三沙湾溪邳村滩涂养殖区沉积物质量状况及风险评价

为了解三沙湾溪邳村滩涂养殖环境污染现状,2012年4月对该养殖区表层沉积物中有机碳、油类、硫化物、总磷、总氮、多氯联苯、滴滴涕和重金属(Cu、Zn、Pb、Cd、Cr、Hg、As)含量进行分析与评价。结果表明:该海域沉积物中总氮含量达到生源要素Ⅱ类污染水平;单因子污染指数法的主要污染因子是氮和磷,富营养化程度较高;Hakanson潜在污染因子较大的是汞和镉,风险水平总体不高,但污染程度受人为活动等外来源影响有缓慢增加的趋势;而生物效应浓度法显示,沉积物中DDTs含量大于ERL限值,构成一定生态风险,但沉积物综合生态风险(联合毒性)不大,对生物产生中低毒性,毒性概率约为30%。     

京杭运河常州老运河段底栖动物多样性研究

为探究常州段底栖动物的多样性状况和变化趋势,进一步开展河道生态监测与水质评价,通过连续多年对京杭运河常州老运河段底栖动物的调查,分析其群落结构分布特征和变化规律,采用Shannon-Wiener指数、BI指数对河段的底栖动物多样性进行评价,并利用污染生物效应指数(BPI)对水质进行评价。结果表明,常州段上游的底栖动物种类最多、种群丰富度最高、群落完整性最好、多样性状况最好、生态污染效应最小,中游次之,下游最差,底栖动物多样性正逐年得到恢复;2009-2013年,常州段的污染生物效应指数逐年上升,污染效应逐年下降,污染程度逐年减轻,由此说明该河段的水质正逐年得到改善,生态环境逐步好转。     

阿哈水库柱状沉积物中重金属分布特征及潜在生态危害风险评价

阿哈水库是贵阳市重要的饮用水源地,及时掌握其沉积物中重金属的污染现状和存在的潜在生态风险具有非常重要的现实意义。本文对阿哈水库库区4个采样点的柱状沉积物中重金属铜(Cu)、锌(Zn)、镉(Cd)、铅(Pb)、铬(Cr)、镍(Ni)6种毒性重金属进行了检测分析。结果表明,6种重金属含量在空间分布上有显著差异。在水平方向上,库心沉积物中的Cu、Cr和Pb含量最高,南郊水厂取水口的Zn和Cd含量最高,金钟河和游鱼河入库口沉积物中的6种重金属含量都相对较低。垂直方向上,南郊水厂取水口和库中心这两个采样点中Cr、Pb、Cu、Ni、Zn、Cd6种重金属峰值均出现在10-15 cm处。Zn、Cu和Pb平均含量都超过背景值,Cd富集系数最高,污染最严重。同时,潜在生态风险评价结果显示,水库沉积物重金属潜在生态危害风险从大到小依次为Cd,Cu,Pb,Ni,Zn,Cr,Cd是生态风险贡献因子,阿哈水库沉积物重金属总体上还是存在轻微的生态危害风险及处于轻微的污染状态。     

于桥水库表层沉积物重金属分布特征及其与底栖动物的关系

对重金属生态风险分布特征及其与底栖动物群落结构及多样性分布特征之间的相关关系进行分析,为于桥水库生态系统重金属污染监测与治理提供技术支持。2015年7月至2016年6月,在于桥水库内布设11个采样点,采集水下表层15 cm的沉积物样品测定Zn、Cr、Cu、Pb、As、Hg和Cd浓度,潜在生态指数法评价污染风险;采集底栖动物鉴定种类、计算生物量和多样性指数。结果表明:于桥水库表层沉积物中重金属元素平均含量大小顺序为ZnCrCuPbAsHgCd,各重金属平均含量均低于背景值,但Cu、Zn、Cr、Cd、Hg的最高值均高于背景值;表层沉积物中重金属元素的平均潜在生态风险指数为66.13,整体处于轻微风险水平,各重金属元素的单项潜在生态风险从高到低的顺序为HgCdCuAsCrPbZn;底栖动物腹足纲密度、底栖动物Shannon-Wiener指数与ECd、EHg、RI均具有明显的负相关关系;底栖动物Margalef指数与ECu、EPb、ECd具有明显的负相关关系。于桥水库内重金属元素浓度高值区主要集中于库中心、水库入口、水库出口及水库北岸,应重点加强上游引水污染物控制。     

阿哈水库沉积物中重金属分布特征及潜在生态风险评价

研究阿哈水库沉积物中重金属空间分布特征和污染现状,评价潜在生态风险,为重金属污染防治提供参考依据和理论基础。2016年12月,在阿哈水库设置4个采样点,每个采样点采集20cm柱状沉积物,按5cm分层取样,检测分析铜(Cu)、锌(Zn)、镉(Cd)、铅(Pb)、铬(Cr)、镍(Ni)6种毒性重金属,用潜在生态危害指数法评价生态风险。结果表明,6种重金属含量在空间分布上有显著差异。水平方向,沉积物中Cu、Cr和Pb含量库心最高,Zn和Cd含量南郊水厂取水口最高,沉积物中的6种重金属含量在金钟河和游鱼河入库口都相对较低。垂直方向上,南郊水厂取水口和库心采样点Cr、Pb、Cu、Ni、Zn、Cd 6种重金属峰值均出现在10~15cm处。Zn、Cu和Pb平均含量都超过背景值,Cd富集系数最高,污染最严重。潜在生态风险评价结果显示,水库沉积物重金属潜在生态危害指数从大到小依次为Cd、Cu、Pb、Ni、Zn、Cr,Cd是生态风险主要贡献因子。阿哈水库沉积物重金属总体上存在轻微的生态风险及处于轻微的污染状态,南郊水厂取水口较高的生态风险应当引起足够的重视。     

闽江流域表层沉积物硫化物及重金属生物毒性研究

根据2012—2013年福建省闽江流域富屯溪、建溪和沙溪等支流以及干流7个站位表层沉积物调查数据,对硫化物(AVS)、有机碳及重金属(SEM)等物质进行了研究。结果表明,各站位硫化物两年平均含量在0.461 0~1.814 0μmol·g~(-1)之间,有机碳平均含量在0.76%~1.51%之间,尤溪S5站位硫化物含量明显高于其他站位,与此对应有机碳含量也较高,这与沿岸人类活动的强度有关;闽江干流S7站位硫化物含量最低,主要受水动力特征影响。各站位沉积物重金属(Cu、Pb、Cd、Hg和As)含量基本呈现CuPbAsHgCd的趋势,其中Cu和Pb是主要污染重金属。SEM平均含量在0.47~3.58μmol·g~(-1)之间,金溪S2、古田溪S6站位SEM/AVS(摩尔比值)小于1,重金属潜在生态危害风险较小;其他站位SEM/AVS大于1,生物有效性高,具有潜在的毒性效应。与水体沉积物中金属元素对底栖生物产生毒性效应的阈值比较,单个重金属中Pb和Cd可能产生的生物有效性高于Cu,具有对底栖生物产生毒性效应的潜力。     

湛江特呈岛红树林湿地冬季小型底栖动物和海洋线虫群落的初步研究

于2018年冬季进行沉积物小型底栖动物样品采集,沿特呈岛红树林南部分布区域设5个采样断面,研究该红树林湿地中小型底栖动物类群组成及丰度、海洋线虫群落结构。结果表明:采样区域共发现5个小型底栖动物类群,其中海洋线虫为绝对优势类群,占总丰度的97.99%。小型底栖动物的丰度在(71.35±16.80)～(786.40±908.18)ind/10 cm~2之间,平均丰度为(432.25±500.84)ind/10 cm~2;不同断面、潮位之间小型底栖动物丰度差异显著。鉴定海洋线虫隶属于22个科44个属,优势属为Terschellingia、Sabatieria、Viscosia、Spirinia、Megadesmolaimus和Spilophorella,优势度分别为21.77%、8.43%、7.99%、7.99%、6.50%和5.79%。摄食类型,从属的数量和个体数量来看,沉积食性者都占优势。通过多样性和K-优势度分析,海洋线虫各项指数在断面3都是最高的;聚类分析和MDS标序分析表明,断面3和断面5在海洋线虫群落结构上较为相似。     

长江口重要渔业水域重金属分布特征及风险评价

为研究长江口重要渔业水域重金属的分布特征,评价其污染现状,于2016年5月和8月共采样2次,布设采样点12个,采集水样48个,沉积物12个,分析重金属分布特征并进行风险评价,结果表明:水样中Cu、Zn、Pb、Cd、As的含量分别为0.0013~0.012 0、0.0010~0.0200、0.000 036~0.000 220、0.000 006~0.000 027、0.001 9~0.003 5 mg/L。水样中Hg含量很低,最低的未检出,最高为0.000 09 mg/L。长江口渔业水域的水相重金属除2016年8月S1采样点底层水样Cu含量略有超标,其它均能达到渔业水质标准。长江口渔业水域沉积物含量均符合《海洋沉积物质量》(GB 18668—2002)一类标准,沉积物环境质量状况良好。利用沉积物质量基准法(SQGs)评价沉积物的生物毒性,结果表明,长江口渔业水域沉积物重金属生物毒性风险较大的是As,其次是Cu和Hg。     

夏季渤海中部表层沉积物重金属空间分布及污染评价

为了解渤海中部海域沉积物中重金属的污染状况,于2013年8月采集了渤海中部海域34个站点的表层沉积物,检测了Pb、Cd、Hg、Cu、Zn和As 6种重金属的含量,分析了Pb、Cd、Cu和Zn 4种重金属的空间分布特征,采用污染指数法和潜在生态风险评价法对其表层沉积物重金属污染状况进行评价。结果显示,渤海中部海域表层沉积物重金属含量较低,符合海洋沉积物质量(GB 18668-2002)Ⅰ类标准的要求。表层沉积物重金属的空间分布总体呈现由近岸向中心海域降低的趋势。Cu、Zn和Pb含量空间变化趋势比较明显,靠近渤海湾海域重金属含量高,离岸距离越远,重金属含量逐渐降低。Cd含量在靠近黄河入海海域最高,呈现自高值区向东西两边海域减小的趋势。各个站位的重金属单因子污染程度较轻,单因子污染系数均值大小顺序为PbCuZnAsCdHg;重金属综合污染指数都小于5,表现为低污染水平。除1号站位的Hg单因子潜在生态风险系数为54.44之外,其他站位表层沉积物Hg、As、Cu、Zn、Pb和Cd的单因子潜在生态风险系数Eir小于40,范围为0.39～38.80,风险程度由高到低依次为Hg、Cd、As、Pb、Cu和Zn;其综合潜在生态风险系数小于150,范围为16.39～79.57。其中,1号站位综合潜在生态风险系数最高达到79.57。研究表明,此海域属于低潜在生态风险水平,风险指数高值区出现在唐山大清河口海域。     

渔业生态环境

990323 伊维菌素对沉积物栖息生物的环境影响=Environmental risk of ivermectin tosediment dwelling organisms[刊,英]/Davies I M,Gillibrand P A∥Aquac..—1998,163(1/2),—29～46伊维菌素已被做为一种饲料添加剂,用来防治养殖鲑鱼的鱼虱病。文章研究伊维菌素对两种沉积物栖息生物:片脚类和海盘车的急性毒性。试验为期3个月,采用化学测定法和观察受药物污染沉积物对片脚类的毒性     

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.