Many pressurized water distribution systems use pumps for the transport of water and tank filling. Modelling groups of parallel pumps with a common control target remains an open problem in hydraulic modelling. In this article, the authors show how to model flow- and pressure-controlled pumping stations in the analysis of hydraulic pipe networks. The process comprises two distinct phases. In the first phase, the pump station is regarded as a single surrogate link connected to the remainder of the network. The flow and head gain at the active pump stations are computed to ensure satisfaction of the network load requirements. In the second phase, an energy minimization problem is formulated for each local pump station to ascertain the optimal pump speed and which pumps should be active. For real-time applications, very significant improvements are possible by hybrid modelling, such as coupling deterministic modelling, surrogate modelling and neural networks. This can lead to performance improvement with a magnitude of the order of $ {10}^5 $. The application to optimal pump scheduling in the context of strongly varying electricity tariffs is summarized.

Chiroteuthis picteti (Joubin, 1894) is an oceanic squid previously documented from both the Pacific and Atlantic oceans. This is the first report of C. picteti from Andaman Sea. Three specimens were collected from seashore of Corbyn’s Cove, Port Blair, Andaman and Nicobar Islands. All three specimens were identified using morphological characteristics and the COI gene was used for molecular identification. Both morphological and molecular analysis confirmed this species. Our study also suggests the possibility of genetic differentiation within this species since the phylogenetic analysis showed two well-supported clades within C. picteti. One clade consists of sequences from the Indian Ocean (sequences generated in this study), while the other includes sequence from the Pacific Ocean. Further studies are needed to confirm the presence of cryptic groups within this species.

Hurricane Irma devastated the island of Barbuda in September 2017. Motivated by the need to assess the population status of the endemic Barbuda Warbler Setophaga subita and resident Yellow Warbler S. petechia bartholemica, we used distance sampling to estimate total abundance (i.e. density and population size in a well-defined survey region, accounting for incomplete counts due to imperfect detection) in October 2017 and March 2019. Vocalising warblers were more detectable than non-vocalising warblers (two-tailed z scores >2.01, P values <0.04). In October 2017, detectability and density of the Barbuda Warbler were higher at points where the Yellow Warbler was undetected than detected (z > 2.20, P <0.03), suggesting competitive interactions following the hurricane. However, detectability did not differ (z = 0.45, P = 0.62) and density was higher (z = 2.11, P = 0.03) for the Barbuda Warbler at points where the Yellow Warbler was detected than undetected in March 2019, suggesting non-competitive coexistence after population recovery. The density (i.e. no. individuals/ha) and population size (no. individuals in the 9,000-ha survey region) of the Barbuda Warbler increased (z = -2.60, P = 0.01) from 0.27 (SE = 0.03) and 2,436 (SE = 261) in October 2017 to 0.40 (SE = 0.02) and 3,570 (SE = 171) in March 2019. The density and population size of the Yellow Warbler also increased (z = -2.40, P = 0.02) from 0.68 (SE = 0.03) and 6,093 (SE = 269) in October 2017 to 0.80 (SE = 0.04) and 7,158 (SE = 358) in March 2019. Owing to the small distribution range and threats from hurricanes and habitat loss on the island, the Barbuda Warbler should remain classified as “Vulnerable” to extinction. However, the more abundant and widely distributed Yellow Warbler should remain classified as of “Least Concern”.

A new species of the genus Verdeia is described from the continental slope of the Potiguar Basin, Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil at a depth of 150 m. Verdeia setosa sp. nov. is readily distinguished from its congeners by the ornamentation of the larger gnathopod 2 in males and the densely setose basis of pereopods 6–7. This is also a new record of the genus from Brazilian waters. We presented an amended diagnosis of the genus to accommodate all Verdeia species and discuss these changes. Furthermore, an identification key to the family Melitidae from Brazil is provided.

The current study records a new distributional range for Elysia cf. leucolegnote Jensen, 1990, which was previously reported only from the Andaman and Nicobar Islands in India. The collection was carried out in the mangroves of Kali Estuary situated in Karnataka (14°50ʹ55.27″N, 74° 9ʹ44.04″E & 14°50ʹ16.36″N, 74°10ʹ8.81″E), southwest coast of India. Prior studies had documented the distribution of this species in the tropical West Pacific and East Indian Oceans; this study reports the first record of E. cf. leucolegnote in the Northwestern Indian Ocean, expanding its documentation of a wider distribution range. The species was first discovered in Hong Kong and described in 1990. It was identified by its distinctive morphological characteristics, which featured black eyes situated proximally at the base of the rhinophores and a flattened, generally green body with a distinct white border line along the rhinophores and parapodia.

Positive human–wildlife coexistence, especially in contexts of rewilding and the reintroduction of large carnivores, partially depends on communication between stakeholders. The media, and in particular local journalism, can play a crucial role in determining people’s knowledge of and attitudes towards wildlife. In this article, we analyse the online coverage of bears produced by the most widely circulated local newspaper in Trentino (Italy), where bears have been reintroduced thanks to a rewilding project funded by the European Union. Employing quantitative and qualitative content analysis of 375 articles, we look into the main features of the media coverage of bears over one year (2024). We find that articles tend to focus on controversial and uncommon events, such as culls and interactions. The most prevalent sources of quotations in the articles are politicians and activists, while experts, local residents, and individuals in the farming sector are less often quoted. The majority of articles are framed through the lens of the socio-political struggle generated by bear presence. Micro-dynamics of the online media coverage include high polarisation, fragmentation of narratives, and the marginalisation of relevant stakeholders (i.e., local communities, experts, European institutions).

Coastal wetlands, known for their remarkable productivity and diverse ecological functions, face growing threats from aquaculture expansion, which can fragment natural habitats and disrupt water flow. In this study, we focused on White-bellied Sea-Eagles Haliaeetus leucogaster along the eastern coast of Odisha, India, to see how these top predators adapt to accelerating aquaculture. Across 22 nesting sites over three breeding seasons (2021–2024), we analysed 3,319 prey items, and found that fish dominated at 66.89%, followed by birds (25.64%), reptiles (3.31%), invertebrates (3.16%), and mammals (0.99%). Using generalised additive models (GAMs), we evaluated various landscape factors influencing the proportion of fish in WBSE diets. Our results revealed that shorter distances to natural water-bodies and higher water coverage strongly influenced higher fish intake, while aquaculture-related variables did not increase fish consumption. These patterns indicate that WBSEs favour wild fish in less-disturbed wetlands, likely because of better energy returns, lower risks, and convenient perching spots. Consequently, our findings highlight the need to safeguard natural aquatic habitats for sustaining apex predators and point to ways of reconciling aquaculture growth with wetland conservation. By clarifying how the eagles respond to changes in coastal landscapes, we offer key insights for preserving biodiversity under fast-paced environmental transformation.

Knowledge of the status of ecosystems is vital to help develop and implement conservation strategies. This is particularly relevant to the Arctic where the need for biodiversity conservation and monitoring has long been recognised, but where issues of local capacity and logistic barriers make surveys challenging. This paper demonstrates how long-term monitoring programmes outside the Arctic can contribute to developing composite trend indicators, using monitoring of annual abundance and population-level reproduction of species of migratory Arctic-breeding waterbirds on their temperate non-breeding areas. Using data from the UK and the Netherlands, countries with year-round waterbird monitoring schemes and supporting relevant shares of Arctic-breeding populations of waterbirds, we present example multi-species abundance and productivity indicators related to the migratory pathways used by different biogeographical populations of Arctic-breeding wildfowl and wader species in the East Atlantic Flyway. These composite trend indicators show that long-term increases in population size have slowed markedly in recent years and in several cases show declines over, at least, the last decade. These results constitute proof of concept. Some other non-Arctic countries located on the flyways of Arctic-breeding waterbirds also annually monitor abundance and breeding success, and we advocate that future development of “Arctic waterbird indicators” should be as inclusive of data as possible to derive the most robust outputs and help account for effects of current changes in non-breeding waterbird distributions. The incorporation of non-Arctic datasets into assessments of the status of Arctic biodiversity is recognised as highly desirable, because logistic constraints in monitoring within the Arctic region limit effective population-scale monitoring there, in effect enabling “monitoring at a distance”.

The “Critically Endangered” Cherry-throated Tanager Nemosia rourei is endemic to the Atlantic Forest of south-eastern Brazil, and extremely rare for reasons that are not yet fully understood. We monitored reproductive activities of the only known individuals of the species, at two sites, between October 2018 and November 2023. The birds foraged in social groups of 5–8 individuals. Ten nests, built in trees at heights of 12–26 m, were monitored through continuous direct observation. Most reproductive activity occurred between October and end of November, with one further nest found in March. Clutch size was 3–4 eggs, the incubation and nestling periods were 16 days, and the chicks were fed mainly on invertebrates. Up to six nest helpers, likely young from previous seasons, assisted with the collection of nest material, feeding the chicks, and defending the nest. Reproductive success was 50%, with losses due to climatic conditions (rain and cold) and predation, but may have been enhanced by the efforts of the researchers in scaring away potential predators including Spot-billed Toucanet Selenidera maculirostris and Black Capuchin Sapajus nigritus. These findings reinforce the value of detailed observation of social groups and their nests, and continuing efforts to deter predators. Further research could address how parental care and nest helpers affect reproductive success. The availability of large trees with abundant lichens may be a limiting factor for the reproductive success of species in the long term, and so protecting and restoring habitat with such features is crucial for the long-term conservation of this species.

Mountainous regions host globally unique biodiversity, but face growing threats from climate and land-use change. The Alps stand out as a key mountain range in Europe, where the ski industry is extensive and impacts ecosystems and their associated biodiversity. However, climate change is projected to reduce natural snow precipitation, thus understanding snow dynamics and the ski industry’s role is crucial for developing effective conservation strategies. Ski-piste creation generally has detrimental consequences for mountain biodiversity, yet pistes often retain substantial snow throughout spring that, when melting, may create favourable foraging conditions for mountain birds. This study investigates whether ski-pistes provide suitable foraging habitat and explores their broader importance for mountain avifauna. Field surveys in spring 2023 in the western Italian Alps recorded 17 bird species using the melting snow on ski-pistes as a foraging habitat. Snow presence was a significant factor influencing bird presence. Birds systematically selected areas with intermediate snow cover interspersed with muddy patches, a microhabitat that likely has a high availability of invertebrate prey emerging from the soil. Given that snow is retained on ski-pistes for longer than on the surrounding habitat, the pistes may represent a useful source of food for mountain birds in spring. However, this needs to be considered in relation to the negative impacts of skiing on alpine biodiversity, which may include a likely increased reliance on artificial snow in response to the projected decline in natural snow precipitation under climate change. Understanding these effects is essential to ensure that future conservation strategies support mountain bird communities without exacerbating the environmental costs associated with artificial snow production.

Bowmouth guitarfish (Rhina ancylostoma) is typically described in the literature as a coastal ray species that inhabits nearshore waters up to 70 m deep on the continental shelf, dwelling on or near the seafloor, primarily over sandy or muddy substrates and around coral reefs. However, the scientific monitoring programme aboard the Spanish and Seychellois tropical tuna purse seine fleets has documented 37 incidental captures of this species in open waters of the Indian Ocean, through onboard observers and electronic monitoring systems. All these captures occurred within the first 200 m of the water column, at locations where the maximum depth exceeded 2000 m. The study was conducted based on at-sea observations onboard the Spanish and Seychellois tropical tuna purse seine fleets operating in the Indian Ocean from 2017 to 2023. The observation coverage varied throughout this time-series, with more than 85% of fishing activity monitored since 2017. The interactions recorded were predominantly between January and May, and more frequent in the years 2018 and 2021. The captured individuals ranged from 150 to 250 cm in total length, with females recorded more frequently than males. These observations provide valuable insights into the large-scale movements of this neritic species beyond its typical coastal and inshore habitats in the Indian Ocean.

Hydrothermal vents are known to host unique faunal assemblages supported by chemosynthetic production; however, the fauna associated with inactive sulphide ecosystems remain largely uncharacterised across the global seafloor. In November 2023, a six-rayed starfish was collected from the Semenov hydrothermal field on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge. A combination of morphological and molecular methods has confirmed the identity of this species as Paulasterias mcclaini Mah et al. 2015 (Forcipulatida: Paulasteriidae), providing the first validated record of this family in the Atlantic Ocean. We present an updated morphological description of the species, alongside phylogenetic analysis of the COI, 16S, 12S, and H3 genetic markers. The biogeography of the family is discussed, and previously published records amended.

The Neptune Islands Group and Western Kangaroo Island Marine Parks were declared as part of South Australia’s representative system of Marine protected areas (MPAs) in 2009. Sanctuary zones, located within these MPAs, prohibited commercial fishing in the state’s Northern Zone Rock Lobster Fishery from 2014. In 2022, dedicated surveys were undertaken both inside and outside two of the sanctuary zones to estimate the relative abundance (catch per unit effort; CPUE) and size of southern rock lobster (Jasus edwardsii). Survey results were then compared to estimates of abundance obtained from long-term commercial fishery-dependent data within each area. The legal-size CPUE by weight of lobsters was 389% and 411% higher inside sanctuary zones of the Neptune Islands Group and Western Kangaroo Island, respectively, compared to outside, based on survey data. Survey catch rates inside the two sanctuary zones were also considerably higher than historical catch rates estimated from commercial fishing data. Lobsters inside both sanctuary zones were larger than those outside in terms of mean weight compared to historical estimates. However, surveys recorded similar mean size in lobsters both inside and outside the Neptune Islands Group sanctuary zone, indicating a possible spillover effect of MPA protection. The Northern Zone Rock Lobster Fishery is currently in a biomass rebuilding phase. The results highlight the productivity potential of temperate reef ecosystems within South Australia in terms of southern rock lobster abundances.

Marine organisms account for more than half of the global biodiversity and have proven to be a rich source of pharmacologically active compounds. Turkey has an extensive coastline hosting a diverse marine ecosystem. This paper describes the phytochemical prospection based on chromatographic profiles of extracts, fractions, and sub-fractions from Turkish organisms. In addition, the samples were evaluated for their antioxidant, anticholinesterasic, and antibacterial activities. According to the chromatographic profiles, terpenes were identified in most samples, with the exception of Dictyonella incisa. Alkaloids were detected in Ascidiella aspersa, Eunicella cavolini, Halocynthia papillosa, Limaria hians, Microcosmus polymorphus, and D. incisa. The phenolic carboxylic acids were detected in all the samples, and the results for polyphenols were similar. The extract of P. clavata showed antioxidant activity in both models evaluated, whereas the remaining samples were positive only in the bioautographic assay. With regard to AChE inhibition, D. incisa fraction showed potent activity (%I ˃ 90%), while the sub- fractions were moderate (%I ˃ 45%). In the antibacterial assay, the same samples from D. incisa have shown activity against both Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria. On the other hand, the present study opens up avenues for future research on D. incisa by aligning alkaloids and neuroprotective effects, taking into account that inhibition of AChE is a therapeutic strategy in the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease.

Five specimens of the rare alpheid shrimp Betaeus levifrons Vinogradov, 1950 were collected from the burrows of the mud-shrimp Upogebia major (De Haan, 1841) in Akkeshi and Usu Bays, along the Pacific coast of Hokkaido, Japan. As B. levifrons has been previously only reported from the Russian coast of the Sea of Japan, the Hokkaido specimens represent the first record of this species from the western Pacific coast as well as a new to the Japanese fauna. Ovigerous females of B. levifrons were recorded for the first time based on specimens. This study provides additional data on this species, including its distribution, colour variation, and DNA sequences of the mitochondrial 16S rRNA and cytochrome c oxidase subunit I barcoding regions. Lastly, we revised the available data on the symbiotic fauna of U. major.

The endosymbiotic association between the diatom Hemiaulus and the cyanobacterium Richelia was first observed in the Sea of Marmara in July 2021. The spatial distribution of the host diatom Hemiaulus spp. and the endosymbiont cyanobacterium Richelia intracellularis was investigated along with available physicochemical parameters. Three species of the Hemiaulus genus (H. hauckii, H. membranaceus, and H. sinensis) were morphologically identified in the study area. Hemiaulus hauckii and H. sinensis reached up to 128 × 103 cells L−1 and 38 × 103 cells L−1, respectively, while H. membranaceus was rarely observed. Each Hemiaulus cell contained one Richelia trichome, which had heterocysts at both ends. The surface water temperatures and salinity varied between 23.2°C and 28.5°C, 21.4 and 23.5, respectively. Dissolved oxygen levels ranged from 6.2 to 7.6 mg L−1, while chlorophyll-a concentrations were between 0.3 and 6.8 µg L−1. Nutrient concentrations varied between 0.05 and 0.18 μM for NO3 + NO2–N, 0.04–0.24 μM for NH4–N, 0.02–0.39 μM for PO4–P, and 0.18–1.42 μM for SiO2–Si. This study reveals that the Hemiaulus–Richelia symbiosis may promote the proliferation of diatom populations and may play an important role in nutrient dynamics in nitrogen-limiting environments and in the overall functioning of the marine ecosystem.