In the herring (Clupea harengus), the swim bladder is connected to both the alimentary canal and the anal opening. The anterior duct is used for filling the swim bladder with air. Gas release from the anal opening is often observed when the fish is scared or during ascent and descent. Here, the sounds produced by such a gas release are studied. The fish was kept in a low-pressure chamber. As the ambient pressure was reduced, the gas in the swim bladder expanded and was emitted through the anal opening. Herring sounds were also recorded in a fish trap and in the field. The characteristic sound made by herring during gas release is denoted as the pulsed chirp. This pulsed chirp is 32–133 ms long (N = 11) and consists of a series of 7–50 (N = 11) transient pulses with a continuous reduction of the frequency emphasis (centroid frequency of first pulse 4.1 kHz and of last pulse 3.0 kHz, N = 11). The source level of the chirp is 73 ± 8 dB re 1 μPa rms (root mean square) at 1 m (N = 19). The pulsed chirp is not known to be produced by any other marine animal and may be a good fingerprint for identifying schools of clupeid fish by natural predators, fishery scientists and fishermen. A model for the generation of the pulsed chirp is presented and tested on existing data.

Patterns in fish taxa composition were examined in Portuguese reservoirs to assess whether distinct types of assemblages exist. Furthermore, the environmental variables most tightly associated with assemblage-level patterns were identified. Classification of the fish taxa-by-reservoirs matrix revealed four major groups. Groups were separated by means of canonical correspondence analysis according to (by decreasing correlation with canonical axis): air temperature, annual rainfall, surface elevation, trophic state, mean depth and reservoir placement within the basin. In addition to these variables, stocking practices and predation likely contributed to assemblage composition. Assemblages in group A were distinguished by the permanent presence of largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides) and the absence of trout (Salmo trutta and/or Oncorhynchus mykiss), nase (Chondrostoma sp.) and barbel (Barbus sp.). Group B assemblages invariably included bass, barbel and nase, while pumpkinseed (Lepomis gibbosus) was frequent and trout was extremely rare. Assemblages in group C were also characterised by nase and barbel, but in contrast to group B, trout was frequent, whereas bass was rare and pumpkinseed was absent. Group D assemblages consisted exclusively of trout and chub (Leuciscus sp.). The relationships observed parallel patterns detected in natural lakes to a certain extent, despite the critical human influence and the probable instability of some of the patterns detected.

Sex steroid levels were determined in various commercial fish meals and complete diets. The results obtained demonstrate that estrone (E1), 17 β-estradiol (E2) and androgens (A) (testosterone and 11-ketotestosterone), are present in diets in high quantities (up to 935±350 ng/100 g for E2, 615±190 ng/100 g for E1 and 1100±120 ng/100 g for A) and with considerable variation both between different diets, and between different batches of the same diet. These high levels of sex steroids are thought to influence the sex steroid plasmatic levels and plasma vitellogenin content in fish. Plasma sex steroid assays in the Siberian sturgeon Acipenser baeri show that plasmatic 17 β-estradiol levels are never significantly different between males and females at various stages of oogenesis and spermatogenesis, except in 6 year old females in stage IV, which corresponds to the maximum incorporation of vitellogenin. In males the plasma 17 β-estradiol levels are exceptionally high and induce vitellogenin synthesis, as demonstrated by various chemical and immunological techniques.

Individual (mass) selection for shell height was carried out in the Chilean oyster, Ostrea chilensis. The selection was based on the shell height of oysters, 30 months old, which came from the natural population of the Quempillen River Estuary (Southern Chile). Divergent selection was applied, three selected groups were chosen to mass spawn (high, mean selected, and low). Offspring from the mean selected and low groups were obtained. A statistically significant difference (p < 0.05) was detected in shell height at 30 months between the offspring of the mean selected and low selected group, suggesting the presence of additive gene effects for growth rate. The realized heritability estimate (h2 = 0.34 ± 0.12) for a decrease in the shell height, indicates that selective breeding on this trait can be effective in Ostrea chilensis.

The paper analyzes the daily catch, fishing effort and fish size data of the purse seine fleet fishing in the western Indian Ocean in February 2005, when a major concentration of tuna occurred and was heavily exploited by this surface fishery. This tuna concentration event occurred over a period of just 12 days, in an area of about 3500 square nautical miles located to the west of the Seychelles. This small stratum produced a total catch of 22 000 t, corresponding to 6.5% of the total fishing mortality of all adult yellowfin (Thunnus albacares) in the entire Indian Ocean in 2005. Sets were made mainly on free schools and the catch mainly composed of large yellowfin tuna. The average CPUE and the average catch per set were very large, 65 t and 85 t per fishing day, respectively. This “event” took place in a precise area where a high concentration of chlorophyll had been localized 18 days before. The subsequent concentration of tuna schools probably arose due to the high densities of their prey feeding on this large phytoplankton biomass. This phytoplankton bloom was observed at the edge of an anticyclonic eddy, but its origin and its high density cannot be fully explained by available environmental data. The adult yellowfin were probably at a reproductive stage and actively feeding on the local food chain generated by the phytoplankton bloom. Such an event is extreme, but typical of tuna purse seine fisheries where fleets often search for such tuna patches. These events play an important role in tuna fisheries due to the increase in fishing effort and fishing efficiency of purses seiners, both of which increase their impact on the resource. The fine scale study of such events and their improved integration into tuna stock assessments is recommended.

Five Barbus populations were analyzed by enzyme electrophoresis to verify hybridization between two species in Spain, B. meridionalis and B. haasi. Two populations supposed to be hybrid have been named B. meridionalis-2 and B. haasi-2 because of their morphological resemblance to the corresponding parent species. 88.9% of B. haasi-2 genes are of the "meridionalis" type, a value obtained using six loci distinguishing the two species. None of the individuals in this population was identified as an F1 hybrid. On the other hand, B. meridionalis-2 showed no sign of introgression and is thus a population of the pure species B. meridionalis. The absence of known current contact between the hybrid population and both parent populations and the present genetic results suggest that the hybridization is currently interrupted in the studied locality.

Several molluscs that have been introduced world-wide have become economically important for coastal communities. As far as it is known, at least four scallop species (Argopecten irradians, Argopecten purpuratus, Patinopecten yessoensis, Pecten maximus) have been moved between different biological provinces and it is possible there will be further such movements. Making an introduction involves responsibilities and so requires careful consideration. This is because there have been several unwanted impacts with movements of molluscs in the past. The International Council for the Exploration of the Sea's (ICES) 1995 Code of Practice on the Introductions and Transfers of Marine Organisms and recent revision provides a basis for undertaking such an action wisely. In this review, scallops that may be used in future cultivation or in fisheries as potential candidates are examined in relation to the first phase of an introduction—the prospectus. This prospectus should take account of the purposes and objectives of the introduction, including relevant biological, pathological and ecological conditions in the donor region and the potential impacts of the species in the expected range occupied in the recipient region. This may require a study visit to the donor region to evaluate concerns relating to potential hazards. The ecomorphology of five different scallop shell morphs is discussed in relation to their behaviour and occupied habitat. Such information may provide an indication of their interaction with native scallop species in advance of their introduction.

Observations were made in Senegal between 1997−1998 on the length of embryonic development in Octopus vulgaris. The data were from eggs which had been laid by two females in the open sea and fourteen females in concrete tanks. The observations in natural surroundings are the first concerning this species. Hatching occurred after 15−42 d at 27 °C, 29−49 d at 22−23 °C, 57−65 d at 21 °C and 80−87 d at 17 °C. These values are higher than the few data previously recorded in European aquariums, particularly for temperatures under 20 °C.

An analytical method consisting in enzymatic deconjugation, solid phase extraction and purification, and gas chromatography/mass spectrometry analysis after derivatization was used in this study to quantify Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbon (PAH) metabolites in the bile of fish. The method has been applied in a laboratory experiment studying the fate of pyrene in basin containing soles. This study has allowed the identification of 1-hydroxypyrene as the single metabolite in bile after enzymatic deconjugation. In a second time, 1-hydroxypyrene has been used as a biomarker of exposure in the case of the “Erika” oil spill. This biomonitoring was successful in demonstrating the exposure of juvenile soles to PAHs present in the “Erika” fuel oil.

We present a simulation bioeconomic model based on an age-structured population biological sub-model and an economic sub-model with vessel-specific dynamics, applied to two red shrimp (Aristeus antennatus) stocks in the NW Mediterranean. The model is dynamic, the economic sub-model is disaggregated at the level of vessel and the two sub-models are linked by means of a fishing mortality vector. We analyzed the projection of selected indicators (catches, overall profits, fishing mortality and spawning stock biomass) for the target species of the deep-water trawl fishery in the NW Mediterranean, red shrimp. We built three alternative management scenarios based on input control and we examined the performance of these management strategies against the current management policies. The three alternative management strategies were: i) increase the cost of effort by eliminating the fuel tax exemption currently in place, ii) limit the nominal effort level (days at sea) to current levels, in order to offset the increasing trend observed in the last decade, and iii) change the selectivity patterns of the trawl by increasing mesh size. Our results show that for the two stocks analyzed, any of the three management measures (input controls) would be beneficial both to the stock and the fleets (over the medium and long terms) when compared with the projections over time of the statusquo. Improving the selectivity of the fishing gear is more beneficial than limiting nominal effort or increasing the cost of effort. Comparing the performance of the management strategies on two stocks, one heavily fished and the other moderately so, we show that none of these management measures is able to substantially redress the situation of a heavily fished stock, implying that for the full recovery of heavily fished red shrimp stocks, we need to contemplate even stricter measures of management.

The side-aspect acoustic target strengths (TS) of 19 Atlantic salmons (Salmo salar), 16 brown trouts (Salmo trutta), 10 whitefish (Coregonus lavaretus) and 9 pikes (Esox lucius) were measured using a 200 kHz split-beam echosounder, in order to study the relationship between TS and fish size indices (length, weight and side area). The effect of side aspect angle on TS was also studied. Linear models between TS and the logarithm of the fish size indices were fitted with length being best for predicting TS. Typically, the standard error of estimate was 1.2–2.9 dB. The side-aspect TS measurements with specimens of known size showed that the linear relationship between full side-aspect TS and the logarithm of fish length for salmonid (Salmo salar + Salmo trutta) was on average 4.7 dB (SE = 0.7), lower than for whitefish and pike combined. The effect of side aspect angle on TS was modelled with cos3 (2α function. The differences in the TS between full side aspect and head/tail aspect were 17.4, 19.0 and 19.6 dB for salmonid, whitefish, and pike, respectively.

High levels of larval mortality are a significant barrierto the artificial mass production of Pacific bluefin tuna (Thunnusorientalis). Mortality may occur when larvae sink and comeinto contact with the bottom of the rearing tank during the first10 days after hatching. We evaluated the effect of flow controlby aeration on the survival of T. orientalis larvae.These larvae were held in 500-L tanks in which the aeration ratewas varied during the night. Larval survival increased with airsupply. We documented the cross-sectional flow pattern and gravitationalsinking velocities of larvae to assess the correlation between survivaland circulation patterns in the tank. The sinking velocity of T. orientalis larvaeat night increased with larval body density, which varied with swimbladdervolume. Larvae with uninflated swimbladders sank significantly fasterthan larvae with inflated swimbladders. Both water circulation speedand survival increased at higher aeration rates. Our results suggestthat aeration rates >900 ml min–1 may increase larval survival bycounteracting sinking.

This study summarizes optimization of techniques for common carp artificial propagation including improvements of activation solution (AS), the process of insemination, and elimination of egg stickiness. The optimum gamete ratio for good fertilization and hatching rate ranged from 8490 to 23672 spermatozoa per egg, when dechlorinated tap water was used. Optimal ratio between eggs (weight in g) and AS (in ml) was defined as 1:1 to 1:2. Different concentrations of AS such as NaCl from 0 to 34 mM (0–68 mOsmol kg–1) did not change fertilization and hatching rates. An AS adopted for carp spermatozoa (45 mM NaCl, 5 mM KCl, 30 mM Tris–HCl, pH 8) was compared with other saline AS; only the 51 mM (102 mOsmol kg–1) NaCl solution decreased fertilization and hatching rate. The AS containing 20 mM Tris–HCl at pH 9 increased fertilization and hatching rates compared to dechlorinated tap water of pH 7 or to AS of pH 6 and 7. Adhesiveness from the eggs was successfully removed by incubation in Alcalase DX (PLN 04715) using two successive steps with different enzyme concentrations. The first step with an enzyme concentration of 2 ml l–1 was applied from 8 to 20 min after fertilization. Later in a second step, the best time for application of alcalase enzyme at a concentration of 20 ml l–1 was for 45 and 60 s at 20 min after fertilization leading to fertilization and hatching rates of 80–87%. The α-Chymotrypsin (EC 3.4.21.1. Merck) was also found effective for elimination of stickiness. Results withα-Chymotrypsin enzyme indicate that the response to success in elimination of stickiness is highly variable mainly due to differences in the environment, quality of water and carp strains.

L'étude de la maturation et de la ponte de l'huître creuse Crassostrea gigas, s'intègre dans une large problématique visant à comprendre les causes de mortalité qui surviennent épisodiquement dans le bassin de Marennes-Oléron au printemps et en été. Un conditionnement thermique et alimentaire des élevages permet d'obtenir simultanément des huîtres à tous les stades de maturité sexuelle. Le calcul des taux de filtration, consommation, absorption et respiration permet d'estimer le potentiel de croissance, et donne le bilan énergétique des huîtres aux différents stades sexuels. Les réponses physiologiques sont semblables pour des huîtres mâles ou femelles. La filtration de 2,4 à 2,6 1.h−1, passe à 1,8 1.h−1 à un stade de maturation avancée. La prise de poids liée au développement des gonades ne semble pas avoir d'effet sur le taux de filtration. Les huîtres de 2,5 ans présentent un bilan énergétique déficitaire (–15 J.h−1) à un stade de maturation avancée. Ce déficit est confirmé (–90 J.h−1) sur des huîtres de 1,5 ans au même stade de maturation. En revanche, les huîtres immatures, en début de maturation ou en post-ponte, ont un potentiel de croissance compris entre 110 et 170 J.h−1 . Le déficit énergétique observé au stade de maturation avancée relève essentiellement de la fonction d'absorption qui chute de façon importante en période de forte gamétogenèse. L'étude de la respiration permet de définir une allométrie particulière à la croissance gonadique avec un coefficient d'allométrie de 0,574. La faiblesse physiologique des huîtres, observée à un stade de maturation avancée, doit être prise en compte dans la recherche des facteurs responsables des mortalités printanières et estivales affectant les cheptels en élevage dans le bassin de Marennes-Oléron.

Il est bien connu des pêcheurs que les monts sous-marins, nombreux dans l'Atlantique tropical est, concentrent parfois de fortes biomasses de thons. Cette association thons et monts sous-marins n'a paradoxalement fait l'objet d'aucun programme de recherches. Le présent article fait un bilan des captures de thons réalisées par les flottilles thonières internationales sur les monts sous-marins connus dans l'Atlantique tropical est durant les années récentes (période 1980 à 1987). La prise annuelle de thons sur certains monts sous-marins peut atteindre plusieurs milliers de tonnes. Les statistiques de pêche thonière montrent que certains monts sous-marins sont riches en thons, alors que d'autres semblent pauvres en permanence, bien qu'ils soient situés dans des zones prospectées par les pêcheurs. Les particularités biologiques de ce type de pêche sont analysées : les captures sont en général plurispécifiques; albacores (Thunnus albacares), listaos (Katsuwonus pelamis) et patudos (Parathunnus obesus) sont pêchés en proportions voisines avec des individus de tailles relativement petites en comparaison des zones voisines. Des hypothèses sont développées sur les causes et sur la dynamique de l'agrégation des thons autour de ces hauts-fonds en utilisant les statistiques de pêche journalières et les résultats de marquages classiques et par marques émettrices réalisés sur un mont sous-marin. Les perspectives de recherches sur l'association sous-marins et thons et sur l'exploitation rationnelle de ces micro-structures sont discutées. Les positions et les profondeurs des monts sous-marins étant actuellement facilement repérées grâce aux satellites à radar altimétrique, la localisation systématique de ces structures est possible et revêt pour les pêcheurs un intérêt potentiel évident pour réduire les temps de prospections des thoniers.

The channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus) is the most widely cultured foodfish in the U.S., thus most of the nutrient requirement data are available for this species. Qualitatively, about 40 nutrients have been identified as necessary for the normal metabolic function of the channel catfish with quantitative requirement values available for about 30 nutrients including amino acids, fatty acids, minerals and vitamins. Additional information is available on protein and energy requirements, digestible protein and energy coefficients as well as amino acid availability values. Thus adequate nutritional information is available to formulate high quality practical channel catfish feeds.Only limited nutrient requirement data are available for the other Siluroidei species. Some requirement data have been reported for a few species from Africa (Clarias gariepinus, C. isheriensis, Heterobranchus longifilis and H. bidorsalis), Asia (Clarias batrachus, C. macrocephalus, C. fuscus and Heteropneustes,fossilis) and Europe (Silurus glanis). The available requirement data will be summarized and compared with the requirement data for the channel catfish. Some variation does appear to exist in optimum dictary protein levels, essential fatty acid requirements, and lipid vs carbohydrate utilization.

The pursuit of sustainable fisheries requires a broad vision of fishery science as the scientific study of fishery systems. This implies the incorporation into fishery science of research on fishery management, fishing processes, fisher behaviour and the human dynamics of fishery systems. Such research requires (a) more extensive multidisciplinary linkages, with an increased role for economic and social science research, and (b) more day-to-day linkages between people, namely those involved in fishery science and in management, together with fishery stakeholders. This paper reviews potential directions for fisheries research, and suggests a corresponding range of multidisciplinary research priorities, focused on analysis of: (a) the fishery management system, at both strategic and operational levels, (b) fisher behaviour andresponse to regulations, (c) "human dynamics" in fisheries, and (d) fishery systems modelling.

The most important pelagic artisanal fishery of the Colombian Caribbean Sea is the Atlantic thread herring (Opisthonema oglinum) and the associated species scaled herring (Harengula jaguana), round sardinella (Sardinella aurita), and scad (Decapterus punctatus). The largest aggregations of these small pelagics were found in the La Guajira area, where the local oceanography is modulated by seasonal upwelling intensity. We analysed the associations between the distribution of these small pelagic fishes and the environmental variables. A cumulative frequency method and a Monte Carlo randomization were used to detect associations between fish density and environmental variables. The adults of Atlantic thread herring were found in the upwelling area of La Guajira Peninsula and were associated to waters with temperature and salinity values higher than 25.5 and 36.7 °C, respectively. During December, a nursery area was found in the southern portion of the study area and the juveniles of Atlantic thread herring showed preference for temperatures higher than 27.4 °C. Scaled herring was found to be associated with temperatures (>25.7 °C) and salinities (>36.8). Scad and round sardinella were also associated to temperatures and salinities higher than 25 and 36.6 °C. Our results suggest that the dynamics of the upwelling area may influence the spatial distribution and abundance of small pelagics in the Colombian Caribbean Sea.

Both in Indonesia and Vietnam, larval rearing of Pangasius hypophthalmus remains problematic due to the variable and generally low survival rates obtained. The first week represents the most critical period for these larvae and up to now, cannibalistic behaviour was considered as the main cause of mortality. In the present study, two experiments were carried out in order to better understand the evolution and causes of mortality of P. hypophthalmus larvae from hatching up to 8 d of age and to find measures to improve survival rates. The first experiment was designed to evaluate the importance of cannibalism and differences in mortality when larvae from two different females were reared either in groups of 30 individuals or in isolated condition (30 larvae reared separately). In both cases, the culture was carried out either with or without antibiotic. The aim of the second experiment was to test oxytetracycline and different disinfectants (chloramine-T, formalin and ‘formalin + malachite green oxalate’) at different dosages in order to prevent bacterial outbreaks in the culture. The results indicated that the survival rates of P. hypophthalmus larvae was dependent on the initial quality of larvae or eggs and that larval mortality was more a consequence of pathogenic infection than a direct effect of cannibalism. The present study demonstrated that the survival rates of larvae were systematically improved when rearing was carried out in water containing antibiotic (oxytetracycline at a dose of 5 to 20 mg·L−1). Survival rate and final mean body weight of larvae as high as those obtained using antibiotic were also reached with applications of disinfectants such as chloramine-T and formalin. The use of these disinfectants is recommended for commercial P. hypophthalmus hatcheries.