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.     

Evidence of potential vertical transmission of tilapia lake virus

Tilapia lake virus disease (TiLVD) is an emerging viral disease in tilapia with worldwide distribution. Although the horizontal transmission of TiLV has been demonstrated through the cohabitation of infected fish with susceptible fish, no direct experiment showed the potential of vertical transmission from broodstock to progeny. In this study, natural outbreaks of TiLV in broodstock and fry in two tilapia hatcheries were confirmed. The TiLV genomic RNA was detected in liver and reproductive organs of infected broodstock, while infective virus was isolated in susceptible cell line. In situ hybridization assay confirmed the presence of TiLV in the ovary and testis of naturally infected fish and experimentally challenged fish. Moreover, early detection of TiLV in 2‐day‐old fry and the presence of TiLV genomic RNA and viable virus in the testis and ovary suggested the possible transfer of this virus from infected broodstock to progenies. As infective virus was present in gonads and fry in natural outbreak and experimental fish, the importance of biosecurity and prevention of the virus to establish in the hatchery should be emphasized. Hence, the development of TiLV‐free broodstock and the maintenance of high biosecurity standards in the hatcheries are essential for any attempt of virus eradication.     

Broodstock spawning and larviculture of whiting (Merlangius merlangus L.) reared in captivity

In recent years, an increasing interest in the farming of marine ‘white’ fish, such as cod, has been observed in the aquaculture industry. One species being considered for aquaculture development is whiting (Merlangius merlangus L.). With little data being available on the domestication of this species, our study aimed to characterize spawning behaviour and rhythmicity in captive broodstock and provide original data on egg incubation, embryonic development and larval rearing. The results observed through video recording showed that spawning mainly occurred at night with active courtship behaviour. Daily egg batches were collected from two separate spawning seasons, with an average fertilization success declining from 77% to 53%. Time to hatch was inversely related to the incubation temperature and occurred after 78 degree‐days (9 days at 8 °C), with emerging larvae ranging in size from 3.3 to 3.46 mm total length and hatch success ranging from 48.3% to 99.9%. In comparison with a clear water environment, a green water regime during the first days of larval rearing significantly improved larval growth and survival. These results are the first to describe spawning activity, early development and larval performances in whiting and are promising for the potential future development of whiting aquaculture.     

Design and performance of recirculating aquaculture system for marine finfish broodstock development

Tropical and subtropical climatic conditions in India present an ideal and unique opportunity for being the leader in tropical marine finfish aquaculture. However, the problem persist due to non-availability of marine finfish seed for the culture. In response to this problem, broodstock development of different tropical marine finfishes for seed production was started. The present study was undertaken to design a recirculating aquaculture system (RAS) and studying their performance in managing the various water quality required for the marine finfish broodstock development and breeding. The design of RAS, developed in the present study, included a broodstock tank, egg collection chamber, electrical pump, rapid sand filter, venturi type protein skimmer and biological filter. Two RAS were designed, one was stocked with a demersal fish species, orange spotted grouper (Epinephelus coioides) and the other was stocked with a pelagic fish species, Indian pompano (Trachinotus mookalee) at the rate 1 and 0.5 kg/m³ with a sex ratio of 1:1 and 1:2 (female: male) respectively. Various physio-chemical parameters, viz, total ammonia nitrogen (TAN), nitrite, nitrate, pH, alkalinity, temperature, free carbon dioxide (CO₂) and dissolved oxygen (DO) of both tank water were analyzed to assess the performance of recirculating aquaculture system in maintaining the water quality. Gonadal development of the fishes was assessed and the spawning performance was recorded and finally, economic performance of the system was also evaluated. During the entire experimental period, mean monthly total ammonia nitrogen was less than 0.07 and 0.06 mg L⁻¹ and mean monthly nitrite was less than 0.02 and 0.01 mg L⁻¹ in orange spotted grouper and Indian pompano RAS tanks respectively. The pH (7.8–8.2), DO (>4 mg/L) and alkalinity (100–120 mg/L) were found to be in optimum range in both recirculating aquaculture systems. Carbon dioxide was found to be nil during the entire experimental period in both the systems. In fact these levels were comparable or less than that is reported as the permissible limits for broodstock development. Indian pompano and Orange spotted grouper matured and spawning was obtained with production of fertilized eggs round the year. Economic evaluation showed the price of 10,000 fertilized eggs of orange spotted grouper to be US $ 1.33. The design of RAS devised in the present study is efficient in controlling and maintaining optimum water quality for broodstock development of both demersal and pelagic finfishes. The fishes stocked in RAS attained final maturation and round the year spawning was obtained.     

The potential for Chilean oysters, Tiostrea chilensis (Philippi, 1845), from two populations in northern New Zealand as a source of larvae for aquaculture

The use of the Chilean oyster. Tiostrea chilensis (Philippi. 1845), for aquaculture has been hampered by difficulty in obtaining commercial quantities of larvae due to the low fertility of the existing broodstock of this species taken from well-known populations in Chile and the South Island of New Zealand. The larval productions of two wild populations of this oyster in northern New Zealand were assessed as potential alternative sources of broodstock for aquaculture. The study found both populations produced larvae from young, small oysters, and that a much larger proportion of the population was brooding larvae each year than has been reported elsewhere. The mean fertility of one of these populations, at 71 056 ± 3701 (SE) larvae per oyster, was the highest reported for any population of this species. The significantly higher fertility of these populations makes them well suited for further development as broodstock for aquaculture.     

Precocious sex change and spermatogenesis in the underyearling Malabar grouper Epinephelus malabaricus by androgen treatment

The Malabar grouper Epinephelus malabaricus is an important candidate species for commercial aquaculture in tropical and subtropical areas. In nature, this species requires more than 10 years to change sex from female to male and have active spermatogenic tissues in the testis. Thus, it is essential to find a means of producing sperm for seed production. This is the first report of artificial sex change in underyearling E. malabaricus . Female E. malabaricus with immature ovaries at 144 days post-hatch (DPH) were fed a diet with 17α-methyltestosterone (MT) at 50 μg g⁻¹ diet for 6 months. Sex change occurred in most of the treated fish, which had testis with all stages of spermatogenic germ cells including spermatozoa. In contrast, most of the control fish had immature ovaries. These results, which reveal that germ cells in the underyearling grouper have the ability to produce spermatozoa in response to exogenous androgen, demonstrate that sex change can be artificially induced during ovarian development.     

The Image of Fish from Aquaculture Among Europeans: Impact of Exposure to Balanced Information

This study investigated the effect of balanced, nonpersuasive information related to safety, healthiness, and sustainability of aquaculture on the image of farmed fish among European consumers. It was demonstrated that there is neither positive nor negative influence of this type of information on the predominantly positive image of fish from aquaculture. Consumers who were exposed to information related to the EU origin and aquaculture related guarantee reported a more positive image of farmed fish. These results provide valuable input for transparent communication about fish farming practices which might increase consumer trust and will not harm the image of fish from aquaculture. Increasing consumers' knowledge about aquaculture and its positive effects on the image of farmed fish is also discussed as a pathway for maintaining and improving aquaculture's positive image in the future.     

Application of DNA markers to the management of Atlantic halibut (Hippoglossus hippoglossus) broodstock

For many aquaculture finfish species, the current broodstock have been collected from the wild or have undergone only a few generations of domestication. The Atlantic halibut (Hippoglossus hippoglossus) aquaculture industry in Atlantic Canada has retained F₁ juveniles (n=145) from the 1996 spawning of wild adults for candidate broodstock. Through the development and use of a five-microsatellite DNA marker multiplex, we determined the parentage of these 1996 F1 individuals, which are being reared at one government and two industry hatcheries, and evaluated the change in genetic variation between the wild and the 1996 F₁ stock. In the three groups of F₁ fish, single parental pairs were assigned to 98%, 96% and 100% of individuals. Large full- and half-sibling groups were identified within and across F₁ groups and, overall, only 36% of attempted crosses were represented in the retained fish. Effective population size in the parental group decreased from 27 to 13 when variance in family size was accounted for and to 12.5 when changes in gene diversity (compared to the combined F₁ stocks) were considered. Statistically significant differences in measures of genetic variation were not widely observed between groups (original wild sample, parental group, three F₁ groups and combined F₁). However, the F₁ population shows a 26% decrease in total allele numbers compared to the wild sample. These observations demonstrate the utility of genetic tools in the evaluation of genetic diversity and determination of pedigree during the establishment of new broodstock. They also emphasize the necessity for closely monitoring future matings among these fish and suggest the need to introduce additional genetic variation into this group of Atlantic halibut broodstock.     

许氏平鲉的生物学特征及其人工养殖

本文综述了许氏平鲉的生态特征,摄食与生长、繁殖习性等生物学特征。介绍了亲鱼选择、人工培育及病害防治技术。     

A review of nutritional biology and dietary requirements of redclaw crayfish Cherax quadricarinatus (von Martens 1868)

Redclaw crayfish (Cherax quadricarinatus, von Martens 1868) is a freshwater decapod crustacean with a number of biological and commercial attributes that make it an excellent aquaculture species. The redclaw aquaculture industry has been growing rapidly since the mid‐1980s in tropical and subtropical regions of the world. Redclaw aquaculture is mostly in extensive pond systems, but interest in developing more intensive systems is increasing. To support continued intensification, development of high‐quality practical diet formulations and information about redclaw nutrition requirements are necessary. A number of studies have determined optimum dietary protein and lipid requirements for juvenile redclaw. However, there is limited information on essential amino acid and fatty acid requirements. Several studies report the presence of various digestive enzymes that have been linked to the ability of the species to digest a wide range of dietary components. Furthermore, as in many other aquaculture species, there is a need to replace fishmeal with other protein sources. A number of studies explored the possibility of replacing fish meal with various terrestrial plant sources of protein and lipids and showed that redclaw can be offered diets containing low‐cost, plant‐based ingredients without compromising survival, growth and, to a certain extent, reproduction. Formulated diets containing less expensive, plant ‐ based ingredients will contribute to a more profitable and environmentally sustainable redclaw aquaculture industry. Finally, there is also a paucity of information on vitamin and mineral requirements of redclaw and little information on nutrient requirements of broodstock. For the redclaw aquaculture industry to thrive, we need to have a better understanding of nutrient requirements at all life stages.     

白斑狗鱼家系亲本遗传结构的微卫星分析

近年来,新疆土著鱼类白斑狗鱼（Esox lucius）已成为重要的养殖对象。本研究用8对微卫星标记扩增了190-360bp的2-7条带,分析构建了白斑狗鱼家系亲本的遗传结构。白斑狗鱼雌、雄亲鱼的观测杂合度和预期杂合度分别为0.6438、0.7066和0.6500、0.7076,表明白斑狗鱼亲本杂合度较高。雌、雄亲鱼平均多态信息含量分别为0.6464和0.6486。总体上8个微卫星位点具有较高的多态性,雌雄亲本间遗传距离为0.0426,适于分析白斑狗鱼亲本的遗传结构。F统计显示,白斑狗鱼近亲交配不严重,适合作为家系选育亲本。     

Detection of post‐F1 fish hybrids in broodstock using molecular markers: approaches for genetic management in aquaculture

Herein, we have developed molecular markers for nuclear genes to use in multiplex‐PCR and PCR‐RFLP, with the goal of characterising hybrid lines derived from crosses between pintado Pseudoplatystoma corruscans and cachara P. reticulatum. These markers, together with others described previously, were used to perform molecular identification analyses as genetic subsidies for Brazilian aquaculture. These analyses were performed due to the problems of high mortality in the offspring reported by the aquaculturist. From a total of 16 broodstock samples, 13 were genetically identified as hybrids; surprisingly, nine of these hybrids were found to be post‐F1 lineages. These data show that the fertility of these animals can seriously affect the cultivated stocks, thus causing financial damage in this aquaculture system. The establishment of PCR‐RFLP and multiplex‐PCR as molecular techniques allows for both the correct management of these animals and the routine monitoring of production and trade of fish hybrids in aquaculture. Consequently, such tools will enable a sustainable development in the aquaculture industry.     

AFLP and microsatellites as genetic tags to identify cultured gilthead seabream escapees: data from a simulated floating cage breaking event

Genetic discrimination using DNA fingerprinting is rapidly developing for cultured stock and wild fish populations. Microsatellites and AFLPs are being widely used in aquaculture to assign fish or processed fish products, to their claimed origin, paternity or strain. In the present study, 147 AFLP and 4 microsatellite markers were used as genetic tags in gilthead seabream, Sparus auratus. Specimens from two different hatchery broodstocks (one of Atlantic and one of Mediterranean origin) and wild fishes from a natural population were fingerprinted. Putative offspring from these broodstocks were computer-generated, and the confidence in the parentage assignment of their genetic profiles to the hatchery broodstock assessed. The virtual offspring were then mixed with specimens from a natural population to simulate an accidental escape from a floating cage. The risk of false paternity inclusion was evaluated to test the ability to identify either Atlantic or Mediterranean hatchery offspring among wild fish. The method proved to be reliable, and could therefore be used to forecast the impact of fish farm escapees.     

Molecular tracing confirms that infection with infectious pancreatic necrosis virus follows the smolt from hatchery to grow‐out farm

Infectious pancreatic necrosis (IPN) is an important restraint to production of salmonids in aquaculture globally. In order to implement efficacious mitigation strategies for control of this disease, it is important to understand infection routes under current production systems. IPN virus has been shown to be transmitted vertically in Rainbow trout, from broodstock to fingerlings in hatcheries, and there is circumstantial evidence suggesting that vertical transmission can also occur in Atlantic salmon, in addition to horizontal transmission between grow‐out fish in farms. In this study, we show that the smolt carries infection with IPN from hatchery to the marine farm. We do this by comparing sequences from fish groups taken both in hatcheries and on corresponding marine grow‐out farms. We use statistical analysis to prove that sequences obtained from the same fish group in both hatchery and marine farm are more similar than sequences obtained from random fish groups on hatcheries and marine farms.     

Evaluating spawning performance among captive Florida pompano Trachinotus carolinus broodstock using microsatellite‐based parentage assignment

Florida pompano has been identified as a promising candidate for commercial‐scale aquaculture production, but to date, little information is available regarding captive broodstock spawning characteristics. Genetic markers were tested for their power in monitoring mating outcomes and potential in analysing heritability of rapid growth trait in Trachinotus carolinus. A total of 20 unrelated adults (10 females and 10 males) were chosen for a hormone‐induced mass spawning event. The 515 fastest growing and 485 slowest growing fish of the total 4852 offspring were considered a selected progeny stock, and fish were collected at 45 days post hatch based on their growth traits. Parentage analyses based on the 20 breeders and 1,000 selected progeny were performed using a total of nine microsatellite markers, a 100% assignment rate was achieved, and a four‐marker set was the minimum number for the parentage assignment. The effective breeding number for the selected progeny was 11 (six females and five males), among which three females and two males were predominant contributors with the total contribution of 95.8% and 94.7% respectively. The proportion of fast‐growing offspring from broodfish and each mating cross (sire/dam) was used for detecting whether variation in growth of the offspring was related to parental stocks. Results showed that three adults and their mated combination exhibited the greatest fast‐growing offspring proportion (69.73% and 55.95%). This research provided new information regarding spawning performance and parental contribution during mass spawning events; both important first steps towards developing improved management strategies for captive Florida pompano broodstock.     

鱼类增殖放流站亲鱼池数值模拟研究

增殖放流是目前普遍采用的减缓水利水电工程对鱼类影响的措施之一。亲鱼培育是增殖放流的关键环节,亲鱼培育池是增殖放流站中的关键设施。鱼池不同流速流场区域的形成与亲鱼池的结构型式、工艺尺寸、进出水流量等多种因素有关,特别是针对国内山区急流河段水电工程鱼类增殖放流站亲鱼池的数值模拟研究还处于空白。采用计算流体力学(CFD)方法对亲鱼培育池流场进行了模拟,从亲鱼适宜流速区间最大化的角度,通过标准k-ε模型对最常用圆形和矩形两种不同结构型式的鱼池进行三维建模,分析比较了不同结构尺寸圆形池与矩形池的水力学条件,建议优先采用圆形池作为亲鱼培育池的型式,最适宜径深比为6∶1～3∶1;场地紧张而采用矩形池时,适宜长宽比为4∶1～2∶1。除流场外,温度、溶氧、排污分布等其他环境因子对鱼类繁殖也有一定的影响。对于特定鱼类,应该根据其生物学特性,适时调整鱼池的流速,满足相关需求。研究结果丰富了国内鱼类增殖放流站亲鱼池结构设计内容,推荐的亲鱼池结构型式可为鱼类增殖放流站设计提供参考。     

Impact of aquatic acoustic noise on oxidative status and some immune parameters in gilthead sea bream Sparus aurata (Linnaeus, 1758) juveniles

This study evaluated the ambient noise effect of onshore and offshore aquaculture systems on oxidative status and on some immune parameters in gilthead sea bream (Sparus aurata) juveniles. The experiment was performed for 40 days, projecting two different playlists of acoustic stimuli: offshore aquaculture noise condition that created the typical acoustic field in proximity of an offshore sea cage for fish farming, using a random sequence of quite sea background and boat noises; and onshore aquaculture noise condition that represented the acoustic field inside an open concrete tank for fish farming. A third group without any acoustic projection was used as a control. After 40 days from the beginning of acoustic noise, fish exposed to the offshore aquaculture condition showed significantly higher levels of total oxidant status, lysozyme activity, antiprotease activity and white blood cells together with a lower albumin/globulin ratio in comparison to fish from the control group; whereas fish exposed to the onshore condition showed analytical data placed between the other groups, though never significantly different. These results demonstrate that the offshore aquaculture noise, and in particular the sea soundscape, adversely influences the oxidative status and the immune function of gilthead sea bream determining a mild stress condition that could affect the sea bream welfare.     

Completion of the Pacific bluefin tuna Thunnus orientalis (Temminck et Schlegel) life cycle

Tuna aquaculture is currently dependent on the wild capture of juveniles for production. The development of hatchery technology for bluefin and other tunas would be a major step forward in improving sustainability of their aquaculture. The present study overviews the technology in the life cycle completion of the Pacific bluefin tuna (PBT) Thunnus orientalis (Temminck et Schlegel) under aquaculture conditions in Kinki University, and the problems to be solved for the establishment of tuna hatchery technology. On 23 June 2002, broodstock of PBT that were artificially hatched and reared spontaneously spawned in captivity. The resulting eggs hatched and were subsequently reared to the juvenile stage. The spawning fish were the result of a research project started in 1987 to rear wild‐caught juvenile PBT that were several months old. Fertilized eggs were obtained from these fish in 1995 and 1996. Resulting juveniles (the artificially hatched first generation) were reared to maturity and spawned in 2002. Over the summer of 2002, 1.63 million eggs from these fish were used for a mass rearing experiment, and 17 307 juveniles were produced and transferred to an open sea net cage. Of these artificially hatched second‐generation PBT, 1100 grew to approximately 95 cm total length and 14 kg body weight in 22 months. This procedure means the completion of PBT life cycle under aquaculture conditions, which was first attained among large tuna species. The problems awaiting solution in PBT hatchery production are their unpredictable spawning in captivity, to improve survival during the first 10 days post hatch, to reduce cannibalism in larval and juvenile stages, and to solve collision problem causing high mortality during the juvenile stage.     

Treatments for ectoparasites and diseases in captive Western Australian dhufish

The Western Australian dhufish (Glaucosoma hebraicum), an open-water marine finfish, has been identified as a potential species for aquaculture and a 4 y research project has concentrated on broodstock collection and maintenance, spawning and larval rearing. This paper describes treatments which were developed for the ectoparasites and diseases of broodstock fish. These included bacterial and fungal infections, Cryptocaryon irritans, Haliotremasp., an unidentified axinid monogenean, the isopod Aega cyclops and copepod Caligus sp. Treatments based on betadine, formalin, freshwater, malachite green, oxytetracycline (terramycin), 2-phenoxyethanol, potassium permanganate and trichlorphon (neguvon) were all tried. The most effective treatments against parasites were a freshwater bath or a combined freshwater bath and anaesthesia with 2-phenoxyethanol. Monogeneans on the gills were difficult to control and exophthalmia was an unresolved problem.