Interannual spatial variability of krill (Euphausia superba) influences seabird foraging behavior near Elephant Island, Antarctica

We investigate the influence of krill (principally Euphausia superba ) patchiness on the foraging distributions of seabirds to understand how variation in krill influences patch dynamics between krill and birds. At sea-surveys were conducted near Elephant Island, Antarctica, for 3 yr (2004–2006) during the annual U.S. Antarctic Marine Living Resources (AMLR) program. Standardized strip-transect surveys were used to map seabirds, and a combination of acoustic and net surveys was used to map krill. We measured patch size of krill and seabirds and elucidated how krill patch dynamics influence foraging seabirds. The spatial association between krill and predators was influenced by the size and arrangement of krill patches. We found a negative relationship between abundance and patchiness of krill and predators, indicating that when krill is less abundant, its predators are less abundant and concentrated. We conclude that annual patch dynamics of krill strongly influences the local abundance and distribution of seabirds. Such information should be used to interpret potential interactions between seabirds and krill fisheries operating near Elephant Island.     

南极南奥克尼群岛2017年春季南极磷虾资源声学评估

南极磷虾（Euphausia superba）为南大洋中上层生态系统的关键种,对其生物量的研究有助于更准确地掌握磷虾的生态和分布信息。基于2017年我国南极磷虾声学调查采集的断面回波映像,应用声学回波后处理软件（Echoview）,评估了南奥克尼群岛周边水域的磷虾生物量。该海域磷虾体长范围为25.50~49.21 mm,平均体长为（33.01±4.06）mm;其中雌性平均体长为（33.15±3.90）mm,雄性平均体长为（32.68±4.43）mm,雌、雄磷虾体长无显著性差异。本海域声学映像可分为1338个积分单元,最大单元磷虾密度为554.07 g/m²,最小单元密度值为0 g/m²。调查海域磷虾分布不均匀,87.90%的积分单元无磷虾生物量。磷虾平均密度为71.01 g/m²,总生物量为1.77×10⁶ t,密度差异系数为97.4%。磷虾主要分布在水深<200 m的南奥克尼群岛大陆架海域,群岛东侧磷虾生物量多于西侧。积分单元中磷虾密度大于450 g/m²但小于600 g/m²的有2个,群岛东西两侧各1个;密度值大于300 g/m²但小于450 g/m²的积分单元有6个,5个位于群岛东侧。远离群岛的2个断面（1,9）和调查海域中心的2个断面（5,6）磷虾生物量较少。本海域磷虾的昼夜垂直移动对磷虾生物量评估也无影响。磷虾白天聚集在60~180 m水层,随着时间推移,磷虾逐渐向上或向下移动。光照强度是触发磷虾白天下沉、夜晚上浮的因素之一。     

饲料中添加南极磷虾粉对银鲳幼鱼生长、非特异性免疫及抗氧化功能的影响

以银鲳(Pampus argenteus)幼鱼为研究对象,设置4组不同南极磷虾粉替代鱼粉水平(0%、10%、20%、40%,其中0%为对照组)的饲料,进行60 d的饲养实验,探讨饲料中添加南极磷虾粉对银鲳幼鱼生长、非特异性免疫及抗氧化功能的影响。结果显示:饲料中添加南极磷虾粉的处理组银鲳增重率与特定生长率(SGR)较对照组均有显著性提高(P <0.05),但在添加不同比例南极磷虾粉的饲料组间(10%、20%、40%),银鲳的增重率与特定生长率无显著性差异(P> 0.05)。血清中碱性磷酸酶(AKP)、酸性磷酸酶(ACP)及溶菌酶(LZM) 20%饲料组活性均为最高,但与对照组无显著差异;肝脏AKP活性、肾脏LZM活性10%饲料组均分别显著高于其它各组(P <0.05);肌肉中超氧化物歧化酶(SOD)活性40%处理组显著高于对照组(P <0.05),20%饲料组也高于对照组,但差异不显著(P> 0.05);添加南极磷虾粉的饲料组血清和肌肉中过氧化氢酶(CAT)的活性均高于对照组,其中40%饲料组血清和肌肉CAT的活性均显著高于对照组(P <0.05)。结果表明,本实验条件下,结合银鲳幼鱼生长性能、非特异性免疫及抗氧化能力的分析,南极磷虾粉替代饲料中鱼粉的适宜比例建议控制在10%～20%。     

基于声学映像的南奥克尼群岛海域南极磷虾集群特征

为确定南奥克尼群岛海域南极磷虾(Euphausia superba)集群特征,本研究根据2017年3-4月我国南极磷虾探捕项目采集的断面声学数据,使用通用声学数据后处理软件,研究了该海域的南极磷虾集群特征信息。本研究共检测并提取了2539个磷虾集群的高度、长度、分布深度、集群间距、集群面积及集群磷虾密度信息,其中白天集群1389个,夜晚集群1150个。通过集群特征值的统计,将该海域集群分为3类。聚类A的虾群密度最大[(19.24±27.00)ind/m~3],聚类B的虾群最深[(174.74±53.30) m],聚类C的虾群面积最大[(2868.62±2149.75) m~2]。聚类A和聚类B的集群长度无显著性差异(P0.05),聚类A和聚类C的集群深度无显著性差异(P0.05)。A类集群主要分布在南奥克尼群岛北部及西北部的深水区,水深1000 m。B类和C类集群在整个调查海域均有分布,其中B类集群多分布在群岛大陆架海域,水深200 m。不同区域的集群分布信息不同,离岛屿最远的东西两个断面集群较少,分布比较分散。本研究结果表明大部分的磷虾个体位于少数的大型集群中,集群磷虾密度和集群间距间存在正相关关系;未来通过磷虾集群与外界因子(环境因子,捕食者)相关性的研究,可以帮助我们更为准确地了解集群结构与形成机制,预测磷虾资源分布。     

南极磷虾粉加工过程中虾青素的含量、结构及抗氧化性

虾青素由于结构稳定性较差，在高温条件下易降解和异构化。为了掌握南极磷虾粉加工过程中虾青素含量、结构及抗氧化能力的变化情况，采用高效液相色谱法测定虾青素在各加工阶段的含量及结构变化，对比虾青素在各加工阶段的抗氧化性差异，分析虾青素结构与功能活性的相关性。结果显示，南极磷虾原料中虾青素含量为110.6 mg/kg，其中全反式结构虾青素占比90.7%,13-顺式虾青素和9-顺式虾青素占比分别为4.7%和4.6%，经过蒸煮和干燥后，虾青素含量分别为88.7和52.1 mg/kg，全反式虾青素占比分别为76.2%和72.2%,13-顺式虾青素占比分别为19.9%和21.9%,9-顺式虾青素占比分别为3.9%和5.9%。南极磷虾原料中虾青素的3S, 3′S,3S, 3′R和3R, 3′R三种光学异构体含量分别为16.8、17.9和72.1 mg/kg，蒸煮后分别为12.0、25.5和55.3 mg/kg，干燥后分别为2.8、8.1和12.4 mg/kg。各阶段虾青素清除DPPH自由基能力均显著强于Vc，在羟基自由基清除实验中，蒸煮和干燥后的虾青素抗氧化能力强于原料中的虾青素，在FRAP铁离子还原实...     

An investigation of avoidance by Antarctic krill of RRS James Clark Ross using the Autosub-2 autonomous underwater vehicle

The autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) Autosub-2 was deployed on eight missions ahead of RRS James Clark Ross in the northern Weddell Sea and in the Bransfield Strait, Southern Ocean, to assess avoidance of the research vessel by Antarctic krill Euphausia superba. The AUV was equipped with the same type of scientific echosounder as the research vessel (Simrad EK500 operating at 38 and 120 kHz) and measured the density of krill along transect acoustically (g m⁻² wet mass) prior to the ship’s arrival. We hypothesised that if krill avoided the ship, perhaps in response to radiated noise, then the ship should detect less krill than the AUV which is known to have much lower noise levels than the ship. We were unable to detect any significant difference between the density of krill detected by the ship or the AUV, either at the transect level or at finer scales within transects. We conclude, therefore, that avoidance by krill of RRS James Clark Ross will not significantly bias acoustic estimates of krill abundance by this vessel.     

南极磷虾粉对大菱鲆生长、非特异性免疫及氟残留的影响

以鱼粉、南极磷虾粉和豆粕为蛋白源,以南极磷虾粉蛋白分别替代饲料中的0(对照组)、20%、40%、60%的鱼粉蛋白制成4种等氮等能的饲料,并以此饲料饲喂大菱鲆(37.36±2.12g)56d。试验结果显示,饲料中南极磷虾粉水平对大菱鲆的成活率及特定生长率(SGR)没有显著性影响(P>0.05);对各组的饲料干物质表观消化率均有显著性影响(P<0.05),替代40%组与替代60%组蛋白质表观消化率较对照组有显著性差异(P<0.05);对大菱鲆血清中的碱性磷酸酶(AKP)、酸性磷酸酶(ACP)、溶菌酶及总超氧化物歧化酶(T-SOD)活力无显著性影响(P>0.05)。大菱鲆各组间肌肉中氟残留量没有显著性差异(P>0.05),且肌肉中氟含量均在可食用范围内,大菱鲆各组间骨骼中氟残留量均有显著性差异(P<0.05)。     

拖网作业参数对南极磷虾捕捞效率的影响

为了解南极磷虾(Euphausia superba Dana)拖网作业中捕捞效果及影响因素,根据 2017 年 12 月 2018 年 6月随“龙腾”轮在南极海域生产时收集的作业参数、网具深度和声学数据等信息,利用声学方法获取磷虾集群质量中心深度与期望入网渔获量,结合网位变化和渔捞统计情况量化捕捞效率;利用广义可加模型(GAM)分析不同拖速和曳纲长度下,网位与磷虾集群质量中心的偏离程度,研究其对网具捕捞效率的影响。结果表明:(1)磷虾集群质量中心水深为(37.29±9.72) m,拖网稳定拖曳期间网位深度为(30.72±10.41) m,网位调整幅度为(11.52±7.09) m。网位与磷虾集群质量中心深度偏离(6.33±3.58) m。(2)网次渔获量为(16.25±6.77) t,拖曳过程中网口始终对准磷虾集群质量中心进入网口的磷虾总量为(27.06±10.19) t,捕捞效率为(63±19)%。(3)网位与磷虾集群质量中心深度差值对捕捞效率影响极显著(P<0.001),两者吻合较好时捕捞效率高;拖速与捕捞效率呈显著相关关系(P<0.05),拖速增大网位上升,捕捞效率越低;曳纲长度增加网位下降,但曳纲长度变化与捕捞效率相关性不明显(P=0.087)。研究结果将有助于南极磷虾拖网作业中有效利用磷虾行为特征,改善网具性能,提高拖网捕捞效率。     

Growth, feed conversion and chemical composition of Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar L.) and Atlantic halibut (Hippoglossus hippoglossus L.) fed diets supplemented with krill or amphipods

The effects of partial replacement of fish meal (FM) with meal made from northern krill (Thysanoessa inermis), Antarctic krill (Euphausia superba) or Arctic amphipod (Themsto libellula) as protein source in the diets for Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar L.) and Atlantic halibut (Hippoglossus hippoglossus L.) on growth, feed conversion, macro‐nutrient utilization, muscle chemical composition and fish welfare were studied. Six experimental diets were prepared using a low‐temperature FM diet as control. The other diets included northern krill where 20, 40 or 60% of the dietary FM protein was replaced with protein from northern krill, and two diets where the FM protein was replaced with protein from Antarctic krill or Arctic amphipod at 40% protein replacement level. All diets were iso‐nitrogenous and iso‐caloric. Atlantic salmon grew from 410 g to approximately 1500 g during the 160 day experiment, and Atlantic halibut grew from 345 g to 500–600 g during the 150 day experiment. Inclusion of krill in the diets enhanced specific growth rate in salmon, especially during the first 100 days (P < 0.01), and in a dose–response manner in halibut for over the 150 day feeding period (P < 0.05). Feed conversion ratio did not differ between dietary treatments, and no difference was found in dry matter digestibility, protein digestibility and fish muscle composition. Good growth rates, blood parameters within normal ranges and low mortalities in all experimental treatments indicted that fish health was not affected either Atlantic salmon or Atlantic halibut fed the various zooplankton diets.     

The efficacy of ingredients included in shrimp feeds to stimulate intake

The inclusion in feed formulations of ingredients that act as attractants and feeding incitants or stimulants has been proposed as a means of increasing feed consumption, and hence growth, of farmed shrimp. Squid, crustacean and krill meals, fish and krill hydrolysates and a betaine product (Finnstim) were examined to assess their relative effectiveness in increasing the feed intake of black tiger shrimp Penaeus monodon. These presumed feeding effectors were added to a base feed at between 5 and 50 g kg^?1. Given a choice between the base feed and one containing one of the test ingredients, P. monodon showed a significantly greater preference for the feeds containing crustacean or krill meal. Four of the presumed feeding effectors were further evaluated in a growth response experiment. There was no significant difference in the amount the shrimp consumed of any of the feeds. However, the growth rate of the shrimp was about 20% faster on the feeds containing crustacean meal or krill meal. Although ingredients such as crustacean meal or krill meal can improve feed intake, in practical feed formulations that contain significant amounts of terrestrial protein but relatively low levels of marine ingredients, there does not appear to be need for additional feeding effectors. However, crustacean meal and krill meal do provide a significant nutritional benefit, as seen by the improved growth rates in this study.     

Spatial distribution of Antarctic minke whales (Balaenoptera bonaerensis) in relation to spatial distributions of krill in the Ross Sea,Antarctica

The spatial distribution of Antarctic minke whales in the Ross Sea with relation to spatial distributions of their prey – krill – was investigated in this study using generalized additive models (GAMs). Spatial distributions of two species of krill (ice and Antarctic krill) were estimated by GAMs. Three abiotic factors – distance from the continental shelf break (800 m isobaths), the mean temperature and salinity from the surface to 200 m (MTEM‐200 and MSAL‐200), and latitude and longitude – were used as covariates for models of krill. Estimated spatial distributions of krill were then used with other covariates to model the spatial distribution of Antarctic minke whales. In the selected model of Antarctic minke whales, Antarctic krill were more influential than ice krill. The number of Antarctic minke whales increased as the density of Antarctic krill increased to around 1.5 g m^?2. Beyond that, the number of Antarctic minke whales decreased as the density of Antarctic krill increased. High densities of the Antarctic minke whales were estimated along the sea ice edge in the eastern part of the Ross Sea. Specifically, the densities were high in the north of the continental shelf break where low MTEM‐200 and MSAL‐200 and intermediate densities of Antarctic krill were observed. Further data collection is needed to investigate interannual variations and trends in their relationship. The results show that the spatial distribution of Antarctic minke whales is a function of longitude, distance from the shelf break, oceanographic condition (temperature and salinity), and densities of ice and Antarctic krill.     

现场模拟光照条件对南极大磷虾冬季耗氧率的影响研究

为探究海上现场光照条件对冬季南极大磷虾(Euphausia superba)代谢的影响,基于海上暂养实验,采用黑暗组和光照组两种不同的实验条件,对9尾南极大磷虾个体进行了连续11 d的耗氧率研究。结果表明,光照条件下南极大磷虾的单位体质量耗氧率平均为(0.2704±0.0740)μL·(mg·h)^-1,黑暗条件下的单位体质量耗氧率平均为(0.2673±0.0840)μL·(mg·h)^-1。在光照与黑暗条件下南极大磷虾呼吸率无显著差异。通过对比发现,冬季南极大磷虾的耗氧率明显低于夏季的耗氧率[0.63~0.88μL·(mg·h)^-1],且改变一个自然日的光照条件对南极大磷虾耗氧率无显著影响,但会在一定程度上影响南极大磷虾呼吸率的稳定性。研究验证了冬季南极大磷虾处于一种低代谢模式状况,并证明了该模式的稳定性。相关结果可为揭示南极大磷虾越冬机制提供基础数据。     

南极磷虾主要过敏原的分离纯化及性质研究

为了探究南极磷虾致敏问题,从南极磷虾中筛选、鉴定、分离纯化其主要过敏原,并对过敏原的性质进行研究,实验通过缓冲盐溶液提取南极磷虾蛋白;采用SDS-PAGE和Western blot(WB)筛选南极磷虾过敏原;使用高效液相色谱-串联质谱鉴定过敏蛋白;通过等电点沉淀、硫酸铵盐析、阴离子交换柱层析分离纯化过敏原;采用SDS-...     

海冰与南半球环状模对南极布兰斯菲尔德海峡南极磷虾种群结构的影响

南极磷虾(Euphausia superba)是南大洋生态系统的关键物种,其生活史各阶段的生理过程与海冰密切相关。本研究基于开放获取数据库计算了布兰斯菲尔德海峡内反映南极磷虾种群结构特征的5个参数,包括补充指数和幼体、雌性、雄性平均体长以及雌性个体占比,并结合布兰斯菲尔德海峡及周围3个水域的海冰面积、水深、海底复杂度以及南半球环状模(SAM)逐日指数构建广义加性模型,探讨了海冰与气候事件对磷虾种群动态的影响。结果表明,磷虾幼体、雄性磷虾平均体长与60日前的威德尔海西北部海域海冰面积呈显著的负相关,磷虾补充指数与当日和60日前的SAM呈显著的正相关。随着海底复杂性的增加,磷虾补充指数显著下降。4个海域的海冰面积变化对磷虾补充指数和其他种群特征指标的影响存在差异。     

2017年秋季南奥克尼群岛海域南极大磷虾垂直分布与光照及垂向温盐关系

为了解南极大磷虾(Euphausia superba Dana)行为变化规律,基于2017年3月25日—4月3日在南奥克尼群岛海域43个站位点收集的声学和CTD数据,提取250 m以浅水层南极大磷虾群的深度和对应的温、盐信息,分析不同光照条件下南极大磷虾昼夜垂直分布特征。结果显示:黎明时段(6∶00—8∶00)磷虾群分布较分散,20～60 m(35.72%)和200 m以深(33.65%)虾群相对较多;白天时段(8∶00—16∶00)磷虾群则较多分布在40～120 m(58.52%)水层,多聚集在温跃层(54.55%)和盐跃层(63.64%)内;黄昏时段(16∶00—18∶00),温盐跃层内虾群减少;夜间时段(18∶00—次日6∶00)磷虾群主要分布在20～40 m(49.55%)和180 m以深(31.51%)两个水层,多聚集在温跃层(75%)和盐跃层(70%)外。本研究结果有助于进一步了解南极大磷虾的迁徙规律和资源分布。     

Pigmentation of cultured red sea bream, Chrysophrys major, using astaxanthin from Antarctic krill, Euphausia superba, and a mysid, Neomysis sp.

Pigmentation enhancement in cultured red sea bream, Chrysophrys major, was investigated using Antarctic krill, Euphausia superba, and a mysid, Neomysis sp., as a source of astaxanthin. Diets fortified with processed Antarctic krill (krill meal) and its acetone extract, containing 0.82–4.92 mg carotenoids/100 g dry weight, and raw krill and raw mysid supplemented diets, containing about 2.00 mg carotenoids/100 g wet weight, were formulated and tested for carotenoid deposition. The rate of carotenoid deposition in fish fed with raw krill and raw mysid was significantly higher and resulted in distinct pigmentation. The groups fed with the krill meal and acetone extract diets showed varied concentrations of skin carotenoids and resulted in faint pigmentation. Pigmented fish then fed on a carotenoid-free diet for the same length of time showed no apparent differences in the skin pigmentation although the detectable amounts of carotenoids varied. The bream converted some of the dietary astaxanthin to skin tunaxanthin.     

南极磷虾虾肉制取技术初步研究

以虾肉制取为目的,对南极磷虾进行了体长、体重、肉重及含肉量等生物学特性测定分析,在此基础上研究不同处理方式下南极磷虾脱壳的难易程度。结果表明:(1)南极磷虾样本体长范围25.41～54.65 mm,其中优势体长范围35.01～45.00 mm,占总数的54.98%;(2)南极磷虾体样本重范围0.15～1.58 g,优势体重范围0.61～0.80 g,占总数的30.76%;(3)南极磷虾样本含肉率范围25.42%～49.28%,不同体长磷虾的含肉率差别不明显,优势体长的磷虾平均含肉率为38.08%。其中体长30 mm左右的磷虾平均含肉率相对较高,为40.23%。体长在25 mm左右的磷虾平均含肉率相对较低,为33.33%;(4)新鲜的南极磷虾剥壳较容易,随着浸泡时间增加,虾肉的品质逐渐下降。蒸煮后磷虾更易于手工剥壳,但机器剥壳的效果却变差。冷冻后的磷虾品质有一定的下降,且壳肉分离的难度增加。总体剥壳得肉率较鲜虾有一定下降,其中机器剥壳得肉率下降尤为明显。     

发酵南极磷虾粉替代鱼粉对锦鲤生长、体色及血清生化指标的影响

为探讨发酵南极磷虾(Euphausia superba)粉替代鱼粉对锦鲤(Cyprinus carpio L.)生长、体色和血清生化指标的影响,以初始体质量为(4.92±0.22) g的锦鲤450尾为实验对象,随机分为5组,每组设置3个重复,每个重复30尾鱼,对照组添加未发酵的脱脂南极磷虾粉,实验组添加由粪肠球菌(Enterococcus faecalis)、植物乳杆菌(Lactobacillus plantarum)、丁酸梭菌(Clostridium butyricum)和复合菌(1∶1∶1)发酵的脱脂南极磷虾粉,分别命名为ES (对照组)、EF、LP、CB和MIX,南极磷虾粉的添加量均为200 g/kg,共投喂70 d。结果表明,与对照组相比,发酵南极磷虾粉替代鱼粉显著提高了锦鲤的终末体质量、特定生长率和增重率(P<0.05),MIX组的终末体质量、特定生长率和增重率显著高于其他组(P<0.05)。实验组皮肤和鳞片中类胡萝卜素含量显著增加(P<0.05),红色(a*)值、黄色(b*)值以及tyr在皮肤和鳞片中相对表达量显著提高(P<0.05),MIX组的a*值、b*值和基因相对表达量显著高于其他组(P<0.05)。实验组血清甘油三酯(TG)和总胆固醇(TC)含量均显著提高(P<0.05),谷草转氨酶/谷丙转氨酶(AST/ALT)比值和丙二醛(MDA)含量显著下降(P<0.05)。对照组锦鲤肝细胞出现脂滴和空泡化现象。研究表明,在脱脂磷虾粉添加水平为20%的锦鲤饲料中,使用复合菌对磷虾粉进行发酵能有效提高磷虾粉的吸收和转化利用率。     

A Methodology for Evaluation of Dietary Feeding Stimulants for the Pacific White Shrimp, Litopenaeus vannamei

A simple and practical method for quantification of feeding stimulation of shrimp Litopenaeus vannamei was developed using feed preference as an index of comparison. Feed preference was defined as the percentage of shrimp observed in each feeding tray. Preliminary trials were undertaken with two commercial feeds (45% protein with 5% squid meal and 40% protein without squid meal). Results indicated the following criteria were suitable for use as methodology for evaluating feeding stimulation in 5-m diameter static flow tanks: shrimp density (2.5 shrimp/m2); observational period (1 or 2 h post-addition of feed to trays), feed rate (2%), and between-trial feed rate (2%). A further investigation was undertaken to evaluate the influence of protein level and source on feed preference using a basal diet consisting of wheat flour, casein, carboxymethyl cellulose binder, and limestone, with or without krill meal as a feeding stimulant. A significant difference was shown in feeding preference for the 16% protein/4% krill meal vs. one without krill meal; however, this relationship was not shown in 45% protein feed comparisons. A second trial comparing 0, 16,30, and 45 % protein/casein-based feeds showed similar results. From these findings, it was postulated that casein, itself, also serves as a feeding stimulant at high dietary inclusion levels. A third trial comparing 16% protein/casein or wheat gluten-based feeds Indicated a delay of at least 2 h in maximum feeding preference response in feeds in which 4% krill meal was added as a feeding stimulant. It was postulated that chemical stimulants from krill meal were more slowly released in wheat gluten-based feeds. Our methodology appears suitable for evaluation of potential feeding stimulants when incorporated into low-protein casein-based or wheat-gluten-based feeds.     

Element concentrations in meals from krill and amphipods, — Possible alternative protein sources in complete diets for farmed fish

In the marine environment, organisms from lower trophic levels seem as a good alternative to the traditional meal and oil sources. In the present study, meals were produced from Antarctic krill (Euphausia superba), Arctic krill (Thysanoessa inermis) and the Arctic amphipod Themisto libellula. Diets were then prepared for Atlantic salmon and Atlantic cod where up to 100% of the fish meal protein was replaced by protein from these organisms. Concentrations of copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), mercury (Hg) and lead (Pb) were determined by ICP-MS in the various krill and amphipod meals, complete diets and muscle samples from fish fed these diets. The element concentrations were related to growth and general fish health as well as present EU legislations on feed ingredients and complete diets. The cod showed no difference in growth during the trial, while salmon fed diets where 40% of the fish meal protein was replaced with Arctic krill or amphipod meal shoved improved SGR during the first period of feeding (first 100 days). No adverse effects on growth rate or fish health were observed in any fish species or treatment. Nevertheless, high levels of Cu were found in the meal from Antarctic krill (46 mg kg^− 1 dry matter (dm)) resulting in a dietary level of Cu exceeding the upper limit for complete feedingstuff set by EU. Furthermore, the Cd level found in the meal from amphipod (12 mg kg^− 1 dm) was 6 times higher than EU's upper limit. This indicates limitations for the use of certain zooplanktons as alternative protein sources in feed for farmed fish, unless future processing methods yield lower levels of these unwanted elements.