Finfish Species Research Articles

Assessment of the age and growth of three fin fish species from a tropical estuary (Cochin, west coast of India)

Data on three fin fish species were collected from the Cochin estuary (part of the Vembanad–Kol wetland system, India) from January 2018 to December 2019. The present study presents the first comprehensive results on fisheries demographics within this estuary, based on length-frequency data, to calculate vital demographic dynamic factors and estimate the stock of the commercially important three fin fish species. A variety of evaluations were conducted using the FiSAT II program. Caranx heberi had an asymptotic length (L) of 304.5 mm and a growth constant (K) of 1.1 year-1, while Etroplus suratensis had an asymptotic length (L) of 158.55 mm as well as a growth constant (K) of 1.1 year-1. For all the species studied, the age at zero-length (t0) had been calculated and varied from −0.04 to −0.14. Oreochromis mossambicus had longevity (tmax) of 4.76 yr and a growth performance index (ɸ) of 4.51, whereas E. suratensis had 2.72 and 4.44. E. suratensis had overall mortality (Z), natural mortality (M), and fishing mortality (F) of 2.93, 1.2 and 1.73 year-1, respectively, while C. heberi had 1.42, 1, and 0.42 year-1. The present exploitation level is greater than the optimum exploitation rate, according to the relative yield per recruit (Y/R) study, indicating over-exploitation of two examined finfish species and moderate exploitation for one species. Management measures such as mesh size limitations, restricted fishing efforts, and the proclamation of restricted seasons are required to save these species from extinction.

Biodiversity, distributions and isolation of microplastics pollution in finfish species in the Panjkora River at Lower and Upper Dir districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province of Pakistan.

The basic aim of this study was aimed to determine the ichthyofaunal diversity of River Panjkora in both upper and lower Dir districts in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province of Pakistan.Fish samples were collected by using fishnets from March to September 2020. A total of 724 specimens were collected and classified into 5 families, 14 genera, and 18 species. The overall results revealed that most fish fauna of river Panjkora contains 8 species of family Cyprinidae (56.49%) followed by 4 species of Nemacheilidae (24.44%), 2 species of Channidae (10.63%), and Sisoridae (7.04%), and 1 species of Mastacembelidae (1.38%), respectively. Among all kinds of fish species, Schizothorax plagiostomus (16.57%) was highly dominated and followed by Carassius auratus (11.87%) and Racoma labiata (9.66%) and were reported as highly abundant, especially during April, May, and June. The least abundant species were Glyptothorax punjabensis, Glyptothorax sufii, and Mastacembelus armatus, that constituting 2.48%, 2.20%, and 1.38% of the total fish samples. The Overall Simpson's diversity (1-D= 0.919) and Simpson's Reciprocal index values (1/D= 12.3876), and Shannon's index (H= 2.68) were indicating that river Panjkora contains a quite rich and diverse group of fish species. The highest microplastics observed in site 7 compared to other study area. Conservation steps should be taken as a top priority to protect and conserve the marine environment and natural heritage from further loss, extinction and stop or minimize losses incurred through irresponsible fishery practices.

Molecular weights and optimum temperature and pH for pepsin activity of three sciaenid finfish species from the Gulf of California

By-products from finfish processing from fisheries and aquaculture are often discarded. However, the enzymatic content of viscera has potential biotechnological and industrial applications. Such is the case for the sciaenids Cynoscion othonopterus, Cynoscion xanthulus, and Cynoscion parvipinnis, which are food and game fishes from the Gulf of California and whose viscera are commonly discarded after fish dressing. In this study, optimum temperature and pH for activity, as well as molecular weights of pepsin from the stomach of C. othonopterus, C. xanthulus, and C. parvipinnis were evaluated for the first time. Pepsin molecular weights were 30, 32.1, and 32.3 kDa, respectively. The highest activity of pepsin against hemoglobin was recorded between 40 and 45?C for C. othonopterus and C. xanthulus and at 40?C for C. parvipinnis. The optimum pH was 2.0 for the three sciaenids. Biochemical characteristics were comparable to pepsins from other marine and freshwater fish species, so they could likely be used in some processes using this enzyme, like collagen extraction, fish silage production, or fish processing, among others.

Biochemical Compositions in the Carcasses of Some Small-Sized Indigenous Fin-Fish Species (SIS)

Biochemical Compositions in the Carcasses of Some Small-Sized Indigenous Fin-Fish Species (SIS)

Socioeconomics and management of small cetacean bycatch in Ghana

Small cetacean bycatch in artisanal fisheries and deep‐sea fishing operations is a serious and persistent threat to conservation in coastal communities in Ghana. We assessed the bycatch and management of small cetaceans in four coastal communities by administering 73 questionnaires to fishers and recording their catches. Our findings show that dolphin feeding habits, gear attributes and habitat use of targeted finfish species were the main factors driving bycatch of small cetaceans in Ghana. Gear damage and reduced catches were among the effects of bycatch reported by fishers. In addition to direct consumption of small cetacean meat, fishers use them as bait in shark‐fishing activities. Our results suggest the livelihood of over 70% of fishers will be threatened if management measures are implemented. Fishers were unaware of the Wildlife Division that manages small cetaceans in Ghana. We recommended that a co‐management approach between the government and locals should be adopted when developing and implementing measures for the conservation of small cetaceans. A community awareness programme should be carried out to raise awareness about threats facing these species and the importance of conservation.

Seasonal Occurrence of Fin Fish and Shell Fish Species Collected from the Arasalar Estuary, South East Coast of India

Seasonal Occurrence of Fin Fish and Shell Fish Species Collected from the Arasalar Estuary, South East Coast of India

Bio-socio-economic analysis of ESBN fishery of Kattoli coastal area of Chattogram, Bangladesh

In consideration of the characteristics inherent to the estuarine ecosystem, the employment of the estuarine set bag net (ESBN) emerges as an effective instrument for the capture of a diverse spectrum of finfish and shellfish species. The present investigation, conducted between May and December 2015 in Kattoli, a representative locality along the Chattogram coast, was undertaken to perform a comprehensive bio-socio-economic analysis of the ESBN fishery. The analysis of the catch composition in Kattoli revealed that finfish constituted 67.67%, shrimp accounted for 24.34%, and crab made up 7.99% of the total catch. The average daily catch per boat in Kattoli was determined to be 25.8 kg. The zenith of the total daily catch per boat, reaching 70 kg, was observed in December, while the nadir occurred in August, when no fishing activities were recorded in Kattoli. The cumulative catch over the study period in Kattoli amounted to 26,664 kg, with a complete absence of fishing in August. Moreover, the average daily catch per fisherman stood at 6.19 kg in Kattoli. In terms of economic considerations, the mean monthly cost per boat in the Kattoli region was approximately 8,750 BDT, while the average monthly sales revenue exceeded 28,695 BDT in Kattoli. Notably, during July and August, a substantial proportion of fishermen were engaged in Hilsa (Tenualosa ilisha) fishing utilizing gill nets, which resulted in a diminished catch with ESBN during these months. Furthermore, the preliminary socio-economic conditions of the study area were also explored. This research offers valuable insights into the bio-socio-economic dimensions of the ESBN fishery in the Kattoli coastal area, with potential practical implications for fisheries management and the livelihoods of the local fishing community. Asian J. Med. Biol. Res. 2023, 9 (4), 114-125

Identifying New England’s underutilized seafood species and evaluating their market potential in a changing climate

Developing and diversifying market opportunities for lesser known yet abundant seafood species has been a successful strategy for seafood businesses in the Northeast United States. Since climate change and other stressors are currently threatening the economic vitality of New England’s seafood industry, it is important to identify if there are lesser-known species that could simultaneously support additional market opportunities and remain resilient in a warming climate. We developed a quantitative definition for the term “underutilized species’’ based on five criteria derived from science-based sustainable fishing metrics. Using this definition, we evaluated 47 stocks in the Northeast United States during the initial time period of 2013-2017 to identify seven underutilized finfish species that could be considered for new market opportunities as part of a climate-smart approach: 1) Acadian redfish (Sebastes fasciatus), 2) Atlantic pollock (Pollachius virens), 3) butterfish (Peprilus triacanthus), 4) haddock (Melanogrammus aeglefinus), 5) scup (Stenotomus chrysops), 6) silver hake (Merluccius bilinearis), and 7) white hake (Urophycis tenuis). The climate resiliency of these resulting seven species was then evaluated using a framework consisting of species-specific metrics on climate sensitivity, directionality (of responses to climate impacts) and future habitat availability under warming scenarios. Our results show that assessing underutilized species on a regular basis and evaluating their ongoing responses to climate change can be a part of a climate-smart approach towards building more diversified and adaptive markets.

Immunodetection of finfish residues on food contact surfaces.

Finfish is one of the major allergenic foods, whose declaration is required on packages. Undeclared allergenic residues are mainly derived from allergen cross-contact. Swabbing of food contact surfaces helps to detect allergen cross-contamination. This study aimed to establish a competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (cELISA) to quantify the major finfish allergen, parvalbumin, from swab samples. First, parvalbumin from four finfish species was purified. Its conformation was investigated under reducing, non-reducing and native conditions. Second, one anti-finfish parvalbumin monoclonal antibody (mAb) was characterized. This mAb had a calcium-dependent epitope which was highly conserved in finfish species. Third, one cELISA was established with a working range between 0.59ppm and 150ppm. It showed a good recovery of swab samples on food-grade stainless steel and plastic surfaces. Overall, this cELISA could detect a trace amount of finfish parvalbumins on cross-contact surfaces, which is suitable for allergen surveillance in the food industry.

A Mini-Review on Plant-Derived Phenolic Compounds with Particular Emphasis on Their Possible Applications and Beneficial Uses in Aquaculture

Abstract The use of most antibiotics has been restricted and banned in finfish and shrimp farms due to several reasons comprising their long-lasting persistence in aquatic environments, relatively high prices, and their ability to promote the existence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Hence, finding economical, natural, and environmentally safe alternatives is of great importance. The use of polyphenols, polyphenol-rich plants, and plant-derived phenolic compounds for promoting aquatic animal health and welfare could be from the effective strategies for developing aquafeed and maintaining the sustainability of the aquaculture industry. Several plants are gorgeous in various bioactive functional ingredients known as phytochemicals and polyphenols. Phenolic compounds could be successfully used as natural immunostimulants in order to raise the immunity of finfish and shrimp species against several bacterial, viral, and parasitic infections and thus may replace the use of antimicrobial agents. Besides their potential roles for improvement of the growth performance, intestinal health, and enhancing the antioxidant capacity of the treated animals. Even though the trend of using plant-derived phenolic compounds is a new and leading era for the improvement of the functionality of aquafeed and the development of the aquaculture industry, there are fundamental needs and necessities to describe a clear understanding of their modes of action and potential roles in the improvement of the production rates, antioxidant activity, immune status, and disease resistance of farmed fish and shrimp.

The common predator, Sheepshead (Archosargus probatocephalus), enhances survival of the Eastern oyster (Crassostrea virginica) in an experimental setting

Oyster reefs are a vital but declining component of nearshore, estuarine ecosystems. Global efforts to restore this important habitat are ongoing but have had varied success. The potential for biotic factors such as predation to influence restoration trajectories is rarely considered; however, there is mounting evidence that a better understanding of trophic relationships could aid in the restoration of the ecologically critical Eastern oyster (Crassostrea virginica). A common predator-prey interaction within the oyster reef community was examined through manipulative experiments to determine what effect predator presence had on early survivorship of oyster spat – a factor known to influence the success of oyster reef restoration. The juvenile stone crab (Menippe spp.) is a known predator of spat (<30 mm) sized Eastern oysters but also serves as prey for mobile predatory fish. Sheepshead (Archosargus probatocephalus), a fish with a diet high in structure-associated invertebrates, are one of many predatory fishes that utilize oyster reefs. Adult Sheepshead presence was found to significantly increase oyster spat survival. Oyster spat survival can be attributed to both trait and density-mediated indirect interactions. These results suggest that changes in the presence of an exploited finfish species can influence oyster spat survivorship.

The genomic architecture of high temperature tolerance in a year class of Atlantic Salmon

The yield from fisheries and aquaculture production has risen dramatically over the last few decades, with rising demands to meet the needs of a growing world population that is also consuming more seafood per capita. Aquaculture products have, in recent years, also overtaken tonnage obtained from wild fisheries. This is particularly true for finfish species such as Atlantic salmon. However, the marine lifecycle stage for Atlantic salmon aquaculture requires ocean-based net pens, which introduces environmental vulnerabilities that can negatively affect production. Of particular concern is the ability of the fish to tolerate rising seawater temperatures in the face of climate change. One way of tackling this challenge is to incorporate selective breeding for Atlantic salmon families that display greater tolerance to elevated seawater temperatures. The goal of this study was to determine the genomic heritability of seawater temperature tolerance in Atlantic salmon and to investigate the genetic architecture of this trait for more effective broodstock management. We report a moderate genomic-based heritability for seawater temperature at mortality in Atlantic salmon (0.208 ± 0.041) with a favourable correlation between growth traits (body mass and fork length) and seawater temperature at mortality. Our results also show that seawater temperature at mortality is a polygenic trait, with no significant quantitative trait loci identified. The moderate genomic heritability for seawater temperature at mortality suggests that this trait could be included in Atlantic salmon breeding programs. Importantly, the favourable correlation between growth traits and seawater temperature at mortality suggests that selection for seawater temperature tolerance would not have a negative impact on growth in this population. No single quantitative trait locus for seawater temperature at mortality was identified, suggesting that genomic selection will be required to achieve an increased tolerance to seawater temperature in this population.

Addressing Nanovaccine Strategies for Tilapia.

Tilapia is the world's most extensively farmed species after carp. It is an attractive species for aquaculture as it grows quickly, reaching harvest size within six to seven months of production, and provides an important source of food and revenue for many low-income families, especially in low- to middle-income countries. The expansion of tilapia aquaculture has resulted in an intensification of farming systems, and this has been associated with increased disease outbreaks caused by various pathogens, mostly bacterial and viral agents. Vaccination is routinely used to control disease in higher-value finfish species, such as Atlantic salmon. At the same time, many tilapia farmers are often unwilling to vaccinate their fish by injection once the fish have been moved to their grow-out site. Alternative vaccination strategies are needed to help tilapia farmers accept and use vaccines. There is increasing interest in nanoparticle-based vaccines as alternative methods for delivering vaccines to fish, especially for oral and immersion administration. They can potentially improve vaccine efficacy through the controlled release of antigens, protecting antigens from premature proteolytic degradation in the gastric tract, and facilitating antigen uptake and processing by antigen-presenting cells. They can also allow targeted delivery of the vaccine at mucosal sites. This review provides a brief overview of the bacterial and viral diseases affecting tilapia aquaculture and vaccine strategies for farmed tilapia. It focuses on the use of nanovaccines to improve the acceptance and uptake of vaccines by tilapia farmers.

Metabolic resilience of the Australasian snapper (Chrysophrys auratus) to marine heatwaves and hypoxia.

Marine organisms are under threat from a simultaneous combination of climate change stressors, including warming sea surface temperatures (SST), marine heatwave (MHW) episodes, and hypoxic events. This study sought to investigate the impacts of these stressors on the Australasian snapper (C. auratus) - a finfish species of high commercial and recreational importance, from the largest snapper fishery in Aotearoa New Zealand (SNA1). A MHW scenario was simulated from 21°C (current February SST average for north-eastern New Zealand) to a future predicted level of 25°C, with the whole-animal and mitochondrial metabolic performance of snapper in response to hypoxia and elevated temperature tested after 1-, 10-, and 30-days of thermal challenge. It was hypothesised that key indicators of snapper metabolic performance would decline after 1-day of MHW stress, but that partial recovery might arise as result of thermal plasticity after chronic (e.g., 30-day) exposures. In contrast to this hypothesis, snapper performance remained high throughout the MHW: 1) Aerobic metabolic scope increased after 1-day of 25°C exposure and remained high. 2) Hypoxia tolerance, measured as the critical O2 pressure and O2 pressure where loss of equilibrium occurred, declined after 1-day of warm-acclimation, but recovered quickly with no observable difference from the 21°C control following 30-days at 25°C. 3) The performance of snapper mitochondria was also maintained, with oxidative phosphorylation respiration and proton leak flux across the inner mitochondrial membrane of the heart remaining mostly unaffected. Collectively, the results suggest that heart mitochondria displayed resilience, or plasticity, in snapper chronically exposed to 25°C. Therefore, contrary to the notion of climate change having adverse metabolic effects, future temperatures approaching 25°C may be tolerated by C. auratus in Northern New Zealand. Even in conjunction with supplementary hypoxia, 25°C appears to represent a metabolically optimal temperature for this species.

Finfish fishery of Ashtamudi Estuary, India- A Ramsar site of International significance

The finfish catch structure of Ashtamudi Estuary, a Ramsar site of international importance was assessed from May 2019 to April 2020 covering ten major landing centers (Sakthikulangara, Sambranikodi, Mammottil kadavu, Ashtamudi, Perumon, Kurismmood, Cherikadavu, Arinalloor, Vellimon and Muttom). The annual finfish landings was estimated as 195.4 tonnes, contributed by 148 species of finfishes and a single species of Elasmobranch. Gill nets (51%) were the dominant gear in the finfish landings followed by scoop nets and hook and lines (20%), seine nets (15%), stake nets and Chinese dip nets (8%) and cast nets with (6%). The highest landing was recorded in the month of August (20.71 tonnes). The major finfish groups that contributed to the fishery of Ashtamudi Estuary were Cichlids (24.08%), catfishes (13.72%) and Mullets (10.22%). The study revealed the decline in the finfish landings from its estimated quantity of 3462 tonnes (2000–2001) might be attributed to the (1) decrease in number of active fishers, (2) declining mangrove cover, (3) loss of wetland area, (4) unsustainable fishing practices and (5) increasing anthropogenic pressures from urbanization of Kollam Corporation . In this context, the paper also discusses various management measures to improve the fish catch from the estuary in a sustainable way.

Histidine requirement of snubnose silver pompano Trachinotus blochii

Histidine is necessary for the formation and repair of tissues to mitigate the effects of cataract on some fish species. Although the requirements for dietary amino acids of several Trachinotus species have been reported, the quantitative histidine requirement for a cost-effective diet for snubnose pompano or Trachinotus blochii, a high value finfish species in the Philippines, has been limited. A 90-day growth experiment determined the dietary histidine requirement of juvenile snubnose pompano (0.19 ± 0.03 g). Six isonitrogenous, isolipidic, and isoenergetic diets consisted of a control diet with 0% histidine inclusion level (basal histidine level of 0.65%) and five diets with histidine inclusion levels of 0.15 (0.80%), 0.3 (1.1%), 0.45 (1.55%), 0.6 (2.15%), and 0.75% (2.9%). To simulate the pompano whole-body amino acid composition, essential amino acids were added in the diet. Fifteen pompano juveniles per tank in three replicates were stocked randomly in 250-L fiberglass tanks and were fed to satiation for 90 d. When the dietary histidine level and percent weight gain were analyzed via quadratic regression, a dietary histidine level of 1.61 g per 100 g diet or 0.357 g per 100 g protein is required for juvenile snubnose pompano. Moreover, the occurrence of cataracts was not observed in fish fed all dietary treatments.

Age and growth study of two fin fish species from a tropical estuary

Data on two fin fish species were collected from the Cochin estuary (part of the Vembanad–Kol wetland system) from January 2018 to December 2019. The present study presents the first findings on fisheries demographics in these estuaries, based on length–frequency​ data, to calculate vital demographic dynamic factors and estimate the stock of these commercially important fish species. A variety of evaluations was conducted using the FiSAT II program. Pseudetroplus maculatus had an asymptotic length (L) of 97.6 mm as well as a growth constant (K) of 1.2 year-1. For all the species studied, the age at zero-length (t0) had been calculated and varied from −0.095 to −0.2. Gerres setifer had longevity (tmax) of 5.66 years and a growth performance index (ϕ) of 4.03, whereas P. maculatus had 2.5 and 4.06. P. maculatus had overall mortality (Z), natural mortality (M), and fishing mortality (F) of 3.04, 1.45, and 1.58 year1, respectively, while G. setifer had 1.14, 0.77, and 0.37 year1. The present exploitation level is greater than the optimum exploitation rate, according to the relative yield per recruit (Y/R) study, indicating over-exploitation of three examined finfish species and moderate exploitation for two species. Management measures such as mesh size limitations, restricted fishing efforts, and the proclamation of restricted seasons are required to save these species from extinction.

A decadal outlook for global aquaculture

A decadal outlook for global aquaculture

Blood Glucose and Glycogen Levels as Indicators of Stress in the Freshwater Fish, &lt;i&gt;Cirrihinus mrigal&lt;/i&gt; under Cyphenothrin Intoxication

Pesticides are non-biodegradable substances used to control bugs, weeds, snails, and plant diseases. They are widely utilised in forestry, farming, and veterinary practices and are of incredible general well-being significance. Pesticides can be ordered by their utilisation into three significant sorts (in particular insect sprays, herbicides, and fungicides). Water defilement by these pesticides is known to prompt harmful effects on the creation, proliferation, and survivability of aquatic life forms, like green growth, amphibian plants, and fish (shellfish and finfish species). The information presented in this study is used to assess the negative effects of exposing fish species to pesticide concentrations. Pyrethroids are regularly utilised around the home and in agricultural production to control bugs. Human contact with at least one pyrethroid bug spray is reasonable. These synthetic substances cause serious harm to aquatic biological systems, particularly fish. The principle points and objective of the present investigation are to assess the effect of cyphenothrin on carbohydrate metabolism in the fish. Cirrihinus mrigal is a monetarily significant Indian major carp. A freshwater fish, Cirrihinus mrigal, was exposed to bug spray, i.e., cyphenothrin a manufactured pyrethroid. The LC50 for cyphenothrin at 96 hrs was 6 μg/L by probit analysis. One-fifth of LC50 (120 μg/L), was chosen as the sublethal focus. The fish were subjected to sub-lethal concentrations for 10, 20, 30 and 40 days, and the changes in starch digestion, for example, absolute glycogen, as well as the activities of catalysts Lactate Dehydrogenase (LDH) and Succinate Dehydrogenase (SDH) in critical organs, such as the gill, kidney, and liver, were studied.

Elucidating the Effects of the Lipids Regulators Fibrates and Statins on the Health Status of Finfish Species: A Review.

The most documented fibrates are gemfibrozil, clofibrate and bezafibrate, while for statins, the majority of the published literature focuses on atorvastatin and simvastatin. The present work reviews previously published research concerning the effects of these hypocholesterolaemic pharmaceuticals on fish, with a particular focus on commercially important species, commonly produced by the European aquaculture industry, specifically in recirculated aquaculture systems (RAS). Overall, results suggest that both acute and chronic exposures to lipid-lowering compounds may have adverse effects on fish, disrupting their capacity to excrete exogenous substances, as well as both lipid metabolism and homeostasis, causing severe ontogenetic and endocrinological abnormalities, leading to hampered reproductive success (e.g., gametogenesis, fecundity), and skeletal or muscular malformations, having serious repercussions on fish health and welfare. Nonetheless, the available literature focusing on the effects of statins or fibrates on commonly farmed fish is still limited, and further research is required to understand the implications of this matter on aquaculture production, global food security and, ultimately, human health.