Bi-annual environment monitoring technical report for the SON cage fish culture site at Bugungu, Napoleon Gulf, northern Lake Victoria, December 2012

The first year-round quarterly surveys were completed for the year 2011. For the year 2012, SON management decided to change the frequency of the surveys from quarterly to biannual and the first such survey, was undertaken in June 2012. The second survey was undertaken in December 2012 and is the subject of this report: Results/observations made are presented in this technical report along with a scientific interpretation and discussion of the results with reference to possible impacts of the cage facilities to the water environment and aquatic biota. SON cage study sites were coded as downstream of cages (DSC), within cages (WIC) and upstream of cages (USC). Physical-chemical parameters (water column temperature, dissolved oxygen, pH, conductivity, were measured in-situ with a pre-calibrated hydrolab at each site. A digital Echo Sounder was used to determine the total water column depth at each site. A black and white Secchi disc was used to determine water column transparency. Coordinate locations were determined with a GPS device.

SON bi‐annual environment monitoring technical report for the cage culture site at Bugungu, northern Lake Victoria, June 2012

Source of the Nile Fish farm (SON) is located at Bugungu area in Napoleon Gulf, northern Lake Victoria. The proprietors of the farm requested NaFIRRI to provide technical assistance to undertake regular environment monitoring of the cage site as is mandatory under the NEMA conditions. NAFIRRI agreed to undertake regular environment surveys in the cage area covering selected physical‐chemical factors i.e. water column depth, water transparency, water column temperature, dissolved oxygen, pH, conductivity, redox potential and turbidity; nutrient status, algal and invertebrate communities (micro‐invertebrates/zooplankton and macro‐invertebrates/macro‐benthos) as well as fish community. The first year‐round quarterly surveys were completed for the year 2011. It was decided by SON management to change the frequency of the monitoring surveys to biannual starting in the year 2012 and the first such survey, which is the subject of this report, was undertaken in June 2012. Results/observations made are presented in this technical report along with a scientific interpretation and discussion of the results with reference to possible impacts of the cage facilities to the water environment and aquatic biota. SON

Distribution of Cu, Zn, Pb and Cd in some recent molluscan shells from Lake Mariut sediment

Shells and shell fragments were the principal constituents of the core sediment taken from LakeMariut. Their trace metals were studied to assess their contribution to environmental adjustment. The results indicated that the shells of Biomphalaria alexandrina, Mercierella enigmatica and Melanoida tuberculate contain higher amounts of Cu and Zn than the widely distributed shells of Lucina sp. and Cerastoderma edule. The Pb contents found in different types of shells were higher than the other metals. The Cd contents found in different shell types were the most important fraction in comparison to the total Cd in the sediments of the lake. The relationship between the concentrations of trace metals and mineralogical analysis revealed that lead tended to be more concentrated in aragonite than in calcite.

Feasibility of bi-culture of mud crab (Scylla serrata) and shrimp (Penaeus monodon)

A study on the feasibility of bi-culture of mud crab (Scylla serrata) and shrimp (Penaeus monodon) in brackishwater earthen ponds (0.1 ha each) was carried out for a period of five months (March-August). Nursed shrimp juvenile (ABL:· 3.36±0.23 em and ABW: 0.26±0.04 g) and crab juvenile (ACL: 2.61±0.22 cm, ACW: 4.63±0.11 cm and ABW: 43±2.64 g) were stocked following the experimental design of shrimp 2/m2 (Treatment-1), shrimp 2/m2 and mud crab l/m2 (Treatment-2) and shrimp 2/m2 and mud crab 0.5/m2 (Treatment-3). Crabs were fed with chopped trash tilapia @ 10~5%, while shrimp were fed with Saudi-Bangla shrimp feed @ 3~5% of biomass twice daily. Significantly (p<0.05) higher specific growth rate (SGR) of shrimp and mud crab was 1.86% (g/day) in T2 and 0.83% (g/day) in T3, respectively. The survival of shrimp and mud crab also varied significantly (p<0.05) with a higher mean value of74.63% in Tl and 51.04% in T3, respectively. The production of shrimp (424.09 kg/ha) was significantly (p<0.05) higher in Tl and that of mud crab (568.80 kg/ha) in T2. Significantly (p<0.05) highest total production of 871.29 kg!ha was in T2 followed by 708.52 kg/ha in T3 and 424.09 kg/ha in Tl. The results indicate that mud crab can be cultured at a stocking rate of 1/m2 together with shrimp at 2/m2 •

First bi-lateral consultation meeting on Gulf of Mannar ecosystem, Rameshwaram, India, 5-6 September, 2011

Status papers on resources, livelihoods and ecosystem approach to fisheries in the Gulf of Mannar(GoM) were presented.Five priority initiatives were agreed: collaborative effort in conservation and management of charismatic species (e.g. dugong),capacity building and training,education and awareness building, strengthening of data collection and sharing of information.

The study of biological characteristics and heavy metal determination of Cd, Pb, Fe, V, Ni in the muscle, liver and gonad tissues of kingfish Scomberomorus commerson in the coastal waters of the Hormozagan Province (Persian Gulf)

Biological studies and heavy metal (Ni, v, Fe, Pb,Cd) determination in liver, gonad and muscle of Scomberomorus commerson were carried out from Oct 2006 to Sept 2007 in Hormozgan coastal waters. 599 Samples were gutted for reproduction and nutrition studies, fork length and weight were measured to nearest cm and g respectively. Meanwhile 40 samples were also investigated for heavy metal studies. All specimens were collected from two major landing sites (Bandar Lengeh & Bandar Abbas). Minimums & maximum fork length & weight were 29, 128 cm & 235 and 15350 g respectively.Isometric growth was shown according to our study and b was estimated 2.9 (overall), 2.91(male) & 2.89 (female). The average relative gut length was 0.52± 0.007 and it was determined that S. commerson is a carnivorous. More than 99 percent of gut content was different teleost fishes. Gastro somatic index had two peaks in Nov & Jan (before spawning) and with a decreased trend in July, the spawning period. Occurrence of empty stomach was estimated % 65.77. Maximum amount of condition factor was in Dec. Spawning season was started from June. The average of Absolute & relative fecundity (to weight unit) was 1217149±179315 and 178.2±15.58 respectively. Lm50% was estimated 75 cm for females. Sex ratio was 0.97: 1 (male: female). Chi- Square test showed no significant difference (p>0.05). Maximum amount of hepatosomatic index was estimated in March.Metal concentrations were determined using either Flame Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (for Fe) or Graphite Furnace Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (for Pb,Cd,Ni and V). The mean concentration (μg/g dry weight)of Pb,Cd,Ni,V and Fe in the liver were 0.0309, 0.0268, 0.0672, 0.0077, 2.5159 in the gonad 0.0440 ,0.0295, 0.1096, 0.0000, 1.4449 and in the muscle 0.0244, 0.0324, 0.0656, 0.0128, 1.6138 respectively. The maximum metal concentrations were below the maximum permissible limits for human consumption recommended by the USEPA, WHO and the UK. The results of Kendall's Tau-b correlation coefficient were as follows: The Liver tissue: There were significant positive linear relationships between accumulation of V, Fe, and Pb with Fork length, Pb and Fe with weight, GSI with Pb, Cd, V and 109 Fe, and a negative linear relationships between HSI with accumulation of V and Fe, Fork length, weight and GSI. The Gonad tissue: There were significant positive linear relationships between GSI with accumulation of Pb, Cd, Fe, Fork length and weight, a negative linear relationship between HSI with Fork length, weight and GSI. The Muscle tissue: There were significant positive linear relationships between accumulations of V, Fe with Fork length and weight factors and as well as GSI with Cd, V, Fe, Pb, Fork length and weight,a negative linear relationship between HSI with Fork length, weight, Cd, Fe and GSI. The results of Mann-Whitney U tests (P≤0.05) show that there were significant differences between summer and autumn from heavy metal contents in the studied tissues point of view. The only exceptions were for Ni in the liver, gonads and muscle and as well as there were significant differences between male and female from heavy metal contents in the studied tissues. The only exceptions were for Pb in muscle, Ni in liver, gonad and muscle, V in muscle, and Cd and Fe in gonads.

Trace metal (Cu, Zn, Pb, Cr and Cd) concentrations of three subfractions of organic matter from Lake Mariut sediments, Egypt

Trace elements associated with organic subfractions (humic, fulvic, and non-humic substances) were identified for seven core sediments from Lake Mariut, Egypt. Results indicated that the amounts of trace metals in humic acid and non-humic substances decreased in the following order: Zn>Cu>Pb>Cr>Cd, while in fulvic acid the order the order was Cu>Zn>Pb>Cr>Cd. There is a higher contribution of Zn, Pb, Cu and Cr in humic acid compared to fulvic acid in most samples. Slight changes in the amounts of cadmium bounded with humic and fulvic acids was also found.

Ecological impact of Mahshahr petrochemical activities on abundance and diversity of macrobenthic fauna in Zangi Creek (Persian Gulf)

The Moosa Creek extends from its opening into the Persian Gulf, with some sub narrow creeks leading to it. Zangi creek is one of the main branches of Moosa creek. The creek contains numerous sources of organic pollution, including sewage outlet flows and boat waste. After establishing the Petrochemical special Economic Zone (PETZONE) in 1997 near to the Zangi Creek, the pipelines, streets and railway made it distinct from eastern and western parts of this creek. Industrial activities have released sludge and effluents in this creek along these years. A survey of the Zangi creek was performed, assessing water properties, organic pollution, and the population density, distribution and diversity of macrobenthic fauna through bi-monthly sampling from July 2006 to September 2007. Samples were collected from water near the bottom and sediment at 7 stations include 2 stations inside the distinct Zangi creek and 4 stations along a transect with 1 km distances between them in eastern free part and one reference station located at the Persian Gulf entrance to the Moosa creek. The environmental parameters such as temperature, salinity, pH, dissolved oxygen, COD, turbidity, EC and heavy metals include Hg, Cd, Pb, Ni as well as percentage silt-clay and total organic matter of the sediment were measured. The faunal population density and their distribution are discussed in relation to the environmental changes. Results showed spatial heterogeneity in faunal distribution of the Zangi creek. Nine groups of macrofauna were identified out of distinct zangi creek. Polychaets formed the dominant group (48%) followed by bivalves (13%), gastropods (10%), Decapods (2%), Tanaids (5%), and all other groups (22%). The distinct creek was heavily polluted without any macrofauna communities probably as a consequence of the high pH, COD, low salinity and heavy metals contamination specially Cd and Pb. The other stations near to the disposal site were found with macrofauna communities commonly tolerant to organic pollution, At 3 km east of the disposal site, macrofauna is comparable to the surrounded creek, whereas macrofauna still indicate environmental degradation. Farther a way, faunal density decreases and equilibrium taxa gradually replace opportunistic species, while the other stations were far from polluted area contained lower pollution and relatively healthy macrofauna. The mean biomass of macrobenthic fauna were estimated for the whole studied area. The results are considered in Minimum density and biomass in surrounded creek and maximum density and biomass in 3 km of surrounded area. Biodiversity Indices were low in surrounded creek. The Shanon-weaver information index was used to describe the spatially variations in diversity. Macrofauna density, shanon and simpson index were significantly variable between surrounded and free parts of Zangi creek (p<0.05). The numerical abundance of macrobenthose varied from 221. m-2 in polluted area to 4346 m-2 in free part of Zangi creek. The Shanon-weaver information index varied from 0.4 in distinct area to 2.9 in reference station. The physico- chemical changes between distinct and free creeks showed significant variations such as pH, salinity and EC. Salinity and EC were significantly positive correlate to macrofauna density, whereas pH and TOM percentage indicated significantly negative correlation to density. Heavy metals concentrations in sediments were higher than water samples. Concentration pattern of heavy metals in sediments and water samples were Ni>Pb>Cd>Hg. Salinity and pH were significantly correlated to metals in sediments (p<0.01). No significant correlation were found between Macrofauna density and heavy metals (p<0.05).