桑沟湾春季海–气界面CO_2交换通量及其与养殖活动的关系分析

为研究不同养殖活动对海–气界面CO_2交换通量(F)的影响,于2014年5月采用走航式CO_2分压仪对中国北方典型的多营养层次混合养殖海域—桑沟湾养殖区的表层水CO_2分压(pCO_2)进行了大面调查,并通过数据计算桑沟湾海区的F值。在调查过程中,选择在网箱养殖区、贝类养殖区、藻类养殖区等区域内进行24 h定点连续观测。探讨了春季桑沟湾海–气界面CO_2的交换通量及其主要影响因素。大面调查结果显示,桑沟湾内海水中pCO_2总体变化趋势是由湾内向湾外递减,网箱养殖区海水中pCO_2远远高于其他区域。在大面调查中,贝类、藻类、贝藻混养、网箱养殖区的F值分别为(–1.02±0.83)、(–15.40±1.28)、(–4.32±1.41)、8.14 mmol/(m~2·d)。定点连续监测显示,藻类、贝类、网箱养殖区的pCO_2 24 h平均值分别为(320±14)、(330±10)、(413±37)μatm。研究表明,光合作用是海–气界面CO_2交换通量的主要影响因素之一,不同养殖区之间的海–气界面CO_2交换通量差异显著。影响各养殖区海–气界面CO_2交换通量日变化规律的影响因子与走航调查结果一致。养殖活动是影响海–气界面CO_2交换通量的主导因素。     

桑沟湾养殖区春季pCO2分布特征及影响机制

2012年5月27～29日对桑沟湾贝类养殖、贝藻混养、藻类养殖等区域水-气界面区pCO2等参数的连续走航和贝类养殖区的日变化观测,讨论了桑沟湾不同养殖区域水-气界面区pCO2的分布特性及机制。结果显示,在该航次水质及气候条件下,桑沟湾养殖区域叶绿素偏高,溶解氧始终处于过饱和状态,最高达140%,强烈的浮游藻类光合作用消耗大量无机碳,水-气界面始终是大气CO2的汇。其中贝类养殖区pCO2低于贝藻混养区,低于藻类养殖及湾外近海区域。当然,这还不足以说明这一海区水-气界面可能是大气CO2的汇区,需要精细的航次计划做全面观测,例如养殖区域沉积的大量颗粒有机物在某些特定条件下的再悬浮、降解对水气界面CO2的贡献以及实际意义上的埋藏通量究竟有多大等。     

大型藻类规模化养殖水域海-气界面CO2交换通量估算

选择山东俚岛湾大型藻类养殖水域作为研究区域,根据2011年4、8、10月和2012年1月4个航次的大面调查获得的pH、总碱度(TA)、叶绿素a等基础数据,分析了该区域表层海水溶解无机碳(DIC)体系各分量的浓度、组成比例及时空变化特征,估算了海-气界面CO2的交换通量。结果表明,该区域表层海水DIC、HCO-3、CO2-3及CO2的年平均浓度分别为2024.8±147.0、1842.4±132.1、170.0±42.8和12.4±2.5μmol/L。养殖区与非养殖区之间DIC、HCO-3浓度差异不显著(P>0.05),而CO2浓度差异极显著(P<0.01)。表层海水pCO2和海-气界面CO2的交换通量的年平均值分别为287.8±37.9μatm和-32.7±17.2mmol/m2.d,养殖区与非养殖区之间、不同季节之间均差异极显著(P<0.01)。大型藻类的养殖活动有利于海洋对大气CO2的吸收。     

桑沟湾表层水pCO2的季节变化及影响因素分析

根据2011年4、8、10月和2012年1月在桑沟湾获得的表层海水总碱度(TA)和pH值,结合现场水文、化学、生物和养殖等参数,探讨了桑沟湾海域CO2体系各参数的空间分布特征、季节变化情况及其影响因素。调查结果显示,10月和翌年1月,CO2体系各参数主要受温度和盐度的影响;8月,pH和pCO2分别与初级生产力和溶解氧显著相关;4月与水文、化学生物因子无显著相关性。8月各参数的空间差异最大,其次是10月,1月最小。4个航次的平均表层pCO2都低于大气pCO2,为表观碳汇区;季节变化趋势是8月<4月<1月<10月。pCO2总体的空间分布趋势都是湾内向湾外递增,即贝类养殖区<贝藻混养区<藻类养殖区<非养殖区。8月,桑沟湾较低的pCO2可能与赤潮有关,而4月可能是物理、生物及大规模贝藻养殖的综合结果。桑沟湾较低的pCO2是由于受沿岸区高初级生产力的影响,还是受大规模的贝藻养殖的影响,尚需进一步的研究。     

乳山宫家岛以东牡蛎养殖水域秋季海—气界面CO2交换通量研究

为探讨规模化贝类养殖对海—气界面CO2交换通量的影响,选择山东乳山市宫家岛以东太平洋牡蛎养殖水域作为研究区域,根据2011年10月大面调查获得的pH、总碱度(TA)、叶绿素a等基础数据,分析了该区域表层海水溶解无机碳(DIC)体系各分量的浓度、组成比例及平面分布特征,估算了海—气界面CO2的交换通量,定量了浮游植物的固碳贡献。结果表明,秋季乳山宫家岛以东牡蛎养殖水域表层海水DIC浓度范围1 953.20～2 130.74μmol/L,平均值(2 048.73±57.19)μmol/L;HCO3-是DIC的主要成分,占88.25%;表层海水pCO2范围为220.08～262.29μatm,平均值(246.46±23.00)μatm;该区域秋季海—气界面CO2交换通量在-53.78～-21.93 mmol/(m2.d),平均值为-42.09 mmol/(m2.d),表现为强的CO2汇;该区域浮游植物的固碳强度变化范围为460.27～725.64 mg/(m2.d),平均为(593.27±91.98)mg/(m2.d),海—气界面较强烈的CO2交换通量主要由浮游植物的光合作用贡献;养殖区与对照区海—气界面CO2交换通量差异不显著,表明太平洋牡蛎呼吸、钙化生理活动释放的CO2对海—气界面CO2的交换影响不大。     

基于大型底栖动物的桑沟湾不同养殖区底栖生境健康评价

为了解桑沟湾养殖区大型底栖动物的动态变化以及底栖生境的健康状况，于2019年5-9月采集了中国北方典型养殖海湾桑沟湾不同养殖区（藻类、贝类和网箱养殖区）大型底栖动物样品，分析了不同养殖区大型底栖动物的种类、组成、数量分布、群落结构及生物多样性等群落特征，运用多样性指数、AMBI和M-AMBI指数法评价了不同养殖区底栖生境健康状况的时空变化。调查共鉴定出大型底栖动物56种，其中多毛类31种，甲壳类10种，软体动物9种，棘皮动物4种，其他类2种，大型底栖动物的优势种主要为多毛类，以污染耐受种为主；调查期间，贝类养殖区和网箱养殖区的群落多样性指数H''呈现下降趋势，表明贝类养殖活动和网箱养殖活动已经造成沉积物中有机物颗粒过度积累。ABC曲线显示，7月桑沟湾养殖区开始受到干扰，8月和9月受到中等程度的干扰。AMBI和M-AMBI指数评价显示桑沟湾养殖区域底栖生态系统处于轻度或中度干扰状态，底栖生境健康状况处于高等或者良好的状态。     

桑沟湾表层水春夏两季二氧化碳分压变化和影响因素

为研究季节变化和养殖活动对桑沟湾表层海水二氧化碳分压(pCO_2)的影响,尤其是海带(Saccharina japonica)养殖活动对表层水pCO_2的影响,本研究分别在海带收获前(2015年5月)、后(2015年8月)采用走航式二氧化碳分压仪对中国北方典型的贝藻筏式养殖海域——桑沟湾养殖区表层水pCO_2及有关环境参数进行了大面调查,探讨了季节、养殖模式以及海带收获前、后表层水pCO_2的变化规律及影响因素。调查结果显示:(1)春夏两季桑沟湾湾内表层海水中pCO_2的平均值分别为(346.78±13.85)μatm(1 atm=101325 Pa,1 μatm=10~(-6) atm)和(351.50±8.00)μatm;湾外自然海域pCO_2值分别为(353.42±0.71)μatm和(358.05±2.01)μatm,均小于大气中pCO_2。(2)pCO_2的平面分布特性为:由湾底向湾外递减并在外海空白区升高,两个季节最低值都出现在海带养殖区,最高值都出现在贝类养殖区。(3)春季表层海水pCO_2与水温相关性不显著(P0.05),而与叶绿素a(Chl a)、溶解氧(DO)显著相关(P0.05),反映了生命活动对pCO_2影响较大;夏季,养殖海带已收获,表层海水pCO_2与水温、溶解无机碳(DIC)、Chl a、DO显著相关(P0.05)。(4)桑沟湾养殖区以及外海自然海域表层水pCO_2都低于大气中pCO_2,表现为二氧化碳(CO2)的汇区。藻类养殖区表层水pCO_2远低于自然海域,表现为CO2的强汇区;贝类养殖区表层水pCO_2略高于自然海域,表现为CO2的弱汇区,贝藻混养区则介于二者之间。春季海带的光合作用是影响表层水pCO_2的主要因素之一,养殖活动对海区表层水pCO_2的影响使得桑沟湾pCO_2表现出不同于自然海域的特性。夏季养殖活动减少导致物理因素的影响开始显现。     

夏季桑沟湾养殖水域有机碳的平面分布特征及其来源分析

根据2012年8月对桑沟湾养殖海域18个站位取得的溶解有机碳(DOC)、颗粒有机碳(POC)和叶绿素a(Chl-a)数据,基于不同区域的养殖特点,分析了DOC和POC的平面分布特征,并对POC的来源进行了初步探讨。结果表明,整个调查海域表层DOC的浓度范围为1.70～2.82mg/L,平均值为2.03mg/L,大致呈自西向东递减的趋势。表层POC的浓度范围为0.04～1.33mg/L,平均值为0.55mg/L,大致呈自南向北逐渐递增的趋势。网箱养殖区表层DOC和POC含量最高,其次为桑沟湾近岸海域,而海带养殖区最低,这表明有机碳的含量与养殖品种和模式有直接的关系。根据POC/Chl-a比值对POC来源进行初步分析,表明贝类养殖区、海带养殖区、贝藻混养区、桑沟湾近岸海域以及外海对照点的POC主要来自活的浮游植物,而网箱养殖区存在降解的有机物质。     

桑沟湾水域叶绿素a在海带收获前后的变化及其影响因素

依据2014年5月和8月2个航次走航和定点连续调查资料,分析了桑沟湾水域叶绿素a的空间分布及海带养殖区叶绿素a(Chl.a)的昼夜变化特征,同时结合所调查的温度、盐度 、pH和营养盐等分布特征,分析了桑沟湾水域Chl.a浓度与理化因子的关系,探讨了海带收获前后Chl.a的变化及其影响因素。(1)走航调查的结果显示,桑沟湾夏季Chl.a浓度显著高于春季。桑沟湾春季表、底层总Chl.a浓度均值分别为(0.67±0.39)和(0.50±0.31)μg/L,表层Chl.a浓度高于底层,春季表层整体表现出自湾内向湾外逐渐降低的趋势;夏季表、底层总Chl.a浓度均值分别为(3.39±1.53)和(3.12±1.43)μg/L,表层Chl.a浓度高于底层。桑沟湾夏季表层Chl.a高值区出现在海带养殖区,低值区出现在贝类养殖区,夏季底层Chl.a高值区出现在贝类和海带养殖区,低值区出现在外海区。(2)定点连续监测结果显示,春季海带养殖区Chl.a浓度变化范围在0.24~0.95 μg/L,均值为(0.70±0.19)μg/L,昼夜波动较小。而夏季海带养殖区Chl.a浓度变化范围在2.01~4.66 μg/L,均值为(3.04±0.82)μg/L,昼夜波动较大。桑沟湾海带养殖区夏季Chl.a浓度显著高于春季。春季海带养殖区营养盐平均浓度及硅磷比、氮磷、硅氮比均显著低于夏季。(3)桑沟湾春季表层Chl.a浓度主要与温度、硅酸盐呈显著正相关,而夏季底层Chl.a浓度与盐度呈显著正相关。桑沟湾海带收获前后Chl.a的变化及分布受温度、硅酸盐、盐度、养殖环境状况和水文环境的共同影响,多元的贝藻养殖模式是影响Chl.a变化及分布的重要因素。     

桑沟湾多元养殖生态模型研究：Ⅱ生态环境模拟与生源要素循环

运用桑沟湾多元养殖生态模型,模拟得到了桑沟湾浮游植物和无机氮营养盐的年变化规律、水平分布的季节变化。结果表明,浮游植物生物量和无机氮营养盐浓度存在明显的季节变化,养殖活动的季节性增大了二者的季节变化幅度;桑沟湾浮游植物和无机氮营养盐的分布受大面积海带和贝类养殖的影响;外海营养盐补充是桑沟湾内无机氮营养盐的主要来源。     

Association between the interannual variation in the oceanic environment and catch rates of bigeye tuna (Thunnus obesus) in the Atlantic Ocean

The environmental processes associated with variability in the catch rates of bigeye tuna in the Atlantic Ocean are largely unexplored. This study used generalized additive models (GAMs) fitted to Taiwanese longline fishery data from 1990 to 2009 and investigated the association between environmental variables and catch rates to identify the processes influencing bigeye tuna distribution in the Atlantic Ocean. The present findings reveal that the year (temporal factor), latitude and longitude (spatial factors), and major regular longline target species of albacore catches are significant for the standardization of bigeye tuna catch rates in the Atlantic Ocean. The standardized catch rates and distribution of bigeye tuna were found to be related to environmental and climatic variation. The model selection processes showed that the selected GAMs explained 70% of the cumulative deviance in the entire Atlantic Ocean. Regarding environmental factors, the depth of the 20 degree isotherm (D20) substantially contributed to the explained deviance; other important factors were sea surface temperature (SST) and sea surface height deviation (SSHD). The potential fishing grounds were observed with SSTs of 22–28°C, a D20 shallower than 150 m and negative SSHDs in the Atlantic Ocean. The higher predicted catch rates were increased in the positive northern tropical Atlantic and negative North Atlantic Oscillation events with a higher SST and shallow D20, suggesting that climatic oscillations affect the population abundance and distribution of bigeye tuna.     

Growth performance,digestive enzyme activity and immune response of Japanese sea bass,Lateolabrax japonicus fed with fructooligosaccharide

In this experiment, a feeding trial was performed to determine the effects of fructooligosaccharide (FOS) on growth performance, digestive enzyme activity and immune response of Japanese sea bass, Lateolabrax japonicus juveniles (initial weight 38.3 ± 0.5 g), and the fish were examined following feeding with six levels of FOS (0, 0.5, 1, 2, 4 and 6 g/kg) for 28 days. Significant enhancement of weight gain (WG) and specific growth rate (SGR) was found in fish fed 1 g/kg FOS incorporated diets (p < .05), while the feed conversion ratio (FCR) in the 1, 2 g/kg FOS groups reduced significantly compared with the control (p < .05). Besides, the crude lipid in the 4, 6 g/kg FOS groups increased significantly compared with the control (p < .05). On the other hand, the erepsin and lipase activities significantly elevated in intestine of fish fed 2 g/kg FOS (p < .05) and the lysozyme activity in serum of fish fed 2 g/kg FOS were significantly higher than that in the control (p < .05). Moreover, the alkaline phosphatase activities in serum of fish fed 0.5, 1, 2 g/kg FOS were significantly higher than in control (p < .05). Regression analysis showed that the relationships between dietary FOS levels and either SGR, FCR, erepsin or lysozyme activities were best expressed by regression equations, and the optimal inclusion levels are 1.37, 1.80, 3.06, 3.11, 1.93 and 1.80 g/kg for SGR, FCR, erepsin, lipase, lysozyme and total superoxide dismutase activities, respectively. Overall, this study revealed that FOS incorporated diets could beneficial for L. japonicus culture in terms of increasing the growth, digestion and immune activities. Under the present experimental condition, the optimal supplementary level of FOS in the diet of L. japonicus is 1–3 g/kg.     

Protein and amino acid composition from the mantle of juvenile O ctopus vulgaris exposed to prolonged starvation

Protein and amino acid composition of the mantle of juvenile O ctopus vulgaris (Cuvier, 1797) during fasting for 27 days were determined. Average protein content of octopus mantle was of 711.19 ± 46.80 g kg^?1 DW, and it decreased with increasing fasting days. The non‐essential amino acids content was higher (486.18 ± 11.08 g kg^?1 protein) than essential amino acids (425.82 ± 9.15 g kg^?1 protein) at the start of the experiment (unstarved animals). The results suggest that the amino acid profile of the mantle where the most abundant amino acids are Arg, His, Lys, Gly, Leu and Pro could indicate a prolonged fasting condition (>20 days) or poor nutrition of O . vulgaris. This study supports the idea of using mantle for metabolic needs of starved O . vulgaris suggesting that the degradation pathway of amino acids to pyruvate and tricarboxylic acid cycle intermediates was favoured contrary to the degradation pathway of ketogenic amino acids. Special considerations should be taken concerning Thr, Ile, Ser, Ala, Asx (Asp, Asn), Glx (Glu, Gln) (because of their fast intake) and Lys and His (due to their stable contents) during a prolonged period of fasting.     

Involvement of gonadal steroids in final oocyte maturation of white perch (Morone americana) and white bass (M. chrysops): in vivo and in vitro studies

Plasma estradiol-17 (E₂), testosterone (T), 17,20-dihydroxy-4-pregnen-3-one (DHP) and 17,20,21-tri-hydroxy-4-pregnen-3-one (20-S) levels were measured by radioimmunoassay (RIA) in white perch (Morone americana) and white bass (M. chrysops) that were induced to undergo final oocyte maturation (FOM) with human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG). Plasma DHP levels increased in females of both species in association with oocyte germinal vesicle migration (GVM) and germinal vesicle breakdown (GVBD) and decreased thereafter. Plasma 20-S levels also increased with oocyte GVM in white bass, but were several-fold lower than DHP levels. Circulating E₂ and T levels were greatest during GVM and GVBD in both species and decreased to low levels during oocyte hydration and ovulation. Follicles from white perch and white bass which received a priming injection of hCG in vivo, produced both DHP and 20-S in vitro after exposure to hCG and their oocytes underwent GVBD. Ovarian incubates from unprimed fish of either species produced only E₂ and T and their oocytes did not complete GVBD. Oocytes from unprimed bass, but not perch, matured when follicles were exposed to hCG in vitro. Both trilostane and cycloheximide blocked in vitro production of DHP and 20-S and oocyte GVBD by white perch follices. DHP and 20-S were equipotent inducers of FOM in the GVBD bioassay. None of several other structurally-related steroids tested were effective within a physiological range of concentrations. These results indicate a role for DHP and 20-S in the control of FOM in white perch and white bass.     

Cardiac,ventilatory and metabolic responses of two ecologically dissimilar species of fish to waterborne cyanide

Changes in heart rate, ventilatory activity and oxygen consumption were determined in trout (Salmo gairdneri) and brown bullhead catfish (Ictalurus nebulosus) during exposure to a steadily increasing concentration of waterborne cyanide selected to produce death in 8–9 hours for each species. The lethal cyanide concentration for the bullheads was an order of magnitude higher than for trout. Trout developed an immediate and gradually increasing bradycardia throughout the exposure period. Cyanide produced tachycardia in the bullhead followed by a gradual onset of bradycardia as the concentration of cyanide was raised. Pericardial injection of atropine (a muscarinic cholinergic antagonist) indicated that bradycardia in the trout was due initially to increased vagal tone but later due to the direct effect of cyanide on the heart. Hyperventilation in the trout persisted throughout the exposure period, although the rate and amplitude fluctuated and was variable between individual fish. During the last hour of exposure (highest cyanide concentration), ventilation was characterized by rapid, shallow breaths followed by a sudden respiratory arrest. The bullheads exhibited hyperventilation during the first 3 hours of exposure followed by a gradual, linear drop in ventilation rate and amplitude until death occurred. Cardiac and ventilatory responses in both species were attributed to stimulation of central and peripheral chemoreceptors by cyanide. Evidence is presented which suggests the initial response in the bullheads was due, at least in part, to gustatory stimulation by the cyanide. Oxygen consumption of the trout remained above pre-exposure levels for the majority of the test period. Oxygen consumption in the bullhead paralleled the changes in heart and ventilatory rates. Whole-body lactate levels of fingerlings of both species during cyanide exposure were measured to estimate the extent of anaerobiosis. Whole-body lactate levels were much greater in the bullheads than the trout, indicating a higher capacity for anaerobiosis, possibly due to a greater fuel supply. Overall, the trout responded to cyanide in a manner similar to that produced by environmental hypoxia whereas the bullheads experienced a gustatory stimulus which masked the hypoxia-like response.     

An overview of stress physiology of fish transport: changes in water quality as a function of transport duration

This study brings an integrated analysis about the relationship between water deterioration and its physiological consequences in live fish transport. The analysis was focused on the transport water and its deterioration, and physiological challenges imposed on the fish. Usual commercial handling procedures employed to mitigate fish stress during transport were discussed. Future topics of research for the establishment of safer fish transport protocols were proposed. Transport was classified into short (≤8 h) or long transport (>8 h). The main issue in short transports should be the prevention of water pH reduction, while in long transports it is the increase in ammonia. Plasma cortisol is the most employed marker for stress and is acutely elevated upon short episodes of transport, but remains elevated even in long‐transport events. Plasma glucose is perhaps a better marker for handling stress. Plasma lactate, pH, osmolality CO₂ and ions should be more often evaluated. Plasma Na⁺ and Cl^‐ are very useful markers of acidosis, due to their respective exchange for H⁺ and , for acid–base regulation. The establishment of species‐specific transport protocols should be preceded by such combined analyses of water and physiological parameters.     

Are hatchery‐reared abalone naïve of predators? Comparing the behaviours of wild and hatchery‐reared northern abalone,Haliotis kamtschatkana (Jonas, 1845)

Abalone populations have declined worldwide, generating interest in enhancement using hatchery‐reared individuals. In many cases, such restoration efforts have met with limited success due to high predator‐induced mortality rates. Furthermore, the mortality rates of outplanted hatchery abalone are often considerably higher than for wild individuals. This study uses northern abalone (Haliotis kamtschatkana) as a case study to determine whether hatchery‐reared abalone behave differently than their wild counterparts. In the field, outplanted hatchery‐reared abalone were significantly less responsive than wild abalone, in terms of number of abalone responding and intensity of response, to nearby movement and to physical contact with an inert probe. Also, when encountering a cue to which all abalone responded (a seastar predator), hatchery‐reared individuals remained subdued. Anti‐predator behavioural deficits in hatchery‐reared abalone were more pronounced in 4‐year‐old individuals than in 1‐year‐old individuals, suggesting an influence of either age or amount of time spent in the hatchery environment. These behavioural differences are expected to increase the vulnerability of hatchery‐reared abalone to predators, and are likely a major cause of their elevated predator‐induced mortality when outplanted.     

Effects of cadmium on the kinetics of calcium uptake in developing tilapia larvae, Oreochromis mossambicus

The toxic effects of Cd²⁺ on Ca²⁺ influx kinetics in developing tilapia (Oreochromis mossambicus) larvae were evaluated. Addition of 20 µg l^-1 of Cd²⁺ to the environment of 0 and 3 day-old larvae competitively inhibited the Ca²⁺ uptake within 4h resulting in a great increase in K_m values for Ca²⁺ influx (19.3 and 17.4 fold, respectively) as compared with their respective controls. Consequently, the actual Ca²⁺ influx of larvae in solutions of 0.2 mM Ca²⁺ are suppressed by 32–45%. Also, 3 day-old larvae were more sensitive to internally accumulated Cd²⁺ than 0 day-old larvae. Although the Ca²⁺ influx in 0 and 3 day-old larvae may be restored to the levels of their respective controls with 24h of being transferred to a 20 µg l^-1 Cd²⁺ solution, total body Ca²⁺ content was significantly reduced in 3 day-old larvae. Increased Ca²⁺ uptake efficiency ensures sufficient Ca²⁺ for normal growth. However, rapid increase in Ca²⁺ influx after hatching also leads to higher Cd²⁺ uptake. Exposure to Cd²⁺ will lead to a drop in body Ca²⁺ content resulting in retardation of larval growth. Therefore, we conclude that if Ca²⁺ uptake is interfered with at this critical stage of development, larvae will not be able to maintain normal levels of body Ca²⁺ and will show signs of Cd²⁺ poisoning.     

Migratory dynamics of stream-spawning longnose gar (Lepisosteus osseus)

Abstract– Literature evidence suggests that lake-dwelling longnose gar (Lepisosteus osseus) enter tributary streams to spawn, Until the present study, the dynamics of this breeding migration had never been investigated quantitatively. During the summers of 1991 and 1992, longnose gar were captured as they entered Weaubleau Creek, Missouri, a tributary of Harry S. Truman Reservoir. The in-stream spawning migration began in early April and ended in late May, and was positively correlated with stream flow and water level, and negatively correlated with water temperature. In-stream residence times ranged from 15 to 94 days, with males exhibiting longer residence times than females. Once in-stream, longnose gar travelled as far as 10 km upstream and occupied certain pools at greater relative frequencies. Although the reason for this preferential utilization is not completely understood, it may relate to pool depth and riffle proximity. Longnose gar disperse from the spawning stream great distances, with gar captured in Weaubleau Creek being recaptured up to 48 km away. This information should provide fisheries biologists the means to consider the reproductive ecology of this species in their conservation and management decisions.     

Nutritional regulation of hepatocyte fatty acid desaturation and polyunsaturated fatty acid composition in zebrafish (Danio rerio) and tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus)

The desaturation and elongation of [1-¹⁴C]18:3n-3 was investigated in hepatocytes of the tropical warm freshwater species, zebrafish (Danio rerio) and Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus). The hepatocyte fatty acid desaturation/elongation pathway was assayed before and after the fish were fed two experimental diets, a control diet containing fish oil (FO) and a diet containing vegetable oil (VO; a blend of olive, linseed and high oleic acid sunflower oils) for 10 weeks. The VO diet was formulated to provide 1% each of 18:2n-6 and 18:3n-3, and so satisfy the possible EFA requirements of zebrafish and tilapia. At the end of the dietary trial, the lipid and fatty acid composition was determined in whole zebrafish, and liver, white muscle and brain of tilapia. Both zebrafish and tilapia expressed a hepatocyte fatty acid desaturation/elongation pattern consistent with them being freshwater and planktonivorous fish. The data also showed that hepatic fatty acid desaturation/elongation was nutritionally regulated with the activities being higher in fish fed the VO diet compared to fish fed the FO diet. In zebrafish, the main effect of the VO diet was increased fatty acid Δ6 desaturase activity resulting in the production of significantly more 18:4n-3 compared to fish fed the FO diet. In tilapia, all activities in the pathway were greater in fish fed the VO diet resulting in increased amounts of all fatty acids in the pathway, but primarily eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA; 20:5n-3) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA; 22:6n-3). However, the fatty acid compositional data indicated that despite increased activity, desaturation of 18:3n-3 was insufficient to maintain tissue proportions of EPA and DHA in fish fed the VO diet at the same level as in fish fed the FO diet. Practically, these results indicate that manipulation of tilapia diets in commercial culture in response to the declining global fish oil market would have important consequences for fish fatty acid composition and the health of consumers. Scientifically, zebrafish and tilapia, both the subject of active genome mapping projects, could be useful models for studies of lipid and fatty acid metabolism at a molecular biological and genetic level. This revised version was published online in August 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.