Aeromonas hydrophila B-haemolysin: purification and examination of its role in virulence in 0-group channel catfish, Ictalurus punctatus (Rafinesque)

Abstract. A single step procedure for purification of B-haemolysin from Aeromonas hydrophila is described which recovered 94% of the haemolytic activity with a sixfold increase in specific activity. Toxicity of haemolysin in 0-group channel catfish was 0–6 mg of purified protein per gram offish. Of six strains of A. hydrophila evaluated for differential toxin production and virulence in 0-group channel catfish, three B-haemolysin-deficient strains were virulent while three B-haemolysin-producing strains were avirulent.     

The understudied and underappreciated role of predation in the mortality of fish released from fishing gears

The assumption that animals released from fishing gears survive has frequently been scrutinized by researchers in recent years. Mortality estimates from these research efforts can be incorporated into management models to ensure the sustainability of fisheries and the conservation of threatened species. Post‐release mortality estimates are typically made by holding the catch in a tank, pen or cage for short‐term monitoring (e.g. 48 h). These estimates may be inaccurate in some cases because they fail to integrate the challenges of the wild environment. Most obvious among these challenges is predator evasion. Stress and injury from a capture experience can temporarily impair physiological capacity and alter behaviour in released animals, a period during which predation risk is likely elevated. In large‐scale commercial fisheries, predators have adapted their behaviour to capitalize on impaired fishes being discarded, while in recreational catch‐and‐release fisheries, exercise and air exposure can similarly impede the capacity for released fish to evade opportunistic predators. Owing to the indirect and often cryptic nature of this source of mortality, very few studies have attempted to document it. A survey of the literature demonstrated that <2% of the papers in the combined realms of bycatch and catch‐and‐release have directly addressed or considered post‐release predation. Future research should combine field telemetry and laboratory studies using both natural and simulated predation encounters and incorporate physiological and behavioural endpoints. Quite simply, predation is an understudied and underappreciated contributor to the mortality of animals released from fishing gears.     

Assessing the effects of line capture and barotrauma relief procedures on post-release survival of key tropical reef fish species in Australia using recreational tagging clubs

Abstract  Common coral trout, Plectropomus leopardus Lacepède, crimson snapper, Lutjanus erythropterus Bloch, saddletail snapper, Lutjanus malabaricus (Bloch & Schneider), red emperor, Lutjanus sebae (Cuvier), redthroat emperor, Lethrinus miniatus (Schneider) and grass emperor, Lethrinus laticaudis Alleyne & Macleay, were tagged to determine the effects of barotrauma relief procedures (weighted shot-line release and venting using a hollow needle) and other factors on survival. Release condition was the most significant factor affecting the subsequent recapture rate of all species. Capture depth was significant in all species apart from L. malabaricus and L. miniatus , the general trend being reduced recapture probability with increasing capture depth. Recapture rates of fish hooked in either the lip or mouth were generally significantly higher than for those hooked in the throat or gut. Statistically significant benefit from treating fish for barotrauma was found in only L. malabaricus , but the lack of any negative effects of treating fish indicated that the practices of venting and shot-lining should not be discouraged by fisheries managers for these species.     

Technical efficiency of carp production in Nepal: An application of stochastic frontier production function approach*

Abstract

Modern aquaculture is a relatively new activity among Nepalese farmers and a small contributor to the economy. Given the abundance of water resources and fish species, rising demand for fish, and its high profitability, aquaculture has potential for future expansion if it is given appropriate attention from the government. In Nepal, productivity in aquaculture is much lower compared to other countries in the region, which suggests that there is potential for increased fish production through technological progress and improvement in farm‐level technical efficiency. However, no formal analysis has yet been conducted to assess the productive performance of Nepalese aquaculture and its potential for future improvement. Against this background, this paper examines the technical efficiency and its determinants for a sample of fish pond farms from the Tarai region of the country using a stochastic production frontier involving a model for technical inefficiency effects. The estimated mean technical efficiency is 77%, with intensive farms being more efficient than extensive farms. The adoption of regular fish, water, and feed management activities has a strong positive effect on technical efficiency.     

Effect of Silver Carp Hypophthalmichthys molitrix and Freshwater Mussel Elliptio complanata Filtration on the Phytoplankton Community of Partitioned Aquaculture System Units

Growers produce over 2.8 million kg of catfish (over $350 million wholesale revenue) annually in the United States. The microbiology of the phytoplankton community in culture water affects the growth and flavor of the catfish and is a consideration for growers. Filter feeders, like silver carp and freshwater mussels, in controlled growth systems are used to adjust the phytoplankton species. Our goal was to successfully control the algal populations with filter feeders in catfish production. We used silver carp Hypophthalmichthys molitrix as a filter feeder in Partitioned Aquaculture System (PAS) water. Silver carp completely eliminated the cyanobacteria Microcystis by size and biovolume reduction. This created the desired effect of small green algae dominating the algal community. A significant but opposite change was observed when freshwater mussels Elliptio complanata filtered PAS water resulting in Microcystis biovolume and size dominance in the PAS; a less desirable algal community. This study also showed an immediate shift in the phytoplankton community when silver carp and mussels were interchanged between PAS waters. The size-selective filtration by the two filter-feeding taxa was important in determining the composition of the PAS phytoplankton community, and it was apparent that filtration with silver carp successfully depleted undesirable algae.     

Occurrence of Mycobacterium spp. in ornamental fish in Italy

The occurrence of Mycobacterium spp. in freshwater and marine ornamental fish was studied in Italy from June 2002 to May 2005. Two surveys were carried out, one of aquarium fish sent to the Laboratory for diagnosis, and the other of prevalence of infection by mycobacteria in ornamental fish imported into Italy. Bacterial isolation was carried out from the spleen, kidney and liver, and the isolates were subsequently identified by biochemical tests. In the first survey, 387 fish were examined and Mycobacterium spp. were isolated from 181 (46.8%) fish. In the second survey 127 batches of ornamental fish from different countries were examined. Mycobacterium spp. were isolated from 38 (29.9%) batches. The following species were found: M. fortuitum, M. peregrinum, M. chelonae, M. abscessus, M. marinum, M. gordonae, M. nonchromogenicum and M. interjectum. There was a high prevalence of infection independent of the presence of macroscopic lesions. Mycobacterium fortuitum and M. chelonae were more prevalent than M. marinum in the samples examined.     

Protein and energy nutrition of brook trout (Salvelinus fontinalis) at optimal and elevated temperatures

The digestible protein (DP) and digestible energy (DE) requirements for maintenance and growth of brook trout (Salvelinus fontinalis) were determined using a factorial model at either optimum (15 °C) or elevated temperature (19 °C). Several key parameters of the factorial model were measured using a series of inter‐related studies. The maintenance requirements for DP and DE were 0.10 gDP kg^?0.69 day^?1 (15 °C) and 0.31 gDP kg^?0.78 day^?1 (19 °C), and 34.86 kJDE kg^?0.84 day^?1 (15 °C) and 46.14 kJDE kg^?0.86 day^?1 (19 °C). The total requirements for DP were 0.10 gDP kg^?0.69 day^?1 + 2.14PG (protein gain) (15 °C) and 0.31 gDP kg^?0.78 day^?1 + 1.98PG (19 °C). The total requirements for DE were 36.86 kJDE kg^?0.84 day^?1 + 1.58EG (energy gain) (15 °C) and 46.14 kJDE kg^?0.86 day^?1 + 1.64EG (19 °C). The partial efficiencies for growth were 0.47 (15 °C) and 0.51 (19 °C) for protein, and 0.63 (15 °C) and 0.61 (19 °C) for energy. Nutrient gain was lower at the elevated temperature; however, feed formulation for brook trout should be adjusted to match changes in nutrient requirements at different culture temperatures. The protein and energy requirements model will be useful for developing commercial feeds and feeding charts for brook trout.     

EXTERNALITIES,INSTITUTIONS AND THE LOCATION CHOICES OF SHELLFISH PRODUCERS: THE CASE OF BLUE MUSSEL FARMING IN THE MONT-SAINT-MICHEL BAY (FRANCE)

ABSTRACT

Most marine aquaculture activities remain strongly dependent on coastal ecosystems. In the case of shellfish farming, this dependency is related mainly to water quality and to the various ecological interactions resulting from the dynamics of coastal food webs. Such ecological constraints have influenced the overall evolution of blue mussel farming in the Mont-Saint-Michel Bay, leading producers to negotiate collective arrangements regarding production capacity and techniques and to develop production strategies at the farm level. This article presents an analysis of the location choices of mussel farmers in the Mont-Saint-Michel Bay based on an empirical investigation conducted in 2002. A typology of farms with respect to their land structure is developed in which some farms choose to concentrate their activity in a single part of the bay while others distribute their activity more widely. Determinants of the location choices of each farm category, including distance to port, natural productivity differentials, and predation of mussel stocks, are analyzed. The role of the institutional arrangements allowing mussel farmers to develop these location strategies is also discussed.     

A review of production frontier analysis for aquaculture management

Abstract

This paper examines recent advances in production economics with special reference to efficiency measurement using production frontiers and its implications for aquaculture management. Compared with agriculture and other industries, the use of production frontiers in aquaculture is still very limited. However, in recent years several frontier applications in aquaculture have appeared in the literature, suggesting potential applications of these techniques in aquaculture. A synopsis of stochastic frontier production function model and data envelopment analysis (DEA), the two most popular approaches to efficiency measurement, is presented, followed by a review of recent frontier studies in shrimp, carp and tilapia production. The paper concludes with a brief discussion of future development and prospects of frontier applications for aquaculture management.