FISHY FISH? THE ECONOMIC IMPACTS OF ESCAPED FARMED FISH

The escape of cultured fish from a marine aquaculture facility is a type of biological invasion that may lead to a variety of potential ecological and economic effects on native fish. This article develops a general invasive species impact model to capture explicitly both the ecological and economic effects of invasive species, especially escaped farmed fish, on native populations and harvests. First, the possible effects of escaped farmed fish on the growth and stock size of a native fish are examined. Next, a bioeconomic model to analyze changes in yield, benefit distribution, and overall profitability is constructed. Different harvesting scenarios, such as commercial, recreational, and joint commercial and recreational fishing are explored. The model is illustrated by a case study of the interaction between native and farmed Atlantic salmon in Norway. The results suggest that both the harvest and profitability of a native fish stock may decline after an invasion, but the total profits from the harvest of both native and farmed stocks may increase or decrease, depending on the strength of the ecological and economic parameters.     

What relative seafood prices can tell us about the status of stocks

Changes in the distribution of seafood prices can provide useful insights into the availability of different species to fishermen and to fish markets. We propose a log‐relative‐price‐index (LRPI) and demonstrate how such a concept might be useful for exploring long‐term changes in wild fish communities as a result of intensive exploitation. We estimate the LRPI for 26 fish species in the Celtic Sea (UK) and for 33 species on Italian fish markets. In both systems the LRPI changed significantly during recent decades, and in the Celtic Sea this probably resulted from a decline in the availability of high trophic level target species such as cod and hake as well as an increase in the availability of low trophic level pelagic species. By contrast, the LRPI of Italian fishes remained relatively constant from 1972 to 1980, but declined thereafter as a result of widespread expansion in fin‐fish aquaculture, and a consequential increase in the supply, and hence decrease in the price of high trophic level fish such as seabass and seabream.     

近交及其对水产养殖的影响

因大多数野生物种的捕捞已接近甚至超过了可开发的限度,因此必须大量增加水产品的养殖以满足人们对水产品的需要。目前,许多水产养殖种类的苗种来源于野生亲体或野生种苗,但是当野生种群被过度捕捞或数量大量减少时,越来越多的苗种将来源于人工蓄养的亲体群体。     

中国水产养殖种类组成、不投饵率和营养级

根据1950–2014年水产养殖种(类)有关统计和调研数据,并在对养殖投饵率、饲料中鱼粉鱼油比例、各类饵料(配合饲料、鲜杂鱼/低值贝类/活鱼、天然饵料等)营养级等基本参数进行估算的基础上,研究分析了中国水产养殖种类组成、生物多样性、不投饵率和营养级的特点及其变化。结果表明:中国水产养殖结构相对稳定,变化较小,其显著特点是种类多样性丰富、优势种显著、营养层次多、营养级低、生态效率高、生物量产出多。其中:(1)养殖种类296个、品种143个,合计为439个。种类组成区域差异明显,淡水养殖鱼类占绝对优势,如2014年草鱼、鲢鱼、鳙鱼、鲤鱼、鲫鱼和罗非鱼排名前6个种类的养殖占淡水养殖产量69.6%,其次为甲壳类、其他类、贝类及藻类,而海水养殖则以贝藻类为主,如2014年牡蛎、蛤、扇贝、海带、贻贝和蛏6个种(类)的养殖占海水养殖产量71.3%,其次为甲壳类、鱼类及其他类;(2)养殖种类多样性特征显著,与世界其他主要水产养殖国家相比,独为一支,具较高的多样性、丰富度和均匀度,发展态势良好;(3)由于养殖方式从天然养殖向投饵养殖转变,不投饵率呈明显下降趋势,从1995年90.5%降至2014年53.8%(淡水35.7%,海水83.0%),但与世界平均水平相比,仍保持较高的水准;(4)与世界相比,营养级低且较稳定。由于配合饲料的广泛使用及其鱼粉鱼油使用量减少,近年营养级略有下降,从2005年较高的2.32降至2014年2.25(淡水2.35,海水2.10)。营养级金字塔由4级构成,以营养级2为主,近年占70%,表明其生态系统有较多的生物量产出。中国水产养殖未来发展需要遵循绿色、可持续和环境友好的发展理念,探讨适宜的、特点各异的新生产模式,发展以养殖容量为基础的生态系统水平的水产养殖管理,建设环境友好型的水产养殖业,为保障国家食物安全、促进生态文明建设作出更大贡献。     

Fish to 2030: The Role and Opportunity for Aquaculture

Seafood sector can contribute to the global food supply in an important way, and provide an important source of animal protein. Based on observed regional trends in seafood production and consumption and using a global, partial-equilibrium, multi-market model, this study investigates what the global seafood market may look like in 2030. The model projects that the total fish supply will increase from 154 million tons in 2011 to 186 million tons in 2030, with aquaculture entirely responsible for the increase. The fastest aquaculture growth is expected for tilapia and shrimp, while the largest expansion is expected in India, Latin America and Caribbean and Southeast Asia. Fast-growing seafood demand in China and elsewhere represents a critical opportunity for global fisheries and aquaculture to improve their management and achieve sustainable seafood economy.     

SUBSTITUTABILITY OF FISHMEAL AND FISH OIL IN DIETS FOR SALMON AND TROUT: A META-ANALYSIS

Intensive aquaculture, especially the production of carnivorous species requires artificial feeding. Marine proteins are preferred to vegetable proteins, since fishmeal and oil provide the essential nutrients required by farmed fish. Given the stagnant production of industrial species and the rapid increase in aquaculture production, fishmeal availability would pose a biological constraint on aquaculture contribution to world fish supplies in the future, unless alternative feed sources can be incorporated in diets. In this paper, the technical substitutability between fish and vegetable-based feeds for salmon and trout are assessed through the estimation of Morishima elasticities of substitution. These are derived from a meta-analysis production function based on a large number of published feed trials. The results suggest that vegetable oil may be a potential substitute for fish oil, particularly in salmon aquaculture, but fishmeal is likely to remain a necessary component of feed unless some new feed source can be developed.     

Historical changes in fish communities in urban streams of the south-eastern United States and the relative importance of water-quality stressors

A total of 71 stream sites representing a gradient of urban land use were sampled across the Piedmont of the south-eastern United States in 2014. Fish data collected (observed) at each site were compared to an expected community based on georeferenced historical (~1950 - ~1990) species occurrence records for stream segments (1:100,000 scale) containing the sampled stream sites. Loss of expected fish species (per cent of fish species expected to occur but not observed) and homogenization (difference in Jaccard's similarity of the fish community among sites observed and expected) were determined. On average, there was a 13.2% increase in the similarity of fish communities across sites, demonstrating evidence of community homogenization. Occurrence of Redbreast Sunfish (Lepomis auritus), Green Sunfish (L. cyanellus) and Bluegill (L. macrochirus) increased more than 50% over time (between observed and expected). Species loss increased significantly with urbanization, whereas homogenization was not related to urbanization. Random forest analysis indicated that herbicides, insecticides and centrarchid species richness were significant predictors of species loss. Of these, generalized additive model regression indicated that herbicides represented the most parsimonious model based on a single predictor. Stream base flow, elevation and total nitrogen were significant predictors of homogenization. Generalized additive model regression indicated that decreased stream base flow was the single most important factor associated with increased homogenization. Chemical contaminants and associated ecosystem alteration and changes in streamflow may represent important regional influences on changes in fish communities in urban streams in the south-eastern United States.     

The South American freshwater fish Prochilodus lineatus (Actinopterygii: Characiformes: Prochilodontidae): new species in Vietnamese aquaculture

The freshwater characiform fish Prochilodus lineatus is a detritivorous species that has its native distribution area in South America but has been imported to China for aquaculture purposes. This is the first time that it is being reported in Vietnam, both from aquaculture and captured from a river channel. According to local authorities, the species is becoming increasingly important in local aquaculture and its spread can be expected. Keeping in mind the high biomass production in the rivers of its native distribution area, a successful establishment of P. lineatus into Vietnamese fresh waters may exert serious impacts on the local ecosystems.     

Effects of modified pond management on limnological parameters in small‐scale aquaculture ponds in mountainous Northern Vietnam

In mountainous Northern Vietnam, traditional pond aquaculture is part of the integrated farming activity contributing to food safety and to income generation for small‐scale farmers of ethnic minorities. Traditional pond management consists of a polyculture of macro‐herbivorous grass carp with 3–5 other fish species that are cultured in small ponds with constant water flow through. The main limitations to production are species‐specific mass mortalities of grass carp, a poor feed base especially for all species but grass carp, and poor water quality. In this study, we compared the traditional pond management to a semi‐intensive pond management that was based on the traditional management system but included changes designed by researchers to increase fish production. The modifications consisted of water inflow control, supplemental fertilization and feeding, and a polyculture dominated by common carp. The changes in management significantly reduced the turbidity and increased oxygen supply, as well as the natural food base within the pond. These changes in pond management provide farmers with the possibility to improve their pond aquaculture scheme and overcome previous limitations.     

History,current status and prospects of sturgeon aquaculture in Russia

Since natural sturgeon populations have drastically declined, aquaculture of these valuable fish is important to meet the ever‐increasing demand for meat and caviar, thereby reducing the pressure on natural sturgeon resources. There are two directions in sturgeon aquaculture: controlled propagation for release and commercial farming. The controlled propagation supports the conservation of natural fish populations, while the commercial cultivation of sturgeons supplies the needs of the consumer market with the delicacy production of caviar (mainly). This review deals with the current status of the controlled propagation and stocking in the Volga‐Caspian basin and the commercial farming of sturgeons in Russia. The article also investigates the management of farmed broodstocks of sturgeons, which are used for obtaining seedlings and caviar. It is for sure that the active and continuous development of the two directions of sturgeon aquaculture will allow preserving these unique ancient fish on our planet until natural populations can be re‐established by self‐sustaining populations.     

Utilization of Transgenic Fish in Developing Countries: Potential Benefits and Risks

Recombinant DNA and gene transfer technology now allow the transfer, inheritance and expression of specific DNA or gene sequences into fish. Preliminary results on the performance of the resulting transgenic fish have been quite dramatic in some cases, especially when growth hormone genes are transferred. Utilization of high performance transgenic fish has the potential to greatly increase aquaculture production in developing countries and increase the income of poor farmers. Growth of some transgenic fish has been increased more than 10-fold in laboratory conditions. Response appears to be greatest in unimproved fish, which in most cases would benefit developing countries the most. The potential increase in production and production efficiency from successful transgenic fish application could relieve pressure on habitat destruction for food production, relieve pressure on overfished natural stocks and discourage introduction of exotic species. Application of transgenic fish in aquaculture has just begun and could expand within a few years. However, prior to commercialization of transgenic fish, public education, environmental risks and food safety issues should be addressed. Genetically improved fish generated by recombinant DNA technology probably do not pose any greater risk to the environment than fish genetically improved through traditional selective breeding, but environmental risk data is lacking to verify this hypothesis. Environmental risk data will be needed in a case-by-case basis until more is known concerning the aquaculture potential and ecological risk of transgenic fish. Research institutions need to address the lack of environmental risk data to help ensure that any future application of transgenic fish in developing (and developed) countries be done in an environmentally and socioeconomically sound manner. Socioeconomic study is lacking for detailed cost-benefit analysis, and policy research is needed for proper application or regulation of transgenic fish in these countries.     

Levels of domestication in fish: implications for the sustainable future of aquaculture

The agricultural world today is dominated by a few domesticated mammal species, that is, animals modified from their wild ancestors through selective breeding in captivity for traits beneficial to human usages. As a result, a clear dichotomy exists between wild (from hunting) and domesticated mammals (produced in farms) used for human consumption. Similar to agriculture, aquaculture is often viewed as the only solution that can provide more fish products given that harvesting wild stocks have reached an upper limit. Aquaculture is considerably younger than agriculture relying on natural sources to farm numerous species. To better describe the diverse strategies for fish production, we propose a new classification comprising five levels of ‘domestication’ with 1 being the least to 5 being the most domesticated. Our classification places 70% of the 250 farmed finfish species recorded in the 2009 FAO database into levels 1, 2 and 3 representing a transitory form of fish production dependent on the availability of the wild resource. In contrast, only a few species, or more accurately populations, can be considered truly domesticated, similar to cattle or sheep. Based on this classification, two scenarios for the future of aquaculture are discussed: either the industry focuses on few truly domesticated species, similar to the path taken by agriculture, but avoiding its negative impacts or aquaculture proceeds with inter‐specific diversification by focusing primarily on the domestication of native species.     

The status of Arctic charr Salvelinus alpinus in Britain and Ireland

Abstract –  The Arctic charr occurs in lakes across Britain and Ireland and was previously described here as 15 separate species. Most authorities now agree that all these stocks belong to a single polymorphic species complex Salvelinus alpinus (L.). This fish is given little protection in British and Irish law and there has been a steady loss of natural populations in recent years in all the countries concerned. A few new stocks have been created either intentionally or accidentally. In Scotland, only a small proportion of the 258 recorded natural populations has been studied and at least 12 of these are now extinct. There are at least four introduced populations originating from native Scottish stocks, but the fate of stocks introduced from Canada for aquaculture is uncertain. In England, there are eight extant populations in Cumbria and four others extinct. The status of introduced stocks in England is uncertain but there is probably one population surviving in Yorkshire. In Wales, eight lakes with resident Arctic charr populations have been recorded, three of these populations are natural, one is extinct and four have been introduced. In Ireland, of the 74 known populations, approximately 30% are extinct. There is no evidence to indicate that introduced stocks (some of them from Iceland) in a small number of lakes have survived there. A range of factors is involved in the extinction of populations and these include pollution, eutrophication, acidification, afforestation, engineering, exploitation, aquaculture, introductions and climate change. Much research remains to be done and unique stocks of this valuable species will continue to be lost unless positive action is taken through local conservation management backed by appropriate national legislation.     

Population genetic structure of lumpfish along the Norwegian coast: aquaculture implications

The potential for genetic contamination of stocks arising from translocation and subsequent release or escape of translocated and/or genetically mixed stocks may be a significant risk to wild populations. In this context, we undertook a population genetic survey of stocks of lumpfish (Cyclopterus lumpus) along the Norwegian coast to establish the existing genetic population structure, which will aid the development of policy of the species’ use as cleaner fish in salmonid aquaculture. This was done by using 14 microsatellite loci and 287 specimens collected at five fishing grounds, covering most of the Norwegian coastline from south to north, with additional 18 samples of first-generation reared fish from a fish farm outside Tromsø (North Norway). Overall, there was no indication of significant spatial genetic structuring or of positive correlation between geographic and genetic distance among the wild lumpfish samples. These results suggest that, should translocated individuals escape from aquaculture in Norway, this will probably have little to no impact on the genetic composition of the local fish population.     

黑脊倒刺鲃的繁殖与养殖技术

黑脊倒刺鲃巴主要分布于钱塘江、闽江、珠江、沅江、海南岛等，为产区重要的经济鱼类。本文就其生物学特性、人工繁殖及养殖技术进行了阐述，为黑脊倒刺鲃这一优质经济鱼类的种质资源保护及规模化养殖提供参考。     

CHANGING SUPPLY AND DEMAND FOR FISH OIL

Competition for fish oil from human nutritional supplements (nutraceuticals) is starting to threaten its supply for aquaculture feeds. World supply of fish oil is not increasing but is the main source of healthy omega-3 fats (n-3 LC-PUFA). Fish oil demand by nutraceuticals is a derived demand for such fats. Demand growth and insecure supply are causing price inflation of fish oil, helping to drive its substitution in aquaculture feeds by vegetable oils. This is reducing the content of n-3 LC-PUFA in aquaculture products, especially salmon, with potentially negative health implications. Given the scope for further substitution of fish oil, it is unlikely that future growth of global aquaculture will be constrained by reducing omega-3 content, although it will complicate consumer marketing of salmon. Nutraceuticals is paying more than aquaculture for fish oil based on omega-3 content, but novel sources of n-3 LC-PUFA will become available in the medium term.     

The Potential for the Restoration of Marine Ornamental Fish Populations Through Hatchery Releases

Populations of tropical and subtropical marine fish are being depleted worldwide to supply increasing demands of the aquarium industry and fresh seafood market. Overfishing and destructive harvest techniques have left some marine fish populations virtually extirpated in a number of primarily underdeveloped countries. In situations where only small remnant populations and significantly degraded habitat remain, population recovery even under the complete absence of collection will be slow, with the high potential for population loss due to natural environmental and recruitment variability. Stock enhancement, supplementing natural recruitment with hatchery produced fry, has the potential to significantly increase the rate of population recovery while maintaining population vigor.Stock enhancement research on Pacific threadfin has demonstrated measurable positive impacts on recreational and commercial fisheries for this species in experimental scale releases; similar successes can be expected for enhancement efforts directed toward species of ornamental value. The major technological barrier to ornamental fish enhancement, the development of appropriate culture capabilities, is being addressed in research directed to the commercial production of fish for the aquarium trade.     

The Image of Fish from Aquaculture Among Europeans: Impact of Exposure to Balanced Information

This study investigated the effect of balanced, nonpersuasive information related to safety, healthiness, and sustainability of aquaculture on the image of farmed fish among European consumers. It was demonstrated that there is neither positive nor negative influence of this type of information on the predominantly positive image of fish from aquaculture. Consumers who were exposed to information related to the EU origin and aquaculture related guarantee reported a more positive image of farmed fish. These results provide valuable input for transparent communication about fish farming practices which might increase consumer trust and will not harm the image of fish from aquaculture. Increasing consumers' knowledge about aquaculture and its positive effects on the image of farmed fish is also discussed as a pathway for maintaining and improving aquaculture's positive image in the future.     

鱼类性别决定机制及相关基因研究进展

鱼类性别决定机制是脊椎动物中最复杂的。同高等脊椎动物一样,鱼类性别决定的基础依然是遗传基因。鱼类的性别控制对于水产养殖有着十分重要的指导意义。目前用于生产实践的鱼类人工性别控制方法有很多,但大多数仍然处于探索与实验阶段,理论上的作用机理仍未研究透彻。文章旨在通过对鱼类性别决定机制、性别决定相关基因等方面国内外研究进展的阐述,为鱼类性别控制、调控养殖鱼类的经济性状如生长率和个体大小等,提供有益的参考资料。     

Economic efficiency and optimum stocking densities in fish polyculture: an application of data envelopment analysis (DEA) to Chinese fish farms

Polyculture is commonly practiced in pond aquaculture where several fish species are reared together, creating a multi-output production structure. This study applied a nonparametric data envelopment analysis (DEA) technique for multiple outputs to: (1) measure economic or ‘revenue' efficiency and its technical and allocative components for a sample of Chinese polyculture fish farms; and (2) derive the optimum stocking densities for different fish species. The mean economic efficiency was estimated to be 0.74. Technical inefficiencies accounted for most of the production inefficiencies in Chinese fish farms. On average, farmers should increase grass carp and decrease black carp stocking rates. Smaller farms and those from the developed regions were found to be relatively more technically and economically efficient.