Conservation, Ecology, and Management of Catfish: The Second International Symposium

<em>Abstract</em>.—Introduced blue catfish <em>Ictalurus furcatus</em> populations in tidal rivers of the Atlantic slope support important recreational and commercial fisheries, with the James River trophy fishery being nationally recognized. During the period 2001–2008, low-frequency (15 pulses/s) pulsed DC electrofishing was used to sample blue catfish in tidal fresh-oligohaline sections of the James, Mattaponi, Pamunkey, and Rappahannock River systems; 54,174 blue catfish were collected, and 4,660 of these were aged using otoliths. Mean catch per unit effort (CPUE) was generally high (ranging from 223 to 6,106 fish per hour). Trends of increasing CPUE through time occurred in the James (839–4,449 fish per hour) and Rappahannock (1,400–6,106 fish per hour) rivers, and differences in CPUE were detected among rivers. Temporal shifts in growth (mean length at age) were observed, with growth slowing for all ages in the Pamunkey River and slowing for older ages in the Mattaponi (ages 9–13) and Rappahannock (ages 8–12 and age 14) rivers. In the Pamunkey and Rappahannock rivers, a negative relationship existed between growth (mean length at age 10) and density (CPUE). Although density increased dramatically in the James River, growth remained stable. Growth varied among rivers; by the end of the study, mean total length at age 10 ranged from 416 mm in the Rappahannock River to 675 mm in the James River. Growth through age 15 fi t linear models, as opposed to the von Bertalanffy nonlinear curve. In three of the four populations, the maximum age sampled increased in each succeeding survey year, and the maturing of all four populations was reflected in concurrent increases in size distributions. Recruitment was variable, with coincident strong and weak year-classes occurring in all four populations—an implication that landscape-level environmental variables play a role in determining recruitment success. In three of the four populations, patterns in year-class strength persisted, with correlation of catch-curve residuals from surveys separated by time. Approximately 35 years poststocking in the James and Rappahannock rivers and 25 years poststocking in the Mattaponi River, these populations had not yet reached equilibrium. It is unknown what the dynamics of blue catfish abundance, growth, and survival will be in the long-term in these rivers, leaving uncertainty regarding the future of the fisheries the populations support, as well as unanswered questions related to potential effects on other species.

2010 ◽  
Vol 68 (3) ◽  
pp. 444-453 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anthony M. Hart ◽  
Adrian W. Thomson ◽  
David Murphy

Abstract Hart, A. M., Thomson, A. W., and Murphy, D. 2011. Environmental influences on stock abundance and fishing power in the silver-lipped pearl oyster fishery. – ICES Journal of Marine Science, 68: . Stock variability, fishing power, and the contributing environmental factors were examined for the Australian silver-lipped pearl oyster, Pinctada maxima. The approach was to compare the longer-term time-series of stock abundance derived from catch per unit effort against the shorter-term 0+ spat-settlement index to seek agreement on causal factors. Indices of stock abundance were established with generalized linear models that simultaneously examined the influence of technological and environmental factors, resulting in a predictive model with a 3-year forecast. The advent of global positioning systems caused a 30% increase in fishing power. A negative relationship between abundance and rainfall, and a positive relationship between abundance and temperature, was detected for both spat settlement and fishery abundance. Northerly winds (negative northings) from December to February significantly enhanced settlement, but easterly winds (negative eastings) in the main fishing month of May influenced fishing power positively. After standardizing for the effects of fishing power, a 150% increase in stock abundance of the exploited component of P. maxima stocks was detected between 2004 and 2009. A major contributor to this increase was an exceptionally high settlement of spat in 2005, associated with a rare combination of environmental conditions. Once this year class grows beyond the target size classes, abundance is predicted to decrease to the normal levels.


<em>Abstract</em>.—Despite increasing popularity of blue catfish <em>Ictalurus furcatus</em> with anglers, effective management of blue catfish has been hindered by limited information on appropriate sampling methods. We compared the efficiency, precision, and accuracy of low-frequency pulsed-DC electrofishing and experimental gill nets for use in estimating relative population abundance and size structure in 12 reservoirs. Electrofishing yielded greater catch rates and lower mean relative standard error (RSE) than gill nets. Similarly, the number of samples necessary to achieve a RSE = 0.25 was lower with electrofishing in most reservoirs. Gill-net catch per unit effort (CPUE) and electrofishing CPUE were strongly correlated (<EM>P</EM> < 0.01), and length-frequency distributions were also similar between gear types in many reservoirs examined. Where they differed, there was no consistent pattern, suggesting that differences were due to low precision (caused by low numbers of fish captured) rather than gear bias. Our analysis indicated that both low-frequency pulsed-DC electrofishing and gill netting effectively measured relative abundance of blue catfish. In most cases, electrofishing was more efficient at estimating CPUE and size structure (requiring fewer samples to achieve comparable precision); thus, we recommend using this gear when estimating these parameters for reservoir blue catfish populations.


2012 ◽  
Vol 140 (8) ◽  
pp. 2628-2646 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shu-Chih Yang ◽  
Eugenia Kalnay ◽  
Brian Hunt

Abstract An ensemble Kalman filter (EnKF) is optimal only for linear models because it assumes Gaussian distributions. A new type of outer loop, different from the one used in 3D and 4D variational data assimilation (Var), is proposed for EnKF to improve its ability to handle nonlinear dynamics, especially for long assimilation windows. The idea of the “running in place” (RIP) algorithm is to increase the observation influence by reusing observations when there is strong nonlinear error growth, and thus improve the ensemble mean and perturbations within the local ensemble transform Kalman filter (LETKF) framework. The “quasi-outer-loop” (QOL) algorithm, proposed here as a simplified version of RIP, aims to improve the ensemble mean so that ensemble perturbations are centered at a more accurate state. The performances of LETKF–RIP and LETKF–QOL in the presence of nonlinearities are tested with the three-variable Lorenz model. Results show that RIP and QOL allow LETKF to use longer assimilation windows with significant improvement of the analysis accuracy during periods of high nonlinear growth. For low-frequency observations (every 25 time steps, leading to long assimilation windows), and using the optimal inflation, the standard LETKF RMS error is 0.68, whereas for QOL and RIP the RMS errors are 0.47 and 0.35, respectively. This can be compared to the best 4D-Var analysis error of 0.53, obtained by using both the optimal long assimilation windows (75 time steps) and quasi-static variational analysis.


2001 ◽  
Vol 114 (8) ◽  
pp. 1515-1520 ◽  
Author(s):  
A.J. Rosenspire ◽  
A.L. Kindzelskii ◽  
H.R. Petty

Previously, we have demonstrated that NAD(P)H levels in neutrophils and macrophages are oscillatory. We have also found that weak ultra low frequency AC or pulsed DC electric fields can resonate with, and increase the amplitude of, NAD(P)H oscillations in these cells. For these cells, increased NAD(P)H amplitudes directly signal changes in behavior in the absence of cytokines or chemotactic factors. Here, we have studied the effect of pulsed DC electric fields on HT-1080 fibrosarcoma cells. As in neutrophils and macrophages, NAD(P)H levels oscillate. We find that weak (~10(-)(5) V/m), but properly phased DC (pulsed) electric fields, resonate with NAD(P)H oscillations in polarized and migratory, but not spherical, HT-1080 cells. In this instance, electric field resonance signals an increase in HT-1080 pericellular proteolytic activity. Electric field resonance also triggers an immediate increase in the production of reactive oxygen metabolites. Under resonance conditions, we find evidence of DNA damage in HT-1080 cells in as little as 5 minutes. Thus the ability of external electric fields to effect cell function and physiology by acting on NAD(P)H oscillations is not restricted to cells of the hematopoietic lineage, but may be a universal property of many, if not all polarized and migratory eukaryotic cells.


<em>Abstract</em>.—Using Long Term Resource Monitoring Program data collected from impounded (Pool 26) and unimpounded (Open River) reaches of the upper Mississippi River, we investigated population dynamics of flathead catfish <em>Pylodictis olivaris</em>, channel catfish <em>Ictalurus punctatus</em>, and blue catfish <em>I. furcatus</em> from random sites located in side channel border (SCB) and main channel border (MCB) habitats. Objectives were to (1) compare trends (1993–2007) of three catfishes collected in Pool 26 and Open River reaches of the upper Mississippi River, and (2) provide needed information to managers on population dynamics through time using a binary gear approach of active (i.e., daytime electrofishing) and passive gears (hoopnetting). Active gears resulted in a higher catch per unit effort (CPUE) of all catfishes in each habitat–reach combination as compared to passive gears. Passive gears resulted in negligible catches of blue catfish and flathead catfishes (e.g., mean of <1 fish/net night). Catch per unit effort using active gear resulted in a greater number of channel catfish captured in Pool 26 compared to the Open River, with Open River SCB habitat having the lowest CPUE in most years. Blue catfish in the Open River had a higher CPUE using active gear as compared to Pool 26, with the Open River MCB having the greatest CPUE. Flathead catfish had a higher CPUE in MCB habitat compared to SCB habitat, with the Open River MCB having the highest CPUE in most years. However, declining trends in flathead catfish appears to be occurring in Open River habitats while trends in flathead catfish appear to be slightly increasing in Pool 26. The most common length-classes captured were substock and stock-sized fish regardless of habitat, species, or reach. Trends for channel catfish were easily determined due to high catch rates; however, more monitoring and enhanced sampling is needed to accurately assess flathead catfish and blue catfish trends and to accurately determine demographics for all three species.


2005 ◽  
Vol 62 (7) ◽  
pp. 1475-1482 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nicolas Goñi ◽  
Haritz Arrizabalaga

Abstract The relationship between the catch per unit effort (cpue) of trolling and baitboat fisheries targeting juvenile North Atlantic albacore (Thunnus alalunga, Bonnaterre, 1788) and several environmental variables was studied. A multiple linear regression and a generalized least squares model (GLS) showed a significant negative relationship between age 2 albacore trolling and baitboat cpue, and the average agitation of the sea and the duration of insolation. No clear relationship was found between the juvenile albacore cpue and sea surface temperature, precipitation, and NAO or Gulf Stream Index. Underlying processes that could explain the negative effect of agitation and insolation are discussed, especially relating to the habitat of age 2 albacore above the seasonal thermocline. Results highlight the necessity of considering environmental variables in the standardization of albacore cpue series used for calibrating age-structured stock assessments.


2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (9) ◽  
pp. 1379 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marc-Kevin Zinn ◽  
Laura Schages ◽  
Dirk Bockmühl

Toothbrushes play a central role in oral hygiene and must be considered one of the most common articles of daily use. We analysed the bacterial colonization of used toothbrushes by next generation sequencing (NGS) and by cultivation on different media. Furthermore, we determined the occurrence of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) and the impact of different bristle materials on microbial growth and survival. NGS data revealed that Enterobacteriaceae, Micrococcaceae, Actinomycetaceae, and Streptococcaceae comprise major parts of the toothbrush microbiome. The composition of the microbiome differed depending on the period of use or user age. While higher fractions of Actinomycetales, Lactobacillales, and Enterobacterales were found after shorter periods, Micrococcales dominated on both toothbrushes used for more than four weeks and on toothbrushes of older users, while in-vitro tests revealed increasing counts of Micrococcus on all bristle materials as well. Compared to other environments, we found a rather low frequency of ARGs. We determined bacterial counts between 1.42 × 106 and 1.19 × 107 cfu/toothbrush on used toothbrushes and no significant effect of different bristles materials on bacterial survival or growth. Our study illustrates that toothbrushes harbor various microorganisms and that both period of use and user age might affect the microbial composition.


1998 ◽  
Vol 55 (5) ◽  
pp. 1122-1130 ◽  
Author(s):  
Thomas P Hurst ◽  
David O Conover

Winter mortality plays a significant role in the dynamics of some temperate fish populations and has been shown to be size-dependent for some species, but not for others. Our objective was to determine how winter mortality affects the recruitment dynamics of Hudson River striped bass (Morone saxatilis). We used catch-per-unit-effort data from three separate surveys targeting young-of-the-year (YOY), overwintering, and age 1 striped bass. Age 1 abundance was negatively correlated with the severity of winter. In contrast, the abundance of age 0 fish was not correlated with age 1 abundance, suggesting that winter mortality greatly modifies year-class strength. A progressive increase in the mean length of YOY fish, coupled with a decrease in the coefficient of variation in length, occurred during some winters. Laboratory experiments showed that growth in length requires temperatures in excess of 10°C; hence, these changes likely result from selective mortality of smaller fish. Direct evidence of size-dependent mortality was obtained from a laboratory experiment that exposed fish to ambient conditions throughout the winter. Accounting for interannual differences in the severity and size dependency of winter mortality may improve our ability to evaluate striped bass year-class strength in the Hudson River.


2016 ◽  
Author(s):  
M.-C. Fellner ◽  
G. Volberg ◽  
M. Wimber ◽  
M. Goldhacker ◽  
M. W. Greenlee ◽  
...  

AbstractThe Method of Loci is one, if not the most, efficient mnemonic encoding strategy. This strategy combines the core cognitive processes commonly linked to medial temporal lobe (MTL) activity: spatial processing and associative memory processes. During such tasks fMRI studies consistently demonstrate increases in medial temporal lobe (MTL) activity, while electrophysiological studies have emphasized the important role of theta oscillations (3-8 Hz) in the MTL. How MTL activity is linked to theta oscillatory EEG power, however, is unknown. Specifically, it is not known whether increases or decreases in MTL theta power are associated with increased BOLD signal. To investigate this question we recorded EEG and fMRI while participants used the spatial Method of Loci contrasted to the Pegword Method, a similarly associative but non spatial mnemonic. Surprisingly, the more effective spatial mnemonic induced a pronounced theta power decrease in the left MTL compared to the non-spatial associative mnemonic strategy. This effect was mirrored by BOLD signal increases in the MTL. This pattern of results suggests that theta oscillations in the MTL are negatively related to BOLD signal increases. These findings extend the well-known negative relation of alpha/beta oscillations and BOLD signals in the cortex to theta oscillations in the MTL. The results also demonstrate that decreases in theta power can index MTL involvement during encoding.Significance StatementStudies investigating the oscillatory correlates of memory encoding largely focus on activity in the theta frequency and often implicitly assume that increases in theta activity reflect similar processes as typically reported increases MTL activity changes in fMRI studies. The presented study found decreases in theta power, not increases, closely mapping to MTL BOLD signal increases during the same paradigm. This finding is in line with studies showing a negative relationship between low frequency power and BOLD changes in the cortex, but challenges the assumption that theta power increases reflect MTL activity. The reported findings importantly contribute to answer the question of how and which oscillatory activity indexes MTL memory processes.


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