The effect of salinity on growth and weight loss of juvenile plaice (Pleuronectes platessa,L): An experimental test

Previous population estimates of the 0+ plaice (Pleuronectes platessa L.) in the Firth of Forth, east central Scotland, did not take account of the Forth estuary west of the Forth bridges. Previous work found plaice in the estuary grew as fast as, or faster than, the outer firth plaice. It was hypothesised that salinity may affect growth rates of early 0+ plaice. This hypothesis was tested in a laboratory experiment, by exposing juvenile plaice to three different, but naturally — experienced by the juveniles, salinities; 25, 30 and 35. Plaice fed a minimum ration did not grow in length. Mean weight decreased at all three salinities, however, the lowest weight loss was found at the lowest salinity (25) and the highest weight loss was found at the highest salinity (35). The minimum feeding ration was halted and plaice were then fed ad libitum. Consumption rates were not significantly different during the ad libitum feeding, while significant differences in mean weight change were found between the highest and lowest salinities.     

The distribution and population dynamics of O-group plaice (Pleuronectes platessa L.) on nursery grounds in the Firth of Forth

Midsummer (1 August) population estimates of about 2 million O-group plaice (Pleuronectes platessa L.) were derived for sandy bays around the Firth of Forth in 1979–1980. This is an order of magnitude less than similar estimates made for the Clyde Sea Area in 1973–1974. Autumn population estimates of 0·4–1·0 million fish were comparable to estimates by the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food for the area between the Scottish border and Flamborough Head (2·3 million for 1970 and 1973) which represented 4·8% (1973) to 5·3% (1970) of the total number of O-group fish on the English east coast.Largo Bay was the most important nursery area holding 25% of the total population. It is particularly well situated to receive newly metamorphosed plaice carried in water currents along the north side of the Forth from the spawning ground off Fife Ness. Plaice in the Forth are mainly distributed on fine to medium sandy beaches (186–480 μm), the mean number per haul in midsummer (D) being correlated with the median diameter (m.d. in μm) of the low water sediments by the equation: D=−45·7666+0·2327 m.d. (n=11,r=0·68,P<0·02 but>0·01).The shallow inshore water in sandy bays in the outer Firth was well mixed and more marine than estuarine (27·7–35·0‰). The correlation coefficient between fish density and water temperature was low, while that with salinity (S‰) was: D=6·1618+0·2238S (n=23,r=0·62,P<0·005).Regression analysis demonstrated that the relationship between the instantaneous mortality rate (Z) and the initial population density (D_p) was: Z×100=0·7480+0·0546d_p (n=12,r=0·87,P<0·001).The mean mortality rate for the O-group plaice in the Forth nursery areas was 53% month⁻¹.     

Identification of transcriptional effects of ethynyl oestradiol in male plaice (Pleuronectes platessa) by suppression subtractive hybridisation and a nylon macroarray

Suppression subtractive hybridisation (SSH) was used to generate cDNA libraries representing genes differentially expressed in response to ethynyl oestradiol (EE2) exposure in liver from male plaice (Pleuronectes platessa) previously analysed for vitellogenin (VTG) induction. Characterisation of the cDNA clones identified many as VTG (2 genes) and zona radiata proteins (ZRP) (3 genes), but 40 encoded other proteins, with more than half cryptic. Further analysis identified 85 non-redundant clones suitable for array on nylon membrane. Radiolabelled cDNAs were prepared from hepatic mRNA from EE2 treated plaice (0 and 21 days) and hybridised with the arrayed clones. Analysis of the data showed that 11/17 novel, 21/22 VTG, 13/14 ZRP, 2/2 liver aspartic proteinase (LAP) and 8/10 other mRNAs were up-regulated by EE2 exposure.     

Modelling the spatial distribution of plaice (Pleuronectes platessa), sole (Solea solea) and thornback ray (Raja clavata) in UK waters for marine management and planning

Species distribution maps are needed for ecosystem-based marine management including the development of marine spatial plans. If such maps are based on predictive models then modelling procedures should aim to maximise validation success, and any uncertainty in the predictions needs to be made explicit. We developed a predictive modelling approach to produce robust maps of the distributions of selected marine species at a regional scale. We used 14 years of survey data to map the distributions of plaice, sole and thornback ray in three hydrographic regions comprising parts of the Irish Sea, Celtic Sea and the English Channel with the help of the hybrid technique regression kriging, which combines regression models with geostatistical tools. For each species–region combination we constructed logistic Generalized Linear Models (GLMs) based on presence–absence data using the environmental variables: depth, bottom temperature, bed shear stress and sediment type, as predictors. We selected GLMs using the mean squared error of prediction (MSEP) estimated by cross-validation then conducted a geostatistical analysis of the residuals to incorporate spatial structure in the predictions. In general, we found that species occurrence was positively related to shallow areas, a bed shear stress of between 0 and 1.5 N/m², and the presence of sandy sediment. Predicted species occurrence probabilities were in good agreement with survey observations. This modelling framework selects environmental models based on predictive ability and considers the effect of spatial autocorrelation on predictions, together with the simultaneous presentation of observations, associated uncertainties, and predictions. The potential benefit of these distribution maps to marine management and planning is discussed.     

The impact of intrapopulation variability in reproductive traits on population reproductive potential of Grand Bank American plaice (Hippoglossoides platessoides) and yellowtail flounder (Limanda ferruginea)

In geographically extensive fish populations the potential exists for reproductive traits to vary over the population’s range but, the impact that such intrapopulation variability has on overall population reproductive potential has not been formally assessed. Here intrapopulation spatial variability in size at maturity and fecundity are demonstrated for Grand Bank American plaice (Hippoglossoides platessoides) and yellowtail flounder (Limanda ferruginea). Recognition of intrapopulation variability in these reproductive traits coupled with spatial variability in abundance resulted in an increase in estimated population total egg production (TEP) by as much as 10¹⁴ eggs for American plaice and 10¹⁵ eggs for yellowtail flounder as compared to assessment of TEP for the population as a whole. Results highlight the need to explore variability in life history traits not only between but, also within populations and emphasizes the need for sufficient spatial coverage during sampling in order to assess the reproductive potential of fish populations.     

温、盐度对海湾扇贝稚贝迁移行为、生长和存活影响的实验

本文在实验室条件下,研究了温、盐度与海湾扇贝稚贝迁移、生长及存活的关系。其适合生长的温、盐度范围分别为16～28℃和19～34,最适温度和盐度分别为22℃,31.2;适合存活的盐度范围为19～39,盐度低于11或高于43,稚贝死亡严重;适合存活的温度为10～28℃。本文同时对温、盐度与稚贝附着后的迁移行为的关系进行了探讨。     

不同盐度条件下亚硝酸态氮与非离子氨对花鲈幼鱼的毒性实验

在水温为25～31℃、p H 7.70~8.17、溶解氧≥5.0mg/L、自然光照的条件下,作者采用半静水法研究了亚硝酸态氮与非离子氨在不同盐度条件下对花鲈(Lateolabrax maculatus)幼鱼(50.33 g±4.35 g)的急性毒性、半致死量浓度、安全质量浓度及不同盐度条件下氨氮胁迫对花鲈幼鱼耗氧率与排氨率的影响。结果表明,花鲈幼鱼在盐度0、10、20时,亚硝酸盐安全浓度分别为16.357、52.540、58.622 mg/L,总氨氮安全浓度分别为0.794、4.625、5.163 mg/L,非离子氨安全浓度分别为0.584、2.313、1.951 mg/L。实验结果说明,盐度和氨氮联合胁迫对花鲈幼鱼的耗氧率、排氨率有显著影响,盐度10时耗氧率和排氨率最低。     

盐度对近江牡蛎幼虫生长及存活的影响

采用室内培育手段,研究了盐度对近江牡蛎(Crassostrea rivularis)幼虫生长及存活的影响。将人工授精孵育的面盘幼虫分别置于盐度依次为16,25,30的砂滤海水中培育至眼点幼虫。每隔一天检测各盐度组幼虫的壳长、壳高和存活数量。结果表明,16盐度组的幼虫生长最快,25盐度组次之,30盐度组最慢。从受精后第14天开始,16盐度组幼虫的生长显著快于30盐度组(P<0.05)。在整个浮游幼虫阶段,高盐度组幼虫的存活率低于低盐度组,其中30盐度组的存活率最低。16和25盐度组在幼虫出现眼点之前均出现大量死亡现象,而30盐度组并没有出现大量死亡现象。上述结果说明,近江牡蛎幼虫经过高盐驯化,对高盐环境的抗性具有一定的提高。     

Multi-element otolith chemistry of juvenile sole (Solea solea), whiting (Merlangius merlangus) and European seabass (Dicentrarchus labrax) in the Thames Estuary and adjacent coastal regions

Estuaries are regarded as valuable nursery habitats for many commercially important marine fishes, potentially providing a thermal resource, refuge from predators and a source of abundant prey. To assess the extent of estuarine use by juvenile (0+) common sole (Solea solea), whiting (Merlangius merlangus) and European seabass (Dicentrarchus labrax) we: (1) developed techniques to distinguish between estuarine and coastally-caught juveniles using otolith chemistry; and (2) examined the accuracy with which multi-elemental signatures could re-classify juveniles to their region of collection.High-resolution solution-based inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (HB-SB-ICPMS) was used to quantify 32 elements within the juvenile otoliths; 14 elements occurred above detection limits for all samples. Some elemental distributions demonstrated clear differences between estuarine and coastally-caught fish. Multivariate analysis of the otolith chemistry data resulted in 95–100% re-classification accuracy to the region of collection. Estuarine and coastal signatures were most clearly defined for sole which, compared to bass and whiting, have low mobility and are less likely to move from estuarine to coastal habitats between larval settlement and later migration to adult stocks. Sole were the only species to reveal an energetic benefit associated with an estuarine juvenile phase. The physiological ability of bass to access upper estuarine regions was consistent with some elemental data, while the high mobility and restricted range of whiting resulted in less distinct otolith chemistries.     

盐度对瘤背石磺幼贝存活、生长性能和肌肉生化成分的影响

为探讨盐度对瘤背石磺(Onchidium struma)幼贝生长和肌肉生化成分的影响,用不同盐度水平(5、15、25、35和45)的人工海水饲养瘤背石磺幼贝[干质量(2.96±1.02)g]60 d后测定瘤背石磺生长性能和肌肉营养成分。结果显示:(1)瘤背石磺在盐度25~45时生长良好,成活率在90%以上。同时,在盐度25时增重率、特定生长率和蛋白质效率均显著高于其余各盐度组(P0.05),而饲料系数也显著降低(P0.05)。(2)随着盐度的升高,瘤背石磺肌肉水分显著降低(P0.05),粗灰分呈先下降后上升趋势,但对肌肉钙和磷含量影响差异不显著(P0.05);粗蛋白含量在盐度25时最高,为76.66%,而粗脂肪在高盐度时呈显著上升趋势(P0.05),分别在盐度25和45时含量最低和最高。(3)除了谷氨酸、天门冬氨酸和脯氨酸等呈味氨基酸受盐度影响差异显著外,大多数氨基酸均随着盐度升高呈现先上升后下降的趋势,且在盐度25最高,但差异不显著。(4)盐度对于每一种脂肪酸的影响均差异显著,在盐度5至35范围内,n-3 PUFA和n-6 PUFA均呈现上升趋势,但n-3 PUFA/n-6 PUFA值也逐渐升高。与大多数海水贝类不同的是,瘤背石磺DHA含量远低于EPA。试验结果表明,盐度对瘤背石磺生长性能以及肌肉生化成分有显著影响,适宜的盐度可改善瘤背石磺的肌肉品质和风味。     

A growth model of the cockle (Cerastoderma edule L.) tested in the Oosterschelde estuary (The Netherlands)

We present an ecophysiological model of the bivalve Cerastoderma edule that simulates individual growth and reproduction under ambient conditions in temperature and food availability in the Oosterschelde estuary, SW Netherlands. The model contains feedback loops in the uptake and metabolism of food and in the partitioning of carbon to the internal state variables: somatic tissue, storage, organic shell matrix and gametes.The model was calibrated for 24 parameters, based on random distributions of parameter values. This procedure includes an estimate of confidence intervals of the output variables. The simulated growth of shell length and animal wet and dry weight reflected the observed values of growth in the field for the period 1993 – 1997. The model is a tool for the integration of ecophysiological knowledge of this species and also for carrying-capacity studies of shellfish culture and for environmental management of populations in estuarine and coastal areas.     

Distribution, condition, and growth of newly settled southern flounder (Paralichthys lethostigma) in the Galveston Bay Estuary, TX

Several flatfish species, including southern flounder (Paralichthys lethostigma) recruit to estuaries during early life. Therefore, evaluation of estuarine sites and habitats that serve as nurseries is critical to conservation and management. The present study used density data in conjunction with biochemical condition and growth measurements to evaluate settlement sites used by southern flounder in the Galveston Bay Estuary (GBE). In 2005, beam-trawl collections were made in three major sections of the GBE (East Bay, Galveston Bay, West Bay). Three sites were sampled in each bay. Within each sampling site, replicate collections were taken from three habitats: 1) marsh edge (< 1 m depth), 2) intermediate zone (10–20 m from marsh interface;  1 m depth), and 3) bay zone (typically > 100 m from marsh interface; depth > 1 m). Average size of southern flounder collected was 12–19 mm standard length, and peak densities occurred in January and February. Catch data indicated that densities of southern flounder were significantly greater in East Bay (2.75 per 100 m²) than in Galveston Bay (0.91 per 100 m²) or in West Bay (0.45 per 100 m²). Densities were statistically similar among habitats. Otolith-based estimates of age indicated that the majority of southern flounder collected were 35–45 days old and derived from early December to early January hatch-dates. Growth rates were similar among bays and among habitats, with the average growth rate being 0.40 mm day^− 1 (range: 0.21–0.76 mm day^− 1). RNA:DNA was above the established baseline value for nutritional stress, indicating that newly settled southern flounder in the GBE were in relatively high condition. Habitat-specific differences in RNA:DNA ratios were not observed; however, ratios were significantly lower in West Bay (average 8.0) than in East Bay (average 9.5) or in Galveston Bay (average 9.8), suggesting the condition of new recruits may vary spatially within the GBE. Findings from the current study suggest density and condition of newly settled southern flounder vary at the bay scale, suggesting that parts of GBE do not function equally as nurseries.     

Ecological and biological strategies of Etropus crossotus and Citharichthys spilopterus (Pleuronectiformes:Paralichthyidae) related to the estuarine plume, Southern Gulf of Mexico

Differences in the biological and ecological strategies of two tropical flatfishes, Etropus crossotus (fringed flounder) and Citharichthys spilopterus (bay whiff) are discussed. The comparative analysis was based on the seasonal distribution of relative abundance of the two species and flatfish movements utilizing estuarine plume influenced areas as part of their life cycles. Growth parameters of the von Bertalanffy equation and recruitment were estimated (FISAT software) to compare life cycle patterns. The recruitment patterns illustrate the key difference between “estuarine-dependent” and “estuarine-related” nekton strategies. Both species have a short life cycle with a continuous recruitment activity. E. crossotus is an estuarine-related species, with two recruitment pulses (winter frontal season), in the estuarine plume on the shelf. C. spilopterus is an estuarine-dependent species, with a main recruitment pulse during the rainy season in the estuarine plume, and a residual secondary pulse inside the adjacent estuarine system (Terminos Lagoon). The results show that the ecological success of these tropical coastal marine flatfish, with similar biological patterns, is based upon the sequential use (in time and space) of estuarine plume influenced habitats, suggesting that fish migration to shallow waters is related to food availability changes as a strategy towards optimum recruitment.     

Abundance and growth of larval and early juvenile cod (Gadus morhua) in relation to variable environmental conditions west of Iceland

Around Iceland, the west- and north-flowing coastal current, induced by freshwater runoff, provides a transport mechanism for pelagic eggs and larvae derived from the main spawning grounds off the southwest coast to the main nursery grounds off the north coast. In the present study, abundance and growth of larval and juvenile cod were recorded during a series of cruises conducted in June/July of 1998–2001 along the drift route southwest and west of Iceland. The cruises provided information on approximately 2–8-week-old individuals. Hatch dates and abundance varied greatly between years. Hatch dates ranged from Julian Day 92 to 167. Growth rate differed also between the years studied. Relative abundance was generally greatest in temperatures above 7.5 °C and in low-salinity waters, characteristic for the coastal current. The study demonstrates the link between the coastal current and larval/juvenile distribution, thus providing evidence for its importance in promoting successful recruitment of the Icelandic cod stock.     

不同盐度波动幅度对中国明对虾稚虾蜕皮和生长的影响

研究了盐度波动幅度对中国明对虾稚虾(Fenneropenaeus chinensis)蜕皮和生长的影响.实验在水族箱内进行,实验对虾的初始体重为(0.553 2±0.000 1)g,投喂人工配合饲料.实验结果表明:(1)不同盐度波动幅度对中国明对虾稚虾的蜕皮周期有显著的影响(P<0.05),其中S10能明显抑制对虾的蜕皮,S2则能促进对虾的蜕皮,前者较后者蜕皮周期延长4.97 d;(2)不同盐度波动幅度对中国明对虾的特定生长率有显著影响(P<0.05),其中,S4和S7两组对虾的特定生长率最大,分别大于S0组28.11%和22.6%,并且与S0和其他处理组相比差异均达到显著水平(P<0.05);(3)不同盐度波动幅度对中国明对虾的摄食量有显著影响(P<0.05),S4和S7两组分别高于S0组15.96%和11.46%;(4)不同盐度波动幅度对中国明对虾的食物转化效率未产生显著的影响P>0.05,但S4和S7两组对虾的食物转化效率较高.     

Annual and spatial variation in the abundance length and condition of juvenile turbot (Psetta maxima L.) on nursery grounds on the west coast of Ireland: 2000–2007

Turbot (Psetta maxima Linnaeus) is a high value commercially exploited marine flatfish which occurs in European waters, from the Northeast Atlantic to the Arctic Circle, the Baltic and Mediterranean Sea. In Ireland, turbot are the most valuable commercial non-quota species. Very little is known about their population dynamics in the wild, in particular during the sandy beach nursery phase of the life history. In 2000, a survey was established to assess flatfish species on nursery grounds on the west coast of Ireland. Eleven sandy beaches were assessed for 0+ turbot by beach seining, over an eight year period (2000–2007) during the months of August and September. The objective of the study was to estimate juvenile turbot abundance and size structure to determine if any spatial and annual trends existed. Large scale variability in the recruitment of fish to nursery grounds may be indicative of fluctuations in the adult stock. Turbot were found to recruit to five beaches consistently over the eight year period. Temporal and spatial variability in the relative abundance and length of turbot was discerned, with no apparent overall trend. However, certain nursery grounds were shown in most of the years examined to support higher abundances of turbot in comparison to other areas over the eight year period. Turbot abundances on nursery grounds were significantly correlated with mean spring sea temperatures during the pelagic stage. The condition of turbot did not significantly differ on an annual or spatial scale. Mean densities of 0+ turbot along the Irish coast were found to be similar and at times higher than other areas in Europe, ranging from 0.1 (± 0.3) individuals 1000 m^− 2 to 18.5 (± 6.9) individuals 1000 m^− 2. Mean turbot total length on beaches ranged from 3.8 cm (± 0.6) to 6.6 cm (± 4.3). The observed spatial and temporal variability in abundance and length highlights the need for long-term studies when assessing juvenile flatfish populations. Results from the present study have provided much needed baseline data on wild juvenile turbot populations which is severely lacking for this species both on an Irish and on a European scale.     

温度、盐度和密度交互作用对波纹巴非蛤幼贝生长的影响

为查明波纹巴非蛤(Paphia undulata)幼贝最适生长条件,采用响应面法研究了温度、盐度和密度交互作用对波纹巴非蛤幼贝生长的影响。利用Box-Behnken中心组合进行3因素3水平的实验设计(3因素为温度(A),盐度(B),密度(C);3水平为-1,0,1),以幼贝生长率为响应值,以A(26℃,28℃,30℃)、B(28,30,32)和C(0.56,1.4,2.24个/cm2)为影响因子。实验结果表明：(1)盐度对幼贝生长影响最显著(P<0.05),3种生态因子对幼贝生长率影响程度大小顺序是：B>A>C;(2)通过SAS软件分析,得出波纹巴非蛤幼贝最适生长环境组合是温度为26.93℃、盐度为31.39、密度为1.12个/cm2,理论最佳生长率为41.47%。为验证响应面法预测结果的准确性,以预测结果为实验条件,相同实验时间后,得到的生长率为42.30%,结果与理论预测值相近,响应面方法可靠。