Energetics of resting metabolism in an Indian major carp (Catla catla Ham.)

Resting metabolism in Indian major carp, Catla catla Ham. fingerlings were investigated. For this purpose a water recirculatory system in the laboratory was used. The metabolic energy losses were determined by the indirect method of oxygen consumption by the fish and were then multiplied by an oxycalorific coefficient (Q-ox). Five metabolism chambers in the experimental system were used where there were two same treatment runs in quadruplicate of mean total weight of fish fingerlings of 109.5, 110.4, 112.8 and 111.6g/chamber. The water temperature in the system was 28±0.5°C. The mean metabolic rate in the replicates showed no significant variation (p>0.05) and was found to be 151.66, 153.91, 150.25, 152.74 mgO-2/kg/h respectively. This showed an equivalent energy loss 5.40, 5.52, 5.51 and 5.56 KJ/chamber/day (35.60, 35.92, 36.67 and 36.40 KJ/kg/day) respectively. Energetics of resting metabolism in an Indian major carp (Catla catla Ham.)

Photo thermal induced effects on testes and pituitary gonadotropic cells during resting phase of reproductive cycle in a murrel, Channa punctatus (Bloch)

Effects of various combinations of photoperiod and temperature (NL-NT, LD 15:9-28°C, NL-28°C and LD 15:9 NT) were studied on testicular activity and pituitary gonadotropic cells in Channa punctatus during resting phase of reproductive cycle. Long photoperiod (LD 15:9-28°C) and warm temperature (NL-28°C) regimes were found to be more effective for testicular maturation and secretory activity of gonadotropic cells suggesting testicular maturation via brain-pituitary-testicular axis.

Feeding Ecology of Humpback Whales in Continental Shelf Waters near Cordell Bank, California

Daytime feeding behavior of humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) in Gulf of the Farallones, California, and adjacent waters was observed during autumn of 1988 to 1990. Bodega Canyon, Cordell Bank, and the Farallon Islands were the primary sites of feeding activity. Fecal samples of whales and zooplankton tows contained euphausiids exclusively, dominated by Thysanoessa spinifera (79%), with lesser amounts of Euphausia pacifica (14%), Nyctiphanes simplex (4%), and Nematoscelis difficilis (3%). In 1988 and 1990, whales also were infrequently observed feeding on small schooling fish, presumably Pacific herring (Clupea pallasii), northern anchovy (Engraulis mordax), and juvenile rockfish (Sebastes spp.). Feeding was the most common behavior observed (52%), and less frequently traveling (23%), milling (21 %), and resting (4%). Whales used different methods to consume euphausiid prey at the surface (0-10 m), in shallow water (11-60 m), and deep water (61-140 m). Humpback whales fed at the surface 56% of time in 1988 and 32% of time in 1990, using primarily lateral lunges to capture swarms of euphausiids. In 1989, no surface feeding was observed; however, deep, long-duration dives were followed by extended surface intervals with many respirations. These 1989 observations coincided with increased prey depth as indicated by depth sounder records of diving whales and prey scattering layers. In 1989, increased prey depth and associated feeding behaviors were strongly associated with unusually high surface temperatures, calm seas, and changes in water circulation. Environmental conditions in 1989 triggered the most intense and wide-spread occurrence of red tide in this region since 1980. Red tide samples collected throughout this period contained Alexandrium (=Gonyaulax) catenella and Noctiluca scintillans. Surface feeding was observed only in 1988 and 1990, when surface prey were available and red tides were very limited in extent, duration, and intensity. Annual variations in humpback whale feeding behavior were related to prey availability which is affected by corresponding environmental conditions. (PDF contains 94 pages)

Panama City Fisheries Resources Office: FY 2006 Annual Report

HIGHLIGHTS FOR FY 2006 1. Captured and tagged 475 Gulf sturgeons in five Florida rivers and one bay. 2. Documented Gulf sturgeon marine movement and habitat use in the Gulf of Mexico. 3. Assisted the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) with the collection of Gulf sturgeon, implantation of acoustic tags, and monitoring of fish in a study to examine movement patterns and habitat use in Pensacola and Choctawhatchee bays post-Hurricane Ivan. 4. Provided technical assistance to Jon “Bo” Sawyer in completing a study – Summer Resting Areas of the Gulf Sturgeon in the Conecuh/Escambia River System, Alabama-Florida – for acquiring a Degree of Master of Science at Troy University, Alabama. 5. Coordinated tagging and data collection with NOAA observers aboard trawlers while collecting Gulf sturgeon during dredging operations in the coastal Gulf of Mexico. 6. Hosted the 7th Annual Gulf Sturgeon Workshop. 7. Implemented Gulf Striped Bass Restoration Plan by coordinating the 23rd Annual Morone Workshop, leading the technical committee, transporting broodfish, coordinating the stocking on the Apalachicola-Chattahoochee-Flint (ACF) river system, and evaluating post-stocking success. 8. Continued updating and managing the Freshwater Mussel Survey Database, a Geographic Information System (GIS) database, for over 800 unique sites in the Northeast Gulf (NEG) drainages in Alabama (AL), Georgia (GA), and Florida (FL). 9. Formed a recovery implementation team for listed mussels in the ACF river basin and oversaw grant cooperative agreements for 14 listed and candidate freshwater mussels in the NEG watersheds. 10. Initiated a project in the Apalachicola River to relocate mussels stranded as a result of drought conditions, and calculate river flows at which mussels would be exposed. 11. Initiated a project in Sawhatchee Creek, Georgia to determine the status of threatened and endangered (T&E) freshwater mussels and target restoration projects, population assessments, and potential population augmentation to lead toward recovery of the listed species. 12. Initiated a study to determine the age and growth of the endangered fat threeridge mussel (Amblema neislerii). 13. Provided technical assistance to the Panama City Ecological Services office for a biological opinion on the operations of Jim Woodruff Lock and Dam and its effects on the listed species and designated and proposed critical habitat in the Apalachicola River, Florida. 14. Assisted with a multi-State, inter-agency team to develop a management plan to restore the Alabama shad in the ACF river system. 15. Conducted fishery surveys on Tyndall AFB, Florida and Ft. Benning, Georgia and completed a report with recommendations for future recreational fishery needs. 16. Provided fishery technical assistance to four National Wildlife Refuges (NWR) (i.e., Okefenokee NWR, Banks Lake NWR, St. Vincent NWR, and St. Marks NWR). 17. Initiated an Aquatic Resources and Recreation Fishing Survey on Department of Defense facilities located in Region 4. 18. Identified 130 road-stream crossings on Eglin AFB for rehabilitation and elimination of sediment imputs. 19. Continued the Aquatics Monitoring Program at Eglin AFB to assess techniques that determine current status and sustainability of aquatic habitat and develop a measure to determine quality or degradation of habitat. 20. Assisted Eglin AFB Natural Resource managers in revising the installation’s Integrated Natural Resources Management Plan (INRMP) and its associated component plans. 21. Coordinated recovery efforts for the endangered Okaloosa darter including population/life history surveys, stream restoration, and outreach activities. 22. Initiated a comprehensive status review of the Okaloosa darter with analyses performed to assess available habitat, preferred habitats, range expansions/reductions/fragmentations, population size, and probability of extinction. 23. Assisted the Gulf Coastal Plain Ecosystem Partnership and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) under a Memorandum of Agreement to develop conservation strategies, implement monitoring and assessment programs, and secure funds for aquatic management programs in six watersheds in northwest Florida and southeast Alabama. 24. Entered into a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Air Force to encourage the conservation and rehabilitation of natural resources at Hurlburt Field, Florida. 25. Multiple outreach projects were completed to detail aquatic resources’ conservation needs and opportunities; including National Fishing Week, Earth Day, several festivals, and school outreach.

Evidence of algae in the excrement of ducks. [Translation from: Hydrobiologia 1 22-27, 1948. ]

In the extremely severe winter of 1946-47 the surface of the Pfaffikersee (near Zurich) lay under an unbroken seal of ice for a full three months. The number of wild ducks resting in this location was estimated to be about 400. Six samples of excrements of ducks were microscopically analysed and fragments of algae were identified. These analyses allow the expert to specify with definite certainty the feeding areas under investigation of the studied birds.

Bird migration and the spread of Crustacea. [Translation from: Verhandlungen der Deutschen Zoologischen Gesellschaft 27, 311-316, 1963.]

The passive spread of a high percentage of freshwater organisms is one of the most important requirements in short-lived and insular communities for species to attai n and survive - and consequently to balance the lack of a topographical continuity of most inland waters. Unfortunately hardly anything is known about the amounts of seed material typical for any lake into which it is carried. The causes of passive dissemination - wind, water and animals as well as man - are confirmed by many examples. It has been assumed now for at least a hundered years that , among animals, birds play a prominent role, although also disappointingly few facts are at hand. The passage and spread through birds' intestines has up to now been supported only by some limited data. This paper reports on experimental research where the eggs of Daphnia magna, Triops cancriformis, Artemia salina, Diaptomus spinosus and Cypris pubera were introduced by means of gelatine capsules into the oesophagus of a drake. The bird's excrements were inspected under a microscope for eggs and resting stages, and these were transferred into corresponding cultures.

Individual growth and seasonal cycle of Daphnia middendorffiana in an Alpine lake [Translation from: Memorie dell'Istituto Italiano di Idrobiologia Dott.Marco de Marchi 26 41-83, 1970]

The problem of the peculiar reproductive biology of the cladoceran Daphnia middendorffiana is investigated from a cytological viewpoint, and by direct observation the meiotic phenomena of the eggs both subitaneous and resting is studied. and during maturation, the true mechanism of the succession of reproductive phases of different ecological significance. Samples were collected in the Italian Alpine Lake of Campo 4°.

Nocturnal migration patterns of two Caribbean reef fishes, Haemulon sciurus and Lutjanus apodus [Poster]

In the Caribbean, many coral reef associated fishes have been observed making diel migrations, yet little is known about the detailed movement pathways and space use patterns of individual fish. Often these migrations occur along temporally or spatially consistent corridors that connect preferred resting and foraging habitats. Recent analysis of gut contents from Haemulids and Lutjanids, has provided evidence that these species forage in seagrass beds and other habitats near their coral reef refuges. Few studies have provided direct and spatially explicit evidence of nocturnal migrations and detailed day and night space use patterns for individual fish. This study integrated manual acoustic telemetry to track two common reef species, the bluestriped grunt (Haemulon sciurus) and schoolmaster snapper (Lutjanus apodus) throughout their daily home range. Space use patterns of these species were then examined using Geographical Information System (GIS) tools to link movement behavior to seascape structure derived in a benthic habitat map. This study represents a novel integration of spatial technologies to enhance our understanding of the movement ecology of adult H. sciurus and L. apodus.

Assessment and monitoring of marine debris in Gray's Reef National Marine Sanctuary

Gray’s Reef National Marine Sanctuary (GRNMS) is located 32.4 km offshore of Sapelo Island, Georgia. The ecological importance of this area is related to the transition between tropical and temperate waters, and the existence of a topographically complex system of ledges. Due to its central location, GRNMS can be used as a focal site to study the accumulation and impacts of marine debris on the Atlantic continental shelf offshore of the Southeast United States. Previously, researchers characterized marine debris in GRNMS and reported that incidence of the debris at the limited densely colonized ledge sites was significantly greater than at sand or sparsely colonized live bottom, and is further influenced by the level of boating activity and physiographic characteristics (e.g., ledge height). Information gleaned from the initial marine debris characterization was used to devise a strategy for prioritizing cleanup and monitoring efforts. However, a significant gap in knowledge was the rate of debris accumulation. The primary objective of this study was to select, mark, and perform initial marine debris surveys at permanent monitoring sites within GRNMS to quantify long-term trends in types, abundance, impacts, and accumulation rates of debris. Ledge sites were selected to compare types, abundance, and accumulation rates of marine debris between a) areas of high and low use and b) short and tall ledges. Nine permanent monitoring sites were marked and initially surveyed in 2007/2008. Surveys were conducted within a 50 x 4 m transect for a total survey area of 200 square meters. All debris was removed and detailed information was taken on the types of debris, quantity, and associations with benthic fauna. Information on associations with benthic fauna included degree of entanglement, type of organism with which it is entangled or resting on, degree of fouling, and visible impacts such as tissue abrasions. Sites were re-surveyed approximately one year later to quantify new accumulation. During the initial survey, a total of ten debris items, totaling 16.3 kg in weight, were removed from two monitoring stations, both “tall” sites within the area of high boat use. Year-one accumulation totaled five items and approximately 7 kg in weight. Similar to the initial survey, all debris was found at sites in the area of high boat use. However, in contrast to the initial survey, two of these items were found on medium-height ledges. Removed items included fishing line, leaders, rope, plastic, and fabric. Although items were often encrusted in benthic biota or entangled on the ledge, impacts such as abrasions or other injuries were not observed. During the 2009 monitoring efforts, volunteer divers were trained to conduct the survey. Monitoring protocols were documented for GRNMS staff and included as an appendix of this report to enable long-term monitoring of sites. Additionally, national reconnaissance data (e.g. satellite, radar, aerial surveys) and other information on known fishing locations were examined for patterns of resource use and correlations with debris occurrence patterns. A previous model predicting the density of marine debris based on ledge features and boat use was refined and the results were used to generate a map of predicted debris density for all ledges.

Examination of the foraging habits of Pacific harbor seal (Phoca vitulina richardsi) to describe their use of the Umpqua River, Oregon, and their predation on salmonids

The increase in harbor seal (Phoca vitulina richardsi) abundance, concurrent with the decrease in salmonid (Oncorhynchus spp.) and other fish stocks, raises concerns about the potential negative impact of seals on fish populations. Although harbor seals are found in rivers and estuaries, their presence is not necessarily indicative of exclusive or predominant feeding in these systems. We examined the diet of harbor seals in the Umpqua River, Oregon, during 1997 and 1998 to indirectly assess whether or not they were feeding in the river. Fish otoliths and other skeletal structures were recovered from 651 scats and used to identify seal prey. The use of all diagnostic prey structures, rather than just otoliths, increased our estimates of the number of taxa, the minimum number of individuals and percent frequency of occurrence (%FO) of prey consumed. The %FO indicated that the most common prey were pleuronectids, Pacific hake (Merluccius productus), Pacific stag-horn sculpin (Leptocottus armatus), osmerids, and shiner surfperch (Cymatogaster aggregata). The majority (76%) of prey were fish that inhabit marine waters exclusively and fish found in marine and estuarine areas (e.g. anadromous spp.) which would indicate that seals forage predominantly at sea and use the estuary for resting and opportunistic feeding. Salmonid remains were encountered in 39 samples (6%); two samples contained identifiable otoliths, which were determined to be from chi-nook salmon (O. tshawytscha). Because of the complex salmonid composition in the Umpqua River, we used molecular genetic techniques on salmonid bones retrieved from scat to discern species that were rare from those that were abundant. Of the 37 scats with salmonid bones but no otoliths, bones were identified genetically as chinook or coho (O. kisutch) salmon, or steelhead trout (O. mykiss) in 90% of the samples.

Feeding metabolism in an Indian major carp (Catla catla Lin.) fed on different protein diets

Feeding metabolism in an Indian major carp, Catla catla fingerlings of 10.8+0.56g was investigated in a flow-through water recirculating system. The metabolic energy loss in resting metabolism and feeding metabolism were determined by the indirect method of oxygen consumption followed by multiplication by suitable oxycalorific coefficient. This was done in four metabolic chambers of a respirometer system. Ten fish fingerlings of mean total weight of 109.5, 110.4 and 112.8g/chambers respectively each in two experimental runs of three treatments a, b and c were used. The mean resting metabolic rate during unfed condition showed no significant variation in different treatments. The fish in three treatments a, b and c fed on diets containing 28, 33 and 38% crude protein had significantly different (p<0.05) post-fed SDA magnitude of 497.7, 638.7 and 735.5 mgO2/chamber/day having an equivalent energy loss of 12.68, 14.68 and 15.86 KJ respectively. The SDA co-efficient in three treatments a, b and c were 14.95, 19.00 and 22.36% respectively whereas, respiratory energy - 'R' as % of mean total ingested energy in three treatments were 26.93, 31.17 and 34.74% respectively showing a significant increase (p<0.05) with increase of protein. Feeding metabolism in an Indian major carp (Catla catla Lin.) fed on different protein diets.

Predatory behaviour of a perch, Nandus nandus (Ham.)

Predatory behaviour of Nandus nandus was studied by offering Cyprinus carpio as prey. The study was conducted with six N. namdus (8.2 ±0.2 cm and 7.60 ±0.3g) represented as P 1, P 2, P 3, P 4, P 5 and P 6. Three size categories of prey (C. carpio) such as small (2.0 ±0.1 cm and 0.23 ±0.01g), large (3.6 ±0.1 cm and 0.57 ±O.O.lg) and mixed group consisting of both small and large prey were used for 14 days of trial. Predatory behavior was classified as targeting, driving, catching, handling, resting and next attempt of catching prey. After introduction of prey into the aquarium predators followed the movement of preys by eye movements and tried to target smaller one first. The predator grasped the head of the prey by its jaws by a drive and engulfed it wholly into the mouth. The average handling time (time taken to manipulate and swallow prey from capture to ceasation of pharyngeal movement) was 42±2 sec and 47±2 sec for small and large prey respectively. N. nandus were ingested more small prey than large prey though the size classes were equally available in case of mixed prey used. Although the prey consumption was higher in number when small prey were ingested but in weight the consumption was higher when ingested large size of prey. The study indicated that N. nandus, ingested more small prey and grasped the headfirst.

Spawning behaviour and induced breeding of an estuarine catfish, Mystus gulio (Ham.)

Spawning behaviour of hormone induced estuarine catfish, Mystus gulio was observed in captive condition. Spawning activities that include pairing, chasing and resting, nudging, and twisting, started about 5 hours post injection and ended with release of eggs within 1-2 hours of courtship. Three different dosages of "ovaprim" (1 ml/kg, 1.5 ml/kg, and 2 ml/kg in a single dose) were used in induced breeding of M gulio. The latency period was less (6-7 hours) with the dose of 1.5 and 2 ml/kg, while it was more (7-8 hours) with that of 1 ml/kg. However, all females spawned successfully with each of three different dosages, without any significant differences in the rate of fertilization and hatching. Eggs under all hormone dosages hatched between 18-20 hours after spawning. The hatching rate with 1, 1.5, and 2 ml/kg varied from 71.3-72.7%, corresponding to the fertilization rate of 80.7-84.7%.

La reproducción de la merluza en el Mar Argentino (Merlucciidae, Meluccius merluccius hubbsi) : 1. Descripción histológica del ciclo del ovario de merluza

The present paper deals on the histological description of the hake ovary made on the basis of gonad observations of 394 females during the period April 1966 March 1967. The material was obtained from weekly sampling of commercial catches carried out at the Institute of Marine Biology (Prov. Buenos Aires, Argentina). The anatomical and histological description of the standard ovary and the adopted terminology are given. The maturation process is divided into five periods, from ovocyte formation to yolked ovocyte formation, with its histological description. Ovary changes are analyzed on detail. The following conclusions were outlined: 1. Analysis demonstrated that although some specimens were totally spawned others, at the end of the spawning period, retaining a great number of ovocytes in different maturity stages. Therefore, postspawners have been classified as follows: Postspawned II : This stages is characterized by the empty ovarian structure, with ovocytes in stage II, which will remain in the resting phase untill next spawning season. Postspawned III and IV: Their main characteristics are: tissue destruction, bloody residuals and remaining ovocytes in stage III and IV, respectively. 2. Some transformations were found in ovaries of postspawned III and IV. They are classified as follows, according to its origin and structure: Developed from follicular cell membrane – a) Glandular formations, b) Epiteloid formations - Originated from remaining ovocytes, c) Ovocyte disintegration, d) Ovocyte with follicular cell infiltration. 3. All those structures derived from postpawners III and IV have a temporary character and will be reabsorbed. Their presence delay the recuperation of the organ and its reproductive functions. Consequently, the possibility of those structures acting as control mechanisms is suggested. 4. Transformations pointed out in paragraph Nº 2 prevent the possibility of consecutive spawning originated from the remaining ovocytes (II and IV). 5. No structures originated from postspawners III and IV were found during summer season. 6. Reproductive cycle of hake has been described monthly. It was observed that maturing ovaries predominate in summer (November-December).

La reproducción de la merluza en el Mar Argentino (Merlucciidae, Meluccius merluccius hubbsi) : 2. La reproducción de la merluza y su relación con otros aspectos biológicos de la especie

The paper deals with the spawning cycle of the hake, Merluccius merluccius hubbsi in the fishing area of the Argentine fleet, SW Atlantic (35°- 46° L. S.: 53°- 63° L.W.; 30-160 fathoms depth). It was made on the basis of the weekly sampling of the commercial catch in the period January 1965 - March 1968. The results have been compared with those of the exploratory surveys made by the United Nations Fisheries Development Program (República Argentina - FAO). The histological study, which was made with 741 specimens, was most intensive in females than in males. The results have been compared with the sexual stage determinations of both sexes in the total samples during the period before mentioned. The conclusions are: 1. The analysis of the ovocytes frequency distributions showed a period of resting or slow recuperation (April - August) with a mode of 120 ~k and one of rapid transformation (October - December) from 120 μ tíll 830 ~k. After December it appears again the mode of 120 ~k which indicated the reserve stock. 2. The maturity factor shows in both sexes a period of low values , 0,52 to 2% (April - September) and, another with higher values (October - March). In the first period the values are concentrated, while in the second one a large dispersion is observed produced by the rapidity of the growth process of the gonads. It is more evident between November and December. 3. The liver weight variations, compared with the degree of ingestion and the values of the maturity factor, in time, demonstrated that: a) after two periods of abundant ingestion (March - April and October- November) there are two increases of the liver index; b) the increase of the Iiver index has a direct relation to the maturity factor; c) at the end of the summer season, when the values of the maturity factor decrease, those of the liver index are still high. This demonstrates that the hake does not arrive exhausted at the end of the spawning season and that a rapid recuperation for a new spawning by part of the stock is possible. 4. Females predominate in the samples during most of the year. In the period October - December, when sexual activation occurs, as it is demonstrated by the high values of the maturity factor, proportions are nearly 1 :1, and males at times are more numerous than females. 5. The analisys of the advaneed maturity stages, in relation to total length shows that in the hake, Iike in other fishes, the largest ones mature first. This applies for both sexes. 6. The study of the maturity factor values and the sexual stages of the samples allows the recognition of two spawning periods, the main one in summer (October - March) and another in winter (June - July). 7. Part of the summer spawners, with a rapid recuperation, should be able to spawn again in winter. This indicates that the hake population, acording to our samples, has two different possibilities of spawning. 8. After analysis of the frequency percentages composition of mature specimens it is concluded that during the summer season, when hake is fished in shallow waters and in a wide area (38°– 43° L.S.) the fleet is fishing on the spawning stocks. Some winter spawners specimens have been found at 37°- 38° L.S. and in waters of more than 100 fathoms depth. 9. A new maturity scale of seven stages is proposed, instead of the one of six stages now in use. The new added stage corresponds to the postspawners during its resting period.