巢湖流域河湖系统水环境因子分布特征及营养状态评价

为解析巢湖流域水环境因子空间分布特征，监测了巢湖及其环湖河流33个采样点水环境因子，并采用水质指数（WQI）对其营养状态进行了评价。结果表明：（1）巢湖流域河湖系统巢湖与河流之间及河流与河流之间所有水质参数（除水温外）和WQI指数均存在显著性差异，巢湖流域河湖系统水环境在营养梯度上呈现明显的空间格局，表现在东巢湖水质优于西巢湖；杭埠河、柘皋河、裕溪河水质优于兆河、白石山河、派河、南淝河；依据WQI指数，东巢湖、西巢湖、杭埠河、柘皋河、裕溪河水质为较好，兆河、白石山河、派河、南淝河水质为中等；（2）相较以往研究，本研究中西巢湖水质无明显变化，东巢湖水质略有下降，白石山河和兆河由原来的清水型河流转变为污染严重型河流，污染程度加重，其余环湖河流水质无明显变化；（3）应加强巢湖入湖河流氮源的管理和控制，并加强对小型流域的持续监测，深入了解小型支流在整个营养物质输送中所起的作用。     

1980-2018年扎龙湿地及乌裕尔河流域景观格局演变及其响应

研究扎龙湿地及其上游乌裕尔河流域的景观格局演变，为湿地生态系统的管理与保护提供参考。利用研究区内1980-2018年5期土地利用遥感数据，运用GIS空间分析和主成分分析法，分析了区域景观格局时空变化及其驱动力。结果表明：（1）耕地面积从1980年的8629.648629km2增加至2018年的9527.909528km2；水域面积、居工地面积和盐碱地面积分别增加45.7446、57.9358和18.4618km2；林地面积、草地面积和沼泽地面积分别减少231.90232、742.33743和46.1646km2。1980-2000年研究区域其他土地利用类型转移为耕地的面积1035.861306km2，草地转移为其他土地利用类型的面积845.85846km2，其他土地利用类型面积总体变化不大。（2）景观格局指数不稳定，沼泽湿地面积是扎龙湿地的优势景观类型，耕地是乌裕尔河流域的优势景观类型，除优势景观类型外各种景观类型破碎化严重，景观丰富度越来越低。（3）景观格局的变化是自然气候和社会经济发展共同作用的结果，社会经济变化中的人均GDP、第一产业值以及城镇人口数量是导致整个研究区域湿地景观格局变化的主要驱动力；年均径流量与扎龙湿地内部草地的变化正相关。     

基于Landsat卫星影像的草海水质遥感反演及综合营养状态评价

为更高效、大范围的获取草海水质状况，分析草海水体营养状态，本文利用实测水质数据与遥感影像的关系建立反演模型，反演草海2000-2015年水质指标，包括Chl-a、TN、TP、CODMn、SD，并用综合营养状态指数法（TLI）对草海水质情况进行评价。结果表明：（1）通过波段组合与实测数据建立水质参数反演模型能高效、大面积的获得草海水质分布情况，评价得知草海从2000 - 2005年、2010 - 2015年，整体水质均为中营养、轻度富营养状态，TLI表现为先升高，后降低；（2）草海水质季节变化明显，四个季节的综合营养状态指数为春季>夏季>冬季>秋季，主要原因是草海春、夏季节农耕及旅游活动等较频繁；（3）空间上看，草海入水口及湖周围综合营养指数比湖中心及出水口高，其原因是因为入水口靠近城市，城市污水排入湖中，湖四周农业污染源大量存在所致。     

扬州市湿地景观格局演变及驱动力研究

以扬州市2002年、2007年、2013年的遥感影像为数据源,通过解译获得了扬州市湿地资源分布图,运用转移矩阵法及景观格局指数法对2002-2013年间扬州市湿地动态变化及景观格局演变进行分析,并利用主成分分析法对其驱动力进行探究。结果表明,扬州市2002-2013年湿地面积呈逐年下降趋势,2007年比2002年减少13.69 km2,降幅1.1%;2013年比2007年减少43.23 km2,降幅3.3%。2013年与2002年相比,河流面积稍有减少,降幅为5.6%;滩地面积增加73.2%;库塘面积所占比重由49.84%上升到55.37%,面积增加6.2%;湖泊面积降幅29.7%,所占比重由32.83%下降到24.14%。2002、2007、2013年,各湿地斑块所占景观面积比均为库塘>湖泊>河流>滩地。景观格局指数分析表明,湖泊、滩地及库塘呈现不同程度的破碎化,而河流湿地斑块形状趋于规则且连通性较好。扬州市湿地景观整体呈破碎化趋势,湿地斑块形状趋于复杂,景观多样性增加,各类型湿地呈均衡化趋势发展。社会经济发展、人口增加、第二产业比重及降雨量变化是导致湿地景观格局变化的主要驱动力。     

云南高原杞麓湖流域的景观格局与水质变化

由于人类活动日益增强,高原湖泊杞麓湖景观格局和湖泊水质发生较大改变,探究其变化关系可为湖泊生态系统保护和流域管理提供科学参考。采用2005年、2010年和2015年遥感影像的解译结果,结合RS/GIS技术和Pearson相关统计方法,分析了10年间景观格局变化、湖泊水质变化及其相关性。结果表明:(1)2005-2014年杞麓湖水质偏差,其中总氮、高锰酸盐指数、生化需氧量和叶绿素a呈显著增长趋势,氨氮、总磷和透明度波动较大,2015年整体水质有所改善,但仍为劣Ⅴ类水。(2)杞麓湖流域主要景观类型是林地和耕地,占流域总面积的74%以上,10年间建设用地面积增加较快(+876.42hm~2),水域(-1 281.42hm~2)和耕地(-794.61hm~2)缩减较多,后5年湖滨湿地大量出现(+1 432.08hm~2);景观格局聚集程度增加,异质性略有减弱,破碎化程度降低,多样性和均匀程度变化不大,人类活动对景观格局影响强烈。(3)水田、旱地和建设用地聚集程度增强及破碎化程度降低与氨氮外的其它水质指标呈正相关,水域面积与氨氮和高锰酸盐指数呈负相关,水田与建设用地是杞麓湖水质退化的主要污染源。     

2010年夏秋季节海河干流水质现状分析

2010年5月至9月,通过对海河干流9个站位水环境质量的监测,并对监测结果进行分析研究。结果表明：海河干流污染物中前三位依次为总磷（TP）、总氮（TN）及高锰酸盐指数（CODMn）。水环境质量在时间变化趋势上5月要好于7月和9月,综合营养状态指数（TLI）评价与水环境质量分析结论相一致,海河干流处于中营养水平。此外,空间变化趋势来看海河干流下游要好于中上游。     

伊犁河流域鱼类生物完整性指数构建初探

为了评价伊犁河流域的健康状况,应用鱼类生物完整性指数(F-IBI)建立了伊犁河流域河流生态系统健康评价体系。2012年-2014年在伊犁河流域设置了6个采样断面,进行鱼类资源调查。从36个候选指标中筛选了8个核心指标用于构建伊犁河流域F-IBI评价体系。通过分析评价,结果显示有1个采样断面处于极好的健康状态,3个处于好的健康状态,2个处于一般状态。伊犁河流域生态系统健康整体上处于好的水平。基于FIBI体系的健康评价结果与其他方法评价结果基本一致,这表明构建的F-IBI体系对伊犁河流域的健康状况评估具有良好的适用性,可作为伊犁河流域水环境监测的一种有效手段。     

草海高原湿地湖泊水质时空变化及水质分区研究

针对草海水质污染状况,开展水质季节变化特征研究,为草海湿地污染治理及保护提供依据。在草海湿地湖泊设置了15个采样点,于2014年8月、11月和2015年1月、4月,分4季进行水样采集。以所测水质参数为基础,运用水质综合评价和GIS空间分析方法,研究草海湿地水环境质量时空变化,并基于营养状态对湖泊水体进行了分区。研究表明:(1)草海TP、TN、CODMn、Chl-a 4种主要水质指标浓度在春季高于其他3个季节,浓度分别达到0.03、0.98、6.30和0.025 mg/L,空间分布呈现由东至西逐渐降低的趋势,草海入水口及码头区域要明显高于湖泊其他区域。(2)草海湖泊营养状态为中营养级别,按4个季度的综合营养状态指数(TLI)平均值分为3个区域,A区为东北角入水口及西海游客码头,长年处于富营养状态,为富营养状态区,53.9≤TLI≤63.0,水质处于Ⅳ与Ⅴ类等级;B区为临近县城及入水口区域,季节性富营养状态,为中营养状态区,41.2≤TLI≤46.6;C区为草海湖泊中心延续到阳关山的下游出水口区域,为贫中营养状态区,35.8≤TLI≤39.7;B区和C区水质全年为Ⅲ类等级。(3)各区域主要污染物指标以Chl-a、TN为主,A区形成的主因是城市污水注入,B区形成的主因是农业面源污染。控制城市污水和农药、化肥施用量是治理草海湖泊水环境的重要途径。     

新疆伊犁河浮游植物群落结构特征及其与环境因子的关系

伊犁河是新疆最大的一条河流,本文于2019年6月、9月、12月对伊犁河流域的浮游植物进行了系统调查,分析了伊犁河干流、3条一级支流、3条二级支流及2个附属水库共23个样点的藻类群落结构特征及其与水质因子的关系。共采集到浮游植物7门88属141种,其中硅藻门种类数最多,共70种（49.65%）,其次是绿藻门40种（28.37%）,再次是蓝藻门17种（12.06%）,裸藻门、金藻门、甲藻门、隐藻门种类较少,分别为2种（1.42%）,4种（2.84%）、3种（2.13%）和5种（3.55%）,种类数表现为干流>1级支流>2级支流,水库绿藻门种类明显多于河流,隐藻门种类只在水库样本中出现。优势种主要为硅藻门的脆杆藻（Fragilaria sp.）、小环藻（Cyclotella sp.）、针杆藻（Synedra sp.）、舟形藻（Navicula sp.）、桥弯藻（Cymbella sp.）、异极藻（Gomphonema sp.）,其中脆杆藻（Fragilaria sp.）为全流域全年的优势种。伊犁河浮游植物细胞密度数量均值为30.77×104 cells/L,生物量均值为0.67 mg/L;恰甫其海水库浮游植物细胞密度数量和生物量均值分别为42.99×104 cells/L和0.41mg/L;温泉电站水库浮游植物细胞密度数量和生物量均值分别为258.69×104 cells/L和1.02 mg/L;季节差异均表现为9月>6月>12月。Margalef物种丰富度（d）、Simpson指数（D）、Shannon-Wiener指数（H''）和Pielou均匀度指数(J)分别为2.86、0.85、2.48和0.75,恰甫其海水库多样性指数值分别为2.41、0.56、1.55和0.56,温泉电站水库的多样性指数分别为1.28、0.66、1.82和0.73。河流样本受海拔、溶氧和总磷的影响较大,水库样本受水深、透明度和温度的影响较大。根据多样性指数和藻类丰度,对伊犁河水质评价总体为轻度污染。     

河北省唐山沿岸主要入海河流污染物特征研究

2014年5月和8月对河北省唐山沿岸主要入海河流的污染物分布进行了调查,对氨氮、亚硝酸盐、硝酸盐、化学需氧量等理化参数进行了检测分析,并采用单因子污染指数和内梅罗污染指数法分别对污染物和河流的污染程度进行评价,得到以下结论:(1)唐山沿岸主要入海河流的水质均处于污染状态。5月份71.4%的调查河流处于轻度污染,28.6%的河流处于中度污染状态;(2)8月份85.7%的调查河流处于中度污染状态,14.3%的河流处于重度污染状态。唐山沿岸主要入海河流的污染物为化学需氧量、油类和总磷。     

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.     

Production of diatom–bacteria biofilm isolated from Seriola lalandi cultures for aquaculture application

Controlled incorporation of selected microalgae and bacteria in aquaculture systems can be beneficial because they can act as microbiological control. That is why the characteristics of biofilm generated naturally in Seriola lalandi culture cages were analysed, their potential benefit to the growth of larvae was studied, and their controlled use for improving the larval viability and as a vector to improve incorporation of previously studied probiotic bacteria was tested. According to biodiversity results, these biofilms are composed of a diatom–bacteria mix showing a decrease in biodiversity in laboratory culture conditions being dominated by Navicula phyllepta and bacteria of the family Rhodobacteraceae. This can be produced on mesh substrates incorporated in bioreactors with rapid growth rate and adhesiveness. Preliminary results from the addition of substrates with this specific biofilm in larvae culture systems showed that it is consumed by the larvae without negative effects, while positive effects on the viability of larvae in combination with probiotics were observed. Considering preliminary results, the addition of these specific substrates with diatom–bacteria biofilms could be a good improvement for aquaculture systems and together with the use of probiotics can contribute to maintaining a stable and controlled system improving the viability of the larval fish culture in its early stages.