Bacterial community composition of sediments from a milkfish Chanos chanos Forsskål farm

Bacterial communities in sediments underneath milkfish cages and adjacent off‐cage areas in Bolinao, Lingayen Gulf, West Philippine Sea were characterized using PCR‐denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis to assess influence of the fish farming to the sediments. The sediments in the fish cage (FC) area showed anoxic conditions [redox potential of ?165 to ?213 mV and acid‐volatile sulphide‐sulphur (AVS‐S) of 0.55–1.88 mg g^?1 (dry weight)] compared to the relatively oxic off‐cage area [redox potential of 72–81 mV and AVS‐S of 0.09–0.14 mg g^?1 (dry weight)]. The composition of the microbial populations revealed influence of the fish feed sedimentation with higher dominance of putative sulphate‐reducing bacteria (SRB) in the FC area. Compositions of the bacterial taxa showed dominance of the Bacteroidetes group and Deltaproteobacteria. The results suggest that the fish feeds created a new suitable environment, in which reductive microorganisms such as SRB, ferric‐ion‐reducing bacteria and nitrate‐reducing bacteria can thrive. Organic load from the feed and quantity of its leftover constituents may be the key factors that influence the structure of the bacterial community in the sediments of the milkfish farms.     

Environmental effects of a marine fish farm of gilthead seabream (Sparus aurata) in the NW Mediterranean Sea on water column and sediment

This study examined the effects of organic enrichment on water column, sediments and macrofauna caused by a fish farm in the Mediterranean Sea. Samples were collected on four sampling campaigns over a one‐year cycle. Significant differences were found in the water column in dissolved oxygen, dissolved inorganic nitrogen, phosphate and total phosphorus concentrations between the fish farm and the control. The increase in the dissolved inorganic nitrogen and phosphate concentrations at the fish farm modified the stoichiometric ratios between nutrients, with silicate acting as limiting nutrient at the fish farm 11% more than at the control. Nevertheless, chlorophyll a concentration in the water column was higher at the control station, probably due to the fouling of the underwater fish farm structures. Significant differences were found in sediment concentrations of organic matter, total phosphorus and redox potential between the fish farm and the control. The Canonical Correlation Analysis indicated that organic matter, total phosphorus, redox potential and% of gravels accounted for 68.9% of the total variance in the species data. Changes were observed in macrofauna, with a decrease in number of species and up to a nine‐fold increase in abundance with respect to the control.     

Bacterial community composition shifts in sediments influenced by fish feeds

This study investigated the influence of fish feed deposition on the microbial community of sediments in a coastal lake. Microcosms were designed to simulate the addition of fish feeds to the sediment, and physicochemical factors as well as composition of microbial assemblages were analysed. Although total organic carbon and total organic nitrogen did not significantly increase, redox potential and total sulphides showed a transition of sediment environments into anaerobic condition due to the addition of fish feeds. The bacterial community composition shifted with fish feed deposition as revealed by the band profiles of denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis, Sørensen's similarity indices and cell numbers of sulphate‐reducing bacteria. Occurrence of anaerobic bacteria (sulphate and nitrate reducers) and disappearance of strictly aerobic bacteria were observed with fish feed inputs. The results clarify the succession of the microbial flora and suggest negative impact of uneaten fish feeds on the microbial community in sediment and resultant environmental deterioration of fish‐farming areas.     

Relationship between sea lice levels on sea trout and fish farm activity in western Scotland

The relationship between aquaculture and infestations of sea lice on sea trout, Salmo trutta L., is controversial. Here, the association between sea lice infestations on wild sea trout and characteristics of local Atlantic salmon, Salmo salar L., farms were investigated using data collected on the Scottish west coast. The proportion of sea trout with louse burdens above a critical level was positively related to the fork length of the sea trout and the mean weight of salmon on the nearest fish farm, and negatively related to the distance to that farm. The distance to the nearest fish farm did not influence the probability of infestations above the critical level beyond 31 km although there was considerable uncertainty around this cut‐off distance (95% limits: 13–149 km). The results support a link between Atlantic salmon farms and sea lice burdens on sea trout in the west of Scotland and provide the type of information required for marine spatial planning.     

Loading of nutrient from a land-based fish farm(Orbetello, Italy) at different times

. A marine fish farm (production ~ 100 tonnes per year) located in the Orbetello lagoon area (Tuscany, Italy) was selected to study the waste water quality discharged. The aims of study were: a) quantify the nitrogen and phosphorus discharged from the fish farm at the beginning and the end of feeding time; b) verify nutrient trend during a daily cycle, and difference of release between nitrogen and phosphorus by reared biomass. From June 1999 to May 2000, water temperature, pH, salinity, dissolved oxygen and redox were hourly recorded in output wastewater station (E). Two water sampling strategies were adopted: monthly and daily. Monthly, in E, two field water samples at 8:00 a.m. (E8), at the beginning of feeding, and at 4:00 p.m. (E16), at the end of feeding, were collected. The dissolved and particulate nitrogen and phosphorus were analysed. With respect to total dissolved nitrogen (TDN), the total ammonia (NH₃ + NH₄⁺) concentration constituted more than 64%. With respect to total nitrogen and phosphorus, the particulated component represented, respectively, the 16% and 29–36%. A 24 h water sampling, at 4:00, 10:00, 12:00 a.m and at 4:00, 8:00, 12:00 p.m., was carried out. The results showed that TDN was excreted shortly after feeding, with a peak 4 h after the end of feeding. Most of the total dissolved phosphorus (TDP) was excreted after many hours, with a peak 8 h after the end of feeding.     

Accumulation, organic carbon and dry matter concentration of sediment in commercial channel catfish ponds

Sediment depth and organic carbon (OC) concentration were measured in sediment cores (n=675) collected from 45 commercial channel catfish ponds in northwest Mississippi from April to September in 1998 and 1999. Ponds had been in continuous catfish production from 14 days to 21 years. Sediment depth ranged from 1 to 95 cm and was heterogeneously distributed within ponds: least in the shallow end (26.3 cm) and greatest in deeper areas (33.7 cm). Mean sediment depth increased with pond age, although the rate of sediment accumulation was greatest in the first year (12.5 cm per year). Organic carbon concentration varied slightly within ponds ranging from 0.76 to 3.43% of dry matter (DM). Mean organic carbon concentration in the upper 2 cm of sediment (1.77%) was significantly greater than in the deeper sediment layer (1.55%). Mean dry matter content in the upper 2 cm of sediment averaged 24.2% of total wet weight. Mean dry matter for the lower sediment fraction was 37.8% of total wet weight. Despite large inputs of organic matter from feed and primary production, sediment organic carbon concentrations did not increase with pond age.     

Rapid dispersion of escaped meagre (Argyrosomus regius) from a coastal Mediterranean fish farm

Meagre (Argyrosomus regius) is an emerging species in aquaculture considered a locally absent species in the Western Mediterranean. Little is known about meagre escape incidents from farms. To evaluate escape impacts and develop mitigation measures, knowledge about the behaviour of escaped meagre is necessary. In this study, a rapid dispersion of escaped meagre was observed following a simulated escape incident in a coastal Mediterranean farm, using acoustic telemetry (acoustic tag: AT) and mark‐and‐recapture techniques (external tag: ET). A small proportion of AT meagre (22.7%) remained within the farm boundaries 24 h after the simulated escape. A total of 84 meagre (9.2%) were captured by local trammel netters nearby the farm facility within the first 48 h after escape. Only two AT individuals (15.3%) were detected by acoustic receivers located in coastal areas within 2 days after dispersal from the farm and eight ET meagre (0.8%) were recaptured along the shoreline during the first week. Two AT individuals (15.3%) were considered to be dead by predation few hours after escape. The rest of the AT individuals (N = 6, 46.2%) left the facility alive, and they were never detected by receivers nor reported back by fishermen. Thus, our results highlight the necessity of establishing escape mitigation strategies at Mediterranean fish farms, i.e. recapture programmes 24–48 h after the escape incident in collaboration with local fishermen, to diminish potential impacts related to meagre escapees.     

Diet of demersal fish species in relation to aquaculture development in Scottish sea lochs

The diets of demersal fish, principally haddock (Melanogrammus aeglefinus), whiting (Merlangius merlangus) and several flatfish species, sampled from four Scottish sea lochs (Hourn, Kishorn, Duich and Nevis) which support aquaculture sites, were examined in order to determine whether the impact of aquaculture on benthic biodiversity would affect the diets of demersal fish. Loch Kishorn had the highest maximum planned aquaculture production, loch Nevis follows and lochs Hourn and Duich have the lowest planned production. Samples were collected from locations less than and more than 2000 m from fish farm cages. Fish close to the fish farm cages were on average of greater individual weight than those further away from fish farms. Haddock ate predominantly Malacostracan crustacea, Ophiurid echinoderms and Polychaete annelids; whiting ate predominantly Malacostracan crustacea and teleost fish and flatfish ate Malacostracan crustacea, Polychaete annelids and Ophiurid echinoderms. A small number of saithe sampled had eaten mainly fish farm pellets. Dietary variation in each species was analysed in relation to loch, proximity to aquaculture facilities and fish size. Diet of whiting varied with body size. Dietary differences were observed between the lochs and between sites close to and far from farms in two lochs although these differences cannot be specifically attributed to aquaculture development. Controlling for differences between individual lochs, proximity to aquaculture facilities did not consistently affect diet composition.     

紫菜养殖对养殖水体中细菌多样性分布及环境因子的影响

采用基于16S rDNA的高通量测序技术对山东长岛紫菜养殖区的细菌多样性分布进行了研究,并与环境因子进行关联分析,以探究紫菜养殖对环境的影响。结果显示,长岛海区水环境细菌多样性较丰富,呈现由近岸区(CDCNS)、养殖区(CDPF)、外海区(CDCOS)递减的趋势。分别基于所有细菌组成以及相对丰度最高的前20个属/种的聚类结果均显示,CDCNS和CDCOS区聚在一起,明显区别于CDPF区。CDPF区的特异优势菌包括鼠尾菌属(Muricauda)、假单胞菌属(Pseudomonas)、盐单胞菌属(Halomonas)、赤杆菌属(Erythrobacter)、海杆菌属(Marinobacter)。3个区域均未检测到河豚毒素假交替单胞菌(Pseudoalteromonas tetraodonis)、柠檬假交替单胞菌(Pseudoalteromonas citrea)等疑似紫菜致病菌。溶解氧(DO)和pH呈现由近岸向外海逐渐降低的趋势,总颗粒悬浮物(TSS)反之。CDPF区氨氮(NH4+-N)含量最低,盐度最高。关联分析发现,环境因子与环境微生物之间具有一定的相关性,如嗜氨菌属(Ammoniphilus)的丰度与NH4+-N 浓度具显著正相关性,CDPF区最低,CDCOS区最高;盐单胞菌属的分布与盐度具显著正相关性,CDPF区盐单胞菌属含量显著高于其他2个海区。研究表明,紫菜养殖海区细菌群落结构特征与环境因子具有关联性,其间的互作机制尚需进一步深入研究。     

Comparative adsorption evaluation of biochars from paper mill sludge with commercial activated carbon for the removal of fish anaesthetics from water in Recirculating Aquaculture Systems

Tricaine methanesulfonate (MS-222), benzocaine and 2-phenoxyethanol (2-PE) are widely used in intensive aquaculture systems to control stress during handling and confinement operations. This work aimed to study the adsorptive removal of these anaesthetics from water, comparing two waste-based adsorbents produced by pyrolysis of paper mill sludge with a commercial activated carbon. The use of commercial activated carbon resulted in maximum adsorption capacities of 631, 435 and 289 mg g^⿿1 for MS-222, benzocaine and 2-PE, respectively (obtained by the fitting of Langmuir-Freundlich model), which are between 4 and 8 times higher than those determined for the alternative adsorbents. Even so, the obtained results point to the promissory utilization of these waste-based adsorbents in Recirculating Aquaculture Systems, as an integrated way of managing such residues and treatment of aquaculture waters contaminated with anaesthetics.     

池塘养殖仿刺参(Apostichopus japonicus)肠含物、附着基和底泥中的菌群结构及其相关性

2014年10月,利用 PCR-DGGE 技术分析了标准化养殖池塘中仿刺参(Apostichopus japonicus)肠含物及附着基和底泥中细菌的菌群结构及其相关性。结果显示,仿刺参肠含物、附着基、底泥中细菌多样性较高,分别平均获得30.00±1.00、15.33±1.70、21.67±2.62条带,肠含物中细菌种类数显著高于附着基和底泥。聚类分析和戴斯系数表明,不同池塘的仿刺参肠含物样本单独聚为一支,相似性达到0.785,附着基和底泥样品聚为一支,平均相似性达到0.532。不同样品 DGGE 图谱中20条优势条带的切割、克隆、测序,共获得了20条细菌序列,表明肠含物细菌种类以聚球藻属(Synechococcus sp.)、脱硫杆菌属(Desulfobacterium)、脱硫叠球菌属(Desulfosarcina sp.)、极地杆菌属(Polaribacter)、Algibacter sp.为主,附着基中主要以 Robiginitalea sp.和 Silicibacter sp.为主,底泥样品中主要以假单胞菌属(Proteobacterium）、噬胞菌属(Cytophaga）、Desulfosarcina sp.为主,肠含物中细菌特有种类的分离与鉴定为仿刺参养殖潜在益生菌的开发提供基础数据。     

Assessment of microbial activity in water based on hydrogen peroxide decomposition rates

This study proposes a new and simple assay that allows rapid assessment of microbial activity in water samples. The assay consists of standardized hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) addition to a water sample and subsequent spectrophotometric determination of H₂O₂ reduction over time. The H₂O₂ decomposition rate constant reflects the level of enzymatic activity from planktonic and particle-associated bacteria as well as algae and protozoans. The proof of concept was verified on water samples from recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS), showing that the vast majority of H₂O₂ decomposition was related to microbial activity. Only 3% of the total H₂O₂ decomposition was related to abiotic processes when 0.20 μm sterile filtered RAS water was compared with unfiltered RAS water. Planktonic bacteria (size range 0.20–1.6 μm) accounted for 16% of H₂O₂ decomposition, while bacterial aggregates, particle-associated bacteria and microbiota above 1.6 μm were responsible for the remaining 81%. H₂O₂ decomposition rate constants were positively correlated to BOD₅ (r = 0.893; p < 0.001; n = 18) and to the number of 1–30 μm micro particles (r = 0.909; p < 0.001; n = 72) in RAS water, substantiating the biologically mediated decomposition processes in the water phase. The H₂O₂ decomposition assay thus represents a new alternative to existing methods that allows rapid (1–2 h) and simple quantification of microbial activity in fresh- and saltwater samples from aquaculture systems. Potential applications of the assay are discussed.     

Survival and growth of the sea cucumber Holothuria leucospilota Brandt: a comparison between suspended and bottom cultures in a subtropical fish farm during summer

The feasibility of co‐culturing the sea cucumber Holothuria leucospilota Brandt in a subtropical fish farm was investigated in a field study. Sea cucumbers were cultured in the fish farm in cages suspended at 4 m deep (suspended culture) and directly on the seafloor (bottom culture). The survival and growth of the sea cucumbers were monitored twice during the 3‐month, summer experimental period (May 26–August 14, 2010). Results showed that the suspension‐cultured sea cucumbers exhibited excellent survival rate (100%) during the whole study period. There also occurred no mortality in the bottom‐cultured sea cucumbers during the first culture period (May 26–July 13); but all these died from anoxia caused by water column stratification during the second culture period (July 14–August 14). The specific growth rate of the bottom‐cultured sea cucumbers (1.05 ± 0.21 % day^?1) was nearly double that of the suspended culture animals (0.57 ± 0.21 % day^?1) during the first culture period, and the growth rates of the suspended culture sea cucumbers in the second culture periods (0.46 ± 0.24 % day^?1) was only a little lower than that of the first period. The sea cucumbers H. leucospilota could ingest and assimilate sediment with high organic matter content with an average assimilation efficiency of 14.9 ± 3.9%. This study indicated that fish farm detritus can be effectively used as a food source for the sea cucumber and that it can be turned into a valuable secondary crop in the form of the sea cucumber biomass.     

亚热带网箱区底播仿刺参养殖周期内生理生态学特征

在现场条件下研究了亚热带网箱区底播养殖仿刺参的生理生态学指标随时间的变化。结果显示,网箱区底播的仿刺参耗氧率变化范围为0.012~0.016 mg O2/(g·h),各时期数据间无显著差异,表明在实验期间仿刺参维持基本代谢的能量消耗随时间变化不大;对照区5月仿刺参的耗氧率显著高于2、3、6月,表明对照区仿刺参夏眠初期能量消耗较大。2、3月网箱区仿刺参的耗氧率显著高于同期对照区,表明冬季网箱区底播仿刺参代谢更为活跃。网箱区底播仿刺参排氨率随着时间不断下降,2月排氨率[(0.061±0.009)μmol/(g·h)]显著高于5月[(0.045±0.011)μmol/(g·h)])和6月[(0.035±0.007)μmol/(g·h)],这是因为冬、春季节水温更适宜仿刺参生长,该阶段仿刺参摄食活跃,可以有效地利用网箱区高质量的食物。5月以后网箱区仿刺参进入夏眠状态,肠道逐渐萎缩,其排氨率也随之降低。对照区仿刺参排氨率始终维持在较低的水平,表明其营养状态不佳。各时期网箱区和对照区的O/N比值均为10~30,表明仿刺参新陈代谢底物包含蛋白质和碳水化合物或者脂质。其中,2—5月网箱区刺参O/N比值相对于对照区较低,表明该阶段网箱区仿刺参新陈代谢底物中蛋白质所占比例较多,这与该时期网箱区较高的食物质量相对应。     

Foam fractionation and ozonation in freshwater recirculation aquaculture systems

Foam fractionation is often considered an ineffective way of removing organic matter from freshwater due to the low surface tension of the water. There is, however, a lack of studies testing foam fractionation efficiency in replicated freshwater recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS). Foam fractionation can be applied with or without ozone. Ozone is a strong oxidiser previously shown to improve water quality and protein skimmer efficiency. To test the efficiency of foam fractionation and ozonation (20 g O₃ kg^-1 feed) separately and in combination in freshwater RAS, a two-by-two factorial trial was conducted with each main factor at two levels (applied or not applied). Each treatment combination was carried out in triplicates using 12 replicated pilot scale RAS stocked with juvenile rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) and operated at a feed loading of 1.66 kg feed m^-3 make-up water. The trial lasted 8 weeks and samples were obtained once a week. Ozone applied by itself significantly reduced the number of particles (83%), bacterial activity (48%) and particulate BOD₅ (5-days biochemical oxygen demand; 54%), and increased ultra violet transmittance (UVT; 43%) compared to the untreated control group. Foam fractionation by itself lead to significant reductions in particle numbers and volume (58% and 62%, respectively), turbidity (62%), bacterial activity (54%) and total BOD₅ (51%). A combination of both treatments resulted in a significant additional improvement of important water quality variables, including a 75% reduction in total BOD₅, 79% reduction in turbidity, 89% reduction in particle numbers and 90% reduction in bacterial activity compared to the control. The removal efficiencies were within the same range as those observed in previous studies conducted with foam fractionators in saltwater systems (with or without ozone), corroborating that foam fractionation may become a useful tool for controlling organic matter build-up and bacterial loads in freshwater RAS.     

FOAM, a new simple benthic degradative module for the LAMP3D model: an application to a Mediterranean fish farm

The modelling framework already introduced by Doglioli, Magaldi, Vezzulli and Tucci to predict the potential impact of a marine fish farm is improved following different directions, namely (1) real historic current-metre data are used to force the simulations, (2) settling velocity values specifically targeting Mediterranean fish species are used, and (3) a new benthic degradative module, the Finite Organic Accumulation Module, is added to the modelling framework. The Finite Organic Accumulation Module uses the output of the other functional units of the modelling framework to calculate the organic load on the seabed. The Finite Organic Accumulation Module considers the natural capability of the seafloor in absorbing part of the organic load. Different remineralization rates reflect the sediment stress level according to the work of Findlay and Watling. Organic degradation for both uneaten feed and faeces is evaluated by changing the release modality (continuous and periodical) and by varying the settling velocities. It is found that the maximum impact on the benthic community is observed either for quickly sinking uneaten feed released twice a day, or for less intense near-bottom current conditions. If both the above-mentioned scenarios coexist, a high stress level is established in the sediment. The model also suggests that the use of self-feeders in cages can reduce farm impacts significantly. These results show how the new and more complete modelling framework presented here is able to improve the objectivity in the decision-making processes and how it may be successfully used for planning and monitoring purposes.     

基于宏基因组学的中华绒螯蟹养殖池塘水体微生物群落结构和功能组成分析

养殖水体中的微生物群落结构及功能组成对养殖生态系统具有重要作用。为了全面系统评估中华绒螯蟹(Eriocheir sinensis)养殖中后期水体微生物群落结构和功能组成,于2022年6―10月逐月监测上海市崇明区中华绒螯蟹养殖池塘内水质指标,同时基于宏基因组学技术分析了养殖期内水体中微生物物种组成及功能结构特征,并探讨了二者与环境因子的关系。结果显示,该养殖池塘在养殖中后期主要超标水质指标为pH、高锰酸盐指数、总磷和总氮。在养殖期水体中,6―8月的微生物群落多样性以及7―8月的微生物群落丰富度处于较高水平,优势门为细菌中的变形菌门(Proteobacteria)、拟杆菌门(Bacteroidetes)、放线菌门(Actinobacteria)、疣微菌门(Verrucomicrobia)、蓝细菌门(Cyanobacteria)和病毒中的尾噬菌体门(Uroviricota),而在属水平上,丰度占比前10的优势属在多组之间均存在显著差异,如7月蓝藻门微囊藻属(Microcystis)细菌和8―10月的有尾噬菌体目(unclassified_o_Caudovirales)病毒丰度明显高于其他月份。微生物的主要功能为代谢功能包括能量代谢、全局和概览图、氨基酸代谢等,不同月份的功能组成存在显著差异,尤其是6―7月代谢途径丰度明显高于8―10月,而优势细菌变形菌门、放线菌门和拟杆菌门是上述功能的主要贡献者。环境因子对微生物群落结构和功能组成的影响趋势一致,叶绿素a和pH是影响最显著的环境因子,溶解氧、总磷的影响作用稍弱。在养殖水体中,丰度占比较大的致病菌为肠道沙门氏菌(Salmonella enterica)、爱德华氏菌(Edwardsiella ictaluri)和金黄色葡萄球菌(Staphylococcus aureus)。研究结果可为中华绒螯蟹养殖池塘水体微生物群落结构和功能组成研究提供基础数据,并可为养殖水质调控及生态系统构建提供理论依据。     

Feeding activity strongly affects the variability of wild fish aggregations within fish farms: a sea bream farm as a case study

Factors influencing within‐farm variability of wild fish aggregations have not been systematically studied. We tested the hypothesis that fish abundance and species composition vary between feeding and non‐feeding periods and different bottom substrates within a Sparus aurata (L.) farm. Sampling took place during feeding and non‐feeding periods on six consecutive days in July 2011. Visual censuses were carried out at three different depths and at three sampling stations over rocky–sandy and sandy substrates respectively. In all, 33 species belonging to 17 families were observed. Total fish abundance, biomass and species community significantly differed between feeding and non‐feeding periods. Each depth was represented by a distinct species community and was therefore affected differently by the feeding activity. At the surface, fish abundance was significantly higher during feeding compared with non‐feeding periods. The distance from the feeding vessel significantly influenced fish aggregations in the water column, indicating that planktivorous species learnt to associate the boat noise with food availability through classic conditioning. At the bottom, substrate type was the dominant factor explaining aggregation variability. This study provides new information about the dynamics of fish aggregations within farms, emphasizing the importance of considering the different sources of variability in future study designs.