南太平洋长鳍金枪鱼垂直活动水层空间分析

为了解南太平洋长鳍金枪鱼(Thunnus alalunga)的垂直活动水层分布特征及其适宜的垂直活动水层深度,采用Argo数据重构了研究海域次表层20℃和25℃等温线深度场,并结合2010年~2012年中水集团南太平洋长鳍金枪鱼延绳钓渔船实际生产统计数据,绘制了20℃和25℃等温线深度与长鳍金枪鱼单位捕捞努力量渔获量(CPUE)叠加图,分析南太平洋长鳍金枪鱼的垂直活动水层分布特征。结果表明,研究海域20℃和25℃等温线深度存在明显的季节性变化,且长鳍金枪鱼渔场时空分布随着20℃等温线深度的220 m等深线和25℃等温线深度的140 m等深线时空变动而季节性南北移动。长鳍金枪鱼中心渔场主要分布于10°S以南、160°E~175°E之间,中心渔场所处海域,其20℃等温线深度多在220 m以深,超过250 m的海域CPUE均偏低;25℃等温线深度多在140 m以浅,浅于80 m的海域则难以形成中心渔场。采用频次分析与经验累积分布函数(ECDF)相结合的方法,计算出南太平洋长鳍金枪鱼适宜的垂直活动水层深度为88~238 m。文章初步得出了南太平洋长鳍金枪鱼的垂直分布特征及其适宜的垂直活动水层深度,可用于指导延绳钓投钩深度,为中国南太平洋长鳍金枪鱼延绳钓生产作业提供理论参考。     

南海中部海域渔业资源时空分布和资源量的水声学评估

2014年3月~2015年2月对南海中部12°N~15°N、111°E~117°E海域进行了4次渔业资源声学调查,其中2014年3月~4月(春季)、11月~12月(秋季)和2015年1月~2月(冬季)利用"南锋"号船载双频分裂波束科学探鱼仪系统(Simrad EK60,38 k Hz、120 k Hz,挪威)进行探测,2014年7月~8月(夏季)利用便携式分裂波束科学探鱼仪(Simrad EY60,70 k Hz,挪威)进行探测。通过鱼类目标强度现场测定,使用回波积分法获得了调查海域内渔业资源的丰度密度空间分布的季节变动特征。结合夏季调查灯光罩网采样数据,分析了调查海域内评估对象种类组成并估算资源总量。结果表明,夏季共捕获鱼类18种,头足类2种,其中鸢乌贼(Sthenoteuthis oualaniensis)为主要渔获种类,声学评估其资源量为2.36×106t,约占评估对象资源总量的73.19%。调查海域内单体目标强度均呈单峰状分布,且主要分布于-56.5~-41.5 d B,4次调查该海域范围内目标强度小于-71.5 d B的单体均分布于100 m以浅水层,而目标强度大于-20.5 d B的单体则均分布于100 m以深水层。     

渤海中部海域低氧区的发生记录

2014年8月对渤海中部海域的水文(温度、盐度)、化学(溶解氧DO、营养盐和化学耗氧量COD)和生物要素(叶绿素a Chl-a)的空间分布进行了调查。研究了该海域底层水体低氧(DO<3.0 mg/L)的分布特征,深入分析了低氧区发生的关键因素。结果显示,底层水体DO浓度最小值为2.30 mg/L,低氧面积达1200 km2,呈西北–东南走向。调查海域的西部和西南海域呈现出明显的温度层化,尤其在低氧区附近形成了一个表层与底层水体温度差(δT)>5℃的区域,δT 最高值达到7.3℃。水体密度层化与温度层化特征相似,在低氧区附近形成了一个底表层密度差(δρ)>2 g/L的等值线闭合圈。温度层化是低氧产生的主要物理因素。表层水体 COD 高值区主要分布在调查海域的西部,覆盖大部分的低氧海域。表层水体中的Chl-a(>4μg/L)和PO43--P (>6μg/L)浓度高值区主要分布在调查海域的西南部,部分与低氧区重合。本研究可为探索渤海海域富营养化演变过程提供借鉴。     

厄尔尼诺和拉尼娜事件对秘鲁外海茎柔鱼渔场分布的影响

研究大范围环境变化对茎柔鱼渔场分布的影响,对指导渔业科学生产、掌握资源变动规律具有重要意义。根据2005—2009年我国鱿钓船鱿钓生产数据,结合表温(SST)、0~200 m垂直水温(15 m水层温度T15,50 m水层温度T50,100 m水层温度T100,200 m水层温度T200)等资料,研究厄尔尼诺和拉尼娜事件对秘鲁外海茎柔鱼渔场分布的影响。结果表明,2006和2009年10—12月受厄尔尼诺影响,作业渔场分布在79°W~84°W、10°W~17°S海域,最适SST为19~22℃;2007年10—12月受拉尼娜影响,作业渔场分布在81°W~85°W、10°W~14°S海域,最适SST为17~20℃,中心渔场作业范围相比厄尔尼诺年份向北偏移1°~2°,平均SST降低2℃。各层水温分布表明,2007年10—12月T15和T50水温均明显高于2006年10—12月,最大温度差值为6~9℃;T100和T200温度差别较小,最大温度差值为1℃。水温垂直结构结果表明,2006年10—12月作业渔场未形成明显的上升流,主要分布在外洋水与沿岸水交汇处;2007年10—12月的沿岸一侧形成了势力强劲的上升流,作业渔场主要分布在上升流等温线密集交汇处。此外,由于受上升流的加强使栖息水层营养盐丰富,更有利于茎柔鱼索饵,导致茎柔鱼渔场分布也出现一定转移。研究表明,秘鲁外海中心渔场位置的变化与厄尔尼诺和拉尼娜事件具有密切关系。     

南海西北部蓝圆鲹时空分布及其与环境因子的关系

蓝圆鲹(Decapterus maruadsi)是中国东南近海重要的经济鱼类之一。本研究根据2012—2018年南海西北部捕捞产量数据和海洋环境遥感数据,分析了该海域蓝圆鲹季节平均单位捕捞努力量渔获量(catch per unit effort, CPUE)的时空分布特征,并运用广义可加模型(generalized additive model, GAM)探究了CPUE与环境因子的关系。结果显示,蓝圆鲹的CPUE具有明显的季节性：夏季最高,CPUE达0.848 kg/(kW?d);冬季最低,CPUE为0.087 kg/(kW?d)。2016年CPUE的异常增加可能是受到2015—2016年超强厄尔尼诺事件的影响。GAM分析显示,该海域蓝圆鲹CPUE与经度、海表温度(sea surface temperature, SST)、叶绿素a (chlorophyll a, Chl-a) 浓度、海水深度、海表盐度(sea surface salinity, SSS)、涌浪波向、风浪波向及其周期显著相关。相对较高CPUE海域范围为110.5°~114°E,SST为26~30℃,Chl-a为0.2~1.0 mg/m3,海水深度<120 m,SSS为33.4~33.8,涌浪波向为75°~120°、150°~175°,风浪波向为50°~75°、120°~135°、175°~190°,风浪周期为3.0~4.5 s;其中,风浪波向对CPUE贡献最高,涌浪波向其次,然后是SST。南海西北部蓝圆鲹的资源丰度变化和其洄游特性与季风变化等引起的环境因子的变动有关。     

长江口外海域夏末温跃层与底层水低氧现象研究

基于长江口外海域2009年夏末调查的温盐和溶解氧(DO)资料,采用垂向梯度法对夏末长江口外海域温度垂向结构类型进行划分,计算了温跃层深度、强度和温跃层处DO垂向梯度等参数。长江口外海域夏末水温垂向结构类型及其温跃层强度的分布表现为长江冲淡水、黄海沿岸流、台湾暖流表层暖水和台湾暖流深层冷水交汇、混合的态势。相关性分析表明,温跃层深度与温跃层处DO垂向梯度之间为负相关,温跃层深度与垂向最小DO浓度之间为正相关,温跃层强度与温跃层处DO垂向梯度之间为正相关。最接近DO供给源的上温跃层强度与温跃层处DO垂向梯度具有较强的相关性(r=0.69)。温跃层越浅、强度越大,对底层水低氧现象的影响越大。温跃层、特别是上温跃层引起的水体层化阻碍DO向底层输运,起到了物理隔氧的作用,与低氧现象具有紧密的联系,是低氧现象在长江口外海域从春末到秋季发生、发展、维持和消亡过程的重要环境控制因素。     

獐子岛邻近海域悬浮颗粒物的时空分布特性

根据2015年秋季(10月)和2016年冬季(1月)、春季(4月)、夏季(7月)4个航次的调查研究,分析了獐子岛养殖海域表、底层水体中总悬浮颗粒物(TPM)、颗粒有机物(POM)和颗粒有机物比例(PCOM,%)的时空分布特征,结合POM与叶绿素a(Chl-a)及环境因子的相关性分析,探讨了悬浮颗粒物的影响因素及其与虾夷扇贝(Patinopecten yessoensis)底播养殖之间的潜在联系。结果显示,獐子岛海域TPM和POM的浓度变化范围分别为16.76~97.54、2.20~17.20 mg/L,年平均浓度分别为(31.65±9.58)、(6.97±2.08)mg/L。PCOM值的变化范围为8.69%~37.09%,平均值为(22.25±4.18)%。TPM浓度的季节变化趋势为秋季春季夏季冬季,最大值出现在秋季表层。而POM和PCOM的最高值出现在夏季,冬季的值最低。POM与TPM的平面分布趋势相似,大部分海域的平面分布比较均匀;春、夏季POM的分布呈现中部略高、四周略低的特点,秋、冬季与之相反;夏季底层显著高于表层(P0.01),其他季节表、底层无显著差异(P0.05)。4个季节中,獐子岛海域的POM与Chl-a的含量呈极显著正相关关系(P0.01);其中,春季底层和夏季表层的POM与Chl-a均存在极显著正相关关系(P0.01)。另外,只有夏季表层POM与盐度之间存在显著负相关关系(P0.05),说明夏季陆源输入对该海域的悬浮颗粒有机物有显著影响。     

南海北部沿岸自然保护区内大珠母贝资源现状初步分析

大珠母贝(Pinctada maxima)是国家Ⅱ级野生保护动物,为南海特有的珍珠贝种类,具有很高的社会、经济和生态价值。利用潜水断面法,调查了海南岛儋州洋浦和临高白蝶贝保护区及雷州半岛西部保护区海域内大珠母贝的分布和资源密度。结果表明,儋州临高海域大珠母贝出现频率为54.55%,栖息密度变化范围为0~0.25只·m-2,生物量变化范围为0~70.31 g·m-2。儋州洋浦海域,大珠母贝出现频率为15.38%,栖息密度变化范围为0~0.10只·m-2,生物量变化范围为0~22.55 g·m-2。雷州半岛西部海域大珠母贝站位中,大珠母贝出现频率为65.00%,多数站位栖息密度范围为0.1~0.2只·m-2,最大栖息密度为0.3只·m-2,最大生物量为390 g·m-2。当前大珠母贝年龄结构不合理,说明其资源结构已经遭到破坏,资源自身的恢复能力较弱。     

秘鲁外海夏季渔业资源与水温分布特征

根据2006年12月~2007年1月在秘鲁200海里专属经济区外海渔场的探捕调查,对该海域夏季的渔业资源和水温分布特征进行了初步探讨。结果显示,南半球夏季调查海域(13°~22°S,78°~90°W)受秘鲁寒流的影响,存在一大范围的低温水舌,表层水温分布范围为19·37~23·26℃,由南向北递升。北部温跃层顶界较浅,厚度较小,强度较大;而南部温跃层顶界较深,厚度较大,强度较弱。拖网的平均CPUE为38·4kg/h,渔获物以茎柔鱼Dosidicus gigas为主,占总渔获量85·2%;秘鲁鳀Engraulis ringens仅分布于调查海域东南部的秘鲁专属经济区外缘水域,资源密度指数为3·7kg/h。秘鲁外海除茎柔鱼外,其他中上层鱼类的资源少,集群性差,不适合作为大型拖网加工船的作业渔场来开发。建议我国的东南太平洋竹筴鱼Trachurus murphyi拖网渔业向智利外海南部(45°~50°S)和西部(95~110°W)海域发展。     

南极普里兹湾南极大磷虾资源时空分布与海洋环境要素的相 关性

基于我国第29次南极科学考察在普里兹湾附近海域断面的调查,对2012年12月31日至2013年3月5日期间,普里兹湾南极大磷虾(Euphausia superba Dana)资源时空分布和资源量评估展开研究。结果表明,调查海域大磷虾平均资源密度为32.8 g/m2,总资源量为9.34×107 t;普里兹湾附近海域大磷虾资源量年度变化明显,种群年龄结构以2+龄或3+龄的补充群体为主,补充群体的生长状况将直接影响资源量变化;调查期间大磷虾主要集群于普里兹湾口的陆架坡折区,其范围为70.50°E~75.50°E、67°S~68.5°S,海底水深介于250~1 000 m;叶绿素浓度与大磷虾资源时空分布极显著相关(P0.01),相关系数为0.193;未发现水温、盐度和海底水深与大磷虾资源时空分布的直接相关关系(P0.05);盐度与叶绿素浓度呈显著负相关关系(P0.01),相关系数为–0.23;叶绿素浓度深层极大值现象(简称DCM现象)出现在以73°E 67°S为中心的普里兹湾口附近海域,DCM现象可能与冬季残留水团关系密切。     

Rare serotype occurrence and PFGE genotypic diversity of Streptococcus agalactiae isolated from tilapia in China

Previously, we reported 10 PEGE types of 85 tilapia Streptococcus agalactiae(GBS), which shifted from Streptococcus iniae in China, by using PEGE method. Presently, larger and more representative tilapia GBS were isolated, for the ?rst time in China, to characterize their serotypes and genetic diversities more precisely than had done before. 168 GBS strains were distributed in ?ve provinces of China, in which Guangdong, Guangxi and Hainan were the major ones, holding36.9%(62/168), 37.5%(63/168) and 19.6%(33/168), respectively. Serotypes, Ia, Ib and III, were observed in these strains and the most predominant one was Ia(95.2%), which mainly distributed in Guangdong, Guangxi and Hainan. Ia initially occurred in 2009, it shoot up to 32.1% in 2010,but decreased to 16.1% in 2011 before went up to 45.2% in 2012. Ib sporadically occurred during2007–2011, III onlyoccurred in 2012. 14 different PFGE types, including 4 new types(N, O,P and Q), were observed, in which B, D, F and G were the predominant types, holding 83.9%(141/168) of the total GBS strains. Ia corresponded to 11 PFGE types(A–H, N–P), in which type D predominated(51%). Ib represented 3 genotypes(I, J and Q) and III harbored only 2genotypes(N and F). Type N and Fsynchronously presented in Ia and III. In summary, the genetic diversity of tilapia GBS varied by serotypes and changed with geographical locations and years.Although Iastillpredominated, new rareserotypeIII alreadyoccurred in China.     

Purification and partial characterization of GtHs (cfLH and cfFSH) from Indian walking catfish (Clarias batrachus) (L.) and development of a homologous ELISA for cfLH

Two gonadotropins (GtH; Qa and Qb) were purified by gel filtration and ion exchange chromatography from the pituitaries of Indian walking catfish (Clarias batrachus). The presence of GtH during purification was assessed by in vitro oocyte maturation and in vivo steroidogenic activity, and their identities were determined by elution profiles, molecular weight, biological activities and yield. The molecular weights of Qa and Qb were 37 and 42 kDa, respectively, and composed of distinct subunits (Qa: 20 and 14 kDa and Qb: 26 and 18 kDa). Polyclonal antibodies raised against Qa immunostained Qa, Qb and pituitary GtH cells. A competitive Qa‐ELISA was developed whose sensitivity was 6.25 ng mL^?1 (1.25 ng well^?1) with intra‐ (3.5%) and inter‐ (12.4%) assay coefficients of variation. Displacement curves parallel to the standard were obtained with plasma and pituitary extracts of catfish, Qb and carp GtHII. The assay was validated by measuring the plasma Qa levels after LHRH treatment and in relation to ovarian growth in the female catfish during different reproductive phases. Based on the results, Qa and Qb corresponded to fish LH and FSH respectively. The findings will increase the knowledge of the mechanisms controlling fish reproduction and identification of sensitive phases in fish in captivity for hormonal manipulation.     

Controlled infection of Poecilia reticulata Peters (guppy) with Tetrahymena by immersion and intraperitoneal injection

Tetrahymena is a protozoan parasite, which infects guppy, Poecilia reticulata Peters, and causes substantial economical losses in commercial farms worldwide. Studies of guppy infected by Tetrahymena require standardized infection protocols. The LD50 for Tetrahymena infection of guppies by intraperitoneal (IP) injection was calibrated, and the level obtained was 946 parasites per fish. Guppy infection with Tetrahymena by immersion, imitating the natural route of infection via the integument, was studied under normal or stress conditions. Exposure to cold and netting (CNI) and to cold only (CI) followed by immersion exposure to 10 000 Tetrahymena per mL resulted in 22.5% and 19.2% mortality, respectively, as compared to 14.2% and 10% in groups that were netted only (NI) or non‐stressed (I). Histopathology revealed that immersion infection resulted in a systemic infection. Lysozyme levels, measured 3 weeks after infection, were significantly higher in the CNI group (288 μg per mg protein) compared with CI‐, NI‐ and I‐treated groups (94.5, 64 and 62.3 μg mg^?1, respectively). There was no evident parasite immobilization activity in body homogenates, suggesting no development of acquired immunity. Re‐infection by IP injection revealed no increase in protection in any of the treatment groups, mortality range of 56.3–75%, higher than in the non‐exposed control (40.6% mortality).     

Imported ornamental fish are colonized with antibiotic‐resistant bacteria

There has been growing concern about the overuse of antibiotics in the ornamental fish industry and its possible effect on the increasing drug resistance in both commensal and pathogenic organisms in these fish. The aim of this study was to carry out an assessment of the diversity of bacteria, including pathogens, in ornamental fish species imported into North America and to assess their antibiotic resistance. Kidney samples were collected from 32 freshwater ornamental fish of various species, which arrived to an importing facility in Portland, Oregon from Colombia, Singapore and Florida. Sixty‐four unique bacterial colonies were isolated and identified by PCR using bacterial 16S primers and DNA sequencing. Multiple isolates were identified as bacteria with potential to cause disease in both fish and humans. The antibiotic resistance profile of each isolate was performed for nine different antibiotics. Among them, cefotaxime (16% resistance among isolates) was the antibiotic associated with more activity, while the least active was tetracycline (77% resistant). Knowing information about the diversity of bacteria in imported ornamental fish, as well as the resistance profiles for the bacteria will be useful in more effectively treating clinical infected fish, and also potential zoonoses in the future.     

Effect of iodophor disinfection of non‐hardened Salmo trutta eggs on their bacterial and fungus load

This study investigated the efficiency of iodophor disinfection (135 ppm active iodine for 15–30 min) of non‐hardened Salmo trutta eggs against different groups of bacteria and against fungus. Egg samples were taken from non‐disinfected and from disinfected eggs, microorganisms were cultured on specific nutrient media and their mass was measured by turbidimetric methods. Bacteria and fungus mass of non‐hardened eggs could be reduced but not eliminated by iodophor disinfection with 135 ppm active iodine for 15 min. The extent of reduction was 47–65% (Experiment 1). The efficiency of disinfection increased with disinfection time as the reduction in bacteria and fungus mass was 40–55% after 15 min and 58–74% after 30 min (Experiment 2). Disinfection efficiency of iodophor solution diluted in water (reduction 49–57%) and of iodophor solution diluted in sodium chloride solution iso‐osmolar to the oocytes (reduction 52–61%) was similar (Experiment 3). The reduction in bacteria and fungus mass was persistent as it was 39–72% lower in embryos deriving from disinfected eggs than in embryos deriving from non‐disinfected ones (Experiment 4). In conclusion, the tested disinfection method is inadequate to eliminate pathogens completely but it could positively influence immune defence of eggs and embryos.     

Influence of the antibacterial herbs, Solanum trilobatum, Andrographis paniculata and Psoralea corylifolia on the survival, growth and bacterial load of Penaeus monodon post larvae

The indiscriminate use of antibiotics and chemicals in shrimp hatcheries has led to biomagnification and that in turn could lead to rejection of a whole consignment. The application of the bioencapsulation technique as a tool for curative treatment in shrimp larvae was investigated. Herbs having antibacterial properties such as Solanum trilobatum, Andrographis paniculata and Psoralea corylifolia (methanolic extracts) were bioencapsulated in Artemia and fed to Penaeus monodon post larvae PL 1–25. The post larvae were reared in a medium inoculated with pathogenic bacteria such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella typhi and Vibrio sp. Post larvae reared in the non-inoculated water and fed with non-enriched Artemia exhibited 90% survival, highest specific growth rate (12.43%) and reduced bacterial load. P. monodon reared in the bacterial inoculated water and fed with the non-enriched Artemia exhibited the lowest survival (10–30%), specific growth rate (8.42–9.1%) and increased bacterial load (2.86 × 10³ to 3.76 × 10⁵ cfu/g). The methanolic extracts of the herbs helped to increase survival and specific growth rate and reduced bacterial load in the P. monodon culture system. Among the three herbal extracts, P. corylifolia enriched Artemia fed post larvae showed the tendency to higher survival (>50%), growth rate (11.5 averaged) and low bacterial load (1.12 × 10⁵ cfu/g). This revised version was published online in August 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Effects of cortisol on hepatic carbohydrate metabolism and responsiveness to hormones in the sea raven,Hemitripterus americanus

The sea raven, Hemitripterus americanus, is a sit-and-wait, low metabolic rate, marine teleost. The objective of this study was to determine i) whether cortisol implantation (50 mg. kg^-1) for 7 days altered hepatocyte metabolism, and hepatocyte responsiveness to epinephrine, glucagon and insulin, and ii) whether 8 weeks of food-deprivation modified the above response. Cortisol implantation significantly increased hepatocyte total glucose production and oxidation from alanine compared to the sham group. There was no cortisol effect on glycogen breakdown, suggesting that the activation of other pathways, including gluconeogenesis, are required to account for the increased glucose production. Epinephrine-mediated (10^-5M) glycogen breakdown and insulin-mediated (10^-8M) total glucose production were enhanced in hepatocytes of cortisol implanted sea ravens, but there were no change in any glucagon (10^-7M) effects. The enhanced glycogen breakdown in the absence of similar increases in total glucose production with epinephrine indicates mobilization of carbohydrate reserves for endogenous use by the liver. Food-deprivation for 8 weeks significantly decreased condition factor, plasma cortisol concentration and liver glycogen content in the sea raven, but had no effect on plasma glucose concentration. Hepatocyte total glucose production and flux rates from alanine increased significantly with food-deprivation. Moreover, food-deprivation increased responsiveness of total hepatocyte glucose production to the actions of glucagon and insulin, but not to epinephrine; none of these effects were modified by cortisol implantation. Our results indicate that cortisol in the sea raven exerts both a direct and an indirect or permissive effect on hepatocyte metabolism by modifying hepatocyte responsiveness to epinephrine and insulin stimulation. Cortisol implantation did not modify the effects of glucagon or food-deprivation in this species.     

Simulation and quantification of enrichment and retention processes in the southern Benguela upwelling ecosystem

Important environmental processes for the survival and recruitment of early life stages of pelagic fishes have been synthesized through Bakun's fundamental triad as enrichment, concentration and retention processes (A. Bakun, 1996, Patterns in the Ocean. Ocean Processes and Marine Population Dynamics. San Diego, CA, USA: University of California Sea Grant). This conceptual framework states that from favourable spawning habitats, eggs and larvae would be transported to and/or retained in places where food originating from enrichment areas would be concentrated. We propose a method for quantifying two of the triad processes, enrichment and retention, based on the Lagrangian tracking of particles transported within water velocity fields generated by a three‐dimensional hydrodynamic model. We apply this method to the southern Benguela upwelling ecosystem, constructing putative maps of enrichment and retention. We comment on these maps regarding main features of the circulation in the region, and investigate seasonal variability of the processes. We finally discuss the results in relation to available knowledge on the reproductive strategies of two pelagic clupeoid species abundant in the southern Benguela, anchovy (Engraulis encrasicolus) and sardine (Sardinops sagax). Our approach is intended to be sufficiently generic so as to allow its application to other upwelling systems.     

Effects of capture,loading density and transport stress on the mortality,physiological responses,bacterial density and growth of rohu <Emphasis Type="Italic">Labeo</Emphasis><Emphasis Type="Italic"> rohita</Emphasis> fingerlings

This study evaluated the effects of three levels of loading density (200, 300 and 400 g L⁻¹) and four levels of duration (1, 3, 6 and 9 h) on the mortality, plasma cortisol and chloride levels and growth of rohu Labeo rohita fingerlings in a transport simulation. While total immediate mortality was low (4–12%), delayed mortality was high (27–49%). Initial capture and handling were found to constitute the most stressful phase as indicated by elevated plasma cortisol. The levels of cortisol continued to rise at 6 and 9 h after transport, with the highest level observed at 9 h after transport. The level of plasma chloride fell after transport across all density levels and treatment durations. Specific growth rate (SGR, %/day) and total bacterial density (cfu/g) were not different between and within treatments, and between treatments and the controls. This study demonstrates that transport has a profound effect on the stress responses of rohu fingerlings. Although the level of immediate mortality was low, the higher level of delayed mortality has serious implications in terms of production inefficiency for grow-out farmers.     

The effects of introduced tilapias on native biodiversity

• 1. The common name ‘tilapia’ refers to a group of tropical freshwater fish in the family Cichlidae (Oreochromis, Tilapia, and Sarotherodon spp.) that are indigenous to Africa and the southwestern Middle East. Since the 1930s, tilapias have been intentionally dispersed worldwide for the biological control of aquatic weeds and insects, as baitfish for certain capture fisheries, for aquaria, and as a food fish. They have most recently been promoted as an important source of protein that could provide food security for developing countries without the environmental problems associated with terrestrial agriculture. In addition, market demand for tilapia in developed countries such as the United States is growing rapidly.
• 2. Tilapias are well‐suited to aquaculture because they are highly prolific and tolerant to a range of environmental conditions. They have come to be known as the ‘aquatic chicken’ because of their potential as an affordable, high‐yield source of protein that can be easily raised in a range of environments — from subsistence or ‘backyard’ units to intensive fish hatcheries. In some countries, particularly in Asia, nearly all of the introduced tilapias produced are consumed domestically; tilapias have contributed to basic food security for such societies.
• 3. This review indicates that tilapia species are highly invasive and exist under feral conditions in every nation in which they have been cultured or introduced. Thus, the authors have concluded that, despite potential or observed benefits to human society, tilapia aquaculture and open‐water introductions cannot continue unchecked without further exacerbating damage to native fish species and biodiversity. Recommendations include restricting tilapia culture to carefully managed, contained ponds, although exclusion is preferred when it is feasible. Research into culture of indigenous species is also recommended.

Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.