Binding profiles and cytokine-inducing effects of fish rhamnose-binding lectins on Burkitt’s lymphoma Raji cells

Rhamnose-binding lectin (RBL) is one of the animal lectin categories which take part in the innate immune responses of fish. Osmerus lanceolatus lectin (OLL) from shishamo smelt eggs is an RBL composed of two tandem-repeated domains, both of which are considered to be a carbohydrate-recognition domain. SAL, catfish (Silurus asotus) egg RBL composed of three domains, binds to Burkitt’s lymphoma Raji cells through globotriaosylceramide (Gb3) carbohydrate chain and to reduce cell size and growth by altering membrane composition without causing cell death. In this experiment, we tried to compare the binding effects of these two RBLs on Raji cells. Flow cytometric and fluorescence microscopic analyses revealed that OLL also directly bound to and shrunk Raji cells with ten times less reactivity than SAL but reduced cell growth with decreasing cell viability. Anti-Gb3 antibody completely blocked the binding of SAL to Raji cells but not that of OLL. In addition, the direct bindings of OLL and SAL to Raji cells were comparably inhibited by melibiose, but lactose was more effective inhibitor for the binding of OLL than that of SAL. These results suggest that OLL has slightly different cell-binding property compared with SAL and binds not only to Gb3 but also to the other carbohydrate receptor-bearing β-galactoside chains. The quantitative RT-PCR analysis revealed that SAL induced the expression of TNF-α but not of IFN-γ, IL-1β, and IL-10. Thus, SAL-induced cytostatic effect on Raji cells might be partially caused by TNF-α-mediated signaling pathway.     

Australia‘s Lake Eacham rainbow fish: lessons and outlook

Recent DNA comparisons confirm that the endangeredLake Eacham rainbow fish (Melanotaenia eachamensis Allen andCross, 1982) is a separate species, distinct from othermelanotaeniids in the area. Although the large populationformerly in Lake Eacham has not been re-established, other smallnatural populations of M. eachamensis have been identified fromLake Euramoo and Dirran Creek.Commencing with 23 captive individuals (3 14 6 I), representing three original stocks, Project Eachamensis (initiated by the Australia New Guinea Fishes Association in July 1987) has stimulated and actively encouraged the establishment of new captive populations. Approximately 15 captive breeding populations are now reported in eastern Australia -- numbers of individuals are estimated to exceed 1000; additional Bowman and Tappin populations are being maintained in North America and Europe.A recent review of this conservation programme (involving individual aquarists, hobbyist organizations and scientists as well as the aquarium industry and government) has now recommended: an alteration to the conservati on status category from endangered to vulnerable; maintenance of existing captive populations; formulation of a comprehensive recovery plan with the long-term objective of re-establishing and increasing natural populations; and encouraging public education on the risks of translocation.     

Marine capture fisheries in the Arctic: winners or losers under climate change and ocean acidification?

Climate change, ocean acidification (OA) and the subsequent changes in marine productivity may affect fisheries and eventually the whole economy in the Arctic. We analysed how changes in climate and ocean pH under scenarios of anthropogenic CO₂ emissions are likely to affect the economics of marine fisheries in the Arctic. We applied a Dynamic Bioclimate Envelope Model (DBEM) and outputs from four different Earth System Models (ESMs) to project future changes in the distribution and maximum catch potential of exploited marine fishes and invertebrates. We projected that total fisheries revenue in the Arctic region may increase by 39% (14–59%) by 2050 relative to 2000 under the Special Reports on Emission Scenario (SRES) A2. Simultaneously, total fishing costs, fishers’ incomes, household incomes and economy‐wide impacts in the Arctic are also projected to increase. Climate change with OA is expected to reduce the potential increases in catch and the economic indicators studied herein. Although the projections suggest that Arctic countries are likely to be ‘winners’ under climate change in comparison with tropical developing countries, the effects of OA will lower the expected future benefits in the Arctic. The predicted impacts are likely to be conservative as we consider only the direct effects of OA on fishes and calcifiers, of which there are only a few in the Arctic. Results of this study would be useful for designing effective adaptation strategies to climate change and measures to mitigate the potential negative impacts of OA in the Arctic.     

Risk in aquaculture: farmers’ perceptions and management strategies in Bangladesh

Abstract

This study examines Bangladesh fish farmers’ perception for risk sources, risk management strategies, and the relationship with socio-demographic variables. Data were collected from a sample of 350 farmers in Bangladesh. Exploratory factor analysis of a set of perception measurement items was used to assess farmers’ attitudes towards risk and their risk management strategies. The results reveal that fish-diseases, fish price variability, low quality of feed and fingerlings, flood and credit constraints were perceived as the most important sources of risk. For risk management, supply of good quality feed and fingerlings, diseases prevention, crop insurance, increasing personal savings, and assurance of bank loans were considered as the most important strategies to mitigate risks. Empirical evidence shows that farmers engage in multiple management strategies to reduce production risk.     

French consumers’ marginal willingness to pay for the pairing of Japan’s fall chum salmon and rice wine (sake)

The pairing of foods and beverages (especially alcoholic beverages) is an effective marketing approach to promote the value of Japanese gastronomy to overseas consumers because it requires little additional cost. In this study, the research target was French consumers, and the evaluation targets were grilled fall-season wild chum salmon from Japan (mainly from Hokkaido) and Japanese rice wine (sake). The difference in the consumers’ willingness to pay (WTP) was evaluated using the contingent valuation method. In addition, we analyzed the determinants by applying Tobit regression. Our results revealed that there was a higher WTP when Japan’s (Hokkaido’s) grilled fall salmon and sake were presented as a set than when they were presented individually. The geographical identity of the origin of food and beverages can engender a positive premium to consumers through the synergistic effect of the origin of the brand.

     

Effects of melatonin,p-chlorophenylalanine,and α-methylparatyrosine on plasma gonadotropin level and ovarian activity in the catfish,Heteropneustes fossilis: A study correlating changes in hypothalamic monoamines

The effects of (ip, 10 injections over 20 days) of melatonin (75 g 100 g^–1 BW), the serotonin (5-HT)-synthesis blocker, para-cholorophenylalanine (p-CPA, 10 mg 100g^{–1 BW}) and the catecholamine-synthesis blocker, -methylparatyrosine (-MPT, 10 mg 100 g^–1 BW) on gonadotropin (GTH) secretion and ovarian activity were studied in ^{Heteropneustes fossilis} during late preparatory to early prespawning (April–May). The treatments resulted in significant reductions of plasma GTH and estradiol-17 levels, the gonadosomatic index, frequency distribution of vitellogenic and postvitellogenic oocytes, and ovarian and serum ³²p-labelled alkali-labile phosphoprotein (a marker of vitellogenic activity). Most of the oocytes were nonvitellogenic or had undergone atretic changes. The hepatic ³²-phosphoprotein content increased significantly over the saline control value. The effects were similar and pronounced in the p-CPA and melatonin-treated groups but were moderate in the -MPT-treated group. Hypothalamic 5-HT content and turnover were significantly inhibited in the p-CPA and melatonin-treated groups but the content and turnover of catecholamines were not. The -MPT treatment decreased significantly the content and turnover of dopamine (DA), noradrenaline (NA), and adrenaline (A) but did not influence the 5-HT content or turnover. These results suggest that 5-HT, NA and A are stimulatory to GTH secretion and that melatonin may act on the serotonergic system to inhibit the pituitary-gonadal axis.to whom correspondence should be addressed.A part of the results was presented at the International Workshop on Pineal gland: Its molecular signals and published as an abstract in Neuroendocrinol. Lett. 14: 399 pp., 1992.     

High-density culture of marine microalgae — Promising items for mariculture: II. Determination of optimal light regime for Chlorella sp.f. marina under high-density culture conditions

Experiments to determine the optimal light regime for cultivating marine Chlorella were carried out in cultivators of two types: a 2-1 bubbling cultivator with a 15-mm-thick suspension layer, and a circulation cultivator with a 2-mm-thick suspension layer. The batch and continuous cultures were grown in a mineral nutrient medium with the content of nutrients maintained at a stable level of 300 mg N/l, 90 mg P/l, 30 mg Mg/l and 30 mg S/l, at the temperature of 33°C and pH 7.0–7.5. The light sources used were RHL-1000 W and RNaH-400 W lamps as well as sunlight. The radiant energy from different light sources was equalized to provide 2400 W·h⁻¹ per day photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) in the laboratory and 2000–3000 W·h⁻¹ per day PAR in the open air. Higher yields were obtained with natural illumination and with RNaH-400 W lamps.The effect of light intensity on yield was studied with light intensities of 75, 150, 250 and 300 W/m² PAR. 250 W/m² PAR proved to be optimal at a dry biomass concentration of no less than 0.5 g/l. At this light intensity the maximal daily yield obtained per 1 m² of the illuminated surface was 50 g of dry biomass (15-mm-thick layer), the maximal growth rate was 0.1 h⁻¹ and the efficiency of radiant energy utilization was 4%. Results are also presented of growing marine Chlorella under conditions where growth is not limited by light availability.     

Recovery of Proteins from Squid By-Products with Enzymatic Hydrolysis and Increasing the Hydrolysate’s Bioactivity by Maillard Reaction

ABSTRACT

The Maillard reaction is an effective method for enhancing the activity of bioactive peptides. In this study, squid by-product hydrolytic peptides (SPHPs) were obtained. The effects of the Maillard reaction on the antioxidant and antibacterial activities of the SPHPs were explored. The results showed most of the peptides in the < 500 Da fraction of SPHPs reacted with D-arabinose to form the 500–1000 Da fraction (89.60%). The Maillard reaction products (MRPs) possessed more potent antioxidant activities, including free radical scavenging activity, ferrous chelating capacity, and reducing power, than the SPHPs. Although both the SPHPs and MRPs had broad-spectrum antibiotic activities and could inhibit the growth of both gram-negative and gram-positive bacteria, the antibacterial activities of the MRPs were higher than those of the SPHPs. Furthermore, the efficacy of the MRPs lasted significantly longer than that of ampicillin and could last for more than 30 days. In addition, both the SPHPs and MRPs had good functional properties and many potential applications. The results suggested that the Maillard reaction has potential to be used to improve the activities and physicochemical properties of bioactive peptides.     

Enrobed Snack Product from Devis’s Anchovy (Stolephorus commersonnii) and its Quality Evaluation during Frozen Storage

Enrobing of fish improves physical as well as consumer acceptance of low value fish. The present work was undertaken to utilize a low value fish with its bones by enrobing with cereal flour based coating. Three combinations of batters were prepared, and the fish was coated and fried; based on the sensory quality, 1:2 batter to water ratio was selected for product preparation. To determine the storage life, frozen par-fried samples were prepared and stored at ?18°C. Quality parameters such as pH, total volatile basic nitrogen, free fatty acids, peroxide value, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances, color, and sensory attributes were evaluated on a monthly basis. It was observed from chemical parameters and sensory scores of the product that the par-fried form can be stored for up to 5 months. This technology will provide a better opportunity for employment of coastal women.     

Effects of dietary lipid levels on growth,feed utilization,body composition,fatty acid profiles and antioxidant parameters of juvenile chu’s croaker <Emphasis Type="Italic">Nibea coibor</Emphasis>

The present study aimed at determining the growth performance, feed utilization, body composition and antioxidant status of chu’s croaker (Nibea coibor) juveniles fed with increasing levels of dietary lipid: 6 % (D6), 9 % (D9), 12 % (D12) and 15 % (D15). Each diet was assigned to triplicate groups of fish in a total of 12 floating pens (300 fish, 25 fish per pen). After a 49-day growth trial, survival rate was not affected. D12 and D15 led to significantly higher specific growth rate (SGR). Fish fed D12 showed the highest protein efficiency ratio (PER), protein and lipid retention efficiencies (PER and LRE, respectively). The hepatosomatic and viscerosomatic indexes (HIS and VSI, respectively) increased, while feed conversion ratio (FCR) and feed intake (FI) decreased. Body protein, ash and muscle lipid contents were not significantly affected, but significantly higher body and liver lipid were noticed in fish fed with D15. Monounsaturated fatty acid (MUFA) was found to decrease compared to the experimental diets in muscle, while high unsaturated fatty acid (HUFA) was selectively accumulated in all treatments. Serum alanine transaminase (ALT, 14.13–22.53 U/L), aspartate transaminase (AST, 34.31–51.25 U/L), cholesterol (CHO, 2.02–3.03 mmol/L) and triglyceride (TG, 5.61–8.50 mmol/L) were correlated with increasing dietary lipids. Liver malate dehydrogenase (MDA, 3.32–6.67 mmol/L) and superoxide dismutase (SOD, 42.69–52.86 U/mg prot) increased with dietary lipids, while total antioxidant capacity (t-AOC, 1.08–3.50 U/mg prot) decreased. Polynomial regression analyses between SGR and dietary lipid levels showed that the optimal dietary lipid requirement of chu’s croaker is 12.9 % of dry matter.     

Baseline assessment of total fisheries-related biomass removal from Japan’s Exclusive Economic Zones: 1950–2010

The rise and fall of Japan’s marine fisheries have been well documented and are clearly evident in official landings statistics. However, the extent of illegal, unreported and unregulated fisheries, including recreational fisheries, and the discarding of unwanted catch in Japanese waters, both of which may have significant implications on the success of management regimes, have yet to be closely examined. This study reassessed the impact of fisheries on the marine ecosystems of Japan’s Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZ) by estimating the total marine biomass removed through the use of an established catch reconstruction approach. Since 1950, 368 million t of marine biomass have been extracted from the Japanese EEZ as commercial catch, recreational catch, illegal catch and discards. Commercial catch accounted for 87 % of the total, while discards accounted for an additional 8 %. The disparity between the estimated biomass removals and the reported commercial catch is 48 million t, or 15 % of the reported catch. The difference is not as large as observed in similar studies of other regions. Nonetheless, the reconstructed biomass removals represent a better baseline for the management of fisheries in the Japanese EEZ, particularly if Japan is to move forward with implementation of output control management.     

Consumers’ Perceived Differences between Wild and Farmed Fish: A Survey Study in Turkey

This study investigated consumers’ motivations and perceptions of fish obtained from different production methods, namely wild or farmed. Data were collected from 526 consumers via face-to-face interviews in the seven regions of Turkey. A logistic regression model was designed for the consumers of different fish production methods. Results of the study demonstrate that consumers perceive wild and farmed fish differently. Furthermore, consumers have different perceptions of the following factors that also effect consumption: convenience, variety, origin, confidence, accessibility, freshness, and reliability.     

Habitat and prey selection of common minke,sei, and Bryde’s whales in mesoscale during summer in the subarctic and transition regions of the western North Pacific

This study represents the first quantitative analysis of the characteristics of the distribution areas and stomach contents of common minke whale Balaenoptera acutorostrata, sei whale B. borealis, and Bryde’s whale B. edeni in relation to oceanographic and prey environments in mid summer in the western North Pacific. Common minke whales were distributed within subarctic regions and the northernmost region of the transitional domain, coinciding with the main habitat of their preferred prey, Pacific saury Cololabis saira. Sei whales were mainly found in the northernmost part of the transition zone and showed prey preference for Japanese anchovy Engraulis japonica, which was significantly more abundant in the main distribution area of the whale than in its adjacent areas. “Hot spots” of Bryde’s whales were found in several regions of the transition zone between the subarctic boundary and the Kuroshio front. This whale species preferred Japanese anchovy as prey, for which the distribution density was significantly higher in the main distribution area of the whale than in the adjacent areas. These results indicate that the summer distributions of Pacific saury and Japanese anchovy greatly influence the distributions of these whale species, suggesting that the whales’ habitat selection is closely related to their prey selection.     

Effects of application for international quality assurance certifications on the farm’s profit: evidence from Vietnamese shrimp

Aquaculture International - Food incidents have led to the increase in demand for food products certified by an international quality assurance certification of consumers all over the world. Shrimp...     

Using fisheries-independent survey data to reinforce China’s data-limited fisheries management: Management strategy evaluation of survey-based management procedures

Fisheries-independent survey data are vital to stock assessment and management because they provide reliable information on stock status. Although survey data have been increasingly recognised for their contributions to fisheries management, they have often not been adequately used to provide quantitative management recommendations for China's fisheries that are subject to limited data. In the present study, a framework was proposed to integrate two types of survey-based management procedures (MPs) into China's fisheries management: the slope-based MP and the target-based MP. Specifically, the former generates fishing effort limits based on the trend in recent years’ abundance index, while the latter sets effort limits based on a static abundance index target. To test the performance of these MPs, management strategy evaluation was performed using a simulated fishery based on the small yellow croaker, Larimichthys polyactis (Bleeker) in Haizhou Bay, China. The sensitivity of MPs was investigated under different algorithm parameterisations and historical exploitation levels. Additionally, their robustness was evaluated in the face of survey uncertainty and changes in recruitment success. Both MPs could effectively improve the stock status compared with the status quo management when appropriately parameterised regardless of exploitation history. The target-based MP was more robust to survey uncertainty than the slope-based MP. Non-stationary changes in recruitment success strongly impaired the management effects, while using recruitment-specific instead of the age-aggregated abundance index could slightly enhance their performance. This work indicates that survey-based MPs can address the current challenges in China's fisheries management and reinforce the status quo management practice with limited data and highlights the potential risks.     

Fish Quality and Consumers: How Do Consumers’ Knowledge About and Involvement in Fish Quality Define Factors That Influence Fish Buying Behavior?

ABSTRACT

Despite recommendations, fish consumption is low in several countries. One of the many relevant factors that influence fish consumption is the quality of fish products. However, consumers differ in involvement in and knowledge about fish quality. The aim of this study was to reveal differences in involvement and knowledge about fish quality among consumers and measure how these lead to variations in the importance of factors that influence consumers when buying fresh fish fillets. We aimed to explain these results based on subjective and objective knowledge, fish consumption, and social and demographic characteristics. This study was based on data collected from 738 Norwegian consumers who responded to a questionnaire. The survey included items regarding knowledge and involvement in fish quality, objective and subjective knowledge measures, factors important when buying fish, and finally sociodemographic characteristics. This article suggests that perceived quality is one of the most important factors that influence buying behavior when it comes to fish fillet products in Norway. Consumers can have a high or low involvement with and knowledge about fish quality. However, when confronted with the decision of what fish product they may buy, most consumers reported using fish quality as a main driver.     

Effect of brewer’s yeast on immune response of giant freshwater prawn, Macrobrachium rosenbergii, and its resistance to white muscle disease

The present study was conducted to find the effect of dietary brewer’s yeast on growth, survival, immune response, and resistance to white muscle disease in giant freshwater prawn, Macrobrachium rosenbergii. The brewer’s yeast was supplemented at graded levels 0, 5, 10, and 20?g per kg diet, and the experiment was conducted for 75?days. After the feeding trials, growth, survival, immune parameters like prophenoloxidase activity, respiratory burst, and total hemocyte count were assessed. The growth, specific growth rate, and survival were not found significantly different among the treatment and control groups “prophenoloxidase activity and respiratory burst” were found significantly different (p?<?0.05) among the treatment and control groups. The total hemocyte count was significantly different (p?<?0.05) among control and treatment groups. Cumulative percent survival was higher in M rosenbergii fed 1?% brewer’s yeast-supplemented diet when they were challenged with white muscle disease virus (MrNV (Macrobrachium rosenbergii nodavirus) and XSV (extra small virus)). The present work revealed that the incorporation of brewer’s yeast in the diet is effective in enhancing immune response and controlling the white muscle disease in M rosenbergii.