Oomycete fungi associated with ulcerative mycosis in menhaden, Brevoortia tyrannus (Latrobe)

Abstract. Deep necrotic ulcers in Atlantic menhaden, Brevoortia tyrannus (Latrobe), were consistently associated with the presence of oomycete fungi. These organisms were found in over 95% of all lesions both early and late. More than one species of fungus appears to be involved, indicating that these organisms are secondary to some other stressor. However, all characteristically elicit an atypical intense granulomatous inflammatory response and do not behave pathologically as typical oomycetes. Our observation that these fungi appear to be the only organisms consistently present in the earliest stages of the disease indicates that some non-infectious stressor may be responsible for initiating the lesions and subsequently allowing the fungi to induce this atypical response.     

A viral aetiology for the annual spring epizootics of Atlantic menhaden Brevoortia tyrannus (Latrobe) in Chesapeake Bay

Abstract. Virus was isolated from the brain and pancreatic tissues of Atlantic menhaden with 'spinning' disease. The biological, physical and chemical properties of the isolate were similar to those of infectious pancreatic necrosis virus. Inoculation of the virus into healthy menhaden resulted in the characteristic signs and mortality associated with the natural disease.     

Degenerative retinopathy in captive Atlantic menhaden,Brevoortia tyrannus (L.)

Abstract. Blindness developed in Atlantic menhaden, Brevoortia tyrannus (L.), within 4 weeks of captivity in an indoor open culture system. Ophthalmoscopic changes indicative of retinal degeneration were substantiated by the absence of retinal electrical activity as measured by conventional electroretinography. Results of histological evaluation suggest that photo-receptor degeneration, occurring initially in the rods of the central retina, was the primary abnormality. With chronicity, all retinal layers degenerated, and marked pigment proliferation developed. Other pathological changes included uveal vascular engorgement, vitreal and anterior chamber haemorrhage, and cataracts. With the exception of dermal hyperpigmentation, no systemic abnormalities were consistently observed. Phototoxicity is the suspected cause of this degenerative retinopathy.     

Vertical distribution of larval Atlantic menhaden (Brevoortia tyrannus) and Atlantic croaker (Micropogonias undulatus): Implications for vertical migratory behaviour and transport

Understanding the interactions among biological and physical processes is essential to determining how the environment affects transport and survival of fishes. We examined vertical distribution in larval Atlantic menhaden (Brevoortia tyrannus) and Atlantic croaker (Micropogonias undulatus) using 126 depth stratified tows in Delaware Bay, USA, during two cruises, in December 2007 and February 2008. Menhaden larvae were 16.8–24.6 and 20.5–26.2 mm standard length in December and February. Corresponding lengths for croaker were 9.3–17.9 and 8.6–19.6 mm. Using empirical observations, and statistically derived models, we explored larval concentration for both species as a function of location, depth, diel period, tidal period, size, and pairwise interactions. Menhaden concentration was best modeled as a function of station, cruise, and interactions between depth and size as well as between station and cruise. No significant differences in larval menhaden concentration were present among tidal and diel periods. Croaker concentration was best modeled as a function of size and interactions between station and diel period, depth and size, cruise and size. Despite tidal period not emerging as a significant model parameter, we observed larger croaker larvae during nighttime flood tides. Our statistical models are consistent with processes of up‐estuary transport for both species, suggesting larvae are increasingly affected by behavioral responses as larvae grow, exhibiting stronger patterns in vertical distribution. The results refine our understanding of the potential importance of size‐related differences in vertical distribution for larval transport in these species. Future research should examine the interactions among size‐specific vertical migratory capabilities, vertical distribution, transport, and retention.     

From spawning grounds to the estuary: using linked individual-based and hydrodynamic models to interpret patterns and processes in the oceanic phase of Atlantic menhaden Brevoortia tyrannus life history

Present theory suggests that population regulation in marine fishes cannot be resolved until an understanding of the processes involved in shaping the overall distribution (the number of populations, geographical extent, mean abundance and temporal changes in abundance) is developed. Here, we present a step toward understanding Atlantic menhaden population patterns, by studying processes in the Middle and South Atlantic Bights, which shape those patterns. We use individual-based and hydrodynamic models to reinterpret the 'mechanics' of the menhaden life history, and put forward several potentially testable hypotheses. The success of the menhaden reproductive strategy seems to depend on the seasonal changes in the mean flow field of the Middle and South Atlantic Bights, suggesting that their life history may have been strongly structured by the regional physics of the system. Because the annual menhaden migration is size-based and spawning occurs throughout the population's range, the size distribution of the adult population may influence the supply of larvae to particular estuaries along the coast. Recruitment of larvae into Delaware and Chesapeake Bays may be dependent on spawning to the north of the bays' mouths, owing to coastline shape and orientation in the vicinity of the bays. Our results suggest that management of this resource might be improved by consideration of the spatial and temporal variability in both the biological and the physical system.     

Spawning habitat of the Atlantic menhaden in Onslow Bay, North Carolina

The Continuous, Underway Fish Egg Sampler (CUFES) was used to sample pelagic eggs of the Atlantic menhaden ( Brevoortia tyrannus ) from 3-m depth off North Carolina in winter 1993–94 and 1994–95. Simultaneous measurements were made of temperature, salinity, and the concentration of chlorophyll a . The maximal concentration of eggs was 346 eggs m⁻³. Eggs were highly aggregated in patches which occurred between the Gulf Stream and mid-shelf fronts (17–23°C, 36.0–36.4‰). Unexpectedly, eggs were found almost exclusively in water of 20–60 m (mode 20 m) bottom depth. Thus, spawning appears related to bathymetry as well as hydrography. Variograms for egg concentration indicated a mean (± SE) patch scale of 3.6 ± 1.7 km and a high degree of spatial variance explained by CUFES sampling. Lagrangian modelling of particles moving in response to tides, winds, and a prescribed flow from the north indicated that the region of observed, maximal occurrence of eggs is favourable for the retention of eggs and larvae on the shelf adjacent to inlets used to enter nursery areas.     

Searching for sensitivity in the life history of Atlantic menhaden: inferences from a matrix model

We used modified Leslie matrix models to explore the life history of Atlantic menhaden ( Brevoortia tyrannus ). By examining the sensitivity of long-term population growth rates to changes in vital rates, we identified those life history components which can cause large population level responses. Our models subdivide the first year of life into five stages (eggs, early larvae, late larvae, juveniles, and 'peanuts' or subadults), and population growth rate responds most strongly to changes in juvenile and late larval stages. The relative ranking between these stages is dependent on the magnitude of mortality during the prejuvenile stages relative to juvenile mortality. An examination of low-level model parameters indicates that the population growth rate is influenced by the growth and mortality rates during the time when young-of-the-year menhaden are gaining access to and residing in the estuaries. Sensitivity to changes in many adult metrics, such as fishing mortality, were relatively low. We conclude that a better understanding of biotic and abiotic factors that influence the late larval and juvenile stages will further our understanding of population dynamics in this species.     

Gulf menhaden (Brevoortia patronus) in the U.S. Gulf of Mexico: Fishery characteristics and biological reference points for management

Gulf menhaden, Brevoortia patronus, plays a key ecological role in the northern Gulf of Mexico and supports the second largest commercial fishery by weight in the United States. Here we describe that fishery and propose biological reference points (BRPs) for its management. The BRPs represent targets and limits of both fishing mortality rate (F) and population fecundity (Ψ), where target is defined as the management goal, and limit, a value to be avoided (F < F_Limit and Ψ > Ψ_Limit). We assess stock status relative to the BRPs by fitting a statistical catch-age model to fishery-dependent and fishery-independent data spanning 1964–2004. Results indicate that in the terminal year neither limit reference point is exceeded (F₂₀₀₄/F_Limit = 0.75 and Ψ₂₀₀₄/Ψ_Limit = 1.86). Of possible concern, however, is a recent increase in fishing mortality and decrease in population fecundity. With these trends, terminal values exceed their targets (F₂₀₀₄/F_Target = 1.16 and Ψ₂₀₀₄/Ψ_Target = 0.93), although by little relative to uncertainty in the estimates. Sensitivity analyses show these results are robust to model assumptions.     

一株海洋蛭弧菌的裂解谱和盐度耐受性分析

近年来,由弧菌导致的水产动物病害频繁发生,弧菌病害已成为海水养殖病害最重要的防治对象之一。蛭弧菌(Bdellovibrio bacteriovorus)是一类专门以捕食细菌为生的寄生性细菌,由于它具有寄生和裂解许多鱼类和水体致病性细菌的作用,在生物预防弧菌方面日益显出其优越性。水产用噬菌蛭弧菌优良菌种的筛选获得是其后续研究开发与应用的重要保障,基于此,本实验对本实验室保存的一株海洋蛭弧菌BD-zr-11(分离自海水养殖池)进行了裂解谱分析和盐度耐受性分析,旨在为该菌株在海水养殖中的潜在应用提供一定科学依据和数据支撑。     

Spawning and transport dynamics of Atlantic menhaden: inferences from characteristics of immigrating larvae and predictions of a hydrodynamic model

We examined patterns of abundance, age and spawning date distributions of Atlantic menhaden Brevoortia tyrannus larvae immigrating during two seasons through three North Carolina inlets—Oregon, Ocracoke and Beaufort—to elucidate their spawning and transport dynamics. These patterns were examined in conjunction with corresponding predictions from a three-dimensional, wind-and tide-driven hydrodynamic model. Larvae immigrating through different inlets showed consistent similarities as well as marked differences in temporal patterns of abundance, spawning dates and transport times. Intraseasonal patterns in abundance and spawning date distributions among inlets suggest that, in both study years, the spatio-temporal dynamics of menhaden immigration were driven by large-scale patterns along the Atlantic coast, rather than by localized variation in spawning activity. Interannual differences in the temporal patterns of spawning dates and larval immigration indicate interannual differences in transport dynamics and/or the spatial-temporal distribution of spawning. When the spawning locations predicted by the hydrodynamic model are interpreted in conjunction with advanced very high resolution radiometer sea-surface temperature information, the results are consistent with the limited historical information available on spatio-temporal distribution of Atlantic menhaden eggs and larvae. The transport model also predicted distributions of arrival times for immigrating larvae that were comparable in range and variability with observed patterns. Our use of data from immigrating larvae, coupled with a hydrodynamic transport model and sea-surface temperatures, allowed us to uncover relationships between spatio-temporal patterns of Atlantic menhaden spawning and transport dynamics that could not have been identified by either approach alone.     

Cephalotheca sulfurea (Ascomycota,Sordariomycetes), a new fungal pathogen of the farmed rainbow trout Oncorhynchus mykiss

The first case of visceral mycotic infection due to Cephalotheca sulfurea (Cephalothecaceae, Ascomycota) is documented in farmed rainbow trout from a raceway culture system. The disease clinically manifested as a hyperaemic area in the liver of the fish, and histological examination using silver and PAS staining showed the presence of numerous foci of hyphae and spores. The causative agent was first isolated in pure culture from the liver and identified using morphological characteristics. Sequence data from ITS and LSU rDNA also clearly confirmed C. sulfurea as the causal agent. The pathogenicity of related species belonging to the family Cephalothecaceae has been well‐documented in humans and dogs (superficial as well as systemic infections). However, C. sulfurea has never been reported as a pathogen of humans or animals, including marine and freshwater fishes. The morphological identification of C. sulfurea is difficult due to its similarity to several different fungal genera, and molecular methods are strongly recommended for reliable identification.     

High salinity tolerance in eggs and fry of a brackish Esox lucius population

Abstract Knowledge on the biology and physiology of pike, Esox lucius L., populations inhabiting saline environments is scarce. An experimental setup was used to examine egg development and fry behaviour and growth under varying salinity levels in a brackish‐water pike population from the western Baltic Sea. Eggs and fry developed at 8.5 psu, which is higher than hitherto reported for other populations. Fry exhibited stress behaviour and reduced growth when subjected to salinities above 13 psu. This indicates that early life stages of E. lucius tolerate ambient salinity conditions equivalent to the natural environment in its nursery area in the Stege Nor lagoon. The population should therefore not be dependent on access to freshwater environments during spawning. However, the results also suggest that the population’s natural environment is on the margin of its physiological capacity. The results have significance for management of brackish‐water E. lucius populations, e.g. in relation to stocking strategies.     

Short-term salinity tolerance of northern pike, Esox lucius, fry, related to temperature and size

Abstract  The short-term tolerances of northern pike, Esox lucius L., fry reared in a freshwater hatchery, to salinity were examined in the laboratory. Survival of two size groups of pike fry (mean length 21 ± 2 mm SD and 37 ± 4 mm SD) was examined over 72- to 96-h periods at 9–14 ppt salinity in combination with temperatures of 10, 14 and 18 °C. A parametric survival model found a significant correlation between survival of pike fry and temperature and salinity, respectively. L _C50 values after 72 h were between 11.2 and 12.2 ppt, being lowest at 10 °C. Pike fry did not survive more than 13 ppt. Mortality at 12 ppt was significantly faster at 18 °C than 10 or 14 °C. Moreover, mortality was higher and faster for large than for small pike fry at 12 ppt and 14 °C. These results imply that pike raised in fresh water can survive stocking into brackish waters below 11 ppt at least for a short time.     

A systemic fungal disease in Atlantic salmon parr, Salmo salar L., caused by a species of Phialophora

Abstract. A fungal infection of Atlantic salmon parr (0 +) occurring at low water temperatures, principally in January, is reported from fish farm hatcheries in western Scotland. Clinical signs and histopathology of the disease are described, illustrated, discussed and compared with those of certain other fungal diseases of salmonids. The fungus, provisionally placed in the hyphomycete genus Phialophora is described and illustrated from pure culture, with a discussion of its taxonomic position.     

Evidence for the facultative intracellular behaviour of the fish pathogen Vibrio ordalii

Vibrio ordalii is an extracellular, Gram‐negative bacterium that produces vibriosis in salmonids. While pathogenesis is not fully understood, this bacterium has numerous likely genes for adhesion, colonization, invasion factors and, as recently suggested, intracellular behaviour. Therefore, this study aimed to clarify possible intracellular behaviour for V. ordalii Vo‐LM‐18 and ATCC 33509^T in the fish‐cell lines SHK‐1 and CHSE‐214. Confocal microscopy revealed Vo‐LM‐18 and ATCC 33509^T inside cytoplasm in both fish‐cell lines at 4 hr post‐inoculation (hpi). At 8 and 16 hpi, the proportion of fish cells invaded by both strains increased. Moreover, intracellular V. ordalii were observed after 8 hpi inside mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEF), demonstrating that entry was not due to a cellular phagocytosis process. Flow cytometry confirmed immunocytochemistry results, with both V. ordalii evidencing statistically significant differences in the number of infected cells between 8 and 16 hpi. Interestingly, V. ordalii infection did not significantly damage fish cells, as determined by LDH liberation. Viable counts at 8 hpi detected, on average for both lines, 176 ± 47 CFU/ml of culturable intracellular Vo‐LM‐18 and ATCC 33509^T cells. These in vitro findings support the facultative intracellular behaviour of V. ordalii and may be of importance for understanding pathogenicity and survival in aquatic environments.     

Size dependent early salinity tolerance in two sizes of juvenile white sturgeon,Acipenser transmontanus

The objective of this study was to investigate the influence of size on salinity tolerance in 1 year old juvenile white sturgeon. Two sizes of sturgeon (10 and 30 g) from the same spawning event (thus reducing confounding effects of genetic make-up and size) and reared in the same environment were exposed to a salinity of 0, 8, 16, 24, or 32 ppt for up to 120 h. Both 10 and 30 g fish exhibited > 93% mortality within 24 h after transfer to 24 or 32 ppt, regardless of whether they were transferred directly from freshwater (FW) or following a 48 h pre-treatment period at 16 ppt. Direct transfer from FW to 16 ppt was associated with 25 to 30% mortality, indicating that these fish have some ability to tolerate large changes in salinity for up to 5 days at this stage. Following exposure to 8 and 16 ppt, an elevation in plasma osmolarity, [Na⁺], and [Cl^?] was observed between 24 and 72 h in both 10 and 30 g sturgeon, but plasma ions and osmolarity in surviving fish at 120 h were not significantly different between groups held at 0, 8, and 16 ppt. Despite being unprepared for either direct or stepwise transfer to salinities of 24 ppt or greater, size confers some ionoregulatory advantage, as mortality occurred more slowly and the degree of ionoregulatory perturbation was less in 30 g than 10 g fish over the course of the exposures. It is not known whether the apparent advantage of size is related to a size-dependent development of ionoregulatory capacity or due to social status which can also influence ionoregulatory capacity, but age and genetic differences did not likely contribute to this size effect.     

Evidence for spatial coherence in time trends of marine life history traits of Atlantic salmon in the North Atlantic

A hierarchical Bayesian life cycle model is presented that considers spatial covariation of marine life history traits of Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) populations in the North Atlantic. The model is based on a collective analysis of the dynamics of 13 stock units (SUs) from two continental stock groups (CSGs) in North America and Southern Europe in a single hierarchical model over the period 1971–2014. The model sets up a new assessment framework for Atlantic salmon stocks. It also provides a framework to investigate the drivers of changes in Atlantic salmon population dynamics including disentangling the effects of fisheries from those of environmental factors in a hierarchy of spatial scales. It is used to test the hypothesis of a strong spatial synchrony in marine life history dynamics of Atlantic salmon populations. The trends in two key parameters associated with the early marine phase of the life cycle are estimated: (i) the marine survival during the first summer–autumn spent at sea and (ii) the proportion of fish maturing after the first winter at sea. The results provide evidence of a decline in the marine survival together with an increase in the proportion of fish that mature after the first winter at sea, common to all SUs. Our results show an increased coherence in the covariations of trends in these two marine life history traits related to geographic proximity of SUs which support the hypothesis of a coherent response of geographically proximate Atlantic salmon populations that likely share similar migration routes.     

Atlantic herring as a dietary component for culture of Atlantic salmon

Chopped herring was readily eaten by Atlantic salmon. Fry, parr and smolts grew well on a herring-rich diet but after long periods fry and smolts developed symptoms of nutritional deficiency which were quickly cured by omitting herring from the diet. Parr, fed herring and liver separately on alternate days, did not show ill effects. The symptoms are believed due to a high content of thiaminase in herring. Mixing herring with other thiamine-rich foods did not prevent the harmful effects in salmon, pre-sumably owing to inactivation of the thiamine in the food mixture. It is suggested that the beneficial effects of a herring diet can be retained and the harmful effects prevented by feeding herring and some other thiaminase-free food separately during alternate periods.     

The tolerance to salinity, respiratory characteristics and potential for aquaculture of the Central American cichlid, Cichlasoma synspilum (Hubbs, 1935)

The salinity tolerance of Cichlasoma synspilum (Hubbs) fry was measured at intervals up to 144 h. Good survival was obtained only up to about 5%o, and 100% mortality was recorded after 4 h at 20%o. The 144-h LC₅₀ was estimated to be 14.5%o and this species is clearly a very stenohaline, freshwater animal. Respiratory rates of animals from 0.8 to 245 g were measured in fresh water at temperatures of 20,25, 30 and 35 C. The rates were similar to those in other cichlids, but were notably lower than those recorded for Cichlasoma urophthalmus (Günther). This species has potential for aquaculture in fresh water and marginal brackish waters within its natural range, and the experiments reported here provide useful background data for system design and husbandry.