Insight into environments and habitats that contribute recruits to adult fish stocks in riverine systems is vital for effective population management and conservation. Catfishes are important recreational species in the Mississippi River and are commercially harvested. However, contributions from main channel and tributary habitats to catfish recruitment in large rivers such as the middle Mississippi River (between St. Louis, MO and Cairo, IL) are unknown. Stable isotope and trace elemental signatures in otoliths have been useful for determining environmental history of fishes in a variety of aquatic systems, including the Mississippi River. The objectives of this study were to identify the principle natal environments of channel catfish Ictalurus punctatus and blue catfish I. furcatus in the middle Mississippi River (MMR) using otolith stable oxygen isotopic composition (δ18O) and strontium:calcium ratios (Sr:Ca). Catfish were sampled in the MMR during July-October 2013 and 2014 and lapilli otoliths were analyzed for δ18O and Sr:Ca. Water samples from the MMR and tributaries were collected seasonally from 2006-2014 to characterize site-specific signatures. Persistent differences in water δ18O and Sr:Ca among the MMR and tributaries (including the upper Mississippi, Illinois, and Missouri rivers as well as smaller tributaries) were evident, enabling identification of natal environment for individual fish. Results indicated that blue and channel catfish stocks in the MMR primarily recruited from the largest rivers (Missouri and Mississippi rivers) in our study area and received minimal influence from smaller tributaries. Recruitment and year class strength investigations and efforts aimed at enhancing blue and channel catfish spawning and nursery habitats should be focused in the large rivers with less emphasis in the smaller tributaries.

Submitted by Irene Nascimento (irene.kessia@ufpe.br) on 2016-10-11T18:18:10Z No. of bitstreams: 2 license_rdf: 1232 bytes, checksum: 66e71c371cc565284e70f40736c94386 (MD5) Versao atualizada Dissertação Camila Rodrigues da Silva.pdf: 4283237 bytes, checksum: b94bb3be2af7e3271536a1b017f891c6 (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2016-10-11T18:18:10Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 2 license_rdf: 1232 bytes, checksum: 66e71c371cc565284e70f40736c94386 (MD5) Versao atualizada Dissertação Camila Rodrigues da Silva.pdf: 4283237 bytes, checksum: b94bb3be2af7e3271536a1b017f891c6 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2011-05-27 / Cnpq / A idade e o crescimento do budiãoSparisomafrondosum capturado em Pernambuco, nordeste do Brasil, foram estimados utilizando 251 otólitos (121 machos e 130 fêmeas), observando-se 1 a 9 anéis em indivíduos de 13,1 a36,8 cm CT. A análise do incremento marginal nos otólitos indicou que a menor distância do último anel à borda ocorreu no mês de janeiro, sugerindo a formação de um anel a cada ano. Os parâmetros de crescimento foram estimados para os modelos de von Bertalanffy, Gompertz e Richards. O critério de informação de Akaike (AIC) foi utilizado para verificar qual modelo melhor se ajustava aos dados, demonstrando que a equação de crescimento de von Bertalanffy(L∞= 34,28 cm; K= 0,36; t0= - 0,17)para sexos agrupados foi o melhor modelo,descrevendo adequadamente o crescimento da espécie.A composição etária para a amostra total (n =251) indicou que 55% dos indivíduos estiveram concentrados entre 3 e 4 anos, com idade máxima de 9 anos. As fêmeas estiveram presentes em todas as classes etárias e os machos de 2 a 7 anos. As fêmeas maduras representaram 45% da composição das capturas, com idade de primeira maturação gonadal de 1,5 anos (17,62 cm CT), baseado na curva de crescimento estimada no presente estudo. A estrutura etária, os parâmetros de crescimento e o tamanho de primeira maturação gonadal estimados pela primeira vez para Sparisomafrondosum constituem contribuição essencial a planos de manejo devido a explotação dessaespécie hermafrodita protogínica cuja estratégia requer o alcance do tamanho mínimo para a reversão sexual. / Age and growth of parrotfish Sparisomafrondosum captured in Pernambuco, northeastern Brazil, were estimated using otoliths 251 (121 males and 130 females), looking up 1 to 9 rings in individuals from 13.1 to 36.8 cm CT. The analysis of marginal increase in otolith indicated that the shortest distance of the last ring on the edge occurred in January, suggesting the formation of a ring each year. Growth parameters were estimated for models of von Bertalanffy, Gompertz and Richards. The Akaike information criteria (AIC) was used to determine which model best fit the data, showing that the growth equation of von Bertalanffy (L∞ = 34.28 cm; K = 0.36; t0 = - 0, 17) for grouped sexes was the best model adequately describes the growth of the species. The age composition for the total sample (n = 251) indicated that 55% of individuals were concentrated between 3 and 4 years, with a maximum age of 9 years. The females were present in all age groups and males from 2 to 7 years. Mature females accounted for 45% of the catch composition, age of first sexual maturity of 1.5 years (17.62 cm CT) based on the growth curve estimated in this study. The age structure, growth parameters and the size of the first gonadal maturation estimated for the first time Sparisomafrondosum an essential contribution to management plans due to exploitation of this species hermaphrodite protogynous whose strategy requires the achievement of the minimum size for sex reversal.

Maurolicus stehamanni é a espécie pelágica mais abundante no ecossistema de Quebra de Plataforma da Região Sudeste e Sul do Brasil, sendo o principal componente da dieta dos atuns e das lulas. Com base em amostras coletadas com o N/Oc Atlântico Sul em três épocas do ano distintas, neste estudo foi comparado o crescimento da espécie em duas diferentes localidades, Cabo Frio (RJ) na região Sudeste, e Rio Grande (RS) na região Sul, utilizando a microestrutura, a morfologia e a ontogenia dos otólitos saggitae. Foram analisadas as variáveis: Comprimento padrão, Peso, Sexo, Raio do Otólito, Tamanho do Rostrum, a Espessura de 15 microincrementos consecutivos, Área e Perímetro da linha dos otólitos e a Idade dos peixes obtida por meio da contagem dos microincrementos. Os dados foram analisados por meio de métodos gráficos, análises de variância (ANOVA) e covariância (ANCOVA). As relações entre as variáveis foram modeladas, utilizando-se modelos lineares e não lineares, e comparadas entre as duas regiões. Ficou demonstrada a existência de variações significativas no crescimento entre os indivíduos dessas Regiões. Os peixes da Região Sudeste são maiores, em tamanho e massa e mais velhos, apresentando espessuras dos microincrementos significativamente maiores do que os da Região Sul, fatos que indicam uma maior taxa de crescimento dos peixes na Região Sudeste. Os peixes do Sudeste apresentam, em média, para uma mesma idade, menor Raio, Área e Perímetro dos otólitos, fato atribuído a um efeito da taxa de crescimento, como constatado para outras espécies do gênero. Um novo método gráfico foi elaborado para representar as mudanças ontogenéticas que ocorrem no formato dos otólitos ao longo do crescimento, utilizando-se sua silhueta e os índices de forma: Circulariedade e o Fator de Forma, os quais foram comparados entre Regiões. Apesar das diferenças citadas, semelhanças foram detectadas entre as regiões, para os parâmetros do modelo de von Bertalanffy do Sudeste (L= 48,04 mm e k= 0,01 dias -1) e do Sul (L =46, 12 mm e k= 0,01 dias -1) e, no formato dos otólitos. Hipóteses sobre as tais diferenças e semelhanças foram levantadas e discutidas. / Maurolicus stehamanni is the most abundant pelagic fish in the Slope Ecosystem of the South and Southeastern Brazil Region, being the main component of the diet of tunas and squids. Based on samples collected with the R.V. Atlantico Sul in three distinct seasons of the year, the main objective of this study was to compare the growth of the species between two different localities, Cabo Frio (RJ) in the Southeastern Region, and the Rio Grande (RS) in the South, through the analysis of the microstructure, morphology and ontogeny of otoliths. The following variables were evaluated: Standard Length, Weight, Sex, Otolith length, Size of the Rostrum, Width of 15 Consecutive Microincrements, Area, Perimeter of the otolith contour line and Age. Data were analyzed through graphical methods, analyses of variance (ANOVA) and covariance (ANCOVA). The relationships between the variables were modeled, using linear and non linear models, which were compared between the regions. It was found significant variations in growth between regions. Fish from the Southeast Region were bigger, in size and mass, and older, presenting microincrements width significantly larger than of the South region, indicating a higher growth rate of the specimens from the Southeast region. The fish from Southeast region presented on average, at a same age, smaller Lenght, Area and Perimeter of the otoliths, which can be attributed to a growth rate effect, as verified in other species of the genera. A novel graphic approach was performed in order to represent the ontogenetic changes in the shape of the otoliths during the growth, using its silhouette and indices of form, Circularity and the Form Factor. Despite of those differences, similarities were detected between the fish from the two regions for the parameters of the von Bertalanffy´s model, Southeast (L= 48,04 mm and k = 0,01 days-1) and South ( L = 46.12 mm and k = 0,01 days-1), and for the otolith´s shape. Hypotheses about variations and similarities were raised and discussed.

Previous mathematical modeling work has produced a transfer function that relates otoconial layer displacement to stimulus acceleration. Due to the complexity of this transfer function, time domain solutions may be obtained only through numerical methods. In the current work, several approximations are introduced to the transfer function that result in its simplification. This simplified version can be inverted to yield analytic time domain solutions. Results from a frequency response analysis of the simplified transfer function are compared with the same results from the complete transfer function, and with mammalian first-order neuron frequency response data. There is good agreement in the comparisons. Time domain solutions of the approximation are compared to numerical solutions of the full transfer function, and again there is a good match. System time constants are calculated from the simplified transfer function. A 2-D finite element model of a mammalian utricular macula is presented. Physical dimensions used in the model are taken from mammalian anatomical studies. Values for the material properties of the problem are not readily available; however, ranges are chosen to produce realistic physiologic behavior. Deflections predicted by this model show that a single value for hair bundle stiffness throughout the organ is inadequate for the organ to respond to the entire range of human acceleration perception. Therefore, it is necessary for a range of hair bundle stiffnesses to exist in each organ. Natural frequencies calculated in this model support previous studies on vestibular damage due to low frequency sound. Divers exposed to high-intensity underwater sound have experienced symptoms attributed to vestibular stimulation. An in-water video-oculography (VOG) system was developed to monitor divers' eye movements, particularly torsional, during exposure to varying underwater sound signals. The system included an underwater closed-circuit video camera with infrared lights attached to the diver's mask with an adjustable mounting bracket. The video image was sent to a surface control room for real-time and post-experiment processing. Six divers at 60 feet in open water received 15 minutes daily cumulative exposure of 240-320 Hertz underwater sound at 160 dB re 1 mPa for 10 days. No spontaneous primary position nystagmus, horizontal, vertical or torsional, was detected in any diver. This experiment was the first successful attempt to record and analyze eye movements underwater. / Ph. D.

No description available.

Studying calcium carbonate (otoliths) and calcium phosphate (fins, scales, bones) hard structure chemistry has numerous applications in the fisheries field for both freshwater and marine environments. The overall thesis objectives were: 1.) to provide an integrated and multidisciplinary approach to understanding the incorporation of trace elements and isotopes into biomineralized hard structures, and 2.) to apply this multidisciplinary perspective in the examination of element marking, stock discrimination, and migration in teleost fish species found within the Canadian Polar North. Varying physiological mechanisms within fishes control the uptake of essential and non-essential trace elements and isotopes during biomineralization processes. Essential life elements such as zinc and magnesium are controlled by their own uptake regulation systems whereas non-essential elements such as strontium and barium are controlled primarily by calcium uptake at the gills driven by internal calcium homeostasis. Secondarily, environmental trace elements compete with calcium and with each other for uptake at the gills. The ability of certain hard structures such as bones, fins, and scales to remobilise calcium and associated calcium-like elements, plays a role in the prolonged high concentrations of strontium that were observed in otolith marking of Greenland Halibut, Reinhardtius hippoglossoides. High doses of strontium chloride resulted in a prolonged expulsion of excess strontium. Strong associations of Dolly Varden Char, Salvelinus malma malma, with groundwater allowed discrimination of populations among studied river systems using otolith strontium and barium, and strontium isotopes. Calculation of otolith strontium freshwater baselines allowed for a quantitative method to examine migration histories of Arctic Char, S. alpinus, in Canada and western Greenland. Migration seaward was related to ease of access to estuary and marine habitats. Easy access to estuaries resulted in migration at a young age and small size whereas longer rivers resulted in a delay of migration to older ages and larger sizes. Understanding the role of fish physiology in association with calcium homeostasis provided a stronger basis for understanding the incorporation and presence of trace elements and isotopes found within biomineralized hard structures. These studies underscore the utility of microchemical studies for elucidating biological phenomena, thus linking the aspects of biology, physiology, and geology. / February 2017

L'anchois européen et la sardine européenne sont sujets à de fortes pressions de pêche et les stocks sont soit pleinement exploités soit surexploités. Cette situation tient au partie au fait qu'un grand nombre de pêcheries d'anchois et de sardines sont gérées sur la base de zones géographiquement délimitées par le CIEM, le CGPM ou d'autres organisations régionales sans qu'il y ait nécessairement de véritable cohérence entre ces limites administratives et les processus biologiques. Dans ce contexte, l'objectif principal de la thèse a été d'explorer à partir de l'analyse de la forme de l'otolithe la structuration des populations de sardines et d'anchois à petite (régionale) et grande (aire de répartition) échelles spatiales. À petite échelle spatiale, nous avons essayé d'analyser comment les structures océanographiques et géographiques comme les fronts hydrologiques et les détroits peuvent affecter la structure des populations. À grande échelle spatiale, les structures des populations mises en évidence par l'analyse de la forme de l'otolithe sont comparées et discutées avec les résultats des études génétiques. Les résultats montrent des structurations plus complexes chez l'anchois que chez la sardine. Contrairement à la sardine, les caractéristiques hydrologiques comme le front hydrologique Almeria-Oran (AOF) et le détroit de Gibraltat constituent des barrières à la dispersion et au mélange des anchois. En matière de gestion des stocks de sardines et d'anchois, nos résultats proposent de nouveaux découpages et suggèrent une révision des limites des stocks actuellement retenus. Les populations de petits poissons pélagiques sont connues pour être particulièrement sensibles aux fluctuations de l'environnement. La deuxième partie du travail de thèse a été consacrée à l'étude de l'écologie alimentaire de la sardine et de l'anchois à grande échelle spatiale en Méditerranée et en Atlantiqu NE. Anchois et sardines sont essentiellement zooplantonophages. Ils consomment majoritairement des copépodes (59.4% des proies identifiées pour la sardine et plus de 78% chez l'anchois). La comparaison des régimes alimentaires suggère un faible chevauchement entre les deux espèces particulièrement dans les zones de fortes productivités biologiques. Toutefois, en Méditerranée, où les eaux sont connues pour être oligotrophiques et donc peu productives, il peut y avoir chevauchement des niches trophiques des 2 espèces. / The European anchovies and sardines are subject to heavy fishing pressure and their stocks are either fully exploited or overexploited. This is partly because many anchovy and sardine fisheries are managed on the basis of geographical areas bounded by ICES, GFCM and other regional organizations without necessarily true coherence between these administrative boundaries and the biological processes. In this context, the main objective of the thesis is to explore the population structure of sardines and anchovies at small (regional) and large (distribution range) spatial scales from the analysis of the otolith shape. At a smaller spatial scale, we tried to analyze how oceanographic and geographic structures, such as, hydrological fronts and Strait, can affect population structure. At larger spatial scales, population structures revealed by the analysis of otolith shapes were compared and discussed with the results of genetic studies. The results showed more complex population structure in anchovies than in sardines. Unlike sardines, hydrological characteristics, such as, the hydrological Almeria-Oran Front (AOF) and the Strait of Gibraltar constitute barriers that limit the dispersal and mixing of anchovies. In managing stocks of sardines and anchovies, our results suggest new division and suggest a readjustment of stocks currently held. Population of small pelagic fish are known to be particularly sensitive to changes in the environment. The second part of the thesis is devoted to studying of the feeding ecology of sardines and anchovies at large spatial scale in the Mediterranean and North-eastern Atlantic. Anchovies and sardines are essentially zooplantonophages. they mainly consume copepods (59.4% of identified prey for sardines and over 78% for anchovies). Comparing diets suggests little overlap between the two species, particularly in areas of high biological productivity. However, in the Mediterranean, where the waters are known to be oligotrophic and thus unproductive, the trophic niches of the two species may overlap.

Macrodon ancylodon é um cienídeo demersal distribuído desde a Venezuela até a costa Nordeste do Brasil, sendo um dos principais recursos pesqueiros da costa Norte brasileira. Este trabalho estimou os parâmetros de crescimento, através de métodos diretos e indiretos, assim como descreveu os aspectos reprodutivos utilizando análises macro- e microscópicas dos ovários. As amostras foram obtidas no período de 1998 a 2001, provenientes de atividades pesqueiras industriais e artesanais na costa Norte. Para o estudo do crescimento, pelo método direto, foram realizados cortes transversais dos otólitos sagittae, e, para o método indireto, distribuições modais da freqüência de comprimento. Os parâmetros de crescimento para duas coortes encontradas foram: coorte 1) L¥= 47,4 cm, k= 0,42 e to= -0,3442; coorte 2) L¥= 46,8 cm, k= 0,44 e to= - 0,3302, nascidas em junho e dezembro, respectivamente. As avaliações qualitativas e quantitativas das gônadas indicaram que o período de desova é prolongado, com picos em julho-agosto e dezembro-fevereiro, coincidindo com o final do período de transição do regime de pluviosidade. As fêmeas atingem o comprimento médio de início de primeira maturação gonadal (L50) aos 25,08 cm, com 1,5 anos de idade, e todas estão participando do processo reprodutivo ao atingir 34,00 cm (L100). O estudo histológico indicou existência de estádios maturacionais intermediários aos da classificação macroscópica bem como erros na identificação macroscópica do estádio \"B\", da ordem de 40%. / Macrodon ancylodon is a demersal marine Sciaenidae largely distributed along the Brazilian coast. It is one of the major fisheries resources, mainly in the Northern and Southern regions of the Brazil. This work aims to estimate the growth parameters trough direct and indirect methods as well as estimate the reproductive aspects trough macroscopic and microscopic analyses of the gonads. The samples were obtained in the 1998-2001 period, derived from industrial and artisanal fishing activities that work along the Northern Brazilian coast. In order to conduct the growth study by the direct method, transversal sections were employed over the otolith sagitta. By the indirect method the length frequency modal distribution were observed during the period. The histological study was conducted on macroscopically classified females \"semi-mature\". It was verified the variation of the gonadosomatic relationship, the variation of the condition factor and the frequencies of the maturation stages. The growth parameters couldn\'t be estimated due to the absence of modal distribution in the length frequency and because the otolith sections were unreadable. The macroscopic valuation indicate a prolonged spawning season and has peaks in June-July and November-December, which coincide with the transition of the pluviometric period. The histological study indicate that the female enter this stages \"semi-mature\" more than once per cycle. The female reach the first maturation mean length (L50) of 25,08 cm and all of them participate in the reproductable process when reach 34,00 cm (L100).

Estudos sobre a análise populacional da abrótea-de-profundidade, Urophycis mystacea, uma ferramenta importante para a gestão de estoques, nunca haviam sido realizados. Na presente dissertação, através da análise da distribuição em comprimentos de exemplares coletados ao longo da região sudeste-sul do Brasil, da análise quali-quantitativa das características morfológicas e morfométricas dos otólitos sagittae e da análise das razões de isótopos estáveis dos mesmos, foi avaliada a homogeneidade do estoque, que constitui importante recurso pesqueiro na região. Para as análises, a região entre o cabo de São Tomé e o Chuí foi dividida em três áreas. As análises morfológicas foram feitas seguindo metodologia de TUSET et. al (2008) e ASSIS (2002), usando quinze feições da sagittae. O teste qui-quadrado foi aplicado para verificar a homogeneidade da distribuição dos caracteres em relação a ontogenia. As análises morfométricas foram realizadas em um estereomicroscópio, com otólitos de peixes da faixa entre 300 e 499 mm de comprimento total, comum às três áreas. Foram obtidas variáveis morfométricas (Co, Ao, Eo, Po, Ar e Pe) e calculadas relações morfométricas e os indicadores de forma. Testes estatísticos foram aplicados para verificar diferenças dos caracteres entre as áreas pré-estabelecidas. Para a análise isotópica foram análizados dez otólitos por área, de peixes cujos comprimentos totais estavam entre 300 e 499 mm, sendo obtidos as razoes isotópicas de O18 e C13, em espectrômetro de massa de cinco núcleos e cinco otólitos. Os resultados indicaram não haver variação morfológica dos otólitos nas três áreas, porem os testes morfométricos mostraram grande variação sazonal e a presença de dois \"morfotipos\". Os testes com isótopos estáveis mostraram que os peixes nascem em locais diferentes e se misturam ao longo da vida. / Studies on the population analysis of the deep-hake, Urophycis mystacea, an important tool for stock management, had never been made. In the present study, by analyzing the distribution of lengths in specimens collected over the area, qualitative and quantitative analysis of morphological and morphometric characteristics of otolith sagittae and analysis of isotopic ratios of stable isotopes of these structures, evaluated the homogeneity of the stock, which is an important fishery resource in the southeast-south Brazil.For the analyzes, the south-east coast was divided into three regions. Morphological analyzes were made following the methodology Tuset et. al (2008) and ASSIS (2002), using fifteen features of the otoliths sagittae a chi-square test was used to verify the homogeneity of the distribution of characters along the ontogeny. The morphometric analyzes were performed under a stereomicroscope with fish otoliths belonging to the range between 300 and 499 mm in total length. Morphometric variables were obtained as well as morphometric relationships and shape indicators. Statistical tests were applied on the characters pre-established to check for differences between the regions. Isotopic analysis were done for ten otoliths by region, whose total lengths of fish were between 300 and 499 mm. Five otoliths were taken for analysis of the core and five for the analysis of the whole otolith obtaing the oxygen isotope ratio of 18 oxigen and 13 carbon in a mass spectrometer.The results indicated that there was no morphological variation on the otoliths of the three regions; however the morphometric analysis showed strong seasonal variation and the presence of two \"morphotypes\" otoliths in the region. Tests with stable isotopes suggest that fish born in different places and mix throughout their life.

Knowledge of natal environments and dispersal of Silver Carp (Hypophthalmichthys molitrix) inhabiting the Ohio River, and Kentucky and Barkley lakes would inform development of strategies to control established and emerging populations. However, the principal natal environments supporting the emerging bigheaded carp population in the Ohio River basin are unknown. There is also a need to assess the role of tributaries as nursery sites to increase understanding of dispersal patterns and better target young fish. The goal of this study was to identify recruitment sources and determine dispersal patterns of Silver Carp in the Ohio River basin using evidence from otolith core trace element compositions relative to ambient water elemental measurements. Fish were collected from the Ohio River, and Kentucky and Barkley lakes from 2014-2017 and water samples were taken during summer 2012-2017. Water samples maintained temporal stability and spatial differentiation for the Ohio River and tributaries during the sampling period. Results suggest that most Silver Carp in the Ohio River are utilizing tributaries during early life. Results also suggest there is passage of carp through the locks into the lakes from the Ohio River and natural reproduction is occurring in or above Kentucky and Barkley lakes. Results will inform development of efforts to target and remove spawning and young bigheaded carps as well as direct management efforts in the Tennessee and Cumberland River systems.