Vertical transport and exchange of materials in the upper waters of the oceans (VERTEX): introduction to the program, hydrographic conditions and major component fluxes during VERTEX I

This paper introduces VERTEX, a multi-disciplinary research program dealing with various aspects of particle transport in the upper, high-energy layers (0-2000 m) of the ocean. Background information is presented on hydrography, biological composition of trapped particulates, and major component fluxes observed on a cruise off central California (VERTEX I). Organic C fluxes measured with two trap systems are compared with several other estimates taken from the literature. The intent of this overview paper is to provide a common setting in an economical manner, and avoid undue repetition of background and ancillary information in subsequent publications. (PDF is 43 pages).

Maintaining the "public good" nature of improved fish strains: dissemination of knowledge and materials

Many sources of information that discuss currents problems of food security point to the importance of farmed fish as an ideal food source that can be grown by poor farmers, (Asian Development Bank 2004). Furthermore, the development of improved strains of fish suitable for low-input aquaculture such as Tilapia, has demonstrated the feasibility of an approach that combines “cutting edge science” with accessible technology, as a means for improving the nutrition and livelihoods of both the urban poor and poor farmers in developing countries (Mair et al. 2002). However, the use of improved strains of fish as a means of reducing hunger and improving livelihoods has proved to be difficult to sustain, especially as a public good, when external (development) funding sources devoted to this area are minimal1. In addition, the more complicated problem of delivery of an aquaculture system, not just improved fish strains and the technology, can present difficulties and may go explicitly unrecognized (from Sissel Rogne, as cited by Silje Rem 2002). Thus, the involvement of private partners has featured prominently in the strategy for transferring to the public technology related to improved Tilapia strains. Partnering with the private sector in delivery schemes to the poor should take into account both the public goods aspect and the requirement that the traits selected for breeding “improved” strains meet the actual needs of the resource poor farmer. Other dissemination approaches involving the public sector may require a large investment in capacity building. However, the use of public sector institutions as delivery agents encourages the maintaining of the “public good” nature of the products.

Materials and methods for tagging purse seine and baitboat caught tunas

ENGLISH: The percentages of return of purse seine-tagged yellowfin and baitboat- tagged yellowfin and skipjack subjected to various combinations of treatments were tested statistically to determine the effects of the treatments. For yellowfin the precentages of return differed among sets or dates of release, and were higher for double-tagged fish, larger fish, and fish released soonest during each set. For skipjack the percentages of return differed among dates of release, and were higher for single-tagged fish and fish tagged in plastic-covered cradles. SPANISH: Los porcentajes de retorno de aleta amarilla marcado en barcos cerqueros y los de aleta amarilla y barrilete marcados en los de carnada sometidos a varias combinaciones de tratamientos fueron probados estadísticamente para determinar los efectos de los tratamientos. Con respecto al aleta amarilla los porcentajes de retorno fueron diferentes entre los lances o fechas de liberación, y fueron más altos para los peces con doble marca, peces de más talla y peces liberados lo más pronto durante cada lance. Los porcentajes de retorno del barrilete fueron diferentes entre las fechas de liberación, y fueron más altos para peces con una sola marca y peces marcados en cunas cubiertas con plástico. (PDF contains 41 pages.)

The use of locally available materials in fish feed production

In Nigeria, the culture of fish is gaining importance, but local fish farmers face a set back because of the stoppage on importation of fish feed. Locally available raw materials such as yam, plantain, banana, cowpeas, macuna, maize, cassava, millet, sorghum, groundnut, sunnhemp seed and brewery wastes are considered as potential materials for fish feed. These have been examined on their minimum protein contributions since this is the most expensive part of the fish feed. Alternative sources to animal proteins are also examined. Plant protein from groundnut, melon, mucuna and others compare favourably with bloodmeal mixture and thus can be used to replace the more expensive animal proteins. Pellet feed can be produced on a small scale or commercial basis from the locally available raw materials and the fish farmer is advised to seek assistance from qualified fisheries personnel

Marketing of fishing gear materials and fishing gear making in parts of Kainji Lake basin

The importance of fishing gear in fishing cannot be over-emphasized; as without it fish cannot be obtained. The method used to catch fish affects the condition in which the product is landed. This means that a bad-catching method would produced bad fish to the consumer. To achieve the goal of self-sufficiency in fish production in Nigeria, there is need to address the lingering problems of fishing gear and craft technology, especially in terms of availability of materials and their cost. The sale and making of fishing gear materials are two areas of fisheries, which are yet to be exploited by the general public as forms of businesses for livelihood. The study is conducted in villages around the lower part of Kainji Lake, towards the dam, including New Bussa. It reveals that only the fishermen themselves are involved in making their own fishing gears while those involved in the selling of fishing gear materials like the sheet netting, ropes, twines, floats, sinkers etc are business men and women who may not have any experience of fishing. Also considered in the study is the art of making fishing crafts like the canoe and gourd. Very few entrepreneurs are involved and they are so skilled that each is specialized in the making of only one kind of craft or gear

Processes controlling the quantities of biogenic materials in lakes and reservoirs subject to cultural eutrophication

The processes which control the growth, composition, succession and loss from suspension of phytoplankton algae are briefly reviewed, with special reference to function in eutrophic reservoir systems. The ecology of larger algal biomasses supported by high nutrient loading rates are more likely to be subject to physical (wash-out, underwater light penetration, thermal stability and mixing) than to chemical constraints. Sudden changes in the interactions between physical factors temporarily impair the growth of dominant algal species, and advance the succession. Certain algae may be cropped heavily, but selectively, by zooplankton feeding, but they are rarely the species which cause problems in waterworks practice. Grazing, however, does influence succession. A deeper understanding of the operation of loss control mechanism is urgently required. Potentially, manipulation of the physical environment provides an important means of alleviating day-to-day algal problems in eutrophic reservoirs; in terms of cost effectiveness these may prove to be more attractive than reducing nutrient loads at source.

The durability of different fish cage materials and the pros and cons of cage rotation

The procedures described are standard methods used in the European Union to quantify wood quality. Samples used here were smaller than the standards laid down in the DIN system (12 x 12 x 16 cm) as Litsea is a small tree and planks of the required size are unobtainable. The use of quality sized samples means that the results presented here can be compared with each other but unfortunately not with data in the literature. Wood is dried first at ambient temperature in the shade to reduce moisture content to an even 11-12%. Part of the sample was then oven-dried to 0% moisture content and its specific density determined by weighing a subsample of 128 cm super(3) (4 x 4 x 8 cm). Strength of expansion of the wood is determined as the percentage by which the wood sample can be pulled apart parallel and vertical to the grain before it breaks. Compression and bending strengths and elasticity are measured by compressing, bending and pulling wood sample in a machine specially designedto determine the forces required.

Biodeterioration of cellulose materials in Karingote, Nileswaram, Kavvayi and Ramapuram Backwater systems of Kerala

The hydrographic conditions prevailing in an estuarine system along the southwest coast of India are described. The nature of destruction of timber in these backwaters has been examined in detail which revealed the existence of 8 species of shipworms, 2 species each of pholads and isopods. The shipworms are represented by Dicyathifer manni, Lyrodus pedicellatus, Teredo furcifera, T. clappi, Nausitora dunlopei, Bankia carinata, B. campanellata; the pholads by Martesia striata and M. (Purticoma) nairi; and the isopods by Sphaeroma terebrans and S. annandalei. The incidence and relative abundance of these pests are discussed in relation to the salinity profile of the estuary.

Technical terms in fishing gear materials and gear fabrication

Papers dealing with technical terms in fisheries science are few. This paper however, covers only one or two aspects of the subject, namely fishing gear materials and fishing gear fabrication. Similar papers on other aspects are also planned. Short explanations or descriptions are also given wherever considered necessary.

A survey of process hygiene in the Sri Lankan prawn industry. 1. Hygiene status of raw materials and products

A survey of processing hygiene in the Sri Lankan prawn industry has shown that the incoming raw material has extremely high bacterial loadings; about 50% of samples analysed had a total count in excess of 10,000,000/g. Although beheading reduces the count, ineffective temperature control during processing means that the final total count of raw, shell-on, P.U.D. and P.A.D. prawns, as well as cooked prawns, is in excess of 1,000,000/g. - the maximum level specified by many importing countries.