Tolerance of Juvenile Red Drum Sciaenops ocellatus to Rapidly Decreasing Water Temperatures

This study assessed the potential mortality of pond-reared juvenile red drum Sciaenops ocellatus subjected to rapid declines in water temperature simulating cold front activity. Fish acclimated in an earthen pond at ambient temperature and photoperiod were introduced into a recirculating aquarium and biofiltration system when pond water temperatures decreased to 20, 18, 16, 14, 12, and 10 C. Fish were stocked according to size group into 10 aquaria containing filtered pond water at 9 ± 1‰ salinity and temperature matching the acclimation temperature. Fish were acclimated to the aquaria for 3 d, subjected to a 6 C decrease over 24 h, and then held for 72 h. No mortalities were observed in any trial. The results suggest that if juvenile red drum are maintained in water with salinity around 9‰, they should survive the passage of most cold fronts.     

An example of meso‐scale hydrographic features in the central Baltic Sea and their influence on the distribution and vertical migration of sprat,Sprattus sprattus balticus (Schn.)

A wind‐driven meso‐scale pattern of temperature, salinity and oxygen was found along a transect in the northern Bornholm Basin (southern Baltic Sea). Strong winds caused currents along this transect, which shifted cold intermediate water (minimum: 3.6°C) towards the south. The transect was surveyed with a towed CTD‐system and hydroacoustics in parallel to investigate the distribution of sprat, Sprattus sprattus balticus (Schn.) in relation to the observed meso‐scale pattern. In those parts of the transect where the cold intermediate water was observed, sprat were restricted to water layers below the halocline. In other parts of the transect, sprat moved into higher water layers and occupied a wider depth range. The important factor was temperature, which set an upper limit to the vertical sprat distribution. The development of hydrography, as measured in the field, was evaluated with a hydrodynamic model.     

Identifying potential habitat distribution of the neon flying squid (Ommastrephes bartramii) off the eastern coast of Japan in winter

Habitat suitability index (HSI) models were applied to identify the potential habitat distribution of the neon flying squid (Ommastrephes bartramii) off the eastern coast of Japan during winter. We used an ocean reanalysis product, a satellite‐derived dataset, and commercial fisheries data during 2003–2008 to develop the HSI models, and illustrated the characteristics of the ocean environments at the fishing ground of the neon flying squid, focusing on a typical fishing ground formation event in 2006. The estimated HSI fields of the neon flying squid using three‐dimensional (3D) ocean environmental parameters showed a clear relationship between the squid habitat and the edge of a warm core ring south of the Oyashio water; this is considered a key characteristic of fishing ground formation, as noted in Sugimoto and Tameishi (Deep‐Sea Research, 39, 1992 and S183). This result suggests that mixing of the warm and nutrient‐poor Kuroshio water and the cold and nutrient‐rich Oyashio water at the edge of the ring could provide favorable conditions for the foraging of the neon flying squid. The warm water condition in the subsurface layers could be a further advantage to the formation of a stable fishing ground for the neon flying squid. Comparison of the Akaike Information Criteria among a satellite‐data‐based model, a reanalysis‐based model using the same parameters as the satellite‐based model, and a reanalysis‐based model using 3D ocean environmental parameters, showed an apparent improvement in the performance of the reanalysis‐based model using the 3D parameters, reproducing realistic features of the squid fishing ground during the winter of 2006.     

Physiological responses, desaturase activity, and fatty acid composition in milkfish (Chanos chanos) under cold acclimation

Physiological responses of milkfish (Chanos chanos) under cold shock and acclimation were investigated. The experimental milkfish, a warm-water teleost, were initially acclimated at 25 °C and then transferred directly to 15 °C; stress responses of this species were monitored for 1 week. Parameters monitored included plasma glucose, lactate, and lipids, as well as stearoyl-CoA desaturase activity and fatty acid compositions of hepatic membranes. All parameters showed significant changes in the process of cold acclimation. A hyperglycemic response indicated by a notable and steady increase in plasma glucose levels from 85 mg dl⁻¹ to the highest level of 458.2 mg dl⁻¹ in 24 h was followed by a rapid decline thereafter. The elevation in plasma glucose content under cold shock resulted from gluconeogenesis and glycogenolysis, indicated by correlated changes in plasma glucose with fructose-1,6-biphosphatase and phosphorylase a activities. Plasma lactate concentrations remarkably increased from 47 mg dl⁻¹ on day 0 to 149.6 and 120.4 mg dl⁻¹ on days 1 and 2, respectively, and then rapidly declined to the same level as the control thereafter. In contrast, plasma lipids increased gradually from 44.8 mg dl⁻¹ to 191 mg dl⁻¹ over the 5-day acclimation period, followed by a declining trend from day 6 on. Furthermore, changes in monounsaturated fatty acids were highly correlated with those of stearoyl-CoA desaturase activities in hepatic microsomes of milkfish during cold acclimation. Results indicate that in milkfish subjected to cold stress, plasma hyperglycemic and hyperlactemic responses can be used as acute stress indicators, and plasma lipids can be used as a chronic stress indicator.     

Effects of temperature on the fast-start swimming performance of an Australian freshwater fish

Abstract –  The fast-start swimming performance of juveniles of an Australian freshwater (warm-water) fish, golden perch, was examined in the laboratory at six water temperatures ranging between 10 and 25 °C. Fast-start swimming performance of fish was considerably reduced at temperatures less than 15.5 °C. Temperatures of less than 15 °C are typical of the thermal regime downstream of large dams in south-eastern Australia, where conditions are more suited to introduced cold-water fish species. We conclude that the swimming performance of native warm-water fish such as golden perch is likely to be negatively affected by cold-water releases from deep outlets in thermally stratified dams.     

秋季东海北部和黄海南部沙海蜇资源分布及其与底层温盐度的关系

根据2006～2009年秋季在东海北部和黄海南部对沙海蜇(Nemopilema nomurai)和温盐度的同步监测数据,对秋季沙海蜇的资源分布特点及其和底层温盐度的关系进行了研究。结果表明:秋季东海北部和黄海南部沙海蜇的高生物分布区主要集中在以下3个海域:(1)南黄海西侧浅水海域;(2)南黄海中央深水区(32°30'N～34°00'N、123°00'E～124°30'E);(3)大沙和长江口外海水域。前2个高生物量分布区某些年份会连成一片,第二个高生物量区基本上每年都会出现,第三个高生物量区某些年份可能不会出现。结合底层温盐度的分布特征,可以看出:沙海蜇高生物量区主要出现在黄海冷水团的前缘或冷暖水团的交汇处,且在冷暖水团的交汇处,更易形成高生物量聚集。而在暖水团控制的海域内,其生物量较低,在垂直分布上,沙海蜇可能主要活动区域在30 m以深的水温相对较低(低于15℃)且变化幅度较小、盐度处于中盐水平(32.0～33.5)的水体内。     

北部湾海域毛颚类组群的初步分析

1998-1999年及2001-2002年对北部湾海域进行了6个航次生态环境综合调查。利用调查资料,以种为聚类变量进行了毛颚类的组群分析,结果表明北部湾毛颚类可分为3个组群。组群Ⅰ及组群Ⅱ为北部湾的主要组群。组群Ⅲ组成种类和出现数量最少,为次要组群。组群Ⅰ是一类分布广但适温盐范围较低,与北部湾高温、低盐的沿岸流关系较为密切的组群;而组群Ⅱ则适温盐范围较高,与北部湾高温、高盐的外海水关系较为密切。     

The effect of water temperature on habitat use of young Pacific bluefin tuna Thunnus orientalis in the East China Sea

ABSTRACT:   Immature Pacific bluefin tuna Thunnus orientalis , tagged with archival tags, were released near Tsushima Island in the East China Sea (ECS) during the winters of 1995, 1996 and 1997. Geolocations were estimated using the archival tags from recovered fish. These data, together with sea surface temperature (SST) data from satellite remote sensing, are used to describe the habitat used by these bluefin in the ECS from January to June for 3 years (1996, 1997, 1998), and to asses the effect of water temperature on fish distribution and movement. The results indicate that their geolocations ranged from the area north-east of Tsushima Island to the offshore area in the south-west. However, the area of highest density differed among years, being furthest south in 1996 and furthest north in 1998. The differences were probably caused by changes in SST associated with La Niña (1996) and El Niño (1998) events. Another densely populated area was identified in offshore waters of latitude 28–30 °N in 1996 (only), on the cold side of the Kuroshio front. These fish may have been prevented from moving northwards by an intrusion of Kuroshio water of approximately 25°C into the region immediately to the north-east.     

环型和圆型钓钩的力学性能

为了在我国金枪鱼延绳钓渔业中推广应用圆型钓钩,必须掌握圆型钓钩、环型钓钩受力时的位移和应变等力学性能。实验对环型钓钩3.4~4.5和圆型钓钩14/0~4.5采用万能实验机进行拉伸实验,利用数字图像相关测试系统对实验过程中钓钩的位移、应变等进行动态测量。结果显示:(1)当拉力为0~500 N、500~800 N时,圆型钩14/0~4.5最大应变分别为0.012、0.018,环型钩3.4~4.5最大应变分别为0.010、0.025;(2)当拉力为0~500 N、500~800 N时,圆型钩14/0~4.5最大位移分别为5.16 mm、8.50 mm,环型钩3.4~4.5最大位移分别为4.36 mm、6.01 mm。环型钓钩3.4~4.5为4.36 mm。对环型钓钩3.4~4.5和圆型钓钩14/0~4.5应变、位移进行卡方检验,发现环型钓钩3.4~4.5、圆型钓钩14/0~4.5力学性能无显著性差异。研究建议今后在金枪鱼延绳钓渔业中推广应用圆型钓钩。     

大亚湾海域浮游动物种类组成和优势种的季节变化

为全面掌握南海北部大亚湾海域浮游动物的群落特征。利用2007—2008年在大亚湾开展的4个航次124个站次的海洋生物调查数据和历史资料,通过数据统计分析,对浮游动物种类组成和优势种进行研究,结果表明:(1)大亚湾浮游动物种类组成的季节变化明显、种类更替频繁;(2)优势种组成简单,季节变化明显,单一种的优势地位显著。与过去相比,大亚湾海域浮游动物群落的组成基本稳定,但种类和优势种的更替率均呈现逐步增大的趋势,浮游动物优势种组成趋于简单、单一种优势地位明显提高。大亚湾生态环境随季节的变幅增强,群落的稳定性明显下降。海水温度的升高,改变了大亚湾暖水性浮游动物种类的生活周期;而且营养水平的提高也促使赤潮种类夜光虫数量的增加。     

A Survey of Water Quality Characteristics of Effluent from Hawaiian Aquaculture Facilities

Ten water quality parameters were measured in influent and effluent water at 11 aquaculture facilities in Hawaii. The data were grouped into four categories based on the types of organisms cultured: freshwater fish, freshwater prawn, marine fish, and marine shrimp. Within each category, concentrations of most parameters were lognormally distributed and spanned one to two orders of magnitude. Geometric mean concentrations of suspended materials, total nitrogen, total phosphorus, and pigments were highest in effluent from freshwater prawn ponds and lowest in marine fish pond effluent. Nitrate/Nitrite and total ammonia concentrations were higher in fish pond effluent than in crustacean pond effluent. Parameter concentrations were generally higher in effluent than in influent water, with freshwater fish and prawn ponds exhibiting the greatest increases in suspended materials and pigments. In contrast, nitrate/nitrite concentrations were lower in effluent than in influent waters. These data provide a basis for analyzing the environmental impacts of warm-water aquaculture effluent discharges.     

Interannual-decadal variability of demersal fish assemblages in the Tsushima Warm Current region of the Japan Sea: Impacts of climate regime shifts and trawl fisheries with implications for ecosystem-based management

Data sets for two bottom trawl fisheries, the coastal pair-trawler fishery and offshore single-trawler fishery in the Tsushima Warm Current (TWC) region of the Japan Sea, were compiled and analyzed for the last three decades (1974-2006). These data sets were used to (1) identify and compare the variability in demersal fish assemblages, and (2) relate these to water temperature to examine the impacts of climate regime shifts. Principal component analysis (PCA) of catches of target species in the two trawler fisheries showed synchronous decadal variability with step changes around 1986/1987 and 1996/1997. These step changes strongly suggest the effect of the late 1980s climate regime shift, which was characterized by an abrupt change from a cool to a warm condition in the TWC. The first and second principal components (PC1 and PC2) for both trawler fisheries agreed closely with winter and summer water temperature in the Japan Sea, respectively, suggesting PC1 (PC2) was associated with cold- (warm-) water species. However, between warm- and cold-water species the response pattern to water temperature was different. CPUE (catch per unit effort) of warm- (cold-) water species correlated positively (negatively) with water temperature, indicating the increase in water temperature has a positive (negative) effect on warm- (cold-) water species. Cold-water species decreased (increased) both in biomass and distribution during the warm (cold) regime, while warm-water species increased in biomass and/or distribution during the warm 1990s. These results suggested that the demersal fish assemblage structure changed abruptly as a consequence of the late 1980s climate regime shift. Impact of fishing was unclear on the demersal fish assemblage as a whole, but fishing pressure has been intensified for specific species under unfavorable climate regimes even with a declining fishing effort. Differing response patterns between warm- and cold-water species to climate regime shifts suggest the importance of integrated assessment and ecosystem-based management for the whole trawl fishery rather than only for individual target species.     

Nursery areas of Micromesistius poutassou and Sardina pilchardus unveil their reproductive strategies in the northwestern Mediterranean Sea

Winter conditions in the NW Mediterranean cause instability of the water column and non-geostrophic dynamics, such as vertical mixing and convection are significant. These events involve nutrient supply to the photic zone that can sustain high productivity. In this study, we aim to investigate the role of winter hydrodynamics on the spawning strategies of Sardina pilchardus and Micromesistius poutassou. Data were obtained on two oceanographic cruises (February 2017 and 2018) off the Catalan coast. The occurrence of S. pilchardus eggs very close to the coast indicated a clear preference of the species for spawning in coastal areas. Preflexion and postflexion larvae exhibited a slightly wider distribution showing a clear association with the cold, less saline and more productive coastal waters. Preflexion larvae of M. poutassou were found on the upper slope and over the shelf, being offshore limited by the shelf/slope front present all along the slope. The front would act as a barrier preventing their dispersion towards the open sea. M. poutassou larvae in advanced developmental stages were located close to the coast in the productive shelf waters, with instabilities of the front contributing to larval transport from offshore waters to the coast. The vertical distribution of both species showed high variability, not only related with the daily cycle or developmental stage, but also with the vertical structure of the water column. Overall, the results provide some clues on how the spawning strategies of both species may evolve under future scenarios of higher winter-stratification, because of the global warming.     

Monitoring warm-water fish populations in north temperate regions: sampling considerations when using proportional stock density

Three lakes were repeatedly sampled at night using boat electric fishing, experimental gill netting, and fyke netting from May to November 1993 to evaluate the feasibility of using proportional stock density (PSD) to monitor warm-water fish populations in Washington State, USA. Additionally, average night-time boat electric fishing catch-per-effort of largemouth bass, Micropterus salmoides (Lacepéde), from 30 Washington lakes was also analysed to determine the amount of effort required to obtain adequate samples for precise PSD estimates. Temporal variations in PSD were not large enough to affect the management of warm-water fish populations in the small Washington lakes studied. However, the considerable effort required to obtain precise PSD estimates may limit its usefulness for warm-water fisheries surveys in the Pacific Northwest. On average, from three to 13 nights of electric fishing effort are needed to capture enough stock-length largemouth bass for PSD estimates, depending on the precision desired (80–95%) and the location of the lake (eastern or western Washington). Catch of stock-length fish can be maximized by using electric fishing for centrarchids and gill netting for yellow perch, Perca flavescens (Mitchill), in June or September. Adequate samples for precise PSD estimates can be difficult to obtain from Pacific Northwestern lakes, even when using recommended gear at optimum sampling times. Inability to capture an adequate sample size for precise PSD estimates may be responsible for some of the fluctuation in PSDs in some studies of warm-water fish populations in northern areas. Managers in other northern climates may find that low sample size may account for large variations in PSDs reported.     

Meridional patterns in the deep scattering layers and top predator distribution in the central equatorial Pacific

The deep scattering layers (DSL) in the central equatorial Pacific form an important prey resource in a relatively oligotrophic habitat. In March of 2006, we used a calibrated 38‐kHz SIMRAD EK60 scientific sonar to assess the spatial distribution of the deep scattering layer relative to broad‐scale oceanographic features and fine‐scale physical and biological measurements. We conducted a single continuous transect from approximately 10°S to 20°N at 170°W while measuring acoustic backscatter, current velocity and direction, temperature, salinity, oxygen, and fluorescence with depth, coincident with marine mammal occurrence. These data were combined with remotely sensed sea surface height, chlorophyll, and sea surface temperature data to examine patterns in DSL distribution. To analyze DSL density with depth, acoustic backscatter was binned into surface (<200 m), mid (200–550 m) and deep (550–1000 m) layers. Backscatter was highly correlated with chlorophyll‐a and low sea surface height anomalies and was greatest near the equator. We found high diel variability in DSL depth and scattering intensity between the mid and surface layers as well as a shallowing of the deep layer moving northward across the equator. Marine mammal sightings consisted primarily of odontocetes with their distribution coincident with higher acoustic densities of their forage base. Shifts in DSL distribution and scattering intensity are an important component towards understanding the behavior and distribution of highly migratory predator species.     

Effect of ocean conditions on the cross-shelf distribution of walleye pollock (Theragra chalcogramma) and capelin (Mallotus villosus)

Acoustic trawl surveys were conducted in 2000 and 2001 in two troughs located off the eastern coast of Kodiak Island in the Gulf of Alaska as part of a multiyear, multidisciplinary experiment to examine the influence of environmental conditions on the spatial distribution of adult and juvenile walleye pollock (Theragra chalcogramma) and capelin (Mallotus villosus). Continuous underway sea surface temperature samples and water column profiles collected in 2000 and 2001 showed the presence of a sharp shelf‐break front in Chiniak Trough and a mid‐trough front in Barnabas Trough. At distances <22 km from shore, the water column was well mixed, whereas a well‐defined mixed layer was present beyond approximately 22 km from shore. Satellite drifter tracks in Barnabas Trough entered along the upstream edge of the trough and appeared to follow the frontal boundary across the middle portion of the trough. A storm in 2001 weakened stratification and cooled surface water temperature by 1.6–2.1°C. Wind mixing associated with the storm event mixed subsurface chlorophyll a to the surface and enhanced nutrients in the surface waters. The storm event revealed spatial partitioning of summer production in Barnabas Trough, with production concentrated in regions inside the mid‐trough front. In contrast, post‐storm summer production was distributed throughout Chiniak Trough. The spatial distribution of walleye pollock and capelin differed and appeared to be related to differences in habitat characteristics. Acoustic survey data identified four acoustic sign types: age‐1 pollock, adult pollock, capelin, capelin–age‐0 pollock mix. The spatial distribution of these four sign types appears to be influenced by the oceanographic and topographic features of the two troughs. Adult pollock were broadly distributed throughout Chiniak Trough, whereas adult pollock were aggregated on the coastal side of the frontal system in Barnabas Trough. In 2000, capelin occurred with age‐0 pollock. In Chiniak Trough, capelin were most abundant along steep topographic gradients at the edges of the trough and in a deep region near Cape Chiniak, whereas the capelin–age‐0 mix (2000) or capelin (2001) concentrations were observed in slope water intrusions over the outer shelf in Barnabas Trough. Results suggest that habitat selection of walleye pollock and capelin are controlled by different processes. Capelin distributions appear to be limited by oceanographic conditions while other factors appear to be more important for pollock.     

Changes to vertical thermoregulatory movements of juvenile bigeye tuna (Thunnus obesus) in the northwestern Pacific Ocean with time of day,seasonal ocean vertical thermal structure,and body size

Vertical movements related to the thermoregulation were investigated in 12 juvenile bigeye tuna (Thunnus obesus) in Japanese waters using archival tag data. Movements changed with time of day, season, and body size. During daytime, bigeye tuna descended to greater depths, presumably to feed in the deep scattering layer (DSL). Thereafter, they repeatedly ascended to shallower layers, suggesting attempts at behavioral thermoregulation, although the beginning of vertical thermoregulatory ascents might reflect a shift in DSL depth. By the end of such movement, the whole‐body heat‐transfer coefficient might decrease because, although the depth and ambient temperature of the upper layers did not change, the body temperature gradually decreased significantly just after ascent for thermoregulation. Seasonal patterns indicated that the vertical thermal structure of the ocean might influence this ascent behavior. For example, from January to May, bigeye tuna made fewer ascents to less shallow waters, suggesting that they respond to increasing depths of the mixed surface layer by reducing energy expenditure during vertical migration. In addition, as body size increased, fewer thermoregulatory ascents were required to maintain body temperature, and fish remained deeper for longer periods. Thus, vertical thermoregulatory movements might change with body size as bigeye tuna develop better endothermic and thermoregulatory abilities. We hypothesize that bigeye might also increase cold tolerance as they grow, possibly due to ontogenetic shifts in cardiac function.     

基于代谢组解析大黄鱼对低温和饥饿胁迫的适应机制

为探讨大黄鱼Larimichthys crocea对低温和饥饿氧化损伤的响应机制，本实验将体质量为（21.38±2.46）g的大黄鱼在低温（8°C）或/和禁食条件下饲养。实验组可分为4个处理组：对照组（C组）、低温组（CC组）、饥饿组（F组）和饥饿+低温组（CF组），每组3个平行。低温和饥饿胁迫30 d后，计算成活率；采取肝脏样本，进行组织学观察，并利用化学荧光法和LC-MS非靶向代谢组学技术分析处理组间活性氧（ROS）和代谢产物的差异。结果表明，与C组相比，CC组、F组和CF组的成活率显著降低，而ROS含量显著升高（P < 0.05），且肝细胞均出现不同程度的空泡和核萎缩现象，表明低温和饥饿胁迫对大黄鱼产生了氧化损伤。大黄鱼低温应激后，从CC vs. C和CF vs. F中分别筛选出84种和154种差异代谢物，有5种重要的重叠代谢途径：甘油磷脂代谢、糖基磷脂酰肌醇（GPI）-锚生物合成和自噬等，表明细胞膜流动性和自噬在大黄鱼低温适应过程中发挥重要作用。大黄鱼饥饿应激后，从F vs. C和CF vs. CC中分别筛选出184种和50种差异代谢物，有4种重要的重叠代谢途径：甘油磷脂代谢、糖基磷脂酰肌醇（GPI）-锚生物合成、ABC运输体和自噬等，表明能量代谢和自噬在大黄鱼饥饿过程中发挥重要作用。从CF vs. C中筛选出差异代谢物126种，主要富集在糖基磷脂酰肌醇（GPI）-锚生物合成、甘油磷脂代谢、氧化磷酸化、淀粉和蔗糖代谢、FoxO信号通路、自噬和谷胱甘肽代谢等，表明细胞膜流动性、能量代谢、自噬和抗氧化系统在大黄鱼适应低温和饥饿联合胁迫过程中发挥重要作用。本文结果为深入研究低温及其诱导的饥饿对大黄鱼生理功能的影响提供科学依据。     

Physiological responses and HSP70 mRNA expression of GIFT strain of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) under cold stress

An investigation on the physiological responses and HSP70 expression under cold stress was conducted on Genetically Improved Farmed Tilapia (GIFT) strain of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus). Tilapia were acclimated at 28°C as control and then the water temperature was reduced from 28°C to 15°C at a rate of 1°C h^?1, and serum biochemical indices, antioxidant enzymes and expression of HSP70 mRNA were analysed on days 0, 0.5, 1, 2, 3 and 5 after exposure to 15°C. The concentration of serum K, Na, Cl and Ca concentration showed instability during cold stress. Glucose rapidly increased on day 0 followed by a declining trend. Triglyceride, cholesterol, low density lipoprotein‐cholesterol signifi‐cantly decreased and high density lipoprotein‐cholesterol showed instability during cold stress. Aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase and lactate dehydrogenase activities were prominently elevated under cold stress. Superoxide dismutase and catalase activities showed a remarkable rise on day 0.5 under cold stress, and gradually decreased thereafter. HSP70 mRNA level significantly increased both in liver and muscle under cold stress, especially on days 0.5 and 1. These results suggest that cold influences several physiological responses of tilapia, and the cold resistance and cold tolerance of tilapia will benefit from the enhancement of antioxidant enzymes activities and upregulated HSP70 mRNA expression.     

Fish assemblage production estimates in Appalachian streams across a latitudinal and temperature gradient

Production of biomass is central to the ecology and sustainability of fish assemblages. The goal of this study was to empirically estimate and compare fish assemblage production, production‐to‐biomass (P/B) ratios and species composition for 25 second‐ to third‐order streams spanning the Appalachian Mountains (from Vermont to North Carolina) that vary in their temperature regimes. Fish assemblage production estimates ranged from 0.15 to 6.79 g m^?2 year^?1, and P/B ratios ranged from 0.20 to 1.07. There were no significant differences in mean assemblage production across northern cold‐water, southern cold‐water and southern cool‐water streams (p = .35). Two warm‐water streams, not included in these comparisons, had the highest mean production and biomass values. Mean assemblage P/B was significantly higher in northern cold‐water streams relative to southern cold‐water and cool‐water streams (p = .01). Species evenness in production declined with stream temperature and differed significantly across the lower latitude cold‐water, cool‐water and warm‐water streams and the higher latitude (i.e. more northern) cold‐water streams. Our fish assemblage production estimates and P/B ratios were both lower and higher compared to previously published estimates for similar stream habitats. This study provides empirical fish assemblage production estimates to inform future research on southern Appalachian streams and on the potential impacts of varying temperature regimes on cold‐water, cool‐water and warm‐water fish production in the coming decades as climate change continues to threaten fish assemblages.