Seasonal fluctuations in the flux of particulate organic matter discharged from net pens for fish farming

ABSTRACT:   Fish farming using net pens consumes large amounts of food for the reared fish, resulting in organic enrichment of the sediment below the fish farm from organic discharge in the forms of fish feces and food residues. Sediment traps were set at a net pen within and outside a fish farm, and organic flux on the sea floor was compared. The year-mean organic flux to the sea floor caused by fish farming from September 2003 to September 2004 was estimated at 2.11 gC/m²/day in total organic carbon (TOC) and 0.26 gN/m²/day in total nitrogen (TN), which were 2.5 times (TOC flux) and 2.2 times (TN flux) larger than that for natural organic flux outside the fish farm. The seasonal fluctuation patterns of organic flux to the sea floor below the fish farm did not necessarily coincide with those for the amount of food spent for the fish farming. The largest organic flux to the sea floor occurred in the autumn, when the vertical mixing of the water had just started. Therefore, organic enrichment of the sediment on the sea floor of a fish farm proceeded during this season.     

Mortality patterns in infectious salmon anaemia virus outbreaks in New Brunswick, Canada

Mortality levels attributed to infectious salmon anaemia viral (ISAV) infections were examined at the net pen and site level in the 1996 smolt year class in three areas of New Brunswick, Canada. The year class in this region was the first known to have potential exposure to ISAV beginning at the time of seawater transfer. There was considerable variability in mortality patterns among net pen groups of fish. Net pen outbreak definitions were based on at least seven high mortality days in which there were at least 100 per 100 000 fish per day or >5% cumulative mortality for the study period. There were 106 net pen outbreaks in a study population consisting of 218 net pens. Although the number of new cases decreased as water temperature decreased, overall mortality levels at the study sites did not decrease noticeably. The median peak daily mortality rate during outbreaks was 492 per 100 000 fish per day, with 10% of cases experiencing >5200 mortalities per 100 000 fish per day. The median duration of outbreaks in net pens for which the fish were not slaughtered during the outbreak was 33 days and the median total loss in those outbreaks was 6600 per 100 000 fish.     

Trial grow‐out culture of sea cucumber Holothuria scabra in sea cages and pens

Field trials were conducted to determine the effects of size, grow‐out period and site on the growth and survival of Holothuria scabra. Juveniles were reared in sea cages in two sites for 2 months during two different times of the year. Juveniles from Experiment 1 were subsequently grown in sea pens for 8 months in one site. The significantly lower survival particularly of the small‐sized group (<0.1 g) in Pilar is likely due to reduced water and sediment quality because of proximity to fish‐farming activities. The importance of grow‐out period was evident in the significant differences in weight increments in all size groups and biomass in the small‐sized group (P < 0.10) in Lucero during Experiment 2 when water temperature range and incidence of rainfall were higher. The decrease in the average weight of adults during the second half of the grow‐out period may be due to the interplay of the reduction in salinity, onset of sexual maturity and biomass exceeding carrying capacity in the pens. The estimated biomass threshold in the sea cages and pens in Lucero were 300 g m^?2 and 380 g m^?2 respectively. Implications of the results on the viability of small‐scale pen grow‐out culture are discussed.     

Behavioral responses of tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) to acute fluctuations in dissolved oxygen levels as monitored by computer vision

Behavioral and ventilatory parameters have the possibility of predicting the stress state of fish in vivo and in situ. This paper presents a new image-processing algorithm for quantifying the average swimming speed of a fish school in an aquarium. This method is based on the alteration in projected area caused by the movement of individual fish during frame sequences captured at given time intervals. The image enhancement method increases the contrast between fish and background, and is thus suitable for use in turbid aquaculture water. Behavioral parameters (swimming activity and distribution parameters) and changes in ventilation frequency (VF) of tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) responded to acute fluctuations in dissolved oxygen (DO) which were monitored continuously in the course of normoxia, falling DO level, maintenance of hypoxia (three levels of 1.5, 0.8 and 0.3 mg l⁻¹) and subsequent recovery to normoxia. These parameters responded sensitively to acute variations in DO level; they displayed significant changes (P < 0.05) during severe hypoxia (0.8 and 0.3 mg l⁻¹ level) compared with normoxic condition, but there was no significant difference under conditions of mild hypoxia (1.5 mg l⁻¹ level). There was no significant difference in VF between two levels of severe hypoxia 0.8 and 0.3 mg l⁻¹ level during the low DO condition. The activity and distribution parameters displayed distinguishable differences between the 0.8 and 0.3 mg l⁻¹ levels. The behavioral parameters are thus capable of distinguishing between different degrees of severe hypoxia, though there were relatively large fluctuations.     

Ichthyoplankton distribution and abundance in relation to nearshore dissolved oxygen levels and other environmental variables within the Northern California Current System

Nearshore hypoxia along the coast of Oregon and Washington is a seasonal phenomenon that has generated concern among scientists studying this temperate upwelling ecosystem. These waters are affected by coastal upwelling‐induced hypoxia mainly during late summer and fall, but the effects of low oxygen levels on fish and invertebrate communities, particularly during the early‐life history stages, are poorly known. We investigated the effects of hypoxia and other variables on the species composition, density, vertical and horizontal distribution of fish larvae along the Oregon and Washington coasts during the summers of 2008, 2009 and 2010. Bottom‐dissolved oxygen (DO) values ranged from 0.49 to 4.79 mL L^?1, but the overall water column DO values were only moderately hypoxic during the 3 yr of sampling compared with recent extreme years. In this study, DO was found to be an environmental parameter affecting the species composition, but other variables such as season, year and depth of capture were also important. Although the overall density of fish larvae increased with increasing bottom‐DO values, the effect on individual species density was limited. Slender sole (Lyopsetta exilis) and sand sole (Psettichthys melanostictus) were the only species to have a weak trend of density with DO, but both showed negative relationships and neither relationship was significant. Our results indicate that larval fish spatial distribution was only moderately affected within the range of observed oxygen values, but low DO may be an important factor under intense hypoxic conditions.     

Field measurements of cage deformation using acoustic sensors

As aquaculture continues to supply an increasing share of the worldwide seafood demand, it will become critical for farmers to maximize their efficiency. Presently, the majority of marine finfish are produced in gravity type net pens which can deform when they are subjected to currents. The water velocity loading affects the overall net shape which results in net cage volume loss and consequently, increases fish stress and decreases growth rates.In this study, an acoustic method is utilized to monitor the deformation of a small-scale fish cage deployed in currents. Twelve acoustic sources and four hydrophones were deployed on and around a small scale net pen for 60 days to monitor the net cage movement and volume. Local current velocities were recorded using two current meters, one inside and one outside the net pen. Three volume approximation techniques were examined, using the positions of the acoustic sources to predict net chamber volume as it responded to the currents. A numerical model of the system was then configured, set with loads under similar water velocities and results between field measurements and the model were compared.The use of acoustic sources and hydrophones to monitor cage deformation was shown to accurately monitor net deformation. Field measurements compared well to numerical model predictions, with errors ranging from −3.8% to 32%, depending upon the number of acoustic sources employed in the volume calculations. At low water velocities, six acoustic sources were found to accurate predict the net pen volume. In higher currents, a minimum of nine acoustic sources was recommended.     

Forecasting the Genetic Impacts of Net Pen Failures on Gulf of Mexico Cobia Populations Using Individual‐based Model Simulations

Offshore net pen fish farming provides a cost‐efficient means for production of marine finfish, and there is great interest in development of net pen operations in domestic waters. However, there are concerns over the possible genetic and ecological impacts that escaped fish may have on wild populations. We used individual‐based simulations, with parameter values informed by life history and genetic data, to investigate the short‐term (50 yr) impacts of net pen failures on the genetic composition of cobia, Rachycentron canadum, stocks in the Gulf of Mexico. Higher net pen failure rates resulted in greater genetic impacts on the wild population. Additionally, the use of more genetically differentiated source populations led to larger influxes of non‐native alleles and greater temporal genetic change in the population as a result of net pen failure. Our results highlight the importance of considering the appropriate source population for broodstock collection in net pen aquaculture systems and help to provide a general set of best management practices for broodstock selection and maintenance in net pen aquaculture operations. A thorough understanding of the genetic diversity, stock structure, and population demography of target species is important to determine the impact escapees can have on wild populations.     

褐牙鲆幼鱼能量分配对限制溶解氧供应及恢复的响应

实验采用循环水养殖系统,通过水流量控制溶解氧供给,设计不同溶解氧供应和限制溶解氧供应及恢复两个实验来研究褐牙鲆(Paralichthys olivaceus)幼鱼生长及能量分配等指标的响应。在不同溶解氧供应实验中,溶解氧含量梯度设置为2.24 mg/L,3.14 mg/L,4.27 mg/L,5.38 mg/L,6.94 mg/L,实验结束时褐牙鲆幼鱼体重、日生长系数、摄食率、以湿重表示的饲料转化效率与溶解氧含量呈正相关(P0.05)。单尾鱼的摄食能随着溶解氧含量的下降而减少,生长能的比例在溶氧为5.38 mg/L时最高。排粪能的比例则随着溶解氧含量的下降而上升,排泄能比例随溶解氧含量下降也略有增加,代谢能的比例随着溶解氧含量的下降呈先下降后上升的趋势,在溶解氧含量为5.38 mg/L时最低(37.66%)。单位体重能量收支中,所有指标与溶解氧含量都有明显的正相关关系(P0.05),随着溶解氧含量的提高而显著提高。实验表明,低溶解氧含量下,褐牙鲆幼鱼通过减少能量供应降低摄食率和饲料转化效率,其生长受到抑制。在限制溶解氧供应及恢复实验中,经历10 d低溶解氧含量2 mg/L(S_2)和4 mg/L(S_4)胁迫的褐牙鲆幼鱼生长受到抑制,但在恢复正常溶解氧后10 d内体重即与对照组无显著差异(P0.05)。恢复期间褐牙鲆幼鱼的摄食率明显高于对照组(P0.05),饲料转化效率略高于对照组。恢复阶段不同处理在摄食能、生长能比例和呼吸能比例上没有显著差异(P0.05),但经历低溶解氧胁迫的处理摄食能和生长能比例略高于对照处理,而代谢耗能比例略低于对照处理。S2处理的排泄能比例显著低于其余2个处理(P0.05)。实验表明褐牙鲆幼鱼对短期低溶解氧含量有较强的适应能力,能够通过提高摄食率在较短的恢复期获得完全补偿生长。本研究揭示了褐牙鲆在低溶氧胁迫下的能量分配规律,为深入研究鱼类适应溶解氧波动环境的策略积累资料。     

Physiological and morphological effects of severe hypoxia,hypoxia and hyperoxia in juvenile turbot (Scophthalmus maximus L.)

We studied the physiological status of juvenile turbot (Scophthalmus maximus L.) under severe hypoxia (1 and 2 mg/L dissolved oxygen, DO), hypoxia (3 and 5 mg/L DO), hyperoxia (11 and 14 mg/L DO) and normoxia (7 mg/L DO, control) conditions. The respiratory rates, haematology parameters, acid–base balance status and gill structure were analysed to find the effects of different DO concentration on turbot. Fish mortality was only observed under severe hypoxia conditions. Severe hypoxia caused an increase in respiratory rates and red blood cell counts, as well as an increase in haemoglobin and haematocrit levels in the fish. In fish exposed to hypoxia conditions, the respiratory rate increased overall as the DO concentration decreased. Lower pCO₂ and HCO₃^? levels led to a high blood pH, while the pO₂ remained stable. In hyperoxia groups, respiratory rate decreased as the DO concentration increased. The levels of pCO₂ and HCO₃^? significantly increased (P < 0.05), while the pO₂ level and blood pH did not change obviously. The gill structure was damaged after prolonged exposure to hyperoxia, but no obvious damage was found in hypoxia groups. The fish that survived the hypoxia or hyperoxia treatment were able to restore the structural integrity of the gills after 14 days' recovery. The results suggest that juvenile turbots can tolerate a wide range of DO concentrations. However, even mild hyperoxia condition (11 mg/L DO), which is widely used in fish culture, has adverse effects on juvenile turbot physiology.     

Vertical distribution patterns of zooplanktivorous fish in a shallow, eutrophic lake, mediated by water transparency

Abstract –  The vertical distribution pattern (VDP) of fish at shallow sites in eutrophic lake – Lake IJssel, the Netherlands – as affected by water transparency, was examined. The pattern was assessed by pair trawling at three depths and by hydroacoustics from June to August. Water transparency was estimated by light intensity and Secchi depth measurements. Hydroacoustics showed that fish were more dispersed at night than during the day. European smelt, ( Osmerus eperlanus ) and young-of-the-year Eurasian perch ( Perca fluviatilis ) comprised 97% of the fish in numbers. European smelt concentrated near the surface, at light intensities of >200 µW · cm⁻² when the water was turbid, and near the bottom when the water was clear (Secchi depth > 1.2 m). We concluded that low water transparency over-ruled the light sensitivity of European smelt, and caused European smelt to stay higher in the water column.     

Demersal fish and invertebrate biomass in relation to an offshore hypoxic zone along the US West Coast

In August 2007, as part of the NOAA National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) West Coast Groundfish Bottom Trawl Survey, we examined the biomass of demersal organisms in a known hypoxic area off the Oregon coast. Although observed each summer, the intensity of hypoxia has varied annually (2002–2007) with the greatest temporal and spatial extent noted in 2006. In 2007 we identified the geographic extent of the hypoxic zone and sampled 17 stations along two depth contours (50 and 70 m) within the area. A Sea-Bird SBE 19 plus equipped with a dissolved oxygen (DO) sensor was attached to the bottom trawl to monitor oxygen concentration during each tow. Bottom DO concentrations at all stations were hypoxic with means along the tow tracts ranging from 0.43 to 1.27 mL L⁻¹. Total catch per unit effort (ln CPUE, kg hectare⁻¹) and species diversity (number of species, N ) were significantly and positively related to oxygen concentration along the hypoxic gradient. In addition, CPUE (natural log-transformed) for eight fish species and five benthic invertebrate species were significantly and positively related to bottom oxygen concentration within the hypoxic region. Condition factors for five fish species, as well as Dungeness crab ( Cancer magister ) increased with increased bottom oxygen levels along the hypoxic gradient. Historical catch (2003–2006) within the hypoxic zone indicates that biomass was significantly lower in 2006, the year with the lowest bottom DO levels, relative to other years.     

海水网箱养殖花鲈和日本黄姑鱼肠道细菌的多样性

利用Illumina MiSeq高通量测序技术分析了网箱养殖花鲈（）肠道细菌组成,同时分析了配合饲料和网箱中海水的细菌组成,以确定鱼类肠道细菌与环境之间的关系。花鲈投喂冰鲜鱼,日本黄姑鱼投喂配合饲料。从花鲈和日本黄姑鱼前肠、中肠、后肠、配合饲料和网箱内海水中共鉴定出886个细菌OTU（operational taxonomic unit）,分别隶属8个门、40个属,其中从花鲈和日本黄姑鱼肠道中鉴定出的550个细菌OTUs分别隶属5个门、15个属。在门的水平上,厚壁菌门（Firmicutes）在两种鱼类肠道中均占优势;在属的水平上,梭菌属（）在日本黄姑鱼肠道中占优势。花鲈与日本黄姑鱼之间肠道细菌的相似性高于日本黄姑鱼肠道细菌与配合饲料中细菌的相似性,也高于花鲈或日本黄姑鱼肠道细菌与其养殖网箱内海水中细菌的相似性。日本黄姑鱼肠道与配合饲料中共有的细菌OTU数多于日本黄姑鱼肠道与网箱内海水中共有的细菌OTU数。综上所述得出结论：（1）花鲈和日本黄姑鱼肠道细菌群落分别独立于其养殖网箱内海水细菌群落,日本黄姑鱼肠道细菌群落独立于其配合饲料中的细菌群落;（2）日本黄姑鱼肠道细菌受配合饲料中细菌的影响大于受网箱内海水中细菌的影响。     

Changes in Plasma Cortisol, Glucose, and Selected Blood Properties in the Summer Flounder Paralichthys dentatus Associated with Sequential Movement to Three Experimental Conditions

To determine the changes in blood chemistry associated with sequential transfer of summer flounder Paralichthys dentatus (320–480 g), 300 hatchery-reared fish were moved to three different environmental conditions during a 20-d period. Fish were transferred in progression from a recirculating seawater system (22 ppt, 22.5 C) to a flow-thru seawater system (31 ppt, 20.0 C), to three small coastal net pens (33 ppt, 15.5 C), and finally to a large open ocean net pen (33 ppt, 16.0 C). For this study, eight random fish were captured at each progressive step (environmental condition), anesthetized (MS222), and bled from the caudal vein (2 mL). Transferred flounder were bled every 12 h for 48 h to collect plasma cortisol and glucose samples. Fish were bled 24 h after transport and every 3 d thereafter for osmolarity, hematocrit, hemoglobin concentration, mean corpuscular hemoglobin content, glucose, cortisol, and the electrolytes Cl^- Na⁺, K⁺ and Ca⁺. The most significant perturbations to blood chemistry (P < 0.05) occurred within 24 h of initial transfer from the recirculating to flow-thru seawater systems, suggesting an osmoregulatory rather than handling or transfer related stress. Osmolarity, electrolyte, and hematological parameters fluctuated and then recovered to stable levels by day 8 in the flow-thru seawater system. However, unlike the initial transfer, successive movement to the coastal and then the open ocean net pens produced transient increases in both plasma cortisol and glucose levels, suggesting a high level of stress associated with extended flounder handling and transfer.     

Diurnal changes of dissolved oxygen in fouling land-based tanks for rearing of sea bass

Concentration of dissolved oxygen (DO) was measured in non-fouling tanks with sea bass and in fouling tanks without fish. The rate of oxygen production and respiration of fouling organisms and the rate of oxygen consumption by sea bass were calculated from the changes of DO. It was possible to approximate diurnal changes of these rates as periodical functions of time. A mathematical model was used to study the effects of fouling, density of fish and water flow on DO during the day (0–24 h). During the sunlight the fouling increases DO in the tank, while during the night it does not affect DO significantly. Water detention time significantly affects the minimum values of DO, and relatively little the maximum ones during the day.     

The Influence of Stocking Density on the Swimming Behavior of Adult Atlantic Cod,Gadus morhua,in a Near Shore Net Pen

Cage design and stocking density are important aspects of aquaculture farm design, therefore understanding how fish behave at different stocking densities is critical information for farm managers. In this study, high resolution acoustic telemetry was used to investigate the swimming behavior of adult Atlantic cod, Gadus morhua, that were stocked at four densities (5, 10, 25, and 45 kg/m³). Acoustic tags were placed into the abdominal cavity of five fish per density treatment so their swimming behavior could be continuously monitored throughout the study. An array of hydrophones made it possible to calculate the position of each fish in three dimensions, at ～2–5 sec intervals, for 4–30 d. Three underwater cameras were used to obtain additional data about the distribution of fish in the cage during the daytime. At the lowest density, the cod spent the majority (64.3 ± 0.08%) of their time in the bottom third of the net pen. As density increased, the fish moved higher in the water column, and this behavior was most evident at night, at all densities. At no time throughout the entire study were there any obvious occurrences of schooling behavior, even at the highest density (45 kg/m³).     

Use of Cottonseed Meal in Channel Catfish Feeds

Solvent extracted cottonseed meal was substituted for soybean meal in catfish feeds on a nitrogen basis. The feeds, which contained either 0, 10, or 20% cottonseed meal, were formulated to contain about 32% protein and 2.9 kcal digestible energy/g. The fish were reared in 6 m³ net pens suspended in a 1.6 ha earthen pond. Twelve pens (four per treatment) were stocked with 400 fish with an initial average weight of 95 g/fish. All fish were fed to satiation once daily. A sample of 60 fish from each pen was weighed at 76 days to evaluate feed consumption, feed conversion, and weight gain. At the end of the experiment (132 days), fish from each net pen were weighed collectively and samples were taken to determine tissue free gossypol concentrations, proximate composition of fillets, and dressout percentages. There were no significant differences in weight gain, feed conversion, or survival of fish sampled at 76 days or of fish at the end of the experiment regardless of dietary treatment. At 76 days, feed consumption of fish fed the 20% cottonseed meal feed was significantly higher than that of other fish, but there were no significant differences in feed consumption at the end of the experiment. Free gossypol levels were below detectable limits in fish tissue. There were no significant differences in percentage dressout or in body composition, except for a slightly higher ash content in fish fed the feed containing 10% cottonseed meal. It appears that cottonseed meal can be used to partially substitute for soybean meal in catfish feeds. At the present, it is recommended that cottonseed meal be limited to 15% of the catfish diet.     

网箱养殖对千岛湖水环境的影响

通过对千岛湖网箱养殖区内外水域的四季水质调查,分析得出网箱养殖对千岛湖局部水域会产生明显的影响。造成养殖区水域的DO、pH下降,TN升高,不同季节和不同的水层影响存在差别。冬季对浅层的DO、pH产生明显下降,影响区域小;春季对表层的DO、pH产生明显下降,影响区域大;夏季受水温分层,影响不明显;秋季造成各层水体DO、pH下降,TN上升,影响区域大。千岛湖网箱养殖在春季和秋季对养殖区局部水域影响明显,但分散的网箱养殖对水域影响范围较小,对千岛湖水体短期内影响不明显。     

Alcohol-soluble components in soybeans cause morphological changes in the distal intestine of Atlantic salmon, Salmo salar L.

Standard soybean meal, heat treated to differing degrees and containing varying levels of soybean lectin and trypsin inhibitor, was used to study the effect of soybean-containing diets on the morphology of the distal intestine in Atlantic salmon, Salmo salar L. A reference diet based on fish meal and a fish meal diet mixed with an alcohol extract of soybean meal were used. The fish (145 g) were kept in 27 m³ net pens (200 fish per pen) in sea water with an average temperature of 11 °C for 12 weeks. Whereas a normal morphology of the distal intestine was seen in the fish fed the reference diet, all soybean diets caused alterations in the distal intestine irrespective of heat treatment. Similar changes were observed with the diet which had added alcohol solubles. It is concluded that alcohol-soluble components in the soybeans are responsible for the observed changes. It cannot be determined which of the soybean antinutrients is causing the alterations from the present study. Oligosaccharides and saponines are possible candidates. However, the possibility that unknown antinutrients are affecting the salmon intestine should not be overlooked.     

Examination of net volume reduction of gravity-type open-net fish cages under sea currents

Owing to heavy criticisms of nearshore fish farming for causing environmental pollution and encroaching on sea space used for shipping, boating, recreational sea activities and marine eco-tourism, offshore fish farming has now being seriously considered. Moreover an offshore site provides more pristine water and greater space for increased fish production. However, offshore fish farming poses challenges such as a more energetic sea environment. A higher sea current can lead to large deformation of fish net and hence a net volume reduction which compromises fish welfare. With the view to identifying the effects of various important parameters on net volume reduction of a gravity-type open-net fish cage, this paper adopts a mass-spring model for the dynamic analysis of current-induced net deformations of cylindrical fish nets with discrete weights hanging at the bottom edge of the nets. In this model, the net mesh comprises knot nodes and bar nodes connected by tension-only massless springs. The spring stiffness is determined from the net bar diameters and material properties. The current-induced loads are applied to each node and calculated based on Morrison’s equation. The governing equation system for nodal motions can be established according to Newton’s second law, and solved by using the Runge-Kutta method for the real-time net deformations. The effects of net string reinforcements, weight distributions and net shapes on the net volume reduction are studied with the view to shed insights into how one may improve fish cage designs to effectively mitigate net deformation under high sea current speeds in offshore fish farming sites.