Table 1.
Environmental conditions in the four sampling sites.
| Continent | Country | Region | Location | Coordinates | Sampling season | Average annual temperature (°C, min-max) | Annual rainfall (mm) | Ports | Average annual salinity (ppm, min-max) | Environment/human population | Anthropogenic pressure |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Europe | Spain | Northwest Spain | Aviles | 43°25′16″N, 4°45′11″W | Winter | 13.5 (9.9–17.1) | 1062 | International cargo & fishing port | 29.7 (22.8–34.1) | Urban, city of 80,880 inhabitants | Port, substantial industrial pollution, heavy metals |
| Europe | France | Mediterranean Sea | Vidourle | 43°34′42.14′′N, 4°02′34.98′′E | Winter | 15.1 (10.4–19.9) | 629.1 | Small fishing ports and marina | 23.9 (20.4–27.3)88 | Villages of 8,505 Grande-Motte and 3,707 inhabitants Carnon | Eutrophication - Protected area Natura 200051 |
| Oceania | New Zealand | South Pacific Ocean | Havelock (Pelorus Sound) | 41.2846° S, 173.7672°E | Winter | 12–18 | 1250 | Small fishing port and marina | ~30, may be reduced for long periods89 | Township of 480 inhabitants | Eutrophication, sediment loads from upstream49,50 |
| Oceania | New Zealand | South Pacific Ocean | Nelson (South Island) | 41°16′15″S 173°17′2″E | Winter | 15.1 (11.9–19.8) | 994.5 | International cargo & fishing port | 32–3525,90 | Urban, city of 65,700 inhabitants | Port, local industries, forestries and farmlands |