Seasonal growth and year class strength variations of perch near the northern limits of its distribution range

The effects of temperature on seasonal growth and year class strength of perch Perca fluviatilis were studied in a subarctic lake in northern Finland. Two growth models, power and von Bertalanffy, were used to estimate the growth of perch during the growing season from 1988 to 1990. Air temperature, estimated as degree-days >10° C, significantly improved both model fits. The sum of degree-days also correlated positively with the year class strength of perch. The strongest year class was born in a warm summer 1988, while the 1987 year class was totally absent, which was due to the very cold summer of that year. The backcalculation of lengths of fish caught in 1990 showed that the overall growth of perch was slow in the cold summer of 1987 and relatively rapid in the warm summer of 1988. The subsequent growth of the abundant 1988 year class was rapid, even though the summers of 1991 and 1992 were relatively cool. The improved growth could be due to the lack of competition with previous weak year classes of 1986 and 1987. This observation suggests that density-dependent factors might affect growth even near the northern limits of the distribution range of perch.     

Length–weight relationships for Brazilian estuarine fishes along a latitudinal gradient

Ninety-nine length–weight relationships (LWR) were estimated for 70 bentho-demersal fish species captured in four Brazilian estuaries between latitudes 0°S and 25°S. LWR are published for the first time for 13 species. The allometry coefficient ( b ) of the LWR ( W = aTL ^b ) showed a median of 3.147. Positive allometry was dominant (64 of the 99 species x estuary cases), followed by isometry (28) and negative allometry (7). Twenty-two species were caught in two or more estuaries. In most cases (29 of 33 comparisons), the values of both regression parameters differed significantly among estuaries.     

Similarity in parasite community structure may be used to trace latitudinal migrations of Odontesthes smitti along Argentinean coasts

The aims of this study were to determine the existence of migratory movements and to identify ecological stocks of the silverside Odontesthes smitti along its distribution in the Southern Atlantic Ocean, using metazoan parasites as biological tags. Samples were obtained from San José Gulf (SJ) (42° 25' S; 64° 07' W) and Nuevo Gulf (NG) (42° 47' S; 65° 02' W) in north Patagonia during winter and summer and in waters off Mar del Plata (MDP) (38° 03' S; 57° 32' W), Bonaerense region, during winter. Fifteen parasite species were collected. Multivariate statistical procedures on parasite community data showed strong effect of host size on the structure of parasite assemblages. Taking into account the variations among samples due to host size, the differential structure of parasite communities between SJ and NG suggests that fish inhabiting these localities could belong to different ecological stocks. Fish from MDP and SJ caught in summer showed similar composition in their parasite assemblages, which is congruent with a migratory cycle that implies that fish caught in MDP during winter inhabit SJ during summer. Further evidence of the Patagonian origin of MDP O. smitti is the presence of the digenean Proctotrema bartolii in fish from both regions. Proctotrema bartolii is acquired by O. smitti only in the Magellanic province, where its intermediate host, Darina solenoides, is distributed. The analyses suggest that O. smitti inhabiting north Patagonian gulfs could belong to different ecological stocks and that O. smitti caught in MDP could have come from SJ.     

Distribution and ecology of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Chaenocephalus aceratus</Emphasis> (Channichthyidae) around South Georgia and Shag Rocks (Southern Ocean)

Chaenocephalus aceratus (Family Channicthyidae) is one of the dominant species of demersal fish living on the South Georgia shelf where it is caught in low numbers as by-catch in the mackerel icefish and Antarctic krill commercial fisheries. Data collected during 14 demersal fish surveys, from 1986 to 2006, are analysed to investigate biomass, distribution, growth and diet. Biomass estimates from a swept area method ranged from 4,462 to 28,740 tonnes on the South Georgia and Shag Rock shelves although few fish were caught at Shag Rocks. Analysis of length frequency data indicated that growth was fast in the first five years with males and females attaining lengths at first spawning of 440 mm TL and 520 mm TL. The diet was comprised of fish and crustaceans, with an ontogenetic shift in diet from Euphausia superba and mysids to benthic fish and decapods observed to begin at 250 mm TL. In larger fish (>500 mm TL) the diet was dominated by fish. C. aceratus diet is sufficiently different from the other species of channichthyids around South Georgia to suggest that these species have undergone resource partitioning.     

Behaviour of a sharptail mola in the Gulf of Mexico

A sharptail mola Masturus lanceolatus was tagged and released with a pop-up satellite archival tag in the Gulf of Mexico and tracked for 61 days. The fish travelled a horizontal distance of 594 km while generally staying in water <200 m depth and >20° C. Occasionally the sharptail mola dived to depths >700 m and experienced water colder than 6° C.     

Ria de Alvor as a spawning place and a nursery ground

Ria de Alvor is a small estuary between Lagos and Portimão on the south coast of Portugal, 37°7'–37°10'N, 8°35'–8°38'W.
Samples were collected monthly in the period April 1985–March 1986 in an ichthyoplankton and ichthyofauna survey of the estuary. A WP-2 plankton net was used for catching ichthyoplankton, and a beam trawl and a beach seine were used for catching ichthyofauna.
Scaldfish, Arnoglossus laterna (Walbaum, 1792), even though the most abundant species in ichthyoplankton samples, was never found in ichthyofauna samples.
From the results obtained, it is concluded that a great part of the fish species are temporary marine visitors using the Ria as a nursery ground, although this system appears to provide a spawning area for species with benthic eggs. No evidence was found of pelagic spawning.     

Chemical and carbon isotopic composition of fatty acids in adipose tissue as indicators of dietary history in wild arctic foxes (A lopex lagopus) on Svalbard

The chemical and carbon isotope compositions of triacylglycerol fatty acids were analysed in samples from two or more adipose depots dissected from adult and subadult arctic foxes collected between November 1991 and March 1992 in four different areas of Spitsbergen in the Svalbard archipelago (latitude 78° 5' to 79° 50' N). Site-specific differences were minor but there were large and consistent differences in the fatty acid composition of the storage lipids of foxes caught in the same areas, suggesting that residents of contiguous territories may have had quite different diets. The adipose tissue of adult foxes caught in Austfjordneset, an area where reindeer are rare, contained a much greater proportion of unsaturated fatty acids, suggesting that these animals were feeding mainly in the marine ecosystem, probably on seabirds and/or fish in summer and the remains of polar bear kills in winter. Measurements of the relative abundance of the carbon isotopes ¹²C and ¹³C in individual fatty acids show that palmitoleic acid (C16:1) in storage triacylglycerols originates from the marine food chain, probably together with most other unsaturated lipids, but that the foxes obtain oleic acid (C18:1), and probably most saturated fatty acids, from either terrestrial or marine sources.     

Monitoring the fish fauna in the Wadden Sea with special reference to different fishing methods and effects of wind and light on catches

The seasonal and local distribution of fish in the Wadden Sea depends on the various modes of life of each species. To obtain nearly all species of the fish fauna and the stages of development in different spatial regions of the Wadden Sea-shallow and deep channels, puddles and pools, sedimentation fields and tidal flats—it is essential to use different fishing methods synchronously. During a two-year monitoring project in 1986 and 1987 on fish and fisheries in a restricted area of the Wadden Sea of Schleswig-Holstein, five types of fishing gear were used synchronously: handnet, push-net, 2-m beam trawl, commercial shrimp trawl, fyke net. In 822 samples of all gear 33 species were caught. No gear obtained the maximum number of species. Day and night samples show considerably different composition. Furthermore, force and direction of wind have an important effect on the distribution of fish in the coastal area. The advantages and disadvantages of the different gear for monitoring purposes are discussed from scientific and practical viewpoints. Presented at the VI International Wadden Sea Symposium (Biologische Anstalt Helgoland, Wattenmeerstation Sylt, D-2282 List, FRG 1–4 November 1988)     

Records of fishes from the West Norfolk Ridge,north-west of New Zealand

Abstract

A total of 89 species of elasmobranch and teleost fish was recorded from the West Norfolk Ridge in 1986. Between 50 and 60 of these have not previously been reported from the area. Fish species were caught in bottom trawls at depths between 100 m and 1100 m, principally on the Wanganella Bank. Depth distribution is discussed. Species composition is very similar to that of northern New Zealand.     

Growth responses of age 0 white perch and yellow perch from field-enclosure experiments

In this paper, we investigate the potential for competition between age 0 white perch Morone americana and yellow perch Perca flavescens in field-enclosure experiments. In 1986 and 1987, different densities of white perch and yellow perch were stocked into cages in the western basin of Lake Erie and their growth responses determined. Fish were weighed and measured pre- and post-stocking. In 1986 when fish were food-limited, individual growth of both species were negatively affected by increased total fish density; yellow perch to a greater extent. In 1987, experiments were carried out later in the year at lower temperatures. Yellow perch were shown to feed and continue to grow at lower water temperatures than white perch. We conclude that competition in summer may be mitigated in the fall because of differences in thermal optima between these two species.     

Is there evidence that the Chinese paddlefish (Psephurus gladius) still survives in the upper Yangtze River? Concerns inferred from hydroacoustic and capture surveys, 2006–2008

Due to the rarity of Chinese paddlefish ( Psephurus gladius ), very little information is available on this species. In order to save this critically endangered giant species, four large-range hydroacoustic surveys (using an echo sounder with a 199 kHz, 6.8° split-beam transducer) and capture surveys (by drift nets and setlines) were conducted in the upper Yangtze River during 2006–2008. According to the target strength (TS) study on Polyodon spathula ( Hale et al., 2003 ) and Love's formula about TS-fish length relationships ( Love, 1971 ), the four acoustic surveys identified nine potential targets (TS > −26.29 dB) of P. gladius , two (TS > −22.40 dB) of them very probably the fish species sought. A total of 4762 setlines, 111 anchored setlines and 950 drift net catches were conducted in which 472 large fish specimens of various species were caught. However, no single P. gladius was caught directly. The gear used did not allow quantitative capture over rough ground with deep holes, perhaps allowing some large fish to effectively hide or escape; the hydroacoustic signals indicated this as likely. In any case, it is strongly suggested that P. gladius is on the verge of extinction and further rigid measures are proposed to save the very few remaining specimens.     

Effects of different baits on monofilament gillnet effectiveness in a freshwater reservoir fishery (Keban Dam Lake,Turkey)

Aim of this study was to test the gillnet efficiency in Keban Dam Lake using different baits as attractants. Gillnets of 50 m length (stretched mesh sizes: 40, 50, 55 mm) were employed between January 2009 and December 2010 in the study. Two types of grain (corn and wheat) as well as processed plant material (beet cake) and animal livers were tested as bait to attract both carnivorous and omnivorous species. The catching efficiency of baited and non‐baited gill nets was compared. Overall, a total of 358 fish from eight different species were caught in baited gillnets, whereas only 189 fish were caught with non‐baited gillnets. Most fish (55.90%) were caught with corn, wheat or beet cake as bait; the fewest (59 fish, 9.96%) were captured with animal liver. About 34.1% were caught with non‐baited gillnets. By species, Capoeta trutta (Cyprinidae) was most frequently captured. In conclusion, the gillnets bated with corn, wheat, and beet cake yielded higher catches (P < 0.05) than did the non‐baited monofilament gillnets.     

Length–weight relationships for fishes caught by shrimp trawl in southern Bahia, Brazil

Length–weight relationships (TW =  a TL ^b ) were estimated for fish species caught by bottom shrimp trawl in southern Bahia (Brazil) from March 2003 to February 2005. The results indicate that all 21 estimated relationships had a ' b ' within the usual range (2.5–3.5). Two new maximum size records were established: 19.2 cm for Odontognathus mucronatus and 16.1 cm for Stellifer brasiliensis .     

Sampling estuarine fish using multi-mesh gill nets: Effects of panel length and soak and setting times

Experiments on the effects of soak (1, 3 and 6 h) and setting times (18:00, 22:00 and 3:00 h), and panel length (20, 50, 120 m) on catches of fish in multi-mesh (38, 54 and 89 mm) gill nets were done in a south-east Australian estuary to develop an optimal, representative and standardized sampling methodology for future fishery-independent surveys of estuarine icthyofauna. Univariate analysis revealed that while the longest soak times and panels often caught significantly more numbers and species of fish, there were no differences between short and intermediate soak times. Further, where differences between soak time and panel length treatments were detected, fish were often being caught in the same relative proportions. Standardized catch-per-unit-of-effort (CPUE) (numbers of fish caught 20 m^− 1 of net h^− 1) decreased significantly with increasing soak time, but there were no differences in CPUE between different panel lengths for the total numbers of fish and key species caught. Multivariate analyses failed to detect any differences in fish assemblages between soak times and panel lengths for 38 and 89 mm mesh. However, inconsistent and species-specific differences in the abundances of common species accounted for differences in assemblage structure for the 54 mm mesh. Similarly, while the size ranges of most species of economic importance were comparable between different panel lengths and soak times, there were inconsistent differences in the proportions of fish captured across size classes for some species. Setting time had no effect on the mean numbers of fish or species caught, structure of assemblages or size-ranges of most species investigated. Based on these results, the use of 20-m panels soaked for 1 h at any time during the night was considered optimal for future surveys. The benefits of this uniform sampling methodology are discussed in terms of increased replication, reduced costs and the potential for lower fish mortality.     

Effect of artificial baits on the catch efficiency of monofilament gill nets

Greater success in catching fish with gill nets is possible if more the fish are attracted to the nets. Bait has been successfully used to lure fish into the gill nets. With the aim of increasing the catch efficiency of monofilament gill nets, a study was conducted between January 2009 and December 2010 to test the effect of artificial baits on the efficiency of 40, 50 and 55 mm monofilament gill nets in the Keban Dam Lake (Elaz??/Turkey). The catch rate of the baited nets was compared to similar nets without bait. Baited nets caught 482 fish (71.8% of the total, seven species). Non‐baited nets caught 189 fish (28% of the total, seven species). The majority of fish (238) were caught using baited gill nets with 40 mm mesh. The most commonly caught species was Capoeta trutta. The differences between the baited gill nets and non‐baited gill nets were statistically significant (P < 0.05). Finally, it was understood that artificially baited monofilament gill nets had higher catch efficiencies than non‐baited monofilament gill nets. Unlike most natural baits, artificial baits are re‐usable and thus more economical in the long term.     

Distribution of the infection by Camallanus corderoi (Nemata: Spiruroidea) in different autochthonous hosts and localities of the Valdivia river basin, Chile

Six hundred and thirty nine autochthonous fish were examined in 1986-1987 in search for Camallanus corderoi infection on different biotopes from Valdivia River basin (between 39 degrees 30'-40 degrees 00'S, 73 degrees 30'-71 degrees 45' W). Brachigalaxias bullocki, Galaxias maculatus, Galaxias platei, Aplochiton taeniatus, Cheirodon australe, Basilichthys australis and Cauque mauleanum are new hosts for C. corderoi. Infection by C. corderoi in fish is acquired by ingestion of infected copepods and prevalence and intensity of infection showed differences between host fish and biotopes. In general, infrapopulations of C. corderoi showed overdispersion in different hosts.     

河南省鸡公山国家级自然保护区外来入侵植物1994-2014年间的变化

以河南省鸡公山国家级自然保护区外来入侵植物为研究对象,对该地区1994 -2014年间外来入侵植物的变化进行了研究。结果显示,1951 -2010年信阳市每5年的平均温度明显上升、降水量年际间的波动较大;1994 -2014年的20年间,该保护区外来入侵植物从49种增加到60种,增长了22.4%,增加的11种外来入侵植物分别为:菊科4种,豆科2种,苋科、十字花科、大戟科、酢浆草科和雨久花科各1种;该保护区外来入侵植物主要来源于美洲、欧洲、亚洲和非洲,1994 -2014年间来自美洲的入侵植物共33种(其中新增加的有6种),占2014年外来入侵物种的50.0%以上;从生活型来看,外来入侵植物主要为陆生植物,占总数的95%以上,其中,一年生植物>一、二年生植物>多年生草本植物;从入侵途径来看,有意引进>无意引入>自然扩散;新增的入侵植物以种子作为主要繁殖方式的有9种。因此,对该保护区生物多样性保护和引种过程中,要加强对来自美洲的以种子作为主要繁殖方式的陆生草本植物的入侵风险进行监控和管理。     

Susceptibility of Atlantic herring and plaice larvae to predation by juvenile cod and herring at two constant temperatures

Predation encounters were staged in the laboratory to compare prey responsiveness, predator error rate, and predator capture success for juvenile cod Gadus morhua (a suction feeder) and herring Clupea harengus (a biting predator) preying on herring and plaice Pleuronectes platessa larvae. Trials were conducted at near natural temperature extremes for the larvae (8 and 13°C) to assess the importance of water temperature to the interaction. Herring larvae were significantly more responsive to attacks by herring than were plaice larvae (5·7 vs 0'0%). The two prey species were equally responsive to attacks by cod (2–6 vs 10%). Cod caught 91% of herring larvae attacked and juvenile herring caught 87%. Cod were successful in 96% of attacks on plaice, but juvenile herring caught significantly fewer (83%) plaice larvae. For each predator species, capture success did not vary significantly with prey species. Overall capture success for herring was significantly lower than that for cod. Responsiveness of herring larvae to attacks by juvenile herring increased with temperature, but predator error rate and capture success were not altered by water temperature.     

Stress and survival of small pike-perch Sander lucioperca (L.) after trawling and chilling

The mortality and stress responses (plasma cortisol concentration) of undersized (total length, L _T, <370 mm) pike-perch Sander lucioperca caught as by-catch in a trawl fishery were assessed. The effects of three different holding methods on pike-perch caught by trawl were compared: (1) fish that were transferred to ambient-temperature water (15·0–21·4° C) immediately after capture and not exposed to chilling water, (2) fish held in chilling water for 10 min and (3) fish exposed to chilling water for 2 h. The sample fish were held and monitored in individual plastic restrainers at ambient-water temperature for 48 h after each of the handling procedures. Total mortality was similar for fish held in chilling tanks for 10 min (27·2% total mortality) compared to fish that were only held in ambient-temperature water (28·2% mortality). Total mortality reached 91·3% when fish were held in chilled water for 2 h. Mortality and plasma cortisol concentrations correlated inversely with size (96–368 mm L _T) and directly with lake-water temperature (15·0–21·4° C) after treatment. In addition, the effect of chilling was observed in elevated cortisol concentration and delayed start of recovery. The results show that quickly removing (<10 min) undersized pike-perch from chilled water could markedly improve the survival of released fish. Due to delayed recovery, however, fish should be allowed to recover (30–40 min) in a deck tank before release.