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Hydrobiology
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This is an Open Access Journal

Open Access journal
ISSN (Online) 2673-9917
Published by MDPI

[258 journals]

Hydrobiology, Vol. 2, Pages 289-313: Life History Strategy of Maurolicus
muelleri (Gmenlin, 1789) in the Bay of Biscay
- Authors: Paula Alvarez, Maria Korta, Dorleta Garcia, Guillermo Boyra
  First page: 289
  Abstract: Maurolicus muelleri is a significant component of the marine ecosystem and has the potential to be a valuable fishery resource. However, in the Bay of Biscay, its primary biological traits remain unclear. This study presents data on the length distribution, age, growth, maturity ogive, spawning season, batch fecundity, and sex ratio for Maurolicus muelleri captured in the Bay of Biscay. The results showed that in spring, the adult spawners (ages of 1 and 2) were dominant in the catches, while in September, immature juveniles (age of 0) born in spring were mostly found. Using standard lengths as a basis, 50% of the fish were mature at 34.1 mm (both sexes combined), and the sex ratio, male to female, was 0.44:0.56. The proportion of females increased with length, and a 1:1 sex ratio was predicted at a standard length of 41.5 mm. The spawning season was allocated to at least between March and September, with a likely peak in May. The batch fecundity ranged from 114 to 919 oocytes/female, and increased with the weight and length of females. The results allowed us to interpret a life history strategy for this species, i.e., a high fecundity for females, which mostly participate in one or two reproductive seasons. Therefore, any possible exploitation of age 0 fish prior to spawning could lead to a decrease in the population from which recovery could be slow.
  Citation: Hydrobiology
  PubDate: 2023-04-14
  DOI: 10.3390/hydrobiology2020019
  Issue No: Vol. 2, No. 2 (2023)
Hydrobiology, Vol. 2, Pages 311-325: Mass Mortality of Shallow-Water
Temperate Corals in Marine Protected Areas of the North Aegean Sea
(Eastern Mediterranean)
- Authors: Chryssanthi Antoniadou, Martha Pantelidou, Maria Skoularikou, Chariton Charles Chintiroglou
  First page: 311
  Abstract: Coral mortality is a global phenomenon of increasing magnitude, correlated with climate change. Prolonged marine heatwaves have particularly affected the north Aegean Sea in summer 2021, threatening shallow-water stony corals, such as Balanophyllia europaea and Cladocora caespitosa. To assess their population status, ten coastal, rocky-bottom stations dispersed in Natura 2000 sites of Chalkidiki (north Aegean) were surveyed using non-destructive techniques in autumn 2021. At each station, corals’ abundance was estimated in situ, by counting the number of B. europaea polyps within randomly placed 50 × 50 cm quadrats, and the number of C. caespitosa colonies along three replicate belt transects 1 × 10 m. The status of corals was qualitatively assigned as healthy, bleached (partially or complete), or in necrosis (partial or complete). B. europaea was found in 80% of stations; in total, 58.17% of the coral specimens were affected by necrosis. C. caespitosa was found in 30% of stations; in total, 27.49% of the coral colonies were partially bleached and 11.32% in necrosis. Another nine sessile invertebrates (sponges, bivalves, and ascidians) were observed in necrosis. These results highlight the need to establish monitoring programs on vulnerable sessile invertebrate populations along the Aegean Sea to assess climate change impacts.
  Citation: Hydrobiology
  PubDate: 2023-04-30
  DOI: 10.3390/hydrobiology2020020
  Issue No: Vol. 2, No. 2 (2023)
Hydrobiology, Vol. 2, Pages 326-346: Implementation and Optimization of
Algal Biomass in Value-Added Products Recovery: A Step towards Algae-Based
Green Economy
- Authors: Nalok Dutta, Pritha Kundu, Jonathan Tian En Lee, Sayan Bhattacharya
  First page: 326
  Abstract: Algal biomass is a prospective feedstock for the eco-sustainable production of many different products with added value, such as meals, feeds, and fuels. The remaining biomass from the algae can be used as raw material and can be transformed into useful secondary products after the important macromolecules have been removed. By optimizing algal biomass hydrolysate utilizing microbial fermentation, several studies demonstrated the generation of bioenergy (bioalcohol, biogas, and biohydrogen) and biochemicals (organic acids and biopolymers). Since the harvest and maintenance of sustainable algal cultivation incur considerable energy and economical prowess, developing products from algae remains a challenge to be countered in commercial applications. This is a typical bottleneck issue when processing algae for fuels or chemicals at the pilot scale. Implementation of integrated algae biorefinery methods can substantially reduce the cost of production and energy consumption. An algae-based green economy can be financially more viable and utilizable, especially for countries with weaker economies. This review’s goal is to examine the implementation of integrated biorefineries for the recovery of bioproducts generated from algae and potential applications. In this context, the life cycle analysis and business elements of a unified algal biorefinery are also addressed.
  Citation: Hydrobiology
  PubDate: 2023-05-13
  DOI: 10.3390/hydrobiology2020021
  Issue No: Vol. 2, No. 2 (2023)
Hydrobiology, Vol. 2, Pages 347-353: Optimising Kelp Cultivation to Scale
up Habitat Restoration Efforts: Effect of Light Intensity on “Green
Gravel” Production
- Authors: Silvia Chemello, Isabel Sousa Pinto, Tania R. Pereira
  First page: 347
  Abstract: Kelp forests are disappearing worldwide due to climate change and human stressors, highlighting the need for active interventions. A new restoration approach, “green gravel”, has been shown to be a potentially effective tool to restore endangered kelp forests. However, green gravel is still a novel technique that needs better experimentation and optimisation at all process stages. Contamination by other algal species is one of the critical factors in early-stage green gravel production because their overgrowth can lead to the loss of the seeded material. In this study, we assessed the effect of light intensity on kelp growth and on the coverage of contaminating algae on green gravel. Our results show that under high lights, kelps displayed faster growth (recruits on average more than three times the size and covering a six-times-larger area in high light intensity than in low light), but there was also a higher percentage of contaminating algae. In contrast, the green gravel cultivated under low lights showed almost no signs of algal contamination, but the area occupied by kelps and the length of the lamina were dramatically lower. Due to the cultivation conditions, opportunistic species can grow fast. This advantage is expected to disappear once the green gravel is deployed. To obtain cleaner cultures and to avoid the risk of losing the cultivated material, we would advise starting rearing under lower light intensity to reduce the risk of contamination but ensure kelp growth and then increasing the light intensity to boost it. Clear and appropriate protocols are absolutely necessary to minimise production costs and times and for the scaling-up of future attempts at marine forest restoration.
  Citation: Hydrobiology
  PubDate: 2023-05-16
  DOI: 10.3390/hydrobiology2020022
  Issue No: Vol. 2, No. 2 (2023)
Hydrobiology, Vol. 2, Pages 354-362: Flight Capacity and Response to
Habitat Drying of Endemic Diving Beetles (Coleoptera: Dytiscidae) in
Arkansas (USA)
- Authors: Scott D. Longing, Daniel D. Magoulick
  First page: 354
  Abstract: The ability to colonize new habitat is essential for wild populations affected by disturbance or other forms of habitat change. For aquatic insects in small streams, overland flight is an important strategy for dispersal when barriers to in-stream migration exist and when populations are isolated in upland habitats. Two Ozark-endemic water beetles (Heterosternuta sulphuria and Heterosternuta phoebeae) have shown little overlap in distributions, with the former frequently occurring in small upland watersheds and the latter occurring in aquatic habitats farther downstream in larger watersheds. Because H. sulphuria has been associated with perennial aquatic habitats, we hypothesized that H. sulphuria individuals could exhibit low capacity for flight, thereby affecting population distributions over time. Laboratory flight observations showed that zero individuals of H. sulphuria flew (n = 67), whereas 17 of 76 individuals of H. phoebeae were observed to fly. Stream habitat drying experiments provided further evidence of the weak capacity for flight and overland migration of H. sulphuria, with low probabilities of survivorship in microhabitats exposed to drying. Weak flight capacity and apparent intolerance to habitat drying have important implications for the evolutionary history and conservation of H. sulphuria in small Ozark streams exposed to variable flow regimes and stream margins vulnerable to disturbances.
  Citation: Hydrobiology
  PubDate: 2023-05-24
  DOI: 10.3390/hydrobiology2020023
  Issue No: Vol. 2, No. 2 (2023)
Hydrobiology, Vol. 2, Pages 363-381: Evaluation of the Relationship
between Stream Habitat Quality and Taxa and Trait Richness and Diversity
in Piedmont Streams in North Carolina
- Authors: Anthony J. Roux, Sandra M. Clinton
  First page: 363
  Abstract: As impervious cover increases with urban development, stream channels are degraded by increased stormwater runoff, which negatively impacts stream habitat quality and benthic macroinvertebrate diversity. We examined the relationship between stream habitat diversity and aquatic insect taxa and trait richness and diversity at the watershed scale in 30 streams, covering a gradient of stream habitat quality. We then quantified the relationship between taxa and trait richness and diversity and seven microhabitats at the reach scale in ten streams with high habitat quality. We found that both taxa richness and diversity declined at a greater rate than trait richness and diversity along an in-stream habitat diversity gradient. Taxa richness was positively correlated with pools, runs, backwater, leaf packs, and riffles, while trait richness was positively correlated with runs, small wood, and riffles. Taxa diversity was positively correlated with pools and leaf packs while trait diversity was positively correlated with runs, leaf packs, small wood, and riffles. An indicator species analysis revealed that specific taxa and traits were associated with specific microhabitats or combinations of microhabitats. By correlating the taxa in urban streams with specific microhabitats, we can better evaluate the success of stream restoration in restoring stream function and in stimulating benthic macroinvertebrate recovery.
  Citation: Hydrobiology
  PubDate: 2023-05-26
  DOI: 10.3390/hydrobiology2020024
  Issue No: Vol. 2, No. 2 (2023)
Hydrobiology, Vol. 2, Pages 44-54: The Potentials for the Ecological
Management of Landscape Connectivity Including Aquatic Ecosystems in
Northeast Albania
- Authors: Laura Shumka, Andi Papastefani, Spase Shumka, Sotir Mali
  First page: 44
  Abstract: At the landscape level, freshwater ecosystems are linked at various spatial and temporal scales by movements of different fauna components adapted to life in water. We review the literature on the state of landscape connectivity and related aquatic species that connect different types of freshwater habitats, focusing on linkages from streams, large rivers and standing water bodies. Based on existing evidence, it is clear that biotic linkages throughout current mosaic have important consequences for biological integrity and biodiversity. The recent developments with regard to urbanization, expansion of urban centers, infrastructure development, and hydropower plant construction in Albania are in line with global destruction and fragmentation of habitats resulting in the parceling up of landscapes that, in this very case, have been caused by human population growth and development activities. The primary aim of this article is to address the landscape connectivity in a wider northeastern part of Albania considering various protected areas. The landscape connectivity is a pillar component of connectivity conservation that has emerged as a response approach to a range of threats to biodiversity, which include habitat degradation and destruction, fragmentation and climate changes. The approach analyses of landscape connectivity were defined from a human perspective in a linkage among different protected areas, including National Park Albanian Alps, Nature Park Korrab-Koritnik, National Park ShebenikJabllanica, Pogradec Landscape Protected Areas and National Park Prespa. The basis of this analysis lies in the Network of Protected Areas (NPAs) of Albania. Cumulatively, the protected areas connectivity, aquatic ecosystem linkage and individual movements connect populations within and among landscape mosaics and contribute to national and regional diversity and resilience to disturbance. This study highlights the importance of considering both terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems connectivity in conservation planning and management.
  Citation: Hydrobiology
  PubDate: 2023-01-04
  DOI: 10.3390/hydrobiology2010004
  Issue No: Vol. 2, No. 1 (2023)
Hydrobiology, Vol. 2, Pages 55-74: The Evolution of Life History Traits
and Their Thermal Plasticity in Daphnia
- Authors: Larry L. Bowman; Jr., David M. Post
  First page: 55
  Abstract: Few studies have explored the relative strength of ecogeographic versus lineage-specific effects on a global scale, particularly for poikilotherms, those organisms whose internal temperature varies with their environment. Here, we compile a global dataset of life history traits in Daphnia, at the species-and population-level, and use those data to parse the relative influences of lineage-specific effects and climate. We also compare the thermal response (plasticity) of life history traits and their dependence on climate, temperature, precipitation, and latitude. We found that the mode of evolution for life history traits varies but that the thermal response of life history traits most often follows a random walk model of evolution. We conclude that life history trait evolution in Daphnia is not strongly species-specific but is ecogeographically distinct, suggesting that life history evolution should be understood at the population level for Daphnia and possibly for other poikilotherms.
  Citation: Hydrobiology
  PubDate: 2023-01-06
  DOI: 10.3390/hydrobiology2010005
  Issue No: Vol. 2, No. 1 (2023)
Hydrobiology, Vol. 2, Pages 75-96: Ecosystem Services Provided by Seaweeds
- Authors: João Cotas, Louisa Gomes, Diana Pacheco, Leonel Pereira
  First page: 75
  Abstract: The ecosystem services can be divided using two major classification systems, the Millennium Ecosystem Assessment (MEA) and the Common International Classification of Ecosystem Services (CICES). In the MEA system, the ecosystem services are divided into four major service clusters: supporting, provisioning, regulating, and cultural. On the other hand, the CICES system regards the “MEA supporting services” as organism natural function (and not an ecosystem service). Thus, this function is the basis for all the three CICES ecosystem services (provisioning, regulating, and cultural) provided by one organism. These ecosystem services can be analyzed for the type of habitat, fauna or flora. Seaweeds, or marine macroalgae, are one of the key organisms in estuarine and seawater habitats ecosystems, which currently is of extreme importance due to the climate changes and the blue–green economy. Seaweeds and humankind have been interlinked from the beginning, mainly as a food source, fibers, biochemicals, natural medicine, ornamental resources, art inspiration, and esthetic values in several coastal communities. Moreover, currently they are being studied as green carbon, carbon sequestration, and as a possible source for the biomedical and pharmaceutical areas. This review is a concise review of all ecological services provided by seaweeds and their impact in the human life and maintenance of the ecosystem status quo. The future of seaweeds use is also approached, regarding the promotion of seaweed ecological services and its dangers in the future.
  Citation: Hydrobiology
  PubDate: 2023-01-09
  DOI: 10.3390/hydrobiology2010006
  Issue No: Vol. 2, No. 1 (2023)
Hydrobiology, Vol. 2, Pages 97-133: Biogeography of Selected Spring
Endemics in Texas Interglacial-Drought Refugia with Unexpected Insights
from a Spring-Dependent Nematode Parasite
- Authors: Mclean L. D. Worsham, Alan Bond, James Randy Gibson, David G. Huffman
  First page: 97
  Abstract: The contemporary distribution of crenobiontic endemics in central Texas is enigmatic because only some springs are occupied by crenobionts despite other unoccupied springs having seemingly suitable habitats. In the absence of complete paleo-records, a cohesive and widely accepted explanation for this biogeography has eluded researchers for many years. We suggest that data on contemporary species with obligate coevolution, such as parasites with multiple obligate hosts in their life cycles, can help to fill intervening gaps in the paleo-record because the contemporary distribution of such a parasite indicates that its hosts cohabitated without interruption since the arrival of the parasite. To test this conjecture, we studied one such parasite endemic to a select few central Texas springs, Huffmanela huffmani. By studying the distribution of the intermediate host, geologic and paleo-climatic records, performing lab experiments with live animals, and examining archived museum specimens of the definitive hosts from the 1950s, we were able to test multiple predictions about how the distribution of H. huffmani became what it is today. Our results corroborate a narrative suggesting that several severe droughts since the Wisconsin glaciations are responsible for having sculpted the present-day distribution of central Texas crenobionts.
  Citation: Hydrobiology
  PubDate: 2023-01-09
  DOI: 10.3390/hydrobiology2010007
  Issue No: Vol. 2, No. 1 (2023)
Hydrobiology, Vol. 2, Pages 134-149: An Approach for Managing Landscapes
for a Variety of Ecosystem Services in Prespa Lakes Watershed
- Authors: Dorina Grazhdani
  First page: 134
  Abstract: The main goal of this research was to evaluate how well existing and emerging land management practices may be used to manage landscapes for various ecosystem services. By employing a mixed methods approach and conducting a case study in the Prespa Lakes watershed in southeast Europe, this goal was achieved. The necessary information was initially gathered using a semi-stratified survey. Following that, the primary ecosystem services and land management practices present in Prespa Lakes watershed were determined via a workshop and a Delphi survey. The identified ecosystem services were ranked using the multi-criteria analytical hierarchy process method. The most important ecosystem service topics included tourism and recreation, maintenance of healthy water bodies, wildlife habitats, healthy food production, natural and heritage values, and biodiversity. Finally, a set of primary priority land management practices for meeting production and ecosystem service goals in the current conditions of the Prespa Lakes watershed was produced utilizing a ranking framework. The very high priority land management practices include livestock breeding to meet both production and conservation objectives, organic farming, diversified crop rotation, crop and tree diversity, restored wetlands, and planning at landscape level. This study provides an important tool for assessing changes in ecosystem service provision under alternative land management practices.
  Citation: Hydrobiology
  PubDate: 2023-01-12
  DOI: 10.3390/hydrobiology2010008
  Issue No: Vol. 2, No. 1 (2023)
Hydrobiology, Vol. 2, Pages 150: Acknowledgment to the Reviewers of
Hydrobiology in 2022
- Authors: Hydrobiology Editorial Office Hydrobiology Editorial Office
  First page: 150
  Abstract: High-quality academic publishing is built on rigorous peer review [...]
  Citation: Hydrobiology
  PubDate: 2023-01-18
  DOI: 10.3390/hydrobiology2010009
  Issue No: Vol. 2, No. 1 (2023)
Hydrobiology, Vol. 2, Pages 151-161: Classification and Secondary
Metabolite-Biosynthetic Gene Clusters of Marine Streptomyces Strains
Including a Lobophorin- and Divergolide-Producer
- Authors: Hisayuki Komaki, Tomohiko Tamura, Yasuhiro Igarashi
  First page: 151
  Abstract: Two Streptomyces strains, named N11-26 and DC10-5, were isolated from deep-sea and non-photosynthetic stony coral, respectively. Strain N11-26 produces lobophorin C and divergolides, which are antimicrobial substances. This study aimed to classify these strains and reveal their cryptic potential to synthesize other secondary metabolites, such as polyketides and nonribosomal peptides. Strains N11-26 and DC10-5 showed 16S rRNA gene sequence similarities of 100% and 99.9% to Streptomyces olivaceus NRRL B-3009T, respectively. By digital DNA–DNA hybridization using whole-genome sequences, these strains were classified as Streptomyces olivaceus. Strain N11-26 was closer to the type strain of S. olivaceus than strain DC10-5 and possessed 17 clusters of polyketide synthase (PKS) and/or nonribosomal peptide synthetases (NRPS) genes, whereas strain DC10-5 harbored 19 clusters. Putative products by these gene clusters were predicted by bioinformatic analyses. Although 15 clusters were conserved between the two strains, two and four clusters were specific in strains N11-26 and DC10-5, respectively. This represents a diversity of potential polyketide and nonribosomal peptide compounds between strains of S. olivaceus. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report annotating all the PKS and NRPS gene clusters in S. olivaceus strains with their putative products to provide useful information for genome mining.
  Citation: Hydrobiology
  PubDate: 2023-02-01
  DOI: 10.3390/hydrobiology2010010
  Issue No: Vol. 2, No. 1 (2023)
Hydrobiology, Vol. 2, Pages 162-180: Hydrobiology of Saline Agriculture
- Authors: Rayhana Akter, Nazmul Hasan, Farhadur Reza, Md. Asaduzzaman, Kohinoor Begum, Mashura Shammi
  First page: 162
  Abstract: The aim of this review paper is to identify the production trends of shrimp and rice farming systems and associated hydrobiological parameters such as salinity in the coastal districts of Bangladesh. An intensive literature review has been conducted to explore salt stress-driven land use change, crop production, and changing ecosystem hydrobiology to adapt climate change impact from 2012–2022. The results indicate that a gradual extension of salt-driven land use and land cover (LULC) change has stressed agricultural production to a greater extent from 1973 to 2022 due to the high level of salinity. The unplanned expansion of shrimp culture is creating adverse consequences for the coastal ecosystem. Some suggestions have been proposed by analysing the mechanisms of crops’ response to salt stress, including several physiological, biochemical, and molecular bases to mitigate the adverse effects of salinity on agricultural production. Alternatively, prawn, shrimp, and crab have similar or slightly higher economic outputs, except for the crop-based agricultural system, which is highly affected by salinity rise. However, due to low input costs, low maintenance, and less environmental impact, farmers are shifting towards crab fattening and thus changing the hydrobiology of coastal land use and land cover.
  Citation: Hydrobiology
  PubDate: 2023-02-02
  DOI: 10.3390/hydrobiology2010011
  Issue No: Vol. 2, No. 1 (2023)
Hydrobiology, Vol. 2, Pages 181-195: Using Fish Assemblages to Assess the
Ecological Effects of Marine Protection on Rocky Habitats in a Portuguese
Natural Park
- Authors: Nuno Castro, Tadeu J. Pereira, André Costa, Joana Sertório, António Fernandes, Maria J. Tavares, João J. Castro
  First page: 181
  Abstract: Intensive and regular fishing occurs in the marine area of the natural park “Parque Natural do Sudoeste Alentejano e Costa Vicentina” (PNSACV; SW coast of continental Portugal). In 2011, this area became a marine park with different protection levels (total, partial, and complementary). We assessed in 2011 and 2012 if partial protection (PP) in Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) changed the taxa richness, abundance, size, and community composition of cryptic and non-cryptic fishes. We also determined if these effects were observed outside PP areas in adjacent control areas. Underwater visual censuses (UVC) of cryptic and non-cryptic fish species were conducted in rocky subtidal habitats (~10 m deep) with band transects (25 × 2 m and 25 × 4 m, respectively) to determine abundance and size classes. The northern half of the PNSACV was sampled at a scale of tens (site—two sites per area; 4–6 transects per site) and hundreds (area) of meters. Two PP and six control areas were sampled. The homogeneity and abundance of bottom habitat types were assessed at each site. Effects of protection were not detected in the community structure or univariate analyses (i.e., taxa richness and total abundance) of non-cryptic and cryptic fishes. The early phase of the MPAs may have driven the lack of significant protection effects. Replication in time within a monitoring program is recommended to assess these conservation measures’ ecological effects.
  Citation: Hydrobiology
  PubDate: 2023-02-02
  DOI: 10.3390/hydrobiology2010012
  Issue No: Vol. 2, No. 1 (2023)
Hydrobiology, Vol. 2, Pages 196-211: Predicting Habitat and Distribution
of an Interior Highlands Regional Endemic Winter Stonefly (Allocapnia
mohri) in Arkansas Using Random Forest Models
- Authors: Brianna Annaratone, Camryn Larson, Clay Prater, Ashley Dowling, Daniel D. Magoulick, Michelle A. Evans-White
  First page: 196
  Abstract: Stoneflies are a globally threatened aquatic insect order. In Arkansas, a diverse group of winter stonefly (Capniidae: Allocapnia) have not been surveyed since the 1980s, likely because species-level identification requires the rarely-collected adult form. Allocapnia mohri, a regional endemic, was previously commonly found in mountainous, intermittent streams from the Ouachita Mountains ecoregion north to the Ozark Highlands, but no species distributional models including land use or climate variables exist to our knowledge. We collected adults from 71 stream reaches from the historic Arkansas range from November to April 2020 and 2021. We modeled distributions using random forest (RF) models populated with landscape, climate, and both data to determine which were most predictive of species presence. Correlations between landscape or climate variables and presence were examined using multiple logistic regression. The landscape RF models performed better than the climate or landscape + climate RF models. A. mohri presence sites tended to have a greater elevation, a lower mean July temperature, and a greater percentage of very slow infiltration soils in the watershed, compared to absence sites. A. mohri was absent at the Ouachita Mountains sites and may be experiencing a range contraction or migration northward.
  Citation: Hydrobiology
  PubDate: 2023-02-06
  DOI: 10.3390/hydrobiology2010013
  Issue No: Vol. 2, No. 1 (2023)
Hydrobiology, Vol. 2, Pages 212-234: Small Indigenous Fish: A Potential
Source of Valuable Nutrients in the Context of Bangladesh
- Authors: Md Rakibul Islam, Momota Yeasmin, Sultana Sadia, Md Sadek Ali, Ahmed Redwan Haque, Vikash Chandra Roy
  First page: 212
  Abstract: Peoples can readily and affordably obtain small indigenous fish species (SIS), with a maximum length of 25 cm, that can be found in niches in small bodies of water (such as canals, ponds, wetlands, streams, etc.). SIS contribute valuable and significant macro- and micronutrients in Bangladesh. SIS are excellent suppliers of vitamins and minerals. The main micronutrients are copper, iodine, iron, selenium, chromium, and zinc, which can help prevent mineral deficiency and enzymatic response in the human body. SIS, such as the mola (Amblypharyngodon mola), cotio (Osteobrama cotio), darkina (Esomus danricus), etc., are easily digestible by the human gut. Nutrients of these fish are quickly accessible by the intestine. These fish are comparatively cheap and easy to capture and promote the presence of particular vitamins in SIS, including A, D, E, and K, as well as vitamin B components. This review paper focuses on the SIS nutritional contribution and their efficacy of preventing malnutrition in developing countries such as Bangladesh and the whole world.
  Citation: Hydrobiology
  PubDate: 2023-02-06
  DOI: 10.3390/hydrobiology2010014
  Issue No: Vol. 2, No. 1 (2023)
Hydrobiology, Vol. 2, Pages 235-243: Importance of EU Integration for
Biodiversity and Nature Conservation in Transboundary Protected Areas
(TPAs) in the Western Balkan
- Authors: Aleko Miho, Jani Marka, Zenel Krasniqi
  First page: 235
  Abstract: There are many important protected areas in the Western Balkan region, which are shared between Albania, Montenegro, Kosovo, North Macedonia, and Greece. These areas have special importance based on their species density (mosses and higher plants) per surface unit. These transboundary ecosystems, which include mountainous massifs, lakes, and rivers, are biodiversity hotspots for the whole of Europe. Species and habitat densities are high compared to other countries in Southeast Europe. However, political borders fragment properly across two or three countries, which often have different approaches and rules for nature protection and the use of resources. Hence, in this short opinion piece, we stress common and cooperative transboundary protection and management in these countries. Furthermore, the European Union’s policy towards the Western Balkan countries in the Stabilization and Association Process (SAP), with the goal of their eventual EU membership, is crucial. Therefore, our appeal is addressed not only to the respective local communities and national governments but also to the European Commission and related EU institutions. We stress the importance of these cross-border ecosystems in the integration process.
  Citation: Hydrobiology
  PubDate: 2023-02-28
  DOI: 10.3390/hydrobiology2010015
  Issue No: Vol. 2, No. 1 (2023)
Hydrobiology, Vol. 2, Pages 244-259: Diversity and Seasonality of Aquatic
Beetles (Coleoptera) in Three Localities of the State of Tlaxcala, Central
Mexico
- Authors: Alba Magali Luna-Luna, Caleb Califre Martins, Carlos Lara, Atilano Contreras-Ramos
  First page: 244
  Abstract: Aquatic beetle diversity was compared between three study sites in the state of Tlaxcala, central Mexico: Stream 1 (San Ambrosio), stream 2 (San Tadeo), and a lake (Acuitlapilco). Sampling took place bimonthly during an annual cycle. A total of 2968 specimens were obtained, which were grouped into twenty three species, fifteen genera, and six families (Elmidae, Dryopidae, Dytiscidae, Gyrinidae, Haliplidae, and Hydrophilidae). Stream 2 showed the highest values of abundance (1570 individuals), while stream 1 had the highest richness (18 species). Abundance values showed two peaks each in rainy and dry seasons. The proportion of rare and dominant species was similar in all study sites. Based on species accumulation curves, the maximum estimated number of species has not been achieved in either of the three sites. Regarding alpha diversity (effective number of species), stream 1 presented the highest zero-order diversity estimated with 18.5 species. Regarding beta diversity, lotic systems (streams 1 and 2) presented a similarity of 75%. Finally, regarding the trophic structure of the adult aquatic beetle community, herbivores, predators, and decomposers were most representative in this study. Based on our results, Tlaxcala probably holds a significant diversity of aquatic beetles. This appears to indicate that species composition in geographic areas, regardless of their relatively small size, is worth documenting and, of course, preserving.
  Citation: Hydrobiology
  PubDate: 2023-03-02
  DOI: 10.3390/hydrobiology2010016
  Issue No: Vol. 2, No. 1 (2023)
Hydrobiology, Vol. 2, Pages 260-276: Odonata as Indicators' Dragonflies
- Authors: Cameron R. Cheri, Debra S. Finn
  First page: 260
  Abstract: The Odonata are not typically regarded as informative taxa for stream bioassessment in North America compared to other insects, particularly when monitoring the ecological impacts of organic pollution. However, we hypothesized that stream-dwelling odonates are useful bioindicators of riparian conditions because vegetation associated with streams is used for oviposition and establishing breeding territories and is likely a cue for a suitable nymphal habitat. We sampled odonates from multiple microhabitats and all macroinvertebrates from riffle habitat in 12 Ozark Highlands (USA) spring streams along a gradient of riparian conditions. We also measured a standard suite of physical and chemical variables in each stream. We compared various aspects of the odonate and riffle macroinvertebrate assemblages among sites to evaluate sensitivity to variables associated with riparian structure compared to the other physical and chemical variables measured. The odonates were strongly associated with riparian-specific variables, while riffle macroinvertebrates were associated with riparian variables to a lesser degree. The additional environmental variables explained minimal variation in either assemblage. Overall, our results suggest that Odonata alone could be useful for biomonitoring associated with riparian structure around Ozark spring streams. The sensitivity of odonates to riparian conditions in other Nearctic regions should be further studied to identify regional and species-specific differences.
  Citation: Hydrobiology
  PubDate: 2023-03-05
  DOI: 10.3390/hydrobiology2010017
  Issue No: Vol. 2, No. 1 (2023)
Hydrobiology, Vol. 2, Pages 277-288: Population Status of the Tropical
Freshwater Shrimp Xiphocaris elongata in Urban and Forest Streams in
Puerto Rico
- Authors: Wesley X. Torres-Perez, Omar Perez-Reyes
  First page: 277
  Abstract: Most of the human population lives in cities, and understanding their impact on freshwater environments is essential. Streams in cities face many environmental challenges that have been described in the concept of Urban Stream Syndrome. This concept illustrates urban streams’ biological, hydrological, chemical, and physical stressors. In tropical streams, these stressors impact shrimp, fish, insects, and other macroinvertebrates that inhabit the freshwater ecosystems. Freshwater shrimp are vulnerable to urban activities, physical, chemical, and ecological impacts. For this reason, these organisms have been used as biological indicators of stream health in the tropics. The shredder shrimp Xiphocaris elongata plays a fundamental role in the organic matter process and decomposition. The objectives of this study were to characterize the population of X. elongata and to identify differences in the abundance of X. elongata between urban and forest streams. Our results showed that highly urbanized areas have a significantly lower abundance of the shredder shrimp X. elongata than medium or low urban reach in the urban and forested watersheds. This study also showed that physicochemical and geomorphological variables are important environmental factors that influence the abundance of X. elongata in Puerto Rican streams.
  Citation: Hydrobiology
  PubDate: 2023-03-17
  DOI: 10.3390/hydrobiology2010018
  Issue No: Vol. 2, No. 1 (2023)