California Cooperative Oceanic Fisheries Investigations, hydrographic data report, Monterey Bay, January to December 1976

(Document contains 117 pages.)

Results of a fish health survey of North Biscayne Bay, June 1976-June 1977

Fish were collected weekly in Biscayne Bay using a monofilament gill net set from a small skiff during 20-30 minute intervals. Although weekly sampling took place for 2.5 years, only the data from samples collected from June 1976 to June 1977 were used in this document. Abnormal external conditions of fins and body were observed on each fish and recorded. Fish were returned immediately to their habitats. Fish collected in the time period for this study numbered 3,765 and included 32 species. Of these, 16 species, totaling 3,556 fish, were caught in sufficient numbers (20 or more) to warrant data analysis. Only 3 of the 16 species could be considered relatively unafflicted: Aetobatus narinari (spotted eagle ray), Diodon hystrix (porcupinefish), and Selene vomer (lookdown). More than 80% of the examined specimens of these three species were unaffected. Less than 20% of the specimens of Diapterus plumieri (striped mojarra), Micropogonias undulatus (Atlantic croaker), and Pogonias cromis (black drum) displayed normal conditions. The three most afflicted species were Diapterus plumieri, striped mojarra; Micropogonias undulatus, Atlantic croaker; and Pogonias cromis, black drum. Only 7, 3, and 7% respectively showed no external evidence of disease. Data described in this document were originally tabulated in the mid-1970s, remained unpublished, and are no longer available. This document was based on archived unpublished text, a data summary table, and figures. Most of the text and cited references were the ones used in the original manuscript and no attempt was made to update them. (PDF contains 44 pages)

Ecologic and hydrographic studies of Elkhorn Slough, Moss Landing Harbor and near coastal waters, July 1974 to June 1976

In July 1974, we began a two-year baseline study of the Moss Landing Elkhorn Slough marine environment for Pacific Gas and Electric Company as mandated by the Coastal Commission. The original proposal included strong recommendations for more complete oceanographic studies and a third year of data collection. These further studies were not funded. This report is divided into three sections: oceanography, benthic invertebrate ecology and fish and zooplankton ecology. (PDF contains 480 pages)

Net phytoplankton and zooplankton in the New York Bight, January 1976 to February 1978, with comments on the effects of wind, Gulf Stream eddies, and slope water intrusions

Results are given of monthly net phytoplankton and zooplankton sampling from a 10 m depth in shelf, slope, and Gulf Stream eddy water along a transect running southeastward from Ambrose Light, New York, in 1976, 1977, and early 1978. Plankton abundance and temperature at 10 m and sea surface salinity at each station are listed. The effects of atmospheric forcing and Gulf Stream eddies on plankton distribution and abundance arc discussed. The frequency of Gulf Stream eddy passage through the New York Bight corresponded with the frequency of tropical-subtropical net phytoplankton in the samples. Gulf Stream eddies injected tropical-subtropical zooplankton onto the shelf and removed shelfwater and its entrained zooplankton. Wind-induced offshore Ekman transport corresponded generally with the unusual timing of two net phytoplankton maxima. Midsummer net phytoplankton maxima were recorded following the passage of Hurricane Belle (August 1976) and a cold front (July 1977). Tropical-subtropical zooplankton which had been injected onto the outer shelf by Gulf Stream eddies were moved to the inner shelf by a wind-induced current moving up the Hudson Shelf Valley. (PDF file contains 47 pages.)

Contributions to the biology of the engraulid Anchoa naso (Gilbert and Pierson, 1898) from Ecuadorian waters

ENGLISH: One phase of the duties of the Inter-American Tropical Tuna Commission is the gathering and interpretation of data concerning the life history of the commercially important bait species throughout the Eastern Pacific Ocean. During 1958 the Commission established a laboratory in Manta, Ecuador to study tuna. It was subsequently found that this fishery was dependent upon one species of anchovy, Anchoa naso, which was locally referred to as "colorado." During the calendar year 1959 approximately 380,000 scoops of bait were taken by the Manta tuna fleet (Schaefer, 1960), which at that time numbered about 23 vessels. Since then the fleet has increased by about 25 per cent and it is probable that the bait catch has increased also. Virtually nothing has been reported concerning the life history of this species. Hildebrand (1943) reviewed its taxonomy and reported standard lengths ranging from 32 to 135 mm. Peterson (1956) examined specimens from Central America and found them to range from 27 to 66 mm. He also indicated that the species spawned over a long period of time. The present report describes some aspects of the life history of Anchoa naso in Ecuadorian waters. The findings are based on 121 collections taken during the period March 1959 through June 1961. SPANISH: Una fase de las obligaciones de La Comisión Interamericana del Atún Tropical es la obtensión e interpretación de los datos concernientes a la historia natural de las especies de carnada comercialmente importantes en todo el Océano Pacifico Oriental. En el año de 1958 la Comisión estableció un laboratorio en Manta, Ecuador, para estudiar el atún. Se encontró subsecuentemente que esta pesquería dependía de una especie de anchoa, Anchoa naso, conocida localmente con el nombre de colorado. Durante el año calendario de 1959, la flota atunera de Manta, que en ese tiempo alcanzaba a unos 23 barcos, obtuvo aproximadamente 380,000 copas (scoops) de carnada (Schaefer, 1960). Desde entonces la flota ha aumentado en un 25 por ciento, y es probable que la captura de peces-cebo haya aumentado también. Nada se ha informado virtualmente sobre la historia natural de esta especie. Hildebrand (1943) revisó su taxonomia e informó sobre su longitud estándar, que varia entre los 32 y 135 mm. Peterson (1956) examinó especímenes de la América Central, y encontró que variaban entre los 27 y 66 mm. También indicó que la especie desova durante un largo periodo de tiempo. El presente informe describe algunos aspectos de la historia natural de la Anchoa naso en aguas ecuatorianas. Los hallazgos están basados en 121 recolecciones hechas durante el periodo de marzo de 1959 a junio de 1961. (PDF contains 30 pages.)

Spawning pattern of the Nematopalaemon hastatus (Crustacea: Palaemonidae) (Aurivilius, 1898), exploited in the artisanal shrimp fishery in the outer Cross River estuary

Some aspects of the reproduction of Nematopalaemon hastatus in the artisanal shrimp fishery in the outer Cross River estuary (Nigeria) was investigated. 2 kg samples were taken from the daily catch of the N. hastatus fishery on a twice-weekly basis. The N. hastatus in the sample were then observed for gravidity, using a hand lens, and their post-orbital carapace length (POCL) taken. This was done over a 12-month period. The eggs in formalin-fixed samples showed colour changes from light orange to dark brown with maturation. Gravid females with eggs in different stages of maturation, from light orange to dark brown were observed in the samples. The reproduction occurs all year-round. The proportion of gravid females observed in samples had two distinct peaks in June and November, and two distinct troughs in May and October. The lowest length at which gravidity was observed was 6.0 mm POCL. There were no Penaeus notialis in the samples

1976 step in the Pacific climate: forty environmental changes between 1968-1975 and 1977-1984

Examination of 40 time series of multidisciplinary environmental variables from the Pacific Ocean and the Americas, collected in 1968 to 1984, demonstrated the remarkable consistency of a major climate-related, step-like change in 1976. To combine the 40 variables (e.g., air and water temperatures, Southern Oscillation, chlorophyll, geese, salmon, crabs, glaciers, atmospheric dust, coral, carbon dioxide, winds, ice cover, Bering Strait transport) into a single time series, standard variants of individual annual values (subtracting the mean and dividing by a standard deviation) were averaged. Analysis of the resulting time series showed that the single step in 1976, separating the 1968-1975 period from the 1977-1984 period, accounted for 89% of variance within the composite time series. Apparently, one of the Earth's large ecosystems occasionally undergoes large abrupt shifts.

The vertical distribution of zooplankton in the Goggausee (the influence of algae and Chaoborus flavicans) [Translation from: Carinthia II 166/186 373-385, 1976]

The Goggausee, a small, shallow, meromictic lake(700m long, 150m wide, max. depth=12m, mean depth=6m), was the site of a week long study (19-26 May 1974) of the limnology department of the University of Vienna. The study comprised pollen analysis and palaeolimnological studies on the one hand, as well as a stock- taking of physiochemical factors, primary production, bacteria, zooplankton, zoo benthos and fish on the other. This paper studies the zooplankton of the lake. The Goggausee is a meromictic lake, with its anoxic deep water, that restricts the vertical distribution of most zooplankton. The aim of the study was to pursue the vertical distribution of the rotifers and Crustacea. Density of individuals, biomass, percentages of zooplankton together and crustaceans and rotifers as groups. Special consideration is given to the the Dipteran Chaoborus flavicans.

On the diel rhythm of motor activity in perch [Translation from: Informatsionnyi Byulleten Biologiya Vnutrennikh Vod No.30, 12-14, 1976]

The river perch (Perca fluviatilis L.) is most active in the daytime hours, and displays seasonal changes of diel rhythm with a break of the rhythm in spring and autumn. In the present work data were obtained on the motor activity of 3 perch measuring l8-20 cm, caught by net in the littoral of a reservoir and spawned under laboratory conditions. The degree of intensity of movement of perch was judged by special experiments. The results are summarised in this short paper.

On the occurrence of Pithophora oedogonia (Mont.) Wittr. var. polyspora Rendle et West fil (Cladophoraceae) in the pond of the Wroclaw Botanical Garden [Translation from: Fragmenta Floristica et Geobotanica 22 255-260, 1976]

Species of Pithophora occasionally appear in Europe and are associated mostly with the tropical, higher water plants, cultivated in numerous botanical gardens. In June 1973 pale green, branched threads were discovered in the pond of the Wroclaw Botanical Garden, amongst filaments of Spirogyra crassa (Kutz.) Czurda emend. and Cladophora glomerata (L.) Kutz. floating on the water surface. They were maintained for several weeks in crude cultures and produced numerous, dark akinetes tightly packed with reserve material. This collected material was found to be a member of the family Pithophora, Wittr. Further examinations identified the material as Pithophora oedogonia. The findings point out that it is probable, that species of Pithophora Wittr. can become acclimatized in Europe, primarily in ponds of botanical gardens, where consequently they are able to tangle easily with higher tropical plants.

Recolonisation of temporary streams and evolution of a degree of stability of the zoocenose [Translation from: Ecologia Mediterranea No.1 149-164, 1976]

When flow returns to a temporary stream a certain number of plant and animal species establish themselves more or less rapidly on the stream-bed constituting the initial phase of evolution of the re-population. This phase is essentially characterised by the ”awakening” of animal species that passed the dry season in a dormant state and by the development of the first unicellular algae that constitute the periphyton. Then they are succeeded by more or less stable animal groups and the structural complexity increases. The authors of the present study aim to analyse the dynamics of community succession from the return of water to the biotope until its drying up. It is attempted to determine the influence of the duration of flow on this evolution. This work is based on the analysis of population diversity with reference to its two complementary aspects, species richness and equitability. The River Destel which was studied for this project is situated in the Gorge of Ollioules near the town of Toulon.

Investigations on saprolegniosis. II. Study on the process of penetrations showing evidence of a proteolytic enzyme and histopathological aspects [Translation from: Riv.ital.Piscicolt.Ittiopatol. 11(4), 109-117, 1976]

The study of enzymatic activity is of great importance in the immunology of fungi. Indeed, knowledge of biological activity of antigenic structures is important for the elucidation of host-parasite relations as well as in the search for a taxonomic factor permitting differential diagnoses. The authors used Saprolegnia cultures to analyse soluble antigenic fractions arising from the mycelium of cultures of 4 species of Saprolegnia, which are found most frequently in the parasitic state on fish: S. parasitica, S. ferax, S. delica, S. diclina. The authors conclude that in the study of saprolegniasis, the enzymatic approach affords new elements for the examination of the etiology of fungi as well as an element of gravity concerning the biochemical modifications necessary to the change of saprophytism to parasitism.

Saprolegnia on roach (Leuciscus rutilus) and carp (Cyprinus carpio) [Translation from: Acta zool.pathol.Antverpiensia 43 107-123, 1976]

There is, in nature, as well as in the aquarium, a parasitic disease known as 'mousse' and which attacks predominantly fish. It is caused by Phycomycete fungi, genus Saprolegnia. The fungus causes external lesions and covers the fish with a thick white layer from whence comes the name 'mousse', commonly attributed to the disease, for which the scientific name is Saprolegnia. This article provides an overview of Saprolegnia infections on fish in nature and aquaria and then discusses symptomology of Saprolegnia in the mirror caro and t roach in more detail.

Studies on the submerged plant community in Lake Biwa. I. Distribution and productivity of Egeria densa. A submerged plant invader in the south basin [Translation from: Physiol.Ecol.Japan 17, 283-290, 1976]

Egeria densa (PLANCH.) ST. JOHN, a submerged plant invader, forms a wide submerged plant zone, particularly along the west coast of the south basin, Lake Biwa. The macrophyte occupies over 82% of the plant zone in the basin and its biomass reaches 93% of the total. The estimated annual net production was approximately 1 kg dry wt./m2 in a dense area, which is about 4.5 times as much as the net production by phytoplankton in an offshore area of the basin. Although the area covered by the macrophyte is only 5.8% of the total of the basin, it produced about one-tenth of the total annual primary production. In the most productive season Egeria produced 46% of the total primary productivity. Thus, the macrophyte never be neglected when one considers the energy flow or material circulation in the basin. This study was initiated in order to clarify the role of submerged macrophytes, particularly E. densa, in Lake Biwa. The following points are reported in this paper: the distribution of macrophytes in the south basin; seasonal change in standing crop of E. densa; seasonal change in values related to production, utilizing a model proposed by Ikushima with its parameters experimentally determined.

Report of the Inter-American Tropical Tuna Commission for the year 1976

ENGLISH: The Inter-American Tropical Tuna Commission operates under the authority and direction of a convention originally entered into by the Republic of Costa Rica and the United States of America. The convention, which came into force in 1950, is open to adherence by other governments whose nationals fish for tropical tunas in the eastern Pacific Ocean. Under this provision the Republic of Panama adhered in 1953, the Republic of Ecuador in 1961, the United Mexican States in 1964, Canada in 1968 and Japan in 1970. In 1967, Ecuador gave notice of her intent to withdraw from the Commission, and her withdrawal became effective on August 21,1968The Commission held its 33rd meeting in Managua, Nicaragua, during October 11-14. SPANISH: La Comisión Interamericana del Atún Tropical está bajo la autoridad y dirección de una convención la cual fue originalmente formada por la República de Costa Rica y los Estados Unidos de América. La Convención, vigente desde 1950, está abierta a la afiliación de otros gobiernos cuyos nacionales pesquen atún en el Pacífico oriental tropical. Bajo esta medida la República de Panamá se afilió en 1953, la República del Ecuador en 1961, los Estados Unidos Mexicanos en 1964, Canadá en 1968 y el Japón en 1970. En 1967, el Ecuador anunció su intención de retirarse de la Comisión y la renuncia se hizo efectiva el 21 de agosto de 1968. La Comisión celebró su XXXIII reunión en Managua, Nicaragua del 11 al 14 de octubre. (PDF contains 180 pages.)