Assemblages associated with intertidal rocky shores were examined for large scale distribution patterns with specific emphasis on identifying latitudinal trends of species richness and taxonomic distinctiveness. Seventy-two sites distributed around the globe were evaluated following the standardized sampling protocol of the Census of Marine Life NaGISA project (www.nagisa.coml.org). There were no clear patterns of standardized estimators of species richness along latitudinal gradients or among Large Marine Ecosystems (LMEs); however, a strong latitudinal gradient in taxonomic composition (i.e., proportion of different taxonomic groups in a given sample) was observed. Environmental variables related to natural influences were strongly related to the distribution patterns of the assemblages on the LME scale, particularly photoperiod, sea surface temperature (SST) and rainfall. In contrast, no environmental variables directly associated with human influences (with the exception of the inorganic pollution index) were related to assemblage patterns among LMEs. Correlations of the natural assemblages with either latitudinal gradients or environmental variables were equally strong suggesting that neither neutral models nor models based solely on environmental variables sufficiently explain spatial variation of these assemblages at a global scale. Despite the data shortcomings in this study (e.g., unbalanced sample distribution), we show the importance of generating biological global databases for the use in large-scale diversity comparisons of rocky intertidal assemblages to stimulate continued sampling and analyses.

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The anchoveta (Engraulis ringens) plays a key role in the ecology of the Humboldt Current System and is of major economic importance; however, many aspects of its early life history are still poorly understood. In this study, an analysis of daily age and length patterns was carried out using the sagittal otoliths from wild larvae (0-0.2 cm standard length, L ), pre-recruits (3-6 cm total length, L ), recruits (7-12 cm L ) and young adults (12-15 cm L ). Additionally, variability in growth and age at recruitment (A ) were evaluated for recruits caught in northern Chile in 1973, 1982, 2009, 2010, 2012, 2013, 2014 and 2015. The age-length relationship showed four allometric patterns that were well described by Laird-Gompertz models. The absolute growth rates at the inflexion point (G ) were 0.56, 0.75, 1.22 and 1.16 mm d for larvae, pre-recruits, recruits and young adults, respectively. At the interannual scale, G values were always >1 mm d (mean ± S.D. 1.37 ± 0.21 mm d ; range 1.12-1.64 mm d ), irrespective of the season of hatching (i.e. winter v. spring); additionally, in most cases, G values were reached before the second month of life (mean ± S.D. 50.47 ± 9.73 days) at c. 4 cm L (mean ± S.D. 4.22 ± 0.29 cm). Mean A was < 150 days (112 ± 29 days; range 75-149 days); in contrast, estimates of A were higher and growth rates were lower in 1973, 1983 and 2000. These results demonstrate very fast growth and early A of anchoveta in northern Chile, suggesting most fish are removed by the fisheries at very early ages. An evaluation of the implications of these results on stock assessment and management of this species is highly recommended.

Recent studies using otolith microstructure analysis have suggested that the duration of the juvenile stage in anchoveta (Engraulis ringens) is shorter than previously suspected, which suggests that the ages being entered into the traditional age-based stock assessment are incorrect. However, the interpretation of young pelagic fish otoliths remains problematic. To clarify the age interpretation of larval and juvenile E. ringens, newly hatched larvae were reared in a quasi-natural environment for periods of up to 103 days. The sagittal otoliths were subsequently examined and measured by international otolith experts in a double-blind workshop study. The young anchovy could be aged both accurately and precisely using otolith microstructure, after measures were taken to correct for unresolvable increments formed immediately after hatch. The presence of a fast-growth transition zone characterised by either considerable splitting or subdaily increments or both was confirmed. This study confirms the hypothesis of rapid growth and young age through the juvenile stage for anchoveta, suggesting that a critical appraisal of the annual age determinations used as the basis for anchoveta stock assessment is warranted. The otolith interpretation principles outlined in this study may apply broadly across many small pelagic fish species.

IntroductionThe Lancashire and Cumbria Innovation Alliance (LCIA) Test Bed is a partnership between the National Health Service in England, industry (led by Philips) and Lancaster University. Through the implementation of a combination of innovative health technologies and practices, it aims to determine the most effective and cost-effective ways of supporting frail older people with long-term conditions to remain well in the community. Among the Test Bed’s objectives are to improve patient activation and the ability of older people to self-care at home, reduce healthcare system utilisation, and deliver increased workforce productivity.Methods and analysisPatients aged 55 years and over are recruited to four cohorts defined by their risk of hospital admission, with long-term conditions including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, dementia, diabetes and heart failure. The programme is determined on an individual basis, with a range of technologies available. The evaluation is adopting a two-phase approach: phase 1 includes a bespoke patient survey and a mass matched control analysis; and phase 2 is using observational interviews with patients, and weekly diaries, action learning meetings and focus groups with members of staff and other key stakeholders. Phase 1 data analysis consists of a statistical evaluation of the effectiveness of the programme. A health economic analysis of its costs and associated cost changes will be undertaken. Phase 2 data will be analysed thematically with the aid of Atlas.ti qualitative software. The evaluation is located within a logic model framework, to consider the processes, management and participation that may have implications for the Test Bed’s success.Ethics and disseminationThe LCIA Test Bed evaluation has received ethical approval from the Health Research Authority and Lancaster University’s Faculty of Health and Medicine Research Ethics Committee. A range of dissemination methods are adopted, including deliberative panels to validate findings and develop outcomes for policy and practice.