Exotic species,fisheries and conservation of freshwater biodiversity in tropical Asia: the case of the Sepik River,Papua New Guinea

1. Development of effective conservation strategies for freshwater biodiversity must take account of the trade‐off between species preservation and human use of ecosystem goods and services. The latter cannot be prevented, and attempts to manage ecosystems that focus solely on maximizing biodiversity will fail. 2. A compromise position of management for ecosystem functioning and human livelihoods — rather than preservation of every species — will provide a better basis for biodiversity conservation. This has implications for the management of exotic species. 3. There are some situations, in lentic habitats in Sri Lanka, for example, where the establishment of exotics has increased fishery yields without apparent detriment to native biodiversity. The Sepik River in Papua New Guinea provides another illustration of potential compromises between human livelihoods and biodiversity conservation. 4. The Sepik supports a relatively unproductive fishery. Two fish stocking projects (in 1987–93 and 1993–97), representing a partnership between the Papua New Guinea Government and the United Nations (UNDP/FAO), led to the introduction of a suite of exotic fish into the Sepik. Species were selected on the basis of their potential to occupy niches not filled by native fish. Unfortunately, the outcomes of these introductions are poorly documented, although there is preliminary evidence both of increased human use of exotic fish as well as declines of some native species associated with the spread of exotics. 5. Better understanding of the results of the Sepik fish introductions is important, because the pressures of burgeoning human populations in most of tropical Asia make it impossible to preserve near‐pristine environments such as the Sepik. While attempts to conserve natural or near‐natural systems must remain a priority, there is a need to develop strategies for the management of damaged or degraded ecosystems, which may contain exotics, with the aim of maintaining ecosystem functioning and, if possible, maximizing the persistence of native biodiversity. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Longitudinal variation in fish species composition in the Angabanga river, Papua New Guinea with observations on the trophic status of certain fish species

Abstract– Longitudinal variation in fish species composition at various sites on the Angabanga river showed an increase in diversity from source to mouth and that only a few fish species occur at all sites. The fish assemblage of floodplain pool areas contained fewer species than the main channel and was dominated by two exotic species Oreochrornis mossambicus (Peters 1852) and Trichoguster pectoralis (Regan 1910). Most native fish species utilize invertebrates as a food source. The absence of indigenous detritus/substrate feeders in the Angabanga community may account in part for the success of the two introduced species on the floodplain.     

A simple model for predicting ecological impacts of introduced aquatic organisms: a case study of common carp, Cyprinus carpio L., in the Sepik-Ramu River Basin, Papua New Guinea

Abstract Practical models for predicting the impacts of introduced biota are urgently required to assess the benefits and risks of introductions. The simple method described predicts the ecological consequences of an introduction through potential competition between species based on elementary niche classifications. The model's predictions are tested against field data for common carp, Cyprinus carpio L., which escaped from fish farms during a study of the feasibility of fish stock enhancement in a large river basin. Recorded effects of carp are based on pre- and post-carp gillnet catches, observations of local villagers, socio-economic censuses and other sources of data. The predicted ecological interactions of common carp are in broad agreement with those recorded. The method can assist pre-introduction assessments and is particularly useful where limited data exist. In this particular study, common carp have contributed significantly to an improved capture fishery by fortuitous accident; production from aquaculture was negligible. High niche overlap between carp and certain resident fish species is predicted and this may be of more consequence in highland than lowland regions. Organisms introduced/transferred for aquaculture should be assessed within a much wider forum. The intended impacts of an introduction/ transfer, which in the case study were entirely erroneous, is an area in need of considerable attention.     

Local knowledge surveys with small-scale fishers indicate challenges to sawfish conservation in southern Papua New Guinea

1. Sawfish (Pristidae) are considered to be among the most threatened families of elasmobranch (sharks and rays). There is a need to gather information on the status of poorly known sawfish populations to assist in global recovery initiatives.
2. This study used interviews with local fishers to investigate the presence of sawfish in southern Papua New Guinea (PNG) and their interactions with and uses and values for small-scale fishers.
3. A range of sawfish size classes are still encountered throughout southern PNG, while juvenile largetooth sawfish Pristis pristis were additionally reported in the freshwater reaches of all rivers surveyed. Reports of large size classes in estuarine and marine environments provide an optimistic outlook that sawfish populations persist throughout southern PNG.
4. Most fishers that catch sawfish retain them for various uses including consumption and for the sale of meat, fins and occasionally rostra. Negative population trends including decreases in catch frequency and/or size classes were reported by 66% of interviewees, with the largest declines being reported in the Kikori River. The increasing technical capacity of small-scale fishers, their preference for gillnetting and the emerging market for teleost swim bladder (a high-value fishery product) present a major ongoing threat to sawfish in southern PNG. Furthermore, the tendency of fishers to kill or remove rostra from entangled sawfish results in high fishing mortality regardless of any use by the fisher.
5. This study indicates that considerable community engagement will be necessary to manifest any legislative actions or increased enforcement on international trade regulations for sawfish in PNG. This is due to traditional land and waterway ownership values throughout PNG and the local perception of sawfish as a traditional food resource rather than an animal of intrinsic biodiversity value as perceived by global conservationists. Future research should consider exploring culturally appropriate conservation initiatives that are likely to achieve engagement and participation from local fishers.

     

New insights into the mechanism of egg activation in fish

The commercial culture of several important species of fish has long been associated with productivity problems generally attributable to fertilisation rates, hatching rates, and embryonic development. Our present knowledge of the molecular processes accompanying fertilisation in fish is scant at best. Here, we examine how new findings about the molecular mechanisms underlying reproduction in other animal groups may help advance our understanding of how egg activation takes place in fish. A better understanding of egg activation in fish is likely to make a highly valuable contribution to future growth of the aquaculture industry.     

Analysis of fish eggs and larvae flowing into the Three Gorges Reservoir on the Yangtze River,China

Studies on fish eggs and larvae are important for understanding the recruitment dynamics of fish assemblages and their relationships with environmental conditions. Located in the upper reaches of the Yangtze River, China, the Three Gorges Reservoir (TGR) is one of the largest reservoirs in the world, where the fish resource ecology has drawn great attention. With the purpose of evaluating fish recruitment in the TGR, in the present study, samples of fish eggs and larvae were collected at Luoqi County, the upper end of the TGR, from April 15th to July 29th 2011. From the samples collected, we identified 46 fish species belonging to nine families and five orders. The most abundant species were in the Cultrinae, Gobiidae, and Gobioninae. An estimated 12.4 billion fish eggs and larvae drifted into the TGR. There were approximately 2.6 billion Pseudolaubuca sinensis, 1.9 billion Hemiculter leucisculus, and 1.8 billion Gobiidae. The spawning grounds of fishes that release pelagic eggs are in the reaches 13–162 km upstream from our sampling site. More attention should be paid to protecting the habitat in large free stretches upstream of the reservoir, since these areas are important spawning grounds for many fishes. Also, an ample natural flooding regime should be retained in this region.     

A framework for adaptive gear and ecosystem‐based management in the artisanal coral reef fishery of Papua New Guinea

• 1. Artisanal fishing on coral reefs in Papua New Guinea is an important livelihood activity that is managed primarily at the level of local communities. Pockets of overexploitation exist and are expected to increase with plans for increased commercialization.
• 2. This paper provides a current assessment of the artisanal multi‐species coral reef fishery by examining selectivity of the dominant gear, namely line fishing, spearguns, and gill nets. Each gear has its own strengths and weaknesses in terms of use and conservation of resources, with no clear problem gear.
• 3. The three gears utilize different resources but there was moderate overlap in the species caught, particularly between gill nets and line fishing and marginally between lines and spearguns. Gill nets have the disadvantage of being destructive to coral and the advantage of catching commercial species. Line fishing catches an intermediate number of species but mostly large‐bodied and predatory species that could potentially reduce predation and the mean trophic level of the fishery. Spearguns catch the highest numbers of species, including many non‐commercial and herbivorous fish and could reduce the diversity of fish and encourage algal growth.
• 4. This information could be used in combination with scientific monitoring and traditional ecological knowledge to develop an adaptive management framework that uses local restrictions on the various gears to restore or balance the fishery and ecosystem. Restrictions could be selectively imposed: on gill nets when coral cover is low, line fishing when large‐bodied predators are depleted, and spearguns when biodiversity is reduced and algal abundance high.

Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Larval fish movement in the River Lohajang,Tangail, Bangladesh

Larval fish drift and distribution patterns were studied in the River Lohajang, a tributary of the River Jamuna, Bangladesh, during the monsoon seasons (June - October) of 1992, 1993 and 1994. Larval fish drift peaks with the water levels of the River Jamuna. In all three years, the Indian carp, Catla catla, Labeo rohita L. and Cirrhinus mrigala, were associated with the first pulses, but were absent from drift samples after September. Hilsa species and other non-identified fish species were found throughout the monsoon season. The highest larval fish densities were found in the upper strata of the river, near the shore. The drift densities of these fish became evenly distributed through time. Water turbidity probably influenced the vertical and horizontal distribution, and the absence of diel patterns. The most important species in the larval drift were Hilsa spp., followed by Labeo rohita L., Glossogobius giuris L. and Rasbora daniconius. Among the major carp, Labeo rohita was the dominant species, contributing 80-90%. The impact of flood control programmes on the reproduction of riverine and larval fish drift is discussed.     

长江上游特有鱼类自然保护区的建设及相关问题的思考

为了解长江上游江安段鱼类繁殖状况, 于2022年4—5月在该江段采用底层采卵网进行鱼类早期资源调查,鱼卵使用解剖镜观察分类,并通过分子生物学方法进行鉴定。结果显示,至少有20种鱼类在江安段繁殖,其中产漂流性卵鱼类11种,长江上游特有鱼类3种。监测期间,S1和S2位点出现4次产卵高峰,S3位点出现5次产卵高峰,估算通过江安段的鱼卵总径流量为3.94×10⁸粒。冗余分析显示,水温、pH、溶解氧、透明度、流速和流量等环境因子对鱼类产卵活动产生不同程度的影响。研究表明,江安段是多种鱼类的产卵场,鱼类早期资源规模较大,但多样性较为贫乏,长江鲟、胭脂鱼以及岩原鲤并未监测到自然繁殖,同时,流量的增减对鱼类的自然繁殖活动有刺激作用。建议继续科学适宜地开展增殖放流,并开展长江上游梯级水电站生态调度研究,以满足长江上游鱼类繁殖需求。     

River flooding and reproduction of migratory fish species in the Magdalena River basin,Colombia

Jiménez‐Segura LF, Palacio J, Leite R. River flooding and reproduction of migratory fish species in the Magdalena River basin, Colombia.
Ecology of Freshwater Fish 2010: 19: 178–186. © 2010 John Wiley & Sons A/S Abstract – In most tropical rivers subject to a single‐yearly flooding, migratory fish usually spawn in the onset of the flooding and larvae drift to their nursery habitats. To define when the migratory fish species reproduce, its relationship with the water level and when nursery areas in floodplain lakes are supplied with ichthyoplankton in the Magdalena River, a two‐yearly peak flooding river, we sampled the ichthyoplankton weekly throughout 2 years. The fish species Pseudoplatystoma magdaleniatum, Prochilodus magdalenae, Leporinus muyscorum, Sorubim cuspicaudus and Curimata mivartii spawn twice a year in the main channel and its larvae input into the floodplain lakes are not always associated with flooding. Spawning in the main channel and larvae inputs into the floodplain lakes suggest that the habitat used by the migratory fishes may be consistent with some hypotheses on habitats used by these fishes.     

Preliminary study on the fishery resources of the River Niger in the Upper Niger National Park, Guinea

A survey of fishing activity, main fishing methods and fish species composition in the upper River Niger enabled current fishing effort, seasonal yield and its economic value to be assessed. Fishing is a traditional activity, supporting part of the regional economy, and an important animal protein source for local people. The catches, 63 fish species included in 20 different families, confirmed the high biological diversity present in the River Niger. Sixteen main fish species were identified as the most important by weight in the commercial captures. Fishing methods used are very selective. The catch is mainly large fishes, and only a low percentage of juvenile specimens is present in the catch, suggesting there is no overfishing of the exploited fish stocks.     

Spatial organisation of fish assemblages in the Chishui River,the last free‐flowing tributary of the upper Yangtze River,China

The Chishui River is the last free‐flowing tributary of the upper Yangtze River, China, which has an important role in fish conservation. This study aimed to explore the spatial organisation of fish assemblages in this river. Field sampling was conducted biannually between 2015 and 2017 at 41 sites from its headwater and downstream. One hundred and twenty‐two fish species were captured, including 34 endemic, 15 threatened and six exotic species. Fish assemblages varied significantly along the longitudinal gradient. Based on cluster and ordination analyses, 41 sampling sites could be divided into five site‐groups, corresponding to the headwater, upstream, midstream, downstream and the Xishui‐branch, respectively. The splitting of fish assemblages was consistent with the geographical divisions. However, fish species changed gradually along the longitudinal gradient rather than abruptly, which was consistent with the River Continuum Concept (RCC). In the headwaters and upstream, fish assemblages were mainly dominated by cold‐water and rheophilic species, while in the lower stretches, fish assemblages were dominated by warm‐water and limnophilic species. According to null models, fish assemblages were significantly nonrandomly structured at the basin scale, but randomly structured at the regional scale. This study is an important step in understanding the assembly rules of fish assemblages in this free‐flowing river and provides useful information for future fish conservation and ecological restoration.     

赤水河鱼类资源量的初步估算

为了解赤水河的鱼类资源现状,于2010年5～6月和9～10月在赤水河赤水镇、赤水市和合江县的3个江段进行了渔获物调查工作。通过统计各江段的渔业捕捞情况,计算年捕捞量。采用体长股分析的方法,对云南光唇鱼(Acrossocheilus yunanensis)、大鳍鳠(Mystus macropterus)和张氏歺鱼又(Hemiculter tchangi)的资源量进行了估算,并以此推算各江段鱼类的总资源量。结果显示,赤水镇江段的鱼类年总资源量为10.76t,其中云南光唇鱼为1.23t;赤水市江段的年总资源量为51.05t,其中大鳍鳠为8.50t;合江县江段的年总资源量为71.37t,其中张氏歺又鱼为4.39t。估算结果可以为赤水河鱼类资源保护措施的制定提供数据参考。     

Reproductive characteristics of Ancherythroculter nigrocauda, an endemic fish in the upper Yangtze River, China

Knowledge on the reproductive biology of fishes is critical for understanding a species’ life history and devising appropriate management strategies. Anthropogenic forces, such as damming and overfishing, threaten fishes endemic to the upper Yangtze River. We conducted a study on the reproductive biology of an endemic species, Ancherythroculter nigrocauda in order to provide information on the life history of this species and to assist in its conservation. From July 2011 to June 2012, a total of 417 fishes were captured via monthly sampling by fishermen in the Longxi River, a tributary in the upper Yangtze River. Although the female-male ratio was 1:1.03, females were predominantly larger in body size. Gonad somatic indices and oocyte diameter distribution showed that the spawning period of A. nigrocauda in the Longxi River ranged from April to August, with the peak in April. Body length at 50 % sexual maturity of A. nigrocauda was estimated to be 125 and 106 mm for females and males, respectively. Absolute fecundity of A. nigrocauda varied between 11,300 and 504,630 eggs, with the mean of 162,377 eggs. In conclusion, A. nigrocauda mature early, spawn once, and are highly fecund, all of which are consistent with an r-selected life history. It is recommended that a moratorium on fishing this species be enacted and the culture of this species be continued.     

The dietary regime of detritivorous fish from the River Jacaré Pepira, Brazil

The diet of detritivorous fish was analysed at four distinct habitats in a tropical river during the wet and dry seasons. Two methodologies were used to determine the diet of the fish: (1) the direct analysis of the stomach contents; and (2) the use of stable carbon isotopes. Both methods indicated food partitioning among the fish. The stomach contents showed what the fish had ingested when captured and the ¹³C isotope indicated what it had assimilated over a long period of time. The ¹³C isotope suggested the existence of sectional differences in the feeding of the detritivorous fish along the river. Plants employing the C₄ photosynthesis pathways seem to have little influence on the diet of these fish. This method proved to be more appropriate for the detection of the main food sources of the captured fish.     

秦岭黑河流域鱼类群落结构及其历史变化

秦岭黑河是西安市主要水源地, 其水生生态环境直接影响西安市乃至周边地区的社会稳定与可持续性发展。 为分析秦岭黑河鱼类群落结构特征及其历史变化, 揭示生态环境改变对鱼类群落的影响, 本研究结合历史资料和实地调查, 于 2018 年和 2019 年的 1 月、5 月、7 月和 11 月对黑河流域进行调查。研究共采集鱼类 7020 尾, 隶属 3 目 5 科 16 属 17 种, 其中鲤形目(Cypriniformes)最多, 占种类总数的 82.35%。在生态类型方面, 产黏性卵、杂食性和底栖性鱼类在黑河鱼类中占多数, 分别为总种类数的 76.47%、64.71%和 64.71%。流域中鱼类优势种为拉氏鱥 (Phoxinus lagowskii)和麦穗鱼(Pseudorasbora parva)。鱼类多样性指数范围分别为物种数(S)(12~17)、Shannon-Wiener 多样性指数(H′)(1.55~1.88)、Pielou 均匀度指数(J)(0.56~0.66)和 Margalef 丰富度指数(D)(1.54~2.15), 同时通常夏季鱼类多样性指数最高。通过聚类分析和 NMDS 分析可得, 黑河鱼类可划分为Ⅰ~Ⅲ共 3 个群落, 其中群落Ⅰ由水库生境鱼类组成, 群落Ⅱ和Ⅲ由峡谷生境鱼类组成。ABC 曲线分析显示, 不同季节中数量优势度曲线都高于生物量优势度曲线, W 统计值范围为–0.146~ –0.181, 秋季最高, 其次为冬季和春季, 夏季最低。与历史资料相比, 2010 年代和 20 世纪 80 年代的鱼类调查结果相似性指数为中等不相似(0.46)。研究结果表明, 秦岭黑河流域鱼类群落结构发生了显著变化, 推测水库建设和生境破坏是导致其变化的主要原因。     

Biodiversity,ecological status and conservation priority of the fish of the River Alaknanda,a parent stream of the River Ganges (India)

1. The River Alaknanda is a tributary of the River Ganges, originating from the Garhwal Himalaya in India and sustaining about 39 fish species from 15 genera and five families. 2. A diversity index has been calculated for the fish communities ranging from 0.407 to 0.593; no significant difference in diversity was noted at the three sampling sites which is attributed to the homogeneity of the ecological conditions. A similarity index was found to be high between the sampling sites and ranged from 93.47 to 100. 3. The categories of threats to the fish and priority for species conservation have been determined. Fourteen species were assigned as Abundant, seven species as Vulnerable, 15 species at Lower Risk, one species as Data Deficient while two species were assigned as Endangered. 4. The conservation of fish has been given little attention in India. The options for the conservation of the fish dwelling in the Alaknanda include ex situ and in situ conservation, habitat restoration, translocation and captive breeding. 5. The creation of fish sanctuaries and public awareness of the importance of fish species and their conservation will be critical for the proper conservation and management of the Garhwal Himalayan fish. Significantly, there are some parts of the river where fish are preserved out of religious sentiments. Careful nurturing of such sentiments may prove to be highly beneficial. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

珠江水系北江鱼类群落多样性及其演替

摘要：2014-2016年对珠江水系北江5个采样点进行逐月鱼类多样性调查,共采集鱼类86种,隶属于11目25科64属。其中鲤形目49种,鲈形目14种,鲇形目10种,鲱形目4种。其余脂鲤目、颌针鱼目、鳉形目、合鳃鱼目、鲑形目、鲻形目以及鳗鲡目种数均少于5种。北江鱼类群落以定居性、杂食性种类为主。与历史资料相比,鱼类种类减少,洄游性、半洄游性鱼类所占比例下降,定居性、杂食性鱼类所占百分比上升,鱼类群落组成偏向小型化、低龄化。群落多样性分析表明,相同生境类型河段的鱼类物种相似性较高,上游鱼类多样性高于下游。河道水利、过度捕捞和生境退化是北江鱼类群落演替的主要原因。     

赤水河与金沙江下游河段鱼类生境条件的相似性分析

为探讨长江上游特有鱼类在赤水河栖息繁殖的可能性,评估赤水河作为金沙江下游干流替代生境的可行性与适宜性,将河流生境进行适当概化,建立赤水河与金沙江下游河段的生境相似性指标体系,应用模糊相似理论,提出基于恒定型相似元、时间型相似元和系统相似度的河流生境相似性计算方法。以赤水河与金沙江下游河段为研究对象,实例计算了两个河流生境的相似程度,结果表明赤水河与金沙江下游河段在水环境方面的相似度高达0.811,处于高度相似等级,河流地形地貌与水文方面的相似度分别为0.743和0.640,均处于基本相似等级。总体来说,赤水河与金沙江下游河段的河流生境相似程度较高,相似度达0.694,处于基本相似等级。     

Long‐term changes in the fish assemblage of the Laja River,Guanajuato, central Mexico

• 1. The structure and composition of fish communities in rivers of central Mexico have been altered as a result of water over‐exploitation, habitat fragmentation, introduction of exotic species, and pollution. However, the specific pattern and degree of change are poorly documented.
• 2. Long‐term information from the Laja River (Guanajuato, Mexico) in the Lerma River basin was used to explore trends in fish species richness and community composition (species origin, trophic niche, tolerance, and preferred habitat) from the 1960s to the present in both river and reservoir sites.
• 3. Declines in native, sensitive, benthic native and carnivore species ranging from 11% to 30% per decade, and increases in the number of tolerant and exotic species by 9–20% per decade, are documented. Repeated measures ANOVA and sign tests revealed significant declines in the number of benthic, native, carnivore and sensitive species. Species richness, number of exotics, tolerant species and omnivore species did not change statistically, though statistical power was low. Some important changes occurred in these variables, such as the expansion and establishment of exotics such as Xiphophorus variatus and Micropterus salmoides, which pose a serious potential threat to native species.
• 4. The changes in fish community composition for the Laja portray how the fish communities in other rivers in central Mexico, for which long‐term data do not exist, have changed or could change if environmental deterioration continues.

Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.