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The FishErIes Size and functional TYpe model (FEISTY) is a mechanistic ecosystem model that fully integrates ecosystem structure across trophic levels through functional types. We present an R package that enables users to run simulations ranging from a 0D chemostat to full global scales. The library is written in Fortran90 with an R interface and provides a web application for visual exploration. We present and compare results from four core configurations across a range of depths, productivity and fishing levels, and we assess the convergence of solutions as the number of size classes is increased. The model has historically been coupled to biogeochemical models of mesozooplankton and detritus production, but it can also be applied in a stand‐alone version. We demonstrate the library to set up and simulate fish communities under varying productivity of mesozooplankton and benthos, and top‐down forcing from fishing. We outline three strategies for coupling FEISTY with biogeochemical model output and discuss future directions and open issues.

SignificanceLarval dispersal in the ocean is thought to be highly diffusive, but the pathways larvae follow during their pelagic stage are largely unknown, as direct tracking of larvae in the open ocean is not yet possible. We provide the first evidence of continuous aggregation of fish larvae over extensive periods in an oceanographically complex environment. This finding has far-reaching implications for our understanding of population genetics and dynamics, as it points to an underestimated layer of complexity in current models of dispersal and connectivity. Consideration of complex larval behavior during dispersal, including the aggregation of related individuals, can improve the accuracy of such models and lead to more effective management and conservation of marine organisms. Pelagic dispersal of most benthic marine organisms is a fundamental driver of population distribution and persistence and is thought to lead to highly mixed populations. However, the mechanisms driving dispersal pathways of larvae along open coastlines are largely unknown. To examine the degree to which early stages can remain spatially coherent during dispersal, we measured genetic relatedness within a large pulse of newly recruited splitnose rockfish (Sebastes diploproa), a live-bearing fish whose offspring settle along the US Pacific Northwest coast after spending up to a year in the pelagic environment. A total of 11.6% of the recruits in a single recruitment pulse were siblings, providing the first evidence for persistent aggregation throughout a long dispersal period. Such protracted aggregation has profound implications for our understanding of larval dispersal, population connectivity, and gene flow within demersal marine populations.

Fish larvae are rarely a major driver of fish mortality, but tunas can produce large batches of larvae that rapidly develop the capacity to kill other fish. We combine a model for the killing potential from Atlantic bluefin tuna (BFT) larvae on larval albacore (ALB) with field observations at a major spawning ground. Both species spawn from June to August, but BFT has a narrow spawning peak at the beginning of the season that results in priority effects. Our model shows that, following a recent stock recovery, BFT larvae have increased their killing pressure, leaving areas of up to 1000 km2 with < 1% chance of ALB daily survival. Such increase in killing pressure suggests larval ALB has reduced chances to survive; yet in large areas with few BFT, other drivers of early survival prevail over BFT predation. This shows that strong predatory interactions can occur during larval stages in some fishes.

Fish larvae are rarely a major driver of fish mortality, but tunas can produce large batches of larvae that rapidly develop the capacity to kill other fish. We combine a model for the killing potential from Atlantic bluefin tuna (BFT) larvae on larval albacore (ALB) with field observations at a major spawning ground. Both species spawn from June to August, but BFT has a narrow spawning peak at the beginning of the season that results in priority effects. Our model shows that, following a recent stock recovery, BFT larvae have increased their killing pressure, leaving areas of up to 1000 km2 with < 1% chance of ALB daily survival. Such increase in killing pressure suggests larval ALB has reduced chances to survive; yet in large areas with few BFT, other drivers of early survival prevail over BFT predation. This shows that strong predatory interactions can occur during larval stages in some fishes.

For most benthic marine organisms, settlement of pelagic offspring to bottom-associated habitats is a necessary step in the replenishment of adult populations. Quantifying spatial and temporal variation in settlement is therefore important to fully understand population dynamics, inform fisheries management targets, and design effective spatial management strategies. Data on nearshore patterns of fish settlement are lacking for the northern California Current System (CCS), which is characterized by complex oceanographic currents and a seasonal, intermittent upwelling regime. Thus, to quantify spatial and temporal patterns of fish settlement in the northern CCS in relation to oceanographic conditions, we measured settlement of 5 fish taxa to 2 regions of the Oregon coast over 5 settlement seasons (late spring to early fall, 2012–2016). Temporal patterns of settlement reflected taxon-specific degrees of episodic settlement, with cabezon Scorpaenichthys marmoratus exhibiting the most uniform settlement across each season, and splitnose Sebastes diploproa and redbanded S. babcocki rockfishes exhibiting the most episodic settlement. Fish settlement tended to be greater during short periods of downwelling (upwelling relaxation events) for all but the largest fish taxa. Within settlement season, variation in size-at-settlement tracked taxon-specific temporal patterns of arrival but was unrelated to water temperature. Differences in fish settlement between small marine reserves and nearby unprotected areas was region- and taxon-specific, highlighting the fact that size and habitat heterogeneity should be considered in the design of marine reserves. These findings provide a deeper understanding of settlement patterns across the mosaic of environmental variability in eastern boundary currents such as the CCS.

Bluefin tunas across the world migrate long distances to spawn in particularly warm and oligotrophic areas constrained by oceanographic fronts. The low abundance of predators in these areas increases survival chances of their early life stages, but its importance for choice of spawning habitat is unknown. Here, we use estimated clearance rates and data on spatial distributions of Atlantic bluefin tuna larvae Thunnus thynnus and metaephyrae of the jellyfish Pelagia noctiluca to quantify predation at a major spawning ground in the Mediterranean Sea. We found that high densities of P. noctiluca can rapidly deplete tuna eggs and preflexion larvae, but their patchy distribution and low spatial and temporal overlap results in overall low predation. The specific distribution of the spawning sites suggests that bluefin tunas may use local oceanography as cues to spawn outside areas with high predator densities.

Pelagia noctiluca is the most successful and well-studied jellyfish in the Mediterranean Sea. This species tolerates a wide range of water temperatures and succeeds in low to medium food regimes, but factors driving its distribution and population dynamics remain poorly understood. Here we applied a multiscale analytical approach using survey data and a physical-biochemical coupled model to assess how environmental factors affect the 3-dimensional distribution and seasonal abundance of P. noctiluca early life stages. The surveys took place after the spring bloom, when warm water favors fecundity and growth, but food shortage limits the reproductive investment and early survival. We found that most early life stages of P. noctiluca remained above the shallow thermocline and upper mixed layer where temperature is warm. Their spatial distribution was positively correlated with surface chlorophyll concentration, and over 90% of the variation in interannual abundance was explained by basin-scale productivity in June. Warmer water during winter and spring seasons coupled with protracted spring blooms increase the population of P. noctiluca, and this explains the trend of increasing outbreaks observed in the western Mediterranean Sea over the past decades.

Bluefin tunas across the world migrate long distances to spawn in particularly warm and oligotrophic areas constrained by oceanographic fronts. The low abundance of predators in these areas increases survival chances of their early life stages, but its importance for choice of spawning habitat is unknown. Here, we use estimated clearance rates and data on spatial distributions of Atlantic bluefin tuna larvae Thunnus thynnus and metaephyrae of the jellyfish Pelagia noctiluca to quantify predation at a major spawning ground in the Mediterranean Sea. We found that high densities of P. noctiluca can rapidly deplete tuna eggs and preflexion larvae, but their patchy distribution and low spatial and temporal overlap results in overall low predation. The specific distribution of the spawning sites suggests that bluefin tunas may use local oceanography as cues to spawn outside areas with high predator densities.

Pelagic dispersal of most benthic marine organisms is a fundamental driver of population distribution and persistence and is thought to lead to highly mixed populations. However, the mechanisms driving dispersal pathways of larvae along open coastlines are largely unknown. To examine the degree to which early stages can remain spatially coherent during dispersal, we measured genetic relatedness within a large pulse of newly recruited splitnose rockfish (Sebastes diploproa), a live-bearing fish whose offspring settle along the US Pacific Northwest coast after spending up to a year in the pelagic environment. A total of 11.6% of the recruits in a single recruitment pulse were siblings, providing the first evidence for persistent aggregation throughout a long dispersal period. Such protracted aggregation has profound implications for our understanding of larval dispersal, population connectivity, and gene flow within demersal marine populations.

Glasdegib is a Hedgehog pathway inhibitor. This phase II, randomized, open-label, multicenter study (ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT01546038) evaluated the efficacy of glasdegib plus low-dose cytarabine (LDAC) in patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) or high-risk myelodysplastic syndrome unsuitable for intensive chemotherapy. Glasdegib 100 mg (oral, QD) was administered continuously in 28-day cycles; LDAC 20 mg (subcutaneous, BID) was administered for 10 per 28 days. Patients (stratified by cytogenetic risk) were randomized (2:1) to receive glasdegib/LDAC or LDAC. The primary endpoint was overall survival. Eighty-eight and 44 patients were randomized to glasdegib/LDAC and LDAC, respectively. Median (80% confidence interval [CI]) overall survival was 8.8 (6.9–9.9) months with glasdegib/LDAC and 4.9 (3.5–6.0) months with LDAC (hazard ratio, 0.51; 80% CI, 0.39–0.67, P  = 0.0004). Fifteen (17.0%) and 1 (2.3%) patients in the glasdegib/LDAC and LDAC arms, respectively, achieved complete remission ( P  < 0.05). Nonhematologic grade 3/4 all-causality adverse events included pneumonia (16.7%) and fatigue (14.3%) with glasdegib/LDAC and pneumonia (14.6%) with LDAC. Clinical efficacy was evident across patients with diverse mutational profiles. Glasdegib plus LDAC has a favorable benefit–risk profile and may be a promising option for AML patients unsuitable for intensive chemotherapy.