Observations of flow patterns in a model of a marine fish larvae rearing tank

There are few studies on flow fields generated by aerators in fish larvae rearing tanks. The flow varies with aeration rates and tank proportions resulting in different larvae survival rates. The effects of aeration rate and aspect ratio AR (the ratio of liquid depth to tank radius) on overall flow patterns were investigated experimentally using flow visualization techniques. Two distinct types of flow patterns, a single-pair vortex system and a two-pair vortex system, were observed as the value of tank aspect ratio varied from about 1.0 to 2.0. In addition, corner vortex structures were observed in both the region between the free surface and the upper sidewall, and between the bottom wall and the lower sidewall of the tank. On the sidewall, reattachment and separation points were found, which were closely related with these vortex structures.     

Methods of microbial control in marine fish larval rearing: clay‐based turbidity and passive larval transfer

This study focused on methods to reduce bacterial loads in the larval culture tanks of California yellowtail (Seriola lalandi). We conducted two trials to evaluate methods to minimize bacterial loads in the larval rearing water. The first trial examined the use of bentonite clay as a turbidity agent to replace algae in a green water‐type environment. This trial consisted of three treatments: (1) clay with continuous feeding (CCO), (2) clay with batch feedings (CBA) and (3) algae paste with batch feedings (ALG). The results showed that both clay treatments had significantly fewer Vibrio colonies in the water column (CBA – 180 ± 78; CCO – 377 ± 120 CFU mL^?1) than the ALG treatment (5692 ± 2396 CFU mL^?1) after 14 days of culture. Survival was significantly higher in the CCO treatment (14.1 ± 2.6%) than either the CBA (2.3 ± 0.5%) or ALG treatments (2.8 ± 1.5%). The second trial attempted to limit bacterial loading in the larval culture tank by passively transferring the larvae into an adjacent, clean tank at 1, 5 and 9 days post hatch during the first 2 weeks of culture. The results from this trial showed that after 12 days of culture, water in the transfertank had fewer Vibrio colonies (1025 ± 541 CFU mL^?1) than the water in the control tanks (1962 ± 1415 CFU mL^?1). Also, survival was significantly higher among larvae that were transferred (43.9 ± 13.5%) than in the control tanks (23.1 ± 6.3%).     

Combined effects of rearing density and tank colour on the growth and welfare of juvenile white sea bream Diplodus sargus L. in a recirculating water system

Appropriate rearing conditions for successful farming of white sea bream Diplodus sargus L. have not yet been studied in depth, while one of the major problems is the species increased aggressiveness. Given the known effect of density and background colour on fish growth, welfare and social behaviour, the present study aimed to investigate whether the two factors combined could favour D. sargus performance. Juveniles (17.37±0.06 g) were reared in white, light blue and black tanks under low (7 fish tank⁻¹ or 1.96 kg m⁻³) and high (28 fish tank⁻¹ or 7.79 kg m⁻³) density for 87 days. Water quality was not affected by experimental treatments. The best overall performance (growth, food utilization, body protein content, liver fatty acids) was achieved under low density and white or light blue tanks. Increased incidence of social interactions was indicated in fish under high density or when reared in light blue and black tanks. The present results clearly suggested that the use of black tanks should be avoided. On the other hand, stocking D. sargus at a density of up to 7.79 kg m⁻³ may be feasible because productivity was greater even if growth was slower. In this case, however, the use of white tanks is highly recommended.     

Improvement of the survival in the seven-band grouper Epinephelus septemfasciatus larvae by optimizing aeration and water inlet in the mass-scale rearing tank

The water flow in larval rearing tanks has been indicated to cause mass mortality of the seven-band grouper Epinephelus septemfasciatus larvae. Therefore, a new aerating method was tested in an actual scale intensive rearing tank (8.0 m in diameter, 1.87 m of water depth, 100 m³ of volume), in which an aerator was positioned at the center of the rearing tank surrounding cylindrical drain (1.2 m in diameter) to generate the flow field, and seven larval rearing trials were performed. The survival rate with the former aeration methods were compared, in which several aerators were located in the rearing tank. The survival rate at 10 days after hatching with the new aeration method (61.5±5.1%, n=7) was approximately three times higher than the former methods (21.2±13.7%, n=6). The flow environment of rearing tanks was also examined by quantifying the flow field, and the relationship between the flow field in the rearing tank, behavior of larvae and survival discussed. It was confirmed that the vertical circulating flow was observed in rearing tanks, and determined effectively the survival and the behavior of grouper larvae in patchiness.     

The potential of informal institutions for marine fisheries management—A case study of a coastal commune in Vietnam

The potential of informal institutions for sustainable management of marine fisheries was examined. The study is based on both primary data collected through two group discussions and interviews and secondary information, including material related to fishing gear operation and whale worship. It shows that informal institutions, including fisher groups, fishing community norms, fisher's knowledge and whale worship have potential to strengthen institutional, ecological, social and community aspects of sustainable fisheries development. Although these informal institutions are not able to fix completely all the problems faced by formal institutions, they are able to complement and consolidate formal institutions to manage marine fisheries effectively. The findings of this study suggest it is imperative that formal institutions should be improved simultaneously with informal institutions to enhance current management for sustainable marine fisheries development.