Disease in commercially valuable fish stocks in the Northwest Atlantic

Approximately 85 000 individuals of 10 economically important fish species were examined for gross external lesions and anomalies during bottom trawl surveys in the Northwest Atlantic from 1979–1983. The continental shelf between Delaware Bay and the Canadian border was partitioned along depth contours into eight geographic areas and the occurrences of six diseases and anomalies were determined within each area and statistically compared between areas. Overall disease prevalence was 1.15%. Flatfishes were more often diseased than the roundfishes. Fin erosion was more prevalent (at P<0.05 levels) in nearshore environments (<27 m depths) in three of the seven fish species which were adequately sampled both inshore and offshore. In another species, fin erosion exhibited an inshore prevalence maximum at a borderline level (0.1>P>0.05). In three areas, extending offshore from major cities, axial and appendicular skeletal anomalies as well as fin erosion occurred at maximum levels, especially on the flatfishes.     

Identification and characterization of lipolytic and proteolytic bacteria isolated from marine sediments

Lipolytic and proteolytic bacteria were isolated from sediments at two sampling stations in the New York Bight Apex and one sampling station each in Sandy Hook Bay and Great Bay, New Jersey. The stations in the Bight Apex and Sandy Hook Bay have received industrial wastes and sewage for several decades, while Great Bay has received little of such materials. Proteolytic counts were 2–4 times higher and lipolytic counts generally 4 times higher in the polluted areas. Of the isolates taken from casein and lipid plates, 76% were Gram-negative rods; 80% of the latter were identified as Vibrio and Pseudomonas. The vibrios comprised more than 60% of the isolates from Station 4 (Great Bay) and Station 1 (Bight Apex), and were tested for their ability to break down casein, lipid, starch, and chitin. From Station 1, 75% of the Vibrio were active in degrading one or more substrates in addition to the substrate of the initial isolation medium; from Station 4, 52% of the Vibrio were active.     

Application of a novel phytotoxicity assay for the detection of herbicides in Hervey Bay and the Great Sandy Straits

A novel phytotoxicity assay was incorporated into an environmental assessment of Hervey Bay and the Great Sandy Straits, to investigate the role of run-off associated herbicides in the deteriorated health of intertidal seagrass meadows. Dose response curves of common herbicides were performed and their toxicity equivalents elucidated to assist in analysis. The results of the assay were reproducible and corresponded strongly with results of chemical analyses. The incorporation of the assay into the assessment of surface waters added an important aspect to the study by allowing investigation of the toxicity of cumulative herbicide concentrations and yielding biologically relevant data. The highest herbicide concentration detected during the study was equivalent to 0.23 microg l(-1) diuron; a concentration known to inhibit photosynthetic efficiency of the assay biomaterial by approximately 3%.     

Mercury concentrations in red drum, Sciaenops ocellatus, from estuarine and offshore waters of Florida

Dorsal muscle tissue from 712 red drum, Sciaenops ocellatus, from Florida waters were analyzed for total mercury content. Mercury levels detected in these red drum varied but in most study areas were usually lower than regulatory threshold guidelines. Total mercury levels in individual fish from all study areas ranged from 0.020 to 3.6 ppm (wet weight). Total mercury levels detected in red drum from the Florida Keys-Florida Bay area were often higher than those in fish from all other estuarine study areas. Positive relationships between total mercury levels and fish size (length and weight) and fish age were observed in most Florida study areas, indicating that mercury levels tend to increase over time as red drum grow. The majority of large, mature red drum examined contained mercury levels greater than the 0.5-ppm threshold level set by the Florida Department of Health (DOH). Approximately 94% of all adult red drum from offshore waters adjacent to Tampa Bay contained mercury levels greater than or equal to the 0.5-ppm threshold level, and 64% contained levels greater than or equal to the DOH 1.5-ppm "no consumption" level. All fish from this area with mercury levels greater than 1.5 ppm were large individuals (670 mm SL). Eight percent of legal-size red drum from Florida waters contained total mercury levels greater than or equal to the 0.5-ppm threshold level. The majority (52%) of these legal-size fish greater than or equal to 0.5 ppm were from the Florida Keys-Florida Bay area. In the Florida recreational fishery, the current maximum size limit for this species is an effective filter that prevents humans from consuming those red drum with the greatest likelihood of containing high mercury levels.     

Toxic contaminants and their biological effects in coastal waters of Xiamen,China. II. Biomarkers and embryo malformation rates as indicators of pollution stress in fish

Baseline information is presented on embryo malformation rate and biomarkers in fish as indicators of sub-lethal stress caused by pollution in coastal waters of Xiamen, PR China. Fish and eggs were sampled from several areas in Xiamen coastal waters (Xiamen Harbour, Maluan and Tongan Bays and East Channel), where varying levels of pollutant input have been documented. Comparative sampling was done at a "cleaner" reference site at Dongshan Island. Embryonic malformation rates, which indicate general water quality, varied with location and species of fish, and exceeded background levels for unpolluted waters (assumed approximately 5%) by up to eightfold at some sites. Generally, sites around Xiamen Harbour show signs of poor water quality having highest mean levels of embryo deformity (20-30%) and these decreased towards open waters (Tongan Bay, Eastern Channel) where abnormalities approached background levels. An indication that toxic contaminants may be having a localised effect in the region, particularly in the harbour was reinforced by the biomarker assays. However, activities of the biomarkers ethoxyresorufin O-deethylase (EROD) and glutathione S-transferase in fish livers indicate no clear pattern, and there is no evidence that fish from the four sampling areas have been more or less exposed to PAHs and other compounds that induce these biomarkers. Antioxidant biomarkers (glutathione peroxidase, catalase, superoxide dismutase, and reduced glutathione) suggest that exposure to xenobiotics appears to be lowest in Dongshan and Maluan and highest in the harbour and Tongan. Inhibition of acetylcholinesterase in fish muscle indicated possible effects by organophosphate and carbamate pesticides in Xiamen waters and these effects may be greatest in the area of the harbour.     

Methyltins in the marine environment

Methyltins were occasionally observed in some natural waters. The nature of a marine sediment determines its organotin burdens. Mono- and dimethyltin compounds were found in polluted marine sediments whereas non-polluted, oxiccoastal sediments contained primarily trimethyltin. The net methylation rate is evidently independent of the inorganic tin content of a sediment. Methyltin in fish is about 3–6% of the total tin content while limpets contain significant amounts of organotin compounds, ranging between 35 and 75% of the total tin. No trimethyltin was detected in green macro-algae and seawater, although limpets, fish and sediments have measurable levels.     

What history reveals about Forge River pollution on Long Island, New York’s south shore

Fifty years ago, the Forge River and Moriches Bay, of Long Island’s south shore lagoonal system, achieved notoriety when their polluted conditions were alluded to in a report of the US President’s Science Advisory Committee (1965). The Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution investigated the bay throughout the 1950s, identifying duck farming as the cause of “objectionable”, “highly contaminated” conditions of these waters.Much has changed: duck farming declined; the river was dredged to remove polluted sediments, improve navigation; and barrier island inlets stabilized. Yet, the river remains seasonally eutrophic.Why? This paper reviews what occurred in the Forge River watershed. While governments aggressively curtailed the impacts of duck pollution, they failed to manage development and sewage pollution. The Forge experience indicates that watershed management is a continuing governmental responsibility as development accelerates. Otherwise, we will always be looking for that instantaneous remediation that is usually not affordable and is socially contentious.     

Retardation of Fin Regeneration in Freshwater Fish Oreochromis mossambicusby Zinc

Regeneration of partially amputated caudal fin was studied in freshwater fish Oreochromis mossambicus exposed to sublethal concentrations of zinc (5.0 mg L^—1 and 10.0 mg L^—1) under ambient laboratory conditions over a period of 20 days. Caudal fin regeneration was measured on 5th, 10th, 15th and 20th day of exposure and after amputation. Significant ( p < 0.05) retardation in fin regeneration was observed on day 5th and 10th in fish exposed to the nominal concentration of 5.0 mg L^—1 Zn, while retardation was found highly significant ( p < 0.01) at all the observations in 10.0 mg L^—1. The maximum inhibition in caudal fin regeneration (20.8 % and 24.3 %) was found during the initial observation at both of the concentrations (5.0 mg L^—1 and 10.0 mg L^—1) of zinc exposure. Later on the regeneration rate was almost as good as in the control group. Thus in this study fin regeneration was significantly inhibited at all time points following Zn exposure as a detrimental effect of Zn to fish. This study demonstrates that fish caudal fin regeneration is a simple assay, sensitive and easy to perform, and can serve as a model to determine the toxicity of pollutants in aquatic environment.     

Antibiotic resistant bacteria in fish from the Concepción Bay, Chile.

Antibiotic resistant bacteria from commercial demersal and pelagic fish captured in the Concepción Bay, Chile were investigated. Viable counts of antibiotic resistant bacteria isolated from gill and intestinal content samples showed high frequencies of resistance to ampicillin, streptomycin and tetracycline, while the proportion of chloramphenicol resistance was rather low. A high incidence of resistance to ampicillin, streptomycin, tetracycline and nitrofurantoin, as well as almost an absence of resistance to gentamicin, amikacin and cotrimoxazole was found among selected isolates which represented the resistant bacterial population. These strains mainly belonged to Vibrionaceae and Enterobacteriaceae and were predominantly resistant to 3 and 4 antibacterials. Isolates from demersal fish exhibited resistance to as many as 8-10 compounds, whereas those from pelagic fish were resistant to seven or fewer antibiotics. These results suggest that Chilean commercial fishes residing in waters near the disposals of urban sewage might play a role as carriers of antibiotic resistant bacteria prompting a health risk to public health for fish consumers.     

Trace metals in sediments of Raritan bay

Marine sediments are the ultimate recipient of nearly all trace metals introduced by man into aquatic ecosystems. This study examined the amounts and distribution of six trace metals (Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb, Zn) in sediments of Raritan Bay, apolluted estuary. The highest levels of these metals found in Raritan Bay were: Cd-15, Cr-260, Cu-1230, Ni-50, Pb-985, Zn-815. Three metals regimes within Raritan Bay are readily apparent. An area of high values extends across the Bay from the mouth of the Raritan Riverand Arthur Killinto Sandy Hook Bay. This is bounded on the south and northeast by areas of somewhat lower concentrations. An area of relatively low concentrations, near background values, occupies the region at the mouth of the Bay between Sandy Hook peninsula and Coney Island, New York. Metals values from Raritan Bay are compared with other areas and with a few exceptions, the Raritan Bay maximum levels were similar in magnitude to those of areas in Corpus Christi Harbour (U.S.A), Severn Estuary (U.K.), Deep Sea and Florida Lakes, River Blyth (U.K.), dump sites off New York City, various basins off South California, and in Long Island Sound.     

Distribution,characteristics and potential impacts of chromophoric dissolved organic matter (CDOM) in Hudson Strait and Hudson Bay,Canada

The characteristics of chromophoric dissolved organic matter (CDOM) were studied in Hudson Bay and Hudson Strait in the Canadian Arctic. Hudson Bay receives a disproportionately large influx of river runoff. With high dissolved organic matter (DOM) concentrations in Arctic rivers the influence of CDOM on coastal and ocean systems can be significant, yet the distribution, characteristics and potential consequences of CDOM in these waters remain unknown. We collected 470 discrete water samples in offshore, coastal, estuarine and river waters in the region during September and October 2005. Mixing of CDOM appeared conservative with salinity, although regional differences exist due to variable DOM composition in the rivers discharging to the Bay and the presence of sea-ice melt, which has low CDOM concentrations and low salinity. There were higher concentrations of CDOM in Hudson Bay, especially in coastal waters with salinities <28$<28$, due to river runoff. Using CDOM composition of water masses as a tracer for the freshwater components revealed that river runoff is largely constrained to nearshore waters in Hudson Bay, while sea-ice melt is distributed more evenly in the Bay. Strong inshore–offshore gradients in the bio-optical properties of the surface waters in the Hudson Bay cause large variation in penetration of ultraviolet radiation and the photic depth within the bay, potentially controlling the vertical distribution of biomass and occurrence of deep chlorophyll maxima which are prevalent only in the more transparent offshore waters of the bay. The CDOM distribution and associated photoprocesses may influence the thermodynamics and stratification of the coastal waters, through trapping of radiant heating within the top few meters of the water column. Photoproduction of biologically labile substrates from CDOM could potentially stimulate the growth of biomass in Hudson Bay coastal waters. Further studies are needed to investigate the importance of terrestrial DOM in the Hudson Bay region, and the impact of hydroelectric development and climate change on these processes.     

The source and distribution of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxin and polychlorinated dibenzofurans in sediments of Port Jackson, Australia

Concentrations of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (dioxins)(PCDDs) and polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDFs)(furans) in sediments from Port Jackson ranged from 32 to 4352 pg WHO-TEQ DF g(-1)dw with a mean of 712 pg g(-1)dw. Maximum total dioxins plus furans concentrations in this sediment was 6,290,000 pg g(-1)dw, which is the highest recorded in Australia and among the highest reported for sediment globally. Permanent bans were placed on fin fishing and prawn trawling in February, 2006 for the whole estuary, based on dioxin tissue burdens. A distinct congener profile corresponded to chemicals known to have been produced by industry on the shores of Homebush Bay in the upper estuary. These chemicals are being dispersed extensively and exceed pre-anthropogenic concentrations in even distant, less developed parts of the harbour. Remediation of sediments is currently being undertaken, with the intention of containing dispersion of dioxins and reducing body burdens in fin fish and prawn populations.     

On the ecology of ciliates in riverwaters: The evaluation of water quality via ciliates and filamentous bacteria

Since sewage treatment plants are most effective in Switzerland, the micro-benthic communities in receiving running waters have changed considerably. From January 1980 to September 1981 the periphyton communities in 13 Swiss streams and rivers were monthly investigated. The NH₄-N concentration in these waters varied between 0.015 and 1.0 mg/l. Four typical communities of microorganisms were found:In unpolluted running waters mainly small vagile ciliates were abundant; in slightly polluted waters peritricha (in the presence of bacteria) were found; in moderatly polluted waters peritricha in combination of few hymenostomata and Sphaerotilus could grow when bacteria and some degredable organic material where present; in polluted waters the well-known Spaerotilus-community (after Liebmann) could be found.The microscopic as well as the macroscopic aspect should be considered to qualify the degree of pollution in streams and rivers.     

The effects of fin rot disease and sampling method on blood chemistry and hematocrit measurements of winter flounder, Pseudopleuronectes americanus from New Haven Harbor (1987--1990)

Winter flounder from New Haven, Connecticut were evaluated for fin rot disease. Blood samples collected from healthy and diseased fish were used to measure bilirubin, calcium, hematocrit, inorganic phosphorus, osmolality, and total protein. Blood measurements were significantly affected by the presence of fin rot disease and by sampling mode (bled immediately or after 18 h). A reduction in blood chemistry values was associated with fin rot disease. Logistic regression modeling was used to identify explanatory variables contributing to the fin rot outcome in winter flounder. Blood constituent levels were higher in fish bled immediately versus 18 h post-capture, especially among fish without fin rot, suggesting that a waiting period is necessary for blood values to stabilize following initial sampling stress. This study presents evidence that winter flounder blood chemistry and hematocrit measurements are affected by fin rot disease.     

ECOLOGICAL CONSEQUENCES OF SOIL EROSION AND SEDIMENTATION

IHISTORICALRECORDSSoilerosioniscloselyrelatedtorainfallandgreatlyenhancedbydeforestationforagricultUreandurbansuburbandevelopment.Amongtheeffectsofsoilerosionarethelossoftopsoilandaconsequentdecreaseincropproductivity.Erodedsoilisalsodepositedintoaquaticsystems,thuslesseningwaterqualityandleadingtodepletionoftheaquaticfoodresource.Italsocausessiltationofwaterwaysmakingthemineffectiveforcommercialtransportaswellasincreasingtheriskoffloods.Theimpactofsedimenterosionanddepositiononhumanso…     

Evaluations of heavy metal pollution in sediment and Mullus barbatus from the Izmir Bay (Eastern Aegean) during 1997-2009

Izmir Bay is one of the great natural bays of the Mediterranean. The surface sediment and fish samples were collected during 1997-2009. The sediment concentrations of inner bay showed significant enrichments during sampling periods. Outer and middle bays exhibited low levels of metal enrichments except the estuary of Gediz River. The concentrations were generally higher than the background levels from the Mediterranean and Aegean except Cd and Pb levels gradually decreased. Metal EF is used as an index to evaluate anthropogenic influences of metals in sediments. Maximum metal enrichment was found for Hg in the outer bay, while Pb indicated maximum enrichment in the middle-inner bays. Metal levels were evaluated in sediments in accordance with the numerical SQG of the USEPA. The levels of fish tissues were lower than the results reported from polluted areas of the Mediterranean. The highest BAFs were detected for Hg and Cd in fish.     

Some effects of sewage discharge upon phytoplankton in Hong Kong

The coastal waters of Hong Kong constitute a transition from estuarine conditions in the west to more oceanic conditions in the east, with a major discharge of untreated sewage located at the mid-point. Chlorophyll a was determined and net phytoplankton was sampled at 45 stations throughout this transition. Over a period of 20 months, chlorophyll a values rarely exceeded 2 μg l.^?1 in unpolluted coastal waters. Estuarine waters generally contained 2–6 μg l.^?1 and, in waters influenced by sewage discharge, values sometimes exceeded 20 μg l.^?1. There was no evidence of a reduction in taxonomic diversity in polluted areas except in summer, when the net phytoplankton was dominated by Chaetoceros spp. In the autumn and early winter, Skeletonema costatum was abundant in the central polluted areas.     

太湖水体生态环境历史演变

根据１９５０￣１９９５年期间对太湖水体进行的各次综合性研究结果分析：太湖水质和营养程度大致每１０￣１５年上升一个级别,近期变化尤为明显ＣＯＤＭｎ含量３５年来增加了１３６％,总磷近年来以９．９％速度上升,浮游藻类８０年代以来一直以蓝藻和硅藻占优势,但种群数趋于减少,细胞数据增,局部水域蓝藻水华频发;浮游动物和底栖动物中耐污染类增多,枝角类、桡足类和环节动物、节肢动物数量则降低;鱼类种群数减少,银鱼捕     

Effects of nutrient enrichment derived from fish farming activities on macroinvertebrate assemblages in a subtropical region of Hong Kong

To study the correlation between nutrient enrichment derived from fish farming activities and changes in macrobenthic assemblages, a one-year field study was conducted in Kau Sai Bay marine fish culture zone of Hong Kong. Bimonthly sediment samples were collected at six stations: two at the fish cages, two near the boundary of the fish culture area, and two reference sites further away from the culture area. Sediment physico-chemical characteristics in terms of silt/clay fraction, moisture content, total organic carbon (TOC), total Kjeldahl nitrogen (TKN) and total phosphorus (TP) were analyzed. The macrobenthos (>0.5 mm) present in the sediment were sorted, identified and enumerated. On average, TOC, TKN and TP levels at the fish cage stations were 82.8%, 128.5% and 1315.7% higher than those at the reference stations, respectively. As a result, the N:P molar ratio was greatly reduced from 8.75 at the reference stations to 1.83 at the fish cage stations. Univariate and multivariate analyses revealed that diversity of macrofauna was significantly reduced and community structure differed at the fish cage stations relative to the reference sites. The intermediary stations near the fish culture area showed a transitional state of disturbance. Faunal diversity was negatively correlated with nutrient level, reflecting the adverse impacts of nutrient enrichment derived from fish farming activities on the benthic assemblages. Whilst in subtropical Asia-Pacific trash fish is the major feed for fish culture resulting in a higher nutrient loading and nutrient ratio accumulated in the sediment beneath the fish rafts, the effects of nutrient enrichment on macrobenthic assemblages are comparable to that in temperate waters owing to relatively high sediment metabolism rate and smaller fish culture scale in Hong Kong.     

Lead,cadmium pollution of seafood and human health risk assessment in the coastline of the southern China

In order to evaluate the exposure risk of lead and cadmium in seafood for coastal residents in the coastline of the South China, representative seafood such as sea fish, crustaceans and molluscs were collected and used as research samples in many sampling points. By determining lead and cadmium content in sample using graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry, we carried out a safety evaluation of lead and cadmium contamination of seafood by single factor pollution index method. By calculating lead, cadmium intake of the coastal residents eating seafood, their exposure risk of lead, cadmium was assessed. It was found that, firstly, the content of lead and cadmium in mollusks was both higher than sea fish and crustaceans in the same waters. Secondly, the lead and cadmium pollution in seafood near the mouth of Pearl River was the most serious. Thirdly, lead and cadmium intakes of the coastal population eating seafood were at a basic level of security, but there were certain risks on the males less than 17 years old eating molluscs in Shenzhen Bay.