Experimental study on the effect of waves on netting panels at a range of angles to the wave direction

The effect of horizontal waves on flexible netting panels placed at angles to the wave direction is studied with the aim of evaluating the testing method of pre-tensioned mooring and radial systems and flexible netting structures. The netting was hung on a frame at a specific hanging ratio for ten types of polyethylene panels. Regular waves were experimentally generated with a wave period varying from 0.8 to 2.0 s and wave height ranging from 50 to 250 mm. The force on the netting structure was recorded by a tension transducer and a digital signal recorder. The results showed that the horizontal wave force on the netting panel changed periodically and asymmetrically when it was back and left or right declinate to the wave direction; similar results were found for the surface wave elevation. The opposite results were obtained when the sloping angle declinated front to the wave direction, with two obvious crests during each period. The horizontal wave force was related to the height and width of the netting panel, wave height, wave length, twine diameter, bar length of the mesh, and sloping angle relative to the wave direction. Using dual series relations, the least square approximation, and multiple stepwise regression analysis, the formula for estimating the maximum value of the wave force on the netting was obtained.     

Microsatellite multiplex panels for population genetic analysis of red sea bream <Emphasis Type="Italic">Pagrus major</Emphasis>

In this study, multiplex PCR panels were developed to amplify 20 microsatellite markers for red sea bream, Pagrus major, with the aim of reducing labor and material costs associated with genetic analysis of this species. The usefulness of these panels was validated in 200 fish collected at five sampling locations. The occurrence of null alleles was suggested at five markers, which were dropped from further analysis. The remaining 15 microsatellite loci showed high levels of heterozygosity (H _E range 0.34–0.97, H _O range 0.32–1) and a wide range in the number of alleles per locus (A; range 5–46). Increasing the number of microsatellite loci from three to ten and 15 improved the performance of the panels for population differentiation (F _ST) and estimation of Nei’s (D _S) genetic distance. The results of this study confirm the usefulness of genotyping a large number of microsatellite DNA markers to expand our knowledge of red sea bream population genetics.     

Drag force acting on biofouled net panels

Measurements were made to assess the increase in drag on aquaculture cage netting due to biofouling. Drag force was obtained by towing net panels, perpendicular to the incident flow, in experiments conducted in a tow tank and in the field. The net panels were fabricated from netting stretched within a 1 m² pipe frame. They were towed at various speeds, and drag force was measured using a bridle-pulley arrangement terminating in a load cell. The frame without netting was also drag tested so that net-only results could be obtained by subtracting out the frame contribution. Measurements of drag force and velocity were processed to yield drag coefficients.Clean nets were drag tested in the University of New Hampshire (UNH) 36.5 m long tow tank. Nets were then exposed to biofouling during the summer of 2004 at the UNH open ocean aquaculture demonstration site 1.6 km south of the Isles of Shoals, New Hampshire, U.S.A. Nine net panels were recovered on 6 October 2004 and immediately drag tested at sea to minimize disturbing the fouling communities. The majority of the growth was skeleton shrimp (Caprella sp.) with some colonial hydroids (Tubularia sp.), blue mussels (Mytilus edulus) and rock borer clams (Hiatella actica). Since the deployment depth was 15 m (commensurate with submerged cages at the site), no algae were present. The net panels had been subject to several different antifouling treatments, so the extent of growth varied amongst the panels. Drag force measurements were made using a bridle-pulley-load cell configuration similar to that employed in the tow tank. Fixtures and instruments were mounted on an unpowered catamaran that was towed alongside a workboat. Thus, the catamaran served as the “carriage” for field measurements.Increases in net-only drag coefficient varied from 6 to 240% of the clean net values. The maximum biofouled net drag coefficient was 0.599 based on net outline area. Biofouled drag coefficients generally increased with solidity (projected area of blockage divided by outline area) and volume of growth. There was, however, considerable scatter attributed in part to different mixes of species present.     

Morphometric relationship of weight and size of cultured freshwater pearl mussel, Hyriopsis (Limnoscapha) myersiana, under laboratory conditions and earthen pond phases

The freshwater pearl mussel, Hyriopsis (Limnoscapha) myersiana (Lea, 1856), was cultured in the laboratory (0–120 days old), in an earthen pond in acrylic containers (120–270 days old) and in pocket nets with frames (270–360 days old). Measurements were taken of the length–height and the total body weight–size (shell length, shell height and shell width). It was found that the length–height in each period of culture showed a linear relationship and that the shell height increased as the shell length increased, along with the same linear relationship. When statistical analyses were performed, this linear regression line consisted of three distinct lines (P < 0.01). The general morphometric relationships between the length and height of mussels grown in the laboratory, in acrylic containers and in pocket nets were Log H = −0.147 + 0.828Log L, Log H = −0.211 + 0.909Log L and Log H = −0.264 + 0.951Log L, respectively. The relationship between the total body weight–size in different culture phases was a positive allometric equation and the two curved lines were not the same (P < 0.01). The general morphometric relationships between the length and the total body weight of the mussels cultured in acrylic containers and pocket nets were Log W = −3.747 + 2.674Log L and Log W = −4.149 + 2.976Log L, respectively. Such measurements are useful in the management of different culture phases of H. (L.) myersiana.     

Growth,diet, and reproduction of Eurasian perch <Emphasis Type="Italic">Perca fluviatilis</Emphasis> L. in Lake Varese,northwestern Italy

No data have previously been reported on Eurasian perch Perca fluviatilis L. in Lake Varese. In this study, the growth, diet, and reproductive biology of the Eurasian perch population were investigated with the aim of providing information that may serve as a basis for efficient resource management. A total of 240 specimens were caught during the monthly sampling campaign from November 2006 through October 2008. The length-to-weight relationships were W _t = 8.4 × 10⁻³ L _t^3.10 (males) and W _t = 4.1 × 10⁻³ L _t^3.36 (females). The parameters for the von Bertalanffy growth function for pooled sexes were L _∞  = 33.17 cm, k = 0.20 year⁻¹, and t ₀ = −1.34 year. Perch in Lake Varese spawn from April through May. Sexual maturity is reached when males are 2 years old, in females mostly when they are 3 years old. Relative fecundity (F _rel) and absolute fecundity (F _abs) were assessed for females. Fecundity values were similar to data reported for other European populations: females of age 2+ F _rel = 102,457 ± 12,275, age 3+ F _rel = 131,767 ± 5,891, and age 4+ F _rel = 131,252 ± 15,555. Perch diet spectrum was wide and somewhat characterized by season. Perch in Lake Varese feed on macroinvertebrates, mainly Chironomidae and Chaoborus, zooplankton, and juvenile rudd Scardinius erythrophthalmus.     

Growth,salinity tolerance and microsatellite analysis of the F2 reciprocal hybrids of Oreochromis niloticus×Sarotherodon galilaeus at different salinities

Oreochromis niloticus (O), the sixth generation of Genetic Improvement of Farmed Tilapia, shows rapid growth but poor salt tolerance, while Sarotherodon galilaeus (S) exhibits opposite traits. To combine the traits, F₁ progeny was obtained through artificial fertilization. Fertile F₁ produced F₂ by natural spawning. The mean survival times, the median survival time (ST₅₀) or the survival rate of hybrids was greater than O. niloticus in a gradual or an acute salinity change. Plasma osmolarity, [Na⁺] and [Cl^?] of the hybrids fluctuated in 32 g L^?1 water during a 24‐h period, but eventually reached levels similar to fish in freshwater. O. niloticus♀×S. galilaeus♂ (OS F₂) or S. galilaeus♀×O. niloticus♂ (SO F₂) showed the fastest growth at 22.5 g L^?1, equal to about 78.2% or 69.7% of O. niloticus at 0 and 3.87 or 3.45 times that of S. galilaeus at their individual optimum growth. Growth in OS F₂ was 12% faster than SO F₂. Microsatellite analysis showed that F₂ had more alleles, a higher polymorphism information content and greater observed and expected heterozygosity than O. or S. Population differentiation was not detected between F₁ and F₂. All the results indicated that F₂ could be exploited for commercial production under saline conditions.     

Effects of frequency and amplitude of salinity fluctuation on the growth and energy budget of juvenile Litopenaeus vannamei (Boone)

The effects of salinity fluctuation on the growth, intermoult period and energy budget of juvenile Litopenaeus vannamei were investigated. Salinity fluctuation regimes were set in different frequencies of 2, 4 and 8 days and different amplitudes of ±2, ±5 and ±10 g L^?1 from a control salinity of 20 g L^?1. After a 48‐day feeding trial, the intermoult period of shrimp became shorter with increasing amplitude and frequency of salinity fluctuation (P<0.05). Both the frequency and the amplitude of salinity fluctuation had a significant effect on the growth rate of L. vannamei juveniles (P<0.05). At the frequency of 4 days, the highest growth rates occurred at amplitudes of 5–10 g L^?1, whereas the growth rate was the lowest at 10 g L^?1 when the frequency was reduced to 2 days. Feed intake (FI) and assimilation efficiency (AE) of shrimp were also significantly affected by the salinity fluctuation (P<0.05) and matched the growth rate response. The energy expenditures for growth (G), respiration (R), excretion (U) and exuviae (E) to the energy consumed as food (C) were not affected by salinity fluctuation. However, salinity fluctuation significantly affected the percentage of C as faeces (F), with the lowest value occurring at salinity amplitudes of 5–10 g L^?1 and frequencies of 4–8 days. Therefore, salinity fluctuations (every 4 days by ±5–10 g L^?1) result in higher growth rates than constant salinity conditions (20 g L^?1) through greater FI, enhanced feed assimilation and reduced faecal energy loss.     

利用微卫星荧光多重PCR技术分析壳白长牡蛎3代人工选育群体的遗传多样性

为了探讨壳白长牡蛎人工选育对群体遗传变异的影响,实验利用4个多重PCR组合共10个微卫星标记分析了连续3代壳白长牡蛎人工选育群体和野生群体及基础群体的遗传多样性。结果发现,6个群体的平均等位基因数量为7.2~12.6,等位基因丰度为6.8~11.0,期望和观测杂合度分别为0.672~0.769和0.486~0.542;与野生群体相比,3代选育群体的平均等位基因数显著降低,但平均期望杂合度并无显著差异。哈迪—温伯格平衡检验结果显示,在60个群体—位点组合中有39个群体—位点组合显著偏离哈迪—温伯格平衡,近交系数F_(is)范围为0.215~0.342。群体间遗传分化指数F_(st)范围为0.005~0.076,处于中—低等的遗传分化水平。研究表明,虽然连续选育对群体的遗传多样性和遗传分化造成了一定程度的影响,但人工选育群体依然表现为较高的遗传多样性,仍可以一定的选择压力对选育群体进行人工选育。     

Effects of dietary astaxanthin source and light manipulation on the skin colour of Australian snapper Pagrus auratus (Bloch & Schneider, 1801)

Two experiments were conducted with Australian snapper Pagrus auratus (Bloch and Schneider, 1801). The first was aimed at determining the dietary level of astaxanthin that improved skin redness (CIE a^*values) of farm‐reared snapper. Farmed snapper (ca. 600 g) fed a commercial diet without carotenoids were moved to indoor tanks and fed the same diet supplemented with 0, 36 or 72 mg astaxanthin kg^?1 (unesterified form as Carophyll Pink?) for nine weeks. Skin redness (CIE a^* values) continued to decrease over time in fish fed the diet without astaxanthin. Snapper fed the diet containing 72 mg astaxanthin kg^?1 were significantly more red than fish fed the diet with 36 mg astaxanthin kg^?1 three weeks after feeding, but skin redness was similar in both groups of fish after 6 and 9 weeks. The second experiment was designed to investigate the interactive effects of dietary astaxanthin source (unesterified form as Carophyll Pink? or esterified form as NatuRose?; 60 mg astaxanthin kg^?1) and degree of shading (0%, 50% and 95% shading from incident radiation) on skin colour (CIE L^*a^*b^*) and skin and fillet astaxanthin content of farmed snapper (ca. 800 g) held in 1 m³ floating cages. After 116 days, there were no significant interactions between dietary treatment and degree of shading for L^*, a^* or b^* skin colour values or the concentration of astaxanthin in the skin. Negligible amounts of astaxanthin were recovered from fillet samples. The addition of shade covers significantly increased skin lightness (L^*), possibly by reducing the effect of melanism in the skin, but there was no difference between the lightness of fish held under either 50% or 95% shade cover (P>0.05).     

Biological characteristics of the improved extensive shrimp system in the Mekong delta of Vietnam

Low and unstable shrimp yields of the improved extensive shrimp system has been a tremendous obstacle for economic development in the coastal areas of Southern Vietnam. To investigate the biological characteristics of this system, ponds in the coastal Cai Nuoc district, Mekong delta of Vietnam, were monitored. Results showed that the system was not optimal for shrimp. While chlorophyll a (chl a) (1.51–37.2 μg L^?1), phytoplankton density (6333–974 444 cells L^?1) and zooplankton density (7.1–517.2 ind L^?1) were abundant and comparable to shrimp farms elsewhere, zoobenthic community was very poor (7–1971 ind m^?2). Toxin‐producing cyanobacteria (Oscillatoria limosa, Oscillatoria formosa, Anabaena sp. and Phormidium tenue) were found. Total bacteria and Vibrios were present in large numbers (respectively 1.04 × 10⁵ and 6.64 × 10² CFU mL^?1 in pond water, 6.33 × 10⁵ and 9.47 × 10³ CFU g^?1 in sediment). Presence of toxin‐producing organisms, poor zoobenthic community and abundance of Vibrios all can enhance shrimp susceptibility to diseases. The following measures are recommended to improve the situation: (1) complete testing of seeds for pathogens, (2) not to incorporate fish into shrimp ponds and (3) applying no‐culture breaks and pathogen‐killing chemicals.     

Cage colour and post-harvest K+ concentration affect skin colour of Australian snapper Pagrus auratus (Bloch & Schneider, 1801)

In an attempt to improve post‐harvest skin colour in cultured Australian snapper Pagrus auratus, a two‐factor experiment was carried out to investigate the effects of a short‐term change in cage colour before harvest, followed by immersion in K⁺‐enriched solutions of different concentrations. Snapper supplemented with 39 mg unesterified astaxanthin kg^?1 for 50 days were transferred to black (for 1 day) or white cages (for 1 or 7 days) before euthanasia by immersing fish in seawater ice slurries supplemented with 0, 150, 300, 450 or 600 mmol L^?1 K⁺ for 1 h. Each treatment was replicated with five snapper (mean weight=838 g) held individually within 0.2 m³ cages. L^*, a^* and b^* skin colour values of all fish were measured after removal from K⁺ solutions at 0, 3, 6, 12, 24 and 48 h. After immersion in K⁺ solutions, fish were stored on ice. Both cage colour and K⁺ concentration significantly affected post‐harvest skin colour (P<0.05), and there was no interaction between these factors at any of the measurement times (P>0.05). Conditioning dark‐coloured snapper in white surroundings for 1 day was sufficient to significantly improve skin lightness (L^*) after death. Although there was no difference between skin lightness values for fish held for either 1 or 7 days in white cages at measurement times up to 12 h, fish held in white cages for 7 days had significantly higher L^* values (i.e. they were lighter) after 24 and 48 h of storage on ice than those held only in white cages for 1 day. K⁺ treatment also affected (improved) skin lightness post harvest although not until 24 and 48 h after removal of fish from solutions. Before this time, K⁺ treatment had no effect on skin lightness. Snapper killed by seawater ice slurry darkened (lower L^*) markedly during the first 3 h of storage in contrast with all K⁺ treatments that prevented darkening. After 24 and 48 h of storage on ice, fish exposed to 450 and 600 mmol L^?1 K⁺ were significantly lighter than fish from seawater ice slurries. In addition, skin redness (a^*) and yellowness (b^*) were strongly dependent on K⁺ concentration. The initial decline in response to K⁺ was overcome by a return of a^* and b^* values with time, most likely instigated by a redispersal of erythrosomes in skin erythrophores. Fish killed with 0 mmol L^?1 K⁺ maintained the highest a^* and b^* values after death, but were associated with darker (lower L^*) skin colouration. It is concluded that a combination of conditioning snapper in white surroundings for 1 day before harvest, followed by immersion in seawater ice slurries supplemented with 300–450 mmol L^?1 K⁺ improves skin pigmentation after >24 h of storage on ice.     

Plankton composition and biomass development: a seasonal study of a semi‐intensive outdoor system for rearing of turbot

Plankton food web dynamics were studied during a complete production season in a semi‐intensive land‐based facility for rearing of turbot (Scophthalmus maximus) larvae. The production season was divided into three production cycles of 3–5 weeks. Phytoplankton biomass (using chlorophyll a as biomass proxy) peaked in each production cycle. However, the maximum biomass decreased from spring (18 μg chlorophyll a L^?1) to fall (ca. 7 μg chlorophyll a L^?1), simultaneous with a decline in the concentration of dissolved nitrogen in the inoculating water. During the three production cycles, we observed decreasing copepod nauplii concentration from spring to fall in the rearing tanks. The decreasing nitrogen gave increasing carbon to chlorophyll a ratio in the seston (from 23 in spring to 73 in fall). The pool of free amino acids in seston was constant. We suggest that the decreasing nitrogen input in the inoculating water reduces the quality of the phytoplankton and thus the growth potential of the prey for fish larvae, copepods.     

三角帆蚌紫色选育系1龄阶段内壳色及生长性状的遗传参数估计

采用群体选育辅助种内群体间杂交选育的方法,以内壳色、体质量作为选育性状,经过连续4代的选育获得了紫色选育系F4。本实验以F4为亲本进行繁殖,利用6对微卫星标记,对15个同批繁育的F4母蚌的1龄后代进行亲子鉴定,鉴别出了来自12个父本、15个母本的42个全同胞家系,使用ASREML软件的约束极大似然法对三角帆蚌内壳色及生长性状进行了遗传参数分析。结果显示,内壳色颜色参数L*、a*、b*、dE*的遗传力分别为0.31±0.22、0.11±0.08、0.36±0.18、0.29±0.19,L*、a*、b*之间的遗传相关和表型相关均较低,范围为0.08~0.47和0.04~0.32,L*与dE*相关性最大,遗传相关为-0.94±0.06,表型相关为-0.96±0.01;生长性状壳长、壳高、壳宽、体质量和壳重的遗传力分别为0.24±0.19、0.37±0.27、0.26±0.16、0.26±0.17、0.31±0.19,各性状间遗传相关和表型相关均为正相关,分别为0.71~0.92、0.66~0.94;颜色参数与生长性状的遗传相关和表型相关均很低,为0.02~0.18。三角帆蚌紫色选育系1龄阶段内壳色和生长性状的遗传力多为中高水平,对其继续进行遗传改良预期能够获得良好遗传进展。内壳色与生长性状的相关度很低,无法实现相互选择,体质量与其他生长性状相关均较紧密,表明将内壳色、体质量作为目标性状进行同步选育的方法合理,可实现同时改良壳色及生长性能的目的。     

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     

Effects of exploitation on age, growth and mortality of the blackspot snapper, Lutjanus fulviflamma, at Mafia Island, Tanzania

Abstract Estimates of the growth parameters (L_∞ and K), mortality coefficients (Z, M and F) and exploitation rate (E) for the blackspot snapper, Lutjanus fulviflamma (Forsskål) from the Mafia Island Marine Park (MIMP) and adjacent intensively fished areas in Tanzania were determined. Sectioned otoliths showed that L. fulviflamma in the MIMP attained a maximum age of 18 years, with a high proportion of fish between 6 and 10 years old. The maximum age was 8 years in the intensively fished areas, with a preponderance of 2‐ and 4‐year‐old fish. The size structures of the populations in the MIMP and that in the intensively fished areas were markedly different, with the MIMP fish averaging (±SE) 211.4 ± 0.38 mm TL, but 154.6 ± 0.32 mm TL in the intensively fished areas. The von Bertalanffy growth parameters were L_∞ = 290.3 mm TL, K = 0.15 year^?1 and t₀ = ?2.7 years. There was no significant difference in growth between the four populations (L_∞: F‐stat = 0.14, P = 1.000, and K: F‐stat = 0.26, P = 0.992). Total mortality was 0.55 and 1.64 year^?1 in the MIMP and intensively fished areas, respectively, natural mortality 0.27 year^?1 and fishing mortality 0.18 and 1.37 year^?1 in the MIMP and intensively fished areas, respectively. The exploitation rate was 0.51 and 0.84 in the MIMP and intensively fished areas, respectively. The artisanal seine net fishery is directed mainly at younger fish in the intensively fished areas resulting in growth overfishing. The protracted life span, the slow growth and natural mortality rates imply that L. fulviflamma is vulnerable to overfishing and that the protection provided by the park, although limited, is vital for sustaining the fishery at Mafia Island.     

Reproductive biology of pink dentex Dentex gibbosus (Rafinesque) from the Adriatic Sea, Croatia

A 4‐year study (May 1997–December 2000) of the reproductive biology of pink dentex Dentex gibbosus (Rafinesque) from the Adriatic Sea revealed that this species is a rudimentary hermaphrodite. The smallest mature males and females captured were 38.70 cm in total length (T_L) and 39.80 cm in total length (T_L) respectively. The von Bertalanffy growth parameters estimated for the entire population were: L_∞=107.24, K=0.12 and t₀=−0.90. Fifty per cent of the population were sexually mature at 41.50 cm T_L, while 100% of the specimens were sexually mature at 57.00 cm T_L. Both monthly gonadosomatic index and macroscopically determined gonad stages strongly indicate that the pink dentex from the Adriatic Sea spawn partially in August, September and October. The mean value of absolute fecundity (F) was 1672 × 10⁶ eggs. The results of great fertility of the pink dentex, partial spawning and relatively late sexual maturation suggest that the pink dentex has a high potential for commercial culture.     

Age and growth of Gerres sp. (Perciformes: Gerreidae) in Okinawa Island of Southern Japan

A total of 518 Gerres sp. were collected around Okinawa Island, Japan, from November 2002 to July 2005, with monthly sampling where the standard length of females (n=218) were 56.2–147.1 mm, and males (n=149) were 62.2–139.4 mm. The maximum ages observed for females were 5⁺ years and males were 4⁺ years, estimated by transverse sectioned sagittal otoliths. Mean marginal increment indicated that opaque rings were formed once a year during April to July. The standard length (SL; mm) — body wet weight (BW; g) relationships were described as BW=(3.26×10⁻⁵) SL^2.97 and BW=(3.13×10⁻⁵) SL ^2.98 for females and males, respectively, and the standard length at age described by von Bertalanffy growth function for females, L _t=137.1(1−e^{−0.80[t+0.80]}) and males, L _t=127.3(1−e^{−0.82[t+0.93]}).     

Short-term physiological response of the Pacific oyster, Crassostrea gigas, on exposure to varying levels of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon

In the present study, we investigate the short‐term adaptive physiological strategies to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) of Pacific oysters, Crassostrea gigas, by exposing the oysters to varying levels of PAH (0, 50, 100 and 200 μg L⁻¹) for 7 days with a 3‐day acclimation period under laboratory conditions. The filtration rate (FR) and respiration rate (R) increased significantly at 50 μg L⁻¹ PAH and decreased at 100 and 200 μg L⁻¹ compared with the control. The absorption efficiency (Abs. eff.) was significantly impaired at 200 μg L⁻¹ PAH. Ammonia excretion (E) increased with increasing PAH levels, with a significant elevation at 200 μg L⁻¹. Although a significantly elevated FR was observed, oysters exposed to 50 μg L⁻¹ PAH showed scope for growth (SFG) similar to the control. This indicates that even at nominal levels, PAH contamination is a possible cause of reduced oyster production because of increased food demand. The oysters exposed to 200 μg L⁻¹ PAH showed negative SFG values, which could be a possible cause of growth stagnation or even mortality when the exposure is chronic.     

Algal density alleviates the elevated CO2‐caused reduction on growth of Porphyra haitanensis (Bangiales,Rhodophyta), a species farmed in China

Growing of Pyropia haitanensis, a commercially farmed macroalga, usually increases their densities greatly during cultivation in natural habitats. To explore how the increased algal densities affect their photosynthetic responses to rising CO₂, we compared the growth, cell components and photosynthesis of the thalli of P. haitanensis under a matrix of pCO₂ levels (ambient CO₂, 400 ppm; elevated CO₂, 1,000 ppm) and biomass densities [low, 1.0 g fresh weight (FW) L^?1; medium, 2.0 g FW L^?1; high, 4.0 g FW L^?1]. Under ambient CO₂, the relative growth rate (RGR) was 5.87% d^?1, 2.32% d^?1 and 1.51% d^?1 in low, medium and high densities, and elevated CO₂ reduced the RGR by 27%, 25% and 12% respectively. Maximal photochemical quantum yield of photosystem II (F_V/F_M) was higher in low than in high densities, so were the light‐utilized efficiency (α), saturation irradiance (E_K) and maximum relative electron transfer rate (rETR_max). Elevated CO₂ enhanced the F_V/F_M in low density but not in higher densities, as well as the α, E_K and rETR_max. In addition, elevated CO₂ reduced the content of chlorophyll a and enhanced that of carotenoids, but unaffected phycoerythrin, phycocyanin and soluble proteins. Our results indicate that the increased algal densities reduced both the growth and the photosynthesis of P. haitanensis and alleviated the elevated CO₂‐induced negative impact on growth and positive impact on photosynthesis. Moreover, the elevated CO₂‐induced reduction on growth and promotion on photosynthesis indicates that rising CO₂ may enhance the loss of photosynthetic products of P. haitanensis through releasing organic matters.     

Histological evidence of accumulation of iron in postlarvae of red abalone,Haliotis rufescens

The effect of iron on abalone postlarvae (Haliotis rufescens) was investigated in a controlled‐culturing system. Three iron concentrations (0.15, 1.5 and 15 mg L^?1 of Fe) and a control (no iron added) were used to culture H. rufescens postlarvae while being fed the diatom Navicula inserta over 10 days. Results indicate that H. rufescens postlarvae accumulate iron granules in the stomach, digestive gland and mantle, but not in the gills or other tissues. The number and diameter of iron granules in tissues increased with increasing iron concentration in the culturing environment. The iron accumulation is assumed to have been acquired in the digestive system through the iron‐enriched diatom feed and in the mantle through subcutaneous iron transfer. The lack of iron granules in the gills suggests that iron is not absorbed through the respiratory system, as is the case for many filter feeding bivalves. Exposure to the highest iron concentration (15 mg L^?1) resulted in tissue abnormalities where granules accumulated, and may have significantly affected the health of H. rufescens postlarvae. These findings provide valuable information for the regulation of appropriate iron levels within aquaculture settings and highlights the importance of monitoring iron levels within abalone larval culturing environments.