Interactions between fishing strategies of Nephrops trawlers in the Bay of Biscay and Norway lobster diel activity patterns

Abstract  Norway lobster, Nephrops norvegicus (L.), in the Bay of Biscay exhibited diel activity patterns with more individuals outside their burrows at dawn and dusk, increasing catchability at these times. Data from an on board observer programme on Nephrops trawlers between 2002 and 2005 were used to assess variability in catchability in commercial catches. Catch numbers per haul varied spatially and between months, but no signal for diel variations was found. Fishing strategies developed by the Nephrops trawlers had several components. On a seasonal level, they started around sunrise. On a haul level, haul duration decreased from haul to haul, with the longest hauls taking place at the time of the highest catchability. By-catch of hake, Merluccius merluccius (L.), increased more than proportionally with haul duration.     

尼罗罗非鱼行为习性及其捕捞渔具的设计

尼罗罗非鱼(OreochromisniloticaL.)属热带性鱼类,为我国1978年从国外引进的优良海淡水养殖对象,具有食性杂、生长速度快、肉质鲜美、经济价值高等优点[1]。目前已在我国数个省、市开展养殖。尼罗罗非鱼性喜群游,其最适生长水温为24～32℃,水温降至14℃时,活动迟缓,停止摄食,水温降至12℃以下时便逐渐死亡[2]。因此,在我国北方地区养殖的尼罗罗非鱼,一般在严冬前开始进行捕捞。水温达到20℃以上时,雄鱼会在池边或者池底挖洞,当遇到外界刺激或拉网捕捞受惊后,便潜入洞中或软泥中。尼罗罗非鱼的这一行为习性给捕捞造成很大困难,因此各地一般…     

Effect of population structure, sampling strategy and sample size on the estimates of selection parameters for shrimp (Crangon crangon) trawls

In selectivity experiments with shrimp trawls, very high numbers of animals in the catches of single hauls are a common feature and therefore, sub-sampling is inevitable. In order to find an acceptable balance between work-load and accuracy in the estimation of the selection parameters, it is important to have a sensible idea on the minimum numbers of shrimps to be measured in each catch fraction (cover, discards and landings). The present theoretical study tries to answer this question by means of computer simulations of different sampling strategies and sample sizes applied to catches with known size compositions.

The results of the simulations are discussed in relation to population structure, shape of the cod-end selection curve, sampling strategy (as the relative amounts measured from the different catch fractions) and sample size, and the method used to calculate the selection parameters.

Samples of 750 animals provide an acceptable compromise between work-load and reliability of the estimated selection parameters, provided that sufficient numbers of length classes are available. Population structure, selection curve and sample size (in that order) largely determine the reliability of the estimates, whereas the sampling strategy, on the other hand, only has a minor effect.     

南海北部大陆架底层鱼类资源密度概率分布型的研究

本文把底层鱼类资源密度看成是海洋生态系整体系统的一个组成成份。应用柯尔莫哥洛夫假设拟合优度检验,系统分析了近两周年(二十三个月)共1,445网次的“南海北部大陆架底层鱼类资源调查”的综合渔获量资料。发现理论的对数正态分布完全符合观察的频率分布,二十三个月无一例外。因而,得出了该海域底层鱼类的渔获密度服从对数正态分布型这个初步结论。在此基础上,进一步推证了资源密度同样服从对数正态分布型。这一发现,为研究该海域底层鱼类的数量分布提供了一个确当的随机性模型。     

Examination of the Effects of Dietary Protein and Lipid Levels on Growth and Stress Tolerance of Juvenile Tilapia,Oreochromis niloticus

Tilapia is the second most consumed farmed fish after carp and the most widely grown farmed fish. However, significant price increases in ingredients in recent years threaten profitability of the industry because dietary costs are approximately 60% of production costs. Therefore, the objective of this study was to optimize dietary protein and lipid levels of juvenile tilapia cultured in high‐intensity recirculating‐water system and assess dietary effects on stress tolerance. To achieve this objective, a factorial treatment design with diets formulated to contain three levels of dietary protein (28, 32, and 36%) and three levels of dietary lipid (3, 6, and 9%) was employed. Juvenile tilapia (34.5 ± 0.4 g initial weight) were randomly assigned to each of 24 tanks and fed one of the nine diets, three feedings per day to apparent satiation, 6 d/wk for 12 wk. Fish were weighed and counted every 3 wk and feed consumed recorded weekly. Tilapia weight gain, feed conversion, feed intake, and proximate composition were significantly affected by diet. Following the feeding trial, tilapia were subjected to a 24 h simulated live haul where fish were stocked into a static water system at 0.24 kg/L of water. Glucose, lactate, and cortisol measurements were taken at time 0, 24, and 72 h after fish were placed into hauling containers. There was significant effects (P < 0.05) of crude lipid and crude protein on blood chemistry parameters. These data indicate that practical diet formulations can be improved to enhance growth rates, production of tilapia, and stress response during live hauls.     

Effect of trawling with traditional and ‘T90’ trawl codends on fish size and on different quality parameters of cod <Emphasis Type="Italic">Gadus morhua</Emphasis> and haddock <Emphasis Type="Italic">Melanogrammus aeglefinus</Emphasis>

The effect of trawling on fish size and on different quality parameters of cod (Gadus morhua) and haddock (Melanogrammus aeglefinus) was evaluated after conducting 16 valid hauls using two trawls in a double rig fitted with a traditional and a novel ‘T90’ codend, respectively. The total catch volume during the fishing period was 47.6 metric tons, with an average catch per codend of 1.5 (range 0.5–2.9) tons. The mean haul duration was 5 h. The catch was assessed according to fish size, mortality, external damage, initial white muscle pH and development of rigor mortis. Fillet quality (colour, blood spots, gaping) was assessed after 1 week of freeze-storage. Our results showed there was no difference between the two types of nets in terms of catch volume, but significantly slightly bigger fish were caught with T90 than with the traditional trawl net (p < 0.05). Haddock caught with the traditional trawl net had more external injuries related to the trawl gear than haddock caught with the T90 gear (p < 0.05). The gaping frequency for cod caught with the traditional trawl net tended to be higher than cod caught with the T90 gear, but the difference was not significant (p = 0.07). No other differences in fish quality between fish caught in the trawl nets were observed.     

Studies of fish traps as stock assessment devices on a shallow reef in south-western Puerto Rico

Traditional Antillean arrowhead fish traps were deployed around and on a shallow, 8-ha coral reef of south-western Puerto Rico in two 1987 studies: Study I, 2–18 March, a comparison of 30 trap catches and 30 visual transect counts; Study II, 8 April–18 June, a tag and recapture study of 95 trap hauls. Study I considered model taxa and conditions for calculating effective fishing area (EFA) of the traps on the basis of catch per haul and fish density from transects. Of the 185 fish of 24 species caught, EFA could only reasonably be calculated for three taxa: redband parrotfish, Sparisoma aurofrenatum, 25 m² and 90 m²; stoplight parrotfish, Sparisoma viride, 24 m²; ocean surgeon, Acanthurus bahianus, 93 m². Other taxa were considered unsuitable because of near-zero density or catche, e.g. white grunt, Haemulon plumieri, was often caught but seldom seen. Ability to assess EFA depended on trap location; future surveys of reef fishes will necessarily have to utilize stratified sampling based on habitat characteristics. Study II considered fish movements within a five-trap, cross-shaped array deployed on a back reef area. Of 702 captures from 28 species, redband parrotfish, white grunt and ocean surgeon dominated. Of 272 fish tagged, 65 were recaptured once and 24 were recaptured twice or more. In the short term, traps seemed to sample a discrete population. Except for one individual, all tagged fish were recaptured at the same trap or at a nearby trap of the array, i.e. no more than 25 or 35 m away; ocean surgeon were always caught at the trap where tagged. Using the mark-recapture data, population estimates were calculated for dominant species. These were not used to estimate EFA because the area sampled by the traps could not be reliably estimated. However, properly designed marking studies could be used to obtain this information. It was concluded that using EFA in trap-based assessments is a promising technique for residents like redband parrotfish or ocean surgeon. Mark and recapture techniques may also return useful density estimates for cryptic or diurnally migrating residents such as white grunt.     

Diel interactions between sprat and mackerel in a marine lough and their effects upon acoustic measurements of fish abundance

We have investigated how diel changes in fish behaviour may affect acoustic estimates of fish abundance in a marine system. Studies in Lough Hyne (Ireland), a marine lake with only a narrow and shallow connection to the sea, showed the presence of large numbers of sprat (Sprattus sprattus), mackerel (Scomber scombrus), and zooplankton. Fish species were identified from regular rod and line fishing. Zooplankton were identified from net hauls. Acoustic measures of zooplankton were low with little diel variation. The sprat formed dense schools during the day and dispersed into the water column at night. The acoustic estimate of sprat abundance at night, obtained by means of a standard hydroacoustic technique and protocol, was more than double the estimated biomass during the day. We have considered whether the lower fish estimate during daytime resulted from acoustic shadowing due to aggregation of the fish into dense schools. However, no decrease in echo energy was evident from the top to the bottom of the schools, and there was no reduction in the seabed echo beneath the schools. Acoustic shadowing was therefore not responsible for the diel differences in the estimates of abundance. Instead, we suggest that the target strength of individual sprat diminished during the day as a result of attacks from predatory mackerel. We observed echoes from gas released by the sprat as they gathered into dense plumes close to the seabed. Compression of the gas remaining within the swim bladder as the fish were moving deeper would also reduce swim bladder volume. Finally, negative buoyancy due to reduced swim bladder volume may in addition have forced the fish to change tilt angle to compensate for sinking. All these effects will reduce the target strengths of individual fish and lead to underestimation of fish abundance based on daytime surveys.     

Measuring the height of the fishing line and its effect on shrimp catch and bycatch in an ocean shrimp (Pandalus jordani) trawl

The relationship between fishing line height (FLH), shrimp catch and bycatch in a semi-pelagic ocean shrimp (Pandalus jordani) trawl was investigated using a newly developed recording inclinometer. The inclinometer was effective at measuring FLH and indicating trawl performance deficits. FLH was determined to be stable during a haul and also between hauls within a given footrope and groundline configuration. FLH was readily adjusted with simple modifications to the footrope “dropper” chains. Inclinometer data showed that FLH can be unequal between double-rigged nets of identical configuration. Shrimp catch and the bycatch of flatfish and juvenile rockfish varied inversely with FLH, suggesting FLH can be adjusted to equalize the catch of shrimp, flatfish and juvenile rockfish between two double-rigged shrimp nets.     

The influence of diel period on fish assemblage in the unstructured littoral of reservoirs

Abstract Diel changes in littoral fish assemblage were studied in four reservoirs in the Czech Republic (Central Europe). The sampling was performed by beach seining in an unstructured littoral zone. Perch, Perca fluviatilis L., roach, Rutilus rutilus (L.), bream, Abramis brama (L.), carp, Cyprinus carpio L., ruffe, Gymnocephalus cernua (L.), pikeperch, Sander lucioperca (L.), eel, Anguilla anguilla (L.) and A. brama × R. rutilus hybrids exhibited higher densities at night. Only bleak, Alburnus alburnus (L.) exhibited higher densities during the day. The number of species was higher in night hauls, and mean body size of roach and bleak was also higher at night. Diel changes in fish densities resulted in the change in species composition between day and night. The study has implication for the sampling design to assess littoral fish assemblages using beach seine netting and recommends night sampling for a representative assessment or sampling during both diel periods for a robust assessment.     

东海张纲张网网囊网目选择性研究

张纲张网是我国近海渔业的重要作业方式,当前渔业管理中规定了张纲张网网囊最小网目尺寸,但渔民实际使用的网目尺寸与之差异很大,造成渔获中幼鱼比例大。为了更好地掌握网目尺寸对主要捕捞对象的尺寸选择性,于2012年秋季和2013年春季使用平行作业法开展了不同网目尺寸(35、40、45、50、55 mm)网囊的选择性试验。试验结果显示,网囊对小黄鱼(Pseudosciaena polyactis)、带鱼(Trichiurus haumela)和银鲳(Pampus argenteus)的50%选择体长L50随着网目尺寸的增大而增大,表明放大网目尺寸能有效减少幼鱼渔获,L50与网目尺寸(Me)的线性关系为:小黄鱼L50=2.79×Me-1.45,带鱼L50=4.27×Me-38.28,银鲳L50=1.79×Me+28.66。此次试验不同网目尺寸网囊的L50相比其它研究结果较大,推测试验方法的不同可能是导致这一差异的主要原因。结合当前东、黄海主要捕捞对象的可捕规格,认为目前55 mm的网囊网目尺寸能实现张纲张网对3种主要捕捞对象的管理目标。     

Commercial harvest of hatchery-reared masu salmon Oncorhynchus masou estimated by a coast-wide sampling program in Hokkaido, northern Japan, and the two-stage sampling schemes of landings

SUMMARY: This paper evaluates the stocking effectiveness of masu salmon Oncorhynchus masou in Hokkaido, northern Japan, through a coast-wide two-stage sampling survey of commercial landings. From January to June 1994–1996, commercial landings of masu salmon at 33–36 fish markets were sampled at 7–10 days intervals, and 60 866–72 124 fish were examined for marks indicated by fin clips. Based on the survey data, numbers of total and hatchery-reared masu salmon landed were estimated. To examine the structure of the errors, stratification of fish markets was implemented on the basis of geography and magnitudes of landings, and the stratification improved accuracy and precision of the estimates. Accuracy of the estimated numbers of total fish was evaluated by being compared to the true numbers of masu salmon landings reported by fishermen's cooperative associations. Estimates of total masu salmon landings were within ± 10% of the true numbers. The estimated recovery rates (± SE) for hatchery-reared masu salmon smolts were variable ranging from 0.18 (± 0.06) to 3.50 (± 0.41)% among the stocked groups. An optimal sampling strategy was examined to obtain precise estimates for future studies.     

Selectivity in a trawl codend during haul-back operation—An overlooked phenomenon

The selectivity of a 99 mm trawl codend was assessed using a codend cover fitted with a MultiSampler, which was acoustically triggered to take separate samples at three different phases of the haul. The first sample was collected during towing, the second during haul-up and the third at the surface. A total of 18 hauls were conducted with a commercial fishing vessel west of Scotland. It was demonstrated that escapes take place not only during the tow but also in the short period when the trawl is hauled back from the seabed and when the codend is at the surface. For haddock (Melanogrammus aeglefinus), whiting (Merlangius merlangus) and Norway lobster (Nephrops norvegicus), respectively, the mean percentages escaping at the surface were 16, 12 and 38% of the total escape while 17, 8 and 28% escaped during the haul-up phase. Compared to towing, the escape rate (no./min) increased for haddock by a factor 2.7 during haul-up and by a factor 1.7 at the surface, whereas the escape rates of whiting were similar for the three phases. The escape rate of Norway lobster increased by a factor of approximately 7 for both the haul-up and surface phases, compared to the towing phase. The selectivity parameters L50 (50% retention length) and SR (selection range = L75–L25) were estimated and compared for the three different phases and for the whole haul for haddock, whiting and Norway lobster. For all three species there was no significant (P > 0.05) difference in L50 between the three phases of the haul. There was also no significant difference for whiting and Norway lobster when comparing the SR of the three phases, whereas the SR was significantly lower for haddock when comparing the surface phase with towing and haul-up. The estimate of L50 when towing was about 6 cm lower for haddock and whiting and 9 mm for Norway lobster compared to the selection curve estimated conventionally for the whole haul. Finally, the effect of sea state, duration and codend catch on the selectivity parameters were estimated for the individual phases and for the whole haul. A significant effect of at least one variable was found in all phases.     

Impact of aeration and alkalinity on the water quality and product quality of transported tilapia—A simulation study

The effects of aeration and alkalinity on water quality and product quality of Nile tilapia (Oreochrmis niloticus) were determined for simulated commercial hauling conditions. Three types of aeration were tested: pure oxygen aeration with a fine bubble diffuser (Oxygen), air aeration with medium bubble diffusers (Air), and a combination of both pure oxygen aeration with a fine bubble diffuser and air aeration with a medium bubble diffuser (Mixed). Simulated transport hauls were conducted at two initial alkalinities: 1.74 ± 0.11 meq/L (Low) and 8.84 ± 0.55 meq/L (High).The Air treatments resulted in the lowest carbon dioxide concentration, and the highest pH and un-ionized ammonia concentrations. At high alkalinities, the Air treatments were unable to maintain adequate dissolved oxygen levels. The Mixed treatment resulted in reduced carbon dioxide and dissolved oxygen concentrations. The Oxygen treatment resulted the highest dissolved oxygen, highest carbon dioxide, and lowest pH and un-ionized ammonia. Un-ionized ammonia concentrations were higher with the High Alkalinity treatments because of higher pH. Significant mortality was observed in the Air treatments in both the Low- and High-Alkalinity treatments. Mortality in the Oxygen and Mixed treatments for both low and high alkalinities were comparable to that observed in commercial tilapia transport using fine bubble diffusers and pure oxygen.These results indicate that mortality due directly to hauling water quality will not be increased at high alkalinity, if pure oxygen aeration is used. The potential effects of water quality during hauling on survival and product quality may be less than the impact from (a) physical damage from loading and un-loading and (b) physiological problems resulting from pH and temperature shock during the transfer from the hauling tanks to retail holding systems, especially for fish of reduced fitness.     

Sampling fish assemblages in forested floodplain wetlands

Abstract– Four quantitative (area-standardized electrofishing, trap nets, small-mesh [1.3 and 2-cm bar mesh] gill nets, large-mesh [2.5 and 5-cm bar mesh] gill nets) and two qualitative (non-standardized electrofishing, dip netting) sampling techniques were concurrently used to capture larval to adult fish in forested wetland habitats on seasonally inundated floodplains of two Alabama (USA) streams. Standardized area electrofishing appeared to be the best sampling technique for collecting and quantifying species because of high catch rate, broad species and size coverage, and rapid sampling. Electrofishing accounted for most fish (47 and 57% of pooled catch), almost all taxa, and a broad range of fish sizes. Large-mesh gill nets captured few fish (2% and 8%), a distinct subset of the species present, and the largest fish. Light traps were the most efficient and taxa-comprehensive sampling technique for larval fish. Light traps captured the vast majority of the pooled larval fish catch, including 6 of 7 families recorded at the sites. Larval fish dip netting captured larval fish of most families known to be present but in low numbers. For surveys of species composition and rapid bioassessments, nonstandardized electrofishing and larval fish dip netting appear adequate. For intensive research studies, the combination of area electrofishing, large-mesh (and in some cases small-mesh) gill nets, and light traps provide thorough and comprehensive data on wetland fish assemblages.     

Distribution,abundance and growth of juvenile salmonids off the coast of Oregon and Washington,summer (1980)

Juvenile salmonids (< 50 cm) were sampled by purse seine off the Pacific coast from Tillamook Bay, Oregon, to Copalis Head, Washington, during the period May through September (1980). Temporal distribution and abundance of the major Columbia River species were determined. Spring chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshatuytscha) and steel head (Salmo gairdneri) were present only during early cruises and were distributed almost entirely in the Columbia River plume and the sample area to the north. Coho salmon (O. kisutch) and fall chinook salmon were distributed more uniformly throughout the sampling area and were relatively abundant throughout the sampling period. Concentrations of fish were found only within 28 km of the shore. A number of fish that had been marked before or during their outmigration from the Columbia River system were recaptured. It appeared possible that with concentrated sampling in areas with high fish abundances, sufficient numbers of marked juvenile salmonids could be captured to provide relative survival estimates between different stocks of Columbia River fish.     

鲤鱼在双向脉冲电场中的反应及带电兜式拉网的设计

本文将难以捕捞的鲤鱼为主要研究对象,测定了鲤鱼在 x/4双向脉冲电场中的感电场强、电流阈值以及双极式线状电极的感电范围。采用电场与网具互补和紧密配合的技术路线,在兜式拉网底纲设置合理电场阻止鱼类钻纲,底纲加设网兜堵塞“抬纲”产生的逃鱼“漏洞”,较好地摸索了底层鱼的捕捞技术。面积0.67公顷圈养区3网鲤鱼捕获率为85～96％,10公顷圈养区5网捕获率为87％。与传统渔具渔法相比,提高鲤鱼单位网次捕获率10倍以上。     

Prey selectivity in planktivorous juvenile fishes associated with floating objects in the western Mediterranean

Aspects of the feeding ecology of planktivorous juvenile fishes were assessed by comparing stomach content samples from purse seine catches with food environment samples from vertical hauls of a WP-2 mesozooplankton net. Sampling was performed fortnightly over 2 years, around moored experimental floating objects and at open water control stations in oceanic Mediterranean waters. Species composition, abundance and seasonal occurrence of both potential prey (zooplankton) and predators (fish) were studied. Dietary composition was examined for six fish species, and prey selectivity was assessed by means of several selectivity indices: Ivlev's selectivity index, linear food selection index and forage ratio. A comparison of the results showed significant variations among indices, related to both the degree of selection and the relative abundance of the food type in the environment. Most fish caught were pelagic juveniles, and had fed on plankton; however, there was variability in diet composition and prey selectivity among species allowing their separation into generalists and specialists. The pilot fish Naucrates ductor (Linnaeus) was a specialist, preying upon neustonic hyperiid amphipods, whereas the three congeneric species of Trachurus: T. picturatus (Bowdich), T. trachurus (Linnaeus) and T. mediterraneus (Steinachner) fed on copepods and other planktonic crustaceans. The species studied appeared to partition food resources to minimize the overlap in use of a very specific habitat.     

Morphological traits correlated with resource partitioning among small characin fish species coexisting in a Neotropical river

Body shape variation should play a central role in determining the feeding ability of a fish species. We tested whether variations in feeding resource use of sympatric and closely related fish species could be explained by differences in ecologically relevant metrics, such as body morphology, trophic apparatus or combinations thereof. Fish were sampled at 14 sampling sites from Pelotas River and tributaries, Upper Uruguay, Brazil. The stomach contents of five species of Characidae (Astyanax and Bryconamericus) were analysed by the volumetric method. A geometric morphometric approach was used together with internal morphological traits to predict their patterns of prey use. Significant differences in body depth, snout and caudal peduncle lengths were found. Concomitant pronounced variations were verified to occur among species in structures related to digestion and absorption. Increased numbers of cusps, more pyloric caeca and higher intestinal coefficient values were observed in species that consumed greater proportions of plants. The opposite trends occurred in species that consumed greater proportions of insects. Mixed linear models indicated that the characin species differed significantly in the use of algae, aquatic insects, terrestrial insects, plant remains/seeds and detritus. Dietary differences reflected in low trophic niche overlap. Partial least squares regression results indicated strong correlations between morphological divergences and the corresponding variations in species diet. These outcomes combined confirm that the morphological traits that best enables the exploration of certain resource were an important factor in the resource-related divergence and were the underlying reasons for these species' respective feeding modes.     

温台渔场3种经济鱼类体长频次分布与采样量间关系的比较

鱼类种群的体长分布能够反映该种群的资源变动状况,但能够有效描述体长结构信息的采样量难以确定。通过使用重采样方法计算了基于实际采样量下体长频次分布和基于模拟采样量下体长频次分布之间的均方差异值,并以温台渔场几种经济鱼类为例,比较了不同鱼种间体长频次精度和采样量间的关系,研究表明：(1)鱼种间的生物学差异、季节变化等因素对体长频次精度与采样量间关系有一定影响;(2)迭代计算中体长组数量的改变会影响体长频次精度估计的准确性;(3)为避免采样努力量的浪费,体长频次精度的大小可作为采样量优化的理论依据。由于目前国内缺乏估计体长频次精度一类的研究,本文的研究结果可对相关资源调查的设计提供一定的科学理论基础。