Public and stakeholder attitudes to the reintroduction of the burbot,Lota lota

Abstract Consideration of key sociological factors, including the views and attitudes of the local population, is critical to species reintroduction project success. This study examined the opinions of anglers, conservationists and the general public to a potential reintroduction of burbot, Lota lota L., to UK rivers. An online survey targeted the key stakeholder groups and a questionnaire was used to obtain a snapshot of public attitudes. In both studies, more than 90% of respondents supported reintroduction. Anglers, participants with prior knowledge of the species, males and respondents who were not a member of a conservation organisation, exhibited the most positive attitudes. Anglers and participants with prior knowledge of the species cited burbot as an angling opportunity, suggesting these groups view burbot as an exploitable resource. Overall, the surveys indicated that reintroduction of the burbot, should it be deemed feasible on ecological and biological grounds, would not be met by major public opposition.     

Fish assemblages and seasonal movements of fish in irrigation canals and river reaches of the middle Rio Grande, New Mexico (USA)

Abstract – Synoptic fish surveys of river and irrigation canal sites and a path-analytic approach evaluate seasonal changes in fish assemblages in canal systems and river reaches of the middle Rio Grande, NM (USA). The objective was to assess how fish assemblages within the Isleta Reach respond to irrigation season and off-season variations in water and fish contributions from upstream river channels (Albuquerque Reach) and from the Peralta irrigation system. Eighteen species of fish were found in the irrigation canals, 13 in the Isleta Reach and 15 in the Albuquerque Reach. The proportion of nonnative fishes was higher in canals (56%) than in the river (11%). Species rank abundances were used in path analyses of fish species compositions during the irrigation season and off-season. During the irrigation season, path coefficients indicated fish movements downstream from the Albuquerque Reach (0.55) to the Isleta Reach exceeded contributions by the conveyance-return (0.29) and drain-return (0.05) canals. However, as the river de-watered the return canals were important refuge habitats for native fishes. The 0.05 value represented a major decline relative to the path coefficient for the upstream Peralta drain canal (0.72). During the off-season path coefficients indicated fish movements of 0.47 downstream in the river and 0.59 in the conveyance-return canal but a negligible value for the drain-return canal (-0.06). Irrigation management could be modified to favour native fish ecology by controlling movement of nonnative predators in canal systems and in providing refuge habitats for native fish during periods when water demand exceeds the supply.     

Revisiting ecological integrity 30 years later: non‐native species and the misdiagnosis of freshwater ecosystem health

Assessing the ecological integrity of freshwater ecosystems has become a priority to protect the threatened biodiversity they hold and secure future accessibility to the services they provide. Some of the most widespread applications of biological indicators are fish‐based indices. These have mostly mirrored the approach proposed by Karr 30 years ago (Index of Biotic Integrity; IBI), based on the comparison of observed and expected composition and structure of local fish assemblages in the absence of major perturbations, using the so‐called reference condition approach. Despite the notable success of the implementation of fish‐based indices, most of them overlook non‐native species as a source of ecosystem degradation, and evaluations are focused on the physico‐chemical condition of freshwater ecosystems and their effects on freshwater biodiversity. Almost 90% of 83 reviewed IBIs did not consider non‐native species when defining reference conditions. Most IBIs used non‐native species in conjunction with native ones to construct the metrics that conform to the index. The response of the IBI to the effect of non‐native species has hardly ever been tested. When developing and evaluating IBIs, attention was mostly directed to ensuring the correct response of the index to physico‐chemical parameters, which could otherwise be characterized more effectively using alternative methods. Current application of IBIs entails a misuse of biological indicators by overlooking some types of degradation that cannot be otherwise evaluated by traditional methods. This constrains the capacity to adequately respond to one of the most challenging and common threats to the conservation of freshwater fish diversity.     

Influence of seasonal, diel, lunar, and other environmental factors on upstream fish passage in the Igarapava Fish Ladder, Brazil

Abstract –  Upstream fish passage was evaluated during 12 months in the vertical-slot Igarapava Fish Ladder constructed around Igarapava Dam, in the heavily dammed Grande River, Southeast Brazil. A video monitoring system was used to observe 61,621 fish that passed the ladder, of which 93.5% were identified to 15 taxa. Among the migratory species, the most abundant were Pimelodus maculatus (33.6% of all fish), Leporinus octofasciatus (31.4%), Leporinus friderici (4.5%), and Prochilodus lineatus (3.1%). Seven taxa were classified as nonmigratory, and of these taxa, the small Bryconamericus stramineus was the most abundant (12.7%) of all fishes. Passage of the 'nonmigratory' taxa upstream in the ladder shows they are migratory in this system and have a strong behavioural drive to move to upstream habitat. Passage of most taxa had a strong seasonal pattern. While some species passed primarily during the day, others showed a distinct nocturnal pattern. Lunar phase and water temperature also strongly affected passage of some taxa. Rainfall and dam discharge had a small or null influence on most taxa; perhaps due to the fairly small catchment area of the reservoir and the highly regulated discharge at Igarapava Dam.     

Effect of Season on Vitamin E,Fatty Acid Profile,and Nutritional Value of Fish By-Products from Cod,Saithe, Ling and Haddock Species Caught in Southern Irish Coastal Waters

ABSTRACT

The value of fish is largely dependent on fillet size and species but greater value could be obtained by finding commercial uses for the remaining fish frame, particularly fish by-products. Vitamin E and polyunsaturated fatty acids, particularly docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic (EPA), are of economic importance to the food and pharmaceutical industries and are available for extraction from fish waste. The objective of this study was to compare α-tocopherol levels and the fatty acid profile from several demersal species (cod, ling, saithe and haddock, n = 15) caught in Irish coastal waters over a one-year period (2001). α-Tocopherol levels in samples of liver, viscera and cut-off (any residual flesh from belly flap) were extracted and subsequently measured by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Total fatty acids were extracted and determined by gas chromatography (GC). Results indicated that a-tocopherol levels in liver were higher (P < 0.05) than those in viscera or cut-off. Regardless of species, α-tocopherol levels were found in the following order: liver > viscera > cut-off. In general, α-tocopherol levels were highest in autumn and lowest in spring. Overall, percent free fatty acid levels recorded in liver and viscera samples were higher (P < 0.05) than those in cut-off samples. Percent free fatty acid varied significantly (P < 0.05) with each season, and was generally greater in autumn samples. An inverse relationship was observed between percent fat and moisture levels recorded in this study. The major fatty acids identified in each fish species and each by-product were 16:0 (palmitic), 18:0 (stearic), 18:1 (oleic) 20:5n-3 (eicosapentaenoic acid, EPA) and 22:6n-3 (docosahexaenoic, DHA). The highest percent of total identified fatty acids were reported in the autumn catch, including the highest EPA and DHA levels. Overall, liver samples had the highest levels of EPA and DHA.     

人工育苗条件下的大黄鱼胚胎发育及其仔,稚鱼形态特征与生态的研究

连续观察人工育苗中同一批受精卵,在水温23.2～23.4、盐度27.00～27.80‰条件下,经过3h36min孵出仔鱼,并继续观察仔、稚鱼发育过程中的形态特征与生态习性。还比较了不同年份与不同批次的观察资料,讨论了水温等环境条件变化对胚胎发育的影响,以及仔、稚鱼器官发育与日龄、生长速度等关系。     

Influences of local habitat and stream spatial position on fish assemblages in a dammed watershed,the Qingyi Stream,China

Abstract – Identifying the underlying mechanisms that explain the spatial variation in stream fish assemblages is crucial for the protection of species diversity. The influences of local habitat and stream spatial position on fish assemblages were examined from first‐order through third‐order streams within a dammed watershed, the Qingyi Stream, China. Based on linear regression models, the most important environmental variables influencing fish species richness were water temperature and wetted width, but stream spatial position variables were less important. Using canonical correspondence analysis, five environmental variables were identified to significantly influence fish assemblages, including three habitats (elevation, substrate and water depth) and two spatial variables (C‐link and Link). Our results suggest that, in a heavily dammed watershed, by blocking the migration routes of fishes, dams weaken the influence of stream spatial position on fish species richness. However, fish species compositions are significantly influenced by both local habitat environment and stream spatial position, which is perhaps owing to the distribution of fish species according to ecological requirements not related to spatial processes.     

Impact of fish and pearl farming on the benthic environments in Gokasho Bay: Evaluation from seasonal fluctuations of the macrobenthos

ABSTRACT: In order to clarify the influence of mariculture on the benthic fauna, samples of the macrobenthos were collected from Gokasho Bay, where intensive fish culture and pearl oyster culture have been carried out. Monthly samples collected from the fish farm and pearl farm sites during June 1995 to July 1996 revealed that the community structure of the two sites showed distinct differences with seasonal fluctuations. At the fish farm site, azoic conditions were found from July to November; after December, the diversity increased markedly through successive recruitments of small-sized species such as the polychaetes Capitella sp. and Pseudopolydora paucibranchiata , and the amphipods Aoroides spp.; macrofaunal density, biomass and species richness peaked from March to April. At the pearl farm site, a higher diversity, including larger-sized species, and no clear seasonal fluctuations in abundance was found, and the community structure was similar to that at the control site. These results show the large impact by fish farming on the macrofauna, whereas pearl farming causes less effect on the benthic fauna. It is suggested that the difference in the level of organic input between the two sites results in the differences in the dissolved oxygen content of the bottom water, sulfide content of the sediments and, subsequently, the macrobenthic assemblages.     

Effect of Bacterial Community and Free Amino Acids on the Content of Biogenic Amines During Fermentation of Yu-lu,a Chinese Fermented Fish Sauce

The main objective of this work was to investigate the effects of bacterial community and free amino acids on the content of biogenic amines in Yu-lu during fermentation. Four major biogenic amines (histamine, tyramine, cadaverine, and putrescine) were identified, and the content of tyramine was positively correlated with histamine (R value = 0.9113). Aspartic acid, glutamic acid, histidine, leucine, and lysine were the dominant free amino acids. 16S rRNA sequencing showed that the composition of the bacterial community changed significantly during fermentation of Yu-lu. Principal component analysis revealed the crucial links between microbial community and biogenic amines. For example, Halanaerobium was probably associated with the formation of putrescine, while Halomonas might be associated with the degradation of biogenic amines at the end of fermentation of Yu-lu. This study provided a detailed evaluation of the Yu-lu fermentation process, enabling development of better strategies for biogenic amine control in fish sauce.     

Effects of Protein Concentration,Plasticiser, and pH on the Properties of Protein Films from Whitemouth Croaker (Micropogonias furnieri) Residues

ABSTRACT

Proteins have been used extensively because of their relative abundance, nutritional qualities, and film-forming ability with a good structural integrity and mechanical properties. This study investigated the effects of protein isolate and glycerol concentration and pH on the properties of protein films obtained from Whitemouth croaker (Micropogonias furnieri) residues. The films were evaluated for mechanical properties, thickness, water solubility, water vapor permeability (WVP), and morphological properties. The lowest water solubility of the films occurred at low pHs and low glycerol concentrations. The films had high elongation and higher tensile strength when prepared with higher concentrations of protein isolate, lower concentrations of glycerol, and at lower pHs. The WVP and thickness of the films had a low correlation coefficient. The films were rough and had irregular surfaces. These results indicated that protein isolates from fish of low commercial value can be used as a component of new polymeric films for packaging. However, more studies are needed to assess their barrier action against oxygen, thermal behaviors, and their performance in different types of packaging.     

Replacement of Rice Flour by Meat Flour Mechanically Separated from Tilapia on the Technological,Nutritional, and Sensory Quality of Salted Gluten-free Cookies

ABSTRACT

This work evaluated the technological, bacteriological, and sensorial quality of cookies produced with increasing levels (0%, 10%, 20%, 30%, and 40%) of mechanically separated meat flour from tilapia (MSMF) to replace rice flour (RF) in order to identify the optimal level without compromising the overall quality of the product. The cookies were analyzed for expansion index (EI), specific volume (SV), hardness, color, water activity (a_w ), coagulase-positive staphylococci, coliforms at 45°C, Salmonella spp., and sensory acceptance. The inclusion of MSMF affected (P < .05) some characteristics such as EI, SV, a_w , hardness, and color (L*, a*, b*), but all formulations met the legal bacteriological standards. Cookies with 20% substitution of RF by MSMF presented 58.82% carbohydrates, 18.53% proteins, and 11.31% lipids, and was the most accepted (P < .05); 51% of consumers rated it with a score of six or higher (above I liked slightly). It is concluded that the substitution of 20% of RF by MSMF can be used for nutritional enrichment of widely consumed conventional products.     

中国海才女虫属复合体(多毛纲:海稚虫科)种类记述

才女虫属复合体隶属于多毛纲、海稚虫科,是多毛纲中寄生种类多样性最高的群体之一。本文描述了该复合体在中国海所分布10种的形态学特征和生物学属性。此10种分别为吻蛇稚虫、小蛇稚虫、美角才女虫、难定才女虫、腺袋才女虫、邻近才女虫、触角伪才女虫、膜质伪才女虫、短鳃伪才女虫和网格伪才女虫。其中,邻近才女虫为一新种,该新种主要形态学特征在于其尾部背、腹面皆具缺刻,且头部背面无中触手。中国海分布的大多数才女虫属复合体种类既可以在松软底质上营管栖生活,也可以寄生于某些海洋生物。本文报道的种类中只有邻近才女虫和短鳃伪才女虫未见有寄生现象。中国海才女虫属种类最常见的寄主是贝类(双壳类、腹足类)和珊瑚。