Relationships between individual movement,trophic position and growth of juvenile pike (Esox lucius)

Variation in movement between individuals can have important ecological effects on populations and ecosystems, yet the factors driving differences in movement and their consequences remain poorly understood. Here, individual variability in the movements of juvenile (age 0 +  and 1 +  year) pike Esox lucius was assessed using passive integrated transponder (PIT) telemetry in off‐channel nursery areas over a 26‐ month period. Differences in the movement patterns of individuals were tested against their body sizes, ages, growth rates and trophic positions using data collected through a combination of catch‐and‐release sampling and stable isotope analyses. Results revealed that variation in movement between individuals was affected by age, with 1 +  individuals moving more than individuals of age 0 + , but not length. Individuals whose TP was low on their initial capture event moved significantly less than those with a higher initial TP. Individuals that moved more grew faster and achieved a higher final TP. These results suggest that higher activity (i.e., increased movement) increases resource acquisition that enhances growth rates, which could ultimately maximise individual performances.     

白膜、黑膜全年覆盖下的土壤水、热、盐变化

地膜覆盖因能有效地增温保墒增产而在黄土丘陵区旱作农林生产中广泛应用。为明确不同薄膜覆盖的差异以及连续覆膜条件下的土壤水热盐变化特征,于2015年7月1日—2017年6月30日在陕北米脂进行野外连续覆膜定位观测,试验设裸地(CK)、白色薄膜(WF)与黑色薄膜(BF)3种处理,利用GS3仪器监测0～150cm深度的土壤水分、温度和电导率。结果表明:1)连续覆盖两年后,两种覆膜处理平均土壤含水量为16.9%, CK为13.6%,土壤储水量分别达314.56mm、204.44mm,具体表现为土壤含水量BF在0～15cm高于WF(P0.05),15～30cm低于WF(P0.05); 0～150 cm, WF和BF总储水量差异不显著,与CK差异显著(P0.05);在作物生育期覆膜平均较CK提高储水量60.8 mm。2)膜覆盖下近地面日温差WF大于BF, 0～150 cm,两种覆膜周年土壤平均温度无显著差异,较CK高1.3℃(P0.05);气温较高条件下WF比BF、CK缩短冻融时间分别达8d和24d,WF更有利于土壤解冻和早春土壤增温。3)周年土壤表层盐分高,其中0～30 cm土层电导率为BFWFCK, 30～50 cm土层为WFBFCK,但土壤总体盐分较低,无土壤盐渍化趋势, 50 cm以下3种处理盐分没有差异。综合而言, WF较BF更能提高表层土壤温度, BF较WF更能提高表层土壤水分,覆膜保墒增温,延长作物生长时间。研究成果可为黄土丘陵区旱作农业覆膜应用提供土壤水热盐调控依据,也为果园和林地常年连续覆膜提供参考。     

Comparing the behavioural thermoregulation response to heat stress by Atlantic salmon parr (Salmo salar) in two rivers

Climate change is expected to increase the frequency and magnitude of extreme thermal events in rivers. The Little Southwest Miramichi River (LSWM) and the Ouelle River (OR) are two Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) rivers located in eastern Canada, where in recent years, water temperatures have exceeded known thermal limits (~23°C). Once temperature surpasses this threshold, juvenile salmon exploit thermal heterogeneity to behaviourally thermoregulate, forming aggregations in coolwater refuges. This study aimed to determine whether the behavioural thermoregulation response is universal across rivers, arising from common thermal cues. We detailed the temperature and discharge patterns of two geographically distinct rivers from 2010 to 2012 and compared these with aggregation onset temperature. PIT telemetry and snorkelling were used to confirm the presence of aggregations. Mean daily maximum temperature in 2010 was significantly greater in the OR versus the LSWM (p = 0.005), but not in other years (p = 0.090–0.353). Aggregations occurred on 14 and 9 occasions in the OR and LSWM respectively. Temperature at onset of aggregation was significantly greater in the OR (T_onset = 28.3°C) than in the LSWM (T_onset = 27.3°C; p = 0.049). Logistic regression models varied by river and were able to predict the probability of aggregation based on the preceding number of hours >23°C (R² = 0.61 & 0.65; P₅₀ = 27.4°C & 28.9°C; in the OR and LSWM respectively). These results imply the preceding local thermal regime may influence behaviour and indicate a degree of phenotypic plasticity, illustrating a need for localised management strategies.     

Movement behaviour of large female yellow European eel (Anguilla anguilla L.) in a freshwater polder area

Due to a recruitment decline of more than 90% in 30 years, the European eel (Anguilla anguilla L.) has been classified by IUCN as critically endangered. Although the species has been studied intensively to obtain knowledge to improve management, studies about the resident yellow stage are relatively scarce. In this study, 52 large female yellow eels were tagged with acoustic transmitters in a Belgian polder system and tracked by a network of 23 automatic listening stations. We studied both circadian and seasonal movement patterns and the effect of environmental variables on these patterns. Large female yellow eels were most active at night in late summer and early autumn. A generalised linear mixed model showed that their movement is only slightly influenced by environmental variables. Moreover, as yellow eels show high site fidelity (i.e., the majority was detected only in the habitat type of their catch‐release location), they do not encounter many human‐induced connectivity problems in polder systems, which makes these systems highly suitable as eel growth habitat. These results can contribute to an effective eel management regarding habitat protection and restoration.     

水稻秧盘育秧制浆刀片匀浆过程分析及其优化设计

针对现阶段水稻秧盘育秧技术中制匀泥浆效率低下的问题,采用正交设计方法、计算流体动力学数值模拟和试验分析,对不同参数刀片在水田中匀浆作业时的匀浆效果和功率损耗进行研究。结果表明:1)单刀切削幅宽为影响泥浆运动速度和功率损耗的最大因素,折弯角影响不明显;2)当刀片滑切角为50°,折弯角为115°,单刀切削幅宽为60 mm时,刀片匀浆效果好;当滑切角为30°,折弯角为135°,单刀切削幅宽为20 mm时,功率损耗小;3)刀片中心面处和刀片折弯侧0.1 m处刀片打匀泥浆效果良好;4)功率损耗仿真值与试验值平均相对误差为12.16%,在可接受范围内。     

Using knowledge of behaviour and optic physiology to improve fish passage through culverts

Culverts reduce connectivity for aquatic animals by being both a hydraulic and physical barrier. However, altered light intensity may also be a behavioural barrier to fish movement, especially for diurnal species that have adapted to moving when it is light. We propose that knowledge of optical physiology and fish behaviour, two important mechanisms underpinning movement, can inform efforts to improve fish movement through culverts. We firstly review the sensory systems of fish with reference to visual sense and explore how this affects fish movement. We then highlight theoretical knowledge that can help us understand fish behaviour and the potential mismatch between the conditions under which fish have evolved and altered conditions within culverts. We describe potential knowledge gaps and directions for future research to improve our understanding of how culverts may affect fish movement. Finally, we explore the potential costs and ecological benefits of different mitigation options to identify those with the most promise for managing the light environment in culverts to facilitate movement. For researchers and managers exploring this subject, we suggest an approach that: (a) identifies light requirements for movement by different species, (b) tests movement under different light conditions and (c) considers an integrative assessment method for testing fish behaviour around culverts. Understanding how optical physiology, fish behaviour and culvert design influence fish movement can improve connectivity for a range of species.     

Variation in juvenile steelhead (Oncorhynchus mykiss) dispersal in relation to age and growth performance

Volitional dispersal is a ubiquitous strategy characteristic of species across major faunal groups. Dispersal during the juvenile life stage is of interest because early performance can be critical for determining future success (survival/reproduction). For salmonids, dispersal can influence local density, competition, individual growth and survival, though drivers of dispersal at meso-scales are rarely quantified. Here, we evaluate dispersal of tagged juvenile steelhead (Oncorhynchus mykiss) through habitat units in extended stream reaches (500 m) at sites across a watershed from July to October 2017. Our aim was to quantify the frequency and spatial extent of dispersal, identify links to biotic and abiotic factors, evaluate the implications for individual growth and test for associations between dispersal and migration initiation. Dispersal rates varied between sites, but were consistently higher for age 1+ than for age 0 steelhead (avg. 21% vs. 6% respectively). Age 1+ dispersal probability was positively correlated with time between recapture events and body mass, and negatively correlated with growth rate, maximum temperature experienced and age 1+ density. At sites where there appeared to be growth benefits to remaining sedentary compared to moving, proportionally fewer fish performed dispersal. We found no links between dispersal and timing or probability of migration initiation the following spring. Our results support the hypothesis that although dispersal over intermediate scales (10–1,000 m) might be rare, it could be an important strategy that permits fish to seek out better opportunities (foraging, shelter or otherwise) in underutilised areas.     

Patterns of fish movement at a desert river confluence

Quantifying fish movements in river networks helps identify critical habitat needs and how they change with environmental conditions. Some of the challenges in tracking fish movements can be overcome with the use of passive integrated transponder (PIT) tagging and antennas. We used PIT technology to test predictions of movement behaviour for four fish species at a mainstem–tributary confluence zone in an arid‐land river system. Specifically, we focused on the McElmo Creek tributary confluence with the San Juan River in south‐western Utah, USA. We quantified variation in species occurrences at this confluence zone from May 2012 to December 2015 relative to temporal and environmental conditions. We considered occurrences among species relative to tagging origins (tributary versus mainstem), season and time of day. Generally, fishes tagged in the focal tributary were more likely to be detected compared to fish tagged in the mainstem river or other tributaries. Additionally, adults were most likely to be detected across multiple years compared to subadults. Based on a Random Forests model, the best performing environmental variables for predicting seasonal detections included mainstem discharge during run‐off season (razorback sucker Xyrauchen texanus), tributary discharge during monsoon season (Colorado pikeminnow Ptychocheilus lucius) and mainstem water temperature (flannelmouth sucker Catostomus latipinnis and channel catfish Ictalurus punctatus). The variable responses by endemic and introduced fishes indicate tributary habitats provide several key functions within a fish community including spawning, rearing, foraging and refuge.     

利用酵母双杂交系统筛选与草莓镶脉病毒移动蛋白P1互作的寄主因子

 构建感染草莓镶脉病毒(SVBV)森林草莓的酵母cDNA文库,利用酵母双杂交系统,筛选出与SVBV P1蛋白互作的15种寄主因子。生物信息学分析发现,这15种寄主因子参与茉莉酸途径、泛素化、光合作用、抗病抗逆、蛋白修饰、蛋白运输和氧化还原等多种生物过程。另外,这些寄主因子还具有其他分子功能,包括氧化还原酶活性、蛋白二硫化物异构酶活性和金属离子结合活性等。本研究初步探讨了P1与寄主因子的互作机理,为揭示SVBV侵染森林草莓以及SVBV在寄主中扩展的分子机制提供理论依据。     

振动与波浪二级分离马铃薯收获机改进

针对当前马铃薯机械化收获环节存在的破皮率和伤薯率较高等问题,通过设置振动分离段和波浪分离段、基于振动与波浪二级分离改进了一种马铃薯收获机,并分析了振动与波浪二级分离条件下的分离筛及薯块运动特征。单因素试验表明,收获速度为0.726 m/s时,单位时间内挖掘的薯土混合物较少,易导致薯块疲劳累积损伤,当收获速度为1.167m/s时分离筛的分离负担加大,土壤和杂质分离效率降低,导致明薯率下降;分离筛运行速度从1.52提高至2.80 m/s时,破皮率和伤薯率呈先降低后增大的趋势,但明薯率自99.8%下降至96.4%;振动强度由无振动增加到强烈振动时,明薯率提高3.3%,但破皮率和伤薯率均有较大幅度的增加;峰谷高差自40~40 mm增大到200~200 mm时,明薯率由97.2%升高至99.8%,但其破皮率和伤薯率均有所升高。正交试验表明:破皮率和伤薯率受收获速度和振动强度的影响规律基本一致;收获速度和振动强度对破皮率和伤薯率的影响较显著(P0.05),振动强度和峰谷高差对明薯率的影响较显著(P0.05)。该文为马铃薯收获机的研发优化以及薯土分离效率和收获品质的综合控制提供了技术参考。