknown. This lack of empirical data has resulted in the inadequate recognition and management of New Zealand Delphinus. Inappropriately classified by the New Zealand Threat Classification System, the anthropogenic impacts that affect this genus have clearly been overlooked. The present study examines behaviour of common dolphins in the Hauraki Gulf and details analyses undertaken on tissue samples collected from around New Zealand. Results detailed here challenge many of the untested assumptions about this genus within New Zealand waters. The taxonomy of New Zealand common dolphins was assessed using 92 samples analysed for 577 base pairs (bps) of the mtDNA control region (D-loop). New Zealand samples were compared with 177 published sequences from eight other populations from around the world. New Zealand Delphinus exhibited a high genetic variability, sharing haplotypes with both short- (D. delphis) and long-beaked (D. capensis) populations. Indeed, the New Zealand population showed significant genetic differentiation when compared with most other populations world-wide. Furthermore, intrapopulation analyses revealed significant genetic differentiation between Hauraki Gulf individuals and other common dolphins sampled within New Zealand waters. Results suggest habitat choice and site fidelity may play a role in shaping the fragmented population structure of New Zealand Delphinus. Data relating to the occurrence and demographics of common dolphins in the Hauraki Gulf region were collected during boat-based surveys between February 2002 and January 2005. In total, 719 independent encounters, involving one to > 300 common dolphins were recorded. Dolphin presence was significantly affected by month, latitude and depth. Group size varied significantly by month, season, depth, sea surface temperature (SST) and latitude, and was highly skewed towards smaller groups comprising fewer than 50 animals. Calves were observed throughout the year but were most prevalent in the austral summer months of December and January. Group composition was significantly affected by month, season, depth and SST. The yearround occurrence and social organisation of Delphinus in Hauraki Gulf waters suggest this region is an important nursery and potential calving area. The effects of diel, season, depth, sea surface temperature, and group size and composition on dolphin behaviour were investigated using activity budgets. Foraging and social were the most and least frequently observed behaviours, respectively. A correlation between group size and behaviour was evident, although behaviour did not vary with the composition of dolphin groups. Resting, milling and socialising animals were more frequently observed in smaller groups. Foraging behaviour was prevalent in both small and large groups, suggesting foraging plasticity exists within this population. Behaviour differed between single- and multi-species groups, with foraging more frequent in mixed-species aggregations, indicating the primary mechanism for association is likely prey-related. Stomach contents analysed for forty-two stranded and eleven commercially by-caught individuals collected from around North Island, New Zealand between 1997 and 2006, revealed arrow squid (Nototodarus spp.), jack mackerel (Trachurus spp.) and anchovy (Engraulis australis) as the most prevalent prey. Stranded individuals and dolphins bycaught within neritic waters fed on both neritic and oceanic prey. Moreover, a mixed prey composition was evident in the diet of common dolphins by-caught in oceanic waters, suggesting inshore/offshore movements of New Zealand Delphinus on a diel basis. Additionally, prey differences were also evident in the stomach contents of common dolphins sampled from within the Hauraki Gulf. Trace elements, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and organochlorine (OC) pesticide levels were determined in five stranded and fourteen by-caught Delphinus sampled from around New Zealand between 1999 and 2005. Generally, levels of trace elements were low. However, concentrations of OC pesticides were similar in range to those previously reported for Hector’s (Cephalorhyncus hectori) and common bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus). Organochlorine pesticides dieldrin, hexachlorobenzene (HCB), o,p’-DDT and p,p’-DDE were present at the highest concentrations. Markov chain models were used to assess the impact of tourism activities on Delphinus within the Hauraki Gulf. Foraging and resting bouts were significantly disrupted by boat interactions. Both the duration of bouts and the time spent in these two behavioural states decreased during boat interactions. Additionally, foraging dolphins took significantly longer to return to their initial behavioural state in the presence of a tour boat. Impacts identified are similar to those previously reported for the common bottlenose dolphin, a coastal species typically considered to be more susceptible to cumulative anthropogenic impacts. Data presented here reveal the nature and apparent susceptibility of New Zealand common dolphins to human-induced impacts, namely fisheries by-catch, pollution and tourism. This in conjunction with taxonomic uncertainty, lack of abundance estimates and the year-round use of inshore waters for feeding, clearly warrants immediate attention from managers. Furthermore, the current threat classification of New Zealand Delphinus should be reconsidered in light of population uncertainties, and in view of the susceptibly to human-induced impacts revealed by the present study.

Transport and mixing of momentum and salt in an estuary varies in time and space due to river discharge, changes in tidal amplitude and phase, wind stress, and lateral mixing processes, such as secondary circulation. This dissertation focuses on observing, describing, parameterizing, and quantifying secondary circulation in a sinuous coastal plain estuary using acoustic Doppler current meters. This endeavor is made to improve our general understanding of secondary circulation, to identify its primary driving forces, and to better parameterize key physical processes necessary for further study in current numerical models. Secondary circulation is used to describe several mechanisms whose result is to vertically overturn the water column along the transverse axis of a channel. Secondary circulation is commonly generated by one or more of the following mechanisms: channel curvature, unusual bottom topography or channel geometry, planetary rotation, and/or the differential advection of density. Data for this dissertation was collected in the naturally sinuous Satilla River in southeast Georgia. A shallow coastal plain estuary, the Satilla is a partially-mixed estuary characterized by 2 meter range semidiurnal tides. It has a strong neap-to-spring axial current inequality and strong neap-to-spring vertical salinity differences. The balance of mechanisms responsible for the strength and location of secondary flow in the Satilla River varies with spatial location, phase of the tide, and lateral cross-channel position. A simple steady-state momentum balance between the Coriolis acceleration, centrifugal acceleration, the lateral baroclinic gradient, and bottom stress is sufficient to explain secondary circulation in the Satilla River under a wide variety of conditions. The primary momentum balance for this river is a three-way balance between the centrifugal acceleration, bottom stress, and the lateral baroclinic gradient. The dominant mechanism that drives the local secondary circulation depends on the phase of the tide and the lateral placement of the acoustic current profiler.

Thesis (Ph. D.)--Joint Program in Marine Geology and Geophysics (Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Dept. of Earth, Atmospheric, and Planetary Sciences; and the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution), September 2003. / Includes bibliographical references.