Climate effects and bottom‐up controls on growth and size‐at‐age of Pacific halibut (Hippoglossus stenolepis) in Alaska (USA)

Pacific halibut (Hippoglossus stenolepis) are an ecologically, commercially, and culturally important Alaskan groundfish species. Commercial harvest of halibut dates back to the late 19th century and has been managed by the International Pacific Halibut Commission (IPHC) since 1921. IPHC surveys have revealed declining trends in survey biomass in multiple regions and region‐specific declines in mean size‐at‐age (size‐at‐age) over the past two decades (>50% in some areas). Changes in size‐at‐age can arise from a variety of physical, ecological, sampling, and fishery effects, including size‐dependent fishery or predation mortality, alteration in growth from variability in prey quality or quantity, and changes in temperature‐dependent metabolic demands. Here, we develop and apply a bioenergetics model for halibut using survey‐based diet and temperature data for Alaska to evaluate potential environmental drivers of size‐at‐age. In general, juvenile (<40 cm fork length) foraging rates were highest in the Gulf of Alaska concomitant with higher potential growth and elevated basal metabolic demands during warm summer conditions. In contrast, adult (40–120 cm FL) potential growth was highest in the Eastern Bering Sea, potentially reflecting lower metabolic costs and higher rates of prey consumption in that region. We additionally find evidence for interannual variation in potential growth, with a higher frequency of reduced growth potential in the last decade, particularly in the Eastern Bering Sea in 2015 and 2016 for both juvenile and adult halibut. These results suggest the potential for patterns in size‐at‐age to arise from trophic and environmental constraints that collectively limit growth in some regions and years.     

In vivo growth and genomic characterization of rickettsia‐like organisms isolated from farmed Chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) in New Zealand

A rickettsia‐like organism, designated NZ‐RLO2, was isolated from Chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) farmed in the South Island, New Zealand. In vivo growth showed NZ‐RLO2 was able to grow in CHSE‐214, EPC, BHK‐21, C6/36 and Sf21 cell lines, while Piscirickettsia salmonis LF‐89^T grew in all but BHK‐21 and Sf21. NZ‐RLO2 grew optimally in EPC at 15°C, CHSE‐214 and EPC at 18°C. The growth of LF‐89 ^T was optimal at 15°C, 18°C and 22°C in CHSE‐24, but appeared less efficient in EPC cells at all temperatures. Pan‐genome comparison of predicted proteomes shows that available Chilean strains of P. salmonis grouped into two clusters (p‐value = 94%). NZ‐RLO2 was genetically different from previously described NZ‐RLO1, and both strains grouped separately from the Chilean strains in one of the two clusters (p‐value = 88%), but were closely related to each other. TaqMan and Sybr Green real‐time PCR targeting RNA polymerase (rpoB) and DNA primase (dnaG), respectively, were developed to detect NZ‐RLO2. This study indicates that the New Zealand strains showed a closer genetic relationship to one of the Chilean P. salmonis clusters; however, more Piscirickettsia genomes from wider geographical regions and diverse hosts are needed to better understand the classification within this genus.     

New Zealand rickettsia‐like organism (NZ‐RLO) and Tenacibaculum maritimum: Distribution and phylogeny in farmed Chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha)

A total of 777 fish from three growing regions of New Zealand Chinook salmon farms comprising of five sites were tested. Quantitative PCR was used to determine the distribution of New Zealand rickettsia‐like organism and Tenacibaculum maritimum. Genetic information from these bacteria were then compared with strains reported worldwide. Using this information, suggested associations of pathogens with clinically affected fish were made. NZ‐RLO was detected in two of the three regions, and T. maritimum was detected in all regions. Three strains of NZ‐RLO were identified during this study. Based on analysis of the ITS rRNA gene, NZ‐RLO1 appears to be part of an Australasian grouping sharing high similarity with the Tasmanian RLO, NZ‐RLO2 was shown to be the same as an Irish strain, and NZ‐RLO3 was shown be closely related to two strains from Chile. Based on multi‐locus sequence typing, the New Zealand T. maritimum was the same as Australian strains. NZ‐RLOs were detected more frequently in fish with skin ulcers than fish without skin ulcers. While additional research is required to investigate the pathogenicity of these organisms, this is the first time that NZ‐RLOs have been associated with the development of clinical infections in farmed Chinook salmon.     

Landscape‐level constraints on recruitment of chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) in the Columbia River basin,USA

• 1. The decline of salmonid populations in the Pacific Northwest has been well‐documented. It is unclear, however, which threats to salmonid persistence are the most serious, and how best to prioritize recovery efforts intended to ameliorate these threats.
• 2. It has been argued previously that one possible cause of salmon endangerment is degradation of spawning grounds. In order to explore this hypothesis, this study examines the relationships between chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) productivity and landscape‐level characteristics of spawning grounds in the interior Columbia River Basin.
• 3. Population productivity is expressed as the mean and maximum recruitment rates for different stocks, measured from 1980 to 1990; habitat conditions are calculated using sub‐watershed scale data on land cover, land use, water quality and watershed hydrology.
• 4. Significant linear regression results were obtained for three environmental variables: percentage of land classified as urban, proportion of stream length failing to meet water quality standards, and an index of the ability of streams to recover from sediment flow events. A multiple regression with all three variables accounts for over 60% of the variation in mean salmon recruitment.
• 5. It further appears that these landscape attributes may limit the maximum recruitment rates of salmon, with a magnitude of difference in productivity large enough to be relevant to recovery planners. Additional study will be necessary to identify cause‐and‐effect linkages between habitat quality and salmon recruitment success, and to determine the ultimate impact of changes in recruitment rates on short‐ and long‐term salmon population trajectories.

Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Flavobacteria colonizing the early life stages of hatchery‐incubated Chinook salmon Oncorhynchus tshawytscha (Walbaum 1792) are markedly diverse

Flavobacterial diseases are significant impediments to hatchery‐based fishery conservation and aquaculture productivity worldwide. Recent studies revealed a multitude of novel flavobacteria within the reproductive fluids and unfertilized eggs of feral Chinook salmon Oncorhynchus tshawytscha broodstock, some of which were associated with systemic disease. Herein, embryonated eggs/fry from these broodstock were assayed for flavobacteria while in incubator stacks in three hatcheries over 2 years, as was the water entering hatchery incubators. Overall, >65% of sampled eggs and 38% of fry were colonized by flavobacteria. One hundred and ninety‐one egg and fry‐associated flavobacterial isolates were characterized phenotypically and via 16S rRNA gene sequencing and phylogenetic analyses, revealing that the majority fell into 22 clades (i.e., 15 Flavobacterium spp. groups and seven Chryseobacterium spp. groups) that varied in presence by facility. Although some matched previously described fish‐pathogenic species, the majority were distinct from all described flavobacteria and likely represent novel species. Of concern, iodophor disinfection at the commonly utilized dose/duration for egg‐surface disinfection did not eliminate flavobacteria. Results also implicated maternal routes of infection and source water for some flavobacteria. In total, study findings underscore the complexity of flavobacterial ecology within hatchery environments and highlight the need for improved hatchery biosecurity practices.     

Enhanced growth and retarded gonadal development of farmed rainbow trout,Oncorhynchus mykiss (Walbaum) following a long‐day photoperiod

Long‐day photoperiods are considered as an effective managerial tool in manipulating of reproduction and somatic growth in a number of fish species. In this study, the effects of three different artificial photoperiods on the gonadal development and somatic growth of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss L.) were investigated. Two years‐old immature female rainbow trout (279.94 ±2.25 g) were exposed to three artificial photoperiod regimes of 24L:0D, 18L:6D and 6L:18D and natural light (NL) regime for 5 months. The highest gonadosomatic indices were recorded in NL and 6L:18D groups while the rates were significantly lower in fish maintained under 18L:6D and 24L:0D photoperiods (P < 0.05). Mean oocyte diameters in fish exposed to 24L:0D and also to 18L:6D were significantly lower than the 6L:18D and NL groups. Photoperiods with 24L:0D and 18L:6D regimes resulted in significantly higher mean final weights and specific growth rates (SGR) than NL regime. The highest mean final weight (635.45 ± 16.19 g) and SGR (1.03 ± 0.04% day^?1) were obtained under 24L:0D photoperiod. Fish exposed to 24L:0D and 18L:6D showed the highest condition factor as 1.44 ± 0.01 and 1.44 ± 0.02 respectively, when compared with the NL (1.27 ± 0.01) and 6L:18D (1.34 ± 0.02) groups. Basically, the results suggested that continuous artificial lightning can be used as an influential factor in delaying gonadal development and enhancing somatic growth in rainbow trout during gonadal growth phase.     

Quantifying the effects of wind, upwelling, curl, sea surface temperature and sea level height on growth and maturation of a California Chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) population

We used retrospective scale growth chronologies and return size and age of female Chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) from a northern California, USA, population collected over 22 run years and encompassing 18 complete cohorts to model the effects of oceanographic conditions on growth during ocean residence. Using path analyses and partial least squares regressive approaches, we related growth rate and maturation to seven environmental variables (sea level height, sea surface temperature, upwelling, curl, scalar wind, northerly pseudo‐wind stress and easterly pseudo‐wind stress). During the first year of life, growth was negatively related to summer sea surface temperature, curl and scalar winds, and was positively related to summer upwelling. During the second, third and fourth growth years growth rate was negatively related to sea level height and sea surface temperature, and was positively related to upwelling and curl. The age at maturation and the fork length at which three ocean‐winter fish returned were related to the environment experienced during the spring before the third winter at sea (the year prior return). Faster growth during the year before return led to earlier maturation and larger return size.     

A synthesis of the coast‐wide decline in survival of West Coast Chinook Salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha,Salmonidae)

We collated smolt‐to‐adult return rate (SAR) data for Chinook salmon from all available regions of the Pacific coast of North America to examine the large‐scale patterns of salmon survival. For consistency, our analyses primarily used coded wire tag‐based (CWT) SAR estimates. Survival collapsed over the past half century by roughly a factor of three to ca. 1% for many regions. Within the Columbia River, the SARs of Snake River populations, often singled out as exemplars of poor survival, are unexceptional and in fact higher than estimates reported from many other regions of the west coast lacking dams. Given the seemingly congruent decline in SARs to similar levels, the notion that contemporary survival is driven primarily by broader oceanic factors rather than local factors should be considered. Ambitious Columbia River rebuilding targets may be unachievable because other regions with nearly pristine freshwater conditions, such as SE Alaska and northern BC, also largely fail to reach these levels. Passive integrated transponder (PIT) tag‐based SAR estimates available for Columbia River Basin populations are generally consistent with CWT findings; however, PIT tag‐based SARs are not adjusted for harvest which compromises their intended use because harvest rates are large and variable. More attention is needed on how SARs should be quantified and how rebuilding targets are defined. We call for a systematic review by funding agencies to assess consistency and comparability of the SAR data generated and to further assess the implications of survival falling to similar levels in most regions of the west coast.     

Pro‐inflammatory caspase‐1 activation during the immune response in cells from rainbow trout Oncorhynchus mykiss (Walbaum 1792) challenged with pathogen‐associated molecular patterns

In response to pathogens, the higher vertebrate innate immune system activates pro‐inflammatory caspase‐1 which is responsible for the processing and secretion of several important cytokines involved in the host's defence against infection. To date, caspase‐1 has been described in few teleost fish, and its activity has been demonstrated through substrate cleavage and inhibition by pharmacological agents. In this study, the detection of the active form of caspase‐1 during the immune response in salmonid fish is described, where two antibodies were produced. These antibodies differentially recognize the structural epitopes of the inactive pro‐caspase‐1 and the processed active form of the caspase. Firstly, caspase‐1 activation was demonstrated in vitro by ELISA, Western blotting and immunocytochemistry in rainbow trout macrophages exposed to different pathogen‐associated molecular patterns plus the pathogen Aeromonas hydrophila. This activity was clearly abrogated by a caspase inhibitor and seems to be unrelated to IL‐1β secretion. Caspase‐1 activation was then validated in vivo in gill cells from fish challenged with Aeromonas salmonicida. These results represent the first demonstration of caspase‐1 activation in salmonids, and the first evidence of the putative regulatory role which this protease plays in inflammatory response in this fish group, as described for some other teleosts and mammals.     

The inverse life‐history problem,size‐dependent mortality and two extensions of results of Holt and Beverton

In 1958, Sidney Holt developed a model to determine the optimal mass at which to harvest a cohort of fish having von Bertalanffy growth and experiencing constant natural mortality. Holt and Ray Beverton then gave a life‐history interpretation to the analysis, from which Beverton developed a theory of Growth, Maturity, and Longevity (GML) that allows one to predict quantities such as age at maturity or relative size at maturity using life‐history parameters. I extend their results in two ways. First, keeping the original formulation, in which the rate of natural mortality is constant, I show how one can invert Beverton's result to determine the rate of natural mortality from life‐history data. I illustrate this inverse method with data on three species of tuna and compare the estimates with those based on tagging. Second, I extend Beverton's GML theory to include size‐dependent mortality. I explore previously published mortality models and introduce a new mortality function that has size‐independent and size‐dependent components. I show that the new size‐dependent mortality function leads to the prediction that age at maturity depends upon asymptotic size (as well as the other life‐history parameters), something that Beverton's original theory lacked. I illustrate this extension with a simple example, discuss directions for future work and conclude that nearly 60 years on these contributions of Holt and Beverton continue to lead us in new and exciting directions.     

Synergistic effect of sodium selenite and Pediococcus acidilactici on growth,intestinal bacterial counts,selenium bioavailability,hepatic enzymes and non‐specific immune response in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss)

Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) have a crucial role in inorganic selenium metabolism as well as their known desirable effects on fish. In this study, the synergistic effects of dietary sodium selenite and Pediococcus acidilactici on growth performance, intestinal bacterial counts, selenium bioavailability, hepatic antioxidant enzyme thioredoxin reductase activity and hepatic glycolytic enzyme activity that is hexokinase, phosphofructokinase and pyruvate kinase, and non‐specific immune response such as serum lysozyme and complements C₃, C₄ and ACH₅₀ activity in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) were investigated. Thus, a 3 × 3 factorial design experiment was conducted with nine purified diets including three levels of sodium selenite (0, 1 and 2 mg/kg) and three levels of P. acidilactici (0, 7 and 9 log CFU/g). After 8 weeks of feeding, weight gain and specific growth rate were increased by increasing dietary sodium selenite and P. acidilactici levels compared to control (p < .05), whereas feed conversion ratio and condition factor was decreased by increasing dietary sodium selenite and P. acidilactici amounts in comparison with control (p < .05). Survival rate was not significantly affected among the experimental treatments (p > .05). Total cultivable bacterial populations after 4 and 8 weeks of the feeding trial were not significantly different among the dietary treatments, while LAB levels were higher in P. acidilactici‐fed groups than in control and selenium‐fed groups (p < .05). Selenocysteine, methylselenocysteine and selenomethionine levels in the intestine of rainbow trout were increased by increasing the sodium selenite and P. acidilactici levels (p < .05), and selenocysteine was found the most selenium species in the trout intestine. The quantity of total selenium in the whole body, intestine, blood, liver and muscle of rainbow trout were increased by increasing the amounts of sodium selenite and P. acidilactici compared to control (p < .05). Hepatic thioredoxin reductase and hexokinase activity were increased by increasing dietary selenium and P. acidilactici levels in comparison to control (p < .05), whereas phosphofructokinase and pyruvate kinase activity in the liver of rainbow trout were not significantly different between the dietary treatments. Serum lysozyme, complements C₃, C₄ and ACH₅₀ activity were enhanced by increasing dietary selenium and P. acidilactici levels compared to control (p < .05). The most synergistic effects of dietary supplements on growth and metabolism of rainbow trout were obtained at 2 mg/kg sodium selenite and 7 log CFU/g P. acidilactici. The findings revealed the synergistic effect of dietary selenium and P. acidilactici on growth and metabolism in rainbow trout (O. mykiss).     

Seasonal growth and diet of juvenile chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) in demonstration channels and the main channel of the Waitaki River, New Zealand, 1982–1983

Abstract– Juvenile chinook salmon in the Waitaki River, New Zealand and demonstration channels, living at about 16°C, increased in length by 0.32 mm day⁻¹ between 4 November and 4 March. They gained weight quickly, accumulated large visceral fat deposits and had high conditions factors. At 1600 h, stomachs averaged half full. The number of prey tended to decline as the fish grew and consumed larger items. Initially the diet was based mainly on chironomid larvae, but by December it included a diversity of prey in more equal proportions. These included Deleatidium in the Waitaki; amphipods in the demonstration channels; various trichopterans, hemipterans, elmid beetles, zooplankton. terrestrial dipterans and a variety of other prey. There were significant differences between sites in numbers of prey consumed and these probably reflected differences in the benthos. Diets in the Waitaki differ from those in the Rakaia River and the food of juvenile salmon appears closely linked to the availability of a diverse range of possible prey.     

Effects of dietary soy isoflavones on estrogenic activity,cortisol level,health and growth in rainbow trout,Oncorhynchus mykiss

Soy isoflavones (the phytoestrogens genistein, daidzein and glycitein) may act as estrogen receptor agonists or antagonists. The aim of this study was to examine the effect of dietary isoflavones on growth, reproduction and health in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss). Rainbow trout fed three experimental diets containing different concentrations of isoflavones (0, 500 and 1,500 ppm). Growth, estrogenic activity, plasma estradiol levels, gonadal development, state of stress and histological changes in selected tissues were evaluated at the end of 70 days. Neither growth performance nor the relative mRNA levels of Insulin Growth Factor I (igf‐I) in the liver were influenced by different levels of dietary isoflavones. Plasma and liver vitellogenin (VTG) protein levels and plasma 17‐β‐estradiol (E₂) were unaffected by treatments, although the correlation between plasma levels of E₂ and VTG densitometry values was significant (p < .05). The fish gonadosomatic index (GSI) did not significantly differ among the three experimental groups but correlated with plasma VTG densitometry values (p < .05). Plasma, muscle and fin cortisol concentrations fell within the normal welfare range and were not correlated with isoflavone levels. Histologically, the distal intestine showed a normal morphology with well‐differentiated enterocytes and in the liver hepatocytes were also normal. A supranuclear accumulation of lipid droplets in enterocytes and some lipid droplets in hepatocytes were observed in all tested groups, suggesting an impact of basal dietary lipid on transport/metabolism of fat in the fish. Overall, the present results suggest that the doses of isoflavones tested do not compromise rainbow trout reproduction, growth and health.     

Effect of size‐fractionated fish protein hydrolysate on growth and feed utilization of turbot (Scophthalmus maximus L.)

Four experimental diets were fed to turbot to examine the effect of fish hydrolysate and ultra‐filtered fish hydrolysate on growth performance, feed utilization and non‐specific immune response. Fish hydrolysate was produced by enzymatic treatment and size fractionated using ultra‐filtration (UF). The permeate (molecular weight <1000 Da) after UF and the non‐ultra‐filtered fish hydrolysate (NUF) were tested as feed ingredients. Diets UF1, UF2 contained 3.7%, 1.2% ultra‐filtered fish hydrolysate to replace fish meal protein respectively. The diets UF1, NUF were identical in composition except that the molecular weight of fish hydrolysate in the diet. Fish meal was used in the control diet. All diets were made equal in protein, lipid and energy. Each experimental diet was fed to juvenile turbot (27.87 ± 0.04 g) in triplicate for 8 weeks. Results of this study indicate that the best overall growth and feed utilization of turbot juveniles were obtained with a diet containing higher dose of the small molecular weight compounds in fish hydrolysate. Acid phosphatase, alkaline phosphatase, lysozyme and superoxide dismutase activity in serum were not affected by diet. Total antioxidant capacity was improved with increasing level of low molecule weight fish hydrolysate (UF1).     

Interactive effects of life history and season on size‐dependent growth in juvenile Atlantic salmon

Size‐dependent growth (SDG) is an important process in structuring populations as well as determining life history outcomes. Despite its importance, there have been few investigations from observational studies focusing on the interaction between life history decisions and SDG. In this study, we used data on individually tagged Atlantic salmon from both the laboratory and the field to investigate differences in SDG among two life history groups, parr and smolts. In the laboratory, we found little evidence of SDG in parr but seasonally dependent SDG in the smolt group. Smolts showed at strong compensatory response over the winter months just prior to the smolt transformation window. In the field, we found little evidence of SDG early in ontogeny (i.e., age 0+ fall and winter). There was some evidence of depensatory growth (positive SDG) during the age 1+ spring among both life history groups that may reflect random habitat variation or the monopolisation of resources. After the age 1+ spring, we found that smolts were more likely to show a compensatory effect (negative SDG) than parr. This effect was strongest, as they approached the smolt window in the spring of their age 2+ year. These results suggest (i) SDG is common in Atlantic salmon; however, the form and extent of life history depends on (ii) season and (iii) life history. For individuals that adopt a smolt life history, trade‐offs between freshwater survival and sea survival may lead to a convergent growth pattern, as they approach the smolt migration window.     

Recombinant expression and comparative bioactivity of tongue sole insulin‐like growth factor (IGF)‐1 and IGF‐2 in Pichia pastoris

Insulin‐like growth factor (IGF) plays a key role in the complex system that regulates bony fish growth, differentiation, and reproduction. In the current study, recombinant tongue sole IGF‐1 and IGF‐2 were obtained using the Pichia pastoris expression system and their comparative bioactivities were investigated. Tricine–SDS–PAGE and western blot analysis showed that the recombinant tongue sole IGFs were secreted into the culture medium and had a molecular weight of 8.7 kDa. The optimal incubation time and pH for recombinant expression of IGFs were 36 hr and 5.0 respectively. Functional analysis demonstrated that both recombinant tongue sole IGF‐1 and IGF‐2 significantly promoted cell proliferation of MFC‐7 in vitro. In addition, the recombinant tongue sole IGF‐1 and IGF‐2 proteins could suppress hepatic mRNA levels of igf‐1 and igf‐2 in vitro, which showed that they have similar physiological functions. Taken together, the biologically active recombinant tongue sole IGF‐I and IGF‐II proteins will allow us to further investigate their physiological roles in growth regulation of this species. Furthermore, the present results also hinted at the potential application of these two recombinant IGF‐I and IGF‐II proteins into the tongue sole farming industry.     

Annual variations in the diet of juvenile chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) in the Waitaki River and the demonstration channels, 1982–1986

The numbers of particular prey in stomach samples of juvenile chinook salmon varied between sites, months and years in two controlled flow demonstration channel sites and the mainstem lower Waitaki River. During 4 growing seasons, 1982–1986, Deleatidium, Aoteapsyche, Hydroptilidae, Elmidae, Chironomidae and Amphipoda were important components of the diet. Salmon also ate a variety of other items of aquatic and terrestrial origin. Diets were quite similar and tended to change in the same way in all sites simultaneously, perhaps in response to discharge. Smaller prey (Chironomidae, Hydroptilidae and early instar Aoteapsyche) were more numerous in stomach samples in seasons of lower, more stable, discharge. Fewer but larger prey were consumed during high flows. The salmon sampled in March 1986 originated from the high egg deposition of 1985 and grew during a season of low discharge. They were exceptionally small and their diet consisted of large numbers of small prey. There was no evidence of progressive annual changes in the habitat or the diet of salmon in the demonstration channels. However, it would be prudent to arrange for flow fluctuations that would be sufficient to flush finer substrate sediments in a controlled flow residual river, thus maintaining the diversity of prey for juvenile salmon.     

A size‐age model based on bootstrapping and Bayesian approaches to assess population dynamics of Anguilla anguilla L. in semi‐closed lagoons

A size‐age modelling technique is presented for assessing the vital rates, stock and recruitment of eel populations in semi‐closed lagoons with fully monitored migration of silver eels. Data for yellow and silver European eels (Anguilla anguilla L.) were obtained in 2011 from the Comacchio lagoon (Italy). The analysis was performed in three steps: (i) correction of yellow eel data, which are affected by the fyke nets selectivity during samplings, (ii) estimation of survival curve, stock, recruitment and metamorphosis rates of the population (calibration using data from 2011) and (iii) validation of the model using the observed amount of silver eel migrating population of the next year. A bootstrap procedure was used to assess the level of uncertainty for each parameter using the 95% intervals of the highest posterior density distribution HPDD (Bayesian approach). The measured abundance of silver eels was 0.56 ind·ha^?1, while the yellow eel abundance and recruitment were estimated by the model for 2011 at 8.77 ind·ha^?1 and 5.99 ind. ha^?1 respectively. The model performance during validation was satisfactory as the observed total mass of migrating population of 2012 (3777 kg) was inside the 95% HPDD intervals (3197–3839 kg) of model's predictions. The estimated stocks and recruitment were at least ten times lower from the respective estimations of previous studies of 1989 highlighting the crucial conditions of the population. The proposed modelling approach can provide significant information about eel population conditions, facilitating the evaluation of a range of management options in the context of eel conservation plans.     

Biological traits of eastern sand darter (Ammocrypta pellucida) in the lower Thames River,Canada, with comparisons to a more southern population

Eastern sand darter (Ammocrypta pellucida) is listed as Threatened under the Canadian Species at Risk Act. Little relevant biological information is available for most Canadian populations and only limited information is available for populations in the United States. To supplement the paucity of information, this study collected biological information on eastern sand darter during field surveys in 2006–2007 from 10 sites in the lower Thames River, Ontario, Canada. Collected data were used to estimate critical life history traits including: longevity, fecundity, clutch size and number, growth, survival, age‐at‐first‐maturity and cohort age structure. Longevity was 3+ years, with age‐at‐first‐maturity being 1+ for both sexes. Examination of egg sizes from preserved females in 2007 showed a bimodal distribution, suggesting two spawning occurrences of 71 eggs each. Quantitative comparison of lower Thames River biological information with a more southerly eastern sand darter population in the Little Muskingum River, Ohio, demonstrated little variation between the populations. Data comparisons suggest that localised environmental factors are affecting biological traits (growth), in particular water temperature that may be controlled by differences in riparian cover and/or groundwater input.     

Effects of mono‐species and bi‐species microalgal diets on the growth,survival and metamorphosis of auricularia larvae of the California sea cucumber,Parastichopus californicus (Stimpson, 1857)

The effects of mono‐species and bi‐species microalgal diets on body length, survival and metamorphosis of auricularia larvae of the California sea cucumber, Parastichopus californicus, were tested in two separate laboratory feeding experiments. The first examined eight single species of microalgae – Chaetoceros calcitrans (Cc), Chaetoceros muelleri (Cm), Dunaliella tertiolecta (Dt), Isochrysis sp. (Tahitian strain: TISO) (Ti), Pavlova lutheri (Pl), Phaeodactylum tricornutum (Pt), Tetraselmis suecica (Ts) and Thallassiosira pseudonana (Tp). The second experiment took the five most effective single species from the first experiment (i.e. Cc, Cm, Dt, Pl and Ti) and presented them in all possible binary combinations. In the first experiment, Cc was determined to be the best diet on the basis of generating a significantly higher metamorphic rate (65.5 ± 4.2%, mean ± SD) than any other species and leading to one of the best survival rates (72.3 ± 7.6%) and greatest body lengths (831.6 ± 5.6 μm at day 14). In the second experiment, diets containing Cc generally produced the highest survival and metamorphic rates and greatest body lengths (except Cc/Cm) of all mixed diets, although no bi‐species treatment was ever significantly superior to a control of Cc alone. Of the various mono‐species and bi‐species diets evaluated for rearing auricularia larvae of P. californicus, Cc (either alone or mixed with other species) is recommended.