Thysanoessa Inermis Research Articles

Euphausiids in the eastern Bering Sea: A synthesis of recent studies of euphausiid production, consumption and population control

Euphausiids are an important component of the eastern Bering Sea marine ecosystem. We synthesized information on the ecological roles of two species, Thysanoessa raschii, which predominates over the Middle and Inner Shelf Domains, and Thysanoessa inermis, which predominates over the Outer Shelf Domain. Although estimates of euphausiid biomass across the shelf are not well constrained, we estimated that, between April and July, 2004–2010, euphausiid biomass was 3.08–5.25gCm−2 on the outer shelf and 1.95–3.92gCm−2 on the middle shelf. Modeled estimates of euphausiid production, for spring and summer combined, varied between 0.043gCm−2d−1 and 0.051gCm−2d−1, depending on location, with a mean of 0.048gCm−2d−1. Recently reported field measurements of annual primary production over the southeastern Bering Sea in 2008–2009 vary between 0.06 and 6.65gCm−2d−1, with a mean of 1.262gCm−2d−1±2.049gCm−2d−1 in spring and summer combined, a level sufficient to support euphausiids, at least on an annualized basis. Walleye pollock (Gadus chalcogrammus, hereafter pollock) is the single most important consumer of euphausiids over the eastern Bering Sea shelf. We estimated that pollock consumed between 0.0042 and 0.019.7gCm−2d−1 of euphausiids, depending on year, with a mean of 0.011gCm−2d−1 in summer averaged over 1999–2009. This consumption is equivalent to between 17% and 29% of summer euphausiid production, depending on location.Over the period for which data were available (2004–2012), we observed a strong negative relationship between euphausiid biomass as determined in acoustic surveys and pollock biomass as estimated in the eastern Bering Sea pollock stock assessment (r2=0.82). During this time period, sea-surface temperature was the second strongest predictor of euphausiid biomass, (r2=0.63). However, for the period 2004–2010, bottom temperature (r2=0.94) was the strongest predictor, followed by pollock biomass from the pollock stock assessment (r2=0.82), and sea-surface temperature (r2=0.81). Mean pollock density in the acoustic surveys was not a powerful predictor of euphausiid biomass during either period. In spatially explicit multiple regression analyses for the periods 2004–2012 and 2004–2010 those formulations that included sea-surface and bottom temperatures as well as survey estimates of pollock had the greatest explanatory value. However, when either or both temperature terms were dropped, the explanatory value of the models dropped considerably. When pollock biomass was dropped from the models, there was little change in explanatory value compared to the full model. Euphausiid production and pollock consumption data coupled with a negative relationship between euphausiid biomass and stock assessment estimates of pollock biomass indicate a top-down predation effect. However, strong negative relationships between euphausiid biomass and water temperatures indicate the influence of a bottom-up mechanism. The apparent differences in these results may relate to the different spatial and temporal scales used to assess the pollock biomass used in the analyses. Alternatively, euphausiid biomass may be strongly controlled during a restricted portion of the year, such as spring, if critical food needs are not met in some years. We lack the data necessary to resolve these alternative hypotheses.

Thermal limits of krill species from the high-Arctic Kongsfjord (Spitsbergen)

MEPS Marine Ecology Progress Series Contact the journal Facebook Twitter RSS Mailing List Subscribe to our mailing list via Mailchimp HomeLatest VolumeAbout the JournalEditorsTheme Sections MEPS 535:89-98 (2015) - DOI: https://doi.org/10.3354/meps11408 Thermal limits of krill species from the high-Arctic Kongsfjord (Spitsbergen) Kim Huenerlage*, Friedrich Buchholz Alfred Wegener Institute Helmholtz Centre for Polar and Marine Research, Am Handelshafen 12, 27570 Bremerhaven, Germany *Corresponding author: kim.huenerlage@awi.de ABSTRACT: The high-Arctic Kongsfjord is mainly influenced by cold Arctic water, but also receives input of warmer water from the Atlantic. In recent years, the proportion of Atlantic inflow from the south has increased. Concurrently, one temperate-boreal (Meganyctiphanes norvegica) and one subtropical-temperate (Nematoscelis megalops) krill species are now regularly found in the Kongsfjord, in addition to the previously prevailing arcto-boreal species Thysanoessa inermis and T. raschii. In light of the recent changes in these species’ biogeographic distributions, we compared their physiological tolerances. Using non-invasive optical oxygen sensors, respiration measurements served to characterize metabolic responses to temperature variations. The 2 Thysanoessa spp. appeared more cold-stenotherm than the other 2 krill species: the upper level of their respiratory capacity was reached at 12°C and they were less tolerant of decreasing oxygen concentrations. This finding is consistent with their arcto-boreal distribution. In contrast, M. norvegica and N. megalops exhibited higher tolerance to temperature changes, robust nutritional condition and sexual maturity. Such physiological plasticity may explain the recent northward expansion of these species’ geographic range. KEY WORDS: Metabolic rates · Respiration · Thysanoessa inermis · Thysanoessa raschii · Meganyctiphanes norvegica · Nematoscelis megalops Full text in pdf format Supplementary material PreviousNextCite this article as: Huenerlage K, Buchholz F (2015) Thermal limits of krill species from the high-Arctic Kongsfjord (Spitsbergen). Mar Ecol Prog Ser 535:89-98. https://doi.org/10.3354/meps11408 Export citation RSS - Facebook - Tweet - linkedIn Cited by Published in MEPS Vol. 535. Online publication date: September 15, 2015 Print ISSN: 0171-8630; Online ISSN: 1616-1599 Copyright © 2015 Inter-Research.

Is Ambient Light during the High Arctic Polar Night Sufficient to Act as a Visual Cue for Zooplankton?

The light regime is an ecologically important factor in pelagic habitats, influencing a range of biological processes. However, the availability and importance of light to these processes in high Arctic zooplankton communities during periods of 'complete' darkness (polar night) are poorly studied. Here we characterized the ambient light regime throughout the diel cycle during the high Arctic polar night, and ask whether visual systems of Arctic zooplankton can detect the low levels of irradiance available at this time. To this end, light measurements with a purpose-built irradiance sensor and coupled all-sky digital photographs were used to characterize diel skylight irradiance patterns over 24 hours at 79°N in January 2014 and 2015. Subsequent skylight spectral irradiance and in-water optical property measurements were used to model the underwater light field as a function of depth, which was then weighted by the electrophysiologically determined visual spectral sensitivity of a dominant high Arctic zooplankter, Thysanoessa inermis. Irradiance in air ranged between 1–1.5 x 10-5 μmol photons m-2 s-1 (400–700 nm) in clear weather conditions at noon and with the moon below the horizon, hence values reflect only solar illumination. Radiative transfer modelling generated underwater light fields with peak transmission at blue-green wavelengths, with a 465 nm transmission maximum in shallow water shifting to 485 nm with depth. To the eye of a zooplankter, light from the surface to 75 m exhibits a maximum at 485 nm, with longer wavelengths (>600 nm) being of little visual significance. Our data are the first quantitative characterisation, including absolute intensities, spectral composition and photoperiod of biologically relevant solar ambient light in the high Arctic during the polar night, and indicate that some species of Arctic zooplankton are able to detect and utilize ambient light down to 20–30m depth during the Arctic polar night.

The other krill: overwintering physiology of adult Thysanoessa inermis (Euphausiacea) from the high‑Arctic Kongsfjord

Polar environments like the high-Arctic Kongsfjord are characterized by pronounced seasonality leading to strong variations in primary production. Food sources are particularly scarce during winter. Herbivorous krill, such as the arcto-boreal Thysanoessa inermis, are key components in the ecosystem of Kongsfjord and strongly rely on phytoplankton as a food source. During the polar night such species must therefore be adapted to survive long periods without sig- nificant nutritional input. We investigated physiological mechanisms and the allocation of energy resources to try to explain how T. inermis manages to survive the Arctic winter. Adult specimens caught in late summer were kept under starvation conditions for 28 d. Changes in metabolic rates (respiration and excretion) and biochemical composition (protein, lipid and fatty acid analyses) were monitored. In contrast to the Antarctic krill Euphausia superba and the subtropical E. hanseni, the arcto-boreal species did not reduce metabolism but utilized lipid reserves for sur- vival. Assessed from total lipid stores and energy demand, the potential survival period was esti- mated at 63 d without food uptake, which is not sufficient to survive the entire winter. Results were compared to specimens that overwintered in situ and were discussed in relation to other euphausiids. In conclusion, T. inermis is well adapted to survive the Arctic winter provided that alternative food sources are available, but has a different strategy to cope with starvation than krill species from other latitudes.

Lipid composition and trophic relationships of krill species in a high Arctic fjord

Our study deals with the lipid biochemistry of the krill community in the ecosystem of the high Arctic Kongsfjord (Svalbard). During the last decades, Kongsfjord experienced a change in krill species composition due to recent increased advection of Atlantic water masses carrying characteristic boreal as well as subtropical-boreal euphausiids into the ecosystem. The lipid biochemistry and trophic relationships of the species recently inhabiting the Arctic water masses are scarcely known, although a change in a krill population may have a significant impact on the ecosystem. A comparison of nutrition and energy storage strategies, stable isotopes, lipid profiles and fatty acid compositions showed remarkable differences between the krill species. These reflected the diverse feeding behaviours and specific adaptations to the environments of their origin: the boreal Meganyctiphanes norvegica and subtropical Nematoscelis megalops appear more carnivorous, have significantly lower mean lipid contents (29 % and 10 %, respectively) and a different energy storage pattern (triacylglycerols and polar lipids, respectively) than the arcto-boreal Thysanoessa inermis, which consists of up to 54 % of lipids mainly stored as wax esters (> 40 %). These differences may have significant implications for the rapidly changing marine food-web of Kongsfjord - especially for higher trophic levels relying on the nutritional input of animal lipids.

Interannual summer variability in euphausiid populations on the eastern Bering Sea shelf during the recent cooling event (2008–2010)

The recent cooling in the eastern Bering Sea resulted in a series of cold years (2008–2010) marked by extensive ice coverage and late ice retreat. In the present study, we examined the spatial and temporal variability of three predominant euphausiid species Thysanoessa raschii, Thysanoessa inermis, and Thysanoessa longipes in the summers of 2008–2010. Simple box-and-whisker plots as well as generalized additive models (GLMs) were applied to examine habitat selection for three euphausiid species. The coefficients of dispersion were calculated for three species to examine potential changes in spatial patterns. Results showed that T. raschii was broadly distributed in the inner and middle domains. The abundance of T. raschii was related to water temperature, salinity and chlorophyll a concentration. T. inermis was primarily distributed in the middle domain and was related to water temperature and salinity. T. longipes was mostly distributed in the outer domain and was only related to salinity. The proportion of T. raschii, a coastal species in the inner and middle domains, showed large interannual variation with the highest in 2008 and the lowest in 2009 (a >50% decline). This same species did not show large interannual variation in the spatial distribution. T. longipes, a shelf species in the outer domain, did not show large interannual variation in abundance, but the center of mass distribution consistently shifted northward and offshore from 2008 to 2010. T. inermis, a coastal species in the middle and coastal domains, did not show large interannual variation in abundance and spatial distribution. In summary, euphausiid populations showed large spatial and temporal variability among cold years. Different species could be affected by different processes in the southeastern Bering Sea.

Supplementary diet components of little auk chicks in two contrasting regions on the West Spitsbergen coast.

The complete diet composition structure of the most numerous planktivorous sea bird, little auk (Alle alle), in the European Arctic, is still not fully recognized. Although regular constituents of little auk chick diets, the copepods, Calanus glacialis and C. finmarchicus have been previously relatively well described, more taxa were frequent ingredients of the bird’s meals. Therefore, the role of the little auks supplementary diet components (SDCs) at two colonies in the Svalbard Archipelago, Hornsund and Magdalenefjorden, in 2007–2009, is a main subject of this comparative study. Because the SDCs often consisted of scarce but large zooplankters, this investigation was focused on biomass as a proxy of the SDCs’ energy input. Although the total biomass of the food delivered to chicks in both colonies was similar, in Magdalenefjorden, the proportion of SDCs was twice that found in Hornsund. The main SDCs in Hornsund were Decapoda larvae (with predominating Pagurus pubescens) and Thysanoessa inermis, whereas the main SDCs in Magdalenefjorden were C. hyperboreus and Apherusa glacialis. Previous investigations, which indicated lipid richness of SDCs, together with our ecological results from the colonies, suggest that this category might play a compensatory role in little auk chick diets. The ability to forage on diverse taxa may help the birds to adapt to ongoing Arctic ecosystem changes.

Distribution, population dynamics and growth rates of Thysanopoda acutifrons, Thysanoessa inermis and Nematobrachion boöpis in the Irminger Sea, North Atlantic

Euphausiids are an important component of the northern North Atlantic ecosystem and several species are found in the Irminger Sea. However, data on euphausiids in this region are few, particularly for Thysanopoda acutifrons, Thysanoessa inermis and Nematobranchion boöpis. In this paper, we present the first data since the 1930s on the seasonal distribution and population dynamics of these species from net haul data collected in the Irminger Sea during winter, spring and summer 2001–2002. Thysanoessa inermis was the most numerically abundant (0.63–26.62 ind. 1000 m−3) of the three species in the region and comprised a biomass of 3.92–41.74 mg 1000 m−3. The species was largely found in the upper regions of the water column (0–400 m) and was distributed in the more on-shelf/shelf-break regions around East Greenland and Iceland. Growth rates were around 0.03 mm d−1for T. inermis and there was some evidence that either the timing of spawning was delayed, or larval development was prolonged in the region. Thysanopoda acutifrons was predominantly distributed below 400 m in more oceanic regions and had a low abundance (1.23–1.64 ind. 1000 m−3) throughout the Irminger Sea. However, the species comprised a relatively high proportion of biomass (19.39–31.33 mg 1000 m−3) due to its large body size. Our data showed that the species had low rates of growth (0.04 mm d−1) and development throughout the year, and that the reproductive season occurred during the overwintering period (November/December) once individuals had reached two years of age. Nematobranchion boöpis mainly occurred below 400 m at low abundance (0.06–0.18 ind.1000 m−3) levels throughout the region. The species was largely found where Atlantic waters prevailed in the Irminger Current and its growth rates were variable (0.02–0.06 mm d−1). Nematobranchion boöpis was a year-round spawner and the species had fairly rapid rates of post-larval development, with the newly spawned 0-group reaching sexual maturity within the first 6 months. Data presented in this paper provide useful baselines for understanding the possible impacts of long-term, broad-scale environmental change on the ecology of euphausiid communities in the Irminger Sea.

First observation of krill spawning in the high Arctic Kongsfjorden, west Spitsbergen

In the past, two euphausiid species prevailed in the high Arctic Kongsfjorden, the arcto-boreal Thysanoessa inermis (Kroeyer, 1846) and Thysanoessa raschii (Sars. 1964). Both were considered expatriates from the Barents Sea or Norwegian Sea and non-reproductive due to low temperatures. The macro-zooplankton of the fjord has been studied as a component in an ecosystem context since 2006, including baseline investigation of distribution and functional performance of key species. In recent years, three additional krill species were regularly detected in the fjord and are the focus of an intensive long-term study. Of these species, Thysanoessa longicaudata (Kroeyer, 1846) and Meganyctiphanes norvegica (Sars, 1857) are typical for the boreal Atlantic whereas Nematoscelis megalops (Sars, 1883) has a broad distribution in temperate to subtropical provinces. Their occurrence in the Kongsfjorden clearly indicates increasing Atlantic influence. During the 2011 campaign, T. raschii was observed spawning in the field for the first time and showed development up to the naupliar stage in the laboratory. Should more evidence of reproduction be encountered in any of the five krill species in the Kongsfjorden in the future, it will be taken as an indication of a changing environment concerning temperature and food web composition.

Material properties of euphausiids and other zooplankton from the Bering Sea

Acoustic assessment of Bering Sea euphausiids and their predators can provide useful data for ecosystem studies if the acoustic scattering characteristics of these animals are known. The amount of acoustic energy that is scattered by different marine zooplankton taxa is strongly affected by the contrast of the animal's density (g) and sound speed (h) with the surrounding seawater. Density and sound speed contrast were measured in the Bering Sea during the summer of 2008 for several different zooplankton and nekton taxa including: euphausiids (Thysanoessa inermis, Thysanoessa raschii, and Thysanoessa spinifera), copepods, amphipods, chaetognaths, gastropods, fish larvae, jellyfish, and squid. Density contrast values varied between different taxa as well as between individual animals within the same species. Sound speed contrast was measured for monospecific groups of animals and differences were found among taxa. The range, mean, and standard deviation of g and h for all euphausiid species were: g = 1.001-1.041; 1.018 ± 0.009 and h = 0.990-1.017; 1.006 ± 0.008. Changes in the relationship between euphausiid material properties and animal length, seawater temperature, seawater density, and geographic location were also evaluated. Results suggest that environmental conditions at different sample locations led to significant differences in animal density and material properties.

Density and soundspeed measurements of various Bering Sea zooplankton.

Walleye pollock is a commercially and ecologically important species in the Bering Sea. Assessment of pollock stocks is conducted regularly using a combination of trawl net sampling and multiple frequency active acoustic echosounder surveys. In addition to backscatter from the species of interest, other marine life including several types of zooplankton and nekton can contribute substantial amounts of acoustic backscatter energy which can provide information regarding the abundance and distribution of these animals as well. Acoustic scattering models are used to estimate both the amount and frequency response of the acoustic energy scattered by the zooplankton, but these models require knowledge of various properties that describe the acoustically important characteristics of the zooplankton. We collected live zooplankton from the Bering Sea during June and July 2008. The morphology (spatial dimensions) and material properties (density and sound speed) of individual and groups of zooplankton (and some nekton) were measured. The taxa studied included euphausiids (Thysanoessa raschii, Thysanoessa inermis, Thysanoessa spinifera), copepods (Neocalanus sp.), amphipods (Themisto sp.), gastropod (Clione sp.), siphonophores, jellyfish, and squid. The results of our measurements with regard to acoustic scattering model development and use will also be discussed.

Winter distribution of euphausiids (Euphausiacea) in the Barents Sea (2000–2005)

Abstract The purpose of the study is to analyze the state of the Barents Sea euphausiids populations in the warm period (2000–2005) based on the study of their structure dynamics and distribution under the influence of abiotic and biotic factors. For estimation of their aggregations in the bottom layer, the traditional method was used with the help of the modified egg net (0.2 m 2 opening area, 564 μm mesh size). The net is used for collecting euphausiids in the autumn–winter period when their activity is reduced, which results in high-catch efficiency. The findings confirmed the major formation patterns of the euphausiids species composition associated with climate change in the Arctic basin. As before, in the warm years, one can see a clear-cut differentiation of space distribution of the dominant euphausiids Thysanoessa genus with localization of the more thermophilic Thysanoessa inermis in the north-west Barents Sea and Thysanoessa raschii in the east. The major euphausiids aggregations are formed of these species. In 2004, the first data of euphausiids distribution in the northern Barents Sea (77–79°N) were obtained, and demonstrated extremely high concentrations of T. inermis in this area, with the biomass as high as 1.7–2.4 g m −2 in terms of dry weight. These data have improved our knowledge of the distribution and euphausiids abundance during periods of elevated sea-water temperatures in the Barents Sea. The oceanic Atlantic species were found to increase in abundance due to elevated advection to the Barents Sea during the study period. Thus, after nearly a 30-year-long absence of the moderate subtropical Nematoscelis megalops in the Barents Sea, they were found again in 2003–2005. However in comparison with 1960, the north-east border of its distribution considerably shifted to 73°50′N 50°22′E. The portion of Meganyctiphanes norvegica also varied considerably—from 10% to 20% of the total euphausiids population in the warm 1950s–1960s almost to complete disappearing in 1970–1990s. The peak of this species’ occurrence (18–26%) took place in the beginning of warm period (1999–2000) after a succession of cold years. The subsequent reduction of the relative abundance of M. norvegica to 7% might have been mostly caused by fish predation during a period of low population densities of capelin. This high predation pressure may therefore have been mediated both by other pelagic fishes (i.e. herring, blue whiting, polar cod) but also by demersal fishes such as cod and haddock. Similar sharp fluctuations in the capelin stock (the major consumer of euphausiids) created marked perturbations in the food web in the Barents Sea in the middle 1980s and the early 1990s.

Trophic interactions of macro-zooplankton (krill and amphipods) in the Marginal Ice Zone of the Barents Sea

The diets of krill and amphipods were examined using light microscopy on field-collected specimens from 2004 to 2005 from the Marginal Ice Zone of the northwestern Barents Sea, north and east of Spitsbergen. Stomach content analyses indicate dominant krill species to have a filter-feeding mode, whereas amphipods seem to be mainly raptorial feeders. The dominant krill, Thysanoessa inermis ,i s primarily regarded as an herbivore feeding mostly on diatoms. Alternatively, Thysanoessa longicaudata fed occasionally on calanoid copepods in addition to being a suspension feeder on phytoplankton. The largest of the krill species, Meganyctiphanes norvegica, showed a mixed diet with regular feeding on calanoid copepods and phytoplankton. The degree of carnivory varied between stations and was determined by examining the size and shape of the mandible of copepods. M. norvegica, with a total length of between 26 and 41 mm, had up to two copepods in their stomachs, with a mandible width of the copepods varying from 32 to 154 mm, corresponding, respectively, to a computed prosome length of 0.3 and 2.6 mm. Themisto libellula fed primarily on C3 and C4 copepodite stages of Calanus glacialis and Calanus hyperboreus, and up to three copepods were found in the stomach contents of T. libellula. Themisto abyssorum fed on herbivorous and omnivorous prey such as copepods and appendicularians. The presence of Metridia spp. and appendicularians, e.g., Oikopleura vanhoeffeni in the diet of T. abyssorum may indicate feeding in the deeper layers (4200 m).

Pelagic and sympagic contribution of organic matter to zooplankton and vertical export in the Barents Sea marginal ice zone

Abstract The structure and function of the marine food web strongly regulate the cycling of organic matter derived from primary production by phytoplankton and ice algae in Arctic shelf seas. Improved knowledge of trophic relationships and export of organic matter from the surface layer is needed to better understand how the Arctic marine ecosystem may respond to climate-related changes in distribution of sea ice, water masses, and associated primary production regimes. Pelagic and sympagic inputs of organic matter to dominant meso- and macrozooplankton species and vertical export were investigated in the northern Barents Sea by means of stable carbon and nitrogen isotopes (δ 13 C and δ 15 N). Samples were collected during spring and summer (2003–2005) from a total of 13 stations with different ice conditions, abundances of ice algae, and phytoplankton bloom phases. δ 13 C signatures were different in organic matter of phytoplankton (mean −24.3‰) and ice algal origin (mean −20.0‰). Stable carbon isotope compositions showed that most of the energy assimilated by zooplankton originated from pelagic primary production, but at times ice algae also contributed to zooplankton diets. Trophic level (TL) estimates of copepods ( Calanus glacialis and Calanus hyperboreus ) and krill ( Thysanoessa inermis and Thysanoessa longicaudata ), calculated based on δ 15 N values, varied among stations from 1.3 to 2.7 and from 1.5 to 3.1, for respective taxa. TL in C. glacialis was significantly and inversely related to the depth-integrated phytoplankton chlorophyll a concentration. A similar trend, although weaker, also was observed for the other species. This relationship indicates that copepods graze primarily on the abundant autotrophic biomass during the peak bloom phase. At stations with lower chlorophyll a concentration, the TL of Calanus spp. was 1.0 higher, indicating omnivory outside the peak bloom phase in response to changed food availability. The majority of organic matter exported from the euphotic zone was derived from pelagic primary production, but at 3 of 11 stations within the marginal ice zone (MIZ), the ice algal signal dominated the isotope composition of sinking material. The δ 13 C of settling organic matter was positively related to the vertical flux of particulate organic carbon, with maximum values around −21‰ during the peak bloom phase. Sedimentation of isotopically light copepod faecal pellets (mean δ 13 C −25.4‰) was reflected in a depletion of 13 C in the sinking material. The results illustrate tight pelagic–benthic coupling in the Barents Sea MIZ through vertical export of fresh phytodetritus during phytoplankton blooms and episodic export of ice algae.

Effect of interannual variations in sea-surface temperature on egg-laying parameters of black-tailed gulls (Larus crassirostris) at Teuri Island, Japan

Sea-surface temperature (SST) directly and indirectly affects the distribution and abundance of prey species for seabirds, so we expect variation in SST to be associated with variation in seabird life history traits. In black-tailed gulls (Larus crassirostris) at Teuri Island in northern Hokkaido, Japan, we investigated the diet of the gulls prior to egg laying in 2004 and 2005, and examined the influences of SST in March or April, when the gulls congregate in the colony, on egg-laying parameters using 13 years of data (1992–2004). The gulls fed on krill (Thysanoessa inermis) and fish prior to the egg laying. Mean first egg dates and clutch sizes were significantly and quadratically related to SST anomalies in March, but were not influenced by SST anomalies in April. There was no significant effect of SSTs in either March or April on egg volume. Sea-surface temperature anomalies in March of the years of early laying (−1 to 1°C) were higher than those in 2001 (−2.2°C), but lower than those in 1992 (+1.2°C) and 2004 (+1.1°C). Thysanoessa inermis congregates to spawn at the sea surface, when SSTs rise 3−4°C. Thus, a mismatch between food availability and the timing of egg production in the gulls could have occurred in these 3 years. This study suggests that SST fluctuations prior to laying are important in breeding success of black-tailed gulls.

Growth, feed conversion and chemical composition of Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar L.) and Atlantic halibut (Hippoglossus hippoglossus L.) fed diets supplemented with krill or amphipods

The effects of partial replacement of fish meal (FM) with meal made from northern krill (Thysanoessa inermis), Antarctic krill (Euphausia superba) or Arctic amphipod (Themsto libellula) as protein source in the diets for Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar L.) and Atlantic halibut (Hippoglossus hippoglossus L.) on growth, feed conversion, macro-nutrient utilization, muscle chemical composition and fish welfare were studied. Six experimental diets were prepared using a low-temperature FM diet as control. The other diets included northern krill where 20, 40 or 60% of the dietary FM protein was replaced with protein from northern krill, and two diets where the FM protein was replaced with protein from Antarctic krill or Arctic amphipod at 40% protein replacement level. All diets were iso-nitrogenous and iso-caloric. Atlantic salmon grew from 410 g to approximately 1500 g during the 160 day experiment, and Atlantic halibut grew from 345 g to 500–600 g during the 150 day experiment. Inclusion of krill in the diets enhanced specific growth rate in salmon, especially during the first 100 days (P < 0.01), and in a dose–response manner in halibut for over the 150 day feeding period (P < 0.05). Feed conversion ratio did not differ between dietary treatments, and no difference was found in dry matter digestibility, protein digestibility and fish muscle composition. Good growth rates, blood parameters within normal ranges and low mortalities in all experimental treatments indicted that fish health was not affected either Atlantic salmon or Atlantic halibut fed the various zooplankton diets.

Fluorine accumulation in Atlantic salmon ( Salmo salar), Atlantic cod ( Gadus morhua), rainbow trout ( Onchorhyncus mykiss) and Atlantic halibut ( Hippoglossus hippoglossus) fed diets with krill or amphipod meals and fish meal based diets with sodium fluoride (NaF) inclusion

Meals produced from different marine invertebrate species have been suggested as good alternative protein sources in fish diets. The aim of this study was to evaluate the possible uptake of fluorine from krill ( Thysanoessa inermis and Euphausia superba) and the amphipod Themisto libelulla in fish fed diets where the fish protein was partly or fully substituted with proteins from krill meal or amphipod meal. Feeding trials with Atlantic salmon ( Salmo salar), Atlantic cod ( Gadus morhua), rainbow trout ( Onchorhyncus mykiss) and Atlantic halibut ( Hippoglossus hippoglossus) were carried out, and fluorine were analysed in different organs, including muscle, bone and faeces as well as experimental diets and meals. Amphipod meal had the highest fluorine level (4000 ±800 mg kg − 1 ), while meal from Thysanoessa inermis and Euphausia superba showed about one fourth of that level (780 ± 160 mg kg − 1 and 1160 ± 230 mg kg − 1 , respectively). The fluorine concentration increased in the diets with increasing substitution of fish meal with krill or amphipod meal. Fluorine also increased in faeces with increasing fluorine levels in the diets. None of the analysed organs showed any increase in fluorine concentration compared to the control fish which was fed a diet with only fish meal as protein source. All four species were also fed a fish meal based diet where sodium fluoride (NaF) was added (150 mg F kg − 1 dry wt.). Again no organs showed any increase in fluorine levels. Growth and health parameters were not negatively altered. This indicates that the four fish species, when kept in a marine environment, were not affected by relatively high dietary fluorine level.

Protein from Northern krill (Thysanoessa inermis), Antarctic krill (Euphausia superba) and the Arctic amphipod (Themisto libellula) can partially replace fish meal in diets to Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) without affecting product quality

The main objective of the present study was to evaluate the effect of using three different crustacean meals (Tysanoessa inermis, Euphausia superba, Themisto libellula) on product quality of Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar L.). In order to do this, a total of six iso-protein, iso-lipid and iso-carotenoid diets were prepared. Two experimental diet series were prepared. In the first series, a control feed (K0) was compared with diets where 20%, 40% and 60% of the fish meal protein were replaced with protein from Northern krill T. inermis (K20, K40 and K60, respectively). In the second series, control feed (K0) was compared with diets where 40% of the dietary protein was replaced by protein from T. inermis (K40), Antarctic krill E. superba (AK40) and the Arctic amphipod T. libellula (AMP40). The salmon groups were fed the various diets for 160 days and the average weight of the fish increased from 410 g to around 1500 g. Fish given diets containing krill displayed a general better growth compared with the ones given pure fish meal diet. Replacing fish meal protein with protein from the crustacean sources had, in general, only minor effects on the flesh quality measured both by technical and sensory methods. However, some significant effects were noted. Postmortem muscle pH was generally lower (P < 0.05), for K20, K40, AMP40 in fish fed crustacean diets compared with those receiving the control diet. Increasing the replacement level of non-fish meal protein from Northern krill (K20, K60) significantly reduced the rigor contraction. Fish given K20 had a slightly firmer meat texture, measured as resistance to post-rigor compression, especially when compared with K60 (P < 0.05). Fish from the K20 and AMP40 groups had a deeper red flesh coloration [both light reflection (A*-value and chroma) and flesh astaxanthin concentration] than fish fed K0 and higher inclusions of krill meal. The groups with the highest astaxanthin flesh content also showed the best growth and had the highest feed intake. Finally, a sensory panel analysis differed slightly from the technical measurements in that K0, rather than K20 was given the highest score for hardness and colour. In comparison with K0, AK40 got the lowest salty taste and hardness scores from the panellists relative to the control fish (P < 0.05). Despite minor effects on the present quality measures, it is concluded that meal from three different crustacean species can successfully replace fish meal up to 60% with Northern krill, and 40% of Antarctic krill and amphipod meal of dietary proteins.

The effect of early and late hatching on the escape response of walleye pollock (Theragra chalcogramma) larvae

Hatching of fish eggs fertilized at the same time occurs over a period of several days. Differences in the escape response of fish larvae during the hatching period have not hitherto been studied. In this study, the escape response of walleye pollock (Theragra chalcogramma) larvae over the hatching period was examined. Escape speed, response to multiple touches with a fine probe, response to water currents generated by a predator and predation by euphausiids (Thysanoessa inermis) and amphipods (Pleusirus secorrus) were measured in the laboratory. Otolith measurements of field-collected larvae support a broad hatching period for walleye pollock eggs in the sea similar to that observed in the laboratory. The escape response of walleye pollock larvae was affected by rank in the order of hatching, thus with respect to predation, hatching order may affect the survival of larvae in the sea. Early hatching larvae were smaller, less sensitive to tactile stimulation, had a slower, weaker escape response and higher laboratory rates of predation mortality than those that hatched later.

Seasonal changes in the diet composition and prey selection of walleye pollock ( Theragra chalcogramma) in the northern Gulf of Alaska

Walleye pollock, Theragra chalcogramma, are one of the dominant fishes in the Gulf of Alaska (GOA) ecosystem, yet relatively little information is available on the diet and prey selectivity of pollock in the northern GOA. Stomachs of midwater trawled adult pollock were collected in April, August and November 2003 in the northern GOA. Euphausiids were the dominant prey in April, averaging 59% by number and 70% by weight. Euphausiids persisted as the dominant prey in August, averaging 84% by number and 95% by weight. Decapods were the dominant prey item in November. This was primarily due to the shrimp Pandalus borealis, which averaged 68% by number and 53% by weight. Stomach contents were also compared with available prey fields using chi-square-based resource selection statistics. This analysis revealed significant differences between the environmental and dietary distributions of prey types. Additional analysis found significant selection for euphausiids over all other categories of available zooplankton in both spring and summer. Amongst euphausiids, there was significant selection for Thysanoessa inermis in spring and T. spinifera in summer.