Current status and future perspectives of Italian finfish aquaculture

Currently available data show that shellfish and finfish production in Italy, derived both from fisheries and aquaculture activities, is on the order of 474,000 tons, each activity representing 50 % of the total amount. In this context, the finfish aquaculture industry contributes on average 31 % to the national aquaculture production and on average 59 % of its value, giving a total amount of 72,000 tons and a value of around 351 million € (2010). According to FEAP statistics, Italy is the fourth largest finfish producer in EU27, after the UK, Greece, and Spain, while it is also one of the six largest finfish producers among the non-EU and EU member countries, together with Norway, UK, Greece, Turkey, and Spain. Presently, fish culture activities are mainly focused on rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss, 55.5 %), followed by European sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax, 13.6 %), gilthead sea bream (Sparus aurata, 12.2 %), gray mullet (Mugil cephalus, 5.3 %), sturgeon (Acipenser spp., 2 %), and European eel (Anguilla anguilla, 1.7 %). Over the last 20 years, freshwater fish production and aquaculture (trout, carp, and eel) have decreased in Italy, with the exception of sturgeon. In contrast, marine fish production has significantly increased during the same period, and the two leading species, European sea bass and gilthead sea bream, presently contribute 25.8 % of the finfish production. From 1,900 tons in 1990, production reached 19,000 tons in 2010, with a 900 % increase, at an average percentage of 4.5 %. In addition, new marine fish species were successfully cultured over the same period. This review outlines the past and present situation of finfish culture in Italy and discusses future developments and priorities, with particular emphasis on new, emerging aquaculture species.     

中国淡水渔业碳汇强度估算

【背景】碳汇是指从大气中消除二氧化碳的过程、活动或机制,我国最先提出碳汇渔业概念。【方法】捕捞鱼类的碳均来自天然饵料,故以其平均碳含量估算碳移出量。而养殖鱼类中,一般假定不考虑施肥养鱼的碳输入;鲢和鳙是滤食性鱼类,主要摄食浮游生物,鳜属鱼类以其他种鱼类为食物,而这些鱼类主要摄食天然饵料,故可以认为其碳均来自天然饵料。此外,假设草鱼、鲫和鲤等产量的20%来自天然饵料,而河蟹产量的50%来自天然饵料。基于渔业统计年鉴(2011—2015年),估算了我国近5年来淡水渔业碳汇强度。【结果】2010—2014年,全国淡水养殖碳移出量逐年稳步增长,分别为136.2万、140.5万、146.0万、153.0万和164.5万t,平均每年的碳移出量为148.0万t。2010—2014年全国淡水捕捞碳移出量分别为29.3万、28.7万、29.6万、29.7万和29.6万t,平均每年的碳移出量为29.4万t。【结论与意义】在自然资源日益减少的情况下,淡水养殖渔业碳汇的发展必然会成为淡水渔业经济发展的主体。     

Regulating and monitoring marine finfish aquaculture in Turkey

This paper describes marine aquaculture production and the regulation thereof in Turkey. Dominated by the cage farming of sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax) and sea bream (Sparus aurata), shellfish farming is insignificant. Finfish farmers must obtain permits from the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs (MARA) as the main authority responsible for regulating marine finfish aquaculture. In addition, the Ministry of Environment and Forestry (MEF) controls the compatibility of interactions with the environment while the provincial governments issue permits for marine public property use and organize the leasing procedures. Finfish farming activities are controlled by a number of specific laws and regulations administered mainly through the MARA and the MEF. This article provides a review of the development and present status of the licensing, regulating and monitoring procedures for finfish aquaculture in Turkey. The notable expansion of the finfish aquaculture sector in recent years and the problems created in relation to the current relevant legislation and applications are presented and discussed.     

Isolation and characterization of polymorphic microsatellite markers in Pagellus bogaraveo,and cross‐species amplification in Sparus aurata and Dicentrarchus labrax

Several new fish species are currently being included in breeding programmes. However, as specific molecular markers have not yet been developed, this represents a commercial handicap with respect to traditional aquaculture species such as gilthead sea bream or Atlantic salmon. In the present study, 12 new microsatellite loci were developed for blackspot sea bream (Pagellus bogaraveo) that show high levels of polymorphism, especially useful in parentage assignment and individual identification. In addition, cross‐amplification was obtained for two important species for Spanish aquaculture, gilthead sea bream and sea bass.     

Genetic interactions between marine finfish species in European aquaculture and wild conspecifics

The principal species of marine aquaculture in Europe are Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar), sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax) and sea bream (Sparus auratus). For Atlantic salmon and sea bass, a substantial part of total genetic variation is partitioned at the geographical population level. In the case of sea bream, gene flow across the Azores/Mediterranean scale appears to be extensive and population structuring is not detected. For Atlantic salmon and sea bass, natural population structure is at risk from genetic interaction with escaped aquaculture conspecifics. The locally adaptive features of populations are at risk from interbreeding with non‐local aquaculture fish. Wild populations, generally, are at risk from interactions with aquaculture fish that have been subject to artificial selection or domestication. Atlantic salmon is the main European aquaculture species and its population genetics and ecology have been well‐studied. A general case regarding genetic interactions can be based on the information available for salmon and extended to cover other species, in the appropriate context. A generalized flow chart for interactions is presented. Salmon escape from aquaculture at all life stages, and some survive to breed among wild salmon. Reproductive fitness in the escaped fish is lower than in native, wild fish because of behavioural deficiencies at spawning. However, as the number of salmon in aquaculture greatly exceeds the number of wild fish, even small fractional rates of escape may result in the local presence of large numbers, and high frequencies, of escaped fish. At present, policy and legislation in relation to minimizing genetic interactions between wild and aquaculture fish is best developed for Atlantic salmon, through the recommendations of the Oslo Agreement developed by the North Atlantic Salmon Conservation Organization and subsequent agreements on their implementation. In future, the potential use of genetically modified fish in aquaculture will make additional policy development necessary. Improved containment is recommended as the key to minimizing the numbers and therefore the effects of escaped fish. Emergency recovery procedures are recommended as a back‐up measure in the case of containment failure. Reproductive sterility is recommended as a future key to eliminating the genetic potential of escaped fish. The maintenance of robust populations of wild fish is recommended as a key to minimizing the effects of escaped fish on wild populations.     

我国水产养殖事业的发展及今后的努力方向

我国水产养殖事业的发展及今后的努力方向曾呈奎（中国科学院海洋研究所青岛２６６０７１）我国水产养殖事业在新中国成立以前,只有个别零星古老的,传统的事业。在养殖海产鱼虾方面北方有几百年来的＂港养对虾和鱼＂,而在南方也有类似的鱼塘。在海藻栽培方面,则有几百年来的福建金门县的礁养海萝及平潭县的礁养紫菜等。这些古老的传统养殖方法虽然产生一些效果,但产量较小。     

Effects of Large-Scale Releases on the Genetic Structure of Red Sea Bream (Pagrus major,Temminck et Schlegel) Populations in Japan

Large-scale hatchery releases are carried out for many marine fish species worldwide; nevertheless, the long-term effects of this practice on the genetic structure of natural populations remains unclear. The lack of knowledge is especially evident when independent stock enhancement programs are conducted simultaneously on the same species at different geographical locations, as occurs with red sea bream (Pagrus major, Temminck et Schlegel) in Japan. In this study, we examined the putative effects of intensive offspring releases on the genetic structure of red sea bream populations along the Japanese archipelago by genotyping 848 fish at fifteen microsatellite loci. Our results suggests weak but consistent patterns of genetic divergence (F_ST = 0.002, p < 0.001). Red sea bream in Japan appeared spatially structured with several patches of distinct allelic composition, which corresponded to areas receiving an important influx of fish of hatchery origin, either released intentionally or from unintentional escapees from aquaculture operations. In addition to impacts upon local populations inhabiting semi-enclosed embayments, large-scale releases (either intentionally or from unintentional escapes) appeared also to have perturbed genetic structure in open areas. Hence, results of the present study suggest that independent large-scale marine stock enhancement programs conducted simultaneously on one species at different geographical locations may compromise native genetic structure and lead to patchy patterns in population genetic structure.     

Experimental transmission of Enteromyxum leei to freshwater fish

The myxosporean Enteromyxum leei is known to infect a wide range of marine fish hosts. The objective of the present study was to determine whether freshwater fish species are also receptive hosts to this parasite. Seventeen species of freshwater fish were experimentally fed E. leei-infected gut tissue from donor gilthead sea bream Sparus aurata obtained from a commercial sea bream cage farm. Four of the tested species, tiger barb Puntius tetrazona, zebra danio Danio rerio, oscar Astronotus ocellatus and Mozambique tilapia Oreochromis mossambicus, were found to be susceptible with prevalences ranging from 53 to 90%. The course of infection and pathology was limited to the gut mucosa epithelium and was similar to that observed in marine hosts. Little is known of the differences in physiological conditions encountered by a parasite in the alimentary tract of freshwater vs. marine teleost hosts, but we assume that a similar osmotic environment is maintained in both. Parasite infectivity may be influenced by differences in the presence or absence of a true stomach, acidic gastric pH and digestive enzyme activity both in the stomach and intestine. Variability in susceptibility among species may also stem from differences in innate immunity. Dimensions of spores produced in the donor sea bream and recipient freshwater species are variable in size, as previously observed in other captive marine host species.     

Presence and development of populations of the introduced brown alga Sargassum muticum in the southwest Netherlands

Of the three Brachionus species used in aquaculture, Brachionus rubens, B. calycilorus and B. plicatilis, the latter is most widely used in raising marine fish and shrimp larvae due to its tolerance to the marine environment. In freshwater aquaculture the use of B. rubens and B. calycilorus is limited, probably because inert food products are readily available as feed for freshwater larvae.The rotifer Brachionus plicatilis is used in large numbers as the first food organism in intensive cultures of marine fish and shrimp larvae. An adequate supply of these rotifers relies on mass cultures. The reproductive rate of rotifers in these cultures depends on food quality and quantity, salinity, temperature and pH of the medium. Removal of waste products from culture tanks leads to higher and more efficient production of rotifers over extended periods of time. Rotifers have to be enriched with polyunsaturated fatty acids, which are essential for proper development and survival of marine fish and shrimp larvae.The future use of preserved rotifers and their resting eggs may help to overcome unforeseen failures of live cultures and may lead to more efficient use of these organisms in raising freshwater and marine fish and shrimp larvae.     

Detection of SJNNV and RGNNV genotypes using a relative quantification RT‐PCR assay

Viral Encephalopathy and Retinopathy (VER), is caused by a nodavirus included within the Betanodavirus genus of the Nodaviridae family. This disease affects more than 30 marine fish species worldwide and has been a major obstacle in the aquaculture industry; control of the disease is based on virus detection, essentially in carrier specimens. This study describes a real time PCR procedure for viral nervous necrosis virus detection from several organs of sea bass, Senegalese sole, and gilt‐head sea bream, from fish displaying either clinical symptoms or asymptomatic cases. The sensitivity of this technique was about 10⁶‐fold higher than that of the conventional RT‐PCR. The newly designed primers detected nodavirus isolates belonging to the RGNNV and SJNNV genotypes.     

A comparison of fatty acid,cholesterol and vitamin composition in sea bass [Dicentrarchus labrax (Linnaeus, 1758)] and sea bream [Sparus aurata (Linnaeus, 1758)] from three cage farm areas: Antalya and Muğla (Turkey) and İskele (Northern Cyprus)

In the present study the fatty acids, cholesterol and vitamin composition in farmed sea bass (8 fish per species per farm; weight range: 389.6–395.8 g, total length range: 297–316 mm) and sea bream (8 fish per species per farm; weight range: 386.8–391.7 g, total length range: 263–268 mm) from three cage farms (?skele in northern Cyprus, Antalya and Mu?la in Turkey) were compared during the harvesting period in June–July 2011. The results showed that the muscles of D. labrax and S. aurata farmed fish were rich in n‐3 fatty acids, but with important differences. For example, the muscles of sea bass farmed in ?skele were rich in docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and n‐3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA). Palmitic acid (C16:0) was the primary saturated fatty acid, and oleic acid (C18:1 n‐9) the primary monounsaturated fatty acid in the muscle and liver samples of the cage‐farmed sea bass and sea bream. There were no significant differences in the cholesterol content in the muscles of sea bream farmed in ?skele, Antalya or Mu?la. In conclusion, the n‐3/n‐6 ratio in the muscle of farmed S. aurata and D. labrax is within the recommended limits for a healthy human diet, being very suitable for human nutrition.     

Mineral composition in fillets of sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax) and sea bream (Sparus aurata): a comparison of cultured and wild fish

The objective of this study was to determine some of the trace mineral elements in four commercial feeds commonly available in Turkey for marine culture and in fillets of cultured and wild sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax) and sea bream (Sparus aurata). The feeds and cultured fish were from four different fish farms operating in the same region but with four slightly different feeds. Concentrations of Iron (Fe), Zinc (Zn), Manganese (Mn), Copper (Cu), Lead (Pb), Cobalt (Co), Nickel (Ni), Chromium (Cr), and Cadmium (Cd) were analyzed in the feeds and fillets of cultured as well as wild fish. Significant differences in the mineral concentrations existed within feed groups, cultured fish groups as well as between cultured and wild fish. Fe, Zn, and Mn in the feeds, Fe, Co, and Zn in sea bass and Fe, Zn and Co in sea bream were predominant among the nine analyzed minerals. Fe, Zn, Mn, Cr, and Ni contents in the fillets of wild sea bass were significantly, (P < 0.05) lower than those of the cultured sea bass groups. Co, Cr, Pb, and Ni in the fillets of wild sea bream were also significantly (P < 0.05) lower than those of cultured sea bream groups. These differences in trace elements in the cultured and wild fish were probably related to differences in their dietary mineral concentrations.     

Quantitative trait loci for resistance to fish pasteurellosis in gilthead sea bream (Sparus aurata)

Fish pasteurellosis is a bacterial disease causing important losses in farmed fish, including gilthead sea bream, a teleost fish of great relevance in marine aquaculture. We report in this study a QTL analysis for resistance to fish pasteurellosis in this species. An experimental population of 500 offspring originating from eight sires and six dams in a single mass‐spawning event was subjected to a disease challenge with Photobacterium damselae subsp. piscicida (Phdp), the causative agent of fish pasteurellosis. A total of 151 microsatellite loci were genotyped in the experimental population, and half‐sib regression QTL analysis was carried out on two continuous traits, body length at time of death and survival, and for two binary traits, survival at day 7 and survival at day 15, when the highest peaks of mortality were observed. Two significant QTLs were detected for disease resistance. The first one was located on linkage group LG3 affecting late survival (survival at day 15). The second one, for overall survival, was located on LG21, which allowed us to highlight a potential marker (Id13) linked to disease resistance. A significant QTL was also found for body length at death on LG6 explaining 5–8% of the phenotypic variation.     

Not so much a sea bass: Divergent European sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax L.) freshwater incursions

European sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax [Linnaeus, 1758]) is a euryhaline marine migrant fish highly valuable for fisheries and aquaculture. Although juveniles are known to use estuaries and occasionally move to freshwater environments, these freshwater incursions had not been reported for adults. Recently, this behavior was observed in the Tagus River (Portugal) for adults occurring up to 150 km from the river mouth, about 80 km upstream from the tidal influence, suggesting the existence of a freshwater contingent. Fisheries management of sea bass should consider the putative existence of a freshwater contingent.     

Fish communities in temporarily open/closed estuaries from the warm- and cool-temperate regions of South Africa: A review

The majority of estuaries along the coastline of southern Africa are termed temporarily open/closed estuaries (TOCEs) and are closed off from the sea for varying periods by a sandbar which forms at the mouth. It is therefore important to understand the processes occurring within TOCEs and their importance to fishes in order to make sound management recommendations. Estuaries along the coast of South Africa and their associated fish assemblages are biogeographically distinct and occur in either a subtropical, warm-temperate or cool-temperate zone. There are 125 TOCEs found within the cool-temperate and warm-temperate zones. Most fish species found in TOCEs are the juveniles of marine taxa that breed at sea. Permanently open estuaries generally have a higher diversity of species than TOCEs, but TOCEs still provide important nursery areas for many marine species and numerically often have a higher proportion of estuarine resident species. Important taxa in terms of abundance and biomass in warm-temperate TOCEs include the sparids Rhabdosargus holubi and Lithognathus lithognathus, several mugilid species, estuarine residents (particularly Gilchristella aestuaria and Atherina breviceps) and the freshwater cichlid Oreochromis mossambicus. The diversity of fishes in cool-temperate TOCEs is low when compared with warm-temperate systems and Liza richardsonii tends to dominate catches by number and mass in most systems. Several species recorded in TOCEs show clear longitudinal distribution trends. For example Atherina breviceps is generally more abundant in the lower reaches of estuaries. Mouth state, particularly the frequency, timing and duration of mouth opening plays a key role in determining species richness, composition, diversity and abundance in TOCEs. Mouth state is directly linked to freshwater input. Reduced river inflow leads to prolonged mouth closure and shorter open phases, which inhibits immigration and emigration of marine fish species between estuaries and the sea. Understanding of the effects of various processes occurring within these systems, particularly variation in freshwater input, on the biota of these important systems facilitates the development of informed management recommendations.     

A fish kill of massive proportion in Kuwait Bay, Arabian Gulf, 2001: the roles of bacterial disease, harmful algae, and eutrophication

In August and September 2001, Kuwait Bay, a semi-enclosed embayment of the Arabian Gulf, experienced a massive fish kill involving over >2500 metric tons of wild mullet (Liza klunzingeri), due to the bacterium Streptococcus agalactiae. In the Bay, this event was preceded by a small fish kill (100–1000 dead fish per day) of gilthead sea bream (Sparus auratus) in aquaculture net pens associated with a bloom of the dinoflagellate Ceratium furca. Sea bream were found to be culture positive for S. agalactiae, but did not show any visible signs of disease. Unusually warm temperatures (up to 35 °C) and calm conditions prevailed during this period. As the wild fish kill progressed, various harmful algae were observed, including Gymnodinium catenatum, Gyrodinium impudicum, and Pyrodinium bahamense var. compressum. Cell numbers of G. catenatum and G. impudicum exceeded 10⁶ l⁻¹ in some locations. All fish tested below the limits of detection for paralytic shellfish poisoning (PSP) and brevetoxins. Clams (Circe callipyga) were positive for PSP but at levels below regulatory limits. Nutrient concentrations, both inorganic and organic, were highly variable with time and from site to site, reflecting inputs from sewage outfalls, the aquaculture operations, a high biomass of decomposing fish, and other sources. It is hypothesized that many factors contributed to the initial outbreak of the bacterial disease, including unusual warm and calm conditions. The same factors, as well as enriched nutrient conditions, also apparently were conducive to the subsequent HAB outbreaks. The detection of PSP, while below regulatory limits, warrants further monitoring to protect human health.     

Threat of non-native crayfish introductions into Turkey: global lessons

Introductions of crayfish species from their home range to new environments have been carried out in many parts of the world. The most important introduced crayfish species are Procambarus clarkii, Pacifastacus leniusculus, Cherax destructor, C. quadricarinatus, Orconectes limosus, O. rusticus and Astacus leptodactylus. The environmental impact of crayfish introductions can be positive, negative or neutral. However, native crayfish populations in Europe have been negatively affected by introductions of non-indigenous crayfish species from America. Negative effects of non-native crayfish introductions included displacement of native crayfish species, transfer of disease (crayfish plague), consumption of fish eggs, reduction of fish stocks, consumption of large amounts of macrophytes, indirect and direct effects on other invertebrates and upsetting production in rice fields. As a result of non-native crayfish introductions, the natural harvest and crayfish industry in Europe have been severely affected. Large quantities of Turkish A. leptodactylus were harvested (approximately 7,000 tonnes annually) and exported to Europe before the crayfish plague was observed in these populations. The total harvest of A. leptodactylus in Turkey reduced dramatically to 320 in 1991 after the plague. Therefore, although Turkey currently has no known non-native crayfish species, there is a threat of non-native crayfish introduction in order to increase crayfish productions and subsequent harvest. The North American spiny-cheek crayfish, O. limosus, has been spreading quickly down the River Danube and could soon reach neighboring countries including Turkey. The North American signal crayfish, P. leniusculus is known from Greece and could be a threat to native stocks if it is introduced into Turkey for aquaculture. Additional threats may come from the release of other North American species, which are widely available through the aquarium trade. We conclude that the spread of non-native crayfish introductions throughout Turkey will increase local problems, because introductions of non-native crayfish in many parts of the world have been known to have caused important reductions in population density and numbers of native crayfish species. Furthermore, freshwater ecosystems may be altered by such introductions and the economic viability of native crayfish species fisheries could be severely reduced in Turkey.     

Non-native fish in aquaculture and sport fishing in Brazil: economic benefits versus risks to fish diversity in the upper River Paraná Basin

Brazil has a highly diverse freshwater fish fauna and their freshwaters provide valuable provisioning ecosystem services in aquaculture and sport angling, especially in the developed regions in the south. Non-native fish now comprise a substantial proportion of the total aquaculture production and value, contributing at least $US 250?million in 2008 (63% of the total value of freshwater fish aquaculture) according to the Fish and Agriculture Organisation. Much of this aquaculture activity is centred in Central and Southern Brazil, such as impounded sections of the upper River Paraná. The non-native fishes used tend to feed at relatively low trophic levels, with the most prominently species being Cyprinus carpio and Oreochromis niloticus. Ecological risk assessment suggests these species are potentially highly invasive and deleterious to the native fish diversity of invaded water bodies. Fishes introduced for the creation of sport fisheries tend feed higher trophic levels through piscivory, such as the peacock basses (Cichla species) from Amazonia. Their introductions have generally resulted in establishment and invasion, which tends to be followed by significant and rapid declines in native fish diversity as a consequence of increased predation pressure. Thus, whilst non-native fish in the upper Paraná River support provisioning ecosystem services of substantial economic value, the principal species used represent high risks to fish diversity and conservation. It is recommended local management should concentrate on reducing these risks through use of more appropriate species in these ecosystem services, with these decisions derived using risk assessment and precautionary principles.     

Marine reserve effects on fishery profits: a comment on White et al. (2008)

A recent study ( White et al. 2008 ) claimed that fishery profits will often be higher with management that employs no‐take marine reserves than conventional fisheries management alone. However, this conclusion was based on the erroneous assumption that all landed fish have equal value regardless of size, and questionable assumptions regarding density‐dependence. Examination of an age‐structured version of the White et al. (2008) model demonstrates that their results are not robust to these assumptions. Models with more realistic assumptions generally do not indicate increased fishery yield or profits from marine reserves except for overfished stocks.     

基于高通量测序的象山港海域黑鲷(Acanthopagrus schlegelii)食性分析

选取象山港黑鲷个体为研究对象,以18S rDNA为靶标,利用Illumina Miseq高通量测序方法研究黑鲷饵料生物组成特征,分析不同龄组黑鲷的食性异同。通过序列比对,共在黑鲷胃含物中鉴定出41个属中的62种饵料生物,分属9个门,其中节肢动物门（Arthropoda）、绿藻门（Chlorophyta）和软体动物门（Mollusca）是黑鲷饵料生物的优势组成门类。从饵料生物相对丰度和出现频率上分析,石莼（Ulva lactuca）、熊本牡蛎（Crassostrea sikamea）、胸刺水蚤（Centropages hamatus）、日本蟳（Charybdis japonica）、毛蚶（Scapharca subcrenata）和褐菖鲉（Sebastiscus marmoratus）是黑鲷的优势饵料物种,所占饵料生物总相对丰度的比重达60.90%。相似性分析检验（ANOSIM）结果显示：1至4龄黑鲷个体的饵料生物组成不存在显著性差异。与传统食性分析方法相比,高通量测序法在黑鲷饵料生物检测灵敏性上显现了较为明显的优势,保障黑鲷等重要物种的种群稳定对于该海域具有重要的生态和经济意义。