No description available.

The frequency and severity of fish diseases is; increasingly, being reported as a limiting factor in the future development of aquaculture. The control of fish disease is largely performed in retrospect through curative chemotherapy. However, the development of resistant strains of fish places the emphasis on preventative, rather than the curative, control of disease. The freshwater parasite Icthyophthirius multifiliis causes the disease known as ichthyophthiriasis or white spot. Losses of fish due to this parasite are believed to total over one million dollars per annum worldwide. The objective of this study was to examine the genetics of resistance to I. multifiliis, Comparisons were made between four stocks of the tropical livebearing fish Xiphophorus maculatus. One of these stocks, the blue platyfish, was found to be less susceptible to white spot than the yellow comet tail, red or red wag tail platyfish, Comparisons with four other tropical spades of fish found significant differences between X. maculatus, X. variatus, Ameca splendens and Ilyodon xanthusi in levels of susceptibility. A. splendens was the most susceptible species, with the blue platy (X. maculatus) and sunset platy (X. variatus) forming the most resistant group. All the remaining stocks and species formed an intermediate group. Examination of resistance to white spot infection in four scale types of related common carp (Cyprinus auratus) also found variation in resistance, with the fully scaled carp being the most resistant phenotype (scattered mirror, linear mirror and leather carp being similar in infection level). More detailed analysis of the genetics of disease resistance was performed with heritability determinations in stocks of A. splendens, X. maculatus (yellow comet tail) and X. maculatus (Vera Cruz). The highest heritability value, based on sire components only, was that for Vera Cruz platyfish of 0.75, with a value of 0.23 for X. maculatus (yellow comet tail) and 0.00 for A. splendens. A breeding programme was also performed between X. maculatus (red platy) and X. variatus (sunset platy) to evaluate the presence of any heterosis. Such was observed, with a heterosis value, based on actual parasite counts, of 16.2%. Several factors of the infection process are also discussed, especially the fluctuating yearly trends in infection levels and parasite strain differences. Finally, the future potential of genetic manipulation of fish stocks for increased disease resistance is discussed in the light of this study. It is considered that a useful foundation has been laid for the further development of this approach to disease prevention in aquaculture.

No description available.

Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Washington, 2001. / Vita. Includes bibliographical references (p. 158-169).

Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Washington, 1986. / Vita. Bibliography: leaves [173]-183.

The aim of the thesis was to verify use of peracetic acid (PAA) in production conditions for ectoparasites control in carp pond farming. First test was about evaluation of organic load in pond water on speed PAA decay in two temperature regime (11 15 and 21 °C). Results showed that between 3 6 hours from PAA application the concentration of PAA was under a half of the initial concentration (6 mg.l-1). Also statically important differences (p= < 0.05) were found in speed of decay between samples with organic load (3 samples from ponds) and samples without organic load (distilled and tap water) in both temperature regimes. Application of PAA during the transport of fish into the transport boxes was performed in three age categories (1, 2 and 3 years old common carps), where the fish were exposed for 60 90 minutes in 1.5 mg.l-1 PAA as Persteril 36. Parasitic examinations of skin and gills showed reduction of number protozoal parasites (Trichodina spp. and Apiosoma spp.) in individuals comparing with control. Against other detected parasites was PAA ineffective. Statistical evaluation showed significant (p= <0.05) decrease in prevalence only in 3 cases out of 19 in total. Long-term four days long fish bath of carps which were heavily infested by Saprolegnia parasitica in 1.5 mg.l-1 PAA an positive effect on the overall survival was found. In the control group mortality reached 100 % the third day of trial, in contrast with treated group where was Saprolegnia parasitica succesfuly eliminated and overall moratily was 40 %. Continual fourteen days long application of PAA by peristaltic pump did not proved.

The purpose of this study was to discover how to efficiently use tailored messaging to increase recreational water users' behavioral intentions to perform specific behaviors that prevent the spread of Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) and Viral Hemorrhagic Septicemia (VHS). The objectives were to identify the most effective message structure and message order for signs targeting seven behaviors that reduce the spread of AIS and VHS, and to examine the moderating effect of AIS and VHS knowledge and awareness on behavioral intentions. The population of this study consisted of students 31 years of age and younger attending Southern Illinois University Carbondale (μ = 21.06; n = 680). The study design tested messages according to the Optimal Arousal Theory. The respondents completed an 11-item questionnaire that measured knowledge, awareness, and behavioral intentions, and included one of 34 sign treatments. When asked how knowledgeable respondents were about AIS and VHS, 48% of respondents indicated that they were not knowledgeable. Respondents were also asked the extent to which they believed AIS is a problem in Illinois; 43% reported AIS to be a "moderate" problem. Seven (7) items on the questionnaire measured intention to perform specific behaviors that may reduce the spread of AIS and fish disease between water bodies. Knowledge and awareness (only when interacting with knowledge) were found to be covariates of behavioral intentions. Complex results were revealed regarding the most effective tailored message, as no one sign significantly increased all seven behavioral intentions and the number of treatments significantly increasing behavioral intentions varied by behavior (i.e., 11 treatments had a significant influence on the behavioral intention for "visual inspections;" 4 treatments had a significant influence on the behavioral intention for "drain water;" 8 treatments had a significant influence on the behavioral intention for "avoid bait release;" 6 treatments had a significant influence on the behavioral intention for "remove plants and animals;" 4 treatments had a significant influence on the behavioral intention for "flush motor;" and, 11 treatments had a significant influence on the behavioral intention for "rinse boat". Results suggest mainly positively phrased messages works best when trying to stimulate environmentally responsible behavior (ERB). The recommendations from this study encourage strategic use of communication to enhance natural resource management as this study yielded gains in predicted behaviors of respondents to reduce the spread of AIS and VHS. The study also demonstrates the need to increase recreational water users' AIS and VHS knowledge improve the likelihood that they will perform desired behaviors.

Disease has been identified as a major problem in the aquaculture industry for the welfare of the fish stocked as well as for its economic impact. The number of diseases affecting cultured fish has increased significantly during recent years with the emergence of several conditions that have added to the overall impact of disease on the industry. Frequently, a lack of scientific knowledge about these diseases is compounded by an absence of effective treatment and control strategies. This has been the case with rainbow trout gastroenteritis (RTGE), an emerging disease of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss Walbaum). This study investigated several aspects related to its aetiology and control. A retrospective survey of UK rainbow trout farmers was undertaken to ascertain the extent and severity of RTGE in the UK as well as to identify RTGE risk factors at the site level. Participants in this study accounted for over 85% of UK rainbow trout production in 2004. It was found that the total number of RTGE-affected sites had risen from 2 in the year 2000 to 7 in 2005. The disease was only reported from sites producing more than 200 tonnes of trout/year for the table market. Analysis of risk factors associated with RTGE at the site level showed that this syndrome was associated with large tonnage and rapid production of rainbow trout for the table market. The data collected during this study enabled the identification of those sites that were most likely to present with RTGE the following year and this information was used to study the epidemiology of RTGE at the unit level. A prospective longitudinal study was undertaken in 12 RTGE-affected UK sites. It described in detail the impact, presentation, current control strategies and spread pattern of RTGE within affected UK sites. The risk factors associated with RTGE presence and severity were also investigated. Data were collected for each productive unit (i.e. cage, pond, raceway or tank) on the mortalities, fish origin, site management and environmental factors. RTGE was identified using a case definition based on gross pathological lesions. Analysis of these data revealed that RTGE behaved in an infectious manner. This conclusion was supported by the presence of a pattern typical of a propagating epidemic within affected units. Also, the risk of an unaffected unit becoming RTGE positive was increased if it had received fish from or was contiguous to a RTGE-affected unit. The presentation also suggested an incubation period of 20-25 days. Risk factor analysis identified management and environmental risk factors for RTGE, including high feed input and stressful events, which could be used to generate a list of control strategies. A study of the histopathological and ultrastructural presentation of RTGE was conducted. The location of segmented filamentous bacteria (SFB) and pathological changes found in affected fish were examined. Pyloric caeca were the digestive organ where SFB were found more frequently and in higher numbers, suggesting that this was the best location to detect SFB in RTGE-affected trout. Scanning and transmission electron microscopy revealed a previously undescribed interaction of SFB with the mucosa of distal intestine and pyloric caeca and this included the presence of attachment sites and SFB engulfment by enterocytes, as previously described in other host species. The SFB were not always adjacent to the pathological changes observed in the digestive tract of RTGE-affected trout. Such changes included cytoskeletal damage and osmotic imbalance of enterocytes, with frequent detachment. These observations suggested that if SFB are indeed the cause of RTGE their pathogenesis must involve the production of extracellular products. Analysis of the gross presentation and blood biochemistry in RTGE-affected fish was used to examine the patho-physiologic mechanisms of RTGE. To enable identification of positive RTGE cases for this study, a case definition was created from the information available on RTGE gross presentation in the literature. This case definition was assessed in a sample including 152 fish cases and 152 fish controls from 11 RTGE-affected UK sites, matched by unit of origin. The analysis of these fish using bacteriology, packed cell volume (PCV) and histopathology revealed that RTGE occurred simultaneously with other parasitic and bacterial diseases in a percentage of fish identified with this case definition. With the information gained after analysing the gross presentation, RTGE-affected fish without concurrent disease were selected for the study of the pathogenesis, which included blood biochemical analyses. These analyses revealed a severe osmotic imbalance, and a reduced albumin/globulin ratio suggesting selective loss of albumin, typical for a protein losing enteropathy. The role of the SFB “Candidatus arthromitus” in the aetiology of RTGE was assessed using a newly developed “C. arthromitus”-specific polymerase chain reaction assay (PCR) in conjunction with histological detection. This technique was applied to eight different groups of trout, including an RTGE-affected group and seven negative control groups. This analysis was conducted on DNA extracted from paraffin wax-embedded tissues as well as fresh intestinal contents. The results revealed the presence of “C. arthromitus” DNA in apparently healthy fish from sites where RTGE had never been reported. Additionally, SFB were observed histologically in two trout from an RTGE-free hatchery. These findings do not permit the exclusion of “C. arthromitus” as the aetiological agent for RTGE, although they suggest that the presence of these organisms in the digestive system of healthy trout is not sufficient to cause clinical disease, and therefore other factors are necessary. In conclusion, this study has used a multidisciplinary approach to the study of RTGE which has generated scientific information related to the epidemiology, pathogenesis and aetiology of this syndrome. The results of this project have suggested priority areas where further work is required, including experimental transmission of RTGE, field assessment of the control strategies proposed and further investigation into the aetiology of RTGE.

Flavobacterium psychrophilum, the causative agent of bacterial cold water disease (BCWD), is tolerant of recommended ultraviolet (UV) doses used in recirculation aquaculture systems (RAS). Membrane filtration (MF) is used to remove pathogens from wastewater in many industries, but has not been thoroughly tested in RAS. In this study, bacterial removal efficiencies were assessed between MF and UV treatments over 30 days in an RAS. Bacterial removal efficiencies were not significantly different (p > 0.05) between MF and UV treatments, which removed 98.5 ± 0.4 % and 99.6 ± 0.1 % of total bacteria and 93.2 ± 5.2 % and 92.5 ± 4.1 % of heterotrophic bacteria, respectively. Under laboratory conditions, a MF system was challenged with concentrated doses of F. psychrophilum and achieved 5.8 ± 0.2 log reductions of the pathogen. Therefore, MF represents a potential alternative to UV irradiation and could be used to reduce the prevalence of F. psychrophilum in RAS, potentially reducing the incidence of BCWD and its impact on the aquaculture industry. / Environment Canada and Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs.

La compréhension et la gestion des écosystèmes requièrent un maximum de connaissances sur les dynamiques de populations. Depuis 2007, la taille de la sardine (Sardina pilchardus) et de l’anchois (Engraulis encrasicolus) dans le Golfe du Lion a chuté tandis qu’au même moment, la population de sprat, qui a une faible valeur commerciale, a fortement augmenté. Les très forts enjeux économiques autour de ces espèces ont conduit au projet de recherche « EcoPelGol » dans lequel se situe cette étude portant sur les changements observés. La condition corporelle, la croissance ainsi que la structure en âge et en taille des sardines, des anchois et en partie des sprats ont été analysées sur les vingt dernières années. Alors qu’en 2005-2007, la situation semblait optimale pour les anchois et les sardines (taille et condition élevées), celle-ci s’est considérablement dégradée depuis 2008, l’anchois et la sardine étant significativement plus petits et plus maigres. De plus, une diminution de l’âge et de la croissance a été observée chez la sardine. Nous avons ensuite caractérisé les fluctuations des débarquements historiques (1865-2013) de l’anchois, de la sardine et du maquereau. La chute récente des débarquements a été mise en exergue, avec une situation inédite où la sardine est actuellement moins débarquée qu’avant les années 60, date à laquelle les débarquements ont fortement augmenté suite à un accroissement conséquent de l’effort de pêche. Bien que la majorité de la variance dans les séries de débarquements semble être engendré par les changements de l’effort de pêche, nous avons également observé une relation entre les débarquements et l’indice « Atlantic Multidecadal Oscillation » pour l’anchois et la sardine et avec le « Western Mediterranean Oscillation » pour l'anchois. Dans une troisième analyse, la pression de prédation du thon rouge sur l’anchois, la sardine et le sprat a été estimée pour voir si l’accroissement de la population du thon depuis 2007 lié à de nouvelle mesures de gestion a pu impacté les poissons petits pélagiques. Mais bien que la sardine et l’anchois soient les proies principales du thon, moins de 2% de leurs populations ont été consommés chaque année entre 2011-2013, et ce, sans sélectivité sur la taille de ces proies de la part du thon. Ainsi, le thon rouge n’a pas pu avoir un impact significatif sur la structure en taille ou les abondances des petits pélagiques. Dans le chapitre final, nous avons considéré la possible influence de pathogènes. Des analyses globales dirigées vers la détection des parasites, des bactéries et des virus ont été effectuées tout au long de l’année et ont révélées la présence ponctuelle et relativement faible de bactéries des genres Tenacibaculum et Vibrio et celle systématique de microparasites. Malgré l’impossibilité d’exclure leur pathogénicité, aucune lésion tissulaire n’a été attribuée à ces organismes, réduisant fortement la probabilité d’une épizootie. Nos travaux indiquent que les mécanismes « top-down », des pathogènes ou encore la pêche ne sont probablement pas les facteurs clés pour expliquer les changements observés chez les poissons petites pélagiques. À l'opposé, certains paramètres environnementaux ont expliqué une partie de la variabilité dans la condition corporelle des poissons et leurs débarquements. Nous concluons donc qu’un contrôle « bottom-up », et particulièrement un changement dans la quantité et/ou qualité du zooplancton, peut être la cause des phénomènes dans les populations des poissons petits pélagiques. Si cette thèse permet une avancée dans la compréhension de leur dynamique, des analyses complémentaires seront nécessaires pour confirmer notre hypothèse principale et pour estimer l’influence des autres facteurs agissant potentiellement en synergie. / Knowledge on population dynamics is key to the improvement of management and the understanding of ecosystem functioning. Since 2007, the size of sardine (Sardina pilchardus) and anchovy (Engraulis encrasicolus) in the Gulf of Lions (NW Mediterranean) has severely decreased, which has strongly affected the fisheries. Simultaneously, the commercially uninteresting sprat population increased remarkably. As the economic and ecological stakes are high, the EcoPelGol project of which this PhD is part was established. We first analysed the sardine, anchovy and (partially) sprat population for changes in body condition, growth and size and age structure over the last 20 years. We concluded that sardine and anchovy have had from 2008 onwards a distinctively poor body condition and size, and that sardine have also showed a concurrent decrease in age and growth. In contrast, both species were in optimal and average “health” during 2005-2007 and 1992-2004, respectively. Subsequently, historical landings of sardine, anchovy and mackerel were considered (1865-2013), of which the fluctuations were characterised and statistically related to environmental variables. The recent dramatic landings decrease was put into perspective, as for example sardine is now for the first time landed less than before the 1960s, when a big probably effort-related upsurge occurred. Despite most of the variability being explained by what looks like changes in fishing effort, a link was found between the sardine and anchovy landings and the Atlantic Multidecadal Oscillation and the anchovy landings and the Western Mediterranean Oscillation. Next, as a management associated bluefin tuna increase also happened since 2007, its predation pressure on all three small pelagic species was estimated. We concluded that although sardine and anchovy are bluefin tuna’s main prey items, less than 2% of each population (including sprat) was consumed annually during 2011-2013 and that there was no clear size selectivity. Thus, tuna could not have had a noticeable impact on the population abundance or size structure of the small pelagics. In the last chapter, an epizootic disease was considered. An all-embracing approach directed towards the all-year round detection of both general and specific parasites, bacteria and viruses revealed the mostly temporal and not necessarily high occurrence of only three groups: microparasites, Vibrio spp. (sometimes determined as Vibrio alginolyticus) and bacteria of the genus Tenacibaculum. Although we could not exclude their pathogenicity, significant tissue damage at a cellular or macroscopic level was never observed, making the disease hypothesis less likely. Thus, we considered several hypotheses and indicated that top-down control (through Bluefin tuna predation), pathogens and fisheries are unlikely to be main drivers. In contrast, some environmental parameters explained a part of the variability in fish condition and landings. After a final discussion on all probable theories we concluded that a bottom-up control, such as especially a planktonic change in quantity and/or quality, might be on the basis of the observed changes. Although this work is a great step towards the understanding of the small pelagic dynamics in the Gulf of Lions, further investigations will still be needed to confirm our main hypothesis and to estimate the potential synergetic effect of other drivers.