Effect of Neguvon® and Nuvan® treatment on crabs (Cancer pagurus,C. maenas), lobster (Homarus gammarus) and blue mussel (Mytilus edulis)

Survival tests were carried out with crabs, lobsters and blue mussels held in tanks of flowing seawater and subjected to Neguvon at 10, 1, 0.5 and 0.1 ppm and to Nuvan at 1, 0.01 ppm. Homarus gammarus was the most susceptible species; the animals died within 24 h at Neguvon levels of 0.5 ppm and higher and at Nuvan levels of 0.1 ppm and higher. The use of these chemicals in salmon farming appears to have deterious effects on marine invertebrate species.     

Diseases resistance of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus), blue tilapia (Oreochromis aureus) and their hybrid (female Nile tilapia×male blue tilapia) to Aeromonas sobria

The resistance to disease caused by the Aeromonas sobria in three genotypes of tilapia, Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus), blue tilapia (Oreochromis aureus) and their hybrid (female Nile tilapia×male blue tilapia) was studied. Based on comparison of median lethal dose (LD₅₀), functions of nonspecific immunity, including total amount of complements, bactericidal reaction by alternative pathway of complement (C₃ shunt), percentage of erythrocyte C_3b receptor aggregates, leukocyte phagocytic function, as well as erythrocyte active rosette of T lymphocyte, it is indicated that the hybrid has the highest resistance to the disease caused by A. sobria, while blue tilapia has the lowest resistance.     

Determination of genome size of Haliotis discus hannai and H.?diversicolor aquatilis (Haliotidae) and phylogenetic examination of this family

Genome size (C value) is an important index for phylogenetic studies. Haliotidae (abalones) includes many species widely distributed throughout the world??s oceans, which makes this family interesting for phylogenetic studies. To examine Haliotidae phylogeny, we determined the C value and adenine and thymine base pair content (AT?%) of Haliotis discus hannai and H.?diversicolor aquatilis by using flow cytometry. The C values of H.?discus hannai and H.?diversicolor aquatilis were 1.84 and 1.45?pg, with AT?% of 62.3 and 66.3?%, respectively. These data represent the first report of abalones classified as Pacific Northwest (H.?discus hannai) and Indo-Pacific (H.?diversicolor aquatilis) groups, and provides new validation for previous theories related to Haliotidae phylogeny.     

Inclusion of β-1,3/1,6-glucan in the ornamental fish,Jewel tetra (Hyphessobrycon eques), and its effects on growth,blood glucose,and intestinal histology

The effects of β-1,3/1,6-glucan on Hyphessobrycon eques were assessed after 42 days of feeding diets containing 0 (control group given commercial feed), 0.5, 1, or 2 g β-glucan/kg diet. In total, 180 fish, with an initial weight of 0.43?±?0.03 g, were used. There were 15 fish in each of twelve 42-L aquariums, and there were 3 aquariums of fish for each dietary treatment. The fish were fed until apparent satiety. Performance parameters (final weight, total length, standard length, feed intake, survival rate, weight gain, feed conversion, specific growth rate, and condition factor) and plasma glucose concentration were measured. Histological analysis of the proximal portion of the intestine (width and height of the villi, depth of the crypts, height of the enterocytes, thickness of the muscle layer, and number of goblet cells) was performed. Different levels of the additive did not influence fish performance (for example, final weight: control: 0.63 g, 0.5: 0.60, 1: 0.58, and 2: 0.61). Likewise, there was no influence on the plasma glucose concentration (control: 81.80 mg/dL, 0.5: 75.33, 1: 85.00, and 2: 81.00) and intestinal morphometry of the animals. However, the results showed that 2.0 g/kg of β-1,3/1,6-glucan provided a greater abundance of goblet cells secreting acidic and neutral mucus present in the epithelium (periodic acid-Schiff: 66.67 cells, Alcian blue pH 1.0: 72,67 cells, and Alcian blue pH 2.5: 95.00 cells), showing significant differences when compared to animals in the control group, which may represent better protection of the intestinal epithelium of H. eques.

     

Molecular cloning and expression profiling of procollagen α1 (I) of cultured Pacific bluefin tuna

Type I collagen is widely distributed in most organs in teleosts. It plays a role not only in intercellular adhesion, but also in molecular signaling. In this study, Pacific bluefin tuna (PBT) procollagen α1 (I) cDNA was cloned and characterized. The nine fragments of a procollagen α1 (I) chain cDNA clone were prepared and spliced together to create the complete coding region. The resulting amino acid sequence was homologous with that of other teleosts. The mRNA expression profile of PBT procollagen α1 (I) in various tissues and the phylogenetic analysis with other vertebrate procollagen α1 (I) chains suggest that PBT procollagen α1 (I) could be a precursor form of the PBT type I collagen α1 chain. In addition, its level of expression in PBT larvae and early juveniles gradually increased with somatic growth. This increase was related to the standard length, wet body weight, and protein content of each individual fish. Therefore, the expression profile of procollagen α1 (I) may be a useful indicator for somatic growth in fish larvae and juveniles.     

Effect of dietary ω3 and ω6 fatty acids on growth and feed conversion efficiency of coho salmon (Oncorhynchus kisutch)

Sixteen isocaloric diets varying only in the levels of ω3 and ω6 fatty acids were prepared. Each diet was fed to duplicate groups of coho salmon for 14 weeks. At termination, the final weight of each diet group fish was determined. The optimum level of dietary ω3 fatty acid ranged from 1% to 2.5%. Dietary ω6 fatty acid higher than 1% depressed fish growth. Fish growth, feed conversion efficiency, fish mortality and fatty acid composition of fish phospholipids were determined.     

Effects of salinity, dietary level of protein and 17α-methyltestosterone on growth hormone (GH) and prolactin (tPRL177 and tPRL188) levels in the tilapia, Oreochromis mossambicus

In the present study, we examined the long-term effects of environmental salinity, diet (35% and 25% crude protein) and 17-methyltestosterone (MT) on corresponding levels of pituitary and serum growth hormone (GH) and prolactins (tPRL₁₇₇ and tPRL₁₈₈) in the tilapia (Oreochromis mossambicus). We observed no discernible patterns in serum GH that would suggest an effect of salinity, diet or MT. However, serum GH levels in all treatments declined at 1 and 3h after first feeding. Serum tPRL₁₇₇ and tPRL₁₈₈ were significantly higher in freshwater (FW) than in seawater (SW) and levels were significantly affected by dietary protein. tPRL₁₇₇ levels were higher in all groups fed a 35% protein diet, but tPRL₁₈₈ levels were higher only in the groups fed the MT-treated 35% protein diet; only serum tPRL₁₈₈ levels were affected by MT. Moreover, serum tPRL₁₇₇ and tPRL₁₈₈ increased throughout the sampling time-course. Subsequent work using fasted tilapia suggests that first feeding is likely to initiate the post-prandial suppression of serum GH levels. In contrast with the picture observed in blood, pituitary glands of SW animals showed higher levels of GH than FW fish. Pituitary GH was elevated by MT in both FW and SW. We also observed that pituitary tPRL₁₇₇ and tPRL₁₈₈ levels were higher in FW fish than in SW fish; tPRL₁₇₇ and tPRL₁₈₈ levels were elevated by MT only in FW animals. To assess the somatomedin activity of plasma from FW- and SW-reared tilapia, we measured [35S]-sulfate incorporation into ceratobranchial cartilage explants in vitro. Plasma from SW-adapted tilapia showed greater activity in this assay than plasma from FW-reared tilapia, suggesting that the GH-dependent IGF bioactivity of plasma is higher in SW-reared tilapia. Collectively, these studies suggest that the growth-promoting actions of SW rearing and of MT administration in tilapia may be linked to elevations in GH and/or prolactin (tPRL₁₇₇ and tPRL₁₈₈)levels.     

Effect of geographic origin, temperature and timing of broodstock collection on conditioning, spawning success and larval viability of Ruditapes decussatus (Linné, 1758)

Culture of Ruditapes decussatus is clearly limited by the availability of seed, as this production proceeds almost exclusively from natural recruitment. Artificial spawning and larval rearing programs could provide an alternative source of spat. This study was designed to evaluate the effect of different conditioning temperatures on the broodstock maturation, spawning success and larval viability of two geographically (north and south of the Iberian Peninsula) distinct populations of European clam (R. decussatus) collected at different periods of the year in order to create “optimal” artificial spawning and larval rearing programs. Two batches of clams from each population were collected in October and February, and conditioned at 18 ± 1°C, 20 ± 1°C and 22 ± 1°C. Of the three variables analysed the timing of broodstock collection was the most determining factor for gametogenic development, spawning and larval rearing. Geographic origin and conditioning temperature also greatly affected the spawning. The results also showed that the February conditioning was more effective than October and that the best conditioning temperatures were 20 ± 1°C and 22 ± 1°C for the northern and southern populations, respectively. These results suggest that the efficient conditioning temperature for each population of the same species is related to the seasonal temperature regime from their geographic origin. Larval viability and growth performance seemed to be independent of the broodstock conditioning.     

Effect of diethylstilbestrol (DES) and 17 β-estradiol (E2) on growth, survival and histological structure of the internal organs in juvenile European catfish Silurus glanis (L.)

The effect of supplemented commercial diets with diethylstilbestrol (DES—15, 30 and 60 mg kg^?1) and 17 β-estradiol (E2—30 and 60 mg kg^?1), two chemicals commonly used in sex reversal procedure in fish, on survival and growth parameters of juvenile European catfish (Silurus glanis) was evaluated. During the two experiments, lasting 28 days each, fish were kept at temperature 25.2–26.5 °C, pH 7.4–9.3 and oxygen concentration 5.0–7.3 mg O₂ dm^?3. DES supplementation resulted in depressed growth rate of catfish. In experimental groups fed with E2, no negative effect on growth parameters was found. Both chemicals did not result in observed mortality. In all of the experimental DES groups, hepatosomatic index increased significantly, which suggests negative influence on physiological condition of catfish. DES supplementation significantly changed cytological factors of liver cells and caused hepatic alterations in parenchyma, such as vacuolization and blood congestion. Similarly, supplementation of E2 in food resulted in changes in cytological parameters of hepatocytes. However, E2 did not cause pathological changes within the liver tissue. Histological examination of the catfish gonads showed 19 and 38 % of sterile fish after treatment with 30 and 60 mg kg^?1 of DES, respectively. The results suggest that DES served in food could be ineffective in hormonal feminization process of European catfish. No disturbances of sex differentiation process after E2 treatment were observed. However, slight feminization effect in the highest level of E2 treatment group was recorded.     

Effects of dietary carnitine and lipid on growth and body composition of hybrid striped bass (Morone chrysops ♀× M. saxatilis ♂)

A study was undertaken to investigate the effects of graded dietary levels and different types of carnitine on hybrid striped bass (Morone chrysops × M. saxatilis %) fed different levels of lipid. An incomplete factorial design was utilized in which diets containing lipid at either 5 or 10% were supplemented with l-carnitine at 0, 500, or 1000 mg kg^–1 diet, dl-carnitine at 1000 mg kg^–1 diet, or carnitine chloride to provide 1000 mg carnitine kg^–1 diet. Juvenile hybrid striped bass (3.3 g fish^–1) were stocked into individual 38-l aquaria connected as a brackish water (6), recirculating system and fed each diet in triplicate for 9 weeks.Supplementation of the diet with 1000 mg carnitine kg^–1 increased muscle carnitine from 35.5 to 47.7 g g^–1 tissue. Carnitine supplementation did not result in increased weight gain regardless of carnitine level or type; however, weight gain showed a significant (p<0.05) response to dietary lipid with fish fed diets containing 10% lipid growing 34% more than fish fed diets with 5% lipid. The hepatosomatic index also was unaffected by diet, but the intraperitoneal fat (IPF) ratio was significantly elevated (5.1 vs 3.2%) in fish fed diets with 10% lipid compared to those fed diets with 5% lipid. Fish fed diets containing 1000 mg carnitine kg^–1 had increased IPF ratio values at 4.7% compared to 3.9% for fish fed the basal diet. Liver lipid also was responsive to dietary treatment, increasing from 6.7 to 8.8% of wet weight as dietary lipid increased from 5 to 10%. The relative quantities of triglycerides, free fatty acids and phospholipids in muscle and liver were not influenced by carnitine level, carnitine type or dietary lipid level. Supplementation of carnitine does not appear to be beneficial to hybrid striped bass based on either growth performance or body composition.     

Status quo and prospects of fishing technology of ocean fishery of China

报道了我国大洋渔业技术现状,评述了技术水平、发展趋势,分析渔业技术存在的问题,提出了大洋渔业可持续发展应当进行的研究课题及建议。     

Effects of chronic exposure to γ-HCH (Lindane) on brain serotonergic and gabaergic systems,and serum cortisol and thyroxine levels of rainbow trout,Oncorhynchus mykiss

Rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) were implanted intraperitoneally with 0.5 ml.100 g^–1 body weight of coconut oil alone (controls) or coconut oil contaning 0.05 mg of -HCH (Lindane). After 18 days, changes in brain serotonin and GABA metabolism, as well as in serum cortisol and thyroxine levels, were measured. A lower final body weight was observed in -HCH treated fish when compared with control fish. No significant differences were found for serum thyroxine levels between control and treated fish, but a significantly higher cortisol level was found in the -HCH-implanted trout. Although GABA levels did not differ significantly in any brain region in the two treatment groups, the activity of the serotonergic system was significantly altered by the pesticide in both the hypothalamus and the telencephalon.     

Escape vents and trap selectivity in the fishery for the Juan Fernández rock lobster (Jasus frontalis), Chile

To develop ways to catch fewer undersized specimens of Jasus frontalis in the traps of the rock lobster fishery off the Juan Fernández Archipelago (Chile), we studied the use of lobster traps with different-sized escape vents (circular windows of 80, 85, or 90 mm diameter). The traps used in the present fishery served as controls. Selection curves were fit to each of the vent sizes examined in the study. The method of alternating hauls was used for this purpose in a manner similar to that employed with trawl nets. We compared the size–frequency distributions obtained for each vent size with those determined for the control traps. We monitored 2437 traps and obtained a total catch of 13,444 specimens. Undersized individuals decreased in the catch as the diameter of the openings increased. The selection curves fit a logistic-type model adequately. A direct relationship was established between the vent size and the length corresponding of the first catch (L₅₀). The CPUE for legal-sized rock lobster increased in traps having up to 85-mm vents, but this yield dropped in traps fitted with 90-mm vents. The CPUE for undersized rock lobster, however, was inversely proportional to the size of the vents. Unlike typical selectivity literature that relies on the L₅₀, the objective of this study was to maximize the number of legal (≥98 mm Lc) specimens retained in the traps while simultaneously minimizing the retention of undersized specimens. To achieve this, we used a model relating vent size to L₅₀ and the slope of the selection ogives. The optimal diameter for vents in this fishery was determined to be 83 mm. Furthermore, underwater recordings were used to register the escape behavior of the lobsters. These recordings contributed new data on the way in which the lobsters detect, confront, and escape through the vents.     

The effect of 3,3′,5-triiodo-L-thyronine and 17-α-methyltestosterone on growth and body composition of the glass stage of the eel (Anguilla anguilla L)

This study was undertaken to determine the influence of orally administered 3,3,5-triiodo-L-thyronine (T₃) or 17--methyltestosterone (MT) on growth and body composition of the eel (Anguilla anguilla L.) during the glass stage.Elvers receiving 20 or 40 ppm of T₃ in the food weighed significantly more (P < 0.05) than controls. However, after 61 days of treatment a dosage of 60 ppm was not efficacious.Terminal percentages of body protein were significantly lower (P < 0.05) in elvers that received 20 ppm or 40 ppm T₃ in their diets, than in the control. Crude body fat content was higher (P < 0.05) in elvers receiving 20 ppm (29% fat) or 40 ppm (28% fat), than in the controls (26% fat). Compared to the control, diets containing T₃ at 20 or 40 ppm increased the body glucose concentration.Glass eels fed a diet containing 1 or 10 ppm MT grew significantly more slowly (P < 0.05) than the controls.Total body protein content was higher (P < 0.05), but total body crude fat content was lower (P < 0.05) in elvers fed a diet with 1 or 10 ppm MT compared to the controls. Total body glucose concentration of elvers administered 10 ppm MT was significantly lower (P < 0.05) than that of the control groups.     

Effect of diet and β-naphthoflavone on hepatic and renal glutathione S-transferase isoenzymes in carp (Cyprinus carpio)

Glutathione S-transferase (GST) isoenzymes were isolated from liver and kidney of carp (Cyprinus carpio) by glutathione affinity chromatography and chromatofocusing. Ten hepatic and eight renal catalytically active isoenzymes were identified. GST subunits from purified isoenzymes were further separated by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and were used as standards for the experimental sample analysis. Experimental samples came from carp that were fed fish meal (standard diet) or soybean bas ed diets for one year, injected or not with -naphthoflavone (BNF; i.p. injection of 50 mg kg-1). HPLC did not allow us to identify precisely the GST isoenzyme pattern in experimental carp. However, GSTs could be pooled in three categories: homodimeric, heterodimeric and unidentified GST subunits. On this basis, the effect of diet and BNF on the GST isoenzyme pattern was investigated. The homodimer/heterodimer ratio was decreased in liver of carp fed a standard diet and in kidney of both dietary groups. BNF increased the total specific GST activity in liver and kidney. However, the GST isoenzyme pattern was not modified in carp fed the standard diet while tissue specific modifications occured in carp fed the soybean diet. BNF decreased the homodimer/heterodimer ratio in liver and increased it in kidney. Abbreviations: BNF - -naphthoflavone; CDNB - 1-chloro-2,4-dinitrobenzene; GSH - reduced glutathione; GST - glutathione S-transferase; HPLC - high-performance liquid chromatography; SDS-PAGE - SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis.     

Effects of 17β-estradiol and 4-nonylphenol on smoltification and vitellogenesis in Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar)

The impact of 17-estradiol (E₂) and the putative estrogenic compound, 4-nonylphenol (4-NP), on smoltification and vitellogenesis in Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) was investigated during a 30 day period starting late April. Three groups of fresh water (FW) fish (1 year old, mixed sexes, average weight 23 g) were injected once a week with 50 µg (0.18 µmol) 17-estradiol, 3 mg (13.6 µmol) 4-nonylphenol dissolved in peanut oil, or peanut oil alone as control. Every ten days, subgroups were challenged with 28 ppt seawater (SW) for 24h, and sampled together with subgroups of FW fish. Treatment effects were examined on vitellogenic and osmoregulatory parameters. E₂ and 4-NP treatment increased the total calcium and protein level in plasma and the hepatosomatic index of FW fish, both indicating an activated vitellogenesis in the liver. The presence of vitellogenin in the plasma of 4-NP- and E₂-treated groups was further indicated by the appearance of a high molecular weight vitellogenin band (550 kDa) in electropherograms produced by native gel electrophoresis. This band appeared in exactly the same position in both the E₂- and the 4-NP-treated groups but could not be detected in controls. During the 30 day treatment period, control fish approached the peak of smoltification, as indicated by a distinct silvery appearance, decreasing condition factor, increasing levels of gill Na⁺,K⁺-ATPase and improved hypoosmoregulatory performance in the SW-challenge test. Both E₂ and 4-NP treatments significantly inhibited the progress of smoltification, as judged by a significant reduction of gill Na⁺,K⁺-ATPase activity, relative -subunit Na⁺,K⁺-ATPase mRNA expression, gill chloride cell density and a poorer hypoosmoregulatory performance of treated fish. The impaired SW-tolerance of E₂- and 4-NP-treated fish was strongly correlated with a decreased gill Na⁺,K⁺-ATPase activity. Despite a difference in relative potency, the present study shows that 4-nonylphenol and 17-estradiol may have qualitatively similar inhibitory effects on smoltification and hypoosmoregulatory physiology of Atlantic salmon. Both 4-NP and E₂ activated the vitellogenic system, and the study supports the hypothesis that sexual maturation and smoltification are antagonistic, developmental phenomena in salmon. It is suggested that the presence of estrogenic compounds in the environment may negatively influence smoltification and migration in wild stocks of salmon.