三峡水库试验性蓄水后小江沿岸水质研究

根据2010年3月－12月对三峡水库小江沿岸水体的水质监测数据,分析总氮、总磷、化学需氧量和叶绿素a等水质因子的时空变化规律,以及叶绿素a与水质因子之间的相互关系,评价水体富营养化水平。结果表明：总氮、总磷、化学需氧量和叶绿素 a含量分别为1.980±0.119mg/L、0.114±0.018mg/L、9.520±1.748 mg/L和23.342±8.810 mg/L,小江沿岸水体呈现中度富营养化水平。叶绿素a与水质因子间的相关关系分析发现,叶绿素a含量与温度、pH、溶解氧、亚硝酸氮和化学需氧量显著相关,与总氮、总磷不具有显著相关性。这说明小江沿岸水体叶绿素a含量与总营养盐无关,而主要与水体所含的有机质含量有关。     

沙湖叶绿素a的时空分布特征及其与环境因子的关系

为探究沙湖水体叶绿素a的时空分布特征及其与水环境因子关系,2015-2017年冬季(1月)、春季(4月)、夏季(7月)、秋季(10月)对沙湖水体叶绿素a含量和常规水环境因子进行采样与检测,分析沙湖叶绿素a含量与环境因子之间的相关性,通过逐步回归法和通径分析探讨了时空性变化对叶绿素a含量的影响。结果表明,沙湖叶绿素a季节变化明显,夏季最高,冬春两季相对较低,最大值出现在2017年7月(夏季),最小值出现在2015年4月(春季),2017年叶绿素a含量最高,年均值为18.94μg/L,空间分布也存在明显差异。相关分析表明,总磷(TP)、化学需氧量(COD_(Cr))、五日生化需氧量(BOD_5)和透明度(SD)是影响沙湖叶绿素a含量的主要环境因子;逐步回归分析表明,不同季节、不同采样点影响沙湖叶绿素a含量的环境因子存在差异,有机污染物与氮磷营养盐是主要的影响因子;通径分析表明,化学需氧量和总磷的总决定系数(d_(ij))分别为0.379和0.373,是影响沙湖叶绿素a含量最主要的两个环境因子;其中总磷对沙湖叶绿素a含量的直接作用较大,是对叶绿素a起决定性作用的限定性营养盐。     

衢州地区渔业水域水库水体富营养化水平及驱动因子研究

为探求衢州市渔业水域水库水体富营养化水平和主要驱动因子，本研究基于2018年水质监测数据，综合评价黄坛口水库(S1)、铜山源水库(S2)、狮子口水库(S3)、花园垄水库(S4)和金仓垅水库(S5) 5座不同水库水体富营养化水平，并采用相关性分析、主成分分析探讨水质环境因子对水体富营养化水平间的影响和相关关系。结果显示，叶绿素a (Chl-a)与综合营养状态指数法评价结果趋于一致，表明S1、S2和S3水库均为中营养，S4为轻度富营养，S5为重度富营养，水产养殖水域富营养化水平显著高于增殖放流水域(P<0.05)。5个水库中，S5为氮限制，其余水库均为磷限制。多元线性逐步回归分析表明，Chl-a与溶解氧(DO)、透明度(SD)、铜(Cu)、总磷(TP)、总氮(TN)、高锰酸盐指数(CODMn)的相关性较好，综合营养状态指数(TLI)与水温(T)、SD、Cu、TP、TN的相关性较好，得到模型：Chl-a=19.793 CODMn–32.065 TP–33.004，TLI =1.062 CODMn + 18.468 TP–0.06 SD +0.450 T+1.765 TN+33.886。综合相关性分析、主成分分析结果，CODMn、TP、SD、T和TN是影响衢州市水库水体富营养化的主要因子，其中，氮、磷营养盐和有机物是造成水库水体富营养化的主要影响因子，水温是造成各水库富营养化季节性变化的主要原因，而pH、溶解氧是水体富营养化后的结果，可以作为水库富营养化水平的指示因子。     

沙湖叶绿素a的时空分布特征及其与环境因子关系

为探究沙湖水体叶绿素a的时空分布特征及其与水环境因子关系，2015-2017年冬季（1月）、春季（4月）、夏季（7月）、秋季（10月）对沙湖水体叶绿素a含量和常规水环境因子进行采样与检测，分析沙湖叶绿素a含量与环境因子之间的相关性，通过逐步回归法和通径分析探讨了时空性变化和季节性变化对叶绿素a含量的影响。结果表明，沙湖叶绿素a季节变化明显，夏季最高，冬春两季相对较低，最大值出现在2017年7月（夏季），最小值出现在2015年4月（春季），2017年叶绿素含量最高，年均值为18.94 μg/L，空间分布也存在明显差异。相关分析表明，总磷(TP)、化学需氧量(CODCr)、五日生化需氧量(BOD5)和透明度(SD)是影响沙湖叶绿素a含量的主要环境因子；逐步回归分析表明，不同季节、不同采样点影响沙湖叶绿素a含量的环境因子存在差异，有机污染物与氮磷营养盐是主要的影响因素；通径分析表明，化学需氧量和总磷的总决定系数(dij)分别为0.379和0.373，是影响沙湖叶绿素a含量最主要的两个环境因子；其中总磷对沙湖叶绿素a含量的直接作用较大，是对叶绿素a起决定性作用的限定性营养盐。     

三峡水库小江回水区水环境时空变化特征研究

监测了三峡水库小江回水区2008-2010年间的水环境状况,研究了水环境因子时空变化特征,以及水体水质、富营养化状态的变化趋势.结果表明:小江回水区大多数水环境因子在不同月份间、不同年度间有显著差异;各断面间水环境因子差异不显著;小江回水区总氮(TN)、总磷(TP)污染一直比较严重,但2008年175m试验性蓄水后小江回水区水质未呈现进一步恶化趋势;小江回水区总体呈现轻度富营养化水平,2009年、2010年的富营养化状况较2008年有所降低.叶绿素a与水环境因子间的相关关系分析发现,叶绿素a含量与溶解氧(DO)呈显著正相关,与透明度(SD)呈显著负相关;与叶绿素a含量关系密切的环境因子随季节发生变化.     

天目湖沙河水库水质时空分布特征及其与浮游植物群落的关系

基于2012年天目湖沙河水库逐月水质及浮游植物群落结构的监测,采用主成分分析及典范对应分析,对沙河水库水质时空分布特征及其对浮游植物群落演替的影响进行了分析。结果表明,沙河水库透明度(SD)、悬浮物(SS)、高锰酸盐指数(CODMn)、叶绿素a(Chl a)、总磷(TP)、总氮(TN)等主要水质因子既有明显的季节变化,也存在显著的空间分布差异,浮游植物生物量和群落结构也表现出显著的季节演替。从丰度上看,蓝藻门的席藻全年都是优势种,但冬、春季节硅藻门和隐藻门藻类丰度显著增高。从生物量上看,春季的优势种为硅藻门的针杆藻,是沙河水库水体透明度的主要影响因子。主成分分析表明,沙河水库的氮和磷具有明显不同的时间变化规律。典范对应分析表明,水温、pH、溶解性总氮、SD与藻类生物量的季节演替关系密切,蓝藻、硅藻生物量与水温、溶解性总磷呈正相关,与硝态氮浓度呈负相关。研究结果表明,天目湖沙河水库水质时空差异与浮游植物种群结构的时空分布关系密切,降低氮、磷浓度对沙河水库富营养化控制及水质的保护都非常重要,但在不同季节氮、磷的相对重要性不同。农业活动,如茶园的大面积开发及旅游业活动是影响天目湖水质的两个重要因素。     

凡纳滨对虾养殖塘叶绿素a与水质因子主成分多元线性回归分析

2010年5-9月期间,对上海市奉贤区两个凡纳滨对虾(Litopenaeus vannamei)养殖场22个养殖池塘水体叶绿素a(Chl.a)、水温(T)、pH、溶解氧(DO)、透明度、溶解性总固体(TDS)、化学需氧量(CODMn)、氮磷营养元素等15项水质因子进行测定。取107组测定数据,进行描述性统计,利用主成分多元线性回归分析来模拟水质因子与凡纳滨对虾养殖塘叶绿素a含量的关系。根据主成分分析特征值大于1的原则,获得4个累计贡献率达到77.56%的潜变量,进一步的多元线性回归分析显示,潜变量F1对于叶绿素具有最大的相关性,建立了描述水质因子潜变量与Chl.a含量间相关性的模型:C Chl.a=0.140+0.121·F1。研究表明,在各水质因子中,总磷(TP)与化学需氧量与Chl.a有极大的正相关:CChl.a=-0.052+0.005CODMn+0.188TP;且磷为塘内初级生产力的限制性因子。因此,有机物和磷含量是控制南美白对虾养殖池塘水体富营养化的关键因子。     

华阳河湖群叶绿素a浓度的季节动态和空间分布

为了探究华阳河湖群叶绿素a浓度的季节动态与空间分布规律,2016年4月(春季)、7月(夏季)、10月(秋季)和2017年1月(冬季),对华阳河湖群叶绿素a的季节动态及环境因子进行调查,在龙感湖、黄大湖和泊湖分别设置9个(S_1～S_9)、8个(S_(10)～S_(17))和7个(S_(18)～S_(24))采样点,共计24个采样点;通过分层聚类法分析叶绿素a的时空分布特征,并运用主成分分析法探讨了华阳河湖群叶绿素a与环境因子的关系。结果显示,华阳河湖群水体叶绿素a浓度呈现明显的时空分布特征,叶绿素a年均值为7.18μg/L,变化范围0.27～66.61μg/L,最大值出现在2016年10月(秋季),最小值出现在2017年1月(冬季);叶绿素a浓度的季节变化呈现夏、秋季较高,春、冬季较低的动态特征。在空间变化上,叶绿素a浓度在龙感湖最高,其次是泊湖,黄大湖最低。运用分层聚类分析法将华阳河湖群的叶绿素a的时空特征分为三类;主成分分析表明,水体中营养盐是影响叶绿素a季节动态和空间分布的主要环境因子,总氮在3个湖泊中与叶绿素a显著正相关,总磷与叶绿素a在泊湖和黄大湖呈负相关,而在龙感湖呈正相关。研究表明,越冬水鸟的排泄物对叶绿素a的时空分布有重要影响。     

乌溪江水库富营养化程度及其影响因子时空分布探讨

为了解乌溪江水库主要水质指标的时空分布特征,探究其营养化程度的变化趋势,2019-2020年,对丽水市乌溪江水库的7个采样点（S1-S7）的水温、pH、总氮、总磷、叶绿素a等理化因子进行了监测。分析对比了综合营养指数和理化因子等关键指标在不同时期的分布特征。结果表明,乌溪江水库的营养盐浓度呈现出春夏高秋冬低、从上游（S1）至下游（S7）逐渐下降的趋势,平均综合营养指数也从47.1（S1）下降到32.5（S7）,整体上属于中营养化水库。总磷浓度在0.002-0.040mg/L间,平均值为0.012mg/L;总氮浓度在0.412-2.826mg/L间,氮的主要赋存形式为硝酸盐。叶绿素a含量均值为3.77 ug/L,河流区的叶绿素a含量显著高于下游的过渡区和湖泊区。分析表明：汛期地表径流带来的富营养化压力最大,同时也是氮磷等外源性营养盐输入水体的主要途径;WD、pH、TP和叶绿素a含量中等程度相关,水库生态系统具备很强的净化能力。但近年来富营养化程度加剧。     

三峡水库小江回水区水环境时空变化特征研究

本文监测了三峡水库小江回水区2008-2010年间的水环境状况,研究了水环境因子时空变化特征,以及水体水质、富营养化状态的变化趋势。结果表明：小江回水区不同月份间水环境因子有显著差异,但不同年度间差异不显著;各断面间水环境差异不显著;小江回水区TN、TP污染一直比较严重,但2008年175m试验性蓄水后小江回水区水质未呈现进一步恶化趋势;小江回水区总体呈现轻度-中度富营养化水平,2009年、2010年的富营养化水平较2008年有所降低。叶绿素a与水环境因子间的相关关系分析发现,叶绿素a含量与TN、COD、WT呈显著正相关,与SD呈显著负相关;与叶绿素a含量关系密切的环境因子随季节发生变化。     

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.     

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.     

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.