Simulation of copepod biomass by a prey–predator model in Hiuchi-nada,central part of the Seto Inland Sea: does copepod biomass affect the recruitment to the shirasu (Japanese larval anchovy <Emphasis Type="Italic">Engraulis japonicus</Emphasis>) fishery?

We have modeled the prey–predator dynamics between nutrients, phytoplankton, and copepods in Hiuchi-nada, central part of the Seto Inland Sea. The model parameters were estimated by stepwise regression using data sampled from 2001 to 2005. We re-created the fluctuations in copepod biomass in the spring–summer of 2001–2004 by model simulation and investigated the relationship between the re-created copepod biomass and anchovy Engraulis japonicus reproductive success rate in Hiuchi-nada. The anchovy reproductive success rate was proportional to the copepod biomass during the last 10 days of May, a period that immediately preceded anchovy recruitment. This relationship indicates that a possible key factor in the regulation of anchovy population levels is the fluctuation in abundance of the copepod assemblage and that the crucial period for anchovy recruitment in Hiuchi-nada would be the period just before anchovy recruitment to the shirasu (body length: approx. 20–35 mm) fishery. These results provide a potential framework for forecasting the anchovy recruitment level that is based on both larval abundance and survival rate as estimated from the biomass of copepods in the pre-recruitment period of anchovy.     

Recruitment of common sardine (Strangomera bentincki) and anchovy (Engraulis ringens) off central-south Chile in the 1990s and the impact of the 1997–1998 El Niño

The recruitment of Strangomera bentincki (common sardine) and Engraulis ringens (anchovy) and the relationships with oceanographic conditions in the upwelling ecosystem of central-south Chile were investigated from 1990 to 1998, with emphasis on the 1997–1998 El Niño. Time series of recruitment, biomass, local sea surface temperature, and a coastal upwelling index were used to explore relationships during the spawning (July–August) and pre-recruitment (August–December) periods. The 1997–1998 El Niño caused physical changes in the small pelagic fish habitat off central-south Chile. Anomalous sea surface temperatures (SST) and upwelling indexes began to be detected from May 1997 and persisted into 1998. Recruitment of common sardine showed significantly negative relationship with SST anomalies during the pre-recruitment period, as well as with the upwelling index during the peak of spawning. However, the recruitment of anchovy did not seem to be affected by the environmental changes observed in the 1990s. Instead, the recruitment rate of anchovy showed negative relationship with the recruitment rate of common sardine. We conclude that the conditions of the 1997–1998 El Niño off central-south Chile affected the survival of common sardine offspring, and that the recruitment success of anchovy could be determined by less-abundant cohorts of common sardine through a biological mechanism of interaction.     

Impact of environmental deviations on the larval and year-class abundances in the spring spawning herring (Clupea harengus membras L.) of the Gulf of Riga (Baltic Sea) in 1947–2004

Regular weekly sampling of larvae with a Hensen net in the stationary stations on the main spawning grounds of the brackishwater herring population in the Gulf of Riga was carried out in 1947–2004. Probably due to the rapidly increasing anthropogenic eutrophication and the rising winter temperature the yearly abundance of herring larvae has significantly increased with a shift in the average abundance in 1972/1973. Correlation of the average number of herring larvae with the year-class strength was significant for the intermediate (10–16 mm, P < 0.05) and large (≥17 mm, P < 0.001) larval size groups. The monthly average air temperature in the period from January to March was the main environmental variable regulating the abundance of the year classes (P < 0.001). The dependence between the spawning stock biomass (SSB) and year-class abundance differed by climate periods. In the period of cold winters environmental conditions dominated in determination of the year-class abundance whereas the role of the SSB was nonsignificant (P > 0.05). In the period of milder winters the importance of the SSB in determination of the abundance of year classes considerably increased and it significantly correlated with the abundance of year classes (P < 0.05). The winter–spring temperatures and other climatic variables presumably control the abundance of the forming year-class during the period of the highest larval mortality mainly via the production of their food.     

Interannual variability of larval fish assemblages associated with water masses in winter in the Taiwan Strait during 2007–2013

Fisheries Science - In this study, the interannual variations of ichthyoplankton assemblages in the Taiwan Strait (TS) during the winters of 2007–2013 were determined. The cold China Coastal...     

Growth and fatness of 1975–2002 year classes of Japanese sardine in the Pacific waters around northern Japan

We examined individual growth and fatness in the 1975–2002 year classes of Japanese sardine. Samples were collected at the feeding grounds in the Pacific waters off northern Japan during drastic fluctuations in the population in the 1970s to 2000s. Growth rates for ages 1–3 of the 1979–1988 year classes, which included low-recruitment year classes subsisting during the high population levels of the 1980s, were apparently slower than for other year classes. There was no obvious trend when comparing year classes, growth during the first year of life (age 0), and maximum body length (BL) at age ≥5. The condition factors (CF, indicating fatness) for adult sardines of BL ≥19 cm in the 1979–1983 year classes during the maximum population level of the mid-1980s were significantly lower than for other year classes. However, there were no apparent trends in CF variations for small sardines of BL <19 cm. The apparent decreases in growth rate and fatness were strongly related to the cumulative sum of population abundance that each year class experienced. It is thought that insufficient food owing to the density-dependent effect of an abundant population at feeding grounds resulted in a decrease in the growth rate for small-bodied sardines that are investing their energy intake in body growth, and a decrease in fatness for large-bodied adults that are accumulating fat for the next reproduction.     

Recruitment of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Tapes philippinarum</Emphasis> in the Venice Lagoon (Italy) during 2002–2007

Currently, Tapes philippinarum, the Manila clam, is the primary fishery resource for about 1,000 fishermen and aquaculturists in the Venice Lagoon. The recruitment of this clam is a key component supporting shellfish culture industry that is almost completely dependent on the gathering of wild clam seed in nursery areas where the juveniles accrue at high densities as a consequence of favourable environmental conditions. The objective of the present study was to identify the areas optimal for the recruitment of T. philippinarum, herein referred to as nursery areas, and to evaluate the recruitment success each year for the period 2002–2007. Sampling was conducted with a hydraulic dredge at 25 stations, in at least three separate periods from April to September each year for 2002, 2003 and 2004, and at 15 stations for 2005, 2006 and 2007. The zero-year cohorts of this species were usually first detected in bottom samples in late spring (May and June). Some setting appears to occur throughout the summer. The peak of seed density, expressed as number of individuals retained on a 1-mm mesh screen per square metre of sampled substrate, was recorded in September. Measurable fluctuations in annual recruitment have been observed, with peak densities of juveniles in 2002 and 2003 (about 2,000/m²) and minimum densities in 2006 (about 44/m²). In the summer 2007, densities over 30,000/m² were found at the mouth of the River Brenta, immediately adjacent to the southern end of the Venice Lagoon. These intensive, multiyear surveys of this species furnish critical information on seasonal reproduction patterns and recruitment success, which is essential for the rational development of a local fishing master plan and for the formulation of a management strategy for sustainable utilisation of this shellfish resource in the Venice Lagoon.     

Effect of diethylstilbestrol (DES) and 17 β-estradiol (E2) on growth, survival and histological structure of the internal organs in juvenile European catfish Silurus glanis (L.)

The effect of supplemented commercial diets with diethylstilbestrol (DES—15, 30 and 60 mg kg^?1) and 17 β-estradiol (E2—30 and 60 mg kg^?1), two chemicals commonly used in sex reversal procedure in fish, on survival and growth parameters of juvenile European catfish (Silurus glanis) was evaluated. During the two experiments, lasting 28 days each, fish were kept at temperature 25.2–26.5 °C, pH 7.4–9.3 and oxygen concentration 5.0–7.3 mg O₂ dm^?3. DES supplementation resulted in depressed growth rate of catfish. In experimental groups fed with E2, no negative effect on growth parameters was found. Both chemicals did not result in observed mortality. In all of the experimental DES groups, hepatosomatic index increased significantly, which suggests negative influence on physiological condition of catfish. DES supplementation significantly changed cytological factors of liver cells and caused hepatic alterations in parenchyma, such as vacuolization and blood congestion. Similarly, supplementation of E2 in food resulted in changes in cytological parameters of hepatocytes. However, E2 did not cause pathological changes within the liver tissue. Histological examination of the catfish gonads showed 19 and 38 % of sterile fish after treatment with 30 and 60 mg kg^?1 of DES, respectively. The results suggest that DES served in food could be ineffective in hormonal feminization process of European catfish. No disturbances of sex differentiation process after E2 treatment were observed. However, slight feminization effect in the highest level of E2 treatment group was recorded.     

Seasonal dynamics and yearly change in the abundance of metacercariae of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Parabucephalopsis parasiluri</Emphasis> (Trematoda: Bucephalidae) in the second intermediate host in the Uji–Yodo River,central Japan

An introduced pathogenic fish trematode, Parabucephalopsis parasiluri Wang, 1985 (Digenea: Bucephalidae), was studied to determine the seasonal fluctuation in its metacercariae abundance. The timing of the recruitment period of the metacercariae and the relationship between yearly fluctuation in metacercarial abundance and some environmental factors were also examined to develop an effective plan for disease control. Monthly changes in metacercarial abundance in the caudal fin of pale chub (Zacco platypus) and of the prevalence of the first intermediate host (golden mussel Limnoperna fortunei) suggest that P. parasiluri generally has an annual life cycle. The metacercarial abundance in chub increased when the water temperature fell below 7°C in winter, but the rapidity of the increase varied between 2007 and 2008. The fluctuations in the abundance of metacercariae in winter from 2001 to 2008 showed that mean flow rate and mean water level in January were negatively related to the infection level each year, and positively related to the mean water temperature. Based on these results, we propose a control plan for parabucephalopsiosis involving discharge control; that is, more than 50 m³/s (corresponding to 150 m³/s in the Yodo River) of water should be flushed from upstream dams for a period of at least one week starting on the day when the water temperature falls below 7°C.     

Study of food web structure and trophic level in the sea ponds of an optimized culture model (jellyfish–shellfish–fish–prawn)

The food sources of the main economic animals and trophic levels of biotic communities from an optimized culture model (Rhopilema–Sinonovacula constricta–Paralichthys olivaceus–Penaeus chinensis) in a sea water pond in Donggang, Liaoning province were studied using the stable carbon and nitrogen isotopes technique. The results indicated that the values of δ¹³C range from (?27.28 ± 0.35) ‰ to (?16.65 ± 0.20) ‰ and the values of δ¹⁵N range from (3.68 ± 0.23) ‰ to (13.91 ± 0.26) ‰, both of which exhibited significant fluctuations. The δ¹³C values of P. chinensis, Macrobrachium mipponensis and P. olivaceus were comparatively higher than those of other aquaculture animals, and the δ¹⁵N values of P. olivaceus was also comparatively higher. The contribution to the food sources of aquaculture animals (Rhopilema, S. constricta, P. olivaceus and P. chinensis) was analyzed by using the IsoSource software. The results indicated that fish meat had the greatest contribution to Rhopilema, S. constricta and P. chinensis; P. chinensis had the greatest contribution to P. olivaceus, followed by the M. mipponensis. The trophic level of the biotic communities under that optimized culture model in a sea water pond was 3.54, in which P. olivaceus was in the fourth level (3.54); P. chinensis, Synechogobius hasta, Ablennes anastomella, M. mipponensis, Ditrema temmincki Bleeker, Chelon haematocheilus were in the third trophic levels; Rhopilema, Engraulis japonius, S. constricta and zooplankton (1.00) in the second trophic levels, suspended matters (0.15) including phytoplankton, bacteria, humus, etc., were in the primary trophic levels.     

Quantifying current and future risks of invasiveness of non-native aquatic species in highly urbanised estuarine ecosystems—A case study of the River Neretva Estuary (Eastern Adriatic Sea: Croatia and Bosnia–Herzegovina)

Biological invasions are a major driver of global environmental change as invasive non-native species can exert severe environmental impacts on invaded ecosystems. Estuaries are especially vulnerable to biological invasions, which in highly urbanised areas are further facilitated by introduction pathways linked to commercial activities. This study provides a risk screening of non-native invasive species for the highly urbanised River Neretva Estuary (Eastern Adriatic Sea: Croatia and Bosnia–Herzegovina). In total, 12 species of non-native aquatic organisms were identified and screened for their invasiveness with the Aquatic Species Invasiveness Screening Kit. Of these species, eight were classified as carrying a high risk of invasiveness under current climate conditions and nine under future climate conditions. Amongst the high-risk species, blue crab Callinectes sapidus has already caused impacts in the risk assessment area, where it also represents an important economic resource. The “horizon” species Pacific oyster Crassostrea gigas and Manila clam Ruditapes philippinarum also carried a high risk of invasiveness, which for the latter species applied under predicted global warming. The present findings will contribute towards preventative management and control measures for the conservation of the natural ecosystem of the River Neretva Estuary whilst accounting for aquatic farming demands.     

Levels of Vitellogenin in Male Japanese Medaka (Oryzias latipes) Exposed to the Chemotherapeutics: Oxytetracycline,Romet-30®, and Copper Sulfate

ABSTRACT

Japanese medaka (Oryzias latipes) were exposed to oxytetracycline and Romet-30^® at daily doses via feed of 0.06 mg, 0.11 mg, and 0.28 mg per gram body weight for 11 days, and at daily doses of 0.05 mg, 0.10 mg, and 0.15 mg per gram body weight for 5 days, respectively. In addition, fish were exposed to copper sulfate in their aquaria water at 1.85 mg/L for 1 h each day (over a span of 1 day, 7 consecutive days, or 1 day in every 3 to 5 days for a total of seven doses). Vitellogenin levels were measured in fish using a sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Vitellogenin levels were not induced from exposure to either oxytetracycline or Romet-30® (P > 0.05); however, copper sulfate for 1 h on 1 day showed a decrease in vitellogenin from the control fish and other treatment groups (P = 0.007). Under these test conditions, oxytetracycline, Romet-30, and copper sulfate were not found to act in medaka as estrogenic compounds by inducing vitellogenin.     

Role of thyroid hormones in tilapia larvae (Oreochromis mossambicus): II. Changes in the hormones and 5′-monodeiodinase activity during development

Thyroid hormone profiles and 5-monodeiodinase activity were determined in tilapia at different stages of early development. The results showed that both T₄ and T₃ were present in significant amounts in fertilized eggs. There was a steady decrease in both T₄ and T₃ levels during embryonic development. The levels continued to decline after hatching until around 7 days later when most of the yolk had been absorbed. The T₄ level started to rise then, suggesting that the larval thyroid had begun to produce T₄ at this time, which coincided with the period of faster growth of the larvae. The T₃ level remained fairly constant until around 20 days after which it rose significantly. In vitro determination of 5-monodeiodinase activity (5-D activity) in the whole-body homogenates of larvae showed that the enzymatic conversion of T₄ to T₃ was not detectable in eggs and 3-day-old larvae but detected in 5-day-old and older larvae. There was a gradual increase in the V_max as development proceeded indicating increasing 5-D activity during larval development. The K_m values did not differ significantly in the different stages of development. These results are discussed in relation to the growth and development of the larvae.     

Effects of Oil-in-Water Nanoemulsion Based on Sunflower Oil on the Quality of Farmed Sea Bass and Gilthead Sea Bream Stored at Chilled Temperature (2 ± 2°C)

The influence of oil-in-water nanoemulsion on the sensory, chemical, and microbiological qualities of sea bream and sea bass fillets stored at 2 ± 2°C was investigated. The results showed that the use of nanoemulsion extended the shelf life of fish one or two days when compared with the control. Treatment with nanoemulsion significantly (p < 0.05) decreased the values of chemical parameters throughout the storage period. Bacterial growth was inhibited by the use of nanoemulsion. Nanoemulsion had an inhibitory effect on protein denaturation during refrigerated storage and microwave cooking. Based on the results, it can be concluded that sunflower oil-based nanoemulsion extended the shelf life and improved the quality of both sea bream (Sparus aurata) and sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax) fillets during storage.     

Identifying invasive fish species threats to RAMSAR wetland sites in the Caspian Sea region—A case study of the Anzali Wetland Complex (Iran)

Risk screening tools play a crucial role in identifying potential high-risk non-native (NN) fish species. In this study, potentially invasive NN fish species in the Anzali Wetland Complex (AWC), which is located on the south coast of the Caspian Sea (Iran), were identified using the Aquatic Species Invasiveness Screening Kit (AS-ISK). Twenty-nine freshwater fish species were screened of which 13 exist in the AWC and 16 in close proximity to it (“horizon” species). Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis showed that AS-ISK could discriminate reliably between non-invasive and invasive fish species for the AWC. Mean threshold scores were 3.25 for the Basic Risk Assessment (BRA) and 11.75 for the BRA + CCA (BRA + Climate Change Assessment), and these, respectively, classified 89.7% and 86.2% of the species as high risk. The CCA resulted in an increase in the BRA scores for 86.2% of the species, suggesting the need to account in future NN species management for a likely increased invasiveness of those species under future climate conditions. These results suggest that AS-ISK could prove an effective tool for identifying potentially invasive NN freshwater fishes in other wetlands of the Caspian Sea basin.     

Mass spectrometry-assisted confirmation of the inability of dipeptidyl peptidase-4 to cleave goldfish peptide YY(1–36) and the lack of anorexigenic effects of peptide YY(3–36) in goldfish (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Carassius auratus</Emphasis>)

Dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP4) is a serine protease of great interest because it has been shown to modulate the activity of several peptidergic factors including peptide YY (PYY) and glucagon-like peptide-1/2. While PYY(1–36) is orexigenic in mammals, PYY(3–36) recently garnered interest as a potent anorexigen. In silico phylogenetic analysis found that the DPP4 cleavage sites are absent in fish PYY sequences. However, no studies were conducted to show that indeed PYY(3–36) is not produced by DPP4 in fish. If DPP4 does not cleave PYY(1–36), is PYY(3–36) an anorexigen in fish? The objectives of this research were to (1) test whether DPP4 cleaves goldfish PYY(1–36) and (2) determine whether PYY(3–36) is an anorexigen in goldfish. First, we identified the highly conserved catalytic region of DPP4 in goldfish. Abundant expression of DPP4 mRNA was found within the gastrointestinal tract. We also report the first MALDI-MS cleavage analysis of DPP4 effects on PYY(1–36) in a non-mammalian vertebrate. Our novel results indicate that DPP4 is unable to cleave goldfish PYY(1–36) to PYY(3–36) in vitro. It also confirms a previously held hypothesis that DPP4 is unable to cleave fish PYY(1–36) that contains N-terminal proline–proline residues. PYY(3–36) had no effects on food intake of goldfish. The appetite inhibitory effects of intraperitoneal and intracerebroventricular injections of 10 ng/g body weight gfPYY(1–36) were abolished by coinjections of BIBP3226, a Y1 receptor antagonist. These results are significant because it shows the lack of generation of endogenous PYY(3–36) and its anorectic effects in goldfish.     

Drying Kinetics and Quality Characteristics of Indian Mackerel (Rastrelliger kanagurta) in Solar–Electrical Hybrid Dryer

The aim of the study was to investigate the drying kinetics and quality characteristics of Indian mackerel dried under solar–electrical hybrid dryer (S-EHD). Fresh Indian mackerel fishes (Rastrelliger kanagurta) were cleaned, cut into butterfly fillets, and salted overnight using a dry salting method (salt-to-fish ratio, 1:3). The salted mackerel was dried in a S-EHD at the air temperature of 45–55°C, relative humidity of 47–62%, and air velocity of 0.60–0.80 m/s. Open sun drying (OSD) of salted Indian mackerel was conducted to compare with S-EHD. The moisture content of the salted mackerel (61.5% w.b.) was reduced to 31.8% (w.b.) under S-EHD and 30.25% (w.b) under OSD in 8 and 32 h, respectively. The drying rate curve showed that mackerel drying occurred under falling-rate drying period in both the drying methods. A drying efficiency of 23.81% was observed for salted Indian mackerel drying under S-EHD. Diffusion approach and two-term models were selected to accurately predict the drying behavior of mackerel under S-EHD and OSD, respectively. Total volatile base nitrogen (TVB-N), trimethylamine, and thiobarbituric acid analysis of dried samples revealed that the mackerel dried under S-EHD was better than OSD. In the sensory analysis, samples dried under S-EHD recorded highest overall acceptability score.     

Does different tank bottom colour affect the growth, survival and foraging behaviour of Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua) larvae?

We examined the foraging behaviour, growth and survival of Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua) larvae in two different colours of tank bottom; either beige (light hereafter) or black (dark hereafter) bottomed tanks with black walls. Results showed no significant differences in the growth, foraging behaviour, or survival of Atlantic cod larvae in response to tank bottom colour indicating that larvae could be reared in lighter bottom tanks without any detrimental effect to the larvae. Using a light bottom tank is also of greater benefit to the culturist as they provide better contrast to monitor the behavioural and morphological development of the larvae.