Trachurus Japonicus Research Articles

Otolith elemental composition indicates differences in the habitat use for larvae and early juveniles of Japanese jack mackerel (Trachurus japonicus) in the waters around Japan

AbstractTrace element analysis of otoliths from core to edge was used to reveal differences in habitats of larvae and early juveniles of Japanese jack mackerel (Trachurus japonicus) caught in the East China Sea (ECS), Pacific Ocean, and Sea of Japan. Multi‐element signatures (Sr:Ca, Mg:Ca, Na:Ca, K:Ca, and Ba:Ca) were analyzed with multivariate statistics to determine whether these element signatures provide insight into regional population structure. The median values of elements: Ca ratios in otolith core region differed significantly among areas, with most elements between the ECS and the Pacific Ocean or Sea of Japan showing significant differences. The Sr:Ca ratios exhibited a V‐shaped trend from the otolith core to the edge, which was likely related to the vertical habitat layer shift of larvae and early juveniles of T. japonicus. Canonical analysis of principal coordinates using the element: Ca ratios and the hatching day were re‐classified according to the sampling area with higher accuracy in the ECS (88–95%) and the Sea of Japan (76–83%) compared to the Pacific Ocean (69–72%). These results indicate that the proportion of eggs, larvae, and early juveniles transported by the Kuroshio Current from the southern ECS—the main spawning ground—to the Pacific Ocean or the Sea of Japan is low and that juveniles distributed in the coastal waters off southwestern Japan may have originated from local spawners. These results suggest that determining the elemental composition of larvae and juveniles of T. japonicus is effective in determining the habitat differences of this species in the three regions. These findings will help to understand population structure and recruitment process of this species around Japan.

Salt-Reduced Fish Sauce Produced under Pressurized Carbon Dioxide Treatment Using Sardinops melanostictus, Trachurus japonicus, Konosirus punctatus, Odontamblyopus lacepedii, Their Collective Mixture, and Unused Fish Mixture.

Fish sauce is produced at high salt concentrations (>20%) to inhibit the growth of harmful microorganisms. The salt-reduced fish sauce (10% salt) was prepared under pressurized CO2 (pCO2) conditions at 30 °C and 5 MPa for 3 months (FSCO2), from Sardinops melanostictus, Odontamblyopus lacepedii, Trachurus japonicus, Konosirus punctatus, and their collective mixture, as well as unused fish mixture obtained from the Ariake Sea in Japan. FSCO2 exhibited significantly better microbial quality and free amino acid content, lighter color, standardized odor (dashi-like odor), and umami richness qualities compared to fish sauces prepared using the conventional method (FScon) (20% salt), as previously demonstrated, after a fermentation period of 2 months. Bacterial flora analysis implied that the standardization of odor and umami richness may not be the result of specific microbial metabolism. Even when using previously unused fish, it was possible to produce FSCO2 equivalent to that produced by conventional sardines and other fish. These results indicate that the quality of fish sauce can be improved. The flavor of FSCO2 became similar regardless of the type of fish and fermentation period using pCO2 during fermentation, leading to the effective utilization of unutilized fish as a resource for high-quality salt-reduced fish sauce.

Genome-wide SNP analysis coupled with geographic and reproductive-phenological information reveals panmixia in a classical marine species, the Japanese jack mackerel (Trachurus japonicus)

Identification of genetic population structures in classical marine species—species with large population sizes, wide range distributions, and high dispersal potential—can be a challenging task because of expectedly weak genetic signals of population structure. The Japanese jack mackerel, Trachurus japonicus, is a classical marine species and one of the most important fishery resources in the East Asian seas. In this study, we tested the hypothesis of genetic panmixia in the Japanese jack mackerel using genome-wide SNP analyses coupled with geographic and reproductive phenology information. We generated a highly contiguous genome assembly and performed Genotyping by Random Amplicon Sequencing-Direct (GRAS-Di) to produce at least 19,904 SNPs that were genotyped in 614 samples from seas around the Japanese archipelago. Genetic population structure analyses did not reveal any evidence of genetic differentiation. Neither geographical barriers in the Japanese archipelago nor phenological differences in reproductive timing affected the genetic population structure. Overall, these findings were consistent with the interpretation of genetic panmixia, providing evidence for high genetic connectivity across the population’s distribution. Considering the current knowledge about the distribution and life history of T. japonicus, we suggest that the panmictic status may reflect a metapopulation structure with source-sink dynamics and/or extensive gene flow across the distribution range.

Elucidating the Environmental and Health Risks of Trace Element Pollution in Red Sea Fish from Nuweiba City, Aqaba Gulf, Egypt.

Trace element bioaccumulation in marine organisms is a rising international issue due to possible health concerns for humans. Thirteen trace elements were analyzed in the sediment, water, and muscular tissue of Red Sea fish. Additionally, the average daily intake (EDI), the cancer risk (CR), the hazard index (HI), and the target hazard quotient (THQ) of those elements have been taken into consideration when evaluating any possible health concerns related to their consumption. All species presented quantifiable values in muscle for all the analyzed elements (arsenic (As), lead (Pb), copper (Cu), aluminum (Al), boron (B), iron (Fe), barium (Ba), manganese (Mn), nickel (Ni), cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), zinc (Zn), and mercury (Hg), except for Cd and Hg, being Fe and Zn the most accumulated elements in all species. Conversely, in water samples, most elements were undeleted except for aluminum, boron, iron, and zinc. All Red Sea fish, however, had concentrations of Zn, Ni, Fe, Cu, and Mn below the upper limit allowed, although most species had higher levels of As, Cr, and Pb (0.48 ± 0.83-5.10 ± 0.79, 1.97 ± 0.46-5.25 ± 0.67 and 2.12 ± 1.01-6.83 ± 0.93 µg/g, respectively).The studied Red Sea fish showed contamination degrees (CD) of Mn, Cu, Fe, Ni, Zn, and Pb were ≤ 1, indicating minimal contamination, with As and Cr showing higher contamination degrees. However, the pollution index values (MPI-elements) can be represented according to ascending order: Lethrinus ramak < Cephalopholis hemistiktos < Pagellus affinis < Trachurus japonicus < Cheilinus lunulatus < Siganus luridus < Parupeneus forsskali < Caesio suevica. The study found that edible tissues are safe for human consumption, with HI values for children and adults less than ten, indicating negligible non-cancer hazards. However, fish consumption presents health risks due to chromium, lead, and arsenic, with THQ values several times greater than 1, and CR-Ni, CR-Cr, and CR-As values exceeding the acceptable 10-4 value in all studied species. This study provides critical insights into trace element contamination in marine fish species, highlighting the need for ongoing monitoring and proactive measures to ensure safe marine fish consumption in the Aqaba Gulf.

Ex situ combined in situ target strength of Japanese horse mackerel using a broadband echosounder

Ex situ combined in situ target strength of Japanese horse mackerel using a broadband echosounder

Combined stomach contents and stable isotope analysis reveal feeding habits of Japanese jack mackerel (Trachurus japonicus) in the East China Sea

Japanese jack mackerel (Trachurus japonicus) is an economically important pelagic fish in the East China Sea. Knowledge is still limited regarding the feeding habits of this species in this area. Based on bottom trawl surveys conducted in the southern coastal area of Zhejiang during August in 2019 and 2020, we analyzed the feeding ecology of T. japonicus using stomach contents analysis and the stable isotope approach. The results indicated that the δ13C value for T. japonicus ranged from − 17.72 % to ;−14.30 %, and the δ15N value ranged from 10.89 % to 13.03 %. Two-way analysis of variance indicated significant annual and ontogenetic variations in the δ13C value, thereby suggesting changes in the final nutrient sources for T. japonicus in different growth stages and years. The trophic level of T. japonicus was estimated as from 3.35 to 4.46. In general, the trophic level of T. japonicus increased with growth, although the ontogenetic variation was not significant. The main food groups identified for T. japonicus based on stomach contents analysis were fish, shrimp, crabs, cephalopods, and small crustaceans. The results obtained by stable isotope analysis showed that the nutrient contribution rate of small crustaceans to the diet of T. japonicus was highest in both years, followed by shrimp. The feeding habits of T. japonicus had obvious ontogenetic variations, and the average contribution of fish species increased as the size of the predator increased. The results obtained in this study provide detailed feeding information about T. japonicus in the East China Sea.

Stock Assessment of the Commercial Small Pelagic Fishes in the Beibu Gulf, the South China Sea, 2006-2020.

Long-term variations in population structure, growth, mortality, exploitation rate, and recruitment pattern of two major commercial small pelagic fishes (CSPFs) (Decapterus maruadsi and Trachurus japonicus) are reported based on bottom trawl survey data collected during 2006-2020 in the Beibu Gulf, South China Sea. All individuals collected during each sampling quarter over a period of 15 years were subjected to laboratory-based analysis. In this study, the stock of D. maruadsi and T. japonicus inhabiting the Beibu Gulf was assessed using length-based methods (bootstrapped electronic length frequency analysis (ELEFAN)) to complete stock assessment in different fishery management periods (the division of fisheries management periods was based on China's input and output in the South China Sea offshore fisheries over 15 years, specifically divided into period I (2006-2010), period II (2011-2015), and period III (2016-2020)). The results showed that the mean body length, dominant body size, and estimated asymptotic length of two CSPFs decreased, whereas their growth coefficient decreased, indicating miniaturization and slower growth, respectively. Estimated exploitation rates and catching body length for two CSPFs indicated that both stocks in the Beibu Gulf were overexploited in period I and moderately exploited after 2011. These stocks were taking a good turn in status in period III, with the exploitation rate much lower than the initial period and reversing the downward trend in catching body length. Furthermore, the variations in the spawning season of the two CSPF stocks and their barely satisfactory expected yield indicated the complexity of the current fishery management in the Beibu Gulf. These results suggest that management measures to reduce fishing pressure may have a positive influence on the biological characteristics of those CSPFs in the Beibu Gulf; however, the stock structure already affected by overfishing will be a huge challenge for the conservation and restoration of fisheries resources in the future. Given that the current stocks of D. maruadsi and T. japonicus in the Beibu Gulf still have low first-capture body length (Lc) and high fishing mortality (F) (compared to F0.1), we identify a need to refine population structure by controlling fishing efforts and increasing catchable size, and more consideration should be given to the local fishery resource status in fisheries management.

Feeding Habits of Jack Mackerel, Trachurus japonicus, in the Coastal Waters of South Sea, Korea

Feeding Habits of Jack Mackerel, Trachurus japonicus, in the Coastal Waters of South Sea, Korea

Interdecadal variabilities in growth and temperature trajectories of Trachurus japonicus juveniles: 1960s–1970s vs 2000s–2010s

Interdecadal variabilities in growth and temperature trajectories of Trachurus japonicus juveniles: 1960s–1970s vs 2000s–2010s

Spatial Distribution of Major Fish Species Catches and Their Relationship with Environmental Factors in the Beibu Gulf, South China Sea

This study focused on major fish species caught from different ecological habitats to analyze the habitat changes in economically important fish in the Beibu Gulf. The maximum entropy model was constructed based on the data from 26 voyages obtained through the otter trawl fishery stock surveys conducted in the Beibu Gulf from 2006 to 2018. A total of 10 taxa of major fish catches, belonging to 4 families, 1 genus, and 5 species, were analyzed for their distribution characteristics in potential habitats during various ecological periods, specifically the withered and high-water periods, as well as their relationships with crucial environmental factors. During both the withered and high-water periods, the average area under the curve was 0.927, and all models had values exceeding 0.9. Salinity was identified as the principal factor during both periods. The salinity niche of Acropoma japonicum and the primary productivity niche of Sciaenidae were identified as the most restricted factors. The total distribution area of potentially suitable regions for major fish catches extended between 106°30′–109°45′ E and 17°30′–20°45′ N, and the area was lesser during the withered period. During the withered period, the distribution areas of Sciaenidae, Leiognathidae, and Saurida increased, while the distribution area of Trachurus japonicus increased during the high-water period. Sciaenidae and Trachurus japonicus exhibited the highest rates of change at 6.22% and 10.92%, respectively. This indicates that the high-water period may expand the range of suitable habitats for large catches that have an ideal habitat status in the Beibu Gulf. Therefore, it is crucial to anticipate the potential fish habitats in the Beibu Gulf and clarify their spatial distribution patterns.

Application of environmental DNA technology in marine ranching-case study of Bailong Pearl Bay Demonstration area in Beibu Gulf

Environmental DNA (eDNA) technology has emerged as a widely used method in resource monitoring. The purpose of this study was to assess the effectiveness of the eDNA approach in determining fish composition in the marine ranching of the Bailong Pearl Bay National Marine Ranching Demonstration Zone. Samples were collected from 12 sites in four different zones within Bailong Pearl Bay of the Beibu Gulf, and species diversity was analyzed through 12S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing. The results showed the collection of a total of 75 fish species, with Setipinna taty, Hypoatherina valenciennei, Trachurus japonicus, and Scatophagus argus identified as the dominant species based on the eDNA survey. Alpha and beta diversity index analyses revealed significant differences in composition and abundance of the different fish groups in Bailong Pearly Bay in July 2021. Furthermore, it was found that the artificial reef area and the natural sea area outside Bailong Bay harbored a more diverse fish population, which can be attributed to the positive effects of marine ranching construction. Mantel test correlation analysis demonstrated that phycoerythrin, salinity, and dissolved oxygen were the primary environmental factors influencing the structure of fish assemblages in different zones. The results indicated that eDNA can detect a greater number of species and uncover taxa that are rarely observed visually, thereby providing a comprehensive picture of fish diversity in the sample. This survey offers important technical support for the Bailong Pearl Bay National Marine Ranching Demonstration Zone, and the research findings provide valuable data for the development of marine ranching.

Distribution and growth rates of Japanese jack mackerel &lt;i&gt;Trachurus japonicus&lt;/i&gt; larvae relative to oceanographic conditions in the northern Satsunan area, southern Japan

Distribution and growth rates of Japanese jack mackerel &lt;i&gt;Trachurus japonicus&lt;/i&gt; larvae relative to oceanographic conditions in the northern Satsunan area, southern Japan

Factors affecting biphasic degradation of eDNA released by Japanese jack mackerel (Trachurus japonicus)

Understanding environmental DNA (eDNA) persistence and degradation processes is necessary for the precise assessment of species distribution and abundance in marine environments via eDNA. Given the various particle sizes and persistence states of eDNA in water, biphasic degradation of eDNA, composed of its initial rapid and subsequent slower decay, may describe the fate of eDNA more precisely than monophasic degradation. However, it remains unclear which environmental factors influence eDNA decay rates at each decay phase. Here, the factors characterizing the biphasic degradation of eDNA were assessed by re-analyzing the dataset of a previous study, which estimated Japanese jack mackerel (Trachurus japonicus) eDNA decay rates using a monophasic decay model. A biphasic decay model was newly applied to the dataset, and the fitness was compared between decay models. Biphasic models were better fitted to the time-series decreases in Trachurus japonicus eDNA concentrations for all treatment levels. Moreover, eDNA decay rates significantly varied depending on temperature, fish biomass density, and genetic region, though only at the initial rapid phase. These results indicate the importance of microbial and enzymatic degradation of eDNA particles at the initial rapid phase. None of the variables significantly affected eDNA decay rates at the subsequent slower phase, which implies that microbial and enzymatic effect on eDNA degradation may be weakened during the decay phase. Further elucidating the effects of other environmental parameters (e.g., pH, dissolved oxygen, and UV level) on the biphasic eDNA degradation process would be helpful for a more precise understanding of the fate of eDNA considering its various states in water.

A mixed-species shoal including fewer heterospecifics is preferred by jack mackerel Trachurus japonicus juveniles

Mixed-species shoals of fishes were reported from various environments such as coral reefs and temperate lakes. The driving mechanism of forming mixed-species shoal can be either haphazard or a preferential choice by an individual. Here, we tested if jack mackerel Trachurus japonicus, a temperate marine pelagic fish, could choose a shoal composition using vision based on a choice experiment. Shoal preference of jack mackerel juveniles was evaluated by presenting shoals comprising one to four heterospecifics (half-lined cardinal Ostorhinchus semilineatus) out of four shoal members to the focal fish. When both conspecific and heterospecific shoals were presented to a single jack mackerel, the focal fish showed a preference for the conspecific rather than heterospecific shoal, indicating that they can choose a conspecific shoal based on the visual information. However, when a focal fish encountered both conspecific and mixed-species shoals including fewer heterospecifics (one out of four individuals), the latter was preferred. The result implies that jack mackerel can judge a preferable composition of shoal using visual information. The inclusion of fewer heterospecifics may be exploiting oddity effects, whereby minority species are exposed to relatively high vulnerability to predators, as well as resulting in reduced competition for food while maintaining predator vigilance in a shoal.

Spatial estimation and yearly trends in abundance-index of Japanese jack mackerel (Trachurus japonicus) in the East China Sea and Sea of Japan

Catch per unit effort (CPUE) of commercial fisheries is recommended to be standardized because various factors can affect catch rates. Recently, the spatio-temporal analysis has been required to standardize fishery data, because catch is spatially distributed in proportion to fishery distribution and not in proportion to fish abundance. We developed the spatio-temporal models for the CPUE of large- and medium-sized purse seine fisheries for the different age groups of Japanese jack mackerel (Trachurus japonicus) to evaluate the potential spatial distribution and estimate the annual trends in abundance index. Japanese jack mackerel is widely distributed in the East Asian seas, including the East China Sea and Sea of Japan, and is an important fishery resource in Japan. Our models were delta-lognormal generalized additive mixed models that incorporated the temporal components of year and month, and size of fishing vessels as categorical variables, and the identity of the fishing vessels as a random variable. The spatial component represented by the latitude and longitude points of the fishing location was smoothed using an isotropic bivariate function. The water temperature at a depth of 50 m was incorporated to detect the effects of environmental factors. After all combinations of explanatory variables were evaluated, the model with the lowest Bayesian information criterion score was selected as the best model. All the best models among both binomial models and lognormal models contained all explanatory variables, although the best binomial model for age 2 exclude the vessel size and the best lognormal model for age 0 exclude the water temperature at a depth of 50 m. Our results indicate that the potential distribution areas for all ages of Japanese jack mackerel exist on the continental shelf in the southern part of the East China Sea, the western side of Kyushu Island, and along Honshu Island in the western part of the Sea of Japan. In contrast, the main distribution areas with higher density for age 0 were segregated into two: the southwestern East China Sea and the coastal area off Kyushu Island, although fish over age 1 were widely distributed. The standardized CPUE was higher than the nominal CPUE for age 0 from 2015 to 2020, and the standardized CPUE was also higher for age 1 in 2020. These results were derived from spatial models that compensated for the lack of spatial data due to the recent decrease in fishing operations in the Southeast China Sea. The yearly trends of standardized CPUE for each age could be used for the age-structured stock assessment model such as a tuned virtual population analysis. Improving the accuracy of the abundance index helps to further improve the reliability of stock assessments.

Inclusion effect of jack mackerel, Trachurus japonicus, meal in the diet of rockfish, Sebastes schlegeli, on growth, feed utilization, biochemical composition, and innate immune responses

AbstractDietary inclusion effects of various levels of jack mackerel meal (JMM) on growth, feed utilization, biochemical composition, and innate immune response of rockfish were determined. The control (Con) diet included 550 g/kg fish meal (FM). Ten, 30, 50, 100, 200, 400, 600, and 1000 g/kg of JMM were included in the Con diet, referred to as the JMM10, JMM30, JMM50, JMM100, JMM200, JMM400, JMM600, and JMM1000 diets, respectively. Eight hundred and ten fish (initial mean weight of 2.3 g) were distributed into 27 flow‐through tanks. The experimental diets were assigned to triplicate groups of fish. Fish were hand‐fed for 8 weeks. Weight gain of fish fed the JMM400 diet was statistically better than that of fish fed the Con, JMM10, JMM30, JMM50, JMM100, and JMM200 diets. Feed consumption of fish fed the JMM400 diet was statistically higher than that of fish fed the Con, JMM10, JMM30, and JMM50 diets. Dietary inclusion of JMM did not influence feed utilization, biochemical composition, and innate immune responses of fish. In conclusion, inclusion of JMM up to 400 g/kg of FM in diet improved growth and feed consumption of rockfish, and dietary optimum inclusion levels of JMM were estimated to be 396.7 and 403.1 g/kg based on regression analysis of weight gain and feed consumption, respectively.

Impacts of Strong ENSO Events on Fish Communities in an Overexploited Ecosystem in the South China Sea.

To better understand how fish communities respond to environmental changes under extreme climate events, we examine changes in fish communities in Beibu Gulf during strong El Niño and La Niña events. Strong La Niña and El Niño events affect the composition, abundance, and distribution of fish communities in Beibu Gulf. Fish community distribution and composition change before and after La Niña and El Niño events, and dominant species within them change with stable fishing intensity. The abundance and distribution of small pelagic fish such as Japanese jack mackerel (Trachurus japonicus) and Japanese scad (Decapterus maruadsi) are the most affected. Using a generalized additive model (GAM), we explore relationships between the abundance of T. japonicus and D. maruadsi and a suite of environmental variables. The GAM results revealed that sea surface salinity and sea surface temperature best explain changes in catch per unit effort of these two species during a La Niña event; depth, sea surface temperature, and mixed layer depth during an El Niño event. The results obtained in this study will offer support for implementing more-accurate, scientific fisheries management measures.

Hatch date and early growth of juvenile Japanese jack mackerel Trachurus japonicus caught in the Uwa Sea.

Development and growth rate variations during early life are important for understanding the mechanisms of recruitment dynamics. We examined the larval growth rate and age at the onset of metamorphosis (dm ) of juvenile Japanese jack mackerel recruited to a population in the Uwa Sea, Japan. Otolith microstructure analyses revealed that the hatch date of juveniles ranged from February to April in 2011-2015, and that their dm were 25.5-30.5 d and mean growth rates at the larval (GL ) were 0.30-0.34 mm d-1 . Among these, dm showed significant negative correlations with juvenile abundance. Moreover, the hatch date did not coincide with the spawning period of this species in the Uwa Sea, and the hatch date and mean growth rate at the larval stage were comparable to those of Japanese jack mackerel juveniles sampled in the East China Sea (ECS). These findings suggest that most juvenile Japanese jack mackerel originated in other waters, including the ECS, and that larval stage duration influence their recruitment abundance in the Uwa Sea. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

Detection of fish passing through a narrow path using reflected and transmitted ultrasonic waves

The properties of echoes and transmitted waves from a fish body in megahertz bands were investigated to construct a fish detection method in a narrow path using a simple measurement structure using a pair of transducers. Experiments were performed in a water tank using dead Japanese jack mackerel (Trachurus japonicus). From the echoes, the outlines of fish could be observed. High amplitudes of echoes from the swim bladder and fins were observed, while relatively low amplitudes of echoes were observed from other body parts, e.g., the head, body surface, and vertebral columns. From the transmitted waves, decreased amplitudes and times-of-flight in waves transmitted from the fish body were observed. The fish could be detected using ultrasound, in megahertz bands, and the combined use of the echo and transmitted waves could increase the information obtained about fish compared with the use of echoes only.

Age, Growth and Reproductive Cycle of the Jack Mackerel &lt;i&gt;Trachurus japonicus&lt;/i&gt; in the Southwestern Sea of Japan

The growth and reproductive cycle of the jack mackerel (Trachurus japonicus) that were caught in the southwestern Sea of Japan during 2016-2017 were examined based on otolith annuli and gonad histology. Translucent and opaque zones on transverse sections on otoliths were identified and opaque rings were counted. The von Bertalanffy growth curve was expressed as follows: FLt = 445{1 − exp (−0.149 (t + 1.74))} (0.250 < t < 7.67), where FLt is the fork length (mm) at age t. The estimated body length at age t in the growth model was smaller than that of jack mackerel in the East China Sea. The spawning period was evaluated from May to September based on the monthly changes in the gonadosomatic index and histological observations. The spawning period starts later than in the East China Sea, but the minimum size at first maturity was similar to that of the jack mackerel in the East China Sea. The information generated in this research can contribute to the sustainable management of the species in the Sea of Japan.