Importance of kelp-derived organic carbon to the scallop <Emphasis Type="Italic">Chlamys farreri</Emphasis> in an integrated multi-trophic aquaculture system

Bivalves and seaweeds are important cleaners that are widely used in integrated multi-trophic aquaculture (IMTA) systems. A beneficial relationship between seaweed and bivalve in the seaweed-based IMTA system has been confirmed, but the trophic importance of seaweed-derived particulate organic materials to the co-cultured bivalve is still unclear. We evaluated the trophic importance of the kelp Saccharina japonica to the co-cultured scallop Chlamys farreri in a typical IMTA farm in Sungo Bay (Weihai, North China). The dynamics of detritus carbon in the water were monitored during the culturing period. The proportion of kelp-derived organic matter in the diet of the co-cultured scallop was assessed via the stable carbon isotope method. Results showed that the detritus carbon in the water ranged from 75.52 to 265.19 μg/L, which was 25.6% to 73.8% of total particulate organic carbon (TPOC) during the study period. The amount of detritus carbon and its proportion in the TPOC changed throughout the culture cycle of the kelp. Stable carbon isotope analysis showed that the cultured scallop obtained 14.1% to 42.8% of its tissue carbon from the kelp, and that the percentages were closely correlated with the proportion of detritus carbon in the water (F =0.993, P= 0.003). Evaluation showed that for 17 000 tons (wet weight) of annual scallop production, the kelp contributed about 139.3 tons of carbon (535.8 tons of dry mass). This confirms that cultured kelp plays a similar trophic role in IMTA systems as it does in a natural kelp bed. It is a major contributor to the detritus pool and supplies a vital food source to filter-feeding scallops in the IMTA system, especially during winter and early spring when phytoplankton are scarce.     

Development of a seaweed species-selection index for successful culture in a seaweed-based integrated aquaculture system

Integrated multi-trophic aquaculture (IMTA) has been proposed as a concept that combines the cultivation of fed aquaculture species (e.g., finfish/shrimp) with extractive aquaculture species (e.g., shellfish/seaweed). In seaweed-based integrated aquaculture, seaweeds have the capacity to reduce the environmental impact of nitrogen-rich effluents on coastal ecosystems. Thus, selection of optimal species for such aquaculture is of great importance. The present study aimed to develop a seaweed species-selection index for selecting suitable species in seaweed-based integrated aquaculture system. The index was synthesized using available literature-based information, reference data, and physiological seaweed experiments to identify and prioritize the desired species. Undaria pinnatifida, Porphyra yezoensis and Ulva compressa scored the highest according to a seaweed-based integrated aquaculture suitability index (SASI). Seaweed species with the highest scores were adjudged to fit the integrated aquaculture systems. Despite the application of this model limited by local aquaculture environment, it is considered to be a useful tool for selecting seaweed species in IMTA.     

Applicability of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Perinereis aibuhitensis</Emphasis> Grube for fish waste removal from fish cages in Sanggou Bay,P. R. China

The present study investigated the applicability of integrated polychaete-fish culture for fish waste removal to offset negative impact induced by organic benthic enrichment. A field study demonstrated that deposition rate was significantly higher underneath the fish farm than that in control area. The material settling under the farm was characterized by a high amount of fish feces (45%) and uneaten feed (27%). Both feeding rate (FR) and apparent digestibility rate (ADR) increased with decreasing body weight, as was indicated by significantly a higher rate observed for the groups containing smaller individuals in a lab study. The nutrient in fresh deposited material (De) was higher than that in sediments collected under the farm (Se), resulting in lower feces production but higher apparent digestibility rate for the De group as feeding rate was similar. Consequently, higher nutrient removal efficiency was observed in the De group. A mass balance approach indicated that approximately 400–500 individuals m?2 is required for removing all waste materials deposited underneath the fish farm, whereas abundance can be lower (about 300–350 individuals m^?2) when only the fish waste needs to be removed. The results showed that a significant amount of waste had been accumulated in the fish cages in Sanggou Bay. The integration of fish with P. aibuhitensis seems promising for preventing organic pollution in the sediment and therefore is an effective strategy for mitigating negative effect of fish farms. Thus such integration can become a new IMTA (integrated multi-trophic aquaculture) model in Sanggou Bay.     

The effect of salinity on Fucus ceranoides (Ochrophyta,Phaeophyceae) in the Mondego River (Portugal)

Algae(and their extracts) are increasingly important for pharmaceutical applications due to the diversity of useful compounds they contain. The genus Fucus contains one of the most studied species,Fucus vesiculosus. The species F. ceranoides differs from the others of the genus by presenting longitudinal air-vesicles and a capacity to survive at low salinities. It is an alga that inhabits the Mondego River estuary(Portugal), at the southern limit of its distribution, and can serve as a role model to understand the effect of a salt gradient on the production of bioactive compounds. We assessed the phenolic content and antioxidant activity of different F. ceranoides extracts(e.g. methanolic, aqueous and polysaccharide) prepared from samples harvested from two different zones to evaluate if the adaptation of F. ceranoides to different salinity levels influenced its chemical composition. The antioxidant activity of the extracts was determined using 1,2-diphenyl-picrylhydrazyl(DPPH) and 2.2-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid)(ABTS)radicals. These assays demonstrated that the methanolic extract of lyophilized F. ceranoides that grew at low salinities was the most bioactive, i.e. DPPH(IC_(50)=50.39 μg/mL) and ABTS(TEAC=2.42). The total phenolic content(Folin-Ciocalteu method) and the methanolic extract of the lyophilized F. ceranoides collected from a low salinity habitat exhibited the highest phenolic content(PGE=49.48 μg/mg of lyophilized extract)amongst those sampled. Thin layer chromatography(TLC) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy(FTIR) were used for the identification of compounds in the extracts. This characterization allowed confirmation that the various extracts contained almost the same compounds but with notable quantitative differences. Based on these results, we conclude that there were differences in the quantity of the compounds due to the effect of salinity. The drying methods used were also found to have influenced the quality of the extracted compounds.     

Phenylquinolinones with antitumor activity from the Indian Ocean-derived fungus <Emphasis Type="Italic">Aspergillus versicolor</Emphasis> Y31-2

Two phenylquinolinones, including one new compound (1) and a previously isolated compound (2), were isolated from the ethyl acetate extracts of the fungus Aspergillus versicolor Y31-2, which was obtained from seawater samples collected from the Indian Ocean. The structures of these compounds were established by spectroscopic analyses. 4-(3-Hydroxyphenyl)-3-methoxyquinolin-2(1H)-one (1) exhibited moderate cytotoxicity against MCF-7 (human breast carcinoma cell line) and SMMC-7721 (human liver cancer cell line) cells with IC₅₀ values of 16.6 and 18.2 μmol/L, respectively. To the best of our knowledge, this study represents the first reported account of the isolation of compounds 1 and 2 as the secondary metabolites of the seawater derived fungus Aspergillus versicolor from the Indian Ocean.     

A techno-economic analysis of aquaculture business in Ogun State,Nigeria

Fish supplies 25% of the total protein source in developing countries. A techno-economic analysis was performed for developing a good business proposal for aquaculture loans to enhance aquaculture development in Nigeria. A case study of catfish Clarias gariepinus framing was conducted in Abeokuta North Local Government of Ogun State, Nigeria. The results show that the fixed cost is N18 338 per year, and the variable cost is N459 700 per year, accounting for the largest amount of the total; therefore, a profit of N43 289 per month can be made. Sensitivity analysis was performed to assess any risk(s) that associated with unfavorable changes in government policy with particular reference to monetary policy. Positive net present value shows that the investment in fish farm is economically feasible and the net investment ratio is 3.52. Also, the benefit-cost ratio is 2.17. The internal rate of return (IRR) is 21% showing that the enterprise is able to offset the interest being charged on the loan. It is therefore worthwhile to invest into fish farm business in the study area. The study suggests that to better sustain the local aquaculture business, the government should create a good conducive environment to foster development of the fish farming. Government intervention is urgently needed to solve problems such as in traditional land tenure, grant credit facilities and subsidies, to enhance the aquacultural development in the country.     

Conflict between wild boars(Sus scrofa) and farmers:distribution,impacts,and suggestions for management of wild boars in the Three Gorges Reservoir Area

Economic losses caused by wild boars(Sus scrofa)continue to increase in the Three Gorges Reservoir Area.We selected 206 farmers in Wuqiaohe Basin as survey respondents using random stratified sampling.The distribution and impacts of wild boars were examined using a questionnaire survey and spatial analysis.The results showed that:(1)The density of farmer settlements is low and most peasants'households are located on the forest edge.Due to large-scale labor migration,a high proportion of farmland(25.85%)has been abandoned and an even higher proportion of farmland(40.48%)has been returned to forest.(2)The probability of wild boar damage to peasant households was 67.96%.Yields of corn and sweet potato decreased by 24.87%and 28.24%,respectively,with a total economic loss of approximately 2,590,100 RMB/yr in the Wuqiaohe basin.Sixty-five percent of the affected cultivatedlands were located within approximately 150 m of the forest edges.(3)The wild boar damage coefficient was significantly and negatively correlated with the distance between the peasants'household and the forest edge,the density of the settlements,and the area of cultivated land.The wild boar damage coefficient shows a significant positive correlation with the area of farmland returned to forest.(4)The damage activity caused by wild boars began to occur7-8 years ago,and the destruction has been more frequently and seriously observed in the last 4-5 years.(5)We make suggestions for wild boar control and management measures including developing a compensation policy.The compensation standard is related to the land area returning from farmland to forests and the actual cultivated land area.     

Relationships of growth and mortality to enzymatic activity,and the relative mRNA expression of cultured scallops Patinopecten yessoensis in the Yellow Sea,China

The bottom aquaculture of yesso scallop(Pa tinopecten yessoensis)has developed rapidly in the north of Yellow Sea,China,but not without accompanying productivity problems.We,therefore,conducted field surveys to investigate factors related to growth and mortality rates of bottom-cultured scallops after release.Specifically,we focused on the effects of total antioxidant capacity(TAOC)and three key enzymes involved in antioxidant and metabolic function:glutamic pyruvic transaminase(GPT),lactic dehydrogenase(LDH),and superoxide dismutase(SOD).Across summer and winter,we also measured the relative mRNA expression of GPT and SOD to understand their seasonal variation in the scallops,along with how such variation correlated to growth and mortality.Results show that bottom cultured scallops experienced mass mortality during the first six months post-release.During winter(December),scallops grew more rapidly and suffered less mortality than in summer(August).The observed lower performance probably resulted from less advantageous environmental factors during the summer seasons,such as high temperature and low dissolved oxygen.These environmental stressors enhance protein consumption while decreasing energetic resources in scallops.Furthermore,scallops in summer exhibited high antioxidant levels that probably competed for energy with process integral to growth and survival.These negative factors combined to elevate mortality rates.In conclusion,we provided evidence suggesting correlations between metabolic/antioxidant activity and growth and mortality of bottom-cultured yesso scallops.These correlations implied us an accurate method to estimate the performance of bottom culture system.Suggestions about innovative aquaculture techniques were also discussed in the study.Our results might provide a possible guideline to the improvement of bottom culture techniques for this commercially valuable seafood species.     

湛江市腌制金线鱼的微生物及理化指标检测

按照相关国家标准,分析湛江市腌制金线鱼(Nemipterus virgatus)中的微生物和理化指标.结果表明:腌制金线鱼的微生物安全指标中有3组样品菌落总数略超标,其他指标符合西班牙等国家腌渍鱼制品微生物标准;耐盐菌数为菌落总数20倍以上,优势耐盐菌全为革兰阴性杆菌,6株优势嗜盐菌中有2株为革兰阳性球菌;理化指标中挥发性盐基氮含量均低于300 mg/kg,符合水产品质量要求;甲醛及亚硝酸盐含量均低于5 mg/kg,相对较低.可见,湛江市腌制金线鱼安全质量状况较好     

The loss of genetic diversity during captive breeding of the endangered sculpin, Trachidermus fasciatus, based on ISSR markers: implications for its conservation

Inter-simple sequence repeat (ISSR) markers were used to determine the genetic variation and genetic differentiation of cultured and wild populations of Trachidermus fasciatus, an endangered catadromous fish species in China. Six selected primers were used to amplify DNA samples from 85 individuals, and 353 loci were detected. Relatively low genetic diversity was detected in the cultured population (the percentage of polymorphic loci PPL = 73.80%, Nei’s gene diversity h = 0.178 2, Shannon information index ...     

Study on biogenic amines in various dry salted fish consumed in China

This study was carried out to investigate the biogenic amines（BAs）, physicochemical property and microorganisms in dry salted fish, a traditional aquatic food consumed in China. Forty three samples of dry salted fish were gathered from retail and wholesale markets and manufacturers, which had been produced in various regions in China. Cadaverine（CAD） and putrescine（PUT） were quantitatively the most common biogenic amines. About 14% of the samples exceeded the histamine content standards established by the FDA and/or EU. The highest histamine content was found in Silver pomfret（Pampus argenteus）(347.79 mg kg^-1). Five of forty three samples exceeded the acceptable content of TYR(100 mg kg^-1), and 23.26% of dried-salted fish contained high contents of biogenic amines(above 600 mg kg^-1). In addition, species, regions, pickling processes and drying methods made the physicochemical property, microorganisms and biogenic amines in dry salted fish to be different to some extents. The total plate count（TPC） was much higher than that of total halophilic bacteria in all samples. The biogenic amines, physicochemical property and microbiological counts exhibited large variations among samples. Furthermore, no significant correlation between biogenic amines and physicochemical property and TPC was observed. This study indicated that dry salted fish may still present healthy risk for BAs, depending on the processing methods, storage conditions among others.     

Pollution characteristics and risk assessment of organophosphate esters in aquaculture farms and natural water bodies adjacent to the Huanghe River delta

To date, little attention has been paid to the effects of organophosphate esters (OPEs) pollution on aquacultural environment and aquatic product safety. Huanghe (Yellow) River delta area is one of the largest aquaculture centers in China, where ecological security protection is crucial in the national strategy of China. To explore the pollution characteristics, bioaccumulation, and health risks of OPEs in aquaculture farms in the Huanghe River delta and natural water bodies in the adjacent seas, five species of organisms from different farm types nearby the Huanghe River delta, and the corresponding culture water and sediments were sampled in this study. The total concentrations of ∑₁₃OPEs in water, sediments, and organisms were 51.53–272.18 ng/L, 52.63–63.17 ng/g dry weight (dw), and 46.82–108.90 ng/g dw, respectively. Among the five types of culture ponds, the water samples from the swimming crab and hairy crab culture ponds exhibited higher OPEs, the concentration of OPEs in the sediments from the few ponds was relatively balanced, and the OPEs in the organism from the holothurian ponds was higher. Tris (1,3-dichloro-2-isopropyl phosphate) (TDCP) was the main contaminant in water samples and tripropyl phosphate (TPrP) in sediments and organisms. However, trisphenyl phosphate (TPhP) showed the strongest bioaccumulation ability, followed by 2-ethylhexyl diphenyl phosphate (EHDPP) and TPrP. The bioaccumulation capacities of the five species were as follows: prawn > holothurian > hairy crab > swimming crab > carp. These five types of organisms, as main seafood in human consumption, were at low risk of negative impacts of pollution. However, the risk from the mixture of organophosphate flame retardants (OPFRs) still requires more attention due to the increasing consumption and production in the world.

     

Development of 57 novel polymorphic microsatellite markers in half-smooth tongue sole (Cynoglossus semilaevis)

Half-smooth tongue sole (Cynoglossus semilaevis) is a promising species for aquaculture in China.The wild population of C. semilaevis is under threat from environmental factors. Microsatellite markers are very suitable for assessing genetic diversity. Four microsatellite-enriched libraries of half smooth tongue sole (Cynoglossus semilaevis) were constructed,from which 57 polymorphic microsatellites were isolated and characterized.The polymorphism of these microsatellites was assessed by genotyping in 30 ind...     

Livelihood Diversification of Farm Households and Its Impact on Cultivated Land Utilization in Agro-pastoral Ecologically-vulnerable Areas in the Northern China

The relationship between livelihood diversification of farm households and cultivated land utilization has become a core research topic related to global environmental change. Agro-pastoral ecologically-vulnerable areas face challenges such as insufficient ecosystem conservation, low agricultural production, and weak economies. In this study, 215 farm households from Zhengxiangbai Banner, Taibus Banner, and Duolun County of Inner Mongolia were surveyed. The sustainable livelihoods framework of the United Kingdom(UK) Department for International Development(DFID) was used to measure the livelihood capital of these farm households. A one-way analysis of variance(ANOVA) was applied to examine the differences in the livelihood capital of different types households, and a correlation analysis was applied to analyze its impact on cultivated land utilization. Results showed that households with non-farming activities accounted for 64.7% of the total surveyed households, and non-farming employment was becoming more prevalent. Physical and financial capital was the driving factors for livelihood diversity. Each livelihood capital had key factors that affected household farmland use behaviors, such as the age of householder, the labor ratio, proportion of income, farmland scale, number of machines, and these had a significantly positive or negative influence on farmland use. Full-time farming households were more likely to transfer the land into cultivation and invest more labor, while non-farming households with high income were likely to transfer farmland out and invest more money to develop efficient farming or improve the employment skills. The results of this study suggest that policymakers need to fully consider livelihood changes of local households. It is effective to strengthen labor training, create farmland market and improve the efficiency of farmland utilization. We hope to achieve a win-win scenario to improve local economies and ecosystem conservation.     

Comparative study of the nutritional composition and toxic elements of farmed and wild Chanodichthys mongolicus

Information of the difference in quality between farmed and wild fish is central to better ensuring fish products produced in aquaculture meet regulatory and consumer requirements.Proximate composition,amino acid and fatty acid profiles,and toxic elements contents of farmed and wild Chanodichthys mongolicus were established and compared.Significantly higher crude protein content while lower moisture content in farmed fish compared to wild fish were observed(P0.05).The percentages of total amino acids(TAA),total essential amino acids(TEAA),total non-essential amino acids(TNEAA)and total delicious amino acids(TDAA) in farmed fish were all significantly higher than those in the wild equivalent(PO.05).Compared to the FAO/WHO recommended reference values,the ratios of TEAA/TAA(39.84%-40.33%) were comparable to 40%and TEAA/TNEAA(66.22%-67.60%) were above 60%.Fatty acid profiles in both fanned and wild C.mongolicus were dominated by monounsaturated fatty acid(MUFA),with farmed fish contained much more MUFA content compared to wild counterpart(P0.05).Notably,wild fish exhibited significantly higher levels of total polyunsaturated fatty acid(PUFA) including eicosapentaenoic acid(EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid(DHA) than farmed fish(P0.05).The EPA(C_(20:5n3))and linoleic acid(C_(18:2n6)) were the predominant PUFA in wild and fanned C.mongolicus,respectively.Moreover,farmed fish displayed an overall lower toxic element levels(As,Cd,Pb and Hg) in comparison with wild fish,and both were far lower than the established limit standard.In conclusion,our results suggest that the nutritional quality of farmed C.mongolicus was inferior to their wild counterpart with respect to fatty acids nutrition,and therefore further studies should focus on the improving C.mongolicus diet in order to enhance the overall nutritional composition.     

马氏珠母贝肠道及其养殖水体可培养细菌群落结构

【目的】了解马氏珠母贝(Pinctada fucata martensii)肠道及其养殖水体可培养细菌的群落组成。【方法】采用2216E平板涂布法研究海区养殖马氏珠母贝肠道与养殖水体的可培养菌群种类及丰度。【结果与结论】马氏珠母贝肠道及其养殖水体的可培养细菌归属于2门(变形菌门和厚壁菌门)3纲7目10科23属56种。属水平上,肠道中以弧菌属(74.7%)和假交替单胞菌属(18.7%)为主;养殖水体中α-变形菌纲的FJ943236_g属(40.7%)丰度最大,弧菌属(16.7%)相对肠道丰度较低。样品共有菌属为弧菌属、假交替单胞菌属、发光杆菌属和芽孢杆菌属;肠道特有菌属为希瓦氏菌属和盐单胞菌属;养殖水体特有菌属主要为FJ943236_g、鲁杰氏菌属和Nautella。在种水平上,7个种为二者共有;马氏珠母贝肠道和养殖水体特异性菌种分别为18个和31个。虽然门水平上马氏珠母贝肠道中可培养细菌群落与其养殖水体中的细菌群落大致相似,但在属、种水平上二者差异明显。     

基于近缘EST-SSR引物的企鹅珍珠贝养殖和野生群体的遗传标记

利用近源物种马氏珠母贝的EST-SSR引物对企鹅珍珠贝DNA进行扩增,获得7对可扩增出目标条带的近缘分子标记,分析野生群体(YS)和养殖群体(YZ)企鹅珍珠贝的遗传多样性。结果显示,7个位点共获得26个等位基因;野生和养殖群体的等位基因数分别为3~5和3~4,平均期望杂合度(He)分别为0.623 5、0.496 8;平均观测杂合度(Ho)分别为0.431 8、0.302 8;HNUPM047位点的多态信息含量较低,为0.446 7,其他位点均在0.5以上,说明该遗传标记可提供比较丰富的遗传信息。表明养殖群体遗传多样性水平低于野生群体。     

Ethnobotanical study towards conservation of medicinal and aromatic plants in upper catchments of Dhauli Ganga in the central Himalaya

The present study broadly focused on medicinal plant species collected from wild by the villagers for different purposes in the upper catchment of Dhauli Ganga in Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve(NDBR),in the central Himalaya.A schedule based survey was conducted during the years 2003-2005 in 15 villages of Chamoli district part of the NDBR.Information was collected from collectors, vaidya(medicine man)and those dealing with domestication and marketing of the medicinal plants. The aim of the study was to understand the prioritiesed medicinal plants,their mode of collection and document their ethnobotanical uses by the Bhotiya tribal communities,in this world heritage site. During the survey,50 medicinal plants belonging to 31 families and 44 genera were documented.Out of these,70% were harvested from the wild,22% were cultivated and 8% were cultivated as well as wild harvested.Of the cultivated species,8% were found growing in the kitchen gardens and 14%in the agricultural fields.However,42%of the plants had their roots and rhizomes used followed by leaves (26%),seeds(10%),seed and leaf(8%),bark and whole plant(6%)and flower(1%).Most plants were reported to be used for rheumatism(16),followed by stomach disorder(14),cold and cough(11),and jaundice(9).Thirty three plants species were reported to have more than one therapeutic uses,while 17 species were reported to be used against single ailment.The distance of villages from road head was one of the factors contributing to the decline in the medicinal plant population in their natural habitats. The availability of medicinal plants increased with increase in distance from road head and also the peoples’dependence on them.Documentation of the traditional knowledge will help in conservation of knowledge and also opportunity for using it for future training and use.The result of this study will help in promoting sustainable cultivation and implementation in conservation protocol of those species,which are in the verge of extinction in this region.     

How can saline and hypersaline lakes contribute to aquaculture development? A review

A considerable part of the world's population is currently experiencing a severe scarcity of freshwater and nutrition. Inland aquaculture has the fastest growth in fresh waters, and this contributes to the eutrophication of freshwater bodies. The increase in freshwater aquaculture impacts on the increasing demand for fresh water. A way to overcome this is to develop aquaculture in saline lakes. This article discusses how saline and hypersaline lakes may contribute to overcome this problem and gives a list of fish and shrimp species that can be cultivated in saline lakes. Successful development of aquaculture depends on a healthy cultured stock of commercial fish and shrimps. A sustainable healthy stock of fish and shrimps can be only maintained using live food for the cultured fish larvae, fry and fingerlings. As well as Artemia spp. there are many other crustacean species with the potential for growing in hypersaline waters. At least 26 copepod species around the world can live at a salinity above 100 g/L with 12 species at a salinity higher than 200 g/L, and these all have excellent nutritional value. There is a high potential to use eukaryotic organisms of diff erent taxa in saline/hypersaline aquaculture for food, agri-aquaculture, diff erent industries and as food supplements.     

Characterization,tissue distribution,and expression of neuropeptide Y in olive flounder Paralichthys olivaceus

Neuropeptide Y(NPY) is a 36-amino acid peptide of the neuropeptide Y family that plays key roles in the regulation of food intake. In this study,we focused on NPY m RNA expression changes around feeding time and during food deprivation in olive flounder. The olive flounder NPY m RNA levels were analyzed in different tissues and a high level of expression was detected in the brain. We also demonstrated a correlation between NPY expression levels in the brain and feeding schedule. NPY expression levels in olive flounder maintained on a daily scheduled feeding regimen increased shortly before feeding and decreased after the scheduled feeding time. Compared with the-1 h group before feeding,NPY expression in the 3 h group after feeding decreased significantly( P <0.05). Food deprivation led to an 81.7% decrease in NPY m RNA levels in the 24 h fasted group(P <0.05) and a 91.7% decrease in the 48 h fasted group(P <0.05). Therefore,our study demonstrates that NPY expression is associated with food intake in olive flounder. This result reveals the function of NPY in regulating food intake and its potential importance in olive flounder aquaculture.