Observations on the distribution, daytime migrations and daily food intake rates of Chaoborus flavicans (Meigen) in the Goggausee [Translation from: Carinthia II 165(85), 184-190, 1975]

The Goggausee, in spite of its modest depth (Zmax = 12 metres), shows meromictic properties: autumn and spring circulation extend only to a depth of 8 metres. The water layers below about 10 metres are constantly oxygen-free, the critical zone with at least intermittent oxygen loss lies at a depth of between 6 and 10 metres. A limnological excursion in May 1974 offered an opportunity to investigate the daily vertical migration of the species Chaoborus flavicans with reference to its food supply of zooplankton as well as the chance to carry out some preliminary experiments on its rate of food intake. Among the studied features were the planktonic depth distribution of Chaoborus flavicans and the food intake of Chaoborus larvae under experimental conditions.

An Analysis of 1974 Striped Bass spawning success in the Potomac Estuary.

ABSTRACT: The Potomac River Fisheries Program is concerned with the longterm effects of power plant ichthyoplankton entrainment on striped bass(hforone smatilis) recruitment. Since striped bass population fluctuations are determined strongly by environmental conditions during spawning and early development, assessment of power plant-induced ichthyoplankton mortalities must consider the mechanisms controlling spawning success. Ichthyoplankton distributions for 1974, spawning population abundance and fecundity, and environmental conditions were considered for analysis. Loss of the early part of the spawn (including the peak) accounted for the highest mortalities among ichthyoplankton. This was due to the proximity of these distributions to the salt wedge where transport into regions un!ivorable to survival seems to have occurred. The later, successful portion of the spawn occurred further upstream, in fresh tidal portions of the river. The sequence of events Ieading to an assessment of factors affecting ichthyoplankton surnnl are evaluated. Due to high early mortalities in ichthyoplankton, 1974 spawning success was low, and a poor yearclass is projected.

Magnitude and Extent of Contaminated Sediment and Toxicity in Chesapeake Bay

INTRODUCTION: This report summarizes the results of NOAA's sediment toxicity, chemistry, and benthic community studies in the Chesapeake Bay estuary. As part of the National Status and Trends (NS&T) Program, NOAA has conducted studies to determine the spatial extent and severity of chemical contamination and associated adverse biological effects in coastal bays and estuaries of the United States since 1991. Sediment contamination in U.S. coastal areas is a major environmental issue because of its potential toxic effects on biological resources and often, indirectly, on human health. Thus, characterizing and delineating areas of sediment contamination and toxicity and demonstrating their effect(s) on benthic living resources are viewed as important goals of coastal resource management. Benthic community studies have a history of use in regional estuarine monitoring programs and have been shown to be an effective indicator for describing the extent and magnitude of pollution impacts in estuarine ecosystems, as well as for assessing the effectiveness of management actions. Chesapeake Bay is the largest estuarine system in the United States. Including tidal tributaries, the Bay has approximately 18,694 km of shoreline (more than the entire US West Coast). The watershed is over 165,000 km2 (64,000 miles2), and includes portions of six states (Delaware, Maryland, New York, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and West Virginia) and the District of Columbia. The population of the watershed exceeds 15 million people. There are 150 rivers and streams in the Chesapeake drainage basin. Within the watershed, five major rivers - the Susquehanna, Potomac, Rappahannock, York and James - provide almost 90% of the freshwater to the Bay. The Bay receives an equal volume of water from the Atlantic Ocean. In the upper Bay and tributaries, sediments are fine-grained silts and clays. Sediments in the middle Bay are mostly made of silts and clays derived from shoreline erosion. In the lower Bay, by contrast, the sediments are sandy. These particles come from shore erosion and inputs from the Atlantic Ocean. The introduction of European-style agriculture and large scale clearing of the watershed produced massive shifts in sediment dynamics of the Bay watershed. As early as the mid 1700s, some navigable rivers were filled in by sediment and sedimentation caused several colonial seaports to become landlocked. Toxic contaminants enter the Bay via atmospheric deposition, dissolved and particulate runoff from the watershed or direct discharge. While contaminants enter the Bay from several sources, sediments accumulate many toxic contaminants and thus reveal the status of input for these constituents. In the watershed, loading estimates indicate that the major sources of contaminants are point sources, stormwater runoff, atmospheric deposition, and spills. Point sources and urban runoff in the Bay proper contribute large quantities of contaminants. Pesticide inputs to the Bay have not been quantified. Baltimore Harbor and the Elizabeth River remain among the most contaminated areas in the Unites States. In the mainstem, deep sediment core analyses indicate that sediment accumulation rates are 2-10 times higher in the northern Bay than in the middle and lower Bay, and that sedimentation rates are 2-10 times higher than before European settlement throughout the Bay (NOAA 1998). The core samples show a decline in selected PAH compounds over the past several decades, but absolute concentrations are still 1 to 2 orders of magnitude above 'pristine' conditions. Core data also indicate that concentrations of PAHs, PCBs and, organochlorine pesticides do not demonstrate consistent trends over 25 years, but remain 10 times lower than sediments in the tributaries. In contrast, tri-butyl-tin (TBT) concentrations in the deep cores have declined significantly since it=s use was severely restricted. (PDF contains 241 pages)

Impact of the commercial fishery on the population of bait shrimp (Penaeus spp.) in Biscayne Bay, 1986

Monthly population size of bait shrimp in the Bay was estimated from December 1984 to July 1985. Growth rates for male and female P. duorarum showed that pink shrimp exhibit a mean residence time in the nursery area (Biscayne Bay) of approximately 21 weeks. Monthly mortality rates were determined for each sex of pink shrimp. It was estimated that 23% and 26% of the male and female monthly population size, respectively, was absorbed by both the fishery and ecosystem monthly. Monthly proportion of the standing stock expected to die exclusively through fishing was 6.5% and 6.0% for males and females respectively. Estimates of emigration rates showed that approximately 4.0% of the population was lost from the Bay system each month. This surplus production was about 50% of the average monthly catch by the fleet. Fishing mortality represents only 8 - 9% of the losses to the shrimp population. The biggest source of loss is emigration, suggesting that most shrimp beyond the size at recruitment (to the fishery) are not utilized for food while in the Bay. Thus, it appears that the direct impact of the fishery on the bait shrimp population is relatively small. (PDF contains 46 pages)

A study of populations of the anchoveta, Cetengraulis mysticetus, based on meristic characters

ENGLISH: This study was undertaken to determine whether meristic characters indicate that more than one major population of anchovetas occurs in the range of the species from Mexico to Peru. Interest in this species lies in the fact that it is the principal bait fish used to catch yellowfin and skipjack tunas in the Eastern Pacific. Specimens examined were from collections made by California tuna fishing vessels at six major baiting localities covering nearly the entire range of the species, namely, Almejas Bay on the outer coast of Baja California, Guaymas and Ahome Point in the Gulf of California, Gulf of Fonseca, Gulf of Panama, and Gulf of Guayaquil. Four meristic characters were selected for study: vertebrae, dorsal fin rays, anal fin rays, and gill rakers on the first gill arch. Vertebral counts, using X-ray film, were taken from a total of 1,500 fish, 250 each from each of the six localities. For the other characters, 125 anchovetas were examined from each locality for a total of 750, the counts being made with the aid of a binocular microscope. Specimens were between 80 and 165 mm. standard length. SPANISH: Este estudio ha sido hecho con el propósito de determinar si los caracteres numéricos de las anchovetas indican que existe más de una población de este pez en la zona en que se encuentra la especie, comprendida entre México y Perú. El interés en dicha especie radica en el hecho de que éste es el pez de carnada usado principalmente para la pesca de los atunes "aleta amarilla" y "barrilete" en el Pacífico Oriental. Los especímenes que han sido examinados, se tomaron de las muestras recogidas por los barcos atuneros de California en seis de las mejores localidades en que se pesca la anchoveta, las cuales comprenden casi toda la zona en donde se encuentra la especie, a saber, Bahía de Almejas en la costa exterior de Baja California, Guaymas y Punta Ahorne en el Golfo de California, el Golfo de Fonseca, el Golfo de Panamá y el Golfo de Guayaquil. Cuatro caracteres numéricos fueron escogidos para su estudio: los que presentan 1) las vértebras, 2) los radios de la aleta dorsal, 3) los radios de la aleta anal y 4) las branquispinas del primer arco branquial. Mediante el uso de películas con rayos X, se contaron las vértebras en un total de 1,500 peces, es decir, 250 de cada una de las seis mencionadas localidades. En relación con los otros caracteres, se examinaron 125 anchovetas de cada área, o sea, un total de 750 ejemplares, habiendo sido hecho el conteo por medio de un microscopio binocular. Los especímenes tenían un largo standard entre 80 y 165 milímetros. (PDF contains 24 pages.)

Geographical distribution of yellowfin tuna and skipjack catches from the Eastern Tropical Pacific Ocean, by quarters of the year, 1952-1955

ENGLISH: In a previous Commission Bulletin, Shimada (1957) has described the geographical distribution of the yearly catches of yellowfin tuna (Neothunnus macropterus) and skipjack (Katsuwonus pelamis) from the Eastern Pacific Ocean for the period 1952 to 1955 inclusive, based on information obtained from logbook records of baitboats and purse-seiners. In view of the seasonal nature of the fishery in different areas, a summary of the catches by smaller time units may be of additional value. Accordingly, statistical data employed earlier by Shimada have been retabulated by quarters of the year and form the basis of the present report. SPANISH: En un Boletín anterior de la Comisión, Shimada (1957) hizo un estudio sobre la distribución geográfica de las pescas anuales de atún aleta amarilla (Neothunnus macropterus) y barrilete (Katsuwonus pelamis) del Océano Pacifico Oriental, en el perlado comprendido por los años 1952 a 1955 inclusive. Dicho estudio fué hecho sobre la base de la información obtenida en los registros de las bitácoras de los barcos carnaderos y rederos. Pero en vista de la naturaleza que imprimen las estaciones a la pesquería en las diferentes áreas se ha considerado que podría tener valor complementario un resumen de las pescas en unidades de tiempo menores. De acuerdo con este criterio, los datos estadísticos empleados antes por Shimada, se han tabulado de nuevo ahora, por trimestres, y constituyen siempre la base del presente informe. (PDF contains 49 pages.)

Sind südliche Arten in Nord- und Ostsee auf dem Vormarsch?

The long and warm summer 2003 resulted in water temperatures of about 2°C above the average. This promoted the immigration of southern species like the Anchovy, the Sardine, the Red Mullet and different Squid species. The possible conclusions of such invasions concerning the ordinary species of the area are rather contradictory: For the Western Baltic a positive correlation between the occurrence of Anchovy and a good Cod year-class is shown. For the southern North Sea, stomach investigations of Squid make a negative effect on fish eggs and larvae more likely.

Schwacher Nachwuchsjahrgang 2001 des Herings in der westlichen Ostsee

Several fishery independent estimates of the year-class strength are necessary for the assessment and the management of the total fish stock. An index for the year-class strength of the spring spawning herring in the western Baltic Sea is estimated on the basis of larvae surveys in the most important spawning ground. The results indicate a weak year-class 2001.

Analysis of variance and standardization of longline hook rates of bigeye (Thunnus obesus) and yellowfin (Thunnus albacares) tunas in the Eastern Pacific Ocean during 1975-1987

ENGLISH: Longline hook rates of bigeye and yellowfin tunas in the eastern Pacific Ocean were standardized by maximum depth of fishing, area, and season, using generalized linear models (GLM's). The annual trends of the standardized hook rates differ from the unstandardized, and are more likely to represent the changes in abundance of tunas in the age groups most vulnerable to longliners in the fishing grounds. For both species all of the interactions in the GLM's involving years, depths of fishing, areas, and seasons were significant. This means that the annual trends in hook rates depend on which depths, areas, and seasons are being considered. The overall average hook rates for each were estimated by weighting each 5-degree quadrangle equally and each season by the number of months in it. Since the annual trends in hook rates for each fishing depth category are roughly the same for bigeye, total average annual hook rate estimates are possible with the GLM. For yellowfin, the situation is less clear because of a preponderance of empty cells in the model. The full models explained 55% of the variation in bigeye hook rate and 33% of that of yellowfin. SPANISH: Se estandardizaron las tasas de captura con palangre de atunes patudo y aleta amarilla en el Océano Pacífico oriental por la profunidad máxima de pesca, área, y temporada, usando modelos lineales generalizados (MLG). Las tendencias anuales de las tasas de captura estandardizadas son diferentes a las de las tasas no estandardizadas, y es más que representen los cambios en la abundancia de los atunes en los grupos de edad más vulnerables a los palangreros en las áreas de pesca. Para ambas especies fueron significativas todas las interacciones en los MLG con año, profundidad de pesca, área, y temporada. Esto significa que las tendencias anuales de las tasas de captura dependen de cuál profundidad, área, y temporado se está considerando. Para la estimación de la tasa de captura general media para cada especie se ponderó cada cuadrángulo de 5 grados igualmente y cada temporada por el número de meses que contiene. Ya que las tendencias anuales en las tasas de captura para cada categoría de profundidad de pesca son aproximadamente iguales para el patudo, son posibles estimaciones de la tasa de captura anual media total con el MLG. En el caso del aleta amarilla, la situación es más confusa, debido a una preponderancia de celdas vacías en el modelo. Los modelos completos explican el 55% de la variación de la tasa de captura de patudo y 33% de la del aleta amarilla. (PDF contains 19 pages.)

Preliminary study of the aquatic macrophytes of selected fish ponds and reservoirs in Makurdi, Benue State, Nigeria

A five months survey was conducted to identify the aquatic macrophytes in fishponds and reservoirs in Makurdi (Benue State, Nigeria) between August and December 1999. A total of 3-prominent aquatic macrophytes were identified: Ipomoea aquatica, Nymphae lotus and Echinochloa pyramidalis at two-study sites (site 1, receives organic manure effluent from a cattle ranch, site 2, receives inorganic fertilizer through application). Ipomoea aquatica were found restricted to site l, while Nymphae lotus and Echinochloa pyramidalis were found associated with site 2. Analysis of the results indicates high level of ammonia-nitrogen at site 1 compared to site 2. Mineral analysis of the plant tissues indicate high level of iron in Ipomoea aquatica and Nymphae lotus. Mineral concentration were found to be significantly higher (P,L, 0.05) in Ipomoea aquatica and Nymphae lotus when compared with concentration in Echinochloa pyramidalis

Preliminary study of the aquatic macrophytes of selected fish ponds and reservoirs in Makurdi, Benue State, Nigeria

A five months survey was conducted to identify the aquatic macrophytes in fishponds and reservoirs in Makurdi (Benue State, Nigeria) between August and December 1999. A total of 3-prominent aquatic macrophytes were identified: Ipomoea aquatica, Nymphae lotus and Echinochloa pyramidalis at two-study sites (site 1, receives organic manure effluent from a cattle ranch, site 2, receives inorganic fertilizer through application). Ipomoea aquatica were found restricted to site l, while Nymphae lotus and Echinochloa pyramidalis were found associated with site 2. Analysis of the results indicates high level of ammonia-nitrogen at site 1 compared to site 2. Mineral analysis of the plant tissues indicate high level of iron in Ipomoea aquatica and Nymphae lotus. Mineral concentration were found to be significantly higher (P,L, 0.05) in Ipomoea aquatica and Nymphae lotus when compared with concentration in Echinochloa pyramidalis

Radioaktives Cäsium im Fisch der Barentssee weiterhin abnehmend

A decrease of 137Cs concentration in cod flesh from Barents Sea is shown by six years random sampling. This reduction runs parallel to reduced emissions from the nuclear fuel reprocessing plant Sellafield (Great Britain). It must be emphasized that even the highest values from 1992 are lower than comparable ones from the North Sea and from the Baltic. Although there is no increase of the radiation dose on people by consuming these fishes further monitoring should not be stopped. Potential risk arises from radioactive wastes of the russian nuclear navy in their coastal area. Obviously a safe storage seams almost too expensive.

Aktuelle Bestandsabschätzungen wirtschaftlich wichtiger Grundfischarten im Nordostatlantik

Assessments on stocks of cod, haddock, saithe, redfish and Greenland halibut were carried out by the "Arctic Fisheries Working Group" in August 1995. The most important results are given in this report.

Selektionsversuche mit Trenngittern (sorting grids)

Der Beifang an kleinen Fischen beim Fang von Tiefseegarnelen (Pandalus borealis) ist sowohl aus Gründen des Bestandsschutzes als auch aus der Sicht des Fischers absolut unerwünscht. Diese Fische überleben zum größten Teil nicht die Fangprozedur, auch nicht, wenn sie unmittelbar nach dem Hol wieder über Bord gegeben werden. Sie sind damit für den Erhalt des betreffenden Bestandes verloren, kommerziell wertlos und verursachen in größeren Mengen einen erheblichen Sortieraufwand, der sich auf die finanzielle Bilanz einer Fangreise negativ auswirkt.