Temporal and spatial distribution in species composition and abundance of hydromedusae in relation to hydrographic variables in the waters surrounding Taiwan were investigated from February to November, 2004. A total of 101 species belonging to 65 genera and 34 families hydromedusae were identified, with the mean abundance of 557 ¡Ó 90 inds./1000m3. The abundance of hydromedusae showed no significant seasonal change but generally was higher in spring and fall, and lower in summer. The eight dominant species were Aglaura hemistoma¡BSolmundella bitentaculata¡BEutima levuka¡BLiriope tetraphylla¡BAglantha elata¡BLaodicea indica¡BRhopalonema velatum and Sminthea eurygaster, which together contributed 85% of the total hydromedusae. Hydromedusae showed higher abundance in the waters northwest off Taiwan, while the species number and diversity were higher in the waters east and south off Taiwan. Hydromedusa communities showed significant difference among water masses, higher abundance in China Costal Current, meanwhile higher species number and diversity in Kuroshio Current. Different dominant species showed different distribution patterns. The total abundance of hydromedusae showed no significant correlation with temperature or salinity, but were positive correlated with zooplankton abundance, while species richness were negatively correlated with zooplankton abundance. Different dominant hydromedusae species showed different correlationships with environmental factors; Aglaura hemistoma showed significant positive correlation with salinity, but Solmundella bitentaculata showed significant negative corelation with salinity. The correlationship between the abundance of each dominant species and evironmental factors varied seasonally.

This study investigated the spatiotemporal distribution of abundances of the fish eggs and Engraulid eggs in relation to environmental factors along the coastal waters off southwestern Taiwan. Moreover, the key to fish eggs under an optical microscope in winter(January) was revised. Samplings were carried out on a bimonthly basis. In total, 38 tows were conducted from January to November 2003.The samplings of eggs were collected by horizontal hauls with NORPAC and cyclindricalconic net at the water surface along Jiading, Linyuan and Fangliao. Sea surface temperature, sea surface salinity, dissolve oxygen, chlorophyll a concentration and density were measured simultaneously with a seabird CTD. The spatiotemporal distribution of the total eggs abundances of two kinds of nets were very similar, and more the abundance of cyclindricalconic net than the NORPAC net. Therefore, the total eggs abundance and species of cyclindricalconic net were adopted to investigate the spatiotemporal distribution of the eggs along the coastal waters off southwestern Taiwan. The total abundances of fish eggs demonstrated significant seasonal variations highest in July and lowest in November. The geographical difference was also observed that the highest abundances were recorded at Jiading, and followed by Linyuan and Fangliao. Based on the results of correlation analyses, it was revealed that the spatiotemporal fluctuations in the total abundances of fish eggs were significant positive correlated to the monthly variation of precipitation. 2,110 fish eggs were obtained from six samples in January, 2003, including Ophichthidae, Clupeidae, Synodontidae, Scaridae, Callionymidae, Soleidae , Cynoglossidae and Engraulidae. The fish eggs that couldn¡¦t be identified were firstly sorted into 28 groups by the egg shape, size, and membrane pattern. Furthermore, they were stored into 64 species based on the presence or absence, and the pattern of pigmentation. The group BIII, Engraulids eggs and unknown dead eggs were the top three dominant species. Due to the different composition of the dominant species, there were significant differences in the spatial distribution. The species composition of dominant group were the Callionymids eggs and unknown dead eggs in Jiading. The species composition of dominance group were group BIII , Engraulids eggs and unknown dead eggs in Linyuan, and Fangliao. In 2003, Engraulids eggs were very abundant in the coastal waters off southwestern Taiwan, representing 14% of the total fish egg abundances. Two peaks of Engraulids eggs abundances were found. One in the July to September 2003, and other one in January 2003. Spatial distribution in the abundances were also observed that the highest abundances were recorded at Fangliao, and followed by Linyuan and Jiading. The mortality rate of the Engraulids eggs was the reverse trends and spatial distribution of the Engraulids eggs abundances. The abundances of eggs were increased when precipitation was high and abundance of Amphipoda was low. The shape of Engraulids eggs was displayed regional differences. Engraulids eggs in Jiading and Fangliao were elongated shape, and oval shape in Linyuan. Seasonal variation in the egg shape was observed and also segregated into two groups representing elongated eggs group in May, July and September and oval eggs group in January, March and November, respectively. Engraulids eggs longitudinal diameter was significantly positive correlated with the SST and monthly precipitation, and were negatively correlated with sea surface salinity, dissolve oxygen and density. Maybe the group BIII was Mugilids eggs. Their spawning ground occurred in Linyuan. Furthermore, the spawning ground of both Callionymids eggs and Synodontids eggs were at Linyuan and Fangliao. The main spawning grounds of Engraulids eggs were at Linyuan and Fangliao along the coastal waters off southwestern Taiwan. The peak spawning season were in summer and winter 2003. The spawning time of Engraulids eggs was approximately at 00:00 to 01:00. The spatiotemporal variations of Engraulids eggs size were influenced by the alternation of the spawning grounds of Engraulids fish along the coastal waters off southwestern Taiwan.

The species composition and recruitment of apogonids in the coastal waters off southwestern Taiwan were investigated, in order to understand their spatiotemporal variation and the biology of the dominant species, Apogon fasciatus. From June 2000 to August 2005, samples were collected by a beam trawl, operating at seven stations, including Jiading, Zouying, Jhongjhou, Linyuan, Dapeng, Linbian and Fangliao. In total, 33 cruises with 411 nets were included. A total of 4,540 specimens of Apogonidae were collected, belonging to 2 genus and 15 species. There were 6 species, including Apogon fraenatus, Apogon moluccensis, Apogon nigripinnis, Apogon nigrifasciatus, Apogon notatus and Apogon semilineatus, which were first recorded in the sandy or muddy habitats. The number of species was highest at Fangliao (11 species) and lowest at Dapeng and Jiading (5 spp.). Abundance and biomass were highest at Zouying (15.3 ind./net ) and Jhongjhou (60.0 g/net), respectively, whereas, the lowest abundance and biomass were both at Jiading (2.1 ind./net; 11.1 g/net). The most abundant species was Apogon fasciatus (86.6%), which also was the dominant species at each station, following by Apogon pleuron (4.5%), Apogon striatus (2.7%), Archamia bleekeri (2.7%) and Apogon niger (1.2%), comprising 97.7% of the apogonids. Although A. fasciatus and A. pleuron resemble similarly in shape and decorative pattern, the length-weight relationships are significantly different (ANOCA, p<0.001). The former is BW = 1.7 ¡Ñ (10^-6)(TL^3.488), the later is 3.4¡Ñ(10^-6)(TL^3.312) . The parameters, K, L¡Û, t0, of von Bertalanffy growth function of A. fasciatus were 1.88 yr^-1, 105.5 mm TL and -0.04. Showing that A. fasciatus growths much quicker before Age 1 than thereafter. The minimum size of mature female A. fasciatus was found 46.39 mm TL, and the size at maturity (L50) is estimated 75.39 mm TL, approximately 7 month-old. The frequency distribution of egg diameter indicated it is a multiple spawner. In May and October which were transit period between dry and rainy seasons, the abundance of A. fasciatus was normally higher than rest months reflecting the annual recruitment of this species. The GSI variation showed that the major breeding season was form on March to September. However, the small A. fasciatus (< 30 mm TL, about 1 month-old) were found throughout the year that implied A. fasciatus may reproduce annually. Moreover, coastal southward waters of Linyuan was the mainly habitat of A. fasciatus in southwestern coastal waters off Taiwan.

Accurate information on the spatial-temporal distributions of air pollution at a regional scale is crucial for effective air quality control, as well as to impact studies on local climate and public health. The current practice of mapping air quality relies heavily on data from monitoring stations, which are often quite sparse and irregularly spaced. The research presented in this dissertation seeks to advance the methodologies involved in spatiotemporal analysis of air quality that integrates remotely-sensed data and in situ measurement. Aerosol optical depth (AOD) data from the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) is analyzed to estimate fine particulate matter (PM2.5) concentrations as the target air pollutant. The spatial-temporal distribution of columnar aerosol loading is investigated through mapping MODIS AOD in southern Ontario, Canada throughout 2004. Clear distribution patterns and strong seasonality are found for the study area. There is a detectable relationship between an AOD level and underlying land use structure and topography on the ground. MODIS AOD was correlated with the ground-level PM2.5 concentration (GL-[PM2.5]) at various wavelengths. The AOD-PM2.5 correlation is found to be sensitive to spatial-temporal scale changes. Further, a semi-empirical model has been developed for a more accurate prediction of GL-[PM2.5]. The model employs MODIS AOD data, assimilated meteorological fields, and ground-based meteorological measurements and is able to explain 65% of the variability in GL-[PM2.5]. To achieve a more accurate and informative spatiotemporal modelling of GL-[PM2.5], a method is proposed that integrates the model-predictions and in situ measurements in the framework of Bayesian Maximum Entropy (BME) analysis. A case study of southern Ontario demonstrates the procedures of the method and support for its advantages by comparison with conventional geostatistical approaches. The BME estimation, coupled with BME posterior variance, can be used to depict GL-[PM2.5] distribution in a stochastic context. The methodologies covered in this work are expected to be applicable to the modelling or analysis of other types of air pollutant concentrations. / Thesis (Ph.D, Geography) -- Queen's University, 2009-01-08 14:43:49.333

Orientador: Rogério Caetano da Costa / Banca: Antonio Leão Castilho / Banca: Jandira Liria Biscalquini Talamoni / Resumo: O presente estudo foi dividido em dois capítulos e tiveram como objetivos: cap.1- verificar a distribuição espaço-temporal de L. schmitti em três baías do litoral norte do estado de São Paulo, Ubatumirim (UBM), Ubatuba (UBA) e Mar Virado (MV); testar a relação dos fatores ambientais com a distribuição dos camarões durante um período de 2 anos (1998 e 1999) e cap. 2- averiguar a variação anual e sazonal da biomassa e do número de indivíduos do camarão, durante 4 anos de estudo (1998, 1999, 2002, 2006), com enfoque no período reprodutivo e de recrutamento juvenil informando qual a melhor época para a pesca. Os camarões foram capturados com um barco camaroneiro equipado com redes do tipo "double-rig" em profundidades até os 20 metros. Em 1998 e 1999, um total de 5658 indivíduos foi coletado, sendo 4437 no primeiro ano e 1221 no segundo ano. Em MV obteve-se a maior abundância (n= 2747), seguido de UBM (n= 1649) e UBA (n=1262). A salinidade da água variou de 28 a 37 com média de 34,6 ± 1,44, porém não houve correlação significativa desse fator com a abundância (p=0,90). A média da temperatura de fundo foi de 24,8 ± 2,84 °C com valor máximo de 31,4 °C e mínimo de 19 °C. Apesar dessa grande variação nos valores obtidos, não houve correlação significativa desse fator com a abundância (p= 0,11). A maior captura de camarões foi registrada em áreas onde silte + argila correspondem mais de 70 % do sedimento e em locais com maior porcentagem de matéria orgânica. Houve relação inversa da abundância com a pluviosidade, com as maiores abundâncias nos meses posteriores a temporada de chuvas. Porém, no ano em que houve maior pluviosidade, também houve uma maior captura de indivíduos. A quantidade de camarões seguiu uma tendência sazonal, sendo maior durante o outono e inverno... (Resumo completo, clicar acesso eletrônico abaixo) / Abstract: The present study was divided in two chapters, which aimed: chapter 1 - to verify the spatiotemporal distribution of L. schmitti in three bays of north littoral of São Paulo State, Ubatumirim (UBM), Ubatuba (UBA) e Mar Virado (MV); to test the relation between environmental factors and shrimp distribution, during a 2-year period (1998 and 1999) and chapter 2 - to investigate the annual and seasonal variation of biomass and of the number of shrimp individuals, focusing reproductive period and juvenile recruitment; which is the best period for the open season; the rainfall influence on abundance during 4 years of study (1998, 1999, 2002 and 2006). Shrimps were captured with a shrimp fishing boat equipped with two double-rig nets at depths up to 20m. In 1998 and 1999, a total of 5658 individuals was collected, being 4437 on first year and 1221 on second year. The highest abundance was obtained at MV (n=2747), followed by UBM (n=1649) and then by UBA (n=1262). Water salinity has varied from 28 to 37, with average of 34.6 ± 1.44, although abundance has not had a significant correlation with this factor (p=0,90). The average bottom temperature was of 24,8 ± 2,84 °C, with a maximum of 31.4 °C and a minimum of 19°C. Besides the great variation on these values, abundance has not had a significant correlation with this factor (p=0.11). The higher shrimp capture was registered in areas where sediment was composed by more than 70% of silt + clay and at areas with highest percentage of organic-matter. There was an inverse correlation between abundance and rainfall, with the highest abundances on months after the rainy season. However, the highest individual catch occurred in the year with highest rainfall rates. Shrimp amount had a seasonal tendency, being higher during autumn and winter in both years. A total of 566 (13,171 g) individuals... (Complete abstract click electronic access below) / Mestre

This study aims to investigate the temporal-spatial distribution and reproduction of the Callionymidae, a dominant bottom-dwelling family at southwestern Taiwan. Samples were collected once every 1~2 month from January 2001 to January 2005 at seven stations, including Jiading, Zuoying, Jhongjhou, Linyuan, Dapeng Bay, Linbian and Fangliao, along the southwestern coast of Taiwan. A total of 5,846 samples was obtained, including 3 genera and 15 species. More species were found in this study than previous ones. The distribution of callionymids showed the significant variations in season, site and year. The highest abundance months occurred during March to October annually, with the most abundant at Jiading, then decreased in numbers southwards. Callionymus planus (52%)¡BCallionymus curvicornis (28%)¡BCallionymus virgis (7%) and Callionymus filamentosus (6%) were the top four dominant species. The four dominant species appeared abundantly around their spawning season. C. planus, C. curvicornis and C. filamentous were serial spawners, with peaking period at March-May, November-March and February-April, respectively. Both C. planus and C. curvicornis were most abundant at Jiading, and decreased southwardly, whereas the C. virgis and C. filamentosus were most abundant at Fangliao and Zuoying, respectively. All dominant species were revealed resource partitioning in relation to their reproductive activities. Callionymus planus that grew fast and recovered quickly among the callionymids, predominated in this area. Both C. planus and C. curvicornis showed significant reproductive isolation at the same area, both with a southward decrease in number. Calllionymus virgis separated from others and lived in the southmost site. Furthermore, C. filamentosus had a spawning period between C. planus and C. curvicornis.

Made available in DSpace on 2014-06-11T19:30:12Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2012-02-24Bitstream added on 2014-06-13T18:59:56Z : No. of bitstreams: 1 bochini_gl_me_botib.pdf: 1046951 bytes, checksum: c853155f5ecbb629ac360d4f519b2981 (MD5) / Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq) / Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES) / O presente estudo foi dividido em dois capítulos e tiveram como objetivos: cap.1- verificar a distribuição espaço-temporal de L. schmitti em três baías do litoral norte do estado de São Paulo, Ubatumirim (UBM), Ubatuba (UBA) e Mar Virado (MV); testar a relação dos fatores ambientais com a distribuição dos camarões durante um período de 2 anos (1998 e 1999) e cap. 2- averiguar a variação anual e sazonal da biomassa e do número de indivíduos do camarão, durante 4 anos de estudo (1998, 1999, 2002, 2006), com enfoque no período reprodutivo e de recrutamento juvenil informando qual a melhor época para a pesca. Os camarões foram capturados com um barco camaroneiro equipado com redes do tipo “double-rig” em profundidades até os 20 metros. Em 1998 e 1999, um total de 5658 indivíduos foi coletado, sendo 4437 no primeiro ano e 1221 no segundo ano. Em MV obteve-se a maior abundância (n= 2747), seguido de UBM (n= 1649) e UBA (n=1262). A salinidade da água variou de 28 a 37 com média de 34,6 ± 1,44, porém não houve correlação significativa desse fator com a abundância (p=0,90). A média da temperatura de fundo foi de 24,8 ± 2,84 °C com valor máximo de 31,4 °C e mínimo de 19 °C. Apesar dessa grande variação nos valores obtidos, não houve correlação significativa desse fator com a abundância (p= 0,11). A maior captura de camarões foi registrada em áreas onde silte + argila correspondem mais de 70 % do sedimento e em locais com maior porcentagem de matéria orgânica. Houve relação inversa da abundância com a pluviosidade, com as maiores abundâncias nos meses posteriores a temporada de chuvas. Porém, no ano em que houve maior pluviosidade, também houve uma maior captura de indivíduos. A quantidade de camarões seguiu uma tendência sazonal, sendo maior durante o outono e inverno... / The present study was divided in two chapters, which aimed: chapter 1 – to verify the spatiotemporal distribution of L. schmitti in three bays of north littoral of São Paulo State, Ubatumirim (UBM), Ubatuba (UBA) e Mar Virado (MV); to test the relation between environmental factors and shrimp distribution, during a 2-year period (1998 and 1999) and chapter 2 – to investigate the annual and seasonal variation of biomass and of the number of shrimp individuals, focusing reproductive period and juvenile recruitment; which is the best period for the open season; the rainfall influence on abundance during 4 years of study (1998, 1999, 2002 and 2006). Shrimps were captured with a shrimp fishing boat equipped with two double-rig nets at depths up to 20m. In 1998 and 1999, a total of 5658 individuals was collected, being 4437 on first year and 1221 on second year. The highest abundance was obtained at MV (n=2747), followed by UBM (n=1649) and then by UBA (n=1262). Water salinity has varied from 28 to 37, with average of 34.6 ± 1.44, although abundance has not had a significant correlation with this factor (p=0,90). The average bottom temperature was of 24,8 ± 2,84 °C, with a maximum of 31.4 °C and a minimum of 19°C. Besides the great variation on these values, abundance has not had a significant correlation with this factor (p=0.11). The higher shrimp capture was registered in areas where sediment was composed by more than 70% of silt + clay and at areas with highest percentage of organic-matter. There was an inverse correlation between abundance and rainfall, with the highest abundances on months after the rainy season. However, the highest individual catch occurred in the year with highest rainfall rates. Shrimp amount had a seasonal tendency, being higher during autumn and winter in both years. A total of 566 (13,171 g) individuals... (Complete abstract click electronic access below)

Ecosystem-level changes have taken place in the Mediterranean Sea over the last decades due to both anthropogenic interferences and natural perturbations. Compared to the western Mediterranean Sea, influences of these factors especially on flora and fauna characteristics are much more dramatic and intense in the eastern part, particularly in the northeastern Levant Sea where the study area is located. In this study, life history traits of some core species (both native and immigrant) occupying the continental shelf of the northeastern Levant Sea were studied in this changing ecosystem to improve limited ecological understanding of the demersal fish assemblages of the northeastern Levant Sea. For this purpose, the annual patterns in allocation and utilization of energy in demersal fish species, temporal and bathymetrical trends in fish distribution with respect to biological requirements of the species and strategies adapted by the species in growth, reproduction and energy storage were investigated by examining growth parameters, biological indices and abundance and biomass variations. Influences of environmental variables on spatiotemporal distribution and biological characteristic of Mullus barbatus were also explored by generalized additive models. Biological data were collected at monthly intervals between May 2007 and May 2010 by trawl sampling while sample collection of environmental variables (temperature and salinity) was performed from December 2008 to May 2010. Results of this study reveal that the components of the demersal fish assemblage in the region fulfill their biological activities within a short period of time when the highest productivity is reached in the area. Moreover, results indicate that within this short period of time, some native components of the demersal fish assemblages studied (Mullus barbatus and Pagellus erythrinus) exhibit strategies such as fast growth, early maturation, short reproduction season, secondary spawners to cope with the environmental peculiarities. On the other hand, the successful exotic colonizers develop strategies as well but these successful immigrants also use time (Lagocephalus suezensis) and space (depth) (Upeneus pori) slot that the native species avoid. In some of the species examined (Mullus barbatus and Lagocephalus suezensis), growth is fast, sexual maturity is early, reproduction period is short, and reproduction potential is high. With the peculiar environmental condition, these life history traits are attributed to the &ldquo / r-strategy&rdquo / of the species. In this study, generalized additive models of Mullus barbatus explain 81.5 % variations in Gonadosomatic Index (GSI), 55.2 % in Hepatosomatic Index (HSI) and 43.9 % in Condition Factor (K). The time component in the GAM model captures the same cyclic pattern observed in GSI of Mullus barbatus. Besides, The GAM results suggest that the highest GSI values associated with the bottom water temperature are between 18 &ndash / 19 &deg / C while the partial effect of bottom salinity is at 38.7 psu. A positive effect of depth on GSI of the species starts after 60 meters depth and increasing trend continues until 125 meters depth and then decreases. The HSI results are almost identical to GSI outputs indicating that the effects of the parameters concerned act in a similar manner. The results of the GAM models failed to explain influence of environmental parameters on vertical and seasonal distribution of adult Mullus barbatus. However 83.5 % variances were explained in distribution of juveniles. The salinity and temperature have the highest impact on the distribution of juveniles among the parameters evaluated. The results indicate that the occurrence of Atlantic Water in the area has a positive influence on M. barbatus, particularly on the recruits through either by its low salinity or by another factor associated with this water mass. The vertical distribution range are set by the high temperatures (&gt / 27 &deg / C) at the shallow depths during summer and the low temperatures on the shelf break zone (&lt / 16 &deg / C). A comparison of vertical abundance distribution of Mullus barbatus and the vertical temperature variations indicate that the species may tolerate up to 27 &deg / C and then individuals move to the deeper depths so that to the cooler waters when the temperature exceeds their tolerance limit. As well as the life history traits adopted by the species, there are some other factors providing advantages to the species. The fisheries regulations, particularly the time limits applied in the area are in favor of the species especially of pre-recruits. In the study area the pre-recruitment phase and summer YOY aggregations in shallow waters of most species studied in this thesis take place during a time when the fishing season is closed.