Swimming Ability Research Articles

The effects of cold shock on freshwater fish larvae and early-stage juveniles: implications for river management.

Temperature is essential to the maintenance of optimal physiological functioning in aquatic organisms. Fish can manage natural fluctuations in temperature; however, in freshwater ecosystems acute and rapid temperature changes can originate from sources such as large dams and industrial effluents. These rapid temperature changes may induce several physiological and behavioural responses that can result in lethal and sub-lethal consequences. The present study assessed immediate sub-lethal and short-term (10days) lethal responses of three species of Australian freshwater fish larvae and early-stage juveniles to a range of different 'field-relevant' cold shocks (-4, -6, -8 and -10°C). Murray cod (Maccullochella peelii), silver perch (Bidyanus bidyanus) and golden perch (Macquaria ambigua) were tested at two age groups to elucidate the interaction between ontogeny and sensitivity to cold shock. Cold shock caused mortality and reductions in swimming ability (time to exhaustion and lines crossed) in all species of fish at both age groups. Sensitivity was correlated to the magnitude of cold shock; a 10°C drop in temperature caused the highest mortalities. Ontogeny interacted with the severity of cold shock; the younger fish experienced higher mortalities and greater impairment to swimming ability. This study demonstrates the potential lethal and sub-lethal impacts of cold shock on freshwater fish at a critical life-history stage. Understanding the impacts of cold shock will aid management of freshwater ecosystems for the benefit of fish populations, with the current study identifying critical life stages to be considered in remediation and guiding thresholds necessary to reduce the impact of cold shock on native fish populations.

Grasping Marine Products With Hybrid-Driven Underwater Vehicle-Manipulator System

This article presents the comprehensive framework for a hybrid-driven underwater vehicle-manipulator system (HD-UVMS) to grasp marine products on the seabed. The purpose of the proposed hybrid-driven propulsion system is to improve the swimming ability of the HD-UVMS by using thrusters and enhance the stability of its pose adjustment mechanism via two unique long fin propulsors. The control mode for the thrusters and long fin propulsors is based on a fuzzy logic control method. Subsequently, a lightweight manipulator is developed to grasp marine products. The open–closed angle and current controls for the gripper help to avoid damaging marine products. A vision system is installed to enable the HD-UVMS to gradually approach marine products with the aid of monocular vision and grasp them with the aid of binocular vision. A detailed method for monocular passive ranging and stereo matching, in accordance with real-time metrics, is elaborated. Finally, relevant experiments are conducted in an indoor pool and under real sea condition to assess the effectiveness of the proposed framework. Note to Practitioners —The motivation behind this article is the design of an underwater vehicle-manipulator system that can grasp marine products on the real seabed and perform other underwater intervention tasks. Currently, the predominant method of fishing for marine products relies on human divers, which has disadvantages for human divers’ health due to the long periods of time spent working underwater. In order to further study the problem, this article develops a hybrid-driven underwater vehicle-manipulator system (HD-UVMS) to work in a real seabed environment. A hybrid-driven motion control framework is presented using the thrusters to achieve effective cruising and searching for marine products and long fin propulsors for the fine pose adjustment required to grasp marine products. The proposed lightweight underwater manipulator can grasp marine products on the seabed with the aid of a vision system. A series of experiments suggests that the HD-UVMS is practical and valid.

ПОВЫШЕНИЕ ЭФФЕКТИВНОСТИ РЫБОЗАЩИТНЫХ СООРУЖЕНИЙ НА МЕЛИОРАТИВНЫХ ВОДОЗАБОРАХ НИЖНЕЙ КУБАНИ

We used the data of observations presented in the reports of the FSBI «Head office «Kubanmeliovodhoz» and the results of laboratory tests on the physical model in the scale 1:20 of the new IFPF with the boom structure. The effectiveness of the model was evaluated using simulators for 3 groups of fish fry. The research data were processed using well-known methods of the mathematical analysis. The research methodology is justified which allows taking into account the concentration of young fish in 1 m3 when performing laboratory experiments.The investigations showed that the improvement of the efficiency with the boom structure is achieved due to the additional bottom threshold. The threshold directs the bottom stream with the fish fry to the trampoline where there is an airlift in the form of a bubble curtain, making the young fish to jump in the fish-reception holes of water-permeable shields. A new design IFPF is developed with a boom which provides a protection effect for fish fry formed according to the swimming ability which allowed establishing sizes of elements of fish protection structure.

Efficiency of the Halliwick concept in the rehabilitation of children with cerebral palsy

Background/Aim: Since 2010, the Halliwick Concept has been applied in the rehabilitation of children with neurological disorders at the Department of Habilitation and Rehabilitation of Children and Youth at the Institute for Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (IPMR) "Dr Miroslav Zotović" in Banja Luka, the Republic of Srpska, Bosna and Herzegovina. Aim of this study was to analyse results of the implementation of the full Halliwick Concept programme over the period from 1 January 2016 to 1 January 2017 and points to the effectiveness of this type of hydrokinesitherapy. Methods: After analysing 40 patients with different diagnoses of neurological disorders: cerebral palsy (CP), arthrogryposis (AG), Down syndrome (DS), and central nervous system (CNS) injury, only patients with CP were represented due to the homogeneity of the diagnosis and were included in analysis (N = 30). Rehabilitation treatment of patients according to the Halliwick concept was performed, over a period of one year, for 60 minutes once a week. Patients were tested by Swimming with Independent Measurement (SWIM) test, Gross Motor Function Measure (GMFM) and Barthel Index before and after treatment. Results: Considering all patients, before and after the application of the concept of individual Halliwick swimming skills/movement in water, a statistically significant difference was detected by assessing the SWIM test and a highly significant difference was detected by evaluating the Gross motor function measure test of GMFM66, as well as in evaluating the Barthel Index test. Assessment of swimming abilities through the SWIM test showed the least progression was in the ability in Getting out of the water, with the greatest progression in the ability in Breathing control. Conslusion: The Halliwick Concept programme at the Department for the Habilitation and Rehabilitation of Children and Youth, IPMR "Dr Miroslav Zotović" in Banja Luka is effective and the results indicate the need for its application in the rehabilitation of children with CP.

초등예비교사의 생존수영 수업 참여가 수영 능력과 지도 자신감에 미치는 영향

초등예비교사의 생존수영 수업 참여가 수영 능력과 지도 자신감에 미치는 영향

Hubungan daya tahan otot lengan dan percaya diri dengan kemampuan renang 50 meter gaya dada

The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between endurance of the arm muscles and confidence in the ability to swim 50 meters breaststroke. The population numbered 39 athele and 32 samples were taken using the purposive sampling technique. This type of research uses descriptive correlational. The instruments used were pull-up tests, confidence questionnaires and the ability to swim 50 meters breaststroke. Data analysis uses simple correlation and multiple correlation. The results of the study were significant> 0.05, indicating that: (1) There was a correlation between endurance of the arm muscles and swimming ability of 50 meters breaststroke. (2) There is a relationship of confidence with the ability to swim 50 meters breaststroke. (3) There is a relationship between endurance of the arm muscles and confidence with the ability to swim 50 meters breaststroke.

Differences Post-extraction Collagen-density of Wistar-rat With Aerobic and Anaerobic Interval-training

Background: Tooth extraction is extracting teeth from alveolar bone. In the world, tooth loss is a disease that affects the function and aesthetics oral cavity, it causes 7.5 million Disability-Adjusted Life Year (DALY). Tooth extraction rate in Indonesia is around 24% in 2013 and 19% in 2018. Sports is one of the activities that can help accelerate wound healing after tooth extraction, this study examine differences in collagen density after tooth extraction of Wistar rats given aerobic and anaerobic interval training. Objective: To prove differences in post-extraction collagen density of Wistar Rat (Rattus norvegicus) with aerobic and anaerobic interval training. Method: Wistar rats were divided into 3 groups, control group (K) rat were soaked in a bucket with tap water as high as the rat soles with a duration of 50% of maximum swimming ability (KRM), aerobic interval (P1) 3% load swim test with duration of 3 sets 50 % KRM exercise and 25% KRM rest, anaerobic interval P2 load 6% duration 80% KRM exercise and rest with 4 sets. All groups were observed on the 3rd and 7th day post extraction. Data were analyzed using Kruskal-Wallis and continued with Post-hoc test to test differences between groups. Results: There was only significant difference in collagen thickness between groups K(3) and K7, and another groups had not significant difference. Conclusion: there unsignificant differences in collagen density after tooth extraction in Wistar rats (Rattus norvegicus) with aerobic and anaerobic interval training.

The Effect of Interval Squat Thrust Training and Circuit Training Against Swimming Speed of 50 Meters Breastsroke

Ability of swimming 50 meters breaststroke swimming subjects specializing in FIK UNP coaching is the background of research problems. This study aims to determine the effect of interval squat thrust training and circuit training exercises on swimming speed of 50 meters breaststroke. Type of experimental research, two groups pretest-posttest. The population of swimming students specializing in FIK UNP training is 26 people, 21 men and 5 women. Sampling was done by purposive sampling technique, which is 18 men. Data collection by carrying out the initial test and final test swimming speed of 50 meters breaststroke. The data analysis technique uses the mean different test formula (t test) significant level α = 0.05. From the analysis of the data the results are obtained: there is a significant effect of interval squat thrust training on swimming speed of 50 meters breaststroke (12.94 th> tb.86) from mean 62.32 to 58.99 seconds. There is a significant effect of circuit training exercises on swimming speed of 50 meters breaststroke (11.03 th> 1.86) from mean 63.96 to 59.61 seconds. There was no significant difference between squat thrust training at intervals with circuit training with swimming speed of 50 meters breaststroke (th 0.1206 <tb 1.86).

Swimming performance in early life stages of three threatened Iberian Leuciscidae

Rivers are dynamic systems where flow is constantly changing, making early fish life stages with lower swimming abilities potentially vulnerable to rapid changes in water velocity. In this study, we evaluated the response of critical young life stages of three Iberian leuciscids – Achondrostoma occidentale, Iberochondrostoma lusitanicum, and Iberochondrostoma almacai – to increasing water velocities, by determining their critical swimming speed (Ucrit) and its relation with morphometric traits potentially associated with better swimmers. Results suggest a positive relation between both fish length and body depth with Ucrit and species-specific differences in swimming performance. Moreover, most fish could not withstand the maximum velocity tested (20 cm s−1), which can be surpassed in the rivers they occur. This study highlights the importance of considering individual traits for future management of fish stocks in rivers.

Do Reproductive Modes and Swimming Ability Influence Occurrence of Non-Marine Ostracod (Crustacea) Species among Aquatic Habitats?

To gain a better understanding of the effect of reproductive modes and swimming ability on ostracod distribution, we visited 111 randomly selected aquatic sites in Kırşehir province. A total of 35 ostracods were newly reported for the area. The number of species with and without swimming setae was not statistically different, but numbers of sexual species was significantly lower than parthenogenetics. Species without setae did not show a significant difference between sexual and parthenogenetic forms. Numbers of species with (out) setae were not significant among different elevational ranges. Distribution of parthenogenetic species was common in all 11 habitat types when sexual species were only found from three different types located from 690 to ca. 1400 m of elevational ranges. Numbers of parthenogenetic species with or without setae did not show a difference among the ranges, but sexual species without setae exhibited wider distributional ranges (690-1289 m) than species with swimming setae (690-1089 m). Species' co-occurrence revealed two positive, five negative, and 44 random pairs of co-occurrences. Wards cluster analyses portrayed three main clustering groups. While group I includes parthenogenetic and sexual species, group II covers mostly parthenogenetic species with and without setae. Group III consists of species without setae. CCA results displayed three environmental variables (water temperature, pH and elevation) effective on species distribution. Species distributed in all elevational ranges tend to show lower optimum and wider ecological tolerances. Parthenogenetic species with swimming setae and with relatively higher tolerance ranges were dominant over sexual species. The present results suggest that swimming mode has a greater effect on species distribution among the habitats than reproductive modes.

Ecological features and swimming capabilities of deep-sea sharks from New Zealand

Currently the ecology of deep-water sharks is poorly documented, especially in situ information for these elusive species are lacking. In this study, stereo-Baited Remote Underwater Videos (stereo-BRUVs) were deployed to collect ecological data from New Zealand deep-sea sharks. The results showed differences in abundance between species, with Etmopterus granulosus (Etmopteridae) found in greatest numbers. Moreover, the known depth range increased for Scymnodon macracanthus (Centrophiridae). Deep-sea shark species were generally found to swim at slower cruise speeds (0.36 ± 0.04 m s−1) than their shallow-water counterparts (0.63 ± 0.05 m s−1). However, the swimming speed of deep-sea sharks was clearly not uniform, with some species displaying higher cruise swimming speeds than others. The fastest sharks (Centrophorus harrissoni, Etmopterus granulosus and Etmopterus molleri) had swimming abilities comparable to benthic shallow water sharks (0.48 ± 0.02 m s−1). The higher cruise swimming speed in the family Etmopteridae could be an advantage for these luminous sharks if they follow isolumes to match their ventral light intensity with the down-welling light of their environment. This study revealed that alternative non-destructive methods can be effective for ecological studies of deep-sea marine fauna.

Diving into divergence: Differentiation in swimming performances, physiology and gene expression between locally-adapted sympatric cichlid fishes.

Sympatric speciation occurs without geographical barriers and is thought to often be driven by ecological specialization of individuals that eventually diverge genetically and phenotypically. Distinct morphologies between sympatric populations occupying different niches have been interpreted as such differentiating adaptive phenotypes, yet differences in performance and thus likely adaptiveness between them were rarely tested. Here, we investigated if divergent body shapes of two sympatric crater lake cichlid species from Nicaragua, one being a shore-associated (benthic) species while the other prefers the open water zones (limnetic), affect cruising (Ucrit ) and sprinting (Usprint ) swimming abilities - performances particularly relevant to their respective lifestyles. Furthermore, we investigated species differences in oxygen consumption (MO2 ) across different swimming speeds and compare gene expression in gills and white muscle at rest and during exercise. We found a superior cruising ability in the limnetic Amphilophus zaliosus compared to the benthic Amphilophus astorquii, while sprinting was not different, suggesting that their distinct morphologies affect swimming performance. Increased cruising swimming ability in A.zaliosus was linked to a higher oxygen demand during activity (but not rest), indicating different metabolic rates during exercise - a hypothesis supported by coinciding gene expression patterns of gill transcriptomes. We identified differentially expressed genes linked to swimming physiology, regulation of swimming behaviour and oxygen intake. A combination of physiological and morphological differences may thus underlie adaptations to these species' distinct niches. This complex ecological specialization probably resulted in morphological and physiological trade-offs that contributed to the rapid establishment and maintenance of divergence with gene flow.

Swimming is compromised in Parkinson's disease patients.

A recent survey reported a high risk of drowning in Parkinson's disease (PD) patients. This study intended to assess PD patients' swimming ability and explore the disease-related characteristics that may affect this. A cross-sectional study was conducted in idiopathic PD patients. The assessment included swimming in 2 different styles and the evaluation of isolated technical gestures. The primary outcome was the frequency of patients who were able to swim. Limb coordination, blockage episodes, and capacity to maintain the body in a horizontal position were also evaluated. Thirteen patients were evaluated. Three patients were able to swim according to the predefined definition. The inability to maintain the horizontal position and floatability were the main reasons identified for the decrease in swimming performance. Swimming ability is compromised in some PD patients. Further studies are needed to evaluate the global frequency of swimming difficulties in PD patients and their contributing factors. © 2019 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.

Physical Activity Levels, Swimming Ability, and Smoking Status among Kuwaiti Physical Education College Students

Introduction: Swimming is becoming increasing popular in Kuwait. Relationships with teachers, especially physical education (PE) teachers whether positive or negative, influences cigarette use among young people. Despite the public health concerns, comprehensive lifestyle data of Kuwaiti college age students, including physical activity and smoking habits, is lacking. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine the physical activity (PA) levels, swimming ability, and smoking status among Kuwaiti male and female physical education colleges students. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 418 randomly selected college students (198 males and 220 females) aged 18-25 years from the College of Basic Education during the 2017 - 2018 academic year. Physical activity levels were assessed using the Arab Teen Lifestyle Study (ATLS) questionnaire. Swimming ability and smoking status were assessed using the Godin questionnaire. Anthropometric measurements included weight (kg) and height (cm). Body fat (%) and lean muscle mass (kg) were determined with bioelectrical impedance analysis. Body mass index (BMI) was calculated using height and weight (kg/m2). Statistics: Independent t-tests were used to detect significant differences between the mean values of male and female subjects. Results: Male subjects had more muscle mass (39.1±4 kg vs. 25±4 kg) and were more physically active compared with females (645±40 vs. 443±56 min/week) (p<0.05). Body fat was greater in females (32±7%) compared with males (21±10%) (p<0.05). Both groups had similar BMI values (23.7±4 kg/m2 and 23.1±3 kg/m2 in males and females, respectively). Smoking prevalence was 45% in males and 7% in females. Three percent of males and 20% of females did not know how to swim. Conclusion: Male PE students report greater physical activity levels than female students; however, they have a higher prevalence of smoking which might affect children and adolescent students and increase the prevalence in the Kuwaiti society. For this reason, there is an urgent need for the Ministry of Education to provide smoking cessation clinics.

Antidepressant and antinociceptive activities in animal models and in vitro assessment of the anti-thyroid activity of bis(DL-pyroglutamate)magnesium complex.

Magnesium is an essential element related with biochemistry of the brain and different types of depression have been associated with its deficiency. The structure of a novel magnesium bis(DL-pyroglutamate) (Mg(DL-pGlu)2) was elucidated by X-ray crystallography. Wistar rats were used in the in vivo experiments. The antidepressant-like effect was assessed by the forced swim test (FST) and the antinociceptive activity was evaluated using hot plate test. In both, non-specific effects were evaluated by the open field test. Anti-thyroid activity was examined using Lang's method. Albumin binding behavior was evaluated by 3D fluorescence spectroscopy. For the Mg(DL-pGlu)2 complex (30 mg/kg), the FST test on Wistar rats revealed a decrease of 22% in the immobility time and an increment of 106% in the swimming time. The compound alters neither the locomotor activity nor the body weight after chronic administration. At the same dose, it showed antinociceptive activity, increasing the response latency. It blocks iodination reactions generating a charge transfer complex with iodine hence indicating anti-thyroid activity (Kc = 45366.5 ± 29 M-1). Albumin 3D fluorescence spectroscopy experiments showed intensity increase of peak A and decrease of peak B. The results showed that the new compound produced a lowering of the immobility time and an increment of the swimming ability of the rats. The compound is able to increase the response latency in 70.0%, to capture iodine (anti-thyroid activity) and to interact with albumin through covalent type of interaction of the free NH groups.

Identifying Risk Factors Associated with Fatal Drowning Accidents in the Paediatric Population: A Review of International Evidence.

Introduction: Evidence from Ireland’s Childhood Mortality Register demonstrates that drowning is the second leading cause of death in children. It occurs more commonly in adolescent males engaged in summer water-based activities and in children aged 1-4 years with access to swimming pools/unprotected water sources. Despite being an island nation, a significant lack of guidelines exists to reduce drowning accidents in these at-risk populations.Aim: Review international evidence surrounding risk factors associated with drowning accidents in the paediatric population and existing risk-reduction guidelines. Methods: Structured review of Cochrane, Cinahl, Pubmed Web of Science databases performed using search terms: (“risk factors” AND “drowning”), (“risk reduction” OR “prevention” OR “swim ability” AND “drowning”). Studies were included if satisfied age criteria (0-18 years).Results: Evidence suggests that boys are at highest risk of drowning (1-4 yrs in swimming pools; adolescents in freshwater) with inadequate surveillance, inadequate availability of first responders, certain clinical diagnoses (developmental delay and seizure disorders), lack of swimming ability, and substance misuse in adolescents all posing an increased risk. Formal swimming education in those aged 4+ years, training of supervising adults in safe rescue, installation of isolation barriers, enforcing water safety guidelines, and regulations are all recommended by International Advisory Groups for prevention of drowning.Conclusion: In Ireland, drowning is the second leading cause of accidental paediatric death in the post-neonatal period, and an important cause of childhood fatalities globally. Risk factors increasing the likelihood of fatal paediatric drownings include gender and distinct age peaks. Certain modifiable risk factors relate to peri-event factors such as lack of supervision, to post-event responses, in particular including lack of trained personnel at the scene. There is a poverty of guidelines specifically targeting the paediatric populations; guidelines generally tend to be included into adult drowning reduction strategies. Specific targeting is required to protect those most at risk.

Correspondence Between Behavioral, Physiological, and Anatomical Measurements of Visual Function in Inhibitory Neuron–Ablated Zebrafish

To compare the effects of reduced inhibitory neuron function in the retina across behavioral, physiological, and anatomical levels. Inhibitory neurons were ablated in larval zebrafish retina. The Ptf1a gene, which determines inhibitory neuron fate in developing vertebrates, was used to express nitroreductase. By exposing larvae to the prodrug metronidazole, cytotoxicity was selectively induced in inhibitory neurons. Visual phenotypes were characterized at behavioral, physiological, and anatomical levels using an optomotor response (OMR) assay, electroretinography (ERG), and routine histology, respectively. Nonvisual locomotion was also assessed to reveal any general behavioral effects due to ablation of other nonvisual neurons that also express Ptf1a. Injured larvae showed severely reduced OMR relative to controls. Locomotor assessment showed unaltered swimming ability, indicating that reduced OMR was due to visual deficits. For ERG, injured larvae manifested either reduced (type-I) or absent (type-II) b-wave signals originating from bipolar interneurons in the retina. Histologic analysis showed altered retinal morphology in injured larvae, with reductions in synaptic inner plexiform layer (IPL) thickness and synaptic density more pronounced in type-II than type-I larvae; type-II larvae also had smaller retinae overall. The consequences of inhibitory neuron ablation corresponded closely across behavioral, physiological, and anatomical levels. Inhibitory neuron loss likely increases the ratio of neural excitation to inhibition, leading to hyperexcitability. In addition to modulating visual signals, inhibitory neurons may be critical for maintaining retinal structure and organization. This study highlights the utility of a multidisciplinary approach and provides a template for characterizing other zebrafish models of neurological disease.

Ontogeny of larval swimming abilities in three species of coral reef fishes and a hypothesis for their impact on the spatial scale of dispersal

The late-stage larvae of many reef fishes possess strong swimming abilities that may allow them to influence their dispersal. However, due to the challenges associated with directly measuring patterns of larval dispersal, determining how swimming abilities relate to dispersal outcomes remains a critical gap in our knowledge of the mechanisms that shape dispersal patterns. In this study, we first investigated the ontogeny of swimming speed and endurance in lab-reared larvae of the clown anemonefish (Amphiprion percula), and neon gobies (Elacatinus lori and E. colini). In general, the swimming speed and endurance of larvae improved with age. The congeners, E. lori and E. colini, possessed similar swimming speed and endurance, while A. percula was capable of swimming nearly twice as fast and 322 times longer than either Elacatinus. Second, to relate swimming abilities and other larval traits with patterns of dispersal, we searched the literature for all species in which the dispersal kernel, swimming speed, larval body size and pelagic larval duration have been measured. We found complete datasets for three species: A. percula, E. lori and Plectropomus leopardus. For these species, maximum swimming speed was a better predictor of long-distance dispersal than other larval traits. Thus, we propose the testable hypothesis that swimming abilities may play an important role in determining the extent of long-distance dispersal. Testing this hypothesis, and the alternatives, will require measuring the dispersal kernel, swimming speed, and other dispersal-related larval traits of multiple species in the same seascape.

Prey-size plastics are invading larval fish nurseries

Life for many of the world's marine fish begins at the ocean surface. Ocean conditions dictate food availability and govern survivorship, yet little is known about the habitat preferences of larval fish during this highly vulnerable life-history stage. Here we show that surface slicks, a ubiquitous coastal ocean convergence feature, are important nurseries for larval fish from many ocean habitats at ecosystem scales. Slicks had higher densities of marine phytoplankton (1.7-fold), zooplankton (larval fish prey; 3.7-fold), and larval fish (8.1-fold) than nearby ambient waters across our study region in Hawai'i. Slicks contained larger, more well-developed individuals with competent swimming abilities compared to ambient waters, suggesting a physiological benefit to increased prey resources. Slicks also disproportionately accumulated prey-size plastics, resulting in a 60-fold higher ratio of plastics to larval fish prey than nearby waters. Dissections of hundreds of larval fish found that 8.6% of individuals in slicks had ingested plastics, a 2.3-fold higher occurrence than larval fish from ambient waters. Plastics were found in 7 of 8 families dissected, including swordfish (Xiphiidae), a commercially targeted species, and flying fish (Exocoetidae), a principal prey item for tuna and seabirds. Scaling up across an ∼1,000 km2 coastal ecosystem in Hawai'i revealed slicks occupied only 8.3% of ocean surface habitat but contained 42.3% of all neustonic larval fish and 91.8% of all floating plastics. The ingestion of plastics by larval fish could reduce survivorship, compounding threats to fisheries productivity posed by overfishing, climate change, and habitat loss.

Phenodeviants of the Lumpfish Cyclopterus lumpus (Cyclopteridae) and Their Survival

Deviations in the development of the caudal peduncle in the lumpfish Cyclopterus lumpus are described. Data on abiotic and biotic conditions of lumpfish’s existence in the North Atlantic are generalized. The importance of a unique niche of lumpfish in the marine ecosystem, which allows fish with greatly reduced swimming abilities (functions) to survive, is shown in the case of specimens with skeletal abnormalities.