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This study aimed to investigate a cost-effective alternative to man-made calcium phosphate ceramics for treating bone defects. The slipper limpet is an invasive species in European coastal waters, and its shells composed of calcium carbonate could potentially be a cost-effective source of bone graft substitutes. This research analyzed the mantle of the slipper limpet (Crepidula fornicata) shells to enhance in vitro bone formation. Discs machined from the mantle of C. fornicata were analyzed using scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive spectroscopy (SEM-EDS), X-ray crystallography (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) and profilometry. Calcium release and bioactivity were also studied. Cell attachment, proliferation, and osteoblastic differentiation (RT-qPCR and alkaline phosphatase activity) were measured in human adipose-derived stem cells grown on the mantle surface. The mantle material was mainly composed of aragonite and showed a sustained Ca2+ release at physiological pH. In addition, apatite formation was observed in simulated body fluid after three weeks, and the materials supported osteoblastic differentiation. Overall, our findings suggest the mantle of C. fornicata shows potential as a material for fabricating bone graft substitutes and structural biomaterials for bone regeneration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Asymmetries are essential for proper organization and function of organ systems. Genetic studies in bilaterians have shown signaling through the Nodal/Smad2 pathway plays a key, conserved role in the establishment of body asymmetries. Although the main molecular players in the network for the establishment of left-right asymmetry (LRA) have been deeply described in deuterostomes, little is known about the regulation of Nodal signaling in spiralians. Here, we identified orthologs of the egf-cfc gene, a master regulator of the Nodal pathway in vertebrates, in several invertebrate species, which includes the first evidence of its presence in non-deuterostomes. Our functional experiments indicate that despite being present, egf-cfc does not play a role in the establishment of LRA in gastropods. However, experiments in zebrafish suggest that a single amino acid mutation in the egf-cfc gene in at least the common ancestor of chordates was the necessary step to induce a gain of function in LRA regulation. This study shows that the egf-cfc gene likely appeared in the ancestors of deuterostomes and "protostomes", before being adopted as a mechanism to regulate the Nodal pathway and the establishment of LRA in some lineages of deuterostomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to investigate a cost-effective alternative to man-made calcium phosphate ceramics for treating bone defects. The slipper limpet is an invasive species in European coastal waters, and its shells composed of calcium carbonate could potentially be a cost-effective source of bone graft substitutes. This research analyzed the mantle of the slipper limpet (Crepidula fornicata) shells to enhance in vitro bone formation. Discs machined from the mantle of C. fornicata were analyzed using scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive spectroscopy (SEM-EDS), X-ray crystallography (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) and profilometry. Calcium release and bioactivity were also studied. Cell attachment, proliferation, and osteoblastic differentiation (RT-qPCR and alkaline phosphatase activity) were measured in human adipose-derived stem cells grown on the mantle surface. The mantle material was mainly composed of aragonite and showed a sustained Ca2+ release at physiological pH. In addition, apatite formation was observed in simulated body fluid after three weeks, and the materials supported osteoblastic differentiation. Overall, our findings suggest the mantle of C. fornicata shows potential as a material for fabricating bone graft substitutes and structural biomaterials for bone regeneration.

Rising atmospheric CO2 reduces seawater pH causing ocean acidification (OA). Understanding how resilient marine organisms respond to OA may help predict how community dynamics will shift as CO2 continues rising. The common slipper shell snail Crepidula fornicata is a marine gastropod native to eastern North America that has been a successful invader along the western European coastline and elsewhere. It has also been previously shown to be resilient to global change stressors. To examine the mechanisms underlying C. fornicata’s resilience to OA, we conducted two controlled laboratory experiments. First, we examined several phenotypes and genome-wide gene expression of C. fornicata in response to pH treatments (7.5, 7.6, and 8.0) throughout the larval stage and then tested how conditions experienced as larvae influenced juvenile stages (i.e., carry-over effects). Second, we examined genome-wide gene expression patterns of C. fornicata larvae in response to acute (4, 10, 24, and 48 h) pH treatment (7.5 and 8.0). Both C. fornicata larvae and juveniles exhibited resilience to OA and their gene expression responses highlight the role of transcriptome plasticity in this resilience. Larvae did not exhibit reduced growth under OA until they were at least 8 days old. These phenotypic effects were preceded by broad transcriptomic changes, which likely served as an acclimation mechanism for combating reduced pH conditions frequently experienced in littoral zones. Larvae reared in reduced pH conditions also took longer to become competent to metamorphose. In addition, while juvenile sizes at metamorphosis reflected larval rearing pH conditions, no carry-over effects on juvenile growth rates were observed. Transcriptomic analyses suggest increased metabolism under OA, which may indicate compensation in reduced pH environments. Transcriptomic analyses through time suggest that these energetic burdens experienced under OA eventually dissipate, allowing C. fornicata to reduce metabolic demands and acclimate to reduced pH. Carry-over effects from larval OA conditions were observed in juveniles; however, these effects were larger for more severe OA conditions and larvae reared in those conditions also demonstrated less transcriptome elasticity. This study highlights the importance of assessing the effects of OA across life history stages and demonstrates how transcriptomic plasticity may allow highly resilient organisms, like C. fornicata, to acclimate to reduced pH environments.

Rising atmospheric CO2 reduces seawater pH causing ocean acidification (OA). Understanding how resilient marine organisms respond to OA may help predict how community dynamics will shift as CO2 continues rising. The common slipper shell snail Crepidula fornicata is a marine gastropod native to eastern North America that has been a successful invader along the western European coastline and elsewhere. It has also been previously shown to be resilient to global change stressors. To examine the mechanisms underlying C. fornicata's resilience to OA, we conducted two controlled laboratory experiments. First, we examined several phenotypes and genome-wide gene expression of C. fornicata in response to pH treatments (7.5, 7.6, and 8.0) throughout the larval stage and then tested how conditions experienced as larvae influenced juvenile stages (i.e., carry-over effects). Second, we examined genome-wide gene expression patterns of C. fornicata larvae in response to acute (4, 10, 24, and 48 h) pH treatment (7.5 and 8.0). Both C. fornicata larvae and juveniles exhibited resilience to OA and their gene expression responses highlight the role of transcriptome plasticity in this resilience. Larvae did not exhibit reduced growth under OA until they were at least 8 days old. These phenotypic effects were preceded by broad transcriptomic changes, which likely served as an acclimation mechanism for combating reduced pH conditions frequently experienced in littoral zones. Larvae reared in reduced pH conditions also took longer to become competent to metamorphose. In addition, while juvenile sizes at metamorphosis reflected larval rearing pH conditions, no carry-over effects on juvenile growth rates were observed. Transcriptomic analyses suggest increased metabolism under OA, which may indicate compensation in reduced pH environments. Transcriptomic analyses through time suggest that these energetic burdens experienced under OA eventually dissipate, allowing C. fornicata to reduce metabolic demands and acclimate to reduced pH. Carry-over effects from larval OA conditions were observed in juveniles; however, these effects were larger for more severe OA conditions and larvae reared in those conditions also demonstrated less transcriptome elasticity. This study highlights the importance of assessing the effects of OA across life history stages and demonstrates how transcriptomic plasticity may allow highly resilient organisms, like C. fornicata , to acclimate to reduced pH environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background Sall (Spalt-like) proteins are zinc-finger transcription factors involved in a number of biological processes. They have only been studied in a few model organisms, such as Drosophila melanogaster, Caenorhabditis elegans, Schmidtea mediterranea and some vertebrates. Further taxon sampling is critical to understand the evolution and diversification of this protein and its functional roles in animals. Results Using genome and transcriptome mining, we confirmed the presence of sall genes in a range of additional animal taxa, for which their presence had not yet been described. We show that sall genes are broadly conserved across the Bilateria, and likely appeared in the bilaterian stem lineage. Our analysis of the protein domains shows that the characteristic arrangement of the multiple zinc-finger domains is conserved in bilaterians and may represent the ancient arrangement of this family of transcription factors. We also show the existence of a previously unknown zinc-finger domain. In situ hybridization was used to describe the gene expression patterns in embryonic and larval stages in two species of snails: Crepidula fornicata and Lottia gigantea. In L. gigantea, sall presents maternal expression, although later on the expression is restricted to the A and B quadrants during gastrulation and larval stage. In C. fornicata, sall has no maternal expression and it is expressed mainly in the A, C and D quadrants during blastula stages and in an asymmetric fashion during the larval stage. Discussion Our results suggest that the bilaterian common ancestor had a Sall protein with at least six zinc-finger domains. The evolution of Sall proteins in bilaterians might have occurred mostly as a result of the loss of protein domains and gene duplications leading to diversification. The new evidence complements previous studies in highlighting an important role of Sall proteins in bilaterian development. Our results show maternal expression of sall in the snail L. gigantea, but not C. fornicata. The asymmetric expression shown in the ectoderm of the trochophore larva of snails is probably related to shell/mantle development. The observed sall expression in cephalic tissue in snails and some other bilaterians suggests a possible ancestral role of sall in neural development in bilaterians.

The decline of the European oyster Ostrea edulis across its biogeographic range has been driven largely by over-fishing and anthropogenic habitat destruction, often to the point of functional extinction. However, other negatively interacting factors attributing to this catastrophic decline include disease, invasive species and pollution. In addition, a relatively complex life history characterized by sporadic spawning renders O. edulis biologically vulnerable to overexploitation. As a viviparous species, successful reproduction in O. edulis populations is density dependent to a greater degree than broadcast spawning oviparous species such as the Pacific oyster Crassostrea (Magallana) gigas. Here, we report on the benthic assemblage of O. edulis and the invasive gastropod Crepidula fornicata across three actively managed South coast harbors in one of the few remaining O. edulis fisheries in the UK. Long-term data reveals that numbers of O. edulis sampled within Chichester Harbour have decreased by 96%, in contrast numbers of C. fornicata sampled have increased by 441% over a 19-year period. The recent survey data also recorded extremely low densities of O. edulis, and extremely high densities of C. fornicata, within Portsmouth and Langstone Harbours. The native oyster’s failure to recover, despite fishery closures, suggests competitive exclusion by C. fornicata is preventing recovery of O. edulis, which is thought to be due to a lack of habitat heterogeneity or suitable settlement substrate. Large scale population data reveals that mean O. edulis shell length and width has decreased significantly across all years and site groups from 2015 to 2017, with a narrowing demographic structure. An absence of juveniles and lack of multiple cohorts in the remaining population suggests that the limited fishing effort exceeds biological output and recruitment is poor. In the Langstone & Chichester 2017 sample 98% of the population is assigned to a single cohort (modal mean 71.20 ± 8.78 mm, maximum length). There is evidence of small scale (

The invasive Crepidula fornicata caused major problems along the European Atlantic coast, especially in France and Netherlands where high densities leads on changes in the habitat, disturb native marine wildlife as well as it originates competition for space and food. Despite its dangerous invasive nature, regular monitoring to alert about its presence in risk areas, like the south Bay of Biscay (Spain and south France), is not done yet. Here, we developed a species-specific marker to detect the presence of C. fornicata in environmental samples (eDNA) of seawater. The novel C. fornicata specific primers amplified a region of 239 bp within the COI gen. We employed this tool to check its presence in 6 estuaries of the Cantabrian Sea, an area comprised between the Spanish and French limits of the previously reported presence of this limpet in the south Bay of Biscay. The presence of C. fornicata was confirmed in A Coruña (Galicia, Spain), Eo and Villaviciosa estuaries (Asturias, Spain) while it was not detected in Santander, Bilbao (Spain), and Bayonne (France). This new method to detect C. fornicata could be easily implemented in regular monitoring to prevent and manage future invasions of this species. • The first highly sensitive C. fornicata specific marker was designed to detect this invasive limpet in environmental samples. • Six Spanish and French estuaries in the South Bay of Biscay were monitorized to detect Crepidula fornicata employing eDNA. • The results confirmed the presence of this invasive mollusc in Galicia and Asturias, not in Santander, Bilbao and Bayonne. • Spreading of the invasive C. fornicata in European coasts can be regularly monitored using this new molecular tool. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The decline of the European oyster Ostrea edulis across its biogeographic range has been driven largely by over-fishing and anthropogenic habitat destruction, often to the point of functional extinction. However, other negatively interacting factors attributing to this catastrophic decline include disease, invasive species and pollution. In addition, a relatively complex life history characterized by sporadic spawning renders O. edulis biologically vulnerable to overexploitation. As a viviparous species, successful reproduction in O. edulis populations is density dependent to a greater degree than broadcast spawning oviparous species such as the Pacific oyster Crassostrea (Magallana) gigas. Here, we report on the benthic assemblage of O. edulis and the invasive gastropod Crepidula fornicata across three actively managed South coast harbors in one of the few remaining O. edulis fisheries in the UK. Long-term data reveals that numbers of O. edulis sampled within Chichester Harbour have decreased by 96%, in contrast numbers of C. fornicata sampled have increased by 441% over a 19-year period. The recent survey data also recorded extremely low densities of O. edulis, and extremely high densities of C. fornicata, within Portsmouth and Langstone Harbours. The native oyster's failure to recover, despite fishery closures, suggests competitive exclusion by C. fornicata is preventing recovery of O. edulis, which is thought to be due to a lack of habitat heterogeneity or suitable settlement substrate. Large scale population data reveals that mean O. edulis shell length and width has decreased significantly across all years and site groups from 2015 to 2017, with a narrowing demographic structure. An absence of juveniles and lack of multiple cohorts in the remaining population suggests that the limited fishing effort exceeds biological output and recruitment is poor. In the Langstone & Chichester 2017 sample 98% of the population is assigned to a single cohort (modal mean 71.20 ± 8.78 mm, maximum length). There is evidence of small scale (<5 km) geographic population structure between connected harbors; the 2015 Portsmouth and Chichester fishery populations exhibited disparity in the most frequent size class with 36% within 81-90 mm and 33.86% within 61-70 mm, respectively, the data also indicates a narrowing demographic over a short period of time. The prevalence of the disease Bonamiosis was monitored and supports this microgeographic population structure. Infection rates of O. edulis by Bonamia ostreae was 0% in Portsmouth Harbor (n = 48), 4.1% in Langstone (n = 145) and 21.3% in Chichester (n = 48) populations. These data collectively indicate that O. edulis is on the brink of an ecological collapse within the Solent harbors. Without effective intervention to mitigate the benthic dominance by C. fornicata in the form of biologically relevant fishery policy and themanagement of suitable recruitment substrate these native oyster populations could be lost. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two non-indigenous species of slipper limpets (Gastropoda: Calyptraeidae) have been recorded in NW Europe: Crepidula fornicata and Crepipatella dilatata. Although the former is widespread distributed in European Atlantic, records on Portuguese coasts are scarce. Regarding C. dilatata , it has been only reported in the southern Galician Rías (NW Spain). In this study, C. dilatata is reported for first time on Portugal and the distribution of these two species were studied in the North and Centre of Portugal. Moreover, abundance, distribution and structure of C. dilatata populations were compared between two intertidal habitats. Abundance and structure of C. dilatata populations showed no significant differences between habitats, suggesting that the species is well established in both. Regarding size-frequencies, bigger individuals were more frequent in soft bottoms. The recent development of oyster aquaculture in Portugal and the variety of substrates in which these NIS have been found could facilitate future introductions in nearby locations. [Display omitted] • Presence of Crepidula fornicata and Crepipatella dilatata in Portugal. • Crepidula fornicata and Crepipatella dilatata appeared on several substrates. • Crepipatella dilatata living in soft bottoms are bigger than in rocky shores. • Baseline values of presence and abundance are provided for both species in Portugal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The slipper limpet Crepidula fornicata is an emblematic invasive species along the northeast Atlantic coast. This gregarious gastropod lives in stacks of several individuals and forms extended beds in shallow subtidal areas. The effects of this engineer species on the colonized habitat can be physical (e.g., presence of hard-shell substrates with uneven topography) or biological (e.g., nutrient enrichment by direct excretion or via biodeposition). We hypothesized that through biological activity, nutrient fluxes at the sediment-water interface are enhanced, leading to stimulated primary productivity by microphytobenthos (MPB) associated with Crepidula beds. To test this fertilization hypothesis, we conducted a 10-day mesocosm experiment using C. fornicata (live and dead) placed on top of sieved and homogenized sediment collected in situ. We used hyperspectral imaging to non-invasively map the development of MPB biomass, and to assess the potential influence of C. fornicata and its spatial extent. Our results showed that live C. fornicata significantly promote MPB growth through both physical and biological effects, with the biological effect dominating over the pure physical one. The highest stimulation was observed on the shells, suggesting that dissolved metabolic products excreted by C. fornicata were likely the main factor stimulating MPB growth in our short-term experiment. Our findings provide first direct evidence that stimulation of MPB growth by the biological activity of larger benthic epifauna occurs not only in intertidal but also in shallow subtidal habitats. More research is needed to assess the contribution of this fertilization effect to the trophic functioning of subtidal benthic systems.

The slipper limpet Crepidula fornicata ranks among the main invasive species on French coasts and is known to cause ecological impacts on food web structure and nutrient cycling. This study investigated the effect of C. fornicata on different components of benthic megafauna diversity (species composition, α-, β- and γ-diversity). In Arcachon Bay (France), C. fornicata was present in 58% of the 221 sampling stations. Crepidula fornicata was particularly abundant in four of the main benthic megafauna assemblages, suggesting a non-random distribution of its population. The mean number of megafauna species per station (α-diversity) was 11 with C. fornicata vs six without. Conversely, community similarity among stations (β-diversity) was higher when C. fornicata biomass increased. Opposing α- and β-diversity trends in the presence of C. fornicata explained the similarity of the global number of species (γ-diversity) between both situations (with and without C. fornicata). These results highlighted how this exotic engineer species acted on different types of diversity: the presence of C. fornicata increased the number of species per sample (α-diversity) but homogenized the benthic community (decreasing β-diversity) in comparison with stations where C. fornicata was absent. Crepidula fornicata stock in Arcachon Bay was also monitored and compared with 1999. The spread of C. fornicata between 1999 and 2011 has been limited with a 318 t stock which was not statistically different than the previous estimate performed in 1999. However, the mean length of C. fornicata collected in 2011 was significantly smaller, mainly due to a higher proportion of small individuals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The American slipper limpet Crepidula fornicata is an invasive, non-native species (INNS) abundant along the European coast. Its further distribution may be facilitated by activities such as dredging and spoil disposal, and the aim of this study was to assess whether C . fornicata is able to survive sediment burial. The slipper limpet was found attached to hard substratum in intertidal areas, but it was absent at a nearby subtidal dredge spoil site. In laboratory experiments 22% of C . fornicata emerged when buried under a 2 cm sediment-layer; only half of them survived. When buried under ≥6 cm none re-surfaced or survived. The results provided evidence that C . fornicata is poorly adapted to adjust its vertical position in sediment and is killed by sudden burial underneath 2 to 6 cm of sediment. The combined laboratory experiments and field surveys suggested that C . fornicata has limited scope to survive the dredge spoil disposal process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Estuaries are highly productive habitats that generate more organic material than other areas of comparable size, such as forests, meadows or agricultural lands. They exhibit high biodiversity and host relevant species, which can be at risk because these areas are most affected by human activities. In this study, environmental DNA (eDNA) and metabarcoding analyses were performed in two estuaries within the Bay of Biscay that are important in terms of seafood production (Ría del Eo and Ría de Villaviciosa, Asturias, Northern Spain). The main goal was to assess the potential of these novel tools to detect possible introductions of non-indigenous species. Alien genera that might have been introduced through exotic shellfish cultures in these estuaries were detected despite limited sampling. Of the NIS found, Crepidula fornicata was the only one that was already included in the Spanish invasive species catalogue ( BOE, 2013 ). After the initial invasive species detection through the metabarcoding study, post-NGS samplings and classical DNA barcoding were performed, and they confirmed the presence of the highly invasive species C. fornicata in these estuaries. Although metabarcoding still has some drawbacks, such as a lack of universal PCR primers and reference sequences for all the species in the databases as well as frequent false positives, it represents a powerful tool that can facilitate the monitoring and management of these important ecosystems, especially if it is accompanied by post-NGS samplings to confirm species occurrences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The north-American marine gastropod Crepidula fornicata (Linné 1758), commonly called slipper limpet, has been introduced accidentally in Great Britain, along with American oysters ( Crassostrea virginica ) at the end of the 19th century. Its spreading, enhanced by oyster transport and international shipping, turned into invasion of a lot of benthic grounds along the North-European coasts. When local conditions are favorable to larval confinement and adult growth, the invasion by very dense populations may deeply change initially sandy or muddy benthic communities into similar “slipper limpet communities”. Competition for space eliminates several species of native infauna, and hampers the survival of some epibenthic bivalves such as the scallop Pecten maximus . As the clogging of dredges by superabundant slipper limpets drastically limits scallop fishing, some insight in the future distribution and abundance of both species ( Crepidula and Pecten ) seems necessary, especially in the English Channel where the scallop is intensively harvested. An original model, storing in a “intraspecific matching matrix” the numbers of pairs of aged animals present in the slipper limpet chains, has been developed to take into account the year-class association and stack formation specific to Crepidula fornicata. Then, an “interspecific matching matrix” component has been added to that “intraspecific matching matrix” in order to describe the simple year-class structure of the scallop along with the age distribution of slipper limpets stuck on scallop shells and forming the base of chains. Such a model can explore the dynamics of both populations at a secular time scale. This first part of work details the 0D-behavior of the populations, alone or together, on 1 m 2 benthic area. As far as the scallop is concerned, the fact that class 1 cannot recruit in dense populations until the death of old animals has freed some place induces a limit-cycle, with a 11 years period, and a large amplitude. On the contrary, in the case of the slipper limpet, because of the constant possibility for class 1 to recruit on the top of existing colonies, even if the bottom coverage is total, the population reaches a stable steady state abundance, without significant oscillations. Competition for space between the two species does not alter significantly the slipper limpet, whereas it lowers the mean abundance and alters (by damping and slowing down) the limit cycle of the scallop. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The invasive mollusk Crepidula fornicata, occurring in large amounts in bays along the French Northeastern Atlantic coasts, may have huge environmental effects in highly productive ecosystems where shellfish are exploited. The present study aims at determining the potential economic value of this marine species in terms of exploitable substances with high added value. Lipid content and phospholipid (PL) composition of this mollusk collected on the Bourgneuf Bay were studied through four seasons. Winter specimens contained the highest lipid levels (5.3% dry weight), including 69% of PLs. Phosphatidylcholine (PC) was the major PL class all year, accounting for 63.9% to 88.9% of total PLs. Consequently, the winter specimens were then investigated for PL fatty acids (FAs), and free sterols. Dimethylacetals (DMAs) were present (10.7% of PL FA + DMA mixture) revealing the occurrence of plasmalogens. More than forty FAs were identified, including 20:5n-3 (9.4%) and 22:6n-3 (7.3%) acids. Fourteen free sterols were present, including cholesterol at 31.3% of the sterol mixture and about 40% of phytosterols. These data on lipids of C. fornicata demonstrate their positive attributes for human nutrition and health. The PL mixture, rich in PC and polyunsaturated FAs, offers an interesting alternative source of high value-added marine lecithin.

Precise biodiversity mapping that can be compared over decades would greatly inform the discussion of climate change impacts on species richness and shifts in dominant benthic species. Buzzards Bay, Massachusetts, USA, has a long history of field studies documenting benthic community structure. This bioassessment compares 1955 benthic infaunal sampling results with 2011/2012 samples to determine whether there has been a compositional change. I also compared structural components including grain size and near-bottom temperatures. In addition, benthic temperature rise and fall was logged at 15-min intervals from May to October of consecutive years. There was an observed difference in the benthic compositional structure, substrate and temperature between the 1955 and 2011/2012 station conditions. The 1955 identification of Buzzards Bay as being nutrient poor and having a reported 20.5 °C benthic temperature maximum has changed. Coastal development has brought increased nutrient inputs, and the 2012 bottom temperature maximum was at least 4 °C greater. These conditions contribute to shifts in benthic species dominance, and the substrate itself has been transformed to shell reefs at the stations where the gastropod Crepidula fornicata proliferated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The calyptraeid gastropod Crepidula fornicata is the object of considerable research attention, due to its invasive status in the North-Eastern Atlantic, its introduction to habitats throughout the Northern hemisphere, and its scientific interest as a model organism for the study of developmental and reproductive processes in the Metazoa. Since the knowledge concerning the structural foundations for its reproductive processes is surprisingly weak, we investigated the seminal receptacle, a key structure in the reproductive biology of other metazoans, using histology, scanning electron and transmission electron microscopy. The seminal receptacle consists of 9–11 lobes, each subdivided into small, narrow lobules. The inner epithelium of the lobules appears to be highly dynamic, characterised by the perforation and attachment of received spermatozoa, the progressive degeneration of this epithelium, and the concomitant detachment of the spermatozoa. The allocation of spermatozoa to many different lobules, in different phases, may explain the extended reproductive season of C. fornicata , and thereby contribute to its colonizing and invasive success. The same compartmentalisation, as well as the complete covering of the inner epithelium of the lobules by spermatozoa and the large amount of spermatozoan debris in the lumina, suggest that the C. fornicata seminal receptacle may be a site of sperm competition in this polyandrous species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The invasive non-native gastropod Crepidula fornicata is well established in the Milford Haven Waterway (MHW) in south-west Wales, UK, since its first introduction to this ria in 1953. Whilst it reaches high densities within the MHW and has extended its range to the south of this ria, there has been very little northward expansion. Here, we report findings of a series of intertidal and subtidal surveys in 2009 and 2010 where we monitored the population density and the vertical distribution of C. fornicata at its northern range limit in Wales (the MHW). We also characterised the composition of the surface substrata of the seabed in the MHW to provide some insight into how the availability of certain settlement substrata may limit its distribution along the west coast of Britain. We found locally very dense aggregations (maximum 2748 ± 3859 individuals m, mean ± SD) in the shallow subtidal and low intertidal of the MHW. Subtidally, highest densities were found in areas of high gravel content (grain sizes ~16-256 mm), suggesting that the availability of this substrata type is beneficial for its establishment at a site. In the intertidal, on the other hand, high gravel content was indicative of low C. fornicata abundance, possibly because gravelly shores are an indicator of very exposed conditions that, at least in the intertidal, may result in high levels of early post-settlement mortality and low recruitment. C. fornicata was absent from the entrance of the MHW, possibly due to the lack of suitable settlement substrata. The presence of substantial populations in the MHW suggests that C. fornicata's population growth and potential expansion in Welsh coastal waters is not fully limited by prevailing environmental conditions in the region, but that other processes may affect its local distribution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many animals experience periods of feast or famine, which can have major consequences for growth, survival, and reproductive fitness. For animals with complex life histories, the question remains whether a major ontogenetic transition, such as metamorphosis, removes the legacy of early diet variability, or if early stressors persist into later stages. This study examined the effect of constant versus variable food availability and average food concentration during the larval stage on the performance of the marine gastropod Crepidula fornicata (L.) before and after metamorphosis. There was no detectable effect of variable food availability on larval growth, energy stores, survival, and metamorphic competence, or juvenile growth rate and survival. Instead, the average amount of food available during the larval period had the greatest impact on larval size and metamorphic competence. Surprisingly, there were no impacts of larval diet on growth or survival during the juvenile stage. Differences that originated during the larval stage were removed post-metamorphosis. These results suggest that some organisms may be resilient to variations in food availability and that not all early life experiences produce legacy effects. Heterogeneous environments, including variable food availability, should favor flexibility in the timing of ontogenetic transitions that allow individuals to be robust in later life stages. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The invasive mollusk Crepidula fornicata, occurring in large amounts in bays along the French Northeastern Atlantic coasts, may have huge environmental effects in highly productive ecosystems where shellfish are exploited. The present study aims at determining the potential economic value of this marine species in terms of exploitable substances with high added value. Lipid content and phospholipid (PL) composition of this mollusk collected on the Bourgneuf Bay were studied through four seasons. Winter specimens contained the highest lipid levels (5.3% dry weight), including 69% of PLs. Phosphatidylcholine (PC) was the major PL class all year, accounting for 63.9% to 88.9% of total PLs. Consequently, the winter specimens were then investigated for PL fatty acids (FAs), and free sterols. Dimethylacetals (DMAs) were present (10.7% of PL FA + DMA mixture) revealing the occurrence of plasmalogens. More than forty FAs were identified, including 20:5n-3 (9.4%) and 22:6n-3 (7.3%) acids. Fourteen free sterols were present, including cholesterol at 31.3% of the sterol mixture and about 40% of phytosterols. These data on lipids of C. fornicata demonstrate their positive attributes for human nutrition and health. The PL mixture, rich in PC and polyunsaturated FAs, offers an interesting alternative source of high value-added marine lecithin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ce papier étudie les apports de la science économique à la gestion des espèces exotiques envahissantes, en tant qu'aide à la décision. En partant du cas d'étude de l'invasion de la pêcherie de coquille Saint-Jacques de la baie de Saint-Brieuc par la crépidule (Crepidula fornicata), espèce invasive présente dans la baie de Saint-Brieuc, nous illustrerons les trois domaines d'intervention sur lesquels la science économique apporte un éclairage à la prise de décision en matière de gestion des espèces envahissantes : l'évaluation des coûts des dommages, l'identification d'une politique dite optimale de gestion et des mesures d'incitations permettant de corriger les facteurs de risque de prolifération ou d'introduction d'espèces envahissantes. Les apports plus généraux de l'économie sont ensuite discutés.

While many coastal ecosystems previously supported dense meadows of seagrass and dense stocks of bivalves, the impacts of overfishing, eutrophication, harmful algal blooms, and habitat loss have contributed to the decline of these important resources. Anthropogenic nutrient loading and subsequent eutrophication has been identified by some researchers as a primary driver of these losses, but others have described potential positive effects of eutrophication on some estuarine resources. The Peconic Estuary, Long Island, NY, USA, offers a naturally occurring nutrient-loading gradient from eutrophic tidal creeks in its western reaches to mesotrophic bays in the eastern region. Over 2 years, we conducted an experiment across this gradient to examine the effects of eutrophication on the growth of estuarine species, including juvenile bivalves (northern quahogs ( Mercenaria mercenaria), eastern oysters, ( Crassostrea virginica), and bay scallops ( Argopecten irradians)) and slipper limpet ( Crepidula fornicata). Water quality and phytoplankton community biomass and composition were concurrently monitored at each site, and the effects of these variables on the growth of estuarine species were analyzed with multiple regression model. Eutrophication seemed to impact shellfish through changes in the quality of food and not the quantity since the growth rates of shellfish were more often correlated with densities of specific cell types or quality of seston rather than bulk measures of phytoplankton and organic seston. Northern quahogs and eastern oysters grew maximally within eutrophic locales, and their growth was positively correlated with high densities of autotrophic nanoflagellates and centric diatoms in these regions ( p < 0.001). The growth rates of northern quahogs were also positively correlated with relative water motion, suggesting an important role for tidal currents in delivering seston to suspension feeders. Bay scallops and slipper limpets were negatively impacted by eutrophication, growing at the slowest rate at the most eutrophic sites. Furthermore, bay scallop growth was negatively correlated with densities of dinoflagellates, which were more abundant at the most eutrophic site ( p < 0.001). These results suggest that nutrient loading can have significant but complex effects on suspension-feeding molluscs with select species (e.g., oysters and clams) benefiting from eutrophication and other species performing poorly (e.g., scallops and slipper limpets). Future management approaches that seek to restore bivalve populations will need to account for the differential effects of nutrient loading as managers target species and regions to be restored. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Habitat-specific distributions of marine benthic invertebrates can be caused by several processes acting prior to, during or after settlement, including differential settlement and varying levels of mortality between habitat types following adaptation of the benthic mode. The non-native gastropod Crepidula fornicata is known for its gregarious settlement patterns, yet associations with other shellfish species are also common. In the present study, a series of no-choice and choice laboratory assays were undertaken in which larvae were offered different settlement substrata, separately and simultaneously, to investigate whether differential settlement of C. fornicata larvae occurs in favour of specific microhabitat types. A field experiment was also conducted to test if recruitment success in the intertidal differed between microhabitat types, by comparing densities of young (<2weeks) and older (<8weeks) settlers. The laboratory studies indicated that settlement occurs in larger numbers in association with certain habitats. However, settlement in association with specific microhabitat types was not observed in the intertidal. Instead, the distribution of C. fornicata recruits is established after settlement, as the distribution of older recruits, but not younger ones, differed between microhabitat types. Our findings show that the availability of certain complex structures in the intertidal zone is highly important in determining survival success of C. fornicata, due to varying levels of post-settlement mortality. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Selection processes are believed to be an important evolutionary driver behind the successful establishment of nonindigenous species, for instance through adaptation for invasiveness (e.g. dispersal mechanisms and reproductive allocation). However, evidence supporting this assumption is still scarce. Genome scans have often identified loci with atypical patterns of genetic differentiation (i.e. outliers) indicative of selection processes. Using microsatellite- and AFLP-based genome scans, we looked for evidence of selection following the introduction of the mollusc Crepidula fornicata. Native to the northwestern Atlantic, this gastropod has become an emblematic invader since its introduction during the 19th and 20th centuries in the northeastern Atlantic and northeastern Pacific. We examined 683 individuals from seven native and 15 introduced populations spanning the latitudinal introduction and native ranges of the species. Our results confirmed the previously documented high genetic diversity in native and introduced populations with little genetic structure between the two ranges, a pattern typical of marine invaders. Analysing 344 loci, no outliers were detected between the introduced and native populations or in the introduced range. The genomic sampling may have been insufficient to reveal selection especially if it acts on traits determined by a few genes. Eight outliers were, however, identified within the native range, underlining a genetic singularity congruent with a well-known biogeographical break along the Florida. Our results call into question the relevance of AFLP genome scans in detecting adaptation on the timescale of biological invasions: genome scans often reveal long-term adaptation involving numerous genes throughout the genome but seem less effective in detecting recent adaptation from pre-existing variation on polygenic traits. This study advocates other methods to detect selection effects during biological invasions-for example on phenotypic traits, although genome scans may remain useful for elucidating introduction histories. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Understanding the processes that drive the recruitment of invasive non-native species is of critical importance in evaluating their potential to colonise previously unoccupied habitats. The slipper limpet Crepidula fornicata has spread rapidly into most European waters since its first introduction from the North West Atlantic in the late 19th century. Its invasion success is thought to have been aided by its long larval phase and its tolerance towards a wide range of environmental conditions. The Milford Haven Waterway in Wales, U.K. supports a population with highly variable densities in the intertidal as well as the subtidal zone. In the present study, we tested a series of existing models to investigate the roles of larval supply, larval habitat selection and post-settlement mortality in determining the final distribution of C. fornicata in the intertidal zone of the Milford Haven Waterway. During the main reproductive season of 2011, data on total settlement rates and recruitment were collected by deploying slate panels for varying durations in the low intertidal zone, and data on larval abundances were obtained by taking frequent plankton samples at two sites with contrasting adult densities: Beggars Reach (~15±13indm−2) and Pennar (~343±360indm−2). Total larval densities were much higher at Pennar, but densities of late-stage larvae (i.e. larval supply) were similar at both sites, indicating that local hydrodynamics may have resulted in the spatial homogenisation of supply of late-stage, metamorphically competent larvae, despite the higher larval production at the high adult abundance site. Settlement rates also did not differ between sites. Seasonal recruitment was overall low, indicating that post-settlement mortality, likely as a consequence of exposure to intertidal conditions, is very high. The lack of a relationship between adult abundance and settlement rates indicates that the final distribution of C. fornicata in the intertidal may be a result of differential post-settlement mortality. Understanding recruitment patterns in non-native species is essential for developing management strategies for potentially harmful invaders such as C. fornicata. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: In Europe, the gastropod Crepidula fornicata is an invasive species characterized by a long reproductive period (from February to November). Thus, its larvae are exposed to variations in available food sources (in terms of quantity and quality). We aimed to investigate if bacteria could contribute to larval food both in presence or absence of phytoplankton, and to compare these results to seasonal variations of bacteria and phytoplankton abundances at a coastal site in the English Channel. First, ingestion of fluorescent beads of 0.5 to 2μm diameter, showed that larvae were able to ingest particles of typical bacterial size. Then we used a dual stable isotope labeling approach which consisted in labeling a bacterial pelagic community with 15N and a diatom (Chaetoceros gracilis) culture with 13C, and supplying larvae with 15N-labeled bacteria, 13C-labeled diatoms, and both labeled sources. This technique has, to our knowledge, never been applied to invertebrate larvae. After 24h of experiment, larvae were significantly enriched in all treatments: +21.5‰ (∆δ13C) when supplied with diatoms, +1364‰ (∆δ15N) when supplied with bacteria, and +24‰ (∆δ13C) and +135‰ (∆δ15N) when supplied with the two mixed sources. These results indicated that bacteria can contribute to the larval nutrition in C. fornicata, even in the presence of phytoplankton. Our results however suggested that larvae of C. fornicata preferentially used diatoms and showed that the supply of free bacteria did not alter the uptake of diatoms. Considering the seasonal variations of bacteria and phytoplankton abundances at the study site, these results suggested that bacteria may constitute a complementary resource for the larvae of C. fornicata when phytoplankton is abundant and may become a substitute resource when phytoplankton is less available. This approach offers promising perspectives to trace food sources and assess nitrogen and carbon fluxes between planktotrophic larvae and their preys. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: In silico mining of an expressed sequence tags (ESTs) library was found to be efficient at isolating simple sequence repeats (SSRs) loci in the non-indigenous marine mollusc Crepidula fornicata. Twelve SSR loci were developed for routine genotyping. Cross-species amplification to 8 other Crepidula species showed that the 12 loci are highly specific for C. fornicata. Mendelian inheritance was shown for 11 of them (1 being monomorphic in the analyzed offspring array). The genetic diversity for 88 adults was found to be variable across the 12 loci (2–40 alleles, expected heterozygosity between 0.023 and 0.898) with a high overall exclusion probability of 0.99. The degree of genetic polymorphism found here is similar to that shown for 7 anonymous SSRs previously developed and here used on the same samples. This set of 12 specific loci is relevant to perform reliable population and relatedness analyses in Crepidula fornicata. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Coastal bays provide habitats for juveniles and adults of many marine species. Mont Saint-Michel Bay (MSMB, France) hosts a highly diversified fish community and constitutes one of the most important nursery grounds for many commercially exploited marine species, such as sea bass, flatfish, clupeids and rays in the English Channel. Besides, MSMB also suffers from the massive invasion of an exotic mollusc, the American slipper-limpet (Crepidula fornicata, L.). This species arrived four decades ago and now represents the main filter-feeder biomass in the bay (150 Mt), an order of magnitude larger than local farmed and natural shellfishes. Recent analyses underlined the impact of this small gastropod on the trophic structure of this bay and its negative influence on juvenile sole densities in the nursery grounds. The present study uses a geostatistical approach to explore the effect of the extension of the slipper-limpet on flatfish (common sole Solea solea, L.; plaice Pleuronectes platessa, L.; brill Scophthalmus rhombus, L. and flounder Platichthys flesus, L.) spatial distribution. Data collected during survey of the MSMB at the end of the 1970s and three decades later have been used to build interpolated maps of (1) slipper-limpet and (2) flatfish spatial distributions. Slipper-limpets were concentrated in a small area, in the western part of the MSMB, in the 1970s while today they occupy half of the bay. This rapid proliferation led to the decrease of available surface for flatfishes, which previously occupied the whole bay and are now restricted to its eastern part. The present study highlighted that the negative influence on fish habitat in MSMB is apparently more related to changes in the substratum than to trophic interactions. This invasion has possible consequences on flatfish population renewal at a large scale and may also damage other benthic or demersal species, such as rays. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: In many marine benthic invertebrates, the larval stage is the main vector of dispersal. Selective metamorphosis of larvae into an appropriate habitat is then essential to the survival of the benthic adult, with profound implications for population dynamics. Within this context, the identification of causal external factors triggering larval metamorphosis is of primary interest. In the widely invasive marine species Crepidula fornicata (L.), adult conditioned seawater is an effective inducer but the inducer has not yet been chemically characterized. In the present study, we experimentally tested the inductive ability of dibromomethane (DBM), a halogenated compound naturally-produced by red algae of the family Corallinaceae that co-occur with C. fornicata in the field. Through a series of three experiments, we demonstrated that DBM effectively induces metamorphosis of C. fornicata larvae, with a strong dose–response effect. Positive responses were observed for the four tested concentrations (5, 50, 500 and 5000ppm), 5000ppm being the most effective at inducing rapid metamorphosis. At this concentration, larvae became responsive at least five days before they became responsive to excess KCl, a chemical commonly used to test for competence in C. fornicata. Whether DBM could be an effective natural inducer would require further studies to quantify DBM and other halogenated compounds in the vicinity of C. fornicata beds, where they could influence larval behaviour even in the absence of other settlement cues. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Human-mediated transport and aquaculture have promoted the establishment of non-indigenous species in many estuaries around the world over the last century. This phenomenon has been demonstrated as a major cause of biodiversity alterations, which has prompted scientists to provide explanations for the success or failure of biological invasions. Crepidula fornicata is a gastropod native from the East coast of North America which has successfully invaded many European bays and estuaries since the 19th century, with some noticeable exceptions. Its spread over Europe has been explained by a combination of human-mediated transport and natural dispersal through its long-lived planktonic larva. We here investigated whether larval supply may explain the failure in the proliferation of this species within a particular bay, the Bay of Morlaix (France). Patterns of larval distribution and larval size structure were analysed over ten sites sampled three times (20 July, 4 August and 21 August 2006), regarding characteristics of the adult population and environmental features. Our results evidenced a strong spatial structure in both larval abundance and size at the bay scale, even if larval abundances were low. In this scheme, the location of spawning adults played a critical role, with high numbers of early larvae above the main spawning location. The larval size structure further showed that settlement-stage larvae were rare, which suggested that released larvae might have been exported out of the bay. The use of an analytical model aimed to study the effect of tidal currents on the potential for larval exportation confirmed that larval retention within the bay might be low. The limitation in larval supply resulting from the interactions between spawning location and local hydrodynamics may thus impede the proliferation of this species which is well established for more than 50 years. This study provided an example of factors which may explain the failure of the transition between two major steps of biological invasions, i.e. sustainable establishment and proliferation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

At least part of the invasive success of the slipper limpet, Crepidula fornicata , in European waters must be due to reproductive characteristics, yet the events underlying the easily-observed brooding and non-brooding periods have not yet been studied in this species. The reproductive system dynamics were therefore investigated using topological histology and quantitative histological techniques. Specimens were sampled twice monthly for 18 months from Bourgneuf Bay, France, a mid-latitudinal point in the European distribution of C. fornicata. Both the testicles and ovaries showed active and resting phases, corresponding to the brooding and non-brooding periods, respectively. Maximum spermatozoan production corresponds to the female brooding period (female incubation of oviposited eggs, mid-March to late August), and allows males to possess full spermatozoan stocks at the height of fresh mature oocyte availability. The year-round presence of mature oocytes in the female gonad is misleading, since the histological aspect reveals that they are vestigial oocytes which slowly degenerate during the brooding period, possibly providing metabolites for the developing oocytes that become increasingly abundant during this period. A complete scheme of the C. fornicata reproductive cycle is presented, showing the events in the major reproductive organs. The seminal vesicle shows high inter-month variability in sperm presence, suggesting year-round copulation and sperm storage in the seminal receptacle. The seminal receptacle shows a uniform covering of spermatozoa throughout the year, suggesting rapid renewal after fertilization, again in line with multiple copulation throughout the year. Given the limited available space on the seminal epithelium, against which all spermatozoa abut, as well as polyandrous copulation, it is postulated that sperm competition may take place. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Benthic faunal activity and density play an important role in determining the rates of benthic nutrient fluxes, which enrich the water column and contribute to phytoplankton growth. The intensity of nutrient fluxes in the Bay of Brest depends on the density of the invasive gastropod, Crepidula fornicata. In order to study the impact of benthic fluxes on phytoplankton dynamics, realistic daily nutrient inputs simulating various densities of C. fornicata were added to six enclosures during three weeks. The increase in fertilization intensity influenced the phytoplankton biomass. A succession from Chaetoceros spp. to Pseudo-nitzschia spp. and Leptocylindrus danicus was observed in all enclosures, but the dynamics of successions were different. Pseudo-nitzschia spp. was favored in the three more fertilized enclosures, while Chaetoceros spp. persisted longer in less enriched enclosures. Despite an apparent nitrogen limitation, the quantum efficiency of PSII (Fv/Fm) was high (>0.5) and stable in all enclosures. The maximal photosynthetic capacity (PBmax) was also invariable and oscillated around an average value of 2.23mg C (mgChl a)−1 h−1. The stability of Fv/Fm and PBmax observed at different nutrient input intensities demonstrates that the daily inputs maintained the physiological balance of the microalgae. The maximal light utilization efficiency (α) and the light saturation parameter (Ek) were also quite stable after day 8, which reveals that photosynthetic parameters were driven by growth constraints due to nutrient availability and not by incident light or species successions. We suggest that our results correspond to an “Ek independent variation” regulation. We propose that such regulation of photosynthetic parameters appears when there are frequent nutrient additions which do not allow replete nutrient conditions to be reached but lead to physiological equilibrium. Thanks to our results we can understand how even low benthic fluxes, by supporting their cellular physiological status, allowed diatoms to dominate the phytoplankton community in the six enclosures. These results confirm the importance of daily benthic inputs as much as the amount of nutrient inputs. However, we suggest that high benthic fluxes have a buffering effect on nutrient availability, thereby limiting the consequences of short-term events which can entail a sudden increase of nutrient input, and are known to promote Dinophyta bloom formation. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: In diverse invertebrate species characterized by a biphasic life cycle, metamorphosis represents a fundamental biological transition which determines the fate of benthic population dynamics through settlement and recruitment. Within this context, nitric oxide (NO) is thought to act as an endogenous inhibitor of metamorphosis. While attention has been focused on the mechanisms of this inhibitory pathway with pharmacological agents and immunohistochemistry tools, relatively few studies have investigated transcriptional process at the origin of NO synthesis. In this paper, we report the isolation of a 218-bp cDNA fragment of an ortholog of the neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) gene in the invasive marine species Crepidula fornicata. By the use of quantitative real-time PCR, we examine the transcription of this gene throughout larval development and in response to two inducers [K+ excess (20 mM), dibromomethane (DBM) (1000 ppm)] that are known to potentiate metamorphosis in invertebrate species. The level of transcription increased constantly during the larval development, suggesting an increased repressive effect over metamorphosis as larvae aged. Interestingly, maximum values were reached 6 h post-treatment, before declining within 20 h for all the tested conditions. Overall, our results are in agreement with the involvement, at a molecular level, of the NO signalling pathway in metamorphosis. The decrease in nNOS gene transcription post-induction could support the inhibitory effect of NO upon the onset of metamorphosis in competent larvae, although further studies are needed to fully describe the pathways triggered by K+ ions and DBM induction. Furthermore, results indicate that metamorphosis could occur after termination of endogenous inhibition, bringing support to the hypothesis of spontaneous metamorphosis. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The article examines the proposed two-dimensional, depth-averaged, hydrodynamic and reactive-transport model that has been specifically developed for the estuaries and the Bay of Brest. The proposed model, accordingly, includes an explicit representation of the benthic-pelagic coupling which is stimulated by the increasing density of the slipper limpet Crepidula fornicata. The testing of proposed model reveals that the benthic nutrient dynamics are highly variable and strongly depend on the local conditions.

The degree to which larvae of the invasive American slipper limpet (Crepidula fornicata) and the Japanese oyster (Crassostrea gigas) may compete for food was examined during 2003 in the laboratory. Larval microalgae uptake, growth and mortality were compared for larvae fed each of six species of unicellular algae, ranging in length from 2 to 10 μm. Tested diets included the two flagellates Tetraselmis chui (Prasinophyceae) and Isochrysis affinis galbana (T-ISO, Haptophyceae), one member of the Chlorophyceae (Nannochloris atomus), and three diatom species (Chaetoceros calcitrans forma pumilum, Chaetoceros gracilis, Skeletonema marinoï). We found that the limpet larvae ingested phytoplankton over a wider range of cell sizes and ate at higher rates on each diet than did the oyster larvae. For example, oyster larvae consumed 2216 cells h-1 of N. atomus, while limpet larvae consumed the same phytoplankton cells at approximately twice that rate, 5159 cells h-1, on the same diet. Larvae of both species grew more quickly on a mixture of flagellates than on any of the diatom alone (12 versus 7 μm d-1 for oyster larvae and 41 versus 28 μm d-1 for limpet larvae). Our results suggest that in the Bay of Mount Saint-Michel (France, Western Channel), where larvae of both species co-exist in the summer, intensive grazing by limpet larvae can potentially deplete phytoplankton concentrations to cause competition with oyster larvae, particularly for smaller sized phytoplankton species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The degree to which larvae of the invasive American slipper limpet (Crepidula fornicata) and the Japanese oyster (Crassostrea gigas) may compete for food was examined during 2003 in the laboratory. Larval microalgae uptake, growth and mortality were compared for larvae fed each of six species of unicellular algae, ranging in length from 2 to 10 μm. Tested diets included the two flagellates Tetraselmis chui (Prasinophyceae) and Isochrysis affinis galbana (T-ISO, Haptophyceae), one member of the Chlorophyceae (Nannochloris atomus), and three diatom species (Chaetoceros calcitrans forma pumilum, Chaetoceros gracilis, Skeletonema marinoï). We found that the limpet larvae ingested phytoplankton over a wider range of cell sizes and ate at higher rates on each diet than did the oyster larvae. For example, oyster larvae consumed 2216 cells h-1 of N. atomus, while limpet larvae consumed the same phytoplankton cells at approximately twice that rate, 5159 cells h-1, on the same diet. Larvae of both species grew more quickly on a mixture of flagellates than on any of the diatom alone (12 versus 7 μm d-1 for oyster larvae and 41 versus 28 μmd-1 for limpet larvae). Our results suggest that in the Bay of Mount Saint-Michel (France, Western Channel), where larvae of both species co-exist in the summer, intensive grazing by limpet larvae can potentially deplete phytoplankton concentrations to cause competition with oyster larvae, particularly for smaller sized phytoplankton species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: To ensure sustainable uses of the coastal zone, an integrated ecosystemic approach and ecosystem models are required to frame ecological processes and evaluate environmental impacts. Here, a mass-balance trophic (Ecopath) model of the Mont Saint Michel Bay (MSMB) was developed, to analyze the bay''s functioning as an ecosystem. This bay, intensively exploited by fishing and for shellfish farming, is also suffering from the proliferation of the gastropod Crepidula fornicata, an exotic species. The MSMB model has 18 compartments, from the primary producers to top predators, and emphasizes the large biomass of filter feeders. The model identified the MSMB as a highly productive ecosystem controlled largely from the bottom-up, and strongly impacted by huge biomasses of filter feeders. However, the low transfer efficiency rates imply that a large part of the primary production is not transferred upward to higher trophic levels, but is lost in high hydrodynamic exchanges and in the trophic impasse represented by a large biomass of Crepidula fornicata. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The effects of season and qualitative selection capacity on trophic relationships between two sympatric invasive suspension-feeders, Crepidula fornicata and Crassostrea gigas, were investigated in Bourgneuf Bay (France) from January 2003 to June 2004. Carbon and nitrogen stable isotopic deviations, δ 13C and δ 15N, of common Atlantic slippersnails and Pacific oysters were analysed relative to isotopic composition and availability of end-members. Slippersnail deviations were less variable over the sampling period compared with those of oysters. Significant differences between δ 13C and δ 15N of C. fornicata and C. gigas were found from winter to early summer, and linked to major isotopic changes in oysters. We identified three distinct seasonal periods: January to March when oysters were 15N-enriched compared to slippersnails and to themselves at other times of the year, April to June–July when oysters showed a 15N-depletion and a more marked 13C-depletion compared to slippersnails and to themselves at other times of the year, and July–August to December when both species presented similar carbon and nitrogen deviations. Species-specific differences in qualitative selection capability may explain these seasonal differences in isotopic deviations. Whereas the isotopic composition of the indiscriminate suspension-feeding slippersnails reflects the composition of the seston throughout the year, the oyster is capable of qualitative selection. The oyster isotopic compositions are consistent with a facultative activation of selection mechanisms under conditions of qualitative and quantitative food limitation, notably the preferential ingestion and assimilation of the dominant organic source in the suspended pool. We conclude that C. fornicata and C. gigas are trophic competitors only in winter and spring at this site, where detrital end-members are major POM components. These results underscore (1) the importance of long-term (annual) studies in the evaluation of potential trophic competition, and (2) the necessity to include the qualitative selection capacities of suspension-feeders in future interpretations of trophic relationships in marine coastal ecosystems. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

δ13C and δ15N measurements are still poorly conducted in benthic invertebrate larvae. To assess the δ13C and δ15N changes occurring after a dietary shift, experiments were conducted on veliger larvae of Crepidula fornicata fed with two cultured microalgae ( Isochrysis galbana and Pavlova lutheri) of known isotopic composition, 13C-enriched and 15N-depleted compared to the initial values of the larvae. Rapid changes in larval δ13C and δ15N were observed after the dietary shift, with an increase in δ13C and a decrease in δ15N. After 19 days of feeding, isotopic equilibrium was still not reached, a period which is close to the duration of the pelagic life of the larvae. This implies that the isotopic composition measured in field-collected larvae might only partly reflect actual larval feeding but also the parental isotopic signature, especially during the early developmental stages. Isotopic measurements in marine invertebrate larvae should thus be interpreted cautiously. In planktonic food web investigations, the study of field-collected larvae of different size/developmental stage may reduce potential misinterpretations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]