Context Migratory species are known to pose a challenge for conservation because it is essential to understand their complex life history in order to implement efficient conservation actions. Aims In New Caledonia, large seagrass habitats in the Grand Lagon Sud (GLS) are home to resident green turtles (Chelonia mydas) of unknown origins. To assess the stock composition in the GLS, 164 foraging turtles were sampled for genetic analysis of ~770 base pairs of the mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) control region. Methods Foraging turtles ranging in size from 48.0 to 108.4 cm curved carapace length were captured at five different sites within the GLS between September 2012 and December 2013. To provide baseline data for mixed stock analysis, published data from rookeries were used in addition to 105 samples collected at rookeries in the d’Entrecasteaux Islands and Chesterfield Islands in New Caledonia and at Malekula Island in Vanuatu. Exact tests of population differentiation and pairwise FST estimates were used to test for differences in mtDNA haplotype frequencies. Key results These analyses indicated that rookeries in the d’Entrecasteaux Islands and Vanuatu form unique management units and that the Chesterfield Islands rookeries are linked to the Coral Sea management unit. Mixed stock analysis indicated the highest proportion (mean = 0.63) of foraging turtles originate from the d’Entrecasteaux stock. Conclusions The larger contribution is estimated to be from a large rookery from New Caledonia, but smaller contributions are suggested from other rookeries in the South Pacific. Implications Marine conservation policies in New Caledonia need to consider the links between the foraging and nesting populations of C. mydas in New Caledonia and other rookeries and foraging grounds in the Coral Sea.

Turbellarian black spot disease is described in a bluespine unicornfish Naso unicornis (Perciformes, Acanthuridae) collected from the wild off Nouméa, New Caledonia, South Pacific. Each cyst contained a whitish worm, 2 to 4 mm in length, which was able to swim freely in seawater. Cyst walls consisted of fibrous tissue with a scattering of melanocytes. Worms had 2 eyespots at the anterior end, a pharynx at the posterior end and a largely undeveloped reproductive system. They were identified as Piscinquilinus sp. (= Ichthyophaga sp.), a genostomatid turbellarian. The disease spread within 2 wk from a single infected fish to 3 other unicornfish in the same tank, in spite of copper sulphate and diluted seawater treatment; however, other fish from several families kept in the same tank were not infected, suggesting specificity of these parasites. Praziquantel injections into the infected fish eliminated the infection. Other cases of turbellarian infections are reported from 7 fish species off New Caledonia; prevalence is very low (0.3%).KEY WORDS: Black spot disease · Fish · Naso unicornis · Turbellaria · New Caledonia · Piscinquilinus · Ichthyophaga Resale or republication not permitted without written consent of the publisher

No abstract

A blotched fantail ray, Taeniurops meyeni (Müller et Henle, 1841), was captured in New Caledonia, South Pacific, and kept in a tank for quarantine before exhibition at the Nouméa public aquarium. After 24 days, the ray exhibited a heavy infection with two species of skin monogeneans. A freshwater bath allowed the collection of 1,914 monogeneans, including 1,453 capsalids, Neoentobdella taiwanensis Whittington et Kearn, 2009, on the ventral surface, and 461 monocotylids, Dendromonocotyle pipinna Chisholm et Whittington, 2004, on the dorsal surface. More than 300 monogeneans were prepared on slides to allow precise measurements. Capsalids and monocotylids occupied about 6% and 0.2% of the total ventral and dorsal ray surfaces, respectively.

Green sea turtles (Chelonia mydas) face many threats from anthropogenic activity, and are listed as Endangered on the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species. They spend the majority of their lives in coastal foraging areas, and show strong fidelity to narrow foraging ranges. Understanding the foraging ecology of green turtles is therefore important for their management and conservation. Using stable isotopes analysis (n = 179) and identification of stomach contents (n = 21), this study investigated the foraging ecology of four distinct green turtle foraging populations (Goro, Isle of Pines, Ouen Island and Uo/Mato Islands) within the Grand Lagon Sud. This World Heritage Area located in New Caledonia supports regionally important nesting and foraging green turtle populations. The δ13C and δ15N values of skin samples ranged from − 19.3‰ to -7.3‰ and 2.8‰ to 15.9‰, respectively. Bayesian mixing model indicated mixed diets that were significantly different between locations, indicating the need for customised management strategies for green turtles in this area. There was generally a preference for an algal diet, and significant consumption of animal matter at all locations. This was generally supported by the stomach contents analyses, although not always, illustrating the importance of investigating SIA and stomach contents. This study provides important information on the foraging ecology of green turtles in New Caledonia, supporting management outcomes in this region. This collaboration with the tribes of the Grand Lagon Sud is also the first step towards the integrated management of the resource.