Ports are gateways for many marine organisms transported by ships worldwide, especially non-indigenous species (NIS). In this study carried out in North Iberian ports (Cantabrian Sea, Bay of Biscay) we have observed 38% of exotic macroinvertebrates. Four species, namely the barnacle Austrominius modestus, the tubeworm Ficopomatus enigmaticus, the Pacific oyster Crassostrea gigas and the pygmy mussel Xenostrobus securis, exhibited clear signs of invasiveness. A total of 671 barcode (cytochrome oxidase subunit I or 18S rRNA) genes were obtained and confirmed the species status of some cryptic NIS. Negative and significant correlation between diversity estimators of native biota and proportion of NIS suggests biotic resistance in ports. This could be applied to management of port biota for contributing to prevent the settlement of biopollutants in these areas which are very sensitive to biological invasions.
Agrochemicals and biocides are suspected to cause a dysbiosis of honey bee microbiota, decreasing colonies ability to respond to the environment. As a first step to investigate agriculture and beekeeping impact, hives bacteriomes from an anthropized environment (Agri-env) were compared to that of pristine’s (Prist-env). 16S rRNA sequencing evidenced differences in richness and composition between sample types (Gut (G), Brood (B), Bee-bread (BB)) and environments. Higher opportunist loads and shifts toward taxa capable of metabolizing insecticides were observed in G and B at Agri-env, while beneficial bacteria were enriched in Prist-env. Bacteria in BB did not differ, the acidity of the niche outweighing the influence of external factors. Results showed the environment plays a major role in shaping honey bee microbiota, the agricultural realm inducing a bacterial disruption that would let to colonies vulnerability. In contrast, a less susceptible bee will be promoted in less anthropized locations.
Seafood mislabeling is a problem worldwide because it may cause underreporting of species exploitation and have detrimental effects on endangered species conservation. The persistence of this problem has been documented for important commercial species, revealing the need to devote more effort to provide effective management and control measures. In this study, we have applied DNA authentication tools, sequences of two mitochondrial genes, for authentication of 245 samples of fish marketed in Spain, one of the top fish consumer countries in the world. Fresh, frozen, smoked, salted, and cooked products were analyzed. Successful DNA extraction and positive polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification were obtained for all products. DNA sequences revealed greater than 7% mislabeling, unequally distributed among products, fish groups, and supply points where samples were obtained. Significantly higher mislabeling was found for unrecognizable processed products than for whole fish, suggesting that mislabeling is likely deliberate. Lower mislabeling occurred in samples purchased from local grocery stores in comparison with bigger supermarkets, wholesalers, and restaurants. In the case of anglerfish, underreported exploitation of the species from the Pacific Ocean is likely. The results emphasize the need for controlling the labels in different points of the fish supply chain and authenticating species, particularly in processed seafood.
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