Local Fish Research Articles

Downscaling global reference points to assess the sustainability of local fisheries.

Multispecies coral reef fisheries are typically managed by local communities who often lack research and monitoring capacity, which prevents estimation of well-defined sustainable reference points to perform locally relevant fishery assessments. Recent research modeling coral reef fisheries globally has estimated multispecies sustainable reference points (i.e., the maximum reef fish yields that can be harvested sustainably and the corresponding reef fish standing biomass at which those are expected to be achieved) based on environmental indicators. These global reference points are a promising tool for assessing data-poor reef fisheries but need to be downscaled to be relevant to resource practitioners. Using a small-scale multispecies reef fishery in Papua New Guinea, we estimated sustainable reference points and assessed the sustainability of the fishery by integrating global-scale analyses with local-scale environmental conditions (i.e., coral cover, sea surface temperature, ocean productivity, and whether the reef is an atoll), reef area, fish catch and standing biomass estimates, and fishers' perceptions. Local-scale relevant data were obtained from a combination of remote sensing products, underwater visual censuses, catch surveys, and household structured social surveys. Our sustainability assessment based on downscaled estimated sustainable reference points was consistent with local fishers' perceptions. Specifically, our downscaled results suggested that the fishing community was overfishing their reef fish stocks and stocks were below biomass levels that maximize production, making the overall reef fishery unsustainable. These results were consistent with fisher perceptions that reef fish stocks were declining in abundance and mean fish length and that fishers had to spend more time finding fish. Our downscaled site-level assessment revealed severe local resource exploitation, the dynamics of which were masked in national-scale assessments, emphasizing the importance of matching assessments to the scale of management. Overall, we show how global reference points can be applied locally when long-term data are not available, providing baseline assessments for sustainably managing previously unassessed multispecies reef fisheries around the globe.

Microplastics in pelagic and demersal fishes from the Meghna River estuary, Bangladesh

Microplastics (MPs) were investigated in four fish species viz., paradise threadfin (Polynemus paradiseus), corsula mullet (Rhinomugil corsula), flathead sillago (Sillaginopsis panijus) and king gobyeel (Taenioides sandwipi), which were collected from the Meghna River estuary in Bangladesh. The gastrointestinal tracts (GITs) of fishes (n = 80 in total) were examined for the presence of MPs following alkali digestion, microscopic observation and μ-FTIR analysis. A total of 573 MPs were detected across all four fish species, indicating the presence of MPs in 81.3% of the fish samples. On average, there were 7.16 ± 4.33 MP items/fish, 2.16 ± 1.76 items/g of GIT and 0.15 ± 0.12 items/g of body weight. Polyethylene, polypropylene and nylon were the most abundant polymers, comprising 47%, 23% and 19%, respectively, according to μ-FTIR analysis. The majority of MPs were fibers (62.48%), with white being the dominant color. R. corsula demonstrated the highest number of MPs in the < 500 μm size range, suggesting that smaller particles are more bio-available to pelagic fish. The findings confirm the contamination of the Meghna River estuary by MPs, and their presence in local fish raises concerns about potential public health risks through the food chain.

10-Years of imagery from a cabled-observatory reveals a decreasing trend in coastal fish biodiversity.

Monitoring the effects of climate change and other multi-years processes on coastal ecosystems require long-term datasets that may extend into decades. One tool to achieve this are cabled seafloor observatories that can collect continual streams of environmental and biological data as long as the equipment is maintained. Here, we used 10-years of time-lapse images (every 30 mins) from the OBSEA seafloor cabled observatory located at 20m depth, four km offshore from Vilanova i la Geltrú (Spain) coast, to characterize temporal trends in fish community dynamics. These temporal trends were compared to in situ and remotely-sensed (MODIS-Aqua) data on temperature, salinity, and chlorophyll-a concentration (Chl-a). We observed a reduction in fish diversity over time and an increase in species turnover. Specifically, there was a decrease in the relative abundance of fish species at the lowest trophic levels alongside an increase in predators, suggesting a top-down effect. Of temperature, salinity, and Chl-a, only salinity exhibited a significant change over time. Nevertheless, the Generalized Additive Models (GAMs) revealed significant correlations between fish biodiversity indices and both temperature and Chl-a. Following models results we concluded that environmental variables affected the local fish community only at seasonal level. Including more environmental variables, such as fishing activity and pollution, in the applied models may help explain the detected decreases in biodiversity.

Widespread presence of metallic compounds and organic contaminants across Pacific coral reef fish.

Coral reef fishes represent an invaluable source of macro- and micro-nutrients for tropical coastal populations. However, several potentially toxic compounds may jeopardize their contribution to food security. Concentrations of metallic compounds and trace elements (MTEs), and persistent organic pollutants (POPs, including pesticides and polychlorobiphenyls PCBs), totalizing 36 contaminants, were measured in coral reef fish from several Pacific islands. The objective of this study was to describe the spatial distribution of these compounds and contaminants in order to identify potential variables explaining their distribution at a Pacific-wide scale. To achieve this, we applied Boosted Regression Trees to model species-specific and community-level contaminant and inorganic compound concentrations at the scale of the tropical Pacific Ocean. Overall, using 15 easily accessible explanatory variables, we successfully explained between 60 and 87% of the global variation, with fish body size being the most important correlate of MTEs and POPs concentrations in reef fish. Our modeling approach allowed us to estimate and map the distribution of the community-level concentration of 19 contaminants and inorganic compounds at the scale of the equatorial and south Pacific Ocean. Spatial patterns varied significantly depending on the compound, with modeled quantities per 100g of fish flesh generally being higher in the central and southwest Pacific than in the eastern part of the basin. These patterns were influenced by a combination of biological, environmental, anthropogenic and biogeographical variables. Overall, this approach represents an important step toward the estimation of concentrations of the main compounds on the basis of species identity and fishing location. Our results enhance our understanding of the extent of contamination in the Pacific while underscoring the urgent need for long-term and large-scale spatial monitoring of diverse compounds in this region.

Indirect Effects and Context Dependency in Stream Fish Invasions

ABSTRACTAimInvasion ecology is replete with a body of well‐supported yet contradictory evidence for numerous invasion hypotheses, likely as a result of context dependency. Context dependency in invasion studies can arise in two ways: (1) apparent, when results differ between studies solely due to methodical differences, or (2) mechanistic, when results truly differ due to ecological processes. One form of apparent context dependency occurs when causally linked factors associated with invasion success (hereafter, invasion drivers) either mask or enhance each other's effect on invasion success. Mechanistic context dependency can occur when regional scale processes modify the influence of local scale invasion processes. Together, apparent and mechanistic context dependency likely give rise to conflicting support between invasion hypotheses via confounding effects of causally related invasion drivers and region‐specific invasion processes.Location2339 stream segments in two ecoregions of the United States.MethodsUsing local scale stream fish community data for two distinct ecoregions, we constructed identical path models to estimate the direct and indirect effects of invasion drivers on nonnative richness. We chose one variable to index invasion drivers from each of the following categories: propagule pressure, natural abiotic, anthropogenic abiotic and biotic factors.ResultsWe found evidence of apparent context dependency through the presence of indirect effects, in which the effects of propagule pressure and biotic factors on nonnative richness were modulated by abiotic factors. The indirect effects of invasion drivers differed between both regions, providing evidence of mechanistic context dependency.Main ConclusionsApparent and mechanistic context dependency can lead to conflicting evidence between studies of invasion hypotheses. Accounting for indirect effects of invasion drivers is important in gaining a more general understanding of the invasion process. Furthermore, because indirect effects varied regionally, it is important to understand the large‐scale processes that contextualise local invasion processes.

지속가능한 비즈니스모델을 통한 가방디자인 연구 - 페그물 업사이클링 KOOK 브랜드 제품을 중심으로

Along with the aging population of local fishing villages and the decrease in fishing income due to job losses, the problem of fishing net waste accumulated on the coast is becoming a discouraging factor for the environment and marine tourism. Due to the aging and declining population of fishing villages, there is a shortage of manpower to collect this waste, making it imperative to solve fundamental problems related to cost reduction for maintaining a pleasant environment and waste disposal. This issue can be partially addressed by using yarn extracted from waste nets in fishing villages to produce upcycled products. Additionally, this initiative will create jobs that can help increase the income of fishing villages, where the dominant population consists of seniors. By carrying out the commercialization process using waste nets in a social economic manner, we believe that a virtuous cycle business model can be established, leading to community problem-solving and job creation, along with effective design development through the process of recognizing and resolving various issues in the local community. If a business model such as “KOOK” is established and specialized products suitable for regional characteristics are developed, a social contribution business model can be created alongside effective design development while addressing various challenges faced by the local community.

Overfishing of Threatened Bycatch Species in a Marine Protected Area: The Elasmobranchs of Banc d'Arguin, Mauritania

ABSTRACTElasmobranch (rays and sharks) populations are vulnerable to overexploitation due to their slow growth, late maturity, and low fecundity. Industrial fishery impacts on sharks and rays are known, whereas impacts of artisanal fisheries are less understood. We quantified catches of sharks and rays in artisanal fisheries at the Parc National du Banc d'Arguin (Banc d'Arguin), Mauritania (West Africa) during 1998–2020, a period when fishing effort increased around 2006, catches increased, but catch‐per‐unit‐effort declined substantially. Shark nets and meagre fixed gill nets were used to catch elasmobranchs, with catches comprising over 60% of elasmobranch species. Therefore, elasmobranchs were not bycatch, but rather, the target of fisheries. Of 33 elasmobranch species captured, 94% of shark species and 76% of ray species are threatened with extinction. We recommend that management approaches should focus on fishing locations with the highest occurrence of threatened elasmobranch species in catches, through new regulations on fishing gear types and discouragement of trade in elasmobranch products from Banc d'Arguin.

Digestive Enzymatic Activity Profiles and Larval Growth Performance of Barramundi, Lates calcarifer (Bloch, 1790), From Indonesia and Australian Broodstocks

Barramundi is one of the most important marine commodities, with cultivation challenges closely related to survival and growth factors. There is still a lack of information on digestive enzymatic activity profiles and larval growth, and the use of Australian brooders rather than local Indonesian brooders is still frequent. The objective of this study is to investigate the profile of digestive enzymatic activity profiles and their correlation to the growth performance of Barramundi larvae, Lates calcarifer (Bloch, 1790), originating from Indonesia and Australia. The activity profile of digestive enzymes was evaluated using real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RTqPCR). Fish larvae were reared till day 20 to measure growth in weight, length, and survival During the observation period up until the day 20, the length and weight growth of Australian fish larvae were greater than that of the local Indonesian. Analysis of the activity profile of digestive enzymes also revealed that Australian fish larvae had greater activity than Indonesian fish larvae, which was positively correlated with the length and weight of fish larvae, despite the fact that growth rates and survival rates of local fish larvae from Indonesia and Australia were comparable by the end of the d-20 phase.

Effect of Drying Medium on Proximate and Mineral Composition of Croaker Fish peculiar to the Coastline of Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria

The study investigated the nutritional composition of dried croaker (p. typus) fish from the coastline of Eastern Obolo, Ibeno, Ikot Abasi, and Mkpat Enin Local Government Areas of Akwa Ibom State, in Southern Nigeria. It compared the quality of fish dried in a traditional roadside dryer commonly used by local fish vendors with that of fish dried in an active solar dryer designed for agricultural products. The results revealed significant differences (p &lt; 0.05) in the proximate composition of the fish from the two drying methods. The ash content, crude fiber, and lipid were higher in the conventionally dried samples compared to the products from the solar dryer. Furthermore, the protein content was slightly higher in the products from the active solar dryer (47.67±0.17 %) than in those from the conventional dryer (43.33±0.19 %). These findings suggest that the product from the active solar dryer may help reduce the risk of high blood pressure and promote a healthier diet. Carbohydrate levels were higher in the samples from the conventional roadside dryer (4.13±0.02 %) than in the products from the solar dryer (3.74±0.03 %). The energy level was also higher in the solar-dried samples (3.74±0.03 %) compared to those from the conventional dryer (430.33±0.34 Kcal). These differences were attributed to factors such as exposure of the product to impurities and the nature of the drying medium. Additionally, the study found that the macro elements (Sodium, Potassium, Calcium, Magnesium, and Sulphur) were present in higher concentrations in products from the conventional dryer than in those from the active solar dryer. The mineral composition of the samples from the two methods also exhibited significant differences (p &lt; 0.05). The study recommended the consumption of these products based on their low toxic levels.

Sayılarla balıkçılık: Muara Kintap balıkçılığını veri odaklı balıkçılık alanı tahmin haritalarıyla güçlendirmek

The paper aims to enhance the fishing efficiency and sustainability of Muara Kintap fishers by using data-driven Fishing Area Forecast Maps (FAFM). This study makes significant contributions to the field of fisheries management by demonstrating the effective use of satellite data for local-scale fisheries management, bridging the gap between scientific research and practical applications, as well as promoting sustainable fishing practices and improving the fishers' livelihoods. The research ingeniously combined the wisdom of local fishers captured through the Fishing Points app with cutting-edge technology. Aqua MODIS satellite imagery captured detailed Muara Kintap waters condition, revealing sea surface temperature (SST) between 28.4 °C and 29.7 °C and chlorophyll-a (Chl-a) concentrations ranging from 0.38 to 6.27 mg/m³. The results strongly indicate that the distribution of Chl-a is a more influential predictor of fish catch than SST. This discovery underscores the intricate relationship between marine parameters and fish distribution. By providing FAFM, informed by Chl-a data, the fishers were able to make data-driven decisions, optimizing catches and promoting the long-term sustainability of their livelihoods. The study's impact transcends data analysis, highlighting the importance of collaboration and knowledge sharing among researchers, fishers, and policymakers in fostering sustainable fishing practices in Muara Kintap and beyond.

GROWTH AND SURVIVAL OF SPINY LOBSTER, Panulirus homarus JUVENILES FED WITH DIFFERENT FORMULATED FEEDS

Article Highlights- Indonesia has remarkable natural resources of spiny lobster Panulirus homarus and an exceptional opportunity to establish the largest lobster aquaculture industry in the world.- However, culturing lobsters still relies on natural feeds (trash fish of fresh fishery by-catch) which are inefficient and environmentally unsustainable.- Developing formulated feed based on locally available ingredients is invaluable for replacing natural feeds to support sustainable lobster culture.- Formulated feed made of local fish meal provided the best growth of juvenile spiny lobster Panulirus homarus compared to imported fish meal. AbstractSeveral studies suggested that good growth performance and survival of lobster juveniles can be achieved by feeding the lobsters with formulated feeds. This study aimed to (1) evaluate the growth and survival of spiny lobster Panulirus homarus juveniles fed with different diets having profiles based on a basal diet formulation and (2) to compare the growth of lobsters fed with an identical formulated feed with variations only in sources of fish meal and dry matter content. The feeding experiment was designed following a completely randomized design (CRD) with five diet treatments and five replicates for each treatment. Five experimental diets were prepared in this experiment, i.e., Diet A (basal diet prepared as moist pellets); Diet B (moist pellets with the same formulation as Diet A, using local fish meal); Diet C (moist pellets with the same formulation as Diet A, using imported fish meal); Diet D (dry pellets with the same formulation as Diet A, using imported fish meal); and Diet E (fresh fish). Juveniles of spiny lobster with an average weight of 3.00±0.07 g were allocated in 25 net cages (60 x 60 x 60 cm) placed in a circular HDPE canvas tank (7.5 m in diameter) at a density of 15 lobsters/cage in a flow-through seawater system. The juveniles were fed with the experimental diets twice/day for 12 weeks. The experiment showed that the best growth was observed in juveniles fed with moist feed containing local fish meal (Diet B) with the final weight reaching 18.74±2.30 g. Moist feed containing imported fish meal (Diet C) resulted in a higher survival rate (46.66%), and the lowest survival rate (13.33%) was obtained from juveniles fed with fresh fish (Diet E).

First record of the blue-and-yellow grouper Epinephelus flavocaeruleus (Lacepède 1802) (Perciformes: Epinephelidae) from the Borneo waters, Malaysia

Groupers of the family Epinephelidae constitute a diverse and commercially valuable group of reef fishes globally. They comprise an assemblage of carnivorous marine fishes, comprising more than 177 species across 16 genera. The epinephelid genus Epinephelus, which consists of over 90 species, is found worldwide in the tropics and subtropics. To date, the ichthyofauna of Malaysia has documented a total of 43 epinephelid species. Apart from these, Epinephelus flavocaeruleus (Lacepède, 1802), commonly known as the blue-and-yellow grouper, is rarely reported in the Indo-Pacific Ocean. The present study extends the documented distribution range of E. flavocaeruleus eastwards from the Andaman Sea to the Borneo waters of Sabah, Malaysia. Five specimens of the blue-and-yellow grouper were collected from a local fish market. Species identification was confirmed by the color patterns and DNA barcoding of 630 base pairs of the cytochrome C oxidase I gene for all E. flavocaeruleus specimens, Epinephelus cyanopodus (Richardson, 1846), and 10 closely related Epinephelus species. The interspecies genetic distance ranged from 0.002–0.168. Results from the Templeton, Crandall, and Sing (TCS) haplotype network analysis and maximum likelihood phylogeny based on the COI marker indicate a close genetic relationship between E. flavocaeruleus and E. cyanopodus. However, we refrain from proposing any taxonomic revisions given that more in-depth studies using multiple molecular markers or phylogenomic analysis on a larger sample size are necessary to confirm the taxonomic status of both species. This study significantly contributes to a better understanding of the taxonomy, phylogenetic relationship, and genetic diversity of E. flavocaeruleus.

Urinary level of 1,2-dichloroethane and its effects on blood biochemical markers among outdoor workers exposed to air pollution in Thailand.

Air contamination by 1,2-dichloroethane (1,2-DCE) is recognized as a threat across countries. Addressing this problem is challenging due to the absence of clearly defined biological standards for monitoring 1,2-DCE exposure among humans. Moreover, studies on the impacts of 1,2-DCE exposure on human health are limited. The aim of this study was to determine the level of 1,2-DCE in urine-separated into the health behavior and occupation groups-as well as its effects on blood biochemicals among overall 200 outdoor workers, with 50 working in each of the following four occupations: fishers, street vendors, public bus drivers, and traffic police in an environmentally polluted community in Thailand. The subject's behaviors were categorized into four groups: desirable health behaviors (non-smokers and non-drinkers), non-smokers who consume alcohol, smokers who do not consume alcohol, and undesirable health behaviors (frequent smokers and alcohol consumers). Data were collected at the end of the workday using interview forms, urine, and blood samples. Urine was analyzed for 1,2-DCE, and blood was analyzed for complete blood count (CBC), liver, and kidney function enzymes. Data were analyzed using the Dunnett's test, Kruskal-Wallis H test, and independent sample t-test according to statistical conditions. Our findings revealed that the median urinary 1,2-DCE level was 0.080 mg/L (0.022-0.462 mg/L). Subjects with undesirable health behaviors had a significantly higher urinary 1,2-DCE level (0.108 mg/L) compared to those with desirable health behaviors (0.056 mg/L), with a p-value of 0.009. Among bus drivers and local fishers, the dose of exposure was strongly associated with creatinine levels (p = 0.006). No significant association was observed between exposure dose and CBC across all groups. In conclusion, the urinary samples present a small variation in 1,2-DCE concentrations and thus can be used as a benchmark baseline value for monitoring exposure among outdoor workers in areas with intense air pollution. Kidney function markers can be considered in monitoring the health effects of 1,2-DCE.

Sustainable Management of Fish Gut Waste Through Transesterification

Abstract: The fishing industry in Sri Lanka generates significant waste, presenting an opportunity to convert it into a sustainable energy source. This research investigates the production of biodiesel from fish waste, specifically fish oil, as an alternative fuel to reduce reliance on fossil fuels and improve waste management in the fish market. Fish waste, including non-edible parts such as fish heads, tails, fins, and internal organs, was collected from a local fish market and subjected to an extraction process using wet boiling. The extracted fish oil was then converted into biodiesel through a transesterification reaction with methanol in the presence of potassium hydroxide (KOH) as a catalyst. Two optimization experiments were conducted to determine the best methanol concentration (15%, 20%, and 25%) and KOH concentration (1g, 2g, and 3g). The results showed that the highest biodiesel yield was obtained using 20% methanol (producing 10.71g of biodiesel) and 1g of KOH as a catalyst, yielding a biodiesel production of 8.66g for 15% methanol and 6.89g for 25% methanol. The biodiesel produced exhibited promising fuel properties, with a flashpoint of 127.5°C, a calorific value of 39.248 MJ/kg, kinematic viscosity of 4.4107 mm²/s, and density of 0.8766 g/cm³, all of which were within the acceptable limits set by ASTM standards. Additionally, the FFA content of the extracted fish oil was initially 7%, which was reduced through a saponification process, making the oil suitable for biodiesel production. The study estimated that approximately 237 metric tons of biodiesel could be produced per month from the fish waste in Sri Lanka, based on the average monthly fish waste generated (50% of total fish production). The biodiesel production from fish oil thus holds significant potential as both a renewable energy source and a sustainable waste management solution, reducing the reliance on fossil fuels and addressing environmental challenges associated with waste disposal in the fishing industry.

Describing Dolphin Interactions with Cypriot Fisheries Using Fishers’ Knowledge

The study explores the interactions between dolphins and Cypriot fisheries, emphasizing the economic impact and fisher perceptions through data collected from structured interviews with small-scale and large pelagic fishers. The research documents frequent dolphin interactions, impacting catch and gear in both fishing sectors. Reported financial losses and gear damage highlight a significant economic burden, with annual losses averaging EUR 6144 for small-scale and EUR 29,882 for large pelagic fishers. Efforts to mitigate these interactions, such as using acoustic deterrents, have shown mixed results, reflecting dolphins’ adaptability to human activity. While some fishers use deterrents, others remain hesitant due to cost and inconsistent efficacy. The study underscores the need for improved, sustainable solutions that integrate fisher input to enhance acceptance and effectiveness. Findings suggest that dolphins are increasingly relying on fishing activities as a foraging strategy, aligning with broader trends in the Mediterranean. In the context of EU Directive 2014/89/EU, the study integrates ecological considerations and socioeconomic impacts to ensure balanced marine management strategies. This work emphasizes the complexity of human–wildlife conflicts in marine environments, suggesting that further research and collaboration with fishers are essential to developing adaptive strategies that balance conservation with the economic needs of local fishing communities.

Molecular identification of whole squids and calamari at fairs and markets in regions of Latin America

The commercial importance of cephalopods has increased considerably, being an important fishing resource. However, during the preparation for commercialization of those species, they suffer the process known as “finning” which includes removing and separating the head, arm, skin or even having the body structure cut into rings, which ends up making it difficult or often prevents the identification of the species, which can lead to replacements. In this sense, the present study aimed to use the large ribosomal region, rrnL (16S rDNA) to genetically identify cephalopod species sold in markets and fairs in Latin America. Whole and processed samples were collected from supermarkets and directly from local fishers the approximate collection location. Each generated sequence was submitted to the blastn portal for molecular comparison and included in the database for subsequent genetic identification. Our results indicate labeling errors in samples from the State of Pará that contained the species Dosidicus gigas found only in the Pacific Ocean and were generically labeled as “National Lula”. No type of substitution was found among the samples that were being sold at fairs and markets, only labeling errors. Thus, our results demonstrate the effectiveness of the rrnL for identifying species and evaluating labeling errors.

DETERMINATION OF FISH DIVERSITY IN THE ROCKY HABITAT AROUND MERSIN BOĞSAK ISLAND (NORTHEAST MEDITERRANEAN) BY VISUAL CENSUS METHOD

This study was conducted in the rocky habitat of Boğsak Island in Mersin Bay in November, March and July, representing the fall, spring and summer months of 2022-2023, by scuba diving between 0-18 m depth for approximately 40 hours. The Go-Pro Hero 12 black camera was used in the study. In the study, the structure of the fish community of the rocky bottom habitat of Boğsak Island in Mersin Bay was determined, and the seasonal availability, abundance, feeding status, and distribution of local and non-native fish species were determined. Sampling was carried out using the underwater visual counting method, and surveys were made along a linear line. Shannon-Weiner Diversity Index (H'), Homogeneity and Relative Diversity Index Evennes (J) and Species Richness Index Margalef Rhichnes (D) were used to determine the species diversity. The distance of the relationship between the data was determined with N-MDS, one of the multidimensional scaling analyses. The Euclidean formula was used to determine the distances of coordinates in the scaling. Principal component analysis was used to classify species based on the number of individuals. A total of 29 fish species, including 28 bony fish species belonging to 15 families and 1 cartilaginous Gymnura altavela (Linnaeus, 1758), were identified in the study area. The richest family in terms of species diversity was Sparidae (6), followed by Mullidae (3), Serranidae (3), Tetraodontidae (2), Soleidae (2), Labridae (2) and other families with 1 species each. Of the fish species identified throughout the year in the study area, 52% were Atlantic, 37% were Indo-Pacific and 11% were cosmopolitan. It was found that 41% of the fish species were invertivores, 22% carnivores (feeding on fish and invertebrates), 18% omnivores, 11% planktivores, 4% herbivores and 4% piscivores. Torquigener flavimaculosus in summer, Cheilodipterus novemstriatus in spring, and Chromis chromis in fall were the most abundant species. According to the Shannon diversity index (H'), the highest species diversity was found in the fall (H'=2,956), followed by spring (H'=2,501) and summer (H'=2,458). Homogeneity and relative diversity index Evennes (J) was determined as J=0.642 in spring, J=0.531 in summer and J=0.800 in fall. The species richness index Margalef Rhichnes (D) was highest in autumn (d=4.804), then in summer (d=3.917) and lowest in spring (d=3.632). This is the first study to investigate the structure of rocky habitat fish communities in the northeastern Mediterranean, which shows a dynamic structure in terms of biodiversity, and is expected to contribute to researchers working in this field.

Potential Non-carcinogenic and Carcinogenic Health Risks of Elements of Health Concern Bioaccumulated in Seafood from Local Fish Rafts in Trang Province, Thailand

Marine ecosystems are increasingly contaminated by pollutants from human activities which could impact seafood quality. This study investigated the levels of six potentially toxic elements of health concern including arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), mercury (Hg), nickel (Ni), and lead (Pb). Analyses of those elements were conducted in eleven commercially available seafood species collected from local fish rafts in Trang province, Thailand. The findings revealed variations of element of health concern content among species, with H. raphidea exhibiting significantly high levels. Human health risks were assessed for estimated daily intake and non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic risks. The results indicate potential risks associated with As consumption, especially in the case of H. raphidea. Children (3.0 – 5.9 years) had the greatest vulnerable risks in comparison to other age groups. The levels of elements of health concern in most seafood samples were within safe limits. However, the continuous surveillance, monitoring, and management of these contaminants in seafood are needed, particularly in vulnerable populations.

Amino acid profile and potential utilization purposes of albumin from four types of freshwater fish in Makassar, South Sulawesi, Indonesia

Abstract. Nurfaidah, Asikin AN, Kasmiati, Angraeni. 2024. Amino acid profile and potential utilization purposes of albumin from four types of freshwater fish in Makassar, South Sulawesi, Indonesia. Biodiversitas 25: 4199-4207. Albumin, a high-quality protein, is known for its complete amino acid profile, which is essential for numerous biological functions, including immune response and nutritional status maintenance. This study investigates the amino acid composition of albumin in four freshwater fish species commonly found in Indonesia: Cyprinus carpio, Pangasius pangasius, Channa striata, and Trichopodus trichopterus to asses their potential utilization in sustainable food resources and nutritional and health-related products. Albumin extraction was performed using homogenization and incubation techniques, followed by amino acid analysis using High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC). The results revealed the presence of 18 amino acids, including 9 essential and 9 non-essential amino acids. The most abundant amino acids were glutamic acid, aspartic acid, leucine, and lysine, with lysine being particularly noteworthy for its role in wound healing and protein synthesis. Significant variations in the amino acid composition were observed across the species, influenced by factors such as diet, habitat, and species-specific physiology. Pangasius pangasius exhibited the highest lysine content (12.01%), while C. carpio had the highest glutamic acid content (24.55%) of total amino acid. These findings suggest that the albumin from these freshwater fish species is a valuable source of high-quality protein, with potential applications in developing nutraceuticals, functional foods, and dietary supplements aimed at improving health and nutritional status. Importantly, the study highlights the potential of these fish species as a sustainable source of protein, contributing to food security and supporting the development of affordable, protein-rich products that can enhance public health while reducing the reliance on conventional livestock-based proteins. This study provides new insights into the amino acid composition of fish albumin from Indonesian freshwater species, contributing to the broader understanding of the nutritional value of local fish resources and their role in promoting sustainable food systems.

Blue Economy and the Impact of Industrialisation on Sustainable Livelihoods: A Case Study of Fisheries in the North Coastal Region of Java

This research explores the impacts of the blue economy and industrialisation on sustainable livelihoods in the coastal areas of the North Coast of Java, with a particular focus on the fisheries sector.The main objective of this research is to analyse how changes in blue economy practices, which include sustainable marine resource management approaches, interact with industrialisation processes and their impact on the survival of local fishing communities.The research method used was qualitative with a case study approach, where data was collected through in-depth interviews with fishermen, government officials, and relevant stakeholders, as well as direct observation in the field. Data analysis was conducted using thematic analysis techniques to identify patterns and significant relationships between the factors involved.The results of this study show that industrialisation in the coastal areas of Java's North Coast has vital and complex impacts on the sustainable livelihoods of local fishing communities. On the one hand, industrialisation provides new economic opportunities, such as jobs in the fishing and manufacturing sectors, which can increase community income. However, on the other hand, negative impacts on the aquatic environment due to industrial activities and overexploitation of natural resources threaten the sustainability of the marine ecosystem, which is the main source of livelihood for fishermen.The managerial implications of these findings emphasise the need to integrate blue economy policies with the maturity of sustainable industrial development planning. Policy development that accommodates the needs of local ecosystems and fishing communities, with a pattern of regulating marine protected zones and supporting the shift to environmentally friendly fisheries practices, is key to ensuring the sustainability of fishers' livelihoods and healthy coastal ecosystems. This research provides important insights for policy makers and practitioners involved in marine fisheries resource management and industry development in coastal areas.