Marine environmental research最新文献

{"title":"Biodiversity on the move: Epibiotic communities associated with pelagic sargassum in the northeast Atlantic","authors":"João Faria ,&nbsp;Laura Piazzese ,&nbsp;Patrício Ramalhosa ,&nbsp;Antoine Eberling ,&nbsp;Miguel Devesa ,&nbsp;Clara Benadon ,&nbsp;Rodrigo Silva ,&nbsp;Ignacio Gestoso ,&nbsp;João Monteiro ,&nbsp;Manuela Parente ,&nbsp;Gustavo M. Martins ,&nbsp;João Canning-Clode ,&nbsp;Ana Costa ,&nbsp;Ligia Collado-Vides","doi":"10.1016/j.marenvres.2025.107101","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.marenvres.2025.107101","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Between late 2023 and early 2024, massive amounts of rafting Sargassum, made up of two co-occurring species (<em>Sargassum natans</em> and <em>Sargassum fluitans</em>; class Phaeophyceae) were recorded in the Azores and Madeira archipelagos (NE Atlantic). This phenomenon provided a rare opportunity to investigate their epibiont assemblages. Offshore algal samples were collected around São Miguel (Azores) and Madeira islands in February 2024. <em>Sargassum fluitans</em> III and <em>S. natans</em> VIII were the dominant species, supporting diverse communities of bryozoans, hydroids, crustaceans, and molluscs. A total of 15 motile and 10 sessile epibiotic species were identified. Epibiotic assemblages differed significantly in species abundance and composition between the two archipelagos, suggesting the influence of distinct local environmental conditions and ocean currents, ultimately affecting which species thrive in each location. Notably, <em>S. fluitans</em> III, typically the dominant morphotype linked to the Great Atlantic Sargassum Belt (GASB), was most prevalent, suggesting that the influxes in the Azores and Madeira may have originated from this region rather than the Sargasso Sea. However, the timing of sightings, the lack of known direct currents connecting GASB to both archipelagos and the proximity of the Sargasso Sea, indicate that the exact origin remains debatable. This study provides a novel geographic perspective for examining the structure and composition of epibiont communities associated with rafting Sargassum.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":18204,"journal":{"name":"Marine environmental research","volume":"207 ","pages":"Article 107101"},"PeriodicalIF":3.0,"publicationDate":"2025-03-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143680207","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Nitrate enrichment exacerbates microbiome and metabolism disturbances of the coral holobiont under heat stress","authors":"Huidan Yang ,&nbsp;Dongdan Yuan ,&nbsp;Zhuojing Zhou ,&nbsp;Hongwei Zhao","doi":"10.1016/j.marenvres.2025.107098","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.marenvres.2025.107098","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Coral reef ecosystems are facing severe deterioration due to escalating global temperatures and human-induced activities. Combined nitrate and heat stress can exacerbate coral bleaching, however, the underlying mechanism is still unclear. In the present study, we assessed the bleaching status of <em>Acropora hyacinthus</em>, a reef-building coral species, under high temperature and nitrate stress conditions using chemostat cultivation. We observed nitrate enrichment (9 μM) induced a significant reduction in photosystem efficiency (<em>F</em>v<em>/F</em>m) of <em>Symbiodiniaceae</em> and an increased thermal bleaching of corals under high temperature (30 °C). Nitrate exposure promoted the proliferation of <em>Enterobacteriaceae</em> and <em>Vibrionaceae</em>, which are bacterial families, potentially augmenting the coral's susceptibility to disease while exerting negligible effects on the fungal community. Alterations were observed in the metabolic pathways of both the coral hosts and <em>Symbiodiniaceae</em>, including down-regulated folate biosynthesis and inflammatory mediator regulation of TRP channels. Our findings indicate that nitrate enrichment under heat stress disrupts the metabolism of coral holobionts through altering bacterial communities, ultimately leading to increased coral bleaching.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":18204,"journal":{"name":"Marine environmental research","volume":"208 ","pages":"Article 107098"},"PeriodicalIF":3.0,"publicationDate":"2025-03-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143697649","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Metabolomic and physiological analyses of two picochlorophytes from distinct oceanic latitudes under future ocean acidification and warming","authors":"Yong-Hao Tan ,&nbsp;Sze-Wan Poong ,&nbsp;John Beardall ,&nbsp;Siew-Moi Phang ,&nbsp;Phaik-Eem Lim","doi":"10.1016/j.marenvres.2025.107095","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.marenvres.2025.107095","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Phytoplankton are cosmopolitan marine photosynthetic organisms that are vital to biogeochemical cycles and marine ecosystems. The current rise in atmospheric CO₂ and surface ocean temperatures are poised to disrupt the ecological niches of phytoplankton. Picochlorophytes, a broad taxon of small green eukaryotic phytoplankton, have been shown to perform well under future rising oceanic CO₂ and temperature scenarios. This study investigates the acclimation responses of cosmopolitan picochlorophytes from the <em>Chlorella</em>-lineage under high CO₂ (1000 p.p.m.) and a rise of 4 °C (8 °C – polar picochlorophyte; 32 °C, tropical picochlorophyte). In order to determine how the future ocean warming and acidification might affect picochlorophytes, a polar strain of <em>Chlorella</em> and a tropical <em>Parachlorella</em> were selected, and their physiology and GCMS-based metabolomics were investigated. Growth rate and cellular dimensions (diameter, volume, and surface area) of <em>Chlorella</em> significantly increased in all environmental future scenarios compared to <em>Parachlorella</em>. Photosynthetic parameters of the picochlorophytes studied showed acclimation, with high temperature and high CO₂ triggering the adaptation of F_v/F_m, NPQ_max, and E_k of <em>Chlorella</em> and <em>Parachlorella,</em> respectively. High CO₂ induced the most changes in the <em>Chlorella</em> metabolome, altering the levels of metabolites related to amino acids and their derivatives, glutathione production, carbohydrates, and photochemical quenching. Combined high CO₂/temperature altered <em>Parachlorella</em>'s metabolome, though with a small number of biomarkers detected. This study provided evidence to support the hypothesis that picochlorophytes could thrive in a more acidified and warmer ocean.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":18204,"journal":{"name":"Marine environmental research","volume":"208 ","pages":"Article 107095"},"PeriodicalIF":3.0,"publicationDate":"2025-03-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143734680","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Invasive lionfish spread through southwestern atlantic marine protected areas","authors":"Marcelo O. Soares ,&nbsp;Pedro Henrique Cipresso Pereira ,&nbsp;Emanuelle F. Rabelo ,&nbsp;Claudio L.S. Sampaio ,&nbsp;Afonso de Lima Xavier ,&nbsp;Liana F. Mendes ,&nbsp;Jorge Nunes ,&nbsp;Jessica Bleuel ,&nbsp;José Amorim Reis-Filho ,&nbsp;Tommaso Giarrizzo","doi":"10.1016/j.marenvres.2025.107099","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.marenvres.2025.107099","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Invasive lionfish are recognized as a major management concern in Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) because of their high density and adverse effects on native biodiversity, fisheries, and food web processes. Despite these pressing concerns, there is a lack of research focused on the current and future invasion of lionfish in Southwestern Atlantic MPAs. To address this knowledge gap and support global marine conservation efforts, our study systematically assessed the extent and types of MPAs invaded by lionfish (<em>Pterois volitans</em>) in the SW <span>Atlantic</span>. Additionally, we used Species Distribution Models (Maximum Entropy modeling) to predict potential future distributions of this invasive species. Our findings revealed that lionfish have successfully invaded at least 18 Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) between 2020 and 2024, across a 4000 km stretch of the SW Atlantic. These include twelve protected areas with sustainable use, three marine parks, one biological reserve, and two reserves dedicated to protecting artisanal fisheries. Based on the confirmed invasions, the majority of the affected MPAs (78 %) were multiple-use, with 22 % designated as no-take areas. The growth of lionfish populations is expected to continue in part due to the absence of regular culling efforts in most (88 %) of these MPAs. The potential distribution model predicts that lionfish currently occur in 33 % of Brazilian MPAs and will expand its range to an additional 25 MPAs within the next 10 years, potentially reaching 60 % of the total Brazilian MPAs. The results also showed that the benthic salinity range and sea body temperature were the most critical factors in predicting lionfish distribution across SW Atlantic MPAs in both current and projected scenarios. This rapid spread underscores the urgent need for coordinated management strategies to mitigate the threat posed by lionfish throughout the Atlantic Ocean basin.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":18204,"journal":{"name":"Marine environmental research","volume":"208 ","pages":"Article 107099"},"PeriodicalIF":3.0,"publicationDate":"2025-03-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143715929","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Microbial dynamics in seagrass restoration: Unveiling hidden indicators of ecological success","authors":"Andrea Augusto Sfriso ,&nbsp;Abdul-Salam Juhmani ,&nbsp;Yari Tomio ,&nbsp;Mohammed Wedyan ,&nbsp;Federico Cunsolo ,&nbsp;Giuseppe Forlani ,&nbsp;Adriano Sfriso ,&nbsp;Giacomo Ferretti ,&nbsp;Massimo Coltorti ,&nbsp;Cristina Munari ,&nbsp;Michele Mistri","doi":"10.1016/j.marenvres.2025.107089","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.marenvres.2025.107089","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Seagrass transplantation significantly alters sediment microbial communities, shaping their composition and metabolic functions. One year after <em>Zostera marina</em> transplantation, the microbial community structure and functions at the recipient site began shifting toward those of the donor site. Key microbial taxa associated with seagrass meadow sediment, such as Firmicutes (Hungateiclostridiaceae, Defluviitaleaceae) and Campylobacterota (<em>Sulfurovum</em>), increased in abundance, correlating with sediment organic matter content and carbon availability. Four functional groups were identified, each with distinct metabolic roles: (1) Opportunistic Anaerobic Degraders, (2) Seagrass-Driven Carbon Recyclers, (3) Anaerobic Fermenters and Hydrocarbon Recyclers and (4) Oxygen-Linked Carbon and Sulfur Cyclers.</div><div>The sediments of transplanted <em>Z. marina</em> meadows exhibited increased cellulolysis and aerobic chemoheterotrophy, along with a reduction in nitrogen metabolism one year post transplant. Despite these microbial shifts, sediment isotopic signatures remained indicative of algal biomass, suggesting an incomplete transition toward a mature seagrass environment. Multivariate analysis further confirmed that the microbial community at the recipient site had not yet fully converged with that of the donor meadow, indicating that complete sediment maturation may require longer timescales. These findings demonstrate that microbial community composition and functional annotations serve as early indicators of seagrass restoration success. Long-term monitoring is essential to track ecosystem recovery and assess the stabilization of sediment conditions.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":18204,"journal":{"name":"Marine environmental research","volume":"208 ","pages":"Article 107089"},"PeriodicalIF":3.0,"publicationDate":"2025-03-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143697648","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Geomorphological drivers of benthic community distribution on high energy temperate mesophotic and rariphotic reefs","authors":"Rachel HX. Wong,&nbsp;Jacquomo Monk,&nbsp;Nicholas R. Perkins,&nbsp;Neville S. Barrett","doi":"10.1016/j.marenvres.2025.107078","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.marenvres.2025.107078","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Current knowledge of mesophotic benthic reef communities has predominantly focused on the distribution of sessile assemblages along the depth gradient. However, the influence of geomorphology on exposure to hydrodynamic processes may independently shape community assemblages, in addition to depth. We examined the distribution of sessile invertebrates at 50–150 m depths on exposed continental shelf reefs within a Marine Park in southwest Tasmania. Using marine still imagery and bathymetric mapping derivatives, we described the spatial response of biota to the prevailing hydrodynamic regime and geomorphology in this region, based on the growth forms of dominant morphospecies. The biota is exposed to large oceanic swells where high-wave energy mobilises sediments at depths of up to 140 m. As expected, the encrusting sponge morphospecies group was most prevalent but showed a niche habitat preference. Unlike wave-exposed reefs elsewhere, we observed a high cover of dominant morphospecies with three-dimensional growth forms alongside encrusting sponges over a wide range of depths. Notably, whip octocorals, cup-like, and tube sponge morphospecies groups had high cover on the most exposed slopes, while other groups such as encrusting and simple massive sponges were absent. However, this baseline assessment suggests there may be high species turnover due to the severe conditions during ocean storms, which may influence population dynamics. We recommend conducting future monitoring at ecologically relevant intervals to assess the natural variability in distribution due to local habitat effects.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":18204,"journal":{"name":"Marine environmental research","volume":"208 ","pages":"Article 107078"},"PeriodicalIF":3.0,"publicationDate":"2025-03-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143739264","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Low oxygen in the open ocean: A case study of mild oxygen minimum zone (OMZ) in the Western Pacific","authors":"Lilian Wen ,&nbsp;Jun Ma ,&nbsp;Xuegang Li ,&nbsp;Jiajia Dai ,&nbsp;Jinming Song ,&nbsp;Qidong Wang ,&nbsp;Huamao Yuan ,&nbsp;Jianwei Xing ,&nbsp;Baoxiao Qu","doi":"10.1016/j.marenvres.2025.107087","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.marenvres.2025.107087","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Marine hypoxia, exacerbated by global warming, has led to the expansion of oxygen minimum zone (OMZ) in the ocean. Based on investigations across four sections in the Tropical Western Pacific Ocean, this study examines the characteristics and key controlling factors of OMZ in the region, with a focus on the interactions between organic matter and hypoxia, using particulate organic carbon (POC) as an example. Results indicate that OMZ are located at depths of 550–1380 m, 290–1120 m, 740–1380 m, and 730–1380 m across the four sections, with a dissolved oxygen threshold of 3.2 mg/L. Seawater stratification plays a crucial role in defining OMZ distribution, with OMZ upper boundaries occurring below the halocline and minimum oxygen levels found beneath the thermocline. Ocean circulation facilitates the westward expansion of the intense OMZ from the Eastern Pacific, influencing its extent in the study area. OMZ enhance the transport of POC to the deep sea, with decomposition rates within OMZ significantly lower than in overlying waters, 17.7 %, 3.1 %, 3.7 %, and 13.6 % in sections A, B, C, and D, respectively. These findings provide valuable insights into the fundamental characteristics, drivers, and biogeochemical implications of OMZ in the Western Pacific.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":18204,"journal":{"name":"Marine environmental research","volume":"207 ","pages":"Article 107087"},"PeriodicalIF":3.0,"publicationDate":"2025-03-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143679666","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Assessment of the Rugulopteryx okamurae invasion in Northeastern Atlantic and Mediterranean bioregions: Colonisation status, propagation hypotheses and temperature tolerance thresholds","authors":"Salvador Román ,&nbsp;Rubén Vázquez","doi":"10.1016/j.marenvres.2025.107093","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.marenvres.2025.107093","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The recent proliferation of the invasive macroalga <em>Rugulopteryx okamurae</em> in the Mediterranean and Northeastern Atlantic regions poses significant ecological and socioeconomic threats. This study analyses the current state of knowledge on the invasion, assesses the primary dispersal vectors, and evaluates its invasive potential through temperature tolerance. Using Web of Science and Google Scholar databases, publications from 2004 to 2024 were reviewed and categorized into five key areas: physiology, distribution and spread, ecological impacts, socioeconomic consequences, and management strategies. The bibliographic search evidenced a significant increase in studies concerning <em>R. okamurae</em> over the last years (from 1 in 2020 to 38 in 2024). The results also indicated a certain agreement regarding the vector of introduction of this alga into the Strait of Gibraltar in 2015–2016 (ballast waters of merchant ships) but the rapid spread towards Mediterranean and Atlantic areas remains unclear. Nonetheless, aquaculture activities and currents were pointed out as significant dispersal vectors. The temperature analyses highlighted the broad thermal tolerance range of <em>R. okamurae</em>, from 10 °C to 30 °C, which contribute to its extensive colonisation. Therefore, this study underscores the need for urgent management actions to limit the expansion of <em>R. okamurae</em> and mitigate the negative effects observed on coastal ecosystems and economies of colonised areas.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":18204,"journal":{"name":"Marine environmental research","volume":"207 ","pages":"Article 107093"},"PeriodicalIF":3.0,"publicationDate":"2025-03-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143679652","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Climate change implications in the suitable habitat of olive ridley turtle Lepidochelys olivacea in the Eastern Tropical Pacific","authors":"Elka García-Rada ,&nbsp;Aura Buenfil-Ávila ,&nbsp;Christine Figgener ,&nbsp;Héctor M. Guzmán ,&nbsp;Pamela T. Plotkin ,&nbsp;Gabriel Reygondeau ,&nbsp;Carlos Robalino-Mejía ,&nbsp;Derek P. Tittensor ,&nbsp;Héctor Villalobos ,&nbsp;César Peñaherrera-Palma","doi":"10.1016/j.marenvres.2025.107091","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.marenvres.2025.107091","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The olive ridley turtle <em>Lepidochelys olivacea</em> is one of the most abundant marine turtle species, but its populations are threatened by various environmental changes, including climate change. Understanding how the marine environment influences it is crucial for conservation efforts. This study models the habitat suitability <em>of L</em>. <em>olivacea</em> in the Eastern Tropical Pacific, a region of significant ecological importance for its nesting and foraging activities. We used remote sensing data from 59 individuals tagged in Panama and Costa Rica between 2009 and 2018. The response was modeled with MaxEnt, using a presence-only approach and environmental variables including sea surface temperature, ocean mixed layer thickness, chlorophyll-a concentration, and current velocity. We categorized months into warm (El Niño) and cold (La Niña) conditions, providing insight into climate change effects. Results reveal that chlorophyll-a concentration and sea surface temperature best predicted the presence of <em>L. olivacea</em>. The intertropical convergence zone exhibited high habitat suitability, especially in the Central Pacific. During El Niño, suitable habitat declined, primarily along coastlines, while, during La Niña, it expanded, favoring oceanic waters and temperate temperatures in upwelling zones. These findings suggest climate change could significantly impact <em>L. olivacea</em> distribution, potentially shifting nesting and foraging areas.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":18204,"journal":{"name":"Marine environmental research","volume":"207 ","pages":"Article 107091"},"PeriodicalIF":3.0,"publicationDate":"2025-03-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143679665","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Elucidating divergent growth and climate vulnerability in abalone (Haliotis iris): A multi-year snapshot","authors":"Joanna S. Copedo ,&nbsp;Stephen C. Webb ,&nbsp;Lizenn Delisle ,&nbsp;Ben Knight ,&nbsp;Norman L.C. Ragg ,&nbsp;Olivier Laroche ,&nbsp;Leonie Venter ,&nbsp;Andrea C. Alfaro","doi":"10.1016/j.marenvres.2025.107090","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.marenvres.2025.107090","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Many abalone populations worldwide are in decline as a result of changing climate and fishing pressure. In New Zealand (NZ) <em>Haliotis iris</em> is the largest and most abundant of the endemic abalone species. This species displays high levels of phenotypic variation with slow-growing populations having an impact on their commercial utilisation. The present study incorporates targeted histopathological approaches to characterise tissue-level factors in abalone from NZ's principal fishing region. Adult (n = 60) and sub-adult (n = 56) <em>H. iris</em> were collected from two Chatham Island sites that display differential growth rates; sampling was repeated on six occasions over three years. Through histology the slower-growing adult population was observed to have an elevated ceroid score, higher prevalence of kidney stones and increased prevalence of a plasmodia stage of haplosporidian-like parasites in the right kidney, when compared with the faster-growing and sub-adult populations. Furthermore, the faster-growing adult population appeared to be retaining mature oocytes over the predicted spawning season with higher-than-expected atresia (oocyte degeneration). Factors implicated in growth performance between the two populations include site, environment, parasites, pathology, reproduction, ceroid deposition and previously reported nutritional status. The 18S PCR and metabarcoding on the right kidney tissue were negative for haplosporidian/<em>Urosporidium</em> previously reported in <em>H. iris</em>, with metabarcoding results detecting an apicomplexan ancestral group. The reproductive, somatic and parasite findings from the current study provides critical information on abalone physiological condition which allows facilitation of early detection of conditions that may impact the sustainability and management of <em>H. iris</em> stocks in New Zealand under a changing climate. For instance, changes to reproductive condition may reduce oocyte quality and quantity thereby reducing recruitment to the next generation.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":18204,"journal":{"name":"Marine environmental research","volume":"207 ","pages":"Article 107090"},"PeriodicalIF":3.0,"publicationDate":"2025-03-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143679651","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}