Genetic structure of the exotic hard clam <Emphasis Type="Italic">Mercenaria mercenaria</Emphasis> in Tokyo Bay,determined using mitochondrial DNA

The hard clam Mercenaria mercenaria was unintentionally introduced into Tokyo Bay during the 1990s. We analysed 528 bp of partial mitochondrial DNA of the cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (COI) gene extracted from 135 specimens collected from populations at five sites in Tokyo Bay to determine the genetic structure of this species. Mercenaria mercenaria populations in Tokyo Bay were dominated by haplotype 1, as in the native area. Haplotype 3, which is absent in the populations north of Cape Hatteras (North Carolina, USA) was detected at all five sites. The haplotype diversity in Tokyo Bay was as high as that in the native area, except at two canal sites, while the nucleotide diversity was lower. Thirty-five new haplotypes were found that displayed only a few nucleotide differences. Pairwise F _ST values were not significantly different between any sites in the Tokyo Bay and the east coast of America, with values for all sites in Tokyo Bay clustering near the Florida populations. The analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA) results also support this result. This study revealed that M. mercenaria populations in Tokyo Bay have a high haplotype diversity and that populations around Florida may be the source region.     

The reproductive biology of the baby clam, Marcia opima, from two geographically separated areas of India

A study of the reproductive cycle of the baby clam, Marcia opima (Gmelin) was conducted at two sites along the southeast (Tuticorin Bay) and southwest (Ashtamudi estuary) coast of India from December 1998 to January 2000. Histological evidence showed that baby clam from both the sites showed two spawning seasons. First spawning season was recorded from May to July in the southeast coast. In the southwest coast, the first spawning season was observed through March to May. A second spawning season from September to December was recorded in both the coasts. In the southeast coast, minimum and maximum condition indices were obtained in January 2000 and April 1999 respectively and decreased from May to June and November to January, signifying the two spawning periods. Most of the animals were either in spent or indeterminate gonadal stage from May to August and November to January indicating the active spawning during that months in the southeast coast.     

Gametogenic cycle and variations in oocyte size of Tapes philippinarum from the Lagoon of Venice

The gametogenic cycle of the clam Tapes philippinarum was studied in two populations from different areas of the Lagoon of Venice: S. Angelo (central basin) and Chioggia (southern basin). Samples were collected at regular intervals from July 2000 to July 2001. The study was performed by microscopic observations of histological sections of gonadic tissue and by measuring follicular and oocyte sizes by image analysis. Gametogenesis began in January and was clearly evident until May. Ripe clams appeared in April, and most active spawning occurred in May, continuing during summer until September. Measurements performed using image analysis (i.e., follicular area, percentage of reproductive tissue, oocyte diameter, percentage of resorbing area) highlighted environmental differences between the two sampling sites, demonstrating the better condition of clams from Chioggia.     

波纹巴非蛤的性腺发育和生殖周期

根据波纹巴非蛤生殖细胞发育的规律和它们在滤泡中所占的比例,把波纹巴非蛤生殖腺发育过程分为增殖期、生长期、成熟期、排放期和休止期五个阶段。根据相对重量、鲜出肉率、干出肉率等指标的变化,并结合性腺的组织切片确定,波纹巴非蛤的性腺发育在闽南海区一年—个周期。繁殖期在5月中旬——10月下旬,但其繁殖高峰则有两次,分别在5月下旬和10月上旬。这表明波纹巴非蛤的成熟期和生殖期是相互重叠的。此外还观察到该种有雌雄同体现象。     

Environmentally conditioned,year‐round volitional spawning of cobia (Rachycentron canadum) in broodstock maturation systems

Year‐round control of the spawning cycle of cobia (Rachycentron canadum) has been established by using water temperature manipulation. To compare the effectiveness of using this method to induce volitional spawning in cobia, two 80 m³ recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS) were used. Temperatures in one of the maturation tanks (‘Mat 1’) were maintained between 27 and 29°C for 12 months of the 15.5‐month study period. Temperatures in the second maturation tank (‘Mat 2’) were allowed to fluctuate naturally throughout the year and ranged from 20 to 32°C. A total of 101 spawning events occurred in the tanks between the spring of 2008 and the summer of 2009 (3 April 2008 to 17 June 2009). Of the 38 total spawning events in Mat 1, 17 of them (44.7% of all Mat 1 spawning events) occurred during the off‐season (fall and winter). The egg viability rates did not differ significantly (P > 0.05) between on‐ and off‐season spawns in Mat 1. Conversely, cobia broodstock exposed to natural water temperatures (no environmental manipulation) in Mat 2 followed the natural pattern of warm water (>26°C) dependence, limiting egg production to spring and summer seasons. This method of water temperature manipulation allows for effective control of the cobia reproductive cycle without compromising egg viability.     

Reproductive cycle of yellow sea bream <Emphasis Type="Italic">Dentex tumifrons</Emphasis> in Wakasa Bay,the Sea of Japan off central Honshu

ABSTRACT:   To determine the spawning season and reproductive cycle of the yellow sea bream, Dentex tumifrons , in Wakasa Bay, in the Sea of Japan off central Honshu, seasonal change in the gonadosomatic index ( GSI ) was examined and histological observations of both ovaries and testes were conducted. The female GSI gradually increased from May, maintained a high level between August and October and then rapidly decreased. The histological observations of the ovary showed that vitellogenesis began from May and developed until September. Spent fish began to be observed in October and all the fish collected in December were spent. There was only one peak in the seasonal change in GSI of males and females in Wakasa Bay. Thus, yellow sea bream spawn only in autumn in Wakasa Bay. Differences in the reproductive cycle and number of spawning seasons were found between the two different latitudinal areas, Wakasa Bay and the East China Sea (low latitudinal area) where the spawning seasons were spring and autumn. An increase in water temperature is an important factor to initiate gonadal maturation (recrudescence) and is terminated by the short day-length in Wakasa Bay.     

Reproduction of hatchery-reared and transplanted wild bay scallops, Argopecten irradians irradians, relative to natural populations

Efforts to restore bay scallop populations in the United States throughtransplantation of wild stock and reseeding of hatchery-reared individuals haveincreased due to declines in natural populations, yet little is known of thecomparative spawning patterns and relative reproductive investment of thesedifferent groups. In this study, spawning patterns of wild scallops from asource population in Northwest Harbor, New York and of scallops transplanted toa distant site in the same embayment (Flanders Bay) were similar.Hatchery-reared scallops held in pearl nets in Hallock Bay, New York showed thesame temporal spawning pattern and level of reproductive investment as scallopsfrom adjacent wild populations and wild scallops held in pearl nets. We suggestthat hatchery-reared scallops may be equally valuable as potential broodstockfor reseeding operations as wild scallops of the same size, provided thatappropriate conditioning and rearing practices are maintained. Both wild andhatchery-reared scallops may be transplanted a short period (i.e. 2–4weeks) prior to expected spawning to provide a source of potential broodstockinareas where natural population densities are low.     

Seasonal distribution, age, growth, and reproductive biology of marbled sole Pleuronectes yokohamae in Tokyo Bay, Japan

ABSTRACT:   The seasonal distribution, age, growth and reproductive biology of marbled sole Pleuronectes yokohamae (Günther) from Tokyo Bay, Japan were studied. A clear seasonal distribution trend was observed, with P. yokohamae limited to the south of the bay in summer and expanding almost throughout the bay in other seasons. The formation and dynamics of hypoxic areas in the bay limited the northward distribution of P. yokohamae in summer. Age was determined by counting growth rings on otoliths; maximum ages were found to be 5 years for males and 6 years for females. The mean back-calculated length for females at each estimated age was greater than that for males. Growth of males and females was shown by the von Bertalanffy growth equations. Reproductive biology was studied on the basis of gonadosomatic indices and histological sections of gonads. The spawning season lasted from November to March, peaking in December and January. Sixty per cent of males at 1 year and all males ≥ 2 years had mature testes, whereas 6.7% of females at 1 year, 58.3% of females at 2 years, and all females ≥ 3 years had attained maturity.     

Characterization of the quality of the gametes and sex steroid levels during spring and summer spawning events in pejerrey Odontesthes bonariensis reared under natural conditions of temperature and photoperiod

Pejerrey Odontesthes bonariensis spawning period takes place during the end of winter and spring and, depending on temperature conditions, during late summer and autumn. Nevertheless, the occurrence and quality of the summer–autumn spawning period have not been well documented and are not considered for aquaculture production. In this context, this study aimed to characterize the reproductive activity of pejerrey reared in captivity under natural conditions of temperature and photoperiod throughout a year in order to summarize the spawning quality of the two spawning periods. The present results showed that pejerrey might spawn from late winter to the end of the spring with a peak in October (mid‐spring) and, also during summer and early autumn, interrupted by a period of 56 days without spawning activity in between. The extension of both spawning periods was almost equal (67 and 69 days). Nevertheless, higher relative fecundity and larger egg size were observed during the first spawning period, associated with higher levels of oestradiol measured in females demonstrating that it is better than the second spawning. The fertilization rate was not affected throughout the reproductive periods. These differences in the reproductive parameters are discussed in order to design specific strategies to increase seed production.     

Gonadal maturation and spawning migration of stocked female barfin flounder Verasper moseri off the Pacific coast of northern Japan

Commercial catches of barfin flounder Verasper moseri, an important target flatfish for stock enhancement programs in northern Japan, have recovered remarkably since the large-scale release of seedlings from Hokkaido in 2006. However, their reproductive ecology remains unclear. Our study of 2008–2012 investigated seasonal changes in the maturity of stocked female barfin flounder (n = 4,123) off the Pacific coast from Hokkaido to Tohoku (35.7°–43.4°N). Histological observation of ovaries revealed that fish undergoing vitellogenesis were observed mainly off Hokkaido and partially off northern Tohoku during August–January (40.2°–43.4°N). However, fully matured or spawning fish were not found near those areas. They were observed only in southern Tohoku. Ongoing spawning was observed off southernmost Tohoku (35.8°–37.5°N around 300 m depth) from early February through late April, when commercial landings had decreased drastically off Hokkaido. Spent fish were caught only rarely off southern Tohoku, but were observed frequently off Hokkaido during April–June. These results demonstrate that spawning grounds form at the upper continental slope off southernmost Tohoku during February–April. Relations between maturation traits and seasonal landings strongly suggest that female barfin flounder repeatedly migrate more than 700 km from feeding grounds off Hokkaido to spawning grounds off southern Tohoku.     

Application of enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for the study of reproduction in the Manila clam Ruditapes philippinarum (Mollusca: Bivalvia): II. Impacts of Perkinsus olseni on clam reproduction

We investigated the effects of infection by the protozoan Perkinsus olseni on the reproduction of female Manila clams, Ruditapes philippinarum, from a population in Gomso Bay, Korea. The reproductive effort of the clams was assessed by ELISA using a clam egg-specific antibody and was expressed as a weight-based gonadosomatic index (GSI). The number of Perkinsus infecting each clam was estimated from the gills using Ray's fluid thioglycollate medium (RFTM) along with a NaOH digestion assay. We found that reproductive effort was negatively correlated with the intensity of the Perkinsus infection: more heavily infected clams produced fewer eggs during the spawning period from May to August. Frequency of spawning was also negatively correlated with the level of Perkinsus infection; heavily infected clams (HIC) exhibited a single spawning pulse in late July, whereas lightly infected clams (LIC) showed three spawning peaks in mid-May, late July, and late August. Egg production of HIC was only 30–75% of LIC during spawning. The level of total protein in LIC was also higher year round than in HIC. In conclusion, our investigation demonstrates that a high level of Perkinsus infection affects spawning frequency and reduces egg production, which may have long-term impacts on clam recruitment and population growth.     

Recruitment and movement of the hard clam Meretrix lusoria in a tidal river of northern Kyushu,Japan

Size-frequency distributions of Meretrix lusoria, a commercially important bivalve in Japan, were compared among 6 sites in tidal flats of a small river in Kafuri Bay, northern Kyushu, Japan during 2006–2008. In Kafuri Bay, the hard clam resource is strictly managed and mean biomass of this species on the fishing ground (about 1.5 km²) exceeded 1.5 kg m^?2 in 2008. Small clams (<5 mm in shell length, SL) were most abundant in the border area between the river and the sea, while large clams (>40 mm SL) were rare there. In contrast, in the lower site of the marine area (site L), most clams were >30 mm SL. These results indicate that small clams move from riverine to marine areas with growth (post-settlement movement). Year-round, very small clams (<1 mm SL) were present and clams that were 2–5 mm SL were very rare, although the spawning season is thought to occur in summer. Probably, the early growth of many new recruits is very slow and most may even be <1 mm SL in the next spring, although some clams grow to >5 mm SL in a short period of time.     

Gametogenesis, reproductive investment, and spawning behavior of the Pacific giant oyster Crassostrea gigas: evidence of an environment-dependent strategy

The progress of gametogenesis was studied in oysters Crassostrea gigas having the same origin (Tremblade), but cultured during 1 year in two distinctive French marine areas, the Baie des Veys and Marennes-Oléron. We assessed seasonal changes in the reproduction cycle on the basis of stereological techniques to estimate reproductive investment and measurement of gonad evolution area by quantitative histology. From a qualitative point of view, both oyster groups presented typical reproductive stages, but showed differential timing, in particular during the sequence of spawning and duration of the re-absorption stage. Oysters in Baie des Veys had a single partial spawning in August and a re-absorption stage that extended until winter. Oysters in Merennes-Oléron had a partial spawning in July and massive release of gametes during August. Spawnings in both the areas were related to maximum temperature (19°C). The quantitative analysis showed, on an annual basis, a higher reproductive investment by oysters from Baie des Veys, 86% against 53% in the other group. Larger gonads, higher gamete production, and more intensive spawning were the characteristics of oysters in Baie des Veys. Recently, the reproduction pattern and investment has been related with summer mortalities; therefore, a quantitative understanding of reproductive processes becomes necessary for C. gigas. Environmental conditions at each site may explain differences in the progress and intensity of gametogenesis. While temperature regulated the time and speed of gametogenesis, results suggest that the intensity was influenced by the quantity of available food but may need further research. However, nutrient recycling from unreleased gametes in the gonads of oysters from Baie des Vey is a factor to be considered in the results of this study.     

Spawning patterns provide further evidence for multiple stocks of sardine (Sardinops sagax) off eastern Australia

Previous studies have suggested that sardine, Sardinops sagax, off eastern Australia spawns across its entire range when habitat conditions are suitable. However, recent studies have suggested that separate sub‐populations and spawning groups may occur in the region. Spawning patterns off eastern Australia were investigated using data collected during nine ichthyoplankton surveys conducted between 1997–2015, and adult reproductive data obtained from ad hoc commercial sampling off New South Wales (NSW). The egg surveys covered the known distribution of sardine off eastern Australia and included year‐round sampling in the northern and southern parts of this range. Egg distributions and analysis of gonadosomatic indices identified two spatio‐temporally separate spawning groups; one occurring off southern Queensland to northern NSW during late winter and early spring, and a smaller group off eastern Tasmania to southern NSW during summer. Most eggs were collected from waters 50–90 m deep, with sea surface temperatures of 18–23°C. Additive modelling indicated depth was the most significant factor driving selection of spawning habitat, followed by the interaction of month and latitude. Low egg densities were recorded in waters between 34–37°S, despite conditions within the ranges suitable for spawning. The presence of two spawning groups of sardine off eastern Australia supports recent findings that two sub‐populations occur in the region. Findings of this study will help to optimise the spatio‐temporal extent of future egg surveys and further confirm the need to coordinate future management of each sub‐population among relevant jurisdictions.     

人工蓄养斧文蛤的生殖周期及早期发育

为了探讨斧文蛤(Meretrix lamarkii Deshayes)的繁殖规律和胚胎发育过程,自2012年1月至2013年1月,每月采集样品,采用组织学方法对浙南海区移养的斧文蛤性腺发育、生殖周期和性成熟率周年变化进行了研究,并结合室内人工育苗试验对其胚胎发育过程进行了显微观察。结果表明,该地区斧文蛤的性腺发育以1年为1个周期,可分为增殖期、生长期、成熟期、排放期和休止期5个时期,雌雄性比约为1:1,性腺发育时间基本同步,均始于2月,随着水温的升高而发育,大部分个体在6月至7月发育成熟,7月下旬至8月底是繁殖盛期,可用阴干加流水刺激方法诱导其排放精卵,受精卵在水温29℃、盐度28、p H 7.8~8.5条件下,经16~20 h孵化成D形幼虫,壳长为100~110μm,浮游幼虫经5~6 d培育进入匍匐幼虫期,壳长约200μm,最后发育变态为稚贝。本研究为斧文蛤的人工繁育、养殖开发以及种质资源保护提供了基础资料。     

The influence of stunted body size on the reproductive ecology of bluegill Lepomis macrochirus

Abstract – Although stunting is a common phenomenon in fish populations, the consequences of stunted body size on the reproductive ecology of individuals has received little attention. The present study compares the reproductive ecology of bluegill in established stunted and non-stunted populations. Three ponds (two non-stunted and one stunted) were monitored for spawning activity throughout the summer. Parental male bluegill from both non-stunted populations were older, larger, and had greater mating success (number of eggs or fry within nests) than parental males in the stunted population. Stunted bluegill also experienced a shortened reproductive season owing to the delay in onset of spawning. The present study demonstrates that individual size and population size structure can have a marked influence on the reproductive ecology of bluegill.     

Variability of the reproductive cycle in estuarine and coastal populations of the mussel Mytilus galloprovincialis Lmk. from the SE Bay of Biscay (Basque Country)

Mussel commercial production depends on wild populations to obtain the seed. Therefore, any new farming initiative needs deep knowledge on reproductive cycle of native mussel populations. The reproductive cycle of Mytilus galloprovincialis Lmk. from five sites, three estuarine and two coastal, along the coast of the Basque Country were assessed using gonad index and stereology over 2 consecutive years (2010 and 2011). Sex ratios, developmental stages of gonads , as well as reserve tissue cycle were analyzed. The onset of gametogenesis was observed from winter to spring, with spawning occurring from spring till summer. A resting phase followed with an increase in reserve tissues (adipogranular cells) was observed in fall. Mussels stayed ripe during winter until favorable environmental conditions were met in spring. Differences in reproductive cycles were found among populations, and also, year-to-year variability was observed within each population. In two of the studied sites asynchrony in the timing of spawning was observed between genders. These timing differences, however, did not prevent mussels at those sites from reproducing successfully. The Bidasoa estuary points to the potential of such studied sites for becoming the main source of wild mussel spats for future expected commercial mussel farming in the Basque Country. To ensure year-to-year maximum reproductive output, however, wild mussels harvest should be avoided from spring to the end of summer in this region.

     

Observation on the spawning of Sardina and Sardinella off the south Moroccan Atlantic coast (21–26°N)

This paper provides information on the early life stages of the Moroccan Atlantic sardine, Sardina pilchardus, and two species of Sardinella: Sardinella aurita and S. maderensis, between Cape Blanc (21°N) and Cape Boujdor (26°N), dealing with the spawning grounds, the nursery areas and the optimal spawning temperature and salinity range.

The spawning areas for Sardina are located North of Dakhla (24°30′–25°30′N) and near Cintra Bay (23°N). The larval development area is described together with seasonal and annual characteristics. The nurseries of Sardina are near Dakhla and to the south between 21 and 22°N but precise locations vary with season. The maximum occurrence of eggs was during winter, and was at temperatures from 16 to 18 °C in winter and between 18 and 18.5 °C in summer.

The main spawning area of Sardinella species is between Cape Blanc and Cintra Bay (21–23°N) with a maximum occurrence of eggs and larvae in July. For Sardinella off the southern region of Morocco, the optimal temperature interval for spawning is between 18 and 21.14 °C. No conclusions can be drawn on the relationship between spawning and water salinity.

The area north of Cintra Bay has a broad, but shallow continental shelf. This topography leads to decreasing dispersion effects and the zone constitutes a favorable area for larval retention and development.     

Cohort splitting in bluefish, Pomatomus saltatrix, in the US mid-Atlantic Bight

Atlantic bluefish exhibit cohort splitting, whereby two modes of juvenile recruits originate from spatially distinct spring‐ and summer‐spawning regions in US Atlantic shelf waters. We evaluate the pattern of cohort splitting in a transition area (US Maryland coastal region and Chesapeake Bay) between the two major spawning regions. Spring and summer cohorts were differentially represented in Maryland estuarine (Chesapeake Bay) and coastal waters. The spring cohort was dominant in Chesapeake Bay, but was not well represented in the ocean environment, and the converse true for the summer cohort. We hypothesized that ocean temperatures control the bimodal spawning behavior and extent of cohort splitting. As evidence, we observed an intervening early summer cohort produced in years when shelf temperatures during early summer were suitably warm for spawning. In most years however, two dominant cohorts were evident. We propose that vernal warming dynamics in the mid‐Atlantic Bight influence spawning behavior and the resultant bimodal pattern of seasonal juvenile cohort production commonly observed along the US east coast.     

Changes in reproductive patterns in relation to decline in stock abundance of the Japanese mantis shrimp Oratosquilla oratoria in Tokyo Bay

ABSTRACT:   We investigated changes in the reproductive patterns of mantis shrimp Oratosquilla oratoria concurrent with stock-abundance decline in Tokyo Bay, Japan. Stock abundance was high in the mid to late 1980s but decreased abruptly in the early 1990s. The yearly change in annual mean larval abundance was similar to that of stock abundance. Mantis shrimp in the bay have two spawning seasons, an early season (May–June) for ≥1-year-old individuals and a late season (July–September) for 0–1-year-old individuals. This general reproductive pattern does not differ among different stock-abundance levels. However, the monthly pattern in larval abundance has changed with stock-abundance decline; larval abundance from the early spawning season was highest in the high-stock-abundance period, and it decreased significantly in the low-stock-abundance period, probably as a result of decreased spawning-stock abundance of large female mantis shrimp ≥1-year-old. Correlation analysis on the egg production index and larval abundance suggested that during this low-stock-abundance period the population is supported mostly by late-hatched larvae spawned by small, 0–1-year-old female mantis shrimp. Considering the reproductive pattern and the present status of the fishery, the stock of small female mantis shrimp should be conserved to enhance reproduction of the population for stock recovery.