A preliminary report on Chanos fry surveys carried out in the brackish water areas of Mannar, Puttalam and Negombo

This paper records the results of the Chanos fry surveys carried out in Mannar, Puttalam and Negombo lagoon areas since 1967, and gives a summary of the earlier surveys. The maximum amount of Chanos fry was obtained from Mannar area during April and May. All three areas have their main commercial fry season in April and May with a second commercially negligible season in October–November. The quantity of fry collected has been utilized to evaluate the potential fry production figures. Mannar 400,000,000 fry/annum. Puttalam 200,000,000 fry/annum. It would be extremely difficult to estimate the number of eggs laid, the larvae hatched and the fry available each year along the coastal areas of Ceylon. It is necessary to obtain biological, meteorological and oceanographical data so as to provide a basis for the prediction and estimation of fry populations in the coastal waters of Ceylon. The suggested ideal season for commercial catches of Chanos fry is April–May with operations to be carried out simultaneously all along the west coast.

Report on the oceanographic investigations carried out at the Sofala Bank by the Soviet trawler "Sevastopolsky rybak" in September-December 1982

In September-December 1982 a fisheries research cruise was carried out at the Sofala Bank by the SRTM "Sevastopolsky Rybak". Oceanographic investigations have been conducted in association with the fisheries research. Three coverages were made of the Sofala Bank each lasting for slightly less than three weeks. This will allow for three descriptions of the oceanographic conditions in the area, with some reference being made to variability. This paper is just a preliminary report of those investigations.

Distribution of drug resistant luminous bacteria in penaeid shrimp grow-out ponds

Distribution of luminous bacteria (LB) in penaeid shrimp grow-out pond water in semiintensive seawater farming system and their resistance to 15 antibacterials were investigated. Total viable counts and luminous bacterial counts in pond water ranged from 2.00xl03 to 1.35xl04/ml and l.OOxl01 to 8.00Xl02/ml, respectively. The percentage composition of LB in the total viable population increased significantly with period of culture. Five species of LB such as Vibrio fischeri, V. harveyi, V. orientalis, V. splendidus 1 and Photobacterium leiognathi were encountered. V. harveyi was the dominant species, constituting >80% of the total LB. Multiple antibiotic resistance was more common in these LB. Pond water isolates showed resistance to at least four antibacterial agents.

A programme to carry out analysis of variance: two-way classification on Micro 2200

A brief description is given of a program to carry out analysis of variance two-way classification on MICRO 2200, for use in fishery data processing.

Tensile strength properties of polyethylene netting twines under exposure to out-door and artificial UV radiation

Photodegradation of three types of polyethylene twines namely, polyethylene fibrillated tape twine, polyethylene flat tape twine and polyethylene monofilament twines were studied by exposing them to sunlight and artificial UV radiation. The percentage residual strength varied in the samples, the monofilament with the highest residual strength followed by fibrillated tape twine and flat tape twine. A plot of the difference between the breaking strengths of the fibrillated tape twine and the mono filament twines against any given period of exposure exhibited a linear relationship

Effect of water washing on biochemical and gel characteristics of minced meat from croaker fish (Johnius gangeticus)

Quality of analog fishery products invariably depends on the gel characteristics and nutritional status of minced meat. With an objective to find out the effect of water washing on kamaboko gel, the minced meat from Croaker fish was washed for four times (5 minutes each) using chilled water at a temperature of 8-10°C. Results reflected noticeable improvement in folding test and SSN% of kamaboko with essential decrease in fat content, water soluble proteins, expressible water and quality parameters like NPN, VBN, TMA, FFA and PV denoting superior gel quality than control sample after repeated washing. The results indicated that there was a definite improvement in functional properties such as gel forming ability, expressible water content of the croaker minced meat essential decrease in fat content, water soluble proteins, expressible water and quality parameters after each wash, but two washes of 5 minutes duration each was necessary to achieve satisfactory results.

Milkfish grow-out culture in ponds

Milkfish farming is regarded as the backbone of Philippine aquaculture. In 2001, nearly 50% of the Philippines' aquaculture production was milkfish cultured from brackishwater ponds. It has 3 major culture systems: extensive; semi-intensive and intensive. A brief outline is given of the stocking and feeding procedures, providing also some details as to investment costs and returns.