Patterns Of Fish Research Articles

Long-term patterns in inland fish kills associated with cold-shock and winter stress: a regional case study from Texas.

Colder water temperatures are generally regarded as a stressful period for fishes (i.e., winter stress syndrome), which can be exacerbated by cold-shock stress associated with major arctic freezes. Although cold-shock stress and mass mortalities are well documented for coastal marine fishes, few studies report the effects of winter stress or cold-shock stress on inland fishes. The purposes of this study were to describe patterns in inland fish mortalities associated with winter stress syndrome and with cold-shock stress in Texas as a regional example of inland fish mortalities associated with colder water temperatures. Using fish mortality reports (1969-2021) recorded by state agency biologists, colder water temperature mortalities occurred in 66% (N = 35) of the years, with greatest percentages of the reports occurring during three major arctic freezes in 1981, 1983 and 2021. The majority of reports were from urbanized counties (79%) and from lentic habitats (56%). Seventeen taxa and 1,021,217 individuals were estimated to be killed during the 53s years. Numbers of inland fish mortalities were greater during major arctic freeze years than non-major arctic freeze years, attributed primarily to mortalities of non-native fishes (e.g., blue tilapia Oreochromis aureus, suckermouth catfish Hypostomus plecostomus). Numbers of native fish mortalities, primarily clupeids and catostomids, were not different between major arctic freeze years and non-major arctic freezes. The 43,000 inland fish mortalities reported during major arctic freeze years are in stark contrast to the 35 million coastal marine fish mortalities. Proposed mechanisms to explain cold-shock mortalities in coastal waters (e.g., species within the northern extent of their range, lack of access to deeper water) are similar in inland waters, yet inland waters do not have the same level of mortalities. Consequently, the disparities between mortalities in coastal and inland waters are not readily discernable at this time.

Developing a novel quantitative parameter for characterizing spatial distribution of fish following exposure to chemicals and wastewater: Behavioral Gini coefficient

While the spatial distribution pattern of fish is increasingly used for toxicological test of chemicals or wastewater, no ideal parameter is available for quantitative assessment of spatial distribution, especially uneven distribution with multiple hotspots. Here, to develop a quantitative assessment parameter for spatial distribution, the zebrafish were exposed to ethanol, pentylenetetrazole (PTZ), paraquat dichloride (paraquat) and wastewater, followed by a behavioral test in a narrow tank. Behavioral data was acquired and analyzed by idTracker and MATLAB. By comparing the effects of all treatments on behavior parameters, we confirmed that the spatial distribution was more easily altered rather than general locomotor parameters, e.g. 0.7–70 mg/L PTZ and 5–20 mg/L paraquat being effective for altering spatial distribution but having little effects on general locomotor parameters. Based on the heatmap, i.e., the cumulative proportion of grids and that of frequency in grids, we calculated the behavioral Gini coefficient (Gb) for quantitative assessment of fish spatial distribution. The Gini coefficient ranged from zero to 1, with larger values meaning poorer evenness of spatial distribution. Of note, Gb showed smaller coefficient of variations (CV) with 3%-19% between replicate tanks in all treatments than the highest frequency (4%-79%), displaying well robustness. Especially, Gb addressed the challenge of the complicated heatmap with multiple hotspots. Overall, the behavioral Gini coefficient we established is an ideal parameter to quantitatively assess spatial distribution of fish shoal, which is expected to be applied in toxicity testing for chemicals and wastewater and automatic quality monitoring for surface water and aquaculture water.

Effects of adaptive harvesting on fishing down processes and resilience changes in predator-prey and tritrophic systems

Many world fisheries display a declining mean trophic level of catches. This “fishing down the food web” is often attributed to reduced densities of high-trophic-level species. We show here that the fishing down pattern can actually emerge from the adaptive harvesting of two- and three-species food webs, where changes in fishing patterns are driven by the relative profitabilities of the harvested species. Shifting fishing patterns from a focus on higher trophic levels to a focus on lower trophic levels can yield abrupt changes in the system, strongly impacting species densities. In predator-prey systems, such regime shifts occur when the predator species is highly valuable relative to the prey, and when the top-down control on the prey is strong. Moreover, we find that when the two species are jointly harvested, high adaptation speeds can reduce the resilience of fisheries. Our results therefore suggest that flexibility in harvesting strategies will not necessarily benefit fisheries but may actually harm their sustainability.

Effects of different light intensity on growth, feeding, retinal structure and expression of vision-related genes of silver pomfret

The intensity of light has been known to play a crucial role in the growth and developmental processes of fish through the visual system. To investigate effects of light intensity on the growth, feeding patterns, retinal structure, and vision-related genes of silver pomfret, we set four groups including control (natural light), L0 (darkness), L100 (100 lux), and L1000 (1000 lux) at larval, juvenile and young stages. Full length and survival rate were significantly lower in L0 at larval and juvenile, while feeding rate was significantly higher in control and L1000; at young stage, weight and feeding rate was significantly lower in L0 and specific growth rate was significantly higher in control; but there was no significant difference in condition factor among four groups. Next, at larvae stage, we observed a clear ten-layer structure of the retina, which developed better in high light intensity groups; the number of melanin particles in pigment epithelial layer also increased with development of retina; at juvenile and young stages, low light intensity led to aggregation of melanin particles, and thickness of ganglion cell layer became thinner, with cell body decreasing to one layer in high light intensity groups. Finally, we examined expression of seven vision-related genes: RH1 gene was up-regulated at larvae stage and down-regulated at juvenile and young stages in L0 and L100, and RH2 and LWS initially increased and then declined with the development of the fish in control; conversely, SWS, SWS2, RPE65, and RBP were up-regulated in high light intensity groups. In conclusion, our study suggests that high light intensity can lead to improved growth and feeding patterns in fish, as well as promoting the development of retina and up-regulating the expression of pigment genes. Consequently, our findings provide a valuable theoretical foundation for optimizing the lighting scheme of the artificial breeding process of silver pomfret.

Environmental DNA in the Kuroshio reveals environment-dependent distribution of economically important small pelagic fish

IntroductionSmall pelagic fishes constitute large proportions of fisheries and are important components linking lower and higher trophic levels in marine ecosystems. Many small pelagic fishes in the Northwest Pacific spawn upstream in the Kuroshio and spend their juvenile stage in the Kuroshio Front area, indicating that the Kuroshio Current system impacts their stock fluctuations. However, the distribution of these fish relative to the Kuroshio has not been determined due to dynamic spatio-temporal fluctuations of the system. Here, the recent development of environmental DNA (eDNA) monitoring enabled us to investigate the distribution patterns of four economically important small pelagic fishes (Japanese sardine Sardinops melanostictus, Japanese anchovy Engraulis japonicus, chub mackerel Scomber japonicus, and blue mackerel Scomber australasicus) in the Kuroshio Current system. MethodsThe influence of environmental factors, such as sea water temperature, salinity, oxygen concentration, chlorophyll-a concentration, and prey fish on the occurrence and quantity of target fish eDNA was analyzed using generalized additive models. In addition, the detection (presence) of target fish eDNA were compared between the offshore and inshore side areas of the Kuroshio axis.ResultsSea water temperature showed important effect, especially on the distribution of Japanese sardine and Japanese anchovy, whereas the distribution pattern of chub mackerel and blue mackerel was greatly influenced by the eDNA quantity of Japanese sardine and Japanese anchovy (especially potential prey fish: Japanese anchovy). In addition, we found that the four target fish species could be observed in areas on the inshore side or around the Kuroshio axis, while they were hardly found on the offshore side.ConclusionBased on eDNA data, we succeeded in revealing detailed spatial distribution patterns of small pelagic fishes in the Kuroshio Current system and hypothesized predator–prey relationships influence their distribution in small pelagic fish communities.

Novel characteristics for immunophenotype, FISH pattern and molecular cytogenetics in synovial sarcoma

As a rare and highly aggressive soft tissue sarcoma, the new immunophenotype, atypical FISH pattern and relevant molecular cytogenetics of synovial sarcoma (SS) remain less known, although it is characteristically represented by a pathognomonic chromosomal translocation t (X; 18) (p11.2; q11.2). Methodologically, the morphology was retrospectively analysed by using H&E staining, and immunohistochemical features were investigated by using markers that have been recently applied in other soft tissue tumors. Moreover, FISH signals for SS18 and EWSR-1 break-apart probes were examined. Finally, cytogenetic characteristics were analysed via RT-PCR and Sanger sequencing. Consequently, nine out of thirteen cases that were histologically highly suspected as SS were finally identified as SS via molecular analysis. Histologically, nine SS cases were divided into monophasic fibrous SS (4/9), biphasic SS (4/9) and poorly differentiated SS (1/9). Immunohistochemically, SOX-2 immunostaining was positive in eight cases (8/9) and PAX-7 immunostaining was diffusely positive in the epithelial component of biphasic SS (4/4). Nine cases showed negative immunostaining for NKX3.1 and reduced or absent immunostaining for INI-1. Eight cases showed typically positive FISH signalling for the SS18 break-apart probe, whereas one case exhibited an atypical FISH pattern (complete loss of green signalling, case 2). Furthermore, the SS18-SSX1 and SS18-SSX2 fusion genes were identified in seven cases and two cases, respectively. The fusion site in 8 out of 9 cases was common in the literature, whereas the fusion site in case 2 was involved in exon 10 codon 404 in SS18 and exon 7 codon 119 in SSX1 (which has not been previously reported), which notably corresponded to the complete loss of green signalling in the FISH pattern. Additionally, FISH analysis of the EWSR-1 gene in nine SS cases demonstrated aberrant signalling in three cases that were recognized as a monoallelic loss of EWSR-1 (1/9), an amplification of EWSR-1 (1/9) and a translocation of EWSR-1 (1/9). In conclusion, SS18-SSX fusion gene sequencing is obligatory for a precise diagnosis of SS when dealing with a confusing immunophenotype and atypical or aberrant FISH signalling for SS18 and EWSR-1 detection.

Exploring biophysical links of catch rate from mid-water trawl fishery in the north-west coast of India, Eastern Arabian Sea: A remote sensing approach

Fish frequently shift their distribution ranges as a result of changes in preferred environmental factors. Knowledge on distribution of fish in relation to their environmental optima is crucial for improving the understanding of fishing grounds and planning sustainable exploitation. This study investigated the monthly variability in environmental factors impacting the catch rate and the spatio-temporal distribution patterns of fish along northwest coast of India (NWCI) from 2017 to 2019. The time series images of sea surface temperature (SST), sea surface height anomaly (SSHa), chlorophyll-a concentration (CHL), and euphotic depth (Zeu) indicate close coupling between bio-physical variables in the region. Generalized Additive Model (GAM) applied to the catch rate of mid-water trawlers found that CHL and Zeu were the most influential variables for ribbonfish distribution, while CHL and SST influence squid distribution and SST and SSHa influence cuttlefish distribution. The total deviation explained 37.70 %, 10.70 %, and 22.28 % in the final model for simulating the spatio-temporal distribution of ribbonfish, squid, and cuttlefish, respectively. Environmental factors were significant in the final GAM model (p < 0.05). Spatio-temporal distribution patterns of fishery resources from mid-water trawlers showed that they were related to biophysical changes in the northwest coast of India. The high catch rate was observed in the northern latitudes during the post-monsoon (October), the major fishing season in the region. However, it shrank and shifted to southern latitudes during the winter (January). This study could be adapted to nearby countries in the Arabian Sea region for an effective and useful tool to monitor and manage the fishery resources. Furthermore, it could aid in decision-making for policymakers and resource managers to formulate strategies for holistic marine fishery management and sustainable resource exploitation.

Environmental Stochasticity of Spatiotemporal Recruitment Patterns in Coral Reef Fish (Tahiti, French Polynesia)

Environmental Stochasticity of Spatiotemporal Recruitment Patterns in Coral Reef Fish (Tahiti, French Polynesia)

Assemblage Distribution of the Larval and Juvenile Myctophid Fish in the Kuroshio Extension Region: Winter 2020

Myctophids are an ecologically important mesopelagic species in the eastern Pacific Ocean. Due to the wide distribution, great diversity and variable biological characteristics of the species, there is a lack of reliable information regarding their spawning and nursery grounds in the Kuroshio extension region. In this study, we identified a total of 110 myctophid individuals using DNA barcoding and morphological techniques, among which, the dominant genus was Ceratoscopelus, comprising 37.27% of the entire catch. The abundance of each sampling station was calculated, and its relationship with environmental variables was analyzed. Tweedie-Generalized Additive Model (GAM) analysis showed that copepod density, oceanic dynamic processes, and sea surface temperature were the primary factors influencing the distribution pattern of larvae and juvenile myctophid fish. The results further indicate that the Kuroshio extension plays a dominant role in the biological processes of these fish in this region. These findings provide crucial dynamic information for the scientific conservation and exploitation of myctophids, which could have significant implications for the management of these fish populations.

Diversity and distribution of fish in the Lokop river, Leuser Ecosystem Area, Indonesia

Lokop is one of the villages in Serbajadi District, East Aceh Regency, Aceh Province. The village has a watershed named the river Lokop. This river is located in the Leuser Ecosystem Area which is inhabited by various aquatic biota, especially fish, with the level of diversity and distribution patterns that need to be studied and analyzed conoftened. This study used the purposive sampling method, with the parameters being the level of diversity and distribution patterns of fish in the Lokop river. Data collection was carried out at 5 observation stations based on the typology of river habitat, each station was divided into three substations representing parts of the basin, river bank and river basin approximately 50 m apart. Fish sampling is carried out at each station using a plot of 10 x 10 m2. The number of plots at each station is 9 plots with a total of 45 plots. The results showed that the diversity index (H') value of fish in the Lokop river was 2.39 in the moderate category and the distribution pattern of fish in the Lokop river has a uniform pattern and clusters. Out of a total of 17 species obtained, 8 species (47%) were clustred, 8 species (47%) were uniformly distributed and 1 species (6%) could not be analyzed because only one individual was found.Keywords:FishRiverDiversityDistribution

Molecular evolution of the hemoglobin gene family across vertebrates

Adaptation to various altitudes and oxygen levels is a major aspect of vertebrate evolution. Hemoglobin is an erythrocyte protein belonging to the globin superfamily, and the α-, β-globin genes of jawed vertebrates encode tetrameric ((α2β2) hemoglobin, which contributes to aerobic metabolism by delivering oxygen from the respiratory exchange surfaces into cells. However, there are various gaps in knowledge regarding hemoglobin gene evolution, including patterns in cartilaginous fish and the roles of gene conversion in various taxa. Hence, we evaluated the evolutionary history of the vertebrate hemoglobin gene family by analyses of 97 species representing all classes of vertebrates. By genome-wide analyses, we extracted 879 hemoglobin sequences. Members of the hemoglobin gene family were conserved in birds and reptiles but variable in mammals, amphibians, and teleosts. Gene motifs, structures, and synteny were relatively well-conserved among vertebrates. Our results revealed that purifying selection contributed substantially to the evolution of all vertebrate hemoglobin genes, with mean dN/dS (ω) values ranging from 0.057 in teleosts to 0.359 in reptiles. In general, after the fish-specific genome duplication, the teleost hemoglobin genes showed variation in rates of evolution, and the β-globin genes showed relatively high ω values after a gene transposition event in amniotes. We also observed that the frequency of gene conversion was high in amniotes, with fewer hemoglobin genes and higher rates of evolution. Collectively, our findings provide detail insight into complex evolutionary processes shaping the vertebrate hemoglobin gene family, involving gene duplication, gene loss, purifying selection, and gene conversion.

A review of the behaviours of the Chondrichthyes: a multi-species ethogram for the chimaeras, sharks, and rays

Abstract In this review of the behavioural patterns of chondrichthyan fishes, we have strived to produce a comprehensive catalogue of events and states and develop standardized terminology. Hence, actions that are slightly different, will be pooled under inclusive titles. Those used by different investigators are included in quotations within the textual descriptions of the motor patterns. This standardized ethogram will ideally lead to an increase in inter-observer reliability, giving researchers more confidence when reading colleagues’ papers that report behaviours that appear similar to theirs despite being described for different species. The descriptions are presented under the following categories: (1) maintenance (2) courtship (3) filter feeding (4) scavenging (5) predation (6) sociality (7) aggression and (8) defence. The many actions are illustrated by line drawings and photographs in composite figures with an attempt to provide an example of each action for a chimaera, shark, and ray. The diversity of patterns is evident from this ethogram, consistent with observation that the brain-to-body mass ratios of cartilaginous fishes are greater than a third of the bird species and greater than those for some mammalian species. The major impetus for assembling this ethogram is to demonstrate the diversity of behaviours exhibited by members of the Chondrichthyes and to dispel the apocryphal belief that members of this taxon are ‘simple feeding machines’.

Moderate relative size of covered and non-covered structures of artificial reef enhances the sheltering effect on reef fish

Identifying the relationship between fish aggregations and artificial reefs (ARs) is important for optimizing reef structures and protecting marine resources subjected to external disturbance. Yet, knowledge remains limited of how the distribution of fish is affected by shelter availability provided by different AR structures. Here, we tested the effects of two structural attributes on the distribution of a benthic juvenile reef fish (fat greenling, Hexagrammos otakii). We used a laboratory mesocosm experiment with a simplified reef unit that was made of covered structure and non-covered structure. The covered structure was defined as the area inside ARs that provided effective shelter. The non-covered structure was defined as the area along the edge of ARs, which attracts fish but has lower sheltering effects. Four scenarios of two orthogonal structural attributes contained in a reef unit were implemented: size of covered structure (small shelter versus large shelter) and size of non-covered structure (small edge versus large edge), forming three size ratios of shelters to edges (low, medium, and high). The sheltering effects of the four scenarios were evaluated based on changes to the distribution patterns of fish under disturbance. We found that the reef with a large shelter had a better sheltering effect than the reef with a small shelter, but was limited by its small edge, especially when fish density was high. In contrast, the sheltering effect of the reef with a small shelter was limited by its large edge compared to the small edge. Thus, a moderate shelter-edge ratio enhanced the ability of juvenile fat greenling to elude external disturbance. Our findings highlight the importance of quantifying how the structural composition of reefs affects fish distributions, providing guidance to optimize AR structures.

Bioaccumulation and Risk Analysis of Selected Heavy Metals in Clarias Gariapinus and Tilapia Zili Fish Species of Abandoned Mining Ponds

Heavy metals (Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Ni and Pb) were determined in some selected fish species (Clarias gariepenus and Tilapia zili) from Bokkos abandoned mining sites. Sample matrices examined were flesh gills, kidney and liver of each fish species. Twenty (20) sample sites were selected for the sample matrices under investigation. After sample collection and treatment, heavy metals were determined using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS, Bulk Scientific Model 210 VGP). The concentration patterns for each of the elements in the fish species showed significant and relatively similar patterns in cat fish with Ni having the highest concentration, followed by Cr, Co, Pb Cd and Cu in that order with respective. Cumulative bioconcentration in Tilapia zili showed that Cd &lt; Cu &lt; Pb &lt; Co &lt; Cr &lt; Ni respectively. Pearson correlation showed various interactions and relationships existing between and within sample matrices, indicating that these heavy metals have similar source, species or geochemical interaction. Only Co has a weakly positive correlation 0.58 with Pb while in Tilapia zilli, while Cu has correlation with Ni in Clarias gariepenus. Also the interactions and behaviors of the fish species suggests water and sediment for Cu, Ni and Co, Pb respectively. The relative contributions of Cr, Ni and Pb to the aggregated risk were 59.86%, 0.21%, 38.03% and 1.76% respectively. Consumption of these fish species from the study area therefore poses serious health concern upon consumption over time.

Novel tag-based method for measuring tailbeat frequency and variations in amplitude in fish

The tailbeat frequency (TBF) together with tailbeat amplitude (TBA) of fish are tightly correlated with swimming speed. In addition, these parameters can be used as indicators of metabolic rate and general activity level, provided that appropriate calibration studies have been performed in the laboratory. If an implantable bio-logger could measure TBF and TBA, it would, therefore, have great potential as a tool to monitor swimming behaviours and bioenergetics over extended periods of time in free roaming fish within natural or farm environments. The purpose of this study was, therefore, to establish a method for deriving accurate TBF and variations in TBA from activity tags that log high-resolution acceleration data. We used 6 tagged Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) of ≈1 kg and subjected them to two types of swim trials in a large swim tunnel system. Test speeds were either incrementally increased in 20-min intervals until steady swimming ceased, or constant speed of 60 cm s−1 was given in a 4-h sustained test. The TBFs were visually observed by camera and compared with computed values from the activity tags. In the incremental trials the TBF increased linearly with swimming speed, while it remained constant during the 4 h of sustained swimming. The TBFs measured by activity tags were within ± 0.1 beat s−1 of the visual measurements across the swim speeds tested between 30 to 80 cm s−1. Furthermore, TBF and its corresponding relative swim speed were consistent between trial type. The relative TBA increased with swimming speed as a power function, showing that the fish relies on changes in both amplitude and frequency of tail movements when swimming at higher speeds, while adjustments of amplitude only play a minor part at lower speeds. These results demonstrate that TBFs can be measured accurately via activity tags, and thus be used to infer swimming activities and bioenergetics of free roaming fish. Furthermore, it is also possible to estimate changes in TBA via activity tags which allows for more nuanced assessments of swimming patterns in free roaming fish.

Round goby [Neogobius melanostomus (Pallas, 1814)], gudgeon (Gobio gobio L.) and bullhead (Cottus gobio L.) show distinct swimming patterns in a vertical slot fish pass

The vertical slots of fish passes represent bottlenecks that must be passed by every fish migrating upstream. The hydraulics in fish passes are well investigated but less is known about the small scale behaviour of fish while passing the vertical slot. Understanding the species-specific swimming behaviour during the passage could allow for creation of future fish passes with hydraulics adapted to the swimming requirements of desired target species. We recorded the swimming trajectories of three fish species as point coordinates per video frame using cameras. Then, two common machine learning algorithms were used to identify species characteristic swimming patterns in the trajectories. A Random Forest model trained on 21 trajectory features revealed that water discharge, the spatial trajectory position, and the trajectory length were most distinct trajectory features among species. The model identified the species with a mean F1 score of 0.86 ± 0.08 SD for round goby [Neogobius melanostomus (Pallas, 1814)], 0.81 ± 0.12 SD for gudgeon (Gobio L.), and 0.58 ± 0.20 SD for bullhead (Cottus gobio L.). A Convolutional Neural Network achieved a mean F1 score of 0.89 ± 0.03 SD for round goby, 0.76 ± 0.05 SD for gudgeon, and 0.67 ± 0.02 SD for bullhead if exclusively trained on the point coordinates of the swimming trajectories. These results demonstrate that fish species exhibit distinct swimming patterns when passing through a vertical slot, and how these patterns can be used for species identification using machine learning algorithms. Because round goby achieved the highest F1 scores, we conclude that round goby showed the most characteristic swimming trajectories among the species tested. Future fish passage research should account for the individual swimming patterns of the fish in these bottleneck flow fields and on adapting the flow to the individual swimming patterns of the target fish. Flow conditions being supportive for swimming patterns of the desired fish could have the potential to improve the river connectivity and thereby support the aquatic biodiversity.

Functional diversity patterns of reef fish, corals and algae in the Brazilian biogeographical province

AbstractAimFunctional diversity encapsulates whole‐community responses to environmental gradients mediated by species traits. Under trait convergence, similar responses may cause distantly related taxa to exhibit spatially correlated functional diversity. We investigated whether similar responses of reef fish, coral and algal functional richness and disparity to the environment produce spatially correlated functional diversity patterns.LocationBrazilian marine biogeographical province.TaxonReef fish, corals, algae.MethodsWe analysed data from 40 coastal and oceanic sites distributed across 27 degrees of latitude in the Brazilian province. Using traits, we measured functional richness (FRic) and disparity (Rao's Q) and calculated Pearson's correlation () between pairs of metrics and taxa. We used Bayesian multivariate linear models to model taxa functional richness and disparity relative to sea surface temperature (SST), turbidity, salinity, species richness and region, and to estimate the residual correlation () between metrics after accounting for these variables.ResultsThe best fitted model contained SST, species richness and region, and explained about 56% of the variation in FRic and Rao's Q across taxa. Yet, FRic and Rao's Q of fish, algae and corals responded differently to environmental variables. Functional diversity metrics were less correlated between algae and corals than compared to fish. Observed correlations of FRic and Rao's Q were low to intermediate across taxa (average = 0.14), and residual correlations were even lower (average = 0.02).Main conclusionsSST, species richness and region had a widespread role in determining spatially congruent functional diversity offish, algae and corals across Brazilian reefs, despite their fundamentally different evolutionary histories. Low residual spatial correlations suggest that other mechanisms might also contribute to functional diversity patterns of reef taxa independently. Given the role of SST, species richness and region, the functional structure of these reefs might be compromised by climate change, pollution and overfishing.

An experimental and numerical investigation on the performance of novel hybrid bio-inspired 3D printed lattice structures for stiffness and energy absorption applications

The modern additive manufacturing process enables the fabrication of innovative structural designs of lattice structures with enhanced mechanical properties. Characterizing the designability of lattice geometries and the corresponding mechanical performance, particularly the compressive strength is vital to commercializing lattice structures for lightweight components. In this paper, a Novel hybrid type of lattice structure was developed inspired by the overlapping pattern of scales on dermal layers of the species like fish and circular patterns observed from the bamboo tree structure. This research designed the lattice cell with 20%,30%,40%, and 50% overlapping areas based on the proposed circular area. The unit cell wall thickness varies between 0.4 mm and 0.6 mm. The designed structures with a constant volume of 40x40x40 mm, varied circular diameters, overlapping areas, and unit wall thickness are modeled in Fusion 360 software. 3D-printed lattice structures were fabricated using the vat polymerization type three-dimensional printing machine using the principle of stereolithography (SLA) technique. Then, the 3D-printed specimens are tested for quasi-static compressive response in a universal testing machine (UTM) by following ASTM standards. The test results are evaluated and compared with the simulation results. Finally, the best lattice structure is selected for energy absorption application in the aerospace and defense sectors.

Changing behavior: Can intervention design from the public health sector help solve the problem of fishing gear conflict?

Abandoned, lost, or otherwise discarded fishing gear is associated with significant environmental and socio-economic impacts. Gear loss can be attributed to environmental and operational factors. Gear conflict, which can result in the loss of gear due to interactions within or between fleet métiers, is a significant contributor to gear loss in some fisheries. Traditionally interventions aiming to reduce the occurrence of gear conflict have been designed without a systematic approach and with minimal analysis of the fisher behaviors which lead to gear conflict. This study uses the Behavioral Change Wheel (BCW), a well-established intervention design framework originating from the UK health sector, and applies it for the first time in a fisheries management context in an attempt to understand the specific intervention functions and policy categories which could be used to reduce or avoid the occurrence of gear loss through gear conflict. Through a series of open-ended interviews with static and mobile fishers, ten behaviors were identified which were associated with either the prevention or mitigation of gear conflict (communication between sectors/individuals, marking fishing gear, moving gear when/if requested, adjusting fishing patterns to account for known gear positions, adherence to spatial separation agreements, regular gear maintenance, regular hauling of static gear, reporting snagged static fishing gear, bringing snagged fishing gear back into harbor, and attempting to locate lost fishing gear). While some of these behaviors (such as sharing details of fishing activities and locations) were found in both static and mobile fleet métiers, other behaviors were unique to specific fleet segments (e.g. gear marking behavior from static gear fishers). Analysis of the behavioral subcomponents of each behavior through the BCW framework reveal that intervention functions targeting fisher social and physical opportunities and automatic and reflexive motivations would be most effective when attempting to reduce the occurrence of gear loss between static and mobile métiers. Potential policy categories that would support this work include the introduction of guidelines, fiscal measures, regulation, legislation, environmental/social planning, and service provision- for example, the creation of behavioral contracts by fishers, enforced spatial management guidelines, and the creation of support structures for part-time fishers.

Abstract P424: Associations of Taste-Related Genes With Empirical Dietary Patterns Among Community-Dwelling Adults - The Framingham Heart Study

Background: Understanding the genetic contribution to food choices and intake is critical for the development of effective precision nutrition guidance. Recent findings by our lab suggest that genetic variants (SNPs) related to bitter and umami taste perception are differentially associated with food group intakes. The aim of this study was to examine the associations of bitter- and umami-related SNPs, combined as polygenic taste scores, with overall dietary patterns. Methods: Cross-sectional analyses were conducted in 5,817 Framingham Heart Study Offspring (1998-2001) and Third Generation (2002-05) participants (mean age ± SD: 50 ± 14 years; 54% female). Weighed polygenic taste scores were derived using SNPs identified from prior genome-wide association studies for taste perception (11 SNPs: 9 bitter and 2 umami). Higher scores indicated more alleles for higher taste perception. Empirical dietary patterns were derived using Principal Component (PC) analysis with food groups tabulated from food frequency questionnaires. Associations were assessed using linear mixed effects models with FDR adjustment. Results: Three dietary patterns were identified, explaining 32% of total variance in dietary intake: a vegetables, fruits, legumes, and fish pattern (Prudent); a refined grains, sweets, salty foods, and pizza pattern (Western); and a liquor, beer, and wine pattern (Alcohol). On average, after adjusting for age, sex, genetic PCs and energy intake, higher umami polygenic taste scores were associated with lower adherence to the Prudent dietary pattern (OR [95% CI] for upper vs. lower tertial of dietary pattern adherence scores per additional allele for higher umami perception: 0.87 [0.79, 0.97]; P = 0.01). Subsequent analysis at the SNP-level identified one umami-related SNP (rs7691456_T) independently associated with lower Prudent dietary pattern adherence ( P = 0.009), potentially driving the observed association. Both associations remained significant after additional adjustment for smoking, physical activity, and BMI. No significant associations were identified for bitter-related genes and dietary patterns. Conclusions: Among community dwelling adults, higher genetic predisposition to perceive umami was associated with lower adherence to a Prudent dietary pattern, suggesting the potential benefit of leveraging knowledge of taste-related genes in precision nutrition.