Demersal reef fishes of the Indo-Pacific are under increasing pressure as a fisheries resource, yet many of the important life history characteristics required for suitable management are poorly known. The three fish species, eightbar grouper (Hyporthodus octofasciatus), ruby snapper (Etelis carbunculus) and the spangled emperor (Lethrinus nebulosus), are important components of fisheries and ecosystems throughout the Indo-Pacific. Despite their importance, age and growth information is incomplete. Age has been estimated for E. carbunculus and L. nebulosus, but validated age beyond the first few years is lacking and for H. octofasciatus no age estimates exist. Bomb radiocarbon dating can provide age estimates that are independent of growth-zone counting, but only if appropriate reference D 14 C chronologies exist. In this study, a series of D 14 C records from hermatypic corals was assembled to provide a basis for bomb radiocarbon dating in the western Indo-Pacific region. Results provided (1) valid age estimates for comparison to age estimates from two facilities investigating growth-zones in otolith thin sections; (2) support for age estimation protocols using otolith thin sections; and (3) the information necessary for further refinement of age estimation procedures. Estimates of longevity from bomb radiocarbon dating agree with some prior studies: H. octofasciatus, E. carbunculus and L. nebulosus all being long-lived species with life spans of at least 43, 35 and 28 years respectively.
The total amount and the composition of varieties of all forage grass and clover seed delivered for farm use in Northern Ireland was monitored over the 25-year period of 1980-2004. Total seed use in Northern Ireland declined from the 1980s to the 1990s but then stabilized despite isolated drops in sales associated with outbreaks of animal diseases. This profile was mirrored by similar declines in the rest of the UK. The survey revealed the annual volatility of the market and its sensitivity to changes in government financial support, to changes in farm practice and farm incomes. Examination of the data on the grassland area under 5 years old showed them to be poor indicators of actual seed use. Levels of species use were very stable over the 25 years of the survey but reseeding of varieties of perennial ryegrass differing in maturity and ploidy type changed dramatically. When sufficient seed was available, selection of varieties complied with the contemporary recommended list ratings of agronomic value but in a few cases selection of varieties was determined by price. The current survey of seed sales provides a benchmark against which responses by farmers following the latest changes in the Common Agricultural Policy of the European Union can be measured.
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