Studies on the use of hydrogen peroxide as a method for the control of sea lice on Atlantic salmon

Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) post-smolts exposed to 1.23 hydrogen peroxide for 20 min at 13.5 C suffered an acute toxicity resulting in a 35% mortality within 2 h. Under similar conditions at 10 C no mortalities were observed with Atlantic salmon or goldsinny wrasse (Ctenolabrus rupestris). No histological changes were noted in tissues from exposed fish. Thirty-three per cent of adult and pre-adult sea lice (Lepeophtheirus salmonis) were immobilized or killed following exposure to 0.5 hydrogen peroxide at 10 C, rising to 98% at 2. Some lice were able to recover and regained normal swimming movements. Gas bubbles within the haemolymph caused affected lice to float on the water surface. A delay in the toxicity of hydrogen peroxide to copepodites occurred, with a 10% mortality following a 20 min exposure to 1.25 at 10 C rising to 100% mortality at 19 h post treatment.Dilute hydrogen peroxide was stable over the 20 min treatment period. Aeration and higher temperatures increased the long-term breakdown of a working concentration of hydrogen peroxide in seawater.     

Induced final maturation and ovulation in a small anabantoid teleost, the dwarf gourami, Colisa lalia. I. The effects of gonadotrophic preparations, LHRHa, steroids and thyroid hormones

Colisa lalia (Ham.) has been used as a model for the development of techniques for induced spawning that are applicable to small teleosts where ovulation requires prolonged exposure to suitable breeding conditions.Human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG; 4 IU per fish) induced ovulation within 24 hours, whereas homologous pituitary extracts were relatively ineffective. When administered in saline ( 20 g per fish per injection), des-Gly10,[D-Ala6]- LHRH N-ethylamide (LHRHa) was ineffective, but it stimulated ovulation in a proportion of fish when administered ( 1.6 g per fish) as an emulsion in Freund's incomplete adjuvant (FIA). Together, these results suggest that ovulation requires the synthesis as well as the secretion of gonadotrophin in C. lalia.Long-term treatment with thyroid hormones appeared to enhance the ovulatory response to LHRHa in FIA, possibly by effects on the ovary; whereas the various steroids tested were ineffective at the dosages used     

Steroids and steroid glucuronides in the ovarian fluid of the African catfish,Clarias gariepinus,between ovulation and oviposition

As part of a series of experiments concerning a possible pheromonal function of steroids and steroid glucuronides excreted by the sex organs of the African catfish,Clarias gariepinus, qualitative and quantitative studies, using GCMS, were carried out to examine the presence of the steroids, that can be synthesized by the ovary during oocyte maturation and ovulation, and of the corresponding steroid glucuronides, in the fluid surrounding the eggs in the ovarian cavity shortly after ovulation.Full mass spectra were obtained of 5-pregnane-3,17-diol-20-one, 5-pregnane-3,17,20-triol, 5-pregnane-3,6,17-triol-20-one, 5-pregnane-3,6,17,20-tetrol, 5-androstane-3,17-diol and 5-androstane-3,17-diol-11-one. After selected ion monitoring the following steroids could be detected by the presence of at least two characteristic ions at the expected retention time: 5-pregnane-3, 17,20-triol, etiocholanolone, 5-dihydrotestosterone, 5-androstane-3,11-diol-17-one, testosterone and estradiol. After treatment with -glucuronidase the following steroids could be determined in a similar way: 5-pregnane-3,17-diol-20-one, 5-pregnane-3,17,20-triol, 5-pregnane-3,17,20-triol, 5-pregnane-3,6,17-triol-20-one, 5-pregnane,3,6,17,20-tetrol, 5-androstane-3,17-diol, etiocholanolone, 5-dihydrotestosterone, testosterone and estradiol.The free steroids 5-pregnane-3,6,17,20-tetrol and 5-pregnane-3,6,17-triol-20-one and the steroid glucuronides of testosterone, 5-dihydrotestosterone and estradiol appeared to be the most abundant of these compounds. The results indicate that very polar steroids and steroid glucuronides, synthesized in the ovary, can be excreted via the ovarian fluid shortly before and during oviposition, and possibly function as sex attractants, inducing reproductive behaviour in male conspecifics.     

Optimal dietary carbohydrate to lipid ratio in African catfish Clarias gariepinus (Burchell 1822)

An 8-week feeding trial was conducted in a recycling water system at 28±1°C to investigate carbohydrate to lipid ratio (CHO:L ratio) in African catfish Clarias gariepinus (12.32±0.04g). Five isonitrogenous (40% crude protein) and isoenergetic (20kJg^–1 gross energy (GE)) fishmeal based diets with varying carbohydrate to lipid (CHO:L g/g) ratios of 0.74, 1.13, 1.66, 2.47 and 3.42 for diets 1–5, were tested, respectively. The diets containing a fixed protein to energy ratio (P:E ratio) of 20-mg proteinkJ^–1 GE were fed to triplicate groups of 20 fish (per 30-L tank). Fish were fed 5% of their body weight per day adjusted fortnightly. Diet 1, containing 14% carbohydrate and 21% lipids with a CHO:L ratio of 0.74 produced the poorest (P<0.05) growth rates, feed and protein efficiency. Increasing carbohydrate content in the diets to 27% concomitant with a reduction in lipid content to 16% with a CHO:L ration of 1.66 of diet 3 significantly improved (P<0.05) growth rates, feed and protein efficiency. A further increase in dietary carbohydrate up to 38% and a decrease in lipids levels to 11% with a CHO:L ratio ranging from 1.66 to 3.42 (diet 3 – 5) did not significantly improve the fish performance. Apparent net protein utilisation (ANPU) of fish fed diet 4 was higher (P<0.05) than for diets 1–3 but did not differ from diet 5. Higher lipid deposition (P<0.05) in whole body and liver were observed with decreasing dietary CHO:L ratios as increasing lipid levels. Whole body protein and liver glycogen content, digestive enzyme activities (protease and lipase) and histological examination of intestine and liver of fish fed varying CHO:L diets did not show any discernible changes among the dietary treatments. However intestinal -amylase activity increased (P<0.05) with increasing dietary carbohydrate levels. This study revealed that African catfish can perform equally well on diets containing carbohydrate ranging from 27 to 38% of the diet, with lipid content ranging from 16 to 11% or at CHO:Lg/g ratio of 1.7–3.4.     

LH-β and FSH-β mRNA expression in nesting and post-breeding three-spined stickleback, Gasterosteus aculeatus, and effects of castration on expression of LH-β, FSH-β and spiggin mRNA

The mRNA expression of the LH- and FSH- subunits were measured in nesting and post-breeding male three-spined sticklebacks, Gasterosteus aculetaus, as well as in castrated and sham-operated nesting males. Furthermore, expression of an androgen induced kidney protein, spiggin, and 11-ketotestosterone (11KT) levels, were measured in the castrated and sham-operated males. Nesting males had significantly higher levels of both LH- and FSH- mRNA expression compared to post-breeding males. Furthermore, sham-operated males had significantly higher levels of LH- mRNA and spiggin mRNA expression than the castrated fish. Expression of FSH-, on the other hand, did not differ between castrated and sham-operated males. There were strong positive individual correlations between circulating levels of 11KT on the one hand and expressions of LH- and spiggin mRNA, whereas the correlation between 11KT levels and FSH- mRNA was weak. The negative effect of castration on -LH mRNA indicates that gonadal hormones stimulate this expression, whereas this was not the case for -FSH. The observed decline in -LH expression after the end of the breeding season may be the result of cessation of the gonadal stimulation of the pituitary. On the other hand, it is not likely that this can explain the decline in FSH- expression.     

Gonadotropins I and II do not stimulate thein vitro secretion of 17α,20β-dihydroxy-4-pregnen-3-one 20-sulphate by rainbow trout gonads during final sexual maturation

Thein vitro secretion of 17,20-dihydroxy-4-pregnen-3-one 20-sulphate (17,20-P-sulphate) and the free steroid 17,20-dihydroxy-4-pregnen-3-one (17,20-P), by rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) gonads, in response to gonadotropin (GTH) I and GTH II, were studied during the final stages of sexual maturation. Substantial amounts of 17,20-P-sulphate were produced, by both mature ovaries and testes, indicating considerable 20-hydroxysteroid sulphotransferase (20-HST) activity within these tissues. In the post-ovulatory ovary the level of 17,20-P-sulphate (36.6 ng ml^–1) greatly exceeded that of 17,20-P (8.59 ng ml^–1). The amount of 17,20-P-sulphate produced in incubations of both mature ovary and testes was unaffected by either GTH I or GTH II treatment at physiological concentrations up to 100 ng ml^–1. Similarly, incubations of maturing ovary and testes, treated with GTH I or GTH II, in the presence of added 17,20-P at 100 ng ml^–1 of medium, produced levels of 17,20-P-sulphate that were similar to those of the controls. In incubations of mature ovarian follicles at the stages of germinal vesicle breakdown and preovulation, both GTHs significantly stimulated secretion of 17,20-P, although GTH II was always more potent than GTH I. GTH II significantly elevated the levels of 17,20-P in testicular incubations from mature males more than 4-fold relative to GTH I and controls, which did not differ from one another.In conclusion, 20-HST, the enzyme responsible for the sulphate conjugation of 17,20-P, was found to be active in the ovaries and testes of rainbow troutin vitro. However, the levels of this enzyme do not appear to be regulated by either GTH I or GTH II.     

Influence of environmental temperature and water oxygen concentration on gas diffusion distance in sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax, L.)

Gas diffusion distance (GDD) of sea bass was measured in fish bred under farm conditions, at different dissolved oxygen concentrations (DO): normoxia condition (80–100% of the saturation value) and `mild' hyperoxia condition (120–130% of the saturation value). Measures were carried out two times in a year (beginning of summer and autumn) in order to evaluate the effect of water temperature on GDD at the two different dissolved oxygen concentrations. There was a significant influence of both dissolved oxygen concentration (p 0.001) and environmental temperature (p 0.001) on GDD. In summertime it was 1.75 m and 2.31 m for fish reared under normoxia and hyperoxia, respectively, and in autumn 2.51 m and 2.96 m for fish reared under normoxia and hyperoxia, respectively. When DO was reduced at the higher temperatures, GDD decreased as well. Results lead to the conclusion that GDD increased with the increasing of DO, both due to reduced water temperature and to the mild oxygen hypersaturation following application of pure oxygen. The advantage for fish may be found in the compromise between maximising O<sub>2</sub> diffusion at the gills and ions/water intake/loss, known as `osmoregulatory compromise'.     

Quantitation of inert feed ingestion in larval silver sea bream (Sparus sarba) using auto-fluorescence of alginate-based microparticulate diets

The ingestion of an inert feed as a sole food source was investigated in larval silver sea bream (Sparus sarba) fed an alginate-based microparticulate diet. Using the auto-fluorescent properties of pigments associated with the alginate base, ingestion and gut content were investigated over a 6 h experimental period in fed and unfed larvae. By extracting and measuring chlorophyll a (Chl a) and phaeopigment content of feeding larval fish and relating this to standardized Chl a and phaeopigment content of the diet, relative to diet weight, it was determined that individual fed 7-day old larvae had a maximum gut content of 1.05±0.09 g diet while 14-day old fed fish had a maximum gut content of 3.17±0.90 g diet. On average, the gut content of 14-day old fish was 2.89 times greater than the gut content of 7-day old fish. The dry weight of larval sea bream increased from 43±4.2 g at day 7 to 134.3±20.4 g at day 14 indicating that growth of fish fed this inert feed was substantial. Gut pigment dynamics suggested that Chl a was degraded to phaeopigments by 7-day but not 14-day old larvae and the individual gut dietary content varied considerably in 14-day old fish. The maximum Chl a and phaeopigment content in larval sea bream was 0.4 ng ind^–1 and 0.55 ng ind^–1 for 7-day old fish and 1.54 ng ind^–1 and 2.81 ng ind^–1 for 14-day old fish respectively. The present method may potentially allow simple and direct assessment of larval fish feed ingestion in both an experimental and commercial setting.     

Influence of oral administration of estradiol-17β and testosterone on growth,digestion, food conversion and metabolism in the underyearling red sea bream,Chrysophrys major

Estradiol-17 (E2) administered in the diet to the red sea bream Chrysophrys major did not affect appetite, food conversion efficiency, protein efficiency ratio and specific growth rate. Serum concentrations of total protein, albumin, globulin, vitellogenin, -amino acids, total lipid, free fatty acids, cholesterol and calcium were elevated. The hepatosomatic index was also increased. Activities of hepatic enzymes including lactate dehydrogenase, isocitrate dehydrogenase and glutamate-pyruvate transaminase were higher than found in untreated control fish. Intestinal activity of leucine aminopeptidase was augmented. However, there were no changes in muscle water, protein, lipid and glycogen content. In contrast, testosterone (T) given by the same route increased appetite, food conversion efficiency, protein efficiency ratio and specific growth rate. There were no alterations in serum protein and calcium concentrations but serum glucose, ammonia and triglyceride levels were elevated. Hepatic glycogen content was increased. The activities of hepatic fructose- 1,6-diphosphatase, glucose-6-phosphatase and glycogen synthetase and intestinal activities of alkaline phosphatase and -glutamyltransferase were higher than noted on control fish. The results reveal that estradiol-17 and testosterone exerted different metabolic effects in the red sea bream and they suggest that testosterone exerts its anabolic actions by increasing appetite, food conversion efficiency and activities of digestive enzymes.     

Regulation of oocyte maturation in the rainbow trout,Salmo gairdneri: role of cyclic AMP in the mechanism of action of the maturation inducing steroid (MIS), 17α-hydroxy, 20β-dihydroprogesterone

In fish, oocyte maturation (resumption of meiosis after completion of vitellogenesis and before ovulation) is triggered by maturation inducing steroids (MIS) which generally appear to be secreted in the ovary in response to stimulation by a pituitary maturational gonadotropin. Converging data from different laboratories show that 17-hydroxy, 20-dihydroprogesterone (17, 20-OH-P) is the principal MIS in salmonoids; but clear identification remains to be done in other taxonomic groups.The experiments reported here in the rainbow troutSalmo gairdneri examine the possible involvement of oocyte cAMP on the mechanism of MIS action. The action of 17, 20-OH-P, on germinal vesicle breakdown (GVBD) in oocytes incubatedin vitro within the follicle, was inhibited by various substances expected to elevate the intraoocyte concentrations of cAMP: cAMP ( 1 mM) or dibutyril cAMP ( 2 mM), phosphodiesterase inhibitors such as theophylline ( 0.2 mM) or 3-isobutyl-1 methylxanthine (IBMX 0.1 mM), adenylate cyclase activators such as cholera toxin (> 100 nM) or forskolin ( 0.03 mM). In fact, the combined action of IBMX (1 mM) and forskolin (0.01 or 0.05 mM)in vitro was to promote accumulation of intraoocyte cAMP within 1 to 5 hours. Oocyte cAMP concentrations exhibited a large variability between different females, depending on the stage of oocyte development; a significant positive correlation between oocyte cAMP concentration and the follicular weight, and a significant negative correlation between oocyte cAMP concentration and the median efficient dose of 17, 20-OH-P for induction of GVBD, were observed. Finally, when intrafollicular oocytes were incubatedin vitro, the addition of a maturation-inducing concentration of 17, 20-OH-P (3×10^–6M) induced a significant decrease of oocyte cAMP within the first 10 hours of incubation. These results show that cAMP appears to play a central role in the regulation of oocyte sensitivity to 17, 20-OH-P and in the intraoocyte mechanisms leading to GVBD in trout.These data are discussed together with the few indications available in fish concerning the mechanism of MIS action which can be compared to some extent with the amphibian model.     

The pseudo-green water technique for intensive rearing of sea bream (Sparus aurata) larvae

The pseudo green water technology for sea bream(Sparus aurata) larval rearing was evaluated by analyzingresults of a 2-year study, performed in a pilot scale system. Thetechnology is characterized by the daily addition of phytoplankton in therearing tanks during the first month of rearing. Effects of egg origin,spawningseason and initial larval density on the larval rearing were investigated. Fishreared in pseudo green water systems for 60 days, presented highbiological performance in terms of survival (56 ± 16%), meanweight (62 ± 12 mg), total length (20 ± 1mm), conformity with wild standard (88 ± 9%), andfunctional swim bladder (93 ± 4%). The results present homogenitybetween the categories (origin of eggs, time of spawning, initial egg density)studied, proving the stability of the technology.     

Relativein vitro effectiveness of estradiol-17β, androgens,corticosteroids, progesterone and other pregnene derivatives on germinal vesicle breakdown in oocytes of Indian major carps,Labeo rohita,Cirrhinus mrigala andCatla catla

The relative effectiveness of estradiol-17, androgens, corticosteroids, progesterone and other pregnene derivatives on germinal vesicle breakdown (GVBD) was investigatedin vitro using folliculated oocytes of three carps,Labeo rohita, Cirrhinus mrigala, andCatla catla. In all three species progesterone and 17-hydroxyprogesterone could induce GVBD but relatively 17,20-dihydroxyprogesterone was consistently found to be the most potent maturation-inducing steroid. Both estradiol-17 and testosterone were ineffective in inducing GVBD. Androsterone and dehydroepiandrosterone were found to be effective inC. catla at all the concentrations used. Deoxycorticosterone (DOC), hydrocortisone (HC) and cortisone were effective inducer of GVBD inC. catla whereas inL. rohita andC. mrigala only cortisone was found to be effective. All 5-reduced pregnenes were effective in inducing GVBD inL. rohita but inC. catla, only 5-pregnane-17-01-3,20-dione and 5-pregnane-3,17,20-triol and inC. mrigala, 5-pregnane-3-ol-20- one could induce oocyte maturation.     

Influence of temperature on the hatching of eggs of Diplectanum aequans,a parasite of sea bass

This study deals with the influence of temperature on the hatching of eggs of Diplectanum aequans, a branchial ectoparasite of sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax). At temperatures of 20 °C, 25 C and 30 °C hatching takes place within a few days of laying, whereas at 15 C and 10 C it occurs respectively between the 7th and the 12th day and between the 11th and the 19th day. No hatching has been observed at 5 C. Development is not completely inhibited at 5 C as the eggs can, at least partially, go on maturing and will subsequently hatch as soon as higher temperatures are encountered.     

Steroidogenesis by ovaries and testes of the European catfish,the wels (Silurus glanis), in vitro

Testosterone, 3,17-dihydroxy-5-pregnen-20-one, 17,20-dihydroxy-4-pregnen-3-one (17,20P) and 5-pregnane-3,17,20-triol were identified as the major metabolites of [³H] 17-hydroxyprogesterone in ovarian incubations of the European catfish Silurus glanis. 17,20P and the reduced triol were present only in ovaries from fish primed with carp hypophysial homogenate (chh) while testosterone yields were significantly higher in controls than in treated fish. 11-Ketotestosterone, 11-hydroxytestosterone and 17,20-dihydroxy-4-pregnen-3-one (17,20P) were identified as the major metabolites of [³H]17-hydroxyprogesterone in in vitro incubations of testes of a spermiating catfish. There was no significant production of conjugates or other water soluble metabolites by either sex. The stimulation of plasma 17,20P, 17,20P and 11-hydroxytestosterone by chh in primed but not control males suggests that the role of these steroids in spermiation should be further examined.     

Effects of acute temperature decreases on turbot fry and juveniles

Turbot fry (10–20 mm) and juveniles (85–110 mm) were transferred directly from 16.0–16.5 C to 1.0 C, 2.5 C, 5.5 C or 8.0 C seawater. The fry were more sensitive to cold water than juveniles. The fry survived for 1 week at 8.0 C but not at 5.5 C, whereas juveniles survived at 5.5 C but not at 2.5 C. Transfer of juveniles to 1.0 C and 2.5 C seawater caused a high mortality, a marked increase in plasma Cl^- concentration, decrease in muscle water content, and hyperglycaemia. Acclimation to 5.5 C (juveniles) or 8.0 C (fry and juveniles) markedly reduced the sensitivity to 1.0 C exposure.     

Sulfation and uptake of the maturation-inducing steroid, 17α,20β-dihydroxy-4-pregnen-3-one by rainbow trout ovarian follicles

Rainbow trout ovarian follicles were incubated in vitro with tritiated 17,20-dihydroxy-4-pregnen-3-one (17,20-P; maturation-inducing steroid). Within 18–24 h, 56–66% had been converted to tritiated 17,20-dihydroxy-4-pregnen-3-one 20-sulfate (identification confirmed by HPLC) and 27% had been taken up (absorbed) by the follicles. Addition of 125 ng of cold (non-tritiated) 17,20-P to the incubations caused a decrease in the percentage of [³H]-17,20-P which was sulfated (56% 10%) and an increase in the percentage that was taken up (27% 57%). Seven steroids were tested for their effectiveness in decreasing the sulfation and increasing the uptake of tritiated [³H]-17,20-P. The order of effectiveness was in both cases the same: 17,20-P > cortisol > 11-deoxycortisol > 17,20,21-trihydroxy-4-pregnen-3-one > 17-hydroxy-4-pregnene-3,20-dione > 17-estradiol > testosterone. This indicated that the processes of sulfation and uptake of [³H]-17,20-P were related to each other and led to the hypothesis that, when cold 17,20-P is added to the medium, it reduces the proportion of [³H]-17,20-P which is sulfated and thus allows more free [³H]-17,20-P to enter the ovarian follicles. This hypothesis was supported by the finding that each ovarian follicle had the capacity in vitro to sulfate only ca. 2 ng of [³H]-17,20-P per 18h but a capacity to take up > 500 ng per 18h.Gonadotropin I, Gonadotropin II, forskolin and phorbol-12-myristate-13-acetate (which all have an affect on steroid biosynthesis) did not affect the amount of 17,20-P which was sulfated. Sulfating activity was localized in the thecal cell layer of the follicle. The yolk fraction was shown to be responsible for absorbing the [³H]-17,20-P.     

Effects of Varying Dietary Fatty Acid Composition on Growth and Survival of Seahorse, Hippocampus Sp., Juveniles

Three commercially available fatty acid enrichment emulsions (DC Selco, DC DHA Selco and DC Super Selco) were used to enrich Artemia nauplii fed to seahorse, Hippocampus sp. fry. The emulsions varied in their n-3 highly unsaturated fatty acid (HUFA) composition. Total n-3 HUFA content ranged from 200 to 450mgg^-1 between the three emulsions while levels of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA, 20:5n-3) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA, 22:6n-3) ranged between 47–220 and 80–190mgg^-1, respectively. Survival and growth of seahorses at the end of the 30 day growth trial were greater in treatments receiving enriched Artemia. Seahorses receiving Artemia enriched with DC DHA Selco and DC Super Selco showed significantly (p < 0.05) greater mean survival (71.6 ± 6.0% and 78.3 ± 6.0%, respectively) than those receiving unenriched Artemia (48.3 ± 6.0%). Mean standard length was also significantly greater (p < 0.05) in fry fed DC DHA Selco and DC Super Selco enriched Artemia (20.2 ± 0.3 and 19.7 ± 0.3mm, respectively) compared to those fed unenriched Artemia (18.1 ± 0.3mm). The results show that dietary n-3 HUFA are essential for optimal growth and survival of Hippocampus sp. and, based on the fatty acid compositions of the enriched Artemia used in this study, indicate that the level of dietary DHA supporting optimal growth and survival is greater than 9.3mgDHAg^-1 dry weight.     

Protein kinase C in the spleen of the turbot (Scophthalmus maximus L.)

PKC activity was detected in spleen extracts from the turbot, Scophthalmus maximus, a teleost flatfish that is farmed commercially in several countries, in assays with the substrate EGF- R651–658 as phosphate acceptor. The activity was purified about 700-fold by a three-step chromatographic procedure (DEAE-cellulose, phenyl-Sepharose and threonine-Sepharose). Maximal activity was obtained in the presence of the typical PKC cofactors Ca2+ (0.1 mM) PtdS (20 g ml–1) and either DAG (2 g ml–1) or PMA (2 g ml–1). Activity was dose-dependently inhibited by H7 and by the PKC-specific inhibitors PKC19–36 and N-myristoylated PKC19–31. The rate of phosphorylation was highest with the PKC-specific substrate MARCKS161–175. In immunoblotting, MC5 (a mouse monoclonal antibody raised against bovine PKC) recognized bands of 80 and 100 kDa. Immunoblotting with antibodies raised against mouse PKC isozymes (, , , , , , and ) indicated the presence of all these isozymes in turbot spleen.     

The nature of hematological response in fish

Hematological status was examined in rainbow trout,Oncorhynchus mykiss, held for 3–4 weeks under temperature, photoperiod and P_{O 2} conditions approximating those of their winter, spring and summer habitats. The most striking change observed was in red cell population composition. In winter fish mature cells were predominant; juvenile and developing erythrocytes characterized spring and summer animals. Hemoglobin, hematocrit and both mean erythrocytic volume and hemoglobin were modestly lower in spring and summer than in winter fish. Red cell numbers were not significantly affected. These observations suggest that avoidance of viscosity-based increases in circulatory work cost is more advantageous than elevation of blood O₂-carrying capacity. Although hemoglobin isomorph profiles were significantly altered, there is little evidence that such changes are of critical adaptive importance. Given presumed age-based reduction in gas transport effectiveness, the replacement of mature and senescent cells by more metabolically-competent juvenile cells appears to be the pivotal event in hematological response. Leucocyte counts were significantly elevated in spring and summer as compared to winter fish. Lymphocyte/heterophil ratios declined from 8.27 in winter fish to 3.13 in summer trout. Thrombocyte, monocyte, eosinophil and basophil abundances were little changed.     

Current forces on,and water flow through and around,floating fish farms

The wake generated by a screen or a net is analysed by the linear free-wake equations in conjunction with an eddy viscosity formulation. The behaviour of the near and far-field wake is investigated, and a relationship between the drag coefficient and the wake velocity is derived. A method for calculating the current forces experienced by the net structure and the resulting deformation is derived and compared with model tests. The effects of the wake behaviour and the deformation of the net cages, on the design and operation of floating fish farms are discussed and some recommendations are given.Nomenclature A Area of a net panel - dA Area of a portion of a net panel - A ^N Area of the net panel normal to the flow direction - A ^P Area of the net panel parallel to the flow direction - C_D,i Drag coefficient of thei ^th cylinder - C_D() Drag coefficient as function of the angle between the normal to the net and flow direction - C_L() Lift coefficient as function of the angle between the normal to the net and flow direction - D Diameter - D _i Diameter of thei ^th cylinder - DO Dissolved oxygen concentration - F _D Drag force - F _L Lift force - H Heaviside function - L Width of net panel - l _i Length of thei ^th cylinder - N Number of cylinders - N _i Number of cylinders in y-direction - N _j Number of cylinders in z-direction - N _N Number of cages in direction normal to the flow - N _C Number of cages in direction of the flow - r=u/U Velocity reduction factor - Rn=U*D/v Reynolds number - Sn Solidity ratio, defined as the ratio between the area covered by the threads and the total area of the net panel - t Time - U Current or free flow velocity - u ₁=U–u Velocity defect - u=U–u ₁ Wake velocity - x,y,z Cartesian coordinate system or field point for calculation of velocity - x _i ,y _i ,z _i Source point on screen element - Angle between the flow direction and the normal vector to the net, in the direction of the flow - Eddy viscosity - Mesh size - Kinematic viscosity - Density of water - Error function - Partial differential operator - Infinity