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Dive into the research topics where Lee C. Hastie is active.

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Featured researches published by Lee C. Hastie.


Hydrobiologia | 2008

A review of cephalopod—environment interactions in European Seas

Graham J. Pierce; Vasilis D. Valavanis; Ángel Guerra; P. Jereb; Lydia Orsi-Relini; Jose M. Bellido; Isidora Katara; Uwe Piatkowski; João Pereira; Eduardo Balguerias; Ignacio Sobrino; Eugenia Lefkaditou; Jianjun Wang; Marina Santurtun; Peter Boyle; Lee C. Hastie; Colin D. MacLeod; Jennifer M. Smith; Mafalda Viana; Ángel F. González; Alain F. Zuur

Cephalopods are highly sensitive to environmental conditions and changes at a range of spatial and temporal scales. Relationships documented between cephalopod stock dynamics and environmental conditions are of two main types: those concerning the geographic distribution of abundance, for which the mechanism is often unknown, and those relating to biological processes such as egg survival, growth, recruitment and migration, where mechanisms are sometimes known and in a very few cases demonstrated by experimental evidence. Cephalopods seem to respond to environmental variation both ‘actively’ (e.g. migrating to areas with more favoured environmental conditions for feeding or spawning) and ‘passively’ (growth and survival vary according to conditions experienced, passive migration with prevailing currents). Environmental effects on early life stages can affect life history characteristics (growth and maturation rates) as well as distribution and abundance. Both large-scale atmospheric and oceanic processes and local environmental variation appear to play important roles in species–environment interactions. While oceanographic conditions are of particular significance for mobile pelagic species such as the ommastrephid squids, the less widely ranging demersal and benthic species may be more dependent on other physical habitat characteristics (e.g. substrate and bathymetry). Coastal species may be impacted by variations in water quality and salinity (related to rainfall and river flow). Gaps in current knowledge and future research priorities are discussed. Key research goals include linking distribution and abundance to environmental effects on biological processes, and using such knowledge to provide environmental indicators and to underpin fishery management.


Marine Biology | 1995

Flexible reproductive strategies in the squid Loligo forbesi

Peter Boyle; Graham J. Pierce; Lee C. Hastie

Body size at sexual maturity, egg-size distributions, and potential reproductive output have been estimated for female and male squid, Loligo forbesi Steenstrup, off the west coast of Scotland. Two size modes at maturity were found in both sexes, but separation into size cohorts was more pronounced in males (180 and 350 mm mantle length, ML). Preliminary ageing studies based on statolith ring-counts suggest that these size modes are not due to different age groups at breeding. Females have a single size mode of mature eggs in the proximal oviduct, but may have at least two size modes of eggs within the ovary. This finding is interpreted as evidence of batch-spawning in this squid. There was a weak relationship between total egg numbers (range 1000 to 16000) and body size (range 196 to 318 mm ML) and between mature egg size and body size. Males showed a strong positive relationship between spermatophore length and body length but a weak relationship between total number of spermatophores and body size. The results are discussed in the context of flexibility of breeding strategies in the loliginids and variety of life-cycle patterns.


Fisheries Research | 1994

The life history of Loligo forbesi (Cephalopoda: Loliginidae) in Scottish waters

Graham J. Pierce; Peter Boyle; Lee C. Hastie; L.N. Key

Abstract The population biology of the loliginid squid Loligo forbesi is described from monthly samples taken from the Scottish fishery (1990–1992). Length-frequency distributions are complex, particularly in males, with several size modes present in each month. Growth rates appear to be variable, with no single equation describing the growth of all putative microcohorts. Length-weight relationships vary in relation to maturity stage, and a decrease in size-adjusted mantle weight in later maturity stages indicates the diversion of resources from somatic to reproductive growth. The sex ratio among recruits is biased towards males but becomes increasingly biased towards females as the animals mature. There is an extended breeding season, from January to May with a peak in February–March, and two pulses of recruitment, in April and in July–September. Results are broadly consistent with the previously established view of this species as having a 1 year life-cycle. There is limited evidence for the existence of a separate offshore population, breeding earlier than the main coastal population and with wide interannual fluctuations in abundance. However, improved information on distribution is required to test this hypothesis.


Biological Conservation | 2001

The effects of a major flood on an endangered freshwater mussel population

Lee C. Hastie; P.J. Boon; Mark R. Young; S Way

During February 1998, a 100-year return flood occurred in the River Kerry, north-western Scotland. A study was undertaken in order to assess the impact of this event on a large, internationally important freshwater pearl mussel (Margaritifera margaritifera L.) population. A conservative estimate of 50,000 mussels killed by the flood was made. This represents 4–8% of the total population. Significant channel reformation and large-scale movements of substrata occurred in some reaches, whereas others appeared to be unchanged. Some mussel beds disappeared or were largely depleted whereas others remained intact. Boulder-dominated substrata appear to have provided the most protection from scouring. The relatively high mussel densities and recruitment levels found in the middle reaches are probably due to the fact that this part of the river is hydrologically stable. It is likely that the intact mussel beds in the middle reaches will be the main source of regeneration in other parts of the river as the population recovers. As a result of recent changes in the hydrological behaviour of Scottish rivers, several M. margaritifera populations may now be more at risk from these catastrophic events. Therefore, it is important that conservation managers are aware of this potential threat.


Hydrobiologia | 2001

Freshwater pearl mussel (Margaritifera margaritifera) glochidiosis in wild and farmed salmonid stocks in Scotland

Lee C. Hastie; Mark R. Young

Samples of salmonids were taken from six Scottish rivers and examined for freshwater mussel (Margaritifera margaritifera (L.)) glochidiosis. The prevalence and magnitude of natural infections observed were comparable to those reported elsewhere. In most rivers, older fish seem to be less susceptible than 0+ fish, possibly due to an acquired immunity resulting from previous exposures. Initial infection loads may be greater on older fish due to greater ventilation rates and/or gill surface areas. However, this host size effect appears to be transitory. In a stock of farmed 0+ salmon, an entire parasitic stage was monitored. This took up to 11 months and only 5–10% of the initially attached glochidia managed to metamorphose and excyst as juvenile mussels. There are apparent differences in host utilisation between salmon and trout in certain rivers. Some trout stocks appear to be under-utilised by M. margaritifera, possibly due to differences in behaviour and/or spawning site. 0+ salmon are the most important hosts in several rivers. However, there are a number of mussel populations located in small streams which have no salmon, and these are entirely trout-dependent. This may be important in terms of conservation, with regard to the recent collapse of migratory trout stocks in Scotland.


AMBIO: A Journal of the Human Environment | 2003

The threat of climate change to freshwater pearl mussel populations.

Lee C. Hastie; Peter J. Cosgrove; Noranne Ellis; Martin J. Gaywood

Abstract Changes in climate are occurring around the world and the effects on ecosystems will vary, depending on the extent and nature of these changes. In northern Europe, experts predict that annual rainfall will increase significantly, along with dramatic storm events and flooding in the next 50–100 years. Scotland is a stronghold of the endangered freshwater pearl mussel, Margaritifera margaritifera (L.), and a number of populations may be threatened. For example, large floods have been shown to adversely affect mussels, and although these stochastic events were historically rare, they may now be occurring more often as a result of climate change. Populations may also be affected by a number of other factors, including predicted changes in temperature, sea level, habitat availability, host fish stocks and human activity. In this paper, we explain how climate change may impact M. margaritifera and discuss the general implications for the conservation management of this species.


Aquatic Conservation-marine and Freshwater Ecosystems | 2000

The status of the freshwater pearl mussel Margaritifera margaritifera Linn. in Scotland

P.J. Cosgrove; Mark R. Young; Lee C. Hastie; Martin J. Gaywood; P.J. Boon

1. One hundred and sixty rivers in Scotland with historical records of freshwater pearl mussel Margaritifera margaritifera were surveyed between 1996 and 1999 for the presence of the species. 2. M. margaritifera populations were classed as either ‘extinct’ (no mussels remaining), ‘not currently viable’ (ranging from only dead shells present to no juveniles present, regardless of the number of adults found), or ‘functional’ (at least one juvenile was found, regardless of the overall numbers of adults present). 3. M. margaritifera populations could be classed as ‘functional’ in only 52 rivers (34% of total surveyed) and in only 17 of these were juveniles below 20 mm (5 yrs old) present. Furthermore, in only 10 of these functional rivers were mussels also still considered either to be common or abundant and these included both large easterly-flowing rivers and small western rivers and streams. 4. In approximately two-thirds (101) of the 155 rivers occupied 100 years ago, M. margaritifera is now extinct or is about to become extinct. Furthermore, analysis indicates that the rate of mussel population extinction has accelerated since 1970, with a recent average of two mussel river extinctions per year. 5. The predominant threat to the mussel populations has undoubtedly been pearl fishing. This has been occurring at every river, even in the most remote northwest areas, where most of the ‘functional’ populations remain. Recent legislation has provided full protection to M. margaritifera, so that all pearl harvesting is now illegal. 6. Locally, river engineering and host salmonid stock decline poses a serious threat and eutrophication has already eliminated populations in southern and eastern Scotland. 7. In every part of its global range, M. margaritifera has declined substantially and is now either threatened with extinction or is highly vulnerable. Based on recent estimates from across the species range, it appears that Scotland now probably holds at least half of the worlds remaining functional M. margaritifera populations. Copyright


Biological Conservation | 2001

Conservation of threatened freshwater pearl mussel populations: river management, mussel translocation and conflict resolution

P.J. Cosgrove; Lee C. Hastie

River engineering work has historically been responsible for the decline and extinction of a number of endangered freshwater pearl mussel [Margaritifera margaritifera (L.)] populations and potentially remains a significant threat. The impact of different types of river engineering work on a number of Scottish M. margaritifera populations is examined and discussed. M. margaritifera is now fully protected under law in most countries and guidance is urgently needed so that river managers can integrate ecological and socio-economic factors when considering the impact of proposed activities on M. margaritifera populations. To safeguard the remaining important populations, a simple conflict resolution framework is suggested for the appraisal of proposed developments in rivers with pearl mussel populations. Operations likely to harm mussels and permanently damage their river bed habitat should not proceed. In exceptional circumstances (outlined), the translocation of small numbers of adult mussels may possibly be considered as a potential management tool, but mussel translocation has been little used and should be considered experimental and last resort.


Aquatic Conservation-marine and Freshwater Ecosystems | 2000

Sizes, densities and age structures of ScottishMargaritifera margaritifera (L.) populations

Lee C. Hastie; Mark R. Young; P.J. Boon; P.J. Cosgrove; B. Henninger

1. Populations of freshwater pearl mussels (Margaritifera margaritifera (L.)) were surveyed in 12 Scottish rivers (selected from those known to contain viable populations). Overall mussel densities in different rivers ranged from 0.27 to 30.01 m−2. Median densities ranged from 2.5 to 14.5 m−2 and a maximum of 398 mussels m−2 was observed in one river. 2. Total population estimates in different rivers ranged from 2000 to 0.9–3.7 million. One population is particularly dense, with an estimated 0.6–1.2 million mussels in a 4-km stretch of river. 3. Samples from nine populations were taken in order to provide mussel size/age data. Marked differences between size profiles and their corresponding age profiles were observed. It is difficult to interpret the former in terms of recruitment. 4. There were signs of recent recruitment in all of the populations investigated. Large numbers of young mussels (aged ≤20 years) were found in four rivers. The largest proportions at any particular site were 67/219 (30.6%) aged ≤10 years and 191/219 (87.2%) aged ≤20 years, both values being recorded in the same river. 5. The expected predominance of young mussels was not achieved in any population. Presumably, there is considerable underestimation of the youngest age classes owing to biased sampling techniques. However, several populations are thought to be recruiting at levels that are high enough to maintain viability. 6. One population (River F) is the best example of a ‘healthy’, moderately fished, recruiting population and its age profile could be used as a benchmark for future comparisons. 7. The results of this study emphasize the international importance of Scotland in terms of M. margaritifera conservation. However, the small numbers of juveniles found in some Scottish rivers indicates that many populations are vulnerable to decline and, therefore, their conservation status may be threatened in the long term. Copyright


Fisheries Research | 1994

Distribution and abundance of the fished population of Loligo forbesi in UK waters: analysis of fishery data

Graham J. Pierce; Peter Boyle; Lee C. Hastie; Aileen M. Shanks

Abstract UK fisheries for the squid Loligo forbesi are described, based mainly on analysis of fishery statistical data (1980–1990) held in the Scottish Office Agriculture and Fisheries Department (SOAFD) and Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (MAFF) databases, and synthesis of published and unpublished information from various sources including interviews with Scottish fishermen. The weight and value of squid landings in the UK have increased substantially during the last decade, particularly in Scotland. While squid landed in Scotland are thought to consist almost exclusively of Loligo forbesi , landings in England and Wales may contain a significant proportion of Loligo vulgaris . Squid are landed primarily as a bucatch of trawling and seining finfish fisheries although some directed fishing takes place, particularly at Rockall. There is limited use of jigs, although most reported trials of jigging gear have been unsuccessful. Squid are caught throughout UK waters, although the most important fishing areas vary from year to year. Scottish landings come from all around the coast of Scotland, particularly the Moray Firth, as well as from Rockall and (historically) Faroe Bank. Landings from Rockall are apparently unpredictable, with large amounts of squid being caught in 1986, 1987 and 1989 but almost none during the rest of the decade. Squid landed in England and Wales are also taken from a wide area, including the English Channel, Celtic Sea, Rockall, and (historically) the Bay of Biscay. Records of Scottish landings from 1904 suggest the existence of a 15 year cycle of abundance. The seasonal pattern of landings in Scotland shows a predictable seasonal pattern, with most landings from coastal waters occurring in October and November and most landings from Rockall in June and August. Results of correlation analyses of landings, fishing effort and CPUE data are generally consistent with a by-catch fishery on a patchily distributed resource, suggesting that CPUE is a reasonable index of abundance except for areas such as Rockall where there is a significant proportion of directed fishing. UK squid stocks are currently neither assessed nor managed, and the status of squid as primarily a by-catch precludes most management options. However, given the relatively high quality of data routinely collected, and assuming implementation of checks on species identification and compilation of data at least weekly, stock assessment should be possible.

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Peter Boyle

University of Strathclyde

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A. Louise Allcock

National University of Ireland

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P.J. Boon

Scottish Natural Heritage

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Santiago Pascual

Spanish National Research Council

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Ángel F. González

Spanish National Research Council

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Miguel Bao

University of Aberdeen

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