Toxicity assessment of New Zealand and Pacific dinoflagellates Ostreopsis and Gambierdiscus (Dinophyceae) extracts using bioassays - PA Argyle; DT Harwood; LL Rhodes; O Champeau; LA Tremblay (New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research, 2016)
The dinoflagellate genus Ostreopsis produces palytoxin‐like compounds (PLTXs) and the genus Gambierdiscus produces ciguatoxins (CTXs) and maitotoxin (MTX). Human illness has been recorded following the consumption of CTX‐contaminated finfish. Their effects on the flora and fauna in the environment are largely unexplored. Toxin profiles of extracts of Ostreopsis and Gambierdiscus isolates from the Pacific region were characterised using liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry. Sea urchin ( Evechinus chloriticus ) fertilisation was unaffected by any algal extracts, but extracts containing maitotoxin‐3 (MTX‐3, but not MTX or CTXs), or with high concentrations of PLTXs, were toxic to urchin larval development. Gambierdiscus extracts containing CTXs elicited toxic responses in zebrafish ( Danio rerio ) embryo toxicity assays; extracts containing only MTX‐3 elicited a limited response. Ostreopsis extracts containing PLTXs caused no response. The results demonstrate potential impacts of toxic dinoflagellates on larval organisms and the potential of embryonic assays as toxicity screening tools.

Relative abundance of snapper ( Chrysophrys auratus ) across habitats within an estuarine system - DM Parsons; D Buckthought; C Middleton; G MacKay (New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research, 2016)
Many fish species rely on estuarine nursery habitats as they transition to adult life stages. Quantifying nursery value, however, requires identification of the life stages (often small and short‐lived) that utilise nursery habitats, and survey methods that provide comparable estimates across habitats. We focused our surveys on post‐settlement snapper ( Chrysophrys auratus ) using video camera deployments across habitats within a northeastern New Zealand harbour. Post‐settlement snapper abundance was higher among structured habitat types relative to bare sediments, with the type of structured habitat not influential. The exception appeared to be for reef habitat (although sampling was limited). Reef sites were structurally complex, but largely inhabited by older life stages (snapper and other fish species). Overall, nursery value for snapper appears to be connected to structure, rather than structure type. This result emphasises the importance of a broadened scope to coastal fishery management, one that incorporates not just fish extraction, but also habitat maintenance or restoration.

Coupling bio‐logging with nutritional geometry to reveal novel insights into the foraging behaviour of a plunge‐diving marine predator - Gabriel E Machovsky‐Capuska; David Priddel; Philip HW Leong; Peter Jones; Nicholas Carlile; Lesley Shannon; Dean Portelli; Alistair McEwan; Alexandre V Chaves; David Raubenheimer (New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research, 2016)
It is widely believed that predators maximise their energy intake while foraging and consume prey that are nutritionally similar. We combined GPS data loggers, miniaturised cameras, dietary sampling and nutritional geometry to examine the nutritional variability in the prey and selected diet, and foraging performance, of the masked booby ( Sula dactylatra tasmani ), a wild carnivore and marine top predator. Data loggers also revealed no significant differences between sexes in the foraging performance of chick‐rearing adults. Females provided more food to their chicks than the males and, regardless of the nutritional variability of prey consumed, both sexes showed similar amounts of protein and lipid in their diets. Miniaturised cameras combined with nutritional analysis of prey provided, for the first time, fine‐scale detail of the amounts of macronutrients consumed in each plunge dive and the overall foraging trip. Our methodology could be considered for future studies that aim to contribute to the general understanding of the behavioural and physiological mechanisms and ecological and evolutionary significance of animal foraging (e.g. energy expenditure budgets and prey selection for self‐ and offspring‐feeding that could lead to sex‐specific foraging strategies).

Chinese Abstracts (Reviews in Aquaculture, 2016)

Issue Information (Reviews in Aquaculture, 2016)

Is integrated multitrophic aquaculture the solution to the sectors’ major challenges? – a review - Luana Granada; Nádia Sousa; Sofia Lopes; Marco F. L. Lemos (Reviews in Aquaculture, 2016)
The growing demand for fish products and the dwindling productivity of marine fish stocks due to the overexploitation of fisheries place the aquaculture industry as a key contributor to the global fish supply. The intensive development of aquaculture has raised a range of environmental concerns such as effluent discharge, excessive use of resources and dependence on commercial feed. In this context, the development of sustainable aquaculture systems is becoming the cornerstone for long‐term aquaculture expansion, and to achieve environmental sustainability. Integrated multitrophic aquaculture ( IMTA ) is regarded as a suitable approach to limit aquaculture nutrients and organic matter outputs through biomitigation. The cocultured species are used as biofilters, and each level has its own independent commercial value, providing both economic and environmental sustainability. Here, environmental issues of aquaculture and the current status of IMTA are reviewed and its future prospects discussed. Also, the opportunities to expand this systems’ complexity with increased added‐value and trophic levels are introduced.

Effectiveness of triploidy as a management tool for reproductive containment of farmed fish: Atlantic salmon ( Salmo salar ) as a case study - Tillmann J. Benfey (Reviews in Aquaculture, 2016)
Atlantic salmon ( Salmo salar ) dominates aquaculture production in its native North Atlantic range, raising concerns about the impacts of escaped farmed fish on wild populations. While physical confinement and operational management practices have improved steadily with the development of this industry, some escapes are inevitable. In the absence of effective measures for the rapid recapture of escaped fish, the only practical method currently available to minimize their impacts on wild populations is to ensure that they are female triploids and therefore reproductively sterile. The technology for producing all‐female triploid populations of Atlantic salmon is simple and easily applied on a commercial scale, and routinely results in populations that are entirely female and >98% triploid. Aside from sterility, there are no population‐wide phenotypic effects of triploidy, although triploids do tend to perform less well than diploids with respect to commercial culture characteristics and are also less likely than escaped diploids to outcompete or displace native salmon. Some uncertainties exist with respect to their disease resistance and their potential to become reservoirs for the spread of pathogens to wild populations. If the spawning potential of escaped farmed Atlantic salmon is deemed to pose an unacceptable risk to native populations, then all‐female triploid populations could be used as an alternative to reduce risk. Research should continue to focus on improving triploid performance through breeding programmes and optimization of husbandry conditions (including nutrition, environmental conditions and fish health), with the goal of making triploids an attractive option for fish farmers.

Review of the history, status and prospects of the black tiger shrimp ( Penaeus monodon) hatchery sector in Bangladesh - Partho Debnath; Shamsul H. Khan; Manjurul Karim; Ben Belton; Chadag Vishnumurthy Mohan; Michael Phillips (Reviews in Aquaculture, 2016)
Culture of shrimp, mainly Penaeus monodon, makes an important contribution to Bangladesh's aquaculture industry. Shrimp hatcheries are the foundation on which the shrimp industry is built. Hatchery performance and management therefore has extremely important implications for the long‐term viability of the entire shrimp sector, especially given its vulnerability to diseases such as white spot syndrome virus ( WSSV ). This article provides a review of the history of shrimp hatchery development in Bangladesh and an overview of the current status of the shrimp hatchery sector and the challenges it faces. This article also provides a unique historical analysis of shrimp broodstock performance and rates of WSSV infection using data collected from hatcheries between 2007 and 2013. This reveals sharp declines in broodstock quality and performance over time, and high rates of WSSV infection, with potential major implications for the future sustainability of the sector.

New developments and biological insights into the farming of Solea senegalensis reinforcing its aquaculture potential - Sofia Morais; Cláudia Aragão; Elsa Cabrita; Luís E.C. Conceição; Maria Constenla; Benjamín Costas; Jorge Dias; Neil Duncan; Sofia Engrola; Alicia Estevez; Enric Gisbert; Evaristo Mañanós; et al. (Reviews in Aquaculture, 2016)
Senegalese sole was one of the earliest identified candidate species with high potential for aquaculture diversification in the south of Europe. Its culture has been possible, and commercially attempted, for several decades, but intensive production has been slow to take off. This has been explained mostly by serious disease problems, high mortality at weaning, variable growth and poor juvenile quality. However, a strong and sustained research investment that started in the eighties has led to a better understanding of the requirements and particularities of this species. More recently, better management and technical improvements have been introduced, which have led to important progress in productivity and given a new impetus to the cultivation of Senegalese sole. As a result, the last 5 years have marked a probable turning point in the culture of sole towards the development of a knowledge‐driven, competitive and sustainable industry. This review will focus on the main technical improvements and advances in the state of knowledge that have been made in the last decade in areas as diverse as reproductive biology, behaviour, physiology, nutritional requirements, modulation of the immune system in response to environmental parameters and stress, and characterization and mitigation of the main disease threats. It is now clear that Senegalese sole has important particularities that differentiate it from other current and candidate marine aquaculture species, which bring about important challenges, some still unsolved, but also notable opportunities (e.g. a nutritional physiology that is better adapted to dietary vegetable ingredients), as will be discussed here.

Riparian management and stream bank erosion in New Zealand - AO Hughes (New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research, 2016)
Improvements in riparian management, such as shrub/tree planting and livestock exclusion, are often assumed to result in reduced stream bank erosion and associated catchment sediment yield. Studies that quantify the effectiveness of riparian interventions aimed at reducing bank erosion and river sediment yields are, however, rare. This paper discusses how bank erosion processes can vary throughout catchments (with particular reference to their scale dependence) and hence how the effectiveness of different riparian interventions can be variable. The findings of known published accounts of the effectiveness of riparian management interventions for reducing stream bank erosion in New Zealand are also summarised. Only nine relevant studies were identified and most used qualitative or semi‐quantitative analysis methods. Most studies compared stream banks in pasture catchments (with unlimited livestock access) with stream banks where livestock were excluded and riparian shrubs/trees were present. Many studies reported that managed stream banks were in better condition than unmanaged banks. The exclusion of livestock from riparian areas was generally reported as the principal factor in the measured improvements or differences. Only two studies specifically attributed reduced stream bank erosion to the presence of riparian vegetation. The dearth of research identified here highlights the need for further quantitative studies to determine the effectiveness of riparian management measures for reducing bank erosion.

Photogrammetry using in‐field calibration: a non‐invasive tool for predicting sex and life stages tested on Hector's dolphins in the wild - S Dittmann; E Slooten (New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research, 2016)
Accurate data on sex and life stage are essential for building realistic population models, which in turn are essential for sustainable conservation management. This case study develops and validates an improved photogrammetry method that allows for in‐field calibration. The method was used to measure Hector's dolphins’ dorsal fins in the wild. Seven independent measurements of one dolphin resulted in a coefficient of variation of 1.39% for fin base length and 2.33% for fin height. Test measurements on shore at different distances and angles resulted in a mean error smaller than 1% up to a distance of 10 m and an angle of 40°. Dorsal fin dimensions from necropsied Hector's dolphins were analysed to evaluate the potential of predicting sex and life stage based on a dorsal fin measured in the wild. Dorsal fin shape was significantly related to sex. However, sex estimations based on this model turned out to be not accurate enough to replace traditional sexing methods for Hector's dolphins. Fin base length was significantly related to life stage for females. Estimations based on this model appear to be accurate.

Synthetic shorelines in New Zealand? Quantification and characterisation of microplastic pollution on Canterbury's coastlines - PJ Clunies‐Ross; GPS Smith; KC Gordon; S Gaw (New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research, 2016)
Microplastics are persistent environmental contaminants found in marine environments worldwide. Microplastic particles isolated from coastlines in the Canterbury region of New Zealand were quantified and characterised. Sediment samples were collected from 10 locations representing exposed‐beach, estuarine and harbour environments in both urban and non‐urban settings. Particles were isolated from sediments using an NaCl density‐separation procedure and quantified and characterised with a combination of optical/fluorescence imaging and micro‐Raman spectroscopy. Microplastics were detected at eight out of 10 locations, at concentrations ranging from 0–45.4 particles kg −1 of dry sediment. The majority of microplastics were identified as polystyrene (55%), polyethylene (21%) and polypropylene (11%). Microplastic concentrations in exposed‐beach environments were significantly greater than in harbour and estuarine environments.

Hector's dolphin movement patterns in response to height and direction of ocean swell - S Dittmann; S Dawson; W Rayment; T Webster; E Slooten (New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research, 2016)
A central question to any understanding of ecology is how animals use their habitat, and how habitat use is influenced by temporally changing features of the environment. Previous research on Hector's dolphins at Akaroa Harbour, New Zealand suggested that dolphins leave inshore, harbour environments during or after rough weather. To test this hypothesis, visual sightings (2000–2012) and acoustic detections (2007–2008) of Hector's dolphins in Akaroa Harbour were modelled to test for a relationship with swell height and swell direction. Sighting rates and acoustic detection rates in Akaroa Harbour were significantly lower on days after big swell events and in some linear models after swell events from the south. These results indicate that swell events influence Hector's dolphin movements in and around Akaroa Harbour. Possible reasons for this behaviour are diverse and need further investigation. However, this information can be used both to predict daily dolphin movement for conservation and research purposes, and to suggest how dolphins may react in future if extreme weather events are becoming frequent.

Light requirements of the seagrass, Zostera muelleri , determined by observations at the maximum depth limit in a temperate estuary, New Zealand - RH Bulmer; S Kelly; AG Jeffs (New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research, 2016)
The Kaipara Harbour in New Zealand is one of the largest estuarine systems in the world, containing significant areas of subtidal seagrass habitat ( Zostera muelleri ). Light availability at the maximum depth limit for Z. muelleri was measured at 2.10 (0.19 SEM) and 4.91 (0.53 SEM) mol photons m −2 d −1 during the winter and summer monitoring periods, respectively. The primary drivers of benthic light availability were found to be surface light availability, the timing of the low tide and water clarity. Core sampling analysis suggested that biomass of seagrass growing at the maximum depth limit was low, indicative of light limitation. The results of this study suggest that the subtidal distribution of seagrass in the Kaipara Harbour is light‐limited and that reductions in water clarity due to changes in land use are likely to result in significant reductions in the extent and productivity of subtidal seagrass habitat.

Wind forced circulation and sediment disturbance in a temperate lake - M Gibbs; J Abell; D Hamilton (New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research, 2016)
Meteorological forcing on the surface of a lake can generate mixing and transport processes that alter water quality. This study examined how meteorological forcing affected water currents in Lake Rotorua—a large, shallow, temperate, polymictic lake—during a period of sustained vertical mixing and strong winds. Acoustic Doppler current profiler (ADCP) measurements were recorded at two sites and a hydrodynamic model (ELCOM) was used to simulate water movement over the period of ADCP measurements. Model simulations show circulation patterns in Lake Rotorua are strongly influenced by the topography of the lake and, to a lesser extent, the catchment, with little variation in currents with depth during winter mixing. Northeasterly winds produced a clockwise circulation around the mid‐lake island with a second anticlockwise gyre between the island and the western shore. This circulation pattern is consistent with topographic gyres found in other large lakes. A shift to a weaker southwesterly wind caused these circulation patterns to reverse direction over a period of c. 6 h, with a weak secondary gyre also occurring within the main anticlockwise circulation. The effect of this circulation pattern on the resuspension of sediment and thus potential in‐lake phosphorus control strategies is considered.

Review of the current distribution of southern elephant seals in the eastern South Pacific - J Acevedo; A Aguayo‐Lobo; JL Brito; D Torres; B Cáceres; A Vila; M Cardeña; P Acuña (New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research, 2016)
The eastern South Pacific southern elephant seal population was extinguished by extensive hunting and the current presence of this species in this area is not well understood. We reviewed existing records from the 1900s to 2014 in the eastern South Pacific, as well as tagged seals and movement records in order to assess the potential immigration source of these individuals. A total of 409 confirmed sightings were compiled, ranging from the southern tip of South America (Cape Horn Archipelago) as far north as Ecuador, including some oceanic island groups. The evidence shows also that recolonisation of its former Pacific distribution has started, with slow population growth in three incipient pupping sites in southern Chile (south of 51°S). Although the source of all of the individuals in the growing colonies is unknown, evidence from tags and satellite tagging indicates that some seals come from subpopulations on the Peninsula Valdes and the Falkland/Malvinas Islands, although mtDNA analysis showed, preliminarily, a greater genetic relationship only with the Falkland/Malvinas Islands rookery.

Historical deposits of Alexandrium catenella resting cysts in the sediments of Queen Charlotte Sound, New Zealand - AL MacKenzie; S Webber; AM Watts; A Tonks (New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research, 2016)
In 2011, a large repository of resting cysts of the toxic dinoflagellate Alexandrium catenella was discovered in the sediments of the Onapua/Opua inlet located off Tory Channel, Queen Charlotte Sound. The inlet is a potential source of infection for other areas, such as the major mussel‐growing areas of Port Underwood and Pelorus Sound. This study aimed to establish whether the dinoflagellate was a new arrival in the Sounds or had existed unnoticed in this isolated embayment for some time. Alexandrium catenella cysts were identified to a depth of 20–21 cm within the sediment cores, corresponding to a date estimated by radioisotope ( 210 Pb and 137 Cs) and Pinus radiata pollen distribution to at least the mid 1970s. Over this time span, resident populations of A. catenella have not become established beyond the confines of Queen Charlotte Sound, suggesting it does not pose an imminent threat of doing so unless increasingly intense and prolonged blooms result in more widespread cyst dispersal.

The Cawthron Institute Culture Collection of Micro‐algae: a significant national collection - L Rhodes; KF Smith; L MacKenzie; SA Wood; K Ponikla; DT Harwood; M Packer; R Munday (New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research, 2016)
The Cawthron Institute Culture Collection of Micro‐algae (CICCM) is a unique, nationally and internationally significant collection of 450 strains of approximately 100 micro‐algae and 50 cyanobacteria species, both living and cryopreserved. The collection comprises 13 taxonomic classes and underpins research into the ecology and taxonomy of the isolates and the biotoxins they produce and their toxicity. The CICCM expanded significantly in the 1990s after a major harmful algae bloom event in the Hauraki Gulf, New Zealand. Since 2000, it has underpinned development of molecular detection tools and enabled development of new chemical testing methods for biotoxins in seafood. The tropical collection allows research into potential issues for New Zealand as the oceans warm, for example, the risks of ciguatera fish poisoning and palytoxins in seafood. Research results generated from isolates in the cyanobacterial collection have assisted national risk management regarding drinking water and informed the development of the New Zealand guidelines for managing cyanobacteria in recreational fresh waters. The actual living and cryopreserved micro‐algae and cyanobacteria collection (without infrastructure) has a current estimated value of NZ$1.6 million.

Genetic diversity and population structure of the franciscana dolphin, Pontoporia blainvillei , in Southern Buenos Aires, Argentina - MF Negri; HL Cappozzo; JI Túnez (New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research, 2016)
The franciscana dolphin, Pontoporia blainvillei , is endemic to the coastal waters of the southwestern Atlantic Ocean and the most endangered dolphin in the area. Four Franciscana Management Areas (FMAs) are currently recognised; however, results of genetic studies suggest the requirement for additional FMAs and highlight the need for more detailed studies in the southern extreme of the species distribution. With this aim, we studied the genetic diversity and population structure of the species analysing an mtDNA control region fragment (434 bp) in 44 individuals collected in four sampling sites located in Southern Buenos Aires. Haplotype diversity ( H = 0.75 ± 0.05) was mostly higher than the observed in endangered or near threatened odontocetes. Population structure analyses suggest that three different genetic populations should be recognised within FMA IV: Northern, Eastern and Southern Buenos Aires. Altogether, these results should be taken into account in future conservation plans for the species.

Chinese Abstracts (Reviews in Aquaculture, 2016)

Issue Information (Reviews in Aquaculture, 2016)

Coral aquaculture: applying scientific knowledge to ex situ production - Miguel C. Leal; Christine Ferrier‐Pagès; Dirk Petersen; Ronald Osinga (Reviews in Aquaculture, 2016)
Coral aquaculture is an activity of growing interest due to the degradation of coral reefs worldwide and concomitant growing demand for corals by three industries: marine ornamental trade, pharmaceutical industry and reef restoration. Although captive breeding and propagation of corals is a well‐known activity among aquarium hobbyists and public aquariums, the link between coral science and aquaculture is still poorly developed. Research on coral biology has increased in the past decades and resulted in abundant scientific information that is pivotal to further advance coral aquaculture. This review presents a holistic overview of coral aquaculture in relation to coral biology, with particular focus on ex situ aquaculture. Success factors for commercial coral aquaculture are outlined, which include qualitative aspects, such as shape, coloration and natural product content, and quantitative parameters such as growth and volumetric productivity. Manipulation of environmental factors to maximize coral quality and volumetric productivity is thoroughly discussed, and a comprehensive overview of current propagation techniques is provided. Knowledge gaps are pinpointed to indicate directions for future research.

Estimating impact of white spot disease on economic risk in semi‐intensive shrimp farms in Mexico: the case of the State of Sinaloa - Alfredo Hernandez‐Llamas; Julio Cabanillas‐Ramos; Francisco J. Magallon‐Barajas (Reviews in Aquaculture, 2016)
We estimated the impact on economic risk associated with the prevalence of white spot disease in shrimp farms in the State of Sinaloa, Mexico. Farms located in the jurisdiction of Local Aquaculture Health Boards ( LAHB s) were used for preparing estimates during 2008–2010. Probability distributions of economic losses were calculated by comparing net revenues obtained under normal operations and operations affected by the disease, using Monte Carlo simulation, to estimate the impact of prevalence on losses in absolute and relative terms, probability of losing and loss per unit risk at USD $484.27/ha, 28.9%, 72.9% and 0.20. Regression analysis allowed estimating that, by an increases of 1% in prevalence, there were increases in the estimators of risk of USD $11.49/ha, 0.96%, 0.47% and 0.005. Correlation analysis showed that there were significant differences in prevalence among LAHB s districts and years. The higher prevalence coincided with the districts and years that exhibited higher risk. The source of water and use of nursery systems were the main differences in operating conditions among the districts, possibly determining to a large extent the differences in economic risk calculated for the districts. Sensitivity analysis indicated that prevalence was the main factor determining risk. A significant inverse relationship was found between shrimp prices and prevalence, as a consequence of speculative market conditions. The possibility of using this relationship for syndromic surveillance is considered. We propose the use of the estimators employed in this study for assessment of economic risk associated with white spot disease (and possibly others) and standardization of results for future research.

The quest for indigenous aquafeed ingredients: a review - Jonni Fay C. Teves; Janice A. Ragaza (Reviews in Aquaculture, 2016)
The growing demand for fish food products worldwide heightens the pressure on the current availability of feed ingredients, especially marine resources such as fishmeal and fish oil, for aquaculture feed production. To address this concern, the potential of novel ingredients for use in feed formulations needs to be tapped. This paper highlights recent researches undertaken concerning the dietary inclusion of various indigenous ingredients classified as seaweeds, leaf meals, oilseed meals, vegetable oils and medicinal herbs, and their effects on growth performance, feed intake, feed utilization efficiency, nutrient retention, disease resistance and other physiological activities among consumer species. Moreover, this paper presents information regarding their nutritive values, optimum inclusion levels and recommended protocols that can improve their potential as feed additives or fishmeal replacements.

Nutritional requirements and use of macroalgae as ingredients in abalone feed - Matthew S. Bansemer; Jian G. Qin; James O. Harris; Gordon S. Howarth; David A.J. Stone (Reviews in Aquaculture, 2016)
Temperate abalone species in aquaculture have a grow‐out period of approximately 3 years because of their slow and heterogeneous growth rate. Abalone aquaculture is still a developing industry, and at least two major issues, nutrition and health, impede its development. Abalone are fed macroalgae on‐farm in a number of countries, including C hina, K orea, S outh A frica and C hile. Formulated diets are crucial to the success of abalone aquaculture in countries where abalone do not grow readily when fed brown macroalgae or when access to macroalgae is insufficient for culture. Typically, the growth rate of abalone fed formulated diets is higher than abalone fed live macroalgae. However, due to a long production period, diets for abalone not only need to sustain high growth rates, but also maintain optimal health. Feeding live macroalgae improves the feeding activity, health and marketability of abalone. In this review, the nutritional requirements of abalone and dietary ingredients used in formulated diets will be discussed, together with the use of dried macroalgal meal as a dietary ingredient in formulated diets to improve the feeding activity, health and marketability of abalone in commercial production.

Mineral requirements of fish: a systematic review - P. Antony Jesu Prabhu; Johan W. Schrama; Sadasivam J. Kaushik (Reviews in Aquaculture, 2016)
Meta‐analysis of literature data on mineral and trace element requirements of fish was performed with the major objectives of identifying appropriate response criteria and the factors affecting the minimal dietary inclusion levels. The primary data set included 25 studies on available P, 20 on Ca, 24 on Mg, 5 on K, 37 for Zn, 23 for Se, 19 for Mn, 16 for Fe and 13 for Cu. Broken line regression analysis with linear plateau model (P, Ca, Mg and K) or two‐linear line model (Zn, Cu, Fe, Mn and Se) was used for determining the minimal dietary inclusion levels. Vertebral mineral concentration (P, Ca, Zn and Mn), whole‐body mineral levels (Mg, K and Fe) and hepatic enzyme activity (Se) were found to be the most appropriate criteria for the respective minerals analysed. In general, weight gain as the criterion resulted in a lower estimate (by 18–42%) than those obtained using whole‐body or vertebral mineral concentrations as response criteria. The analysis also showed that different fish species do not show large variations in the mineral and trace element concentrations in the whole body and tissues. Factors such as species group and digestive physiology, type of experimental diet used and dietary interactions, type of mineral source and mineral concentration of water were found to affect the minimal dietary inclusion levels of certain minerals. Besides the meta‐analysis, research needs in mineral nutrition of fish with reference to growing changes in dietary strategies and rearing systems are discussed.

Burial and degradation of Rena oil within coastal sediments of the Bay of Plenty - WP de Lange; NPHM de Groot; VG Moon (New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research, 2016)
During the Rena oil spill, no data existed for New Zealand conditions on the likely depth of burial and the expected degradation of oil deposited on sandy beaches. Sediment cores were taken from 12 locations along the Bay of Plenty coastline c. 1 year after the Rena oil spill. No visible oil was detected in cores and trenches dug within the beaches. Chemical extraction was performed on 20 cm slices from the upper 40 cm of 26 cores, and the elutriates were analysed for the presence of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). The results were compared with known PAH fingerprints of Rena oil and its degradation products. Only seven samples contained some marker PAHs, and none had a complete Rena profile, indicating stormwater contamination. Despite extensive deposition of Rena oil on beaches, no evidence of ongoing contamination could be located, indicating that the clean‐up and degradation were effective at removing the oil.

Effects of the MV Rena oil spill on intertidal rocky reefs in the Bay of Plenty, New Zealand - DR Schiel; PM South; SA Lilley (New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research, 2016)
In the weeks following the 2011 Rena oil spill, a series of surveys was initiated on eight rocky intertidal reefs to describe the distribution of oil and to assess the impacts of oil on ecological communities. Consistent but relatively low cover of oil occurred at two sites (Mt Maunganui and Moturiki). The area covered by oil had decreased by c. 90% after 5 months due to natural weathering processes. There were immediate effects of oil fouling on the mussel Limnoperna pulex and its associated fauna, with reductions in the number of mussels and infaunal taxonomic richness. However, no ecological effects on any of the communities were detectable after 1 month. Overall, the ecological effects of the Rena oil spill on rocky shore intertidal communities were small and not long‐lasting, but we stress that this does not consider potential sublethal effects and their consequences on organisms.

Measurement of shipwreck‐derived waterborne trace metals using DGT samplers - T Dempsey; PM Ross; A Hartland; C McSweeney; CN Battershill (New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research, 2016)
A contemporary approach to the assessment of metal pollutants in aquatic environments has been to measure contaminant concentrations in biological indicator species (mussels, oysters). However, for environments in which such indicator species do not occur naturally and cannot be deployed, alternative approaches for monitoring trace‐metal pollution are required. Three years after the 2011 grounding of the MV Rena , diffusive gradients in thin films (DGT) samplers were deployed at Otaiti (the offshore reef where the Rena grounded) to assess levels of waterborne trace‐metal contamination. Although the probability of detecting waterborne contaminants within a dynamic open ocean reef environment would seem low, due to mixing and dilution, our analyses confirmed the presence of copper (≤0.43 vs ≤0.27 nmol kg −1 ), iron (≤6.3 vs ≤4.2 nmol kg −1 ), aluminium (≤8.9 vs ≤1.3 nmol kg −1 ), zinc (≤2.8 vs ≤2.0 nmol kg −1 ) and manganese (≤0.11 vs ≤0.09 nmol kg −1 ) at elevated concentrations in the Rena debris field relative to reference sites. The results demonstrate the utility of DGTs as a tool for measuring waterborne contaminants and suggest further research is required to characterise the contaminant plume and determine what effect it might have on the recovery of Otaiti's impacted biological communities.

The MV Rena shipwreck: time‐critical scientific response and environmental legacies - CN Battershill; PR Ross; DR Schiel (New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research, 2016)
The sinking of the MV Rena on Astrolabe Reef (Otaiti) in the Bay of Plenty, New Zealand, resulted in the release of oil and ship debris, including dangerous goods carried as cargo. Two key questions of concern to the public and environmental managers were posed immediately: what was the impact of the Rena oil spill and how long would it take for the marine environment to recover? The research that began immediately after the ship grounded provided answers, as documented in this special issue.

Acute sublethal toxicity of MV Rena contaminants (heavy fuel oil, oil dispersant and cryolite) to finfish and rock lobster - A Webby; N Ling (New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research, 2016)
The wreck of the MV Rena in October 2011 discharged large quantities of potentially toxic materials in the coastal marine environment of the Bay of Plenty, New Zealand. We evaluated sublethal effects of the water soluble fractions of physically and chemically dispersed heavy fuel oil (HFO) and the water soluble fraction of cryolite on the haematology of subadult or adult snapper ( Chrysophrys auratus ), spotted wrasse ( Notolabrus celidotus ) and red rock lobster ( Jasus edwardsii ). Small but transient effects occurred, the most significant of which were changes in circulating immune cell populations in fish and lobster that recovered by the conclusion of a 96‐h exposure period. No post‐exposure effects were observed during a 10‐day recovery in toxicant‐free seawater. Corexit 9500 oil dispersant increased polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) uptake from HFO in fish and lobster by around two‐fold and four‐fold, respectively, and caused a larger change in immune cell abundance in snapper than exposure to HFO alone. While depuration of PAHs was more rapid in fish than lobster, significantly elevated PAH levels were still evident after 10 days of depuration.

Environmental effects of the MV Rena shipwreck: cross‐disciplinary investigations of oil and debris impacts on a coastal ecosystem - DR Schiel; PM Ross; CN Battershill (New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research, 2016)
The 2011 wreck of the MV Rena off the northeast coast of New Zealand, and subsequent impacts, has been called New Zealand's worst ever maritime environmental disaster. It is certainly one of the world's most complex as it involved a pollutant combination of oil and dangerous goods debris in a dynamic oceanic environment adjacent to a pristine coastline. Heavy fuel oil, shipping containers loaded with cargo, and a wide range of wreck debris and contaminants were spread along hundreds of kilometres of coastline of the Bay of Plenty. Much of this landed on sandy beaches and rocky shores. Broken containers released often toxic substances, and the wreck itself slid down the pinnacle of the wreck site at Astrolabe Reef (Otaiti). The reef remains heavily contaminated, with substantial remnants of the ship and its cargo present, and chemical effects still evident in some species. Here we present the background and timeline of events that unfolded after the grounding. The following articles contain the results of the ensuing chemical, toxicological and ecological studies of contamination and environmental recovery. At the time of writing, numerous legacy issues remain.

Emergency surveillance for marine pests after the grounding of the container vessel, MV Rena - M Smith; GJ Inglis; S Wilkens; S McDonald (New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research, 2016)
The grounding of the MV Rena in 2011 necessitated urgent entry of salvage vessels into New Zealand. Two, a cargo barge and tug, had been idle in Australia before mobilisation and had well‐developed biofouling assemblages that included non‐indigenous species new to New Zealand. Surveillance for the species was initiated in Tauranga harbour, Astrolabe Reef and Mōtītī Island, where the vessels had operated. Response personnel were trained to recognise and report the organisms and active surveys were implemented, including reinspection of the vessels after treatment of the biofouling, dive and shoreline searches, and trapping. Although none of the risk species was detected, the biosecurity risk from the vessels changed during the response, from initially acting as a vector for species new to New Zealand to later transporting non‐indigenous species from coastal ports to the arena of operations. The study highlights a need for better integration of biosecurity risk management into forward planning for maritime incidents.

The wreck of the MV Rena : spatio‐temporal analysis of ship‐derived contaminants in the sediments and fauna of Astrolabe Reef - PM Ross; CN Battershill; C Loomb (New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research, 2016)
The October 2011 sinking of the container ship MV Rena on Astrolabe Reef, New Zealand, provided a rare opportunity to examine the fate of shipwreck‐derived contaminants on an offshore rocky reef and food chain. Analyses of trace metals, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and organotins indicated significant but localised contamination of Astrolabe Reef but not of nearby Mōtītī Island. Three years after the grounding, PAH concentrations were greater in sediments at Astrolabe (up to 131 mg kg −1 ) than at control locations, while organotins from the ship's antifouling hull paint were found exclusively in Astrolabe Reef sediments and biota. Over 80% of Astrolabe sediment samples contained tributyltin at concentrations above guideline sediment levels (>0.07 mg kg −1 ). Tributyltin and its decomposition products were also recorded in sea urchins, gastropods, lobster and fishes at concentrations up to 0.2 mg kg −1 . Wreck and cargo‐derived metals, particularly copper, tin and zinc, were present in some Astrolabe sediment samples above Australia and New Zealand Environment and Conservation Council guideline concentrations. However, there appeared to be only limited transmission of metals through the food chain. Copper, tin and zinc were recorded at greater concentrations in Astrolabe sea urchins and gastropods compared to control specimens, while metal concentrations in other biota were comparable across impact and control sites. Despite over 3 years having passed since the Rena grounding, the data series does not show any upward or downward trends in contaminant concentrations on Astrolabe Reef. Consequently, there is uncertainty about the long‐term implications of the Rena grounding for the ecology of Astrolabe Reef.

Oil dispersal modelling: reanalysis of the Rena oil spill using open‐source modelling tools - HFE Jones; MTS Poot; JC Mullarney; WP de Lange; KR Bryan (New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research, 2016)
Oil spill forecast modelling is typically used immediately after a spill to predict oil dispersal and promote mobilisation of more effective response operations. The aim of this work was to map oil dispersal after the grounding of the MV Rena on Astrolabe Reef and to verify the results against observations. Model predictions were broadly consistent with observed distribution of oil contamination. However, some hot spots of oil accumulation, likely due to surf‐zone and rip current circulation, were not well represented. Additionally, the model was run with 81 differing wind conditions to show that the events occurring during the grounding represented the typical likely behaviour of an oil spill on Astrolabe Reef. Oil dispersal was highly dependent on prevailing wind patterns; more accurate prediction would require better observations of local wind patterns. However, comparison of predictions with observations indicated that the GNOME model was an effective low‐cost approach.

In situ sampling reveals rapid uptake and depuration of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons by surf clams ( Paphies subtriangulata ) affected by the Rena oil spill - PM Ross; RM Fairweather; DP Culliford; S Park; CA Pilditch; CN Battershill (New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research, 2016)
To investigate the uptake and depuration of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons associated with the Rena oil spill we sampled the surf clam Paphies subtriangulata at two open coast locations (6 km apart) just prior to oil coming ashore (7 October 2011), then at 1–3 week intervals for the next 4 months. Total polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (tPAH) increased at both sites from 1 to 96–124 µg kg −1 (wet weight) by 18 October before declining to low levels ( −1 ) by February 2012. Ongoing sampling throughout 2012–2014 included three additional sites to the north east (up to 30 km away) and a site 5 km to the south east revealing tPAH levels generally −1 except in October 2013 where levels ranged between 39–45 µg kg −1 at all sites. A comparison of PAH component profiles with oil‐contaminated beach sediment indicated that the high levels observed in surf clams between October–December 2011 were clearly associated with the Rena spill. However, the October 2013 peak had a PAH profile inconsistent with weathered Rena oil, suggesting an alternative source of contamination. Our results highlight the potential for P. subtriangulata as a PAH monitoring tool but recognise more study is needed to better quantify baseline levels and uptake and depuration dynamics.

Effects of MV Rena heavy fuel oil and dispersed oil on yellowtail kingfish early life stages - SP Muncaster; G Jacobson; M Taiarui; S King; S Bird (New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research, 2016)
The grounding of the MV Rena has highlighted the lack of information concerning the effects of oil‐related compounds on New Zealand marine life. Yellowtail kingfish (YTK), Seriola lalandi , embryos were exposed in static incubations to the water‐accommodated fraction (WAF) of Rena heavy fuel oil as well as a similar preparation treated with the commercial dispersant Corexit 9500. Mortality in WAF treatments generally increased in association with total polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (tPAH) concentration over a 24‐h period. Physical abnormalities were observed in some of the larvae exposed to WAF for 48 h. There was no survival in dispersed oil treatments after 24 h of exposure. These treatments had greater tPAH concentrations (2–53 µgL −1 ) than equivalent WAF dilutions (0.2–1.5 µgL −1 tPAH). Indications are that significant morbidity is induced in YTK at ecologically relevant tPAH concentrations. This highlights the need for further research into oil and dispersant toxicity in New Zealand marine species.

The self‐organising of youth volunteers during the Rena oil spill in New Zealand - Sarah Lockwood; C Kay Weaver; Debashish Munshi; Mary Simpson (New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research, 2016)
This study explores the communication and organising of youth volunteers during a crisis, focusing on how they conceived, framed, and executed self‐organising efforts during the 2011 Rena oil spill in New Zealand. It offers insights into the intersections of self‐organising, youth volunteering and crisis events which have not been researched before. The study addresses two core research questions: 1. how was ‘volunteering’ conceptualised by youth volunteers involved in the Rena crisis; and 2. how did these volunteers communicate and self‐organise during this crisis? The findings indicate that self‐organising emerged out of a resistance towards structured responses and as a reaction to the inability of the official volunteer response to meet the needs of the community. Self‐organised efforts were particularly attractive among youth volunteers because they offered flexibility, required minimal administrative processes, and fostered an environment of innovation and creativity. The volunteers’ youthful energy and technological aptitude additionally drove their self‐organised responses. The study identifies the considerable challenges that crisis officials faced in utilising youth volunteers despite the significant advantages of self‐organising.

Issue Information (Reviews in Aquaculture, 2016)

Chinese Abstracts (Reviews in Aquaculture, 2016)

Egg stickiness in artificial reproduction of sturgeon: an overview - Mohammad A. Momin Siddique; Martin Psenicka; Jacky Cosson; Borys Dzyuba; Marek Rodina; Amin Golpour; Otomar Linhart (Reviews in Aquaculture, 2016)
The egg structure of sturgeon is complex, with multiple micropyles and an envelope structure different from that of teleosts and other fish groups. In the sturgeon, an adhesive layer in the follicular epithelium is responsible for the egg adhesiveness. This is a problem for artificial reproduction of many fish species, including sturgeon, when a large number of eggs are incubated in hatchery conditions. Although several techniques for removing adhesiveness have been developed and successfully applied to eggs of common carp, tench, pikeperch and European catfish, de‐sticking methods for sturgeon are limited. Proteolytic enzymes have been successfully applied to common carp, tench and African catfish eggs, leading to a hatching rate over 80% following 2‐min treatment. In sturgeon, blue clay is the most commonly used de‐sticking substance. The chemical reactions determining egg adhesiveness in sturgeon are poorly studied, and optimum methods for removing stickiness remain to be developed.

Shrimp‐based livelihoods in mangrove silvo‐aquaculture farming systems - Roel H. Bosma; Tin H. Nguyen; Audrie J. Siahainenia; Ha T. P. Tran; Hai N. Tran (Reviews in Aquaculture, 2016)
The paper reviews the following three types of mangrove‐shrimp systems: (i) integrated with canals between platforms planted with mangrove; (ii) associated having larger areas of water and a large mangrove area; and (iii) separated, with a dyke separating ponds from forest. The variations in shrimp yield of integrated and associated systems, that is, mixed systems, are attributable to water exchange, % water surface, primary production, stocking of post‐larvae, leaf litter fall and decomposition, species, cover and age of mangrove, and predators. Leaf litter from all mangrove species except Nipa palm adversely affect water quality. Leaf composition and decomposition rate vary between species; submersed leaves decompose faster. Low concentrations of decomposing leaves of certain species temporarily boosted shrimp growth. Shrimp yield has been found to be highest in ponds with 30–50% mangrove cover, but remained −1 year −1 , if not fed timber production peaked at 55% mangrove cover (about 10 m 3 ha −1 year −1 ). Annual benefit–cost ratio was better in integrated systems than in associated systems, but one study found the reverse in a long‐term computation. An integrated mangrove‐shrimp farm of 4 ha may provide farmers with a decent livelihood in Vietnam, if contracts do not restrict recommended practices to keep water quality within the limits acceptable for shrimp. Separated systems, where mangroves are fully connected to open water, have more potential to contribute to ecological, economic and social sustainability. Enhancing the economic returns by capitalizing on ecosystem services through carbon credits and organic certification, will require support for initial investment and clustering of farms.

A review on fish growth calculation: multiple functions in fish production and their specific application - Vincent Lugert; Georg Thaller; Jens Tetens; Carsten Schulz; Joachim Krieter (Reviews in Aquaculture, 2016)
Modern aquaculture recirculation systems ( RAS s) are a necessary tool to provide sustainable and continuous aquaculture production with low environmental impact. But, productivity and efficiency of such RAS still have to be optimized to ensure economic viability, putting growth performance into the focus. Growth is often reported as absolute (gain per day), relative (percentage increase in size) or specific growth rate (percentage increase in size per day), based on stocking and harvesting data. These functions describe growth very simplified and are inaccurate because intermediate growth data are not considered. In contrast, nonlinear growth models attempt to provide information of growth across different life stages. On the basis of an empirical RAS data set of 150 all‐female turbot reared in an RAS during a period of 340 days of outgrowth, this paper reviews the most commonly used growth rates (relative, absolute, specific), the thermal‐unit growth coefficient and five nonlinear growth functions (logistic, Gompertz, von Bertalanffy, Kanis and Schnute). Goodness of fit is expressed by R 2 and as mean percentage deviation. Nonlinear growth models are also compared by their residual standard error ( RSE ) and the Akaike information criterion. All processed functions are modelled to illustrate the shape of the generated curve and the possibility of the function to realistically predict growth. Further, the biological meaning of their regression parameters is discussed. This way we can point out differences in nonlinear growth models in contrast to purely descriptive growth rates and the specific advantages, disadvantages and possible applications of each function we review.

Transcriptional stress responses to environmental and husbandry stressors in aquaculture species - Nour Eissa; Han‐Ping Wang (Reviews in Aquaculture, 2016)
Stress of aquatic animals occurs due to physical and physiological disturbances in the aquatic environment or system when transportation, crowding, handling or changes of physical and chemical factors take place. There are three regulatory systems having a vital role in stress response: the neural, endocrine and immune systems. Fish exhibit multiple genomic and physiological responses to adjust the compensatory or adaptive mechanism that allows them to mitigate the stressors, maintain their haemostasis and survive. In this review, we describe multiple important genes that are associated with responses to environmental and husbandry stressors and that could be used as biomarkers of environmental and husbandry stressors in fish. The described environmental and husbandry stressors include salinity, temperature, hypoxia and hyperoxia, confinement, density and handling. The main role of stress response in aquatic animals is to compensate or adapt their biological systems and arrange the metabolism to afford the energy required by the stressor and a wide array of metabolic processes and pathways are involved. We summarized and discussed highly significant genes in several organs and tissues that are involved and active during this adaption process. The traditional stress biomarkers in some circumstances have some difficulties in interpretation of results and lead to tricky diagnosis and searching and understanding alternative tools is critical for aquaculture, fisheries and fish welfare. Using genomic tools to study the candidate genes associated with stress responses are often unique signatures or imprints of specific stressors and could determine early signs of stressors.

Probiotic, prebiotic and synbiotic supplements in sturgeon aquaculture: a review - Seyed Hossein Hoseinifar; Einar Ringø; Alireza Shenavar Masouleh; Maria Ángeles Esteban (Reviews in Aquaculture, 2016)
This study addressed the issue of the dietary supplements; probiotic, prebiotic and synbiotics considered as functional food ingredients in sturgeon aquaculture. Developments of this strategy have been suggested and practiced as an alternative to antibiotic administration in aquaculture. Sturgeons are commercially valuable species due to their meet and roe, which is made into caviar. Aquaculture of sturgeons up to marketable size has increased during the last decade while disquieting decreases have been noticed of the natural populations. In line with the expand evaluations of microbial dietary supplements and prebiotics in finfish and shellfish aquaculture, the scientific community has also increased their interest in approaches to these issues in sturgeon aquaculture. The present review summarizes and discusses the results on intestinal microbiota of sturgeon species and the effects of probiotic, prebiotic or synbiotic administration on growth performance, gut physiology, intestinal microbiota, immune response and health. Furthermore, this study tries to cover the gaps of existing knowledge and suggest issues that merits further investigations.

Factors relevant to pre‐veliger nutrition of T ridacnidae giant clams - Charles G. Waters; Steve Lindsay; Mark J. Costello (Reviews in Aquaculture, 2016)
Tridacnid giant clams are of commercial interest for their nutritional, economic, and ecological significance throughout the I ndo‐ P acific and O ceania. A major impediment to culturing tridacnid giant clams is larval mortality, typically >96%. The effects of suspended and particulate nutrients on tridacnid veliger development have been examined, but factors relevant to the nutritional condition of oocytes and trochophore larvae are unknown. This is significant because the nutritional transition from trochophore to veliger coincides with rises in larval mortality. Our review examines culture techniques known to enhance gamete viability of several marine viable bivalves of commercial interest, and critically assesses whether such methods are applicable to tridacnids in culture conditions. Techniques for optimizing the nutritional requirements of pre‐veliger tridacnids such as broodstock conditioning by supplemental feeding, monitoring the condition of oocytes ready for release, water temperature, egg attributes such as size and biochemical composition, and nutrient loads in culture water chemistry are examined. We include suggestions for optimizing nutritional conditions from gametogenesis through embryonic development, and conclude with a primer of research opportunities based on gaps in our understanding of tridacnid pre‐veliger nutrition compared with other bivalves. A major conclusion is that culture protocols should include pre‐veliger nutritional fitness as a critical factor in enhancing larval survival, growth and development.

Age determination method using neurolipofuscin: a reply to Buesa - TR Matthews; CD Derby; KE Maxwell; RD Bertelsen (New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research, 2015)

Exercise training reduces the flesh firmness of juvenile hāpuku ( Polyprion oxygeneios ) with a hypertrophic reduction in muscle fibre density - JR Khan; S Pether; M Bruce; SP Walker; Y Hemar; NA Herbert (New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research, 2015)
Consumers base the organoleptic quality of fish on factors such as texture, which can be altered by exercise. The effect of exercise on the fillet firmness of hāpuku ( Polyprion oxygeneios ) was investigated to determine whether exercise would yield a firmer and more desirable product. To achieve this, the firmness and muscle fibre density (MFD) of fillets from fish exercised for 8 weeks at 0.0, 0.75 or 1.5 body lengths/second (BL s −1 ) was assessed. Firmness was significantly lower in the 0.75 BL s −1 and 1.5 BL s −1 exercised fish than the 0.0 BL s −1 group. MFD was also significantly lower in the exercise treatments. This is explained by an increase in the median fibre size with exercise implying that exercise stimulated muscle fibre hypertrophy, leading to lowered MFD. Assuming that firmer flesh is perceived to be more desirable, exercise may have little value in the production of hāpuku.

Editorial Board (New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research, 2015)

Larval drift of amphidromous Gobiomorphus spp. in a New Zealand coastal stream: a critical spatial and temporal window for protection - MG Jarvis; GP Closs (New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research, 2015)
Amphidromy is a distinct form of diadromy, involving a downstream migration (‘drift’) to a pelagic feeding habitat undertaken by exceptionally small, undeveloped larvae immediately after hatch. Identifying patterns of larval drift may indicate critical periods within which conservation measures can be targeted to protect migrating larvae. This study utilised diel and spatial drift sampling to examine patterns of larval drift in two of New Zealand's endemic eleotrid species, the bluegill bully ( Gobiomorphus hubbsi ) and the common bully ( G. cotidianus ) in the Waianakarua River, South Island, New Zealand. A distinct spatial and temporal window was identified within which the vast majority of larvae were migrating to sea, extending only a few hours after sunset and

Population ecology of Sinelobus stanfordi (Crustacea: Tanaidacea) in a temperate southern microtidal estuary - AC Ferreira; ES Ambrosio; A Rodrigues Capítulo (New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research, 2015)
Sinelobus stanfordi is a tanaidacean of worldwide distribution of considerable significance within coastal ecosystems. The aim of this research was to provide essential information on the poorly‐known population biology of this species. Benthic samples were taken seasonally from winter 2005 through summer 2007 along 155 km of shoreline within the Río de la Plata Estuary, Argentina. The density of this tanaidacean was higher in vegetated than in bare sediments. The smaller individuals flourished in spring and summer, whereas the larger mature members prevailed in the cooler seasons. Females were always twice as abundant as males. Copulatory females, with 18 ± 8 eggs each, were collected during all the seasons. Five cohorts were distinguished by the von Bertalanffy growth function. This research represents a baseline investigation for future studies on the population dynamics of S. stanfordi both in this estuary and in other places where this species is found.

A critique of the age determination method using neurolipofuscin values, as described by Matthews et al. (2009) - RJ Buesa (New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research, 2015)

Senior Editor's report - Doug Mountfort (New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research, 2015)

Records of three vagrant Antarctic seal species (Family Phocidae) from New Zealand: crabeater seal ( Lobodon carcinophaga ), Weddell seal ( Leptonychotes weddellii ) and Ross seal ( Ommatophoca rossii ) - CM Miskelly (New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research, 2015)
Records of three vagrant Antarctic seal species from New Zealand are summarised. Crabeater seals ( Lobodon carcinophaga ) occurred on eight occasions between 1885 and 2015, and Weddell seals ( Leptonychotes weddellii ) on five occasions between 1926 and 2007. There was a single record of a Ross seal ( Ommatophoca rossii ), from Paekakariki in 2002. The majority of occurrences for all three species were from the southern North Island, particularly Wellington, where five of the crabeater seals either swam up the Hutt River or were on the adjacent Petone Beach. There are no known verifiable records from any of New Zealand's subantarctic islands. Specimens of nine animals (six crabeater seals and three Weddell seals) are held by New Zealand museums.

When seaweeds go bad: an overview of outbreaks of nuisance quantities of marine macroalgae in New Zealand - WA Nelson; KF Neill; R D'Archino (New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research, 2015)
When large volumes of macroalgae wash up on beaches, accumulate in coastal areas or within confined bays, there can be significant local impacts. Blooms of macroalgae are being reported throughout the world with increasing frequency in estuarine and coastal areas in both temperate and tropical regions. This review examines examples of nuisance accumulations of macroalgae in New Zealand, the geographic and seasonal distribution of nuisance algal records, available data on impacts on coastal communities, including impacts on human activities, and considers some of the factors that may lead to excessive growth, as well as attempts to ameliorate the associated problems.

Migration ecology of marine fishes, by David HallockSecor. Baltimore, USA, Johns Hopkins University Press, 2015. 304 pp, US$99.95 (hardcover). ISBN 978‐1‐421416‐12‐0 - John Montgomery (New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research, 2015)

Issue Information (Reviews in Aquaculture, 2015)

Chinese Abstracts (Reviews in Aquaculture, 2015)

Rearing E uropean brown shrimp ( C rangon crangon , L innaeus 1758): a review on the current status and perspectives for aquaculture - Daan Delbare; Kris Cooreman; Guy Smagghe (Reviews in Aquaculture, 2015)
The E uropean brown shrimp, C rangon crangon , is a highly valued commercial species fished in the north‐eastern A tlantic, especially the N orth S ea. The shrimp fisheries are mainly coastal and exert high pressures on the local ecosystems, including estuaries. The culture of the species provides an alternative to supply a niche market (large live/fresh shrimps) in a sustainable manner. However, after more than a century of biological research on this species, there is still little knowledge on its optimal rearing conditions. C . crangon remains a difficult species to keep alive and healthy for an extended period of time in captivity. This review is based on a comprehensive literature search and reflects on the current status of experimental rearing techniques used for this species, identifies the problems that compromise the closing of the life cycle in captivity and provides examples on how these problem issues were solved in the culture of commercial shrimp species or other crustaceans. The ability to consistently produce high‐quality offspring could initiate the commercial production of this valuable shrimp. A further advantage of the ability to consistently produce high‐quality offspring of this species would facilitate research on the development of new bioassays with this ecologically and economically important species in a wide variety of biochemical and physiological studies.

Digestive physiology of spiny lobsters: implications for formulated diet development - Erick Perera; Cedric Simon (Reviews in Aquaculture, 2015)
The development of cost‐effective and nutritionally adequate formulated feeds is a key step for developing sustainable technologies for new aquaculture species. There has been many research effort for over 30 years on feed development for spiny lobsters, but amazingly, poor performance of formulated feeds remains one of the major obstacles to progressing commercial aquaculture of these crustaceans. This is partially due to a lack of information on how spiny lobsters digest and assimilate formulated feeds. The aim of this review is to integrate recent information on the digestive physiology of spiny lobsters to identify areas where further studies are needed for advancing to more physiologically tailored formulated feeds. Increasing the efficiency of mechanical and chemical digestion is imperative for better digestion of formulated feeds. This is likely to be achieved by improving feed format, reducing the particle size of ingredients, using digestible binders, preprocessing or selecting more soluble macronutrients and supplementing feeds with additives such as pH buffers, emulsifying agents and/or exogenous enzymes. Future research needs to adopt a holistic approach for investigating the digestive processes in spiny lobsters by focusing on digestion as well as downstream processes. The protein‐sparing effect of lipids and carbohydrates on spiny lobster metabolism is of a particular significance as the spiny lobster metabolism is strongly directed towards the use of protein. This review provides important insights, practical solutions and key research directions to improve both our understanding of spiny lobster digestive physiology and the performance of formulated feeds for spiny lobsters.

Application of in vitro digestibility methods in aquaculture: constraints and perspectives - Francisco J. Moyano; Miguel A. Saénz de Rodrigáñez; Manuel Díaz; Albert G. J. Tacon (Reviews in Aquaculture, 2015)
In vitro assays simulating the digestion process have been extensively used in the evaluation of the nutritional quality of foods and feeds for humans and terrestrial animals. Such techniques have been comparatively less used in nutrition of aquacultured species, although in recent years the interest in developing alternatives to the conventional in vivo digestibility assays has increased. Using 65 published papers as a reference, this review summarizes the different approaches and configurations used to date in the simulation of the digestion of food by aquatic animals, as well as the main limitations detected in the different methods and the potential advantages derived from their application. Some recommendations are suggested to develop suitable in vitro assays oriented either to the nutritional evaluation of feed ingredients or to get a more detailed knowledge on the interactions among digestive enzymes and feed components.

Freshwater aquaculture in PR C hina: trends and prospects - Qidong Wang; Lin Cheng; Jiashou Liu; Zhongjie Li; Shouqi Xie; Sena S. De Silva (Reviews in Aquaculture, 2015)
It is acknowledged that China is the mainstay in global aquaculture, contributing for example, 65.7 (of 76 321 310 t) and 63.6 (of 38 994 913 t) per cent to total global and freshwater aquaculture production, respectively, in 2011, significantly increasing the corresponding contributions from 36.1 and 38.5% of the global total (7 359 881 t) and global freshwater (2 342 706 t) aquaculture production in 1980. Overall, aquaculture production in China in turn has enabled to reduce our dependence on food fish supplies from a hunted to a farmed origin, like all the other staples. However, there are very few accounts on different subsectors of aquaculture in China and even less on variations in aquaculture developments within the country. This review attempts to trace the development trends in inland aquaculture in China in time and space and includes aspects on production, types and modes of culture, species cultured and marketing. It is evident that though inland aquaculture is practised in most provinces of China, the great bulk of it occurs in the area that lies approximately between 110 and 120 °E and 19 and 35 °N, in the Yangtze and Pearl River basins. The review also addresses emerging issues on freshwater aquaculture and possible ways of achieving sustainability in the long term.

First observations on the timing and location of giant kōkopu ( Galaxias argenteus ) spawning - PA Franklin; J Smith; CF Baker; B Bartels; K Reeve (New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research, 2015)
The giant kōkopu, Galaxias argenteus (Gmelin, 1789), is the largest of the galaxiid species and is endemic to New Zealand. While it was the first of the galaxiid species to be described, knowledge of its ecology remains relatively poor, particularly with respect to the reproductive phase of its life‐cycle. This article describes the first observations of giant kōkopu spawning sites in the natural environment. A total of nine spawning sites have been discovered across two spawning seasons in an urban stream in Hamilton, New Zealand. Giant kōkopu are confirmed to follow a similar spawning strategy to the other whitebait species. Eggs are deposited in riparian habitats while temporarily submerged by elevated water levels. Eggs then develop terrestrially before hatching when the egg deposition sites are re‐inundated during later high flows. This spawning strategy leaves giant kōkopu highly susceptible to flow regime and riparian alterations.

Volunteer and professional macroinvertebrate monitoring provide concordant assessments of stream health - ER Moffett; MW Neale (New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research, 2015)
Whilst volunteer monitoring has many benefits for both volunteers and professionals, volunteer data must be validated to understand the value and potential applications of information from volunteer monitoring programmes. Our study aimed to assess the concordance between volunteer and professional data, including state and trend assessments. We compared macroinvertebrate data collected by volunteers using a simplified identification protocol to data collected by professionals following standard national protocols for collection and identification. We found that volunteer and professional macroinvertebrate data expressed as summary indices of ecological health were significantly correlated. However, the coarser level of taxonomic identification in the volunteer dataset limited the use of taxon richness as a biodiversity measure. We also demonstrated that the ability of volunteer data to detect long‐term trends in ecological health is comparable to professional data. Overall, stream monitoring data collected by volunteers provided an assessment of stream health that was concordant with assessments based on data collected by professionals, indicating that volunteer data could be used to support professional monitoring programmes.

Brown trout ( Salmo trutta ) removal by rotenone alters zooplankton and phytoplankton community composition in a shallow mesotrophic reservoir - IC Duggan; SA Wood; DW West (New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research, 2015)
Brown trout ( Salmo trutta ) are known to have effects on multiple trophic levels in New Zealand streams, but their impacts on lower trophic levels are less well understood within lentic systems. We examined the effects of brown trout removal using rotenone on zooplankton and phytoplankton community composition in the Upper Karori Reservoir, New Zealand. Significant shifts were observed in zooplankton and phytoplankton composition following removal of brown trout from the reservoir. Shifts in zooplankton community composition did not occur immediately following trout removal (February), but instead followed the likely timing of galaxiid spawning (July). The removal of brown trout likely resulted in reduced predation pressure on galaxiids. A major change occurred in the zooplankton community with the dominance shifting from larger crustaceans to smaller rotifers, indicating an increased predation pressure from the larval native galaxiid. A delayed response in zooplankton community composition change indicates rotenone was not the direct cause of this. A major shift in phytoplankton community composition occurred immediately following trout removal. This was not consistent with the trophic cascade hypothesis of reduced grazing pressure from larger zooplankton due to increased galaxiid predation as a result of brown trout removal.

Earthquakes, catastrophic sediment additions and the response of urban stream communities - JS Harding; PG Jellyman (New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research, 2015)
Disturbance events can regularly impact stream ecosystems; however, large‐scale catastrophic disturbances are rare. From September 2010 to September 2011 Christchurch City experienced over 8500 earthquakes including a magnitude 7.1. One consequence was catastrophic additions of silt and sand into waterways throughout the city. Of 161 km of permanent waterways, 102 km (63%) were affected by earthquake siltation. Benthic invertebrates and fish communities were compared across 16 streams with differing siltation. Invertebrate taxonomic richness decreased significantly (mean 17 taxa reduced to 10 taxa) and EPT taxa (Ephemeroptera, Plecoptera and Trichoptera) were removed entirely from streams receiving heavy siltation. Fish richness and density decreased significantly, with fish absent from some heavily silted streams. Many of these urban streams are sourced from springs and their stable flows and low gradient limit their ability to flush sediment. We predict that without human intervention there will be a long‐term sediment legacy and it may take many years for these streams to recover from this catastrophic disturbance.

Characterising riparian buffer zones of an agriculturally modified landscape - K Renouf; JS Harding (New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research, 2015)
Riparian buffer zones are viewed as an important management tool for waterway protection. However, little qualitative or quantitative assessment has been made of their dimensions or composition. We surveyed 88 small agricultural waterways within the Canterbury region to characterise the width and vegetative composition of riparian ‘buffer’ zones. Less than 20% of buffer zones were 10 m or wider and approximately 65% ≤ 5 m wide. Mean plant diversity was lowest in buffers ≤ 5 m (four taxa) and highest in buffers 25–30 m wide (11 taxa), although 98% of all taxa recorded in the survey occurred within 5 m of waterways. Exotic pasture grasses, weeds and adventive trees and shrubs dominated riparian areas at all distances from the ‐side. Furthermore, buffer width and vegetation type did not differ with adjacent land use despite regional efforts to plant native vegetation and regulatory emphasis on reducing water contamination from intensifying land use practices.

Distribution and abundance of Hector's dolphins ( Cephalorhynchus hectori ) off Kaikoura, New Zealand - JS Weir; O Sagnol (New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research, 2015)
Boat‐based surveys of Hector's dolphins ( Cephalorhynchus hectori ) were conducted throughout 2013 to evaluate their distribution and abundance off Kaikoura. We conducted a total of 48 surveys and encountered 164 groups of Hector's dolphins. This study showed that Hector's dolphins off Kaikoura preferred areas of shallow, nearshore waters with poor water clarity and that there were more sightings to the north of the Kaikoura Peninsula than to the south. Using photo‐identification techniques we identified 47 distinct individuals within the study area and these known individuals were only sighted either north or south of the Kaikoura Canyon. This study, combined with opportunistic sightings data collected from 2005–2013, improves our understanding of habitat use within the Kaikoura area by Hector's dolphins. These data suggest that the canyon area, characterised by very deep waters, could act as a natural barrier dividing the Hector's dolphins off Kaikoura into two separate groups.

Evaluating habitat suitability curves for predicting variation in macroinvertebrate biomass with weighted usable area in braided rivers in New Zealand - DJ Kelly; JW Hayes; C Allen; D West; H Hudson (New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research, 2015)
We investigated changes in seasonal biomass of benthic macroinvertebrates over whole floodplain transects upstream and downstream of existing flow diversions in the Wilberforce and South Ashburton Rivers, Canterbury, New Zealand. We tested the predictive performance of a 1‐dimensional hydraulic‐habitat model informed with existing general habitat suitability curves (HSC), as well as river‐ and channel‐specific HSC developed from the studied rivers. Diversions resulted in significant declines in wetted width, habitat complexity, and resulting declines in benthic biomass, but community composition was unchanged. Weighted usable area (WUA) predictions based on general HSC were often poorly correlated with cross‐sectional macroinvertebrate biomass. River‐ and channel‐type‐specific HSC greatly improved the accuracy of predictions; however, all HSC generally under‐predicted the total proportional change in cross‐sectional macroinvertebrate biomass associated with flow change. We conclude that WUA was an insensitive indicator of flow‐related macroinvertebrate biomass change. We encourage development of HSC categorised by river hydrology, size and channel form.

A tiered approach for the identification of faecal pollution sources on an Auckland urban beach - JW Walker; R van Duivenboden; MW Neale (New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research, 2015)
Microbiological contamination arising from faecal pollution is a widespread effect of human activity on aquatic systems, with management of the issue complicated because contamination sources are often unknown. Recent advances in molecular techniques have permitted the use of host‐specific genetic markers to apportion sources of faecal pollution. In this study, we used a tiered approach employing faecal indicator bacteria and Bacteroidales markers to identify faecal sources in an urban setting. Canine sources were the most common source of faecal contamination, which led to a programme of education and targeted management. A single, but substantial, source of human faecal contamination was identified that was subject to corrective action and its effectiveness validated by supplementary monitoring. This study supports the use of a tiered approach for the identification of faecal contamination sources in New Zealand, including the use of faecal indicator bacteria and more complex source‐tracking analysis using genetic markers.

Oxygen consumption of adult females of Tenagomysis spp. (Crustacea: Mysida) in relation to body size and salinity - S Paul; PK Probert; GP Closs (New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research, 2015)
Mysids Tenagomysis chiltoni and T. novaezealandiae are abundant in southern New Zealand estuaries. Size‐specific oxygen consumption rates of adult females of T. chiltoni and T. novaezealandiae were measured under salinities 0–1, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30 and 33–34 at 5 °C and 20 °C in relation to body size. We predicted that, irrespective of salinity variations, the larger individuals would show lower size‐specific oxygen consumption rates than smaller ones. Body size and the changes in salinity were not significantly related to the size‐specific oxygen consumption rates of T. chiltoni and T. novaezealandiae , probably because of the small size range of individuals measured. At 20 °C, size‐specific oxygen consumption rates were significantly higher than those at 5 °C for T. novaezealandiae , but not for T. chiltoni . Within the tolerable range of salinity variation, small differences in body size are possibly not important for energetics of adult Tenagomysis spp.

Issue Information (Reviews in Aquaculture, 2015)

Chinese Abstracts (Reviews in Aquaculture, 2015)

Ontogeny of bivalve immunity: assessing the potential of next‐generation sequencing techniques - Sleiman Bassim; Bertrand Genard; Sophie Gauthier‐Clerc; Dario Moraga; Réjean Tremblay (Reviews in Aquaculture, 2015)
Living organisms are constantly evolving to secure their survival via adaptations at the molecular and cellular level. Most marine bivalves have microscopic planktonic larval stages until settlement to the benthic environment. These pelagic stages are generally more sensitive than their adult counterparts to environmental and pathogen threats. Adaptive capacities could improve survival of these early stages. Recent advancements in data mining and pipeline analysis should shed light on the currently unknown processes that occur during these first stages. Existing data on early stages are fragmented compared with the abundance of information available for adult. Exploring diversity through aquaculture and lessening the impact of common issues, for example, massive mortalities of larvae, especially within the current conditions of a changing climate, ultimately rests on our knowledge of the molecular processes responsible for phenotypic plasticity. Although it is somewhat difficult to assess immune mechanisms by tracking circulating immunocytes in larvae, studies on the development of immune processes are now feasible at the transcript level. Next‐generation techniques offer outstanding solutions for wide‐range transcriptome analysis. We present a short review of the early ontogeny of the immune system in marine bivalves, with particular focus on next‐generation sequencing applications. Like all reviews of this nature, there is a trade‐off between the depth of the coverage and the number of subjects discussed. We will thus restrict the scope to bivalve immunity and focus on the central concepts across a wide range of topics, that is, the ontogeny of immunity and advancements in molecular studies.

Bioremediation potential, growth and biomass yield of the green seaweed, Ulva lactuca in an integrated marine aquaculture system at the Red Sea coast of Saudi Arabia at different stocking densities and effluent flow rates - Yousef S. Al‐Hafedh; Aftab Alam; Alejandro H. Buschmann (Reviews in Aquaculture, 2015)
Growth, production and biofiltration rates of seaweed, Ulva lactuca were investigated at two stocking densities (3 kg and 6 kg m −2 ) and two effluent flow rates (5.4 and 10.8 m 3 day −1 ) to optimize an integrated mariculture system at Saudi Red Sea coast. effluents from fish‐rearing tank, stocked with 200 kg fish ( Oreochromis spilurus ), fed to six seaweed tanks via sedimentation tank. Fish growth (weight gain 1.75 g fish day −1 ), net production (NP, 10.16 kg m −3 ) and survival (94.24%) were within acceptable limits. Ulva showed significantly higher ( F = 62.62, d.f. 3, 35; P SGR = 5.78% vs. 2.55% at lower flow and 10.60% vs. 6.26% at higher flow). Biomass yield of Ulva at low‐ and high‐stocking densities (111.11 and 83.2 g wet wt m −2 day −1 , respectively) at low flow and (267.44 and 244.19 g wet wt m −2 day −1 , respectively) at high flow show that high flow rate and lower density favoured growth. Removal rates of total ammonia nitrogen ( TAN ) (0.26–0.31 g m −2 day −1 ) and phosphate phosphorus (0.32–0.41 g m −2 day −1 ) by U. lactuca were not significantly different ( F = 1.9, d.f. 3, 59; P = 0.1394 for TAN and F = 0.29, d.f. 3, 59; P = 0.8324 for phosphates) at both the flow rates and stocking densities. Results show that the effluent flow rate has significant impact over the performance of the seaweed than stocking density.

Biofouling impact on production and ecosystem functioning: a review for bivalve aquaculture - Elise Lacoste; Nabila Gaertner‐Mazouni (Reviews in Aquaculture, 2015)
Bivalve aquaculture is worldwide impacted by biofouling development. Immersed infrastructures and shells of the reared species create new substrate for a wide range of epibionts, mainly composed of suspension feeders. Biofouling development is generally considered as a plague for bivalve aquaculture, and its control results in additional costs that can represent up to 30% of total operational costs of the industry. Epibionts have not only consequences for the species they overgrow (i.e. basibiont), but they can also alter the ecological functioning of the exploited ecosystem. In this review, we point out that the assessment of the net effect of biofouling is more complex than expected, as it combines negative and positive effects on both the commercial production and the ecosystem. Furthermore, we emphasize that the removal of biofouling can be stressful and damaging for the reared species. Biofouling control should be carefully reconsidered, on the basis of a holistic approach considering: (i) the interactions between epibionts and their basibionts; (ii) its impact on the final product; and (iii) its contribution to the sustainability of the ecosystem.

Sustainable aquaculture: agro‐ecological role of periphyton in ricefish farming - Surjya K. Saikia; Debangshu N. Das (Reviews in Aquaculture, 2015)
Aquaculture has a highly promising role in producing fish biomass and fulfilling nutrient requirement for the growing population on the E arth. Worldwide, there exists several substrate‐based fish production practices of which A cadja , A thkotu , S amarah , P hum , A ji gnuii assonii , X eng fishery are popular. These substrate‐based fisheries reported higher fish productivity than conventional supplemental feed‐based aquaculture. Herbivorous fish, in general, have natural tendency to graze on periphyton ensuring maximum accessibility to resources or acquire enhanced growth in a periphyton fed environment. In waterlogged rice fields with rice stem as substrate, common carp ( C yprinus carpio L.) fishery has been a great success among agro‐farmers of A patani P lateau in north‐eastern I ndia. The practice achieves 30% more economic return per annum rice only cultivation. The practice is a best example of sustainable utilization of natural resources for fish production and also a low‐cost aquaculture to support poor farmers with shallow, waterlogged resources. The ecology of the rice fields in A patani P lateau disclosed high richness and diversity of plankton and periphyton in aquatic column. The physico‐chemical nature of rice fields directly or indirectly affects the growth and dynamics of periphyton during rice‐growing periods. On availability of such aquatic resources, the fish, C ommon carp, shifts planktivorous or detritivorous feeding habits to periphytophagous habit and attains considerable growth over the stocked period. The present review highlights the immense potentiality of fish culture to explore periphytic resources and need of extending ricefish research towards a sustainable form of aquaculture in rice fields.

IgY Technology in aquaculture – a review - Abdul Rasheed Baloch; Xiao‐Ying Zhang; Rüdiger Schade (Reviews in Aquaculture, 2015)
Since the discovery of IgY in egg yolk in late 1800s, many applications of this antibody in diagnostics and therapeutics have been reported in human and veterinary medicine. The mass use of antimicrobial agents in aquaculture has caused the resistance in certain bacteria, and these fish pathogens cause tremendous economic losses in aquaculture industry coupled with antibiotic resistance, consequently causing barriers in international trades. IgY antibodies have been developed for the treatment and prevention of certain fish diseases such as white spot syndrome in shrimp, vibriosis, enteric redmouth disease and edwardsiellosis. These antibodies are also developed for the recognition of developing and mature stages of Loma salmonae (microsporidia) in the farmed pacific salmon. Other uses of IgY in aquaculture include the development of sandwich ELISA for the detection of ciguatoxin (a poisonous organic compound) in the tissues of fish, and recently, potential sea food persevering properties of IgY have been revealed. Our review presents an analysis of the characteristics, extraction methods, therapeutic, detection, and seafood‐persevering applications of IgY antibodies in aquaculture.

Washing oiled marine birds in New Zealand—do we have a detergent that can be used? - Y‐MB Leung; KJ Morgan; BJ White; JM Ward; BL Chilvers (New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research, 2015)
An efficacious oiled wildlife response requires quick action to remove external contamination of birds’ plumage in order to minimise ingestion of the oil and reinstitute waterproofing and thermoregulatory abilities, with the ultimate goals of increasing likelihood of release and maximising survival. The accessibility of the preferred detergent used in washing wildlife, Dawn ® (Procter & Gamble), is limited for isolated nations such as New Zealand and its continuous availability in an extended oil spill response is a concern. This study investigates eight detergents manufactured in either New Zealand or Australia that are easily accessible, and compares their effectiveness at removing oil contaminants from feathers with Dawn ® . Results indicate that none of the locally manufactured detergents was as effective as Dawn ® . Availability and effectiveness of detergents for oil spill response are important for New Zealand's oil spill strategy and for rehabilitation of oil‐affected marine birds throughout New Zealand.

Drifter‐ and float‐derived mean circulation at the surface and 1000 m in the New Zealand region - Stephen M Chiswell; Philip JH Sutton (New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research, 2015)
Global Drifter Program (GDP) drifter data and Argo float data from 2006 to 2013 are used to provide quantitative description and comparison of the mean near‐surface (15 m) and 1000 m velocity fields in the New Zealand region. These fields are estimated both from bin‐averaging the drifter/float velocities and by fitting non‐divergent streamfunctions to the velocities. At both levels, our velocity fields are broadly consistent with previous drifter/float estimates, but provide more detail on the local structure of the mean fields. North of the Subantarctic Front there are large differences between the surface and 1000 m flows, with the Tasman Front being largely absent at 1000 m. South of the Subantarctic Front, where the flow is expected to be more barotropic, there is a closer correspondence between the flows at both levels. Several previously undocumented eddies in the mean flows at both levels are described.

Physical oceanography of the deep seas around New Zealand: a review - Stephen M Chiswell; Helen C Bostock; Philip JH Sutton; Michael JM Williams (New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research, 2015)
We review the advances in ‘blue water’ physical oceanography of the seas around New Zealand since the last major review in 1985. By 1985, a basic description had been made of the circulation around New Zealand. Since then, dramatic increases in data from satellites, hydrographic cruises, surface drifters and profiling floats have improved knowledge on the locations, strengths and variability of the currents, water masses and fronts in the region. We have better estimates of the surface and deep circulation, and a better understanding of the dynamical processes driving this circulation and its variability. This review covers the open ocean, including water masses, ocean currents, tides and numerical modelling, and discusses the future of New Zealand oceanography.

Eavesdropping on the Kaipara Harbour: characterising underwater soundscapes within a seagrass bed and a subtidal mudflat - MK Pine; CA Radford; AG Jeffs (New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research, 2015)
With considerable commercial interest in renewable energy production in estuarine environments, there is a critical need to better understand ambient sound from these habitats. This study investigated the ambient sound from two sites of differing habitats within the Kaipara Harbour, a site previously allocated for tidal turbine development. Analyses revealed highest sound levels occurring in autumn (120 ± 0.6 dB rms re 1 µPa) and summer (117 ± 0.6 dB rms re 1 µPa) within the seagrass‐dominated and mudflat sites respectively. There was significant temporal variation over a 24 h period in measured sound levels both between and within the two estuarine sites, with higher sound levels generally occurring at dawn within either site. Spectral analysis revealed a rise in spectral power in the 2–4 kHz and 6–9 kHz bandwidths during dawn and dusk periods within the seagrass‐dominated and mudflat sites respectively. With most acoustic energy residing in low frequencies, underwater turbine sound may mask estuarine soundscapes, thereby potentially disrupting important ecological processes.

Littoral macroinvertebrate communities of dune lakes in the far north of New Zealand - OJ‐P Ball; SR Pohe; MJ Winterbourn (New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research, 2015)
The littoral macroinvertebrate faunas of 17 dune lakes on the Aupouri Peninsula in northern New Zealand were examined. Land cover of individual catchments was principally sand dunes and scrub, plantation forest, pasture, or a mixture of plantation forest and pasture. Sampling was concentrated in the sedge beds, submerged macrophytes and surface sediment layers of the littoral zone. Sixty‐eight invertebrate taxa were recorded, 11–30 per lake. Relative abundance of major faunal groups differed considerably among lakes but a core group of common species was found in three quarters of them. Neither community composition, nor various measures of species richness were related significantly to catchment land cover classes. A feature of the lake fauna was the occurrence of three introduced species of Gastropoda and eight self‐introduced insect species, including five dragonflies. One of the latter, Hemicordulia australiae , was found in all lakes and made up 3% of all invertebrates collected.

The effects of suspended sediment on brown trout ( Salmo trutta ) feeding and respiration after macrophyte control - MJC Greer; SK Crow; AS Hicks; GP Closs (New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research, 2015)
Sediment resuspension during and after mechanical excavation of macrophytes may have a significant impact on resident fish populations. Unfortunately, little is known about the influence of this sediment on the respiratory performance and feeding abilities of fishes in New Zealand waterways. We examined the effects of suspended sediment (SS) concentrations previously observed after a large‐scale macrophyte removal operation on oxygen consumption (MO 2 ) and feeding rates of brown trout ( Salmo trutta ). MO 2 at 0 mg L −1 , 150 mg L −1 , 300 mg L −1 , 450 mg L −1 and 600 mg L −1 of SS was measured using semi‐closed respirometry. Feeding rates at the same SS concentrations were also measured using laboratory tank experiments. Results suggest that SS concentrations up to 600 mg L −1 have no effect on MO 2 . Conversely, feeding rates were significantly reduced at 450 mg L −1 (22% reduction) and 600 mg L −1 (31% reduction), indicating that sediment concentrations above 450 mg L −1 may negatively affect brown trout populations.

First report of the myxozoan parasite Myxobolus episquamalis infecting grey mullet ( Mugil cephalus ) from New Zealand - HS Lane; K Booth; A Pande; JB Jones (New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research, 2015)
In November 2013 the Animal Health Laboratory, Ministry for Primary Industries, New Zealand, received a report of a grey mullet ( Mugil cephalus ) presenting reddish‐white granular lesions across its body. Gross pathological examination revealed cyst‐like lesions on the distal portion of the scales and proximal part of the fins. Giemsa‐stained wet preparations of these lesions presumptively identified spores as Myxobolus sp. DNA sequencing of the 18S rRNA gene further identified these spores as Myxobolus episquamalis . This is the first report of Myxobolus episquamalis infecting M. cephalus from New Zealand.

Spatial patterns and environmental drivers of benthic infaunal community structure and ecosystem function on the New Zealand continental margin - CA Pilditch; D Leduc; SD Nodder; PK Probert; DA Bowden (New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research, 2015)
To investigate regional drivers of spatial patterns in macro‐ and meio‐faunal community structure (abundance, biomass and taxonomic diversity) and ecosystem function (sediment community oxygen consumption [SCOC]), we sampled two regions in close proximity on New Zealand's continental margin—the Chatham Rise and the Challenger Plateau. Sites ( n = 15) were selected in water depths ranging from 266–1212 m to generate a gradient in sedimentary properties and, in particular, surface pelagic productivity. Both macro‐ and meio‐fauna abundance and biomass was 2–3.5 times higher on the Chatham Rise than on the Challenger Plateau, reflecting regional differences in pelagic primary production. We also found significant inter‐ and intra‐regional differences in macro‐fauna taxonomic diversity with two distinctive site groupings in each region. Univariate and multivariate measures of macro‐fauna community attributes were most strongly correlated with sediment photosynthetic pigment (explaining 24%–59% of the variation). Sediment pigment content was as equally important in explaining meio‐fauna community structure (36%–7%). Unlike community structure, SCOC was most strongly correlated with depth (44%), most likely reflecting temperature effects on benthic metabolism. Our results highlight the importance of a benthic labile food supply in structuring infaunal communities on continental margins and emphasise a tight coupling between pelagic and benthic habitats.

Feeding relationships among juveniles of abundant fish species inhabiting tropical seagrass beds in Cockle Bay, North Queensland, Australia - SN Kwak; DW Klumpp; JM Park (New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research, 2015)
Dietary analysis was conducted on juveniles of 10 numerically abundant fish species inhabiting tropical seagrass beds in North Queensland, Australia. Gammarid amphipods were consumed by all of the species, but their contribution to the diet of each varied. Crab larvae and copepods contributed to the diets of Leiognathus bindus , Pranesus endrachtensis and Stolephorus sp.; polychaetes and isopods were consumed by Sillago maculata burrus , Lethrinus sp., Pelates sexlineatus and Siganus canaliculatus ; and Favonigobius reichei , Coris caudimacula and Arothron manilensis fed on bivalves. Seagrass and gastropods were rarely ingested by most of these fishes, but made a moderate contribution to the diet of A. manilensis. With the exception of L. bindus , the diet of each species was correlated with size: smaller species consumed copepods, crab larvae and gammarid amphipods, while larger species ate polychaetes, bivalves, isopods and gastropods. Non‐metric multidimensional scaling (MDS) ordination plots emphasised the variation in dietary composition between species, and showed that this was often correlated with mouth length and width of the fish—for example, species with larger mouth dimensions tended to have broader diets. These interspecific differences in dietary composition increase the number of food resources available to these fishes, thereby reducing the potential competition for resources within the fish community.

Small‐scale patch complexity, benthic invertebrate colonisation and leaf breakdown in three headwater streams in Bay of Plenty, New Zealand - JD Tonkin; A Brown; EM Chappell (New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research, 2015)
We assessed the effects of patch complexity on benthic macroinvertebrate colonisation and leaf breakdown in three headwater streams in the Kaimai Range, New Zealand. We used three patch types: complex, disturbed, and unaltered control patches, and measured colonisation of macroinvertebrates and leaf breakdown rates within each patch. We hypothesised colonisation and breakdown would be highest in the complex patches and lowest in disturbed patches. With the exception of percentage of total shredders, no differences were found in macroinvertebrate diversity or community structure and no treatment effect was evident for leaf breakdown rates. While this may suggest no influence of patch complexity on leaf breakdown, we cannot discount unmeasured site‐specific influences, such as a high flow event, which occurred during the treatment period, as clear differences were evident between the three streams. Higher spatiotemporal replication and more appropriate seasonal sampling would be required to further explore this relationship.

Habitat suitability curves for benthic macroinvertebrates from a small New Zealand river - KA Shearer; JW Hayes; IG Jowett; DA Olsen (New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research, 2015)
We developed habitat suitability curves (HSC) using generalised additive models (GAMs) for nine benthic macroinvertebrate taxa from a small New Zealand river for hydraulic‐habitat modelling assessments of instream flow requirements. We included interaction terms between the primary variables (water depth, velocity, substrate) when significant, to address a longstanding criticism of univariate HSC. To date, only large‐river univariate HSC have been available and these have been used in hydraulic‐habitat applications on small rivers, despite doubt over the transferability of HSC between rivers of different size and type. We tested the outcome on the predicted abundance–flow relationship of applying the small‐river habitat suitability GAMs versus large‐river GAMs for two taxa on the same small river. We found the effects of flow allocation were overestimated by the large‐river GAMs relative to the small‐river GAMs. Further research to develop general HSC for categories of river size and type is needed to better inform hydraulic‐habitat modelling applications.

Issue Information (Reviews in Aquaculture, 2015)

Chinese Abstracts (Reviews in Aquaculture, 2015)

Microbial‐based systems for aquaculture of fish and shrimp: an updated review - Luis R. Martínez‐Córdova; Mauricio Emerenciano; Anselmo Miranda‐Baeza; Marcel Martínez‐Porchas (Reviews in Aquaculture, 2015)
The continuous development of world aquaculture demands new strategies and alternatives aimed to achieve sustainability. The use or microorganisms in aquaculture has greatly evolved during the last two decades. From being considered as a potential threat, during the last years, they have been used as probiotics and inclusively as food source for fish and crustacean. The microbial‐based systems represent one of the most viable strategies to achieve a sustainable aquaculture. In short, these systems are based on the promotion of microbial proliferation, either autotrophic or heterotrophic microorganisms; these microbes are expected to use, recycle and transform the excess of nutrients from faeces, dead organisms, unconsumed food and diverse metabolites into biomass, which would be further consumed by the cultured organisms. Successful results on using microbial‐based systems have been documented around the world; however, there are key aspects to consider and yet to experiment before a system could be implemented. Some of those aspects are analysed in this manuscript, while new advances in the use of microbial‐based systems and recommendations are also presented.

Reviewing GAA ‐ BAP shrimp farm data to determine whether certification lessens environmental impacts - Michael F. Tlusty; Heather Tausig (Reviews in Aquaculture, 2015)
The sustainable seafood movement is over a decade old. It has done much to raise awareness regarding improper production and harvest of seafood and to derive a course to lessen the deleterious environmental impacts of this industry. Certification has been a key tool, yet few programmes have demonstrated comprehensive improvements. Here, the degree of aquaculture improvement through the implementation of certification was assessed using data from the Global Aquaculture Alliance ( GAA ) Best Aquaculture Practice ( BAP ) shrimp standard. An examination of 323 audits from 192 farms spanning 2005–2012 showed that overall, 35% of the farms were conditionally certified, indicating they had to improve prior to being certified. This version of the BAP shrimp farm audit had both compliance and scored components. Out of the 28 critical points, only six were in full compliance by all farms during all audits and hence provided no value to determine farm performance. Farms that passed the audit without compliance issues had a greater aggregate scored value than those that farms with noncompliances. However, performance‐based metrics exhibited few differences between the compliant and noncompliant farms. Overall, issues pertaining to water quality were a leading cause of farms being scored as noncompliant, although they were distributed among the seven different water quality parameters. Certification systems have not been designed specifically to demonstrate adherence to continual improvement. Because of this, and the multitude of factors with which a fully compliant farm needs to acquiesce, the specific means by which certification improves aquaculture and the overall value of improvement will remain challenging to demonstrate.

Microorganisms in recirculating aquaculture systems and their management - Eugene Rurangwa; Marc C.J. Verdegem (Reviews in Aquaculture, 2015)
Recirculation aquaculture systems ( RAS s) are increasingly considered as production systems of the future with a minimum ecological impact for the production of aquatic food. To maintain a good water quality and to produce quality and healthy fishery products, the systems depend on a diverse microbial community involved in different processes of water purification but also in unwanted effects. The article reviews the present knowledge on microorganisms in RAS , their relative distribution within the system compartments and their role in system performance. The system possesses different microniches in which microorganisms retrieve their preferential conditions for oxygen and nutrients. Ammonia and nitrite are oxidized under aerobic conditions into less toxic compounds. Anaerobic ammonium oxidizers in the biofilm oxidize anaerobically both ammonia and nitrites into less harmful dinitrogen gas. Heterotrophic bacteria mineralize organic matter derived from uneaten feeds, dead bodies and excreta of fish. Under conditions of high organic load and high C/N content, nitrifiers are overgrown by heterotrophs with negative effects to the nitrification process. For not yet understood reasons, the presence of off‐flavour‐producing microorganisms occurs also in RAS . Microbial management and management of inputs to the systems to prevent the proliferation of pathogens are discussed and possible management techniques of off‐flavours are also presented. Research orientations are given to explore further the potential of heterotrophic bacteria in microbial management and intensive aquaculture production in systems other than RAS .

A critical approach on pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, dose optimisation and withdrawal times of oxytetracycline in aquaculture - George Rigos; Peter Smith (Reviews in Aquaculture, 2015)
Oxytetracycline ( OTC ) is one of the antibacterial agents that is most commonly used to control bacterial infections in the aquaculture industry worldwide. Thorough knowledge and integration of appropriate drug pharmacokinetics ( PK ) and pharmacodynamics ( PD ) in therapeutic schedules are crucial in terms of treatment efficacy and cost, environmental welfare and potentially to human safety. This review provides a much needed critique of published OTC PK and a discussion on OTC PD , dose optimisation and importance of withdrawal times ( WT ). Overall, the pertinent literature reveals that most published OTC PK information is specific to farmed fish species. Significant variability in experimental design between PK studies rendered interspecies comparisons an almost impossible task. Published PK parameters exert variable relevance to practical application, and moreover, limited or nonexistent information is available for some relevant PK parameters. It is also demonstrated that there is a serious shortage of data simultaneously relating dose regimen, PK , PD data and clinical outcomes. This results in difficulties in applying available PK data to the improvement in current dose regimen. Efficacy studies and PK / PD data currently available do not allow improvements in the interpretive criteria used by laboratories; thus, for the present, clinical evaluations must rely on wild‐type epidemiological cut‐off values ( CO WT ). Regarding OTC removal, the WT estimates that have been made for farmed crustaceans are much shorter than those for finfish. However, this fact does not necessarily ensure that these products are unlikely to result in contravention of regulatory limits.

Photo‐identification of bottlenose dolphins in the far south of New Zealand indicates a ‘new’, previously unstudied population - TE Brough; M Guerra; SM Dawson (New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research, 2015)
Declines in the abundance of bottlenose dolphins in the Bay of Islands and in Doubtful Sound have contributed to the species being classified as Nationally Endangered in New Zealand waters. Updated information on distribution and abundance nationwide is therefore a high priority. This study presents data from the first photo‐identification surveys of Paterson Inlet, Stewart Island, conducted to document bottlenose dolphin presence, abundance and residency. Open‐population mark‐recapture models indicate that 18 (95%CI = 15–20) dolphins regularly use Paterson Inlet. Photo‐identification of dolphins from unknown populations during two chance encounters in Otago Harbour and Dusky Sound included 11 individuals previously identified at Stewart Island. These results indicate that dolphins found regularly at Stewart Island are part of a larger, wide ranging southern population with a minimum population abundance of 92 (95%CI = 80–111) individuals.

Identification of candidate biomarkers for quality assessment of hatchery‐reared mussel larvae via GC/MS‐based metabolomics - T Young; AC Alfaro; S Villas‐Bôas (New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research, 2015)
To ensure environmental and economic sustainability of future aquaculture growth, large‐scale hatchery production of mollusc larvae is required. However, variation in larval quality currently limits potential maximum yields. Identification of biomarkers which reflect the immediate physiological condition of larvae during hatchery production could help monitor and determine causes of variation. Metabolomics is well‐suited to this task due to its capacity for providing an instantaneous snapshot of the physiology of an organism through analysis of its metabolite profile. As a test, we applied GC/MS‐based metabolomics for this purpose. Using a variety of univariate and multivariate feature selection methods, we identified four metabolite–metabolite ratios involving levels of succinate, glycine, alanine, pyroglutamate and myristic acid as candidate biomarkers for assessing mussel larval quality. These metabolites are known to have roles in energy metabolism, osmotic regulation, immune function and cell–cell communication. We anticipate that further investigation of these metabolites and their associated biochemical pathways will yield a more complete understanding of the factors responsible for larval production variability.

New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research 2014 - Doug Mountfort (New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research, 2015)

Using platforms of opportunity to determine the occurrence and group characteristics of orca ( Orcinus orca ) in the Hauraki Gulf, New Zealand - K Hupman; IN Visser; E Martinez; KA Stockin (New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research, 2015)
We present the first fine‐scale data relating to the occurrence and group characteristics for killer whales ( Orcinus orca ) in the Hauraki Gulf, New Zealand, as observed from a platform of opportunity (PoP). Group size and composition were examined in relation to water depth and sea surface temperature (SST). From 2000 to 2010, 119 orca encounters were recorded, involving 1 to 18 animals. The encounter rate varied seasonally, being highest in austral spring and lowest in summer. Water depth in which whales were observed was significantly affected by group composition. Sixty‐seven percent of groups contained immature animals. Group size was highly skewed towards smaller groups comprising two animals. While this study illustrates that PoPs can be used to indicate the occurrence and group characteristics of highly mobile social species, biases clearly exist. Through identifying such inaccuracies, we present recommendations on how future data should be collected to minimise error and improve datasets for scientific use.

Relationship between tissue phosphorus and seawater phosphate in the brown alga Hormosira banksii - EJ Douglas; TR Haggitt; TAV Rees (New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research, 2015)
We measured tissue phosphorus content of high and low intertidal Hormosira banksii to test the hypothesis that tissue phosphorus content would be greater in individuals from the low intertidal because of greater total uptake associated with longer immersion in seawater. Moreover, we predicted that tissue phosphorus would be greater at sites where the seawater contained higher phosphate concentrations. There was a positive, linear relationship between local seawater phosphate concentrations and tissue phosphorus content of H. banksii from high and low intertidal zones at six different sites in winter. However, there were no comparable relationships in summer, even though the range of seawater phosphate concentration was similar in both seasons. The phosphorus contents of low intertidal H. banksii were significantly greater than high intertidal H. banksii in winter, but not in summer. Reasons for these differences may be related to greater access to seawater phosphate in low intertidal algae (than those in the high intertidal) in winter, followed by greater utilisation of the internal phosphorus between winter and summer, due to faster growth rates in the low intertidal.

Population trends of New Zealand fur seals in the Rakiura region based on long‐term population surveys and traditional ecological knowledge - DM Watson; B Beaven; CJA Bradshaw (New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research, 2015)
We estimated population abundance of New Zealand fur seal ( Arctocephalus forsteri ) pups on Bench Island off Stewart Island, New Zealand seven times between 1996 and 2012. Overall, there was a 29% increase in pup abundance from 1996 to 2012 at the Main Beach colony, corresponding to a mean annual growth rate of 1.6% and a doubling time of approximately 40 years. At the Sprat Point colony, there was an overall increase of 29% between 2003 and 2012 corresponding to a mean annual growth rate of 2.9% and a doubling time of approximately 25 years. The area occupied by both colonies has also increased. In 2006, we surveyed East Beach and counted a total of 201 pups. We obtained traditional ecological knowledge of fur seal distribution and breeding status from local Māori for 46 locations around Stewart Island, 36 of which have not been surveyed since Wilson in 1971–1974; this supports an expansion of fur seal presence and breeding areas in the region in the last 41 years.

Estimating sperm whale ( Physeter macrocephalus ) daily abundance from a shore‐based survey within the Kaikoura submarine canyon, New Zealand - O Sagnol; C Richter; F Reitsma; LH Field (New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research, 2015)
The Kaikoura submarine canyon (New Zealand) is one of the few places in the world where male sperm whales ( Physeter macrocephalus ) can be found year round close to the shore. The objective of this study was to estimate the daily abundance of sperm whale within the study area. Positions of sperm whales were measured from a shore‐based station over a 2‐year study (2010–2012) which included information from 4613 sperm whale sightings. Distance sampling and mark‐resight models were used to estimate daily abundance. Results showed a mean of four (SEM = 0.13) individuals present in the study area at any given time. These results differ from, and are much lower than, those from previous studies. A decline in the daily number of individuals suggests that a cautious management approach is necessary. Our study illustrated the application of distance sampling and mark‐resight methods from a shore‐based station.

Variability of fronts, fresh water input and chlorophyll in the Indian Ocean sector of the Southern Ocean - N Anilkumar; JV George; R Chacko; N Nuncio; P Sabu (New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research, 2015)
The aim of this study was to understand the variability in the fronts and water masses, and the effect of melt water on the concentration of chlorophyll (Chl a ) in the Indian Ocean sector of the Southern Ocean using hydrographic data collected during the austral summer (February 2010 and 2011). The Southern Subtropical Front (SSTF) and Northern Sub Antarctic Front (SAF1) were found to be further south at 57°30′E than at 47–48°E. This southward shift of the fronts was consistent with the southward meandering (c. 2°) of the Antarctic Circumpolar Current (ACC) core from the western section to the eastern section, which could have been caused by the bottom topography. The intrusion of water masses also differed between the western and eastern transects of the study region as a result of the meandering of the ACC core. Fresh water layer thickness relative to the winter water in 2011 was more compared to that during 2010. This could have been due to the larger amount of sea ice that was present in the winter of 2010, which subsequently melted, resulting in the advection of melt water from the south and west of the study region. In situ observations and satellite data detected a high Chl a concentration (c. 0.38 mg m −3 ) south of the Northern Polar Front (PF1) in 2011, which was caused by this melt water.

Biogeographic and trophic drivers of mesozooplankton distribution on the northeast continental shelf and in Hauraki Gulf, New Zealand - JR Zeldis; KJ Willis (New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research, 2015)
The northeast continental shelf of New Zealand and adjacent Hauraki Gulf were surveyed from early spring to late summer, to identify biogeographic and trophic factors influencing mesozooplankton community distribution and abundance. The outer shelf supported low‐abundance oceanic species associated with the East Auckland Current which were also transported to the inner shelf during upwelling. Outer gulf sites, where gulf and shelf waters converged, supported a characteristic frontal assemblage. The inner gulf supported an abundant and diverse neritic community, with greater seasonal variability than offshore. Over spring to summer, succession of mesozooplankton taxa reflected an ecosystem shift from net autotrophic to heterotrophic states. These biogeographic and trophic effects defined the grazing impact mesozooplankton had on lower trophic levels, with grazing often matching primary production in spring and early summer. Greater mesozooplankton abundances in the gulf were supported by higher volume‐specific primary productivity than on the shelf. The results have important implications for higher trophic levels, including larval fish survival, adult fish distributions and whale feeding.

Mapping QTLs of caudal fin length in common carp ( Cyprinus carpio L.) - C Lu; Y Zhang; X Zheng; X Zhang; C Li; Y Kuang; D Cao; L Cheng; G Qiu; X Sun (New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research, 2015)
Common carp ( Cyprinus carpio L.) exhibits significant morphological variability in the shape and size of the caudal fin. In this study, we used 190 progeny from two F 1 parents to identify and map quantitative trait loci (QTLs) that influence caudal fin length ( CFL ) and the ratio ( RCS ) between caudal fin length and standard length ( SL ) based on a microsatellite genetic map of common carp. A total of 15 QTLs were detected in seven different linkage groups. One significant and eight suggestive QTLs affecting CFL were identified on LG8, LG14, LG29, LG32 and LG44, which explained 8.0%–22.1% of the phenotypic variation; six suggestive QTLs affecting RCS were detected on LG8, LG32, LG46 and LG48, which explained 7.0%–15.4% of the phenotypic variation. The QTLs for caudal fin length detected in this study may serve as a starting point for identification of genes involved in caudal fin development in common carp.

Life strategists and morpho‐functional groups applied to the phytoplankton of a Pampean shallow lake - G Ruiz; ME Mac Donagh; K Quaíni; L Solari (New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research, 2015)
Phytoplankton and environmental variables were studied during a year in a shallow eutrophic lake and its inflow in the ‘depressed Pampa’ of Argentina. The taxa were classified according to the competitors, stress tolerators, ruderals and intermediate categories (CSR) model and were allocated to morpho‐functional groups (MFG). As was expected according to the trophic state, scarce transparency and mixing condition, the R‐strategists (several cyanobacteria and pennate diatoms) dominated almost all of the study period. C‐strategists were more scarce and favoured by short periods of transparency, whereas only three species were attributed to the S‐strategist category. Each MFG was represented by a single species at a time, resulting in a high functional miscellany in this shallow lake. Thus, we can assume that the CSR approach is a useful tool to explain the success of the different species of phytoplankton in this shallow lake.

Biological plasticity of non‐native European perch ( Perca fluviatilis ) populations and the implications for management in northern New Zealand - A Sabetian; EDL Trip; P Wheeler; L Sands; S Wakefield; V Visconti; F Banda (New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research, 2015)
Size and age structure, longevity, growth, and reproductive activity of European perch ( Perca fluviatilis ) were studied at Lake Wainamu in March 2012 and 2013 as part of an introduced species eradication programme. Size and age structure of P. fluviatilis were dominated by smaller and younger individuals, while maximum age was estimated at 6 and 5 years for both years, respectively. Initial growth by the end of first year was faster when compared with selected studies in Europe, but size‐at‐equivalent age thereafter was smaller at Lake Wainamu. Oocyte atresia, asynchronous gonad development and vitellogenic oocytes were prevalent in ovaries at time of sampling in later summer, which warrant further investigation of P. fluviatilis as an iteroparous spring‐spawning species in northern New Zealand. Our findings imply that the population dynamics of P. fluviatilis are highly plastic and may be influenced by local biogeographical factors. This has strong implications for the management of P. fluviatilis in New Zealand freshwater systems.

Influence of flow on the migration and capture of juvenile galaxiids in a large river system - CF Baker; JP Smith (New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research, 2015)
The upstream migrations of juvenile galaxiids, or ‘whitebait’, form the basis of an important New Zealand fishery. This study used mark and recapture experiments with juvenile galaxiids in the Mokau River to examine the effect of flow on migration and capture rates. Recapture rates of marked fish ranged between 2.7% and 26.9%, with the proportion of fish recaptured positively correlated with increasing river flow. Increasing river flow negatively affected the upstream migration rates of fish. Migration rates through the tidal zone could be rapid, with fish travelling upstream at speeds up to 1.4 km h −1 within 24 h of release. However, not all marked fish exhibited rapid upstream movement. Fish captured on the second day following release had travelled at slower speeds up to 0.7 km h −1 , suggesting that these fish did not initiate their migration on the tidal cycle subsequent to their liberation. A small proportion of fish were also found to travel up to 15 km downstream following release at the upper end of the tidal zone. Results indicated that some fish migrated on both diurnal and nocturnal tidal cycles. Nocturnal migrations by juvenile galaxiids could reduce capture rates and increase recruitment, especially in smaller rivers and streams where fish can pass the tidal fishing area on a single overnight tidal cycle. These results have management implications for river systems where juvenile galaxiids are exposed to multiple days fishing pressure, as reducing fishable zones could be one means of reducing pressure on unstable or declining galaxiid populations.

Issue Information (Reviews in Aquaculture, 2015)

Chinese Abstracts (Reviews in Aquaculture, 2015)

Introduction and use of non‐native species for aquaculture in C hina: status, risks and management solutions - Yaping Lin; Zexia Gao; Aibin Zhan (Reviews in Aquaculture, 2015)
Aquaculture is one of the fast‐growing industries in the past decades. The fast expansion of aquaculture largely relies on the introduction and use of non‐native species. This forms a paradox: some species significantly contribute to the fast expansion of aquaculture, while negative effects associated with unregulated introduction and irresponsible use of non‐native species are increasing in number and area affected. However, lessons from reported disasters are slowly learned, and risks raised have been highly overlooked. Here, we discuss the known and potential risks derived from the introduction and use of non‐native species in China to urge the necessity of incorporating sound management into sustainable aquaculture. Sound management needs to be performed based on the characteristics of each aquaculture activity or related event. We discuss risks based on aquaculture activities or related events popularly employed in the past decades in China, including (i) transfers of non‐native species; (ii) fellow travellers, accidental introductions; (iii) artificial hybridization; and (iv) mass release of non‐native species for ranching. For each aquaculture activity or related event, we provide general background, status of this activity, risks raised and recommendations for management. Finally, we call for the collaboration of researchers from academia, government and aquaculture industry for proper risk assessment and sound management for sustainable development of aquaculture.

Current knowledge on biotin nutrition in fish and research perspectives - Rodrigue Yossa; Pallab K. Sarker; Donald M. Mock; Santosh P. Lall; Grant W. Vandenberg (Reviews in Aquaculture, 2015)
Biotin, a water‐soluble vitamin, is essential for normal growth, development and health of all animals. In terrestrial animal nutrition, biotin has recently spurred scientific interest because of the increasing body of knowledge on biotin involvement in gene expression, cell cycle and reproduction in mammals, and recent advances in molecular biology techniques allowing a more effective estimation of biotin effects in metabolism and physiology. In contrast, this information is scarce in aquatic animal nutrition, as studies have essentially focused on the estimation of minimum biotin requirement for maximum growth and tissue storage as well as for the formulation of least‐cost diet. This scarcity of information is also due to the lack of well‐established indicators of biotin status in aquatic organisms. The present review is a comparative analysis of current knowledge on biotin physiology and nutritional biochemistry in terrestrial and aquatic animal nutrition. Also, general information on biotin sources, bioavailability, deficiency and requirement in mammals and fish is provided in order to plan further studies. In the future, biotin nutrition studies in aquaculture should also include haematological parameters, histopathology of the gills, liver and kidney, gonad development, gamete quality and quantity, fecundity, larvae survival and gene expression. Dietary biotin requirement levels should be estimated at every life history stage of farmed fish. The potential contribution of intestinal microflora to biotin supply in different fish species should be investigated. All this information will allow a better understanding of the essentiality of biotin in fish growth, development, reproduction and health.

Transplantation of Icefish ( S alangidae) in C hina: Glory or Disaster? - Bin Kang; Junming Deng; Zhongming Wang; Jie Zhang (Reviews in Aquaculture, 2015)
China has a long history of aquaculture, and it contributes the largest aquaculture production worldwide. Aside from expanding aquaculture area and maximizing unit yield, introducing new potential species is greatly encouraged. Icefish ( S alangidae) from T aihu L ake have been introduced into other lakes and reservoirs throughout the country since 1979. Neosalanx tangkahkeii was introduced into the southern part of C hina, and P rotosalanx chinensis was introduced into the northern part of C hina, and both species have been introduced into a small part of central C hina and Y unnan P rovince in southwest C hina. Only one‐third of the transplantation was successful, and most of their yields experienced a burst‐down course. Intrinsic traits of icefish including annual life cycle, higher fecundity, lower trophic level, together with sufficient environment capacity supported the population forming and burst, while overfishing, pollution and short of food could result in the failure of the transplantation. The introduction of icefish brought in economic benefits, but severely threatened biodiversity, especially in plateau lakes in Y unnan P rovince, caused possible hybridization and carried diseases. According to different environmental conditions and economic needs at regional scale, further transplantation of icefish would face respective fate as resource conservation, rapid development, limitation and insignificance. Increasing attentions on environmental protection and sustainable resource utilization require a fresh evaluation and adjustment of icefish transplantation to achieve an ecologically healthy aquaculture.

Implementation of aquaculture parks in Federal Government waters in Brazil - Guilherme W. Bueno; Antônio Ostrensky; Carla Canzi; Flávia T. de Matos; Rodrigo Roubach (Reviews in Aquaculture, 2015)
The B razilian G overnment has been promoting studies on the zoning and demarcation of aquaculture parks dedicated to the production of fish in net‐cages in the large public reservoirs of the country. The methodology employed for the zoning of these aquaculture parks consists of the execution in three consecutive stages of multidisciplinary evaluations for their social, environmental and economical characterization (global, regional and local). The purpose of the studies involves the generation of thematic maps and scenarios of environmental models that facilitate the process of understanding the regional peculiarities and taking the decisions to identify the most appropriate areas for the installation of the aquaculture parks. The application of this instrument for zoning the reservoirs will assist a more effective planning of investments and efforts, both by the government and by private initiative, in the aquaculture activity. With the implantation of aquaculture parks along the lines of an ecosystemic aquaculture, Brazil has the potential to become one of the largest producers of fish in net‐cages in the world.

Littoral and benthic macroinvertebrate community responses to contrasting stressors in a large New Zealand river - Kevin J Collier; Mark P Hamer; Stephen C Moore (New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research, 2014)
Large rivers present major challenges for biomonitoring and the development of biocriteria because of difficulties obtaining samples representative of the range of habitats present and a paucity of information on taxa responses to environmental conditions. We sampled littoral and deepwater benthic habitats to investigate macroinvertebrate community composition associated with organic, sediment and heated water discharges at 22 transects along a 73 km section of the lower Waikato River, North Island, New Zealand. Significant community differences in near‐field exposure versus no exposure sites were found only in littoral habitats, partly reflecting changes in relative abundances of Crustacea and Oligochaeta. Littoral and benthic habitats supported different macroinvertebrate communities, particularly downstream of the sediment input and following the onset of a river‐floodplain morphology which may have enhanced deposition of suspended sediment. Distance down river was a significant covariate for most metrics derived from benthic samples, but did not influence the relative abundance of most macroinvertebrate groups in littoral samples. Collectively, these results suggest that littoral habitats are likely to be more suitable than benthic habitats for biomonitoring since macroinvertebrate faunas were responsive to near‐field stressor exposure and were less likely to be influenced by longitudinal changes in river conditions.

Fiordland: the ecological basis for ecosystem management - SR Wing; L Jack (New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research, 2014)
Marine ecosystems are structured by physical and biological influences on: production and transport of organic matter; population dynamics; and food web architecture. Here, we review how scientific insights in the Fiordland marine area have supported ecosystem management. Fiordland is a case study for four ecological paradigms: 1. physical forcing of productivity; 2. subsidies of organic matter; 3. reproductive source‐sink dynamics; and 4. stability of food web architecture. Understanding of these processes underpinned development of a network of marine reserves comprising the first regional experiment in marine ecosystem management for New Zealand. Monitoring the marine reserves demonstrated increasing abundance of rock lobsters ( Jasus edwardsii ) and blue cod ( Parapercis colias ). Further, analyses of reef fish communities indicated reserves supported abundant high trophic level omnivores, leading to stable communities and intact food webs. These results demonstrated success in two of the objectives of ecosystem management–enhanced production of exploited species and preservation of biodiversity.

Relationships between molecular bacterial diversity and chemistry of groundwater in the Wairarapa Valley, New Zealand - KA Sirisena; CJ Daughney; M Moreau; KG Ryan; GK Chambers (New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research, 2014)
Groundwater plays an important role in New Zealand water supplies and hence monitoring activities are conducted regularly. Most monitoring programmes aim to evaluate groundwater chemistry and almost completely overlook the microbial component in this ecosystem. In our present study, the bacterial community structure of groundwater in the Wairarapa Valley was examined using the terminal restriction fragment length polymorphism (T‐RFLP), and relationships between bacterial community structure and groundwater chemistry, aquifer confinement and groundwater usage were explored. In addition, the results from this study were compared with a previous T‐RFLP survey of the same area in an attempt to detect changes in bacterial community structure over time. The data obtained suggested that bacterial community structure was related to groundwater chemistry, especially to redox conditions. Species composition showed minimal variation over time if groundwater chemistry remained unchanged. These findings reflect the potential of using bacterial communities as biological indicators to evaluate the health of groundwater ecosystems. We suggest that it is important to include this type of broad bacterial diversity assessment criteria into regular groundwater monitoring activities.

Does large woody debris affect the hyporheic ecology of a small New Zealand pasture stream? - A Wagenhoff; DA Olsen (New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research, 2014)
Rehabilitation of vertical hydrological exchange in small pasture streams is expected to improve hyporheic habitat, invertebrate life and ecosystem functioning, and may be achieved by adding large woody debris (LWD). This study investigated whether hyporheic improvement within 10 to 50 cm below streambed surface is evident around existing wood structures in a small New Zealand pasture stream in the Whatawhata area near Hamilton. Samples were taken around LWD and from areas where no wood was present in the pasture and from a control stream. At the pasture stream site, where the hyporheic zone was impacted by sedimentation and suffered from low dissolved oxygen (DO) levels (on average 8.4, 4.3 and 2.4 mg L −1 at 10, 30 and 50 cm depth, respectively), LWD was not associated with a significant improvement in vertical hydrological exchange, hyporheic habitat quality or invertebrate richness. However, higher densities in hyporheic invertebrates were found where LWD was present (100 vs. 56 individuals per L of sediment), in particular Leptophlebiidae and Oligochaeta. Potential pumping effects of LWD may have been hampered by large‐scale deep groundwater upwelling in this reach. We conclude that in pasture streams where sedimentation is a legacy of land clearance on unstable slopes and where low hyporheic DO concentrations prevail, wood addition may not be an effective rehabilitation tool.

Editorial Board, 2014 (New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research, 2014)

Revisiting Squires' Coral Coppice, Campbell Plateau, New Zealand - KA Mackay; AA Rowden; HC Bostock; DM Tracey (New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research, 2014)
A ridge‐like structure on the Campbell Plateau southeast of New Zealand, previously identified by Squires as a coral coppice, has been relocated (50° 41.46′S, 167° 41.45′E) and its extent and morphology mapped using multibeam and backscatter data obtained during an opportunistic survey. There are at least three other similar features at this location on a seafloor bank, although only two were fully mapped. ‘Squires’ Coral Coppice' is extensive, measuring 6700 m long, 900 m wide and up to 50 m high relative to the surrounding seafloor, in water depths of 273–325 m. Bathymetric profiles, backscatter data and historical samples of deep‐sea coral (mainly Goniocorella dumosa ) were used to infer that the ridge‐like structures are coral reefs. The presence of deep‐water coral reefs in the area could be due to the unique combination of geological (hard substrata), biological (high productivity) and oceanographic (relatively strong eastward flowing currents, seasonal vertical mixing) conditions east of Auckland Island. Squires' Coral Coppice covers an area of 9.2 km 2 which makes it similar in size to some of the deep‐water reefs and mounds in the North Atlantic, and it could represent the only known large coral reef (> 1 km maximum continuous extent) in the Southern Hemisphere. Further surveys are required to visually confirm that the relocated features are coral reefs, and to determine if similar features/coral reefs occur elsewhere on the Campbell Plateau. Deep‐water coral reefs can support high levels of biodiversity and are vulnerable marine ecosystems that should be considered for protection in the region.

Novel and toxin‐producing epiphytic dinoflagellates isolated from sub‐tropical Raoul Island, Kermadec Islands group - L Rhodes; K Smith; T Harwood; C Bedford (New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research, 2014)
Epiphytic dinoflagellates were isolated from samples collected from macroalgae and corals during an expedition to the Kermadec Islands group, led by the Auckland Museum in November 2013. Isolates included species of Gambierdiscus and Ostreopsis , genera included in the ciguatera fish poisoning complex. Cells of a compressed (apical to antapical) form of Gambierdiscus were isolated into growth media, but species identification was not possible as isolates failed to grow in culture. The Ostreopsis isolate was successfully cultured and appears to be a new species (a full description will be undertaken). Palytoxin production was determined by chemical analysis (LC‐MS/MS) as 0.013 pg palytoxin equiv. per cell. Prorocentrum isolates were identified morphologically as P . cf. emarginatum and P. lima ; both were non‐toxic. Amphidinium cf. massartii and Coolia malayensis were identified by DNA sequence analysis. The suite of dinoflagellates isolated was typical of the co‐occurring genera found throughout the Pacific region.

Trade‐off between safety and feeding in the sea anemone Anthopleura aureoradiata - E Haag; K Dyson (New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research, 2014)
After a physical disturbance, such as a predatory stimulus, several marine organisms withdraw into a refuge to ensure survival. Consequently, they cannot engage in other essential activities. Re‐emergence reflects a trade‐off between avoidance of disturbance and lost feeding opportunities. The New Zealand sea anemone ( Anthopleura aureoradiata ) avoids predators by withdrawing its tentacles into its upper body. In a field experiment, responses of 480 A. aureoradiata to a physical disturbance were studied at three locations to assess the influence of the following factors on hiding time: physical contact with a neighbour; density of nearby conspecifics; total density per pool; and body size. Withdrawal times were significantly shorter for anemones in contact with a conspecific, occurring in high‐density patches or of larger size. These patterns are consistent with rapid re‐emergence being stimulated by competition for food from immediate neighbours and/or a lower risk of predation when in groups (i.e. a dilution effect), with larger size also potentially reducing vulnerability to predation.

Issue Information (Reviews in Aquaculture, 2014)

Chinese Abstracts (Reviews in Aquaculture, 2014)

The zebrafish ( D anio rerio ) as a model organism, with emphasis on applications for finfish aquaculture research - Laia Ribas; Francesc Piferrer (Reviews in Aquaculture, 2014)
The zebrafish ( D anio rerio ) is a freshwater teleost of the family C yprinidae that is established as a model organism in many research fields. Here, we define the characteristics that a fish species should have to serve as a model for finfish aquaculture research and argue that the zebrafish fulfils essentially most of them. We first describe several aspects of the biology of the zebrafish including phylogenetic relationships, development and growth and reproduction, both in the wild and under laboratory conditions. Next, we review the work already carried out in zebrafish that is related to different aspects of aquaculture research (reproduction, stress, pathology, toxicology nutrition and growth). We assess critically the areas in which zebrafish still offers further potential as a model organism for aquaculture, which include, but are not limited to, development, immunology, genomics and reproduction. In other areas, however, limitations must be borne in mind and caution must be taken when extrapolating results. This is, for example, the case of some growth studies. Finally, we provide information on resources for research with zebrafish. Current general limitations of work with zebrafish come from the fact that in contrast to other laboratory animal models such as rodents, strict breeding protocols are generally not adopted. Nevertheless, as there is no major obstacle to overcome these limitations and due to its intrinsic advantages, we conclude that the zebrafish is likely to play an increasing role as a model organism in many areas of research for finfish aquaculture.

Rickettsia‐like organisms from cultured aquatic organisms, with emphasis on necrotizing hepatopancreatitis bacterium affecting penaeid shrimp: an overview on an emergent concern - Teresa Gollas‐Galván; Luz Angélica Avila‐Villa; Marcel Martínez‐Porchas; Jorge Hernandez‐Lopez (Reviews in Aquaculture, 2014)
Aquaculture has expanded significantly in the last two decades. However, mass mortalities of cultured organisms have occurred, sometimes caused by intracellular prokaryotic organisms such as rickettsial‐like organisms ( RLO ). Different species of bivalves, fish and crustacean considered as commercially important have been affected by RLO . In particular, there are scarce reports of RLO affecting crustaceans; however, the necrotizing hepatopancreatitis ( NHPB ) bacterium has emerged as a pathogen of concern during the last decade. NHPB thrives in shrimp hepatopancreas, causing physiological alterations and inclusively massive mortalities. In spite of the above, there is still scarce information regarding NHPB and its molecular characterization. The review is focused on the recent advances in the knowledge of RLO of mollusc and fish, with special emphasis on the intracellular necrotizing hepatopancreatitis bacterium ( NHPB ) of penaeid shrimp.

Nutritional composition of potential zooplankton prey of spiny lobster larvae: a review - Miao Wang; Andrew G. Jeffs (Reviews in Aquaculture, 2014)
Spiny lobsters are one of the most valuable seafood products in the world. A major bottleneck to the development of commercial spiny lobster aquaculture is a lack of understanding of the natural diet and nutritional requirements of the larvae. Recent studies have identified the varied pelagic zooplankton prey of spiny lobster phyllosoma, which includes gelatinous taxa, such as ctenophores, jellyfish, salps, chaetognaths, polychaetes, siphonophores and radiolarians, as well as crustaceans, such as amphipods, copepods and krill. In light of these studies, the extensive range of published studies on the biochemical composition of zooplankton have been reviewed in an attempt to provide an initial indication of the possible nutritional requirements of spiny lobster phyllosoma, including protein, lipid, carbohydrate, ash and moisture content. The results indicate that protein is the predominant component in all taxonomic groups of potential prey, which is 46.7 ± 6.0% of dry mass (mean ± SE ) in crustaceans and 18.3 ± 7.8% of dry mass in gelatinous zooplankton, followed by lipid, which is 23.8 ± 4.5% of dry mass in crustaceans and 5.3 ± 1.4% of dry mass in gelatinous zooplankton. Carbohydrate is 1.9 ± 0.1% of dry mass in crustaceans and 0.9 ± 0.1% of dry mass in gelatinous zooplankton. Despite the much lower nutrient and energy content of gelatinous zooplankton compared with crustaceans, feeding by phyllosoma on gelatinous zooplankton may provide them more readily accessible nutrients. The results indicate that spiny lobster phyllosoma have a high dietary requirement for protein.

Is dietary taurine supplementation beneficial for farmed fish and shrimp? a comprehensive review - Abdel‐Fattah M. El‐Sayed (Reviews in Aquaculture, 2014)
Taurine is a neutral β‐amino acid derived from the metabolism of sulphur‐containing amino acids. It is present in high concentrations in animal tissues, especially heart, retina, skeletal muscle, brain, large intestines, plasma, blood cells and leucocytes. Therefore, this amino acid plays significant roles in many physiological functions, including membrane stabilization, antioxidation, detoxification, modulation of immune response, calcium transport, myocardial contractility, retina development, bile acid metabolism, osmotic regulation and endocrine functions. Historically, taurine has not been considered as an essential nutrient for fish. However, recent studies have indicated that taurine synthesis widely differs between fish species and demonstrated that it plays a key role in aquaculture and nutrition of freshwater and marine fish and shrimp. Animal proteins are rich in taurine, whereas plant proteins are taurine‐deficient. Therefore, fish fed plant protein–based food may require exogenous taurine for maintaining their physiological functions. Nevertheless, taurine may be conditionally indispensable for fish and shrimp, depending on dietary protein source, fish species and size, feeding habits, previous histories and the rate of metabolism of its precursors, namely cysteine and methionine. It is my belief that taurine functions in, and benefits for, farmed fish and shrimp are now more than worthy of critical review and analysis. This review summarizes the current knowledge on the roles of taurine in fish, particularly farmed fish and shrimp, with emphasis on taurine structure and biosynthesis, physiological functions, the effects of dietary taurine on fish performance and health and live food enrichment with taurine.

Developing yellowtail kingfish ( Seriola lalandi ) and hāpuku ( Polyprion oxygeneios ) for New Zealand aquaculture - JE Symonds; SP Walker; S Pether; Y Gublin; D McQueen; A King; GW Irvine; AN Setiawan; JA Forsythe; M Bruce (New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research, 2014)
Two high value species, yellowtail kingfish ( Seriola lalandi ) and hāpuku (groper, Polyprion oxygeneios ), have been identified as suitable new candidates for New Zealand aquaculture. This paper reviews the research by NIWA and collaborators conducted to test the biological, technological and economic feasibility of farming these two species. NIWA now has the capability to produce sufficient kingfish fingerlings per year to meet the needs of the early stages of an industry. Advances in hāpuku aquaculture have also been significant, from spawning in captivity through to the selection of juveniles for improved growth. Recently, the first spawning of captive hāpuku F1 broodstock and production of F2 eggs, larvae and juveniles was achieved. Although hāpuku larval survival remains variable, the ability to close the life cycle, and the availability of domesticated broodstock, provide a significant step forward and increase the chances of this species being commercially farmed.

Multi‐technique approach to characterise the effects of cryopreservation on larval development of the Pacific oyster ( Crassostrea gigas ) - S Suneja; AC Alfaro; AB Rusk; JR Morrish; HR Tervit; LT McGowan; SL Adams (New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research, 2014)
Cryopreservation experiments were conducted on D‐stage larvae of the Pacific oyster ( Crassostrea gigas ) to investigate the effects of two cryoprotectant solutions and three cooling rates on larval development from 1 to 22 days post‐fertilisation. Cryoprotectant solutions were made up to final concentrations (after 1:1 dilution with larvae) of 10% ethylene glycol, 1% polyvinylpyrrolidone and either 0.2 or 0.4 M trehalose. Three cooling rates (0.5, 1 and 2 °C min −1 between −10 and −35 °C post‐holding) were tested in an orthogonal design with the two cryoprotectants. Results indicate that control larvae out‐performed all cryopreservation treatments for survival, feeding consumption and shell length parameters. However, larvae exposed to 0.4 M trehalose did considerably better than those exposed to 0.2 M trehalose, regardless of cooling rate conditions. Scanning electron and light microscopy observations were used to assess larval morphology and organogenesis, indicating that treatments with surviving larvae were morphologically and developmentally similar to control larvae.

Molecular and biochemical tricks of the research trade: ‐omics approaches in finfish aquaculture - PM Lokman; JE Symonds (New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research, 2014)
Profitability of fish farming can be undermined by a suite of biological constraints. Effects of these constraints on the biology of the animal, the functioning of a tissue, or the quality of the final filleted product can be detected with very sensitive hi‐tech approaches, grouped by the term ‘‐omics’. These ‐omics technologies further present powerful tools for the genetic selection of diverse traits and, as such, will contribute substantially to the future development of the aquaculture sector. Sustainability issues of importance to the industry, such as environmental impacts, use of therapeutants, fish health management and fishmeal replacement, can again be aided, at least in part, through the effective use of ‐omics technologies. It thus appears that ‐omics technologies may be a key tool for the responsible growth of intensive aquaculture in the 21st century. In this paper we review the current status of ‐omics technologies and the potential for application within the aquaculture industry.

The risk to New Zealand shellfish aquaculture from paralytic shellfish poisoning (PSP) toxins - A. Lincoln MacKenzie (New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research, 2014)
New Zealand's reputation as a supplier of high quality food products is vital to the national economy; international consumers are acutely aware of food safety issues and markets are increasingly demanding higher standards. Filter feeding bivalves are particularly sensitive to the nature of the environment in which they are grown, and quality assurance is a major preoccupation of the shellfish aquaculture industry. With the exception of a couple of incidents, most notably the Gymnodinium catenatum blooms in 2000–2003, paralytic shellfish toxin (PST) contamination has, to date, not had an important effect on the economics and sustainability of the industry. However, the dinoflagellate species responsible for producing these toxins are not uncommon in New Zealand coastal phytoplankton communities, and it is important that awareness of the potential risk is maintained. This review summarises what we know about the causes and incidence of PST contamination from research and monitoring over the last 20 years, since it was first identified in New Zealand. It describes the dynamics of major events and their consequences, and evaluates what is likely to happen in the future as aquaculture expands into new areas with known histories of this problem.

Use of probiotic bacteria to improve growth and survivability of farmed New Zealand abalone ( Haliotis iris ) - JA Hadi; N Gutierrez; AC Alfaro; RD Roberts (New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research, 2014)
The effects of two probiotic feeds containing two and three bacterial isolates were evaluated on the growth performance of New Zealand abalone ( Haliotis iris ). Probiotic bacteria were isolated from the guts of healthy adult abalone. The isolates were screened qualitatively and quantitatively according to their ability to hydrolyse nutrients (i.e. proteins, starch and alginate), produce acid and resist bile salts. Based on the screening results, we developed a multi‐strain conglomerate of 2‐ and 3‐ probiotic bacterial strains that were supplemented into a commercial abalone feed to use in our experiments. The 2‐probiotic conglomerate consisted of Exiguobacterium JHEb1 and Vibrio JH1, and the 3‐probiotic conglomerate consisted of Exiguobacterium JHEb1, Vibrio JH1 and Enterococcus JHLDc. The probiotic feeding trial involved abalone juveniles (20–30 mm in maximum shell length). Both probiotic feeds significantly improved abalone growth compared to that of the unsupplemented feed. The 3‐probiotic supplemented feed produced a significant shell length increase of 20.9%, a wet weight gain of 19.8% and a five‐fold reduction in mortality compared to the controls. The 2‐probiotic supplemented feed resulted in significant increases in shell length (15.4%) and reduced mortality (five‐fold), but not in weight gain, compared to controls.

Neurophysiological control of swimming behaviour, attachment and metamorphosis in black‐footed abalone ( Haliotis iris ) larvae - AC Alfaro; T Young; K Bowden (New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research, 2014)
Experiments were conducted to test the effect of a range of chemicals on larval responses in swimming behaviour, attachment and metamorphosis of the black‐footed abalone ( Haliotis iris ). The effect of antibiotics on larval survival was first tested within negative (filtered seawater) and positive (GABA at 10 −5 , 10 −4 and 10 −3 mol L −1 ) control assays over 3 days. This experiment corroborated the effectiveness of using antibiotics to improve survival of larvae without obvious synergistic interactions with the GABA inducer or confounding effects of potential bacterial interactions. Chemical treatments (acetylcholine, potassium chloride, dopamine and glutamine) were then tested at various concentrations for their ability to modulate swimming behaviour and induce larval attachment and metamorphosis over 14 days. Generally, larval state shifted from swimming to attached, and from attached to metamorphosed, in the control and treatments over time. However, the peak percentage of attached and metamorphosed larvae varied in time among chemicals and concentrations. While overall percent metamorphosis was minimally enhanced after 14 days of exposure to some chemical treatments at certain concentrations, all treatments displayed significant capacities to down‐regulate larval swimming and induce early attachment and metamorphosis. Mortality was recorded throughout the duration of the experiment, and was generally low (

Broodstock conditioning of New Zealand geoduck ( Panopea zelandica ) within different temperature and feeding ration regimes - D Viet Le; AC Alfaro; N King (New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research, 2014)
Two‐year‐old New Zealand geoducks ( Panopea zelandica ) were conditioned within combinations of three water temperatures (7–8, 11–12 and 16–17 °C) and three feeding rations (10,000, 50,000 and 100,000 cells mL −1 of Chaetoceros mulleri and Isochrysis galbana ) for 73 days. Similar percent matured and dry condition index values were observed among temperatures. However, significantly higher dry gonadosomatic indices (GSI dw ) were recorded at 8 and 12 °C. Although no difference was detected in percentage of spawned individuals and connective tissue occupation indices, a higher percent matured were recorded when fed 10,000 and 50,000 cells mL −1 . A reference group conditioned in pond water became matured 2 months later than the other nine experimental groups, but GSI dw were similar. To maximise reproductive output, we suggest that 2‐year‐old P. zelandica may be conditioned in pond water for a month and then in 8 or 12 °C seawater with 50,000 cells mL −1 .

Genetic improvement of New Zealand aquaculture species: programmes, progress and prospects - MD Camara; JE Symonds (New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research, 2014)
Aquaculture, like terrestrial farming, cannot achieve economic and sustainable production without high performing genetic stocks tailored to the conditions under which they are grown. It is essential, therefore, that aquaculture investment includes genetics and biotechnology to adapt marine livestock to the novel conditions of intensive aquaculture and to the demanding markets into which they are sold. The return on investment in well‐structured breeding programmes can be very high, and significant performance and economic gains have been demonstrated in multiple species. Many factors must be considered in designing a genetic improvement programme, including the reproductive biology of the species and the identification of realistic and commercially relevant breeding goals based on the resources and facilities available. This paper reviews the options available to aquaculturists and provides examples of how these are being applied to six aquaculture species in New Zealand: king salmon, hāpuku, kingfish, Greenshell TM mussels, Pacific oysters and pāua (abalone).

DNA identification of the phyllosoma diet of Jasus edwardsii and Scyllarus sp. Z - SC Connell; R O'Rorke; AG Jeffs; SD Lavery (New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research, 2014)
The development of an effective artificial larval diet has been a major stumbling block for advancing the aquaculture of spiny lobsters internationally. Attempts to determine the natural diet of spiny lobster larvae have been impeded by their small size and sparse distribution in the open ocean, making these larvae difficult to study using conventional methods. Recent advances in molecular genetic techniques have provided a novel route for identifying the natural prey of spiny lobster larvae (phyllosoma). In this study, sequences from zooplankton found associated with phyllosomas, along with sequences from GenBank, were used to design a suite of group‐specific primers. These primers were able to amplify via the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) a short (100–200 base pair) DNA fragment from the 16S or COI locus of potential prey but not from lobster. These methods were applied to four wild‐caught phyllosomas of Jasus edwardsii and two phyllosomas of Scyllaru s sp. Z. Gadiforme, Cnidaria, Gastropoda and Decapoda crustacean (non‐lobster) DNA sequences were obtained from the gut contents of these lobster larvae and inferred as prey. These initial results confirm previous studies using other less definitive methods which have indicated that phyllosomas are opportunistic predators of a wide range of zooplankton taxa.

A non‐invasive anaesthetic method for accessing the brood chamber of the Chilean flat oyster ( Ostrea chilensis ) - TT Alipia; H Mae; BJ Dunphy (New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research, 2014)
A cost effective method to discern brooding from non‐brooding specimens of the Chilean flat oyster ( Ostrea chilensis Phillipi, 1844) is needed to optimise current hatchery practices for this species. Accordingly, we investigated the efficacy of two treatments, AQUI‐S® and MgCl 2 , in anaesthetising individuals of this species and then mapped any subsequent mortality of anaesthetised oysters. Oysters immersed for 3 h in solutions of 20, 40, 80 and 100 µL L −1 of AQUI‐S® exhibited no signs of anaesthesia and also recorded low levels of mortality (i.e. 8% or less). Conversely, oysters immersed in 30, 40 and 50 g L −1 MgCl 2 showed between 96%–100% anaesthesia after 3 h whereas only 70% of oysters immersed in 60 g L −1 MgCl 2 were anaesthetised over this time period. Time taken for 50% of oyster shells to open (SO 50 ) was compared among MgCl 2 treatments with oysters immersed in 60 g L −1 taking significantly longer than (103 min) those immersed in 30–50 g L −1 (SO 50 values of 43, 54 and 37 min respectively). Furthermore, treating oysters with MgCl 2 resulted in low levels of mortality (i.e. 13% or less) and was not related to MgCl 2 concentration. Thus, our results show that immersing O. chilensis in MgCl 2 to be an efficient and cost effective method to access the brood chamber of this species. We recommend the use of 30 g L −1 for routine anaesthesia and recommend that future work investigates the efficacy of cheaper MgCl 2 sources and what effects MgCl 2 anaesthetisation has on developing larvae.

Enabling and driving aquaculture growth in New Zealand through innovation - Andrea C. Alfaro; Andrew G. Jeffs; Nick King (New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research, 2014)

Effect of size grading on the growth performance of shortfin eel ( Anguilla australis ) during its yellow stage - JA Hirt‐Chabbert; A Sabetian; OA Young (New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research, 2014)
It is generally believed that size grading in a fish farm improves the total biomass output, because it will minimise the stress imposed by larger individuals over small individuals, resulting in higher feed intake and growth rate. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of size grading on individual growth performance of yellow New Zealand shortfin eel ( Anguilla australis ). A 109 day trial was conducted in a recirculation aquaculture system (RAS) with 103 eels of similar initial weight (101 ± 12 g). All eels were individually marked by PIT (passive integrated transponder) tags. On day 42, eels were graded to establish the following groups: only small eels ( S‐graded ≤ 135 g), only large eels ( L‐graded > 135 g), and small and large eels together ( S‐ungraded and L‐ungraded) . The large eels showed better specific growth rate (SGR), feed intake (FI) and feed conversion ratio (FCR) than the small eels. Nevertheless, no significant differences were found either between L‐graded and L‐ungraded or between S‐graded and S‐ungraded . The age of eels was not significantly different between groups. These findings suggest that the individual growth rate performance of the eels is not primarily a consequence of social interaction among tank‐mates.

Feasibility of co‐culture of the Australasian sea cucumber ( Australostichopus mollis ) with the Pacific oyster ( Crassostrea gigas ) in northern New Zealand - LN Zamora; J Dollimore; AG Jeffs (New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research, 2014)
The Australasian sea cucumber ( Australostichopus mollis ) has attracted commercial attention for aquaculture development, partly due to its potential for co‐culture with shellfish and finfish species. However, minimal attention has been given to the possibility of co‐culturing this species with oysters. In this study we evaluated the growth of juvenile sea cucumbers (36.7 ± 0.9 g, wet weight) caged underneath Pacific oyster farms in northern New Zealand. Co‐culture started at the end of the summer, and after 304 days the juveniles had doubled in size (79.8 ± 3.3 g, wet weight), but their subsequent growth appeared to be constrained by overstocking of the cages and summer water temperatures, reaching a carrying capacity of 720 g m −2 . Overall, the results of this study indicate that the co‐culture of juvenile sea cucumbers with Pacific oysters is feasible, if sea cucumber losses are reduced (between 33% and 52% lost in this study) and careful attention is given to stocking rates and the water temperature regimes of oyster farms in order to maintain adequate growth rates.

Chinese Abstracts (Reviews in Aquaculture, 2014)

Issue Information (Reviews in Aquaculture, 2014)

Salmon welfare index model 2.0: an extended model for overall welfare assessment of caged Atlantic salmon, based on a review of selected welfare indicators and intended for fish health professionals - Jostein M. Pettersen; Marc B.M. Bracke; Paul J. Midtlyng; Ole Folkedal; Lars H. Stien; Håvard Steffenak; Tore S. Kristiansen (Reviews in Aquaculture, 2014)
Here, we present an extended version of a semantic model for overall welfare assessment of Atlantic salmon reared in sea cages. The model, called SWIM 2.0, is designed to enable fish health professionals to make a formal and standardized assessment of fish welfare using a set of reviewed welfare indicators. SWIM 2.0 supplements SWIM 1.0, which was designed for application by fish farmers. We searched the literature for documented welfare indicators that could be used by fish health professionals. The selected indicators are eyes, cardiac condition, abdominal organs, gills, opercula, skeletal muscles, vaccine‐related pathology, aberrant fish, necropsy of the dead fish and active euthanasia. Selection criteria for the SWIM 2.0 indicators were that they should be practical and measureable on salmon farms by fish health professionals and that each indicator could be divided into levels from good to poor welfare backed up by relevant scientific literature. To estimate each indicator's relative impact on welfare, all the indicators were weighted based on their respective literature reviews and according to weighting factors defined as part of the semantic modelling framework. This was ultimately amalgamated into an overall SWIM 2.0 model that can be used to calculate welfare indexes for salmon in sea cages, taking into account the available fish health expertise. Using this model, an example calculation based on recordings and samplings done from an Atlantic salmon sea cage containing 106 000 fish yielded an overall welfare index of 0.81 of a maximum of 1.0.

Palinurid lobster aquaculture: nutritional progress and considerations for successful larval rearing - David S. Francis; Matt L. Salmon; Matt J. Kenway; Michael R. Hall (Reviews in Aquaculture, 2014)
The closed‐cycle rearing of palinurid lobsters in commercially relevant quantities currently represents one of the most difficult challenges facing modern‐day aquaculture. The length and complexity of the larval life cycle exacerbate the problem, comprising the major bottleneck to their successful aquaculture. The general consensus is that developments in the key research area of nutrition will provide the necessary breakthroughs to make the closed‐cycle rearing of lobster a reality. Due to the cryptic nature of feeding preferences and complex larval morphology, a commercially formulated feed for their culture does currently not exist. Nevertheless, there has been a wealth of research conducted to elucidate many of the unknowns concerning larval nutritional requirements. This review presents a synthesis of this information, ranging from investigations of larval morphology and feeding behaviour, hatchery nutrition practices, the elucidation of wild prey items and the nutritional content of wild‐caught larval species. Based on the information available, this review culminates with a ‘best guess’ formulation for a larval spiny lobster diet, taking aspects concerning both the physical and chemical attributes of formulation into consideration. It is concluded that larval spiny lobsters are likely comparatively low in relation to other larval species with respect to their quantitative dietary requirements. Ultimately, the overall success of the larval cycle appears to be dictated by the stockpiling of lipids to fuel an energy‐demanding metamorphosis and a subsequent nonfeeding puerulus phase. These insights provide valuable direction for the formulation of nutritionally complete feeds to permit the closed‐loop culture of spiny lobster species.

Probiotics in aquaculture: a current assessment - Tania Pérez‐Sánchez; Imanol Ruiz‐Zarzuela; Ignacio de Blas; José L. Balcázar (Reviews in Aquaculture, 2014)
Because of health and environmental concerns, the use of chemotherapeutic agents has been restricted in many countries over recent years. This restriction has resulted in a demand for alternative strategies to improve aquaculture production and enhance disease resistance. Among these options, probiotics, live micro‐organisms that confer a health benefit to the host by providing both a nutritional benefit and protection against pathogens, represent an important option for the management of diseases and their use may replace some of the therapeutic chemicals commonly used in aquaculture. Our review explores the current state of knowledge on the impacts of probiotics on aquaculture, with particular emphasis on the criteria used for selection and evidence of their beneficial effects.

The invasive potential of parasitic monogenoids (platyhelminthes) via the aquarium fish trade: an appraisal with special reference to India - Amit Tripathi (Reviews in Aquaculture, 2014)
Aquaculture, the rearing of aquatic organisms under controlled or semi‐controlled conditions to produce organisms, mainly for food, ornamental and sporting purposes, is a fastest‐growing animal‐food‐producing sector in the world. The human‐mediated introduction of exotic fish has played an important role in the success story of aquaculture. Nonetheless, many exotic fish have been implicated in the loss of native fish biodiversity, largely through the transmission of parasites and diseases amongst others. Whilst the transmission of parasites following the introduction of exotic food fish is well documented, transfer of those carried by exotic ornamental fish has received little attention. This article provides the first summary review of the global translocation of the platyhelminthes class Monogenoidea via the aquarium fish trade to draw attention to the growing parasitological risk factors associated with this form of commerce. By examining the invasive characteristics of both aquarium fish and monogenoids, I review how the monogenoids fit into the different stages that an introduced species goes through when invading the destination environment. For this, I use a theoretical framework, synthesising published reports on the aquarium fish trade with current knowledge on monogenoids to model invasion success. Next, I provide examples of invasive monogenoids on exotic Indian aquarium fish and briefly discuss the vulnerability of India to colonisation by imported aquarium fish and their parasitic monogenoids. I conclude that the aquarium fish trade is a perfect gateway for worldwide translocation of monogenoids. As this trade continues to increase and intensify, global translocation of monogenoids will expand even further.

Snapper ( Chrysophrys auratus ): a review of life history and key vulnerabilities in New Zealand - DM Parsons; CJ Sim‐Smith; M Cryer; MP Francis; B Hartill; EG Jones; A Le Port; M Lowe; J McKenzie; M Morrison; LJ Paul; C Radford; et al. (New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research, 2014)
Snapper ( Chrysophrys auratus ) is an important coastal fish species in New Zealand for a variety of reasons, but the large amount of research conducted on snapper has not been reviewed. Here, we review life history information and potential threats for snapper in New Zealand. We present information on snapper life history, defining stages (eggs and larvae, juvenile and adult), and assess potential threats and knowledge gaps. Overall we identify six key points: 1. post‐settlement snapper are highly associated with certain estuarine habitats that are under threat from land‐based stressors. This may serve as a bottleneck for snapper populations; 2. the largest knowledge gaps relate to the eggs and larvae. Additional knowledge may help to anticipate the effects of climate change, which will likely have the greatest influence on these early life stages; 3. ocean acidification, from land‐based sources and from climate change, may be an important threat to larval snapper; 4. a greater understanding of population connectivity would improve certainty around the sustainability of fishery exploitation; 5. the collateral effects of fishing are likely to be relevant to fishery productivity, ecosystem integrity and enduser value; 6. our understanding of the interrelationships between snapper and other ecosystem components is still deficient.

Gambierdiscus cf. yasumotoi (Dinophyceae) isolated from New Zealand's sub‐tropical northern coastal waters - L Rhodes; G Giménez Papiol; K Smith; T Harwood (New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research, 2014)
A globular form of the epiphytic dinoflagellate genus, Gambierdiscus , was isolated and cultured from Northland, New Zealand. The closest species, based on Bayesian analyses of the large subunit ribosomal DNA (LSU rDNA) D1‐D3 and D8‐D10 regions, were G. yasumotoi and G. ruetzleri . The thecal plate morphology of the isolate, in particular the small pores and large 2’’’’ plate, most closely resembled G. yasumotoi . However, the ratios of the cell measurements (depth‐to‐width 1.3 and length‐to‐width 1.4) were more similar to G. ruetzleri and suggest that morphological variability exists within the globular Gambierdiscus group. The isolate produced putative maitotoxin‐3, but no maitotoxin‐1 or ciguatoxin.

The influence of waves on landing patterns within a diverse Sumatran spiny lobster ( Panulirus spp.) fishery - A Tewfik (New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research, 2014)
The distribution of Indo‐Pacific spiny lobster populations is known to be influenced by oceanic hydrodynamics and terrestrially generated turbidity. The distinct pattern of artisanal landings for six lobster species ( Panulirus homarus, P. longpipes longipes, P. ornatus, P. penicillatus, P. polyphagus, P. versicolor ) on the west coast of Aceh Province is described. The observed pattern was influenced by availability of a variety of habitats and variability in environmental conditions affecting fisher access to lobster habitats. Relatively constant access to wave ‘protected’, soft sediment habitats and affiliated species (e.g. P. homarus ) was in stark contrast to more wave ‘exposed’ habitats and oceanic/reef species (e.g. P. pencillatus, P. versicolor ) which may be difficult to access during the high wave energy dominated wet season. This study adds to the growing body of research on the impacts of weather on fishing fleets and potential changes in landings that may result as a consequence of climate change.

Development of two diatom‐based indices: a biotic and a multimetric index for assessing mine impacts in New Zealand streams - KA Schowe; JS Harding (New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research, 2014)
Diatoms are widely recognised as potentially useful biological indicators, and are increasingly incorporated into water quality monitoring in North America and Europe. Despite their potential there have been no diatom‐based indices developed for New Zealand. Overseas, diatoms have been shown to be especially useful in the monitoring of acid mine drainage (AMD). We sampled diatoms from 39 streams along an AMD gradient on the West Coast of the South Island, New Zealand. We developed two indices from relative abundance data; a single biotic index (pHBI) and a multimetric index (Diatom Mine Pollution Score [DMPS]). Both indices were able to categorise streams as circum‐neutral, moderately or severely impacted by AMD. However, neither index was able to differentiate naturally acidic streams (pH 4.0–5.7) from those moderately impacted by AMD. Diatom species responded to changes in acidity but were less affected by metals. Overall, this study demonstrates the potential usefulness of diatoms in monitoring the impacts of AMD, specifically acidity, in New Zealand streams.

Mixing and transport near the shallow‐crested Rumble III seamount and the implications for plankton distribution - CL Stevens; M Consalvey; JA Devine; MR Clark (New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research, 2014)
Vessel‐based observations of water column structure and flow near a shallow‐crested seamount are used to quantify the physical disturbance induced by that seamount. The implications of this disturbance on the ‘feeding hole’ hypothesis are then examined based on data from moored thermistors and acoustic current profilers, as well as vessel‐based acoustic sounding‐derived biomass estimates, currents, and conductivity‐temperature‐depth profiles from a 55 km square grid of stations around the crest. Mean currents in the region of 0.2 m s −1 are comparable to observations from surface drifters whereas the semidiurnal tidal flow amplitude was one third of this. Thorpe Scale‐based estimates of energy dissipation rate were in the range 10 −9 to 2.10 −8 W kg −1 and vertical diffusivities K z were in the range 10 −4 to 10 −3 m 2 s −1 . Turbulence levels were higher upstream of the seamount–likely due to the influence of nearby seamounts Rumble IV and V. There was no evidence of a Taylor Cap in the Rumble III velocity field. The sounder data provide some evidence of a feeding hole and analysis based on diffusivities suggests that this might persist downstream of the seamount for as much as 7 days.

The influence of habitat availability on juvenile fish abundance in a northeastern New Zealand estuary - Darren M Parsons; Crispin Middleton; Matthew D Smith; Russell G Cole (New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research, 2014)
Management of fish populations is often focused on the exploitation of adult fish. Maintaining the habitat requirements of all life stages may also be an important consideration. We investigated the value of structured habitat to juvenile fishes within a northeastern New Zealand harbour using artificial seagrass units (ASUs). Specifically, we deployed ASUs across treatments with high vs. low habitat manipulations. We hypothesised that if the abundance of recruiting juvenile fishes was greater on the high habitat availability treatments this would suggest that the availability of habitat was limiting juvenile fish abundance. Our analyses were focused on the four most abundant fishes that settled on our ASUs: snapper ( Pagrus auratus ); spotty ( Notolabrus celidotus ); trevally ( Pseudocaranx dentex ); and an assemblage of pipefish species. For snapper, spotty and pipefish, abundance was greater on the high habitat availability treatments. This result would be unlikely to occur if the availability of juvenile fishes was limiting, suggesting that juvenile fish abundance is more likely to be limited by habitat. In terms of spatial gradients, spotty abundance and size increased with distance into the harbour. The spatial gradient present for spotty indicates the importance of placing the habitat dependency of juvenile fish into a landscape context. Overall, these results demonstrate that maintaining structured habitats may be an important consideration for some valuable inshore fish populations in northeastern New Zealand.

Age validation, growth and population characteristics of greenback flounder ( Rhombosolea tapirina ) in a large temperate estuary - Jason Earl; Anthony J Fowler; Qifeng Ye; Sabine Dittmann (New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research, 2014)
The greenback flounder ( Rhombosolea tapirina ) is an important fishery species in southern Australia and New Zealand, whose demographic processes are poorly understood. This study developed an ageing protocol based on otolith interpretation and provided estimates of age‐based data for an exploited population in the estuary of Australia's largest river system. The otoliths fulfilled three criteria that established their usefulness for ageing. Estimates of size and age were used to generate von Bertalanffy growth curves for male and female fish sampled from two areas within the estuary. There were no differences in growth between the sexes, despite the strong bias in number towards female fish. Spatial differences in growth were marginal. Populations involved only a few young age classes. Such truncation may relate to the fishery, to movement of older fish out of the system, or to recent poor environmental conditions limiting spawning and early life survivorship.

Short‐term survival of severe propeller strike injuries and observations on wound progression in a bottlenose dolphin - SL Dwyer; L Kozmian‐Ledward; KA Stockin (New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research, 2014)
Until recently, vessel collisions with small cetaceans were presumed rare, mainly as a consequence of limited reporting. Observations on dolphin wound healing from propeller strike injuries also remain scarce. We present an extreme case of a bottlenose dolphin ( Tursiops truncatus ) with multiple propeller wounds, including a penetration to the bone, where survival was possible for at least 23 days post injury. We used photographic records in conjunction with field observations to describe wound progression in the absence of treatment. Considering the severity of the wounds, it was surprising that the injuries were not immediately fatal. A practical solution remains to be found for the problem of odontocete vessel collisions, in particular for small highly mobile species using neritic waters. In view of the ongoing problem in the Hauraki Gulf and, indeed, worldwide, we recommend continued evaluation of cases and reporting of incidents, in addition to investigations into mechanisms that may reduce the risk of occurrence of vessel collisions with cetaceans.

Relating a recruitment shift of Patagonian grenadier ( Macruronus magellanicus Lönnberg) to large‐scale environmental changes off Southern Chile - LA Cubillos; EJ Niklitschek; S Cahuin (New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research, 2014)
The SE Pacific stock of Patagonian grenadier ( Macruronus magellanicus ) showed evidence of an abrupt reduction in recruitment after 2000. This drop exceeded expectations from changes in the spawning stock biomass (SSB), indicating a change in the stock‐recruitment relationship (S‐R). We evaluated whether variability in recruitment could be explained by concurrent changes in three environmental indices: sea‐surface temperature anomaly (SSTA); southern oscillation index (SOI); and latitudinal position of the west wind drift bifurcation (WWDL). Continuous and discrete effects of these indices were tested as covariates in linear log‐log and non‐linear Ricker's S‐R models. Discrete effects represented regime shifts detected in SSTA (1998), SOI (1998) and WWDL (1995). While SSTA was the only continuous variable found to be significant, the discrete 1998 regime shift supported the most informative model. The best Ricker's model considered a discrete intercept change in the same year: 1998. Although a spurious correlation between SSTA and S‐R changes is possible, SSTA may be reflecting major physical or biological changes relevant to M. magellanicus juveniles in the SE Pacific.

Characterisation of freshwater and marine cyanobacteria in the Hokianga region, Northland, New Zealand - JM Wall; SA Wood; DA Orlovich; LL Rhodes; TC Summerfield (New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research, 2014)
Lake Omapere, Northland, New Zealand, contributes significant inputs of freshwater to Hokianga Harbour, and is subject to toxic cyanobacterial blooms. During summer 2004, ADDA‐ELISA analysis indicated microcystins were present in Pacific oysters ( Crassostrea gigas ) in Hokianga Harbour, leading to farm closures. Once the bloom had abated, continued detection of low microcystin levels suggested toxin production may be from cyanobacteria in the harbour not the lake. In this study, 20 cyanobacterial strains were isolated from Lake Omapere, its outflow and Hokianga Harbour. Morphological and molecular data identified diverse cyanobacterial species (15 Oscillatoriales and five Nostocales), including close relatives of toxin producers. Genes associated with toxin production were not detected in any strains and their cellular extracts were not toxic to Artemia salina larvae. An in vitro feeding trial of Pacific oysters with a microcystin‐producing Microcystis aeruginosa strain (CAWBG16) was undertaken. No microcystins were detected in the shellfish using liquid chromatography‐mass spectrometry.

First record of Schizymenia apoda (Schizymeniaceae, Rhodophyta) in New Zealand - R D'Archino; GC Zuccarello (New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research, 2014)
The foliose red alga Schizymenia apoda (Schizymeniaceae) is reported for the first time in New Zealand waters. Its identity was confirmed by rbc L sequence data and morphological observations. This alga has been reported from both the Atlantic and the North Pacific and, although it is very variable in colour and habit, it is easily distinguished morphologically by the presence of refractive gland cells (visible in surface view), large cystocarps with a pronounced ostiole, and the lack of tetrasporophyte blades. Although not reported as an introduced species elsewhere, in New Zealand S. apoda was collected at the ferry terminal and on pontoons and pilings in the marinas of Wellington Harbour. It was also discovered in Otago Harbour. The examination of herbarium specimens and recent collections from areas outside the harbour has resulted in only a few samples that could be referred to this species, leading us to consider this a new introduction.

Chinese Abstracts (Reviews in Aquaculture, 2014)

Issue Information (Reviews in Aquaculture, 2014)

Pond shutdown as a strategy for preventing outbreaks of white spot disease in shrimp farms in M exico - Alfredo Hernandez‐Llamas; Francisco J. Magallon‐Barajas; Ricardo Perez‐Enriquez; Julio Cabanillas‐Ramos; Hector M. Esparza‐Leal; Guillermo Portillo‐Clark (Reviews in Aquaculture, 2014)
Pond shutdown is a strategy used to eliminate residual pathogens. For 2005–2011, we analysed the relationship between the prevalence of white spot disease (WSD) and the length of pond shutdown (LPS) and discussed its effectiveness for the prevention of WSD in Mexico. The LPS increased significantly from 2.1 months in 2005 to 3.1 months in 2011. The prevalence of WSD diminished significantly from 2005 to 2009, but no evidence of diminution was found when 2010 and 2011 were included in the time series. A χ 2 ‐test for trend indicated that the prevalence of WSD diminished significantly as LPS increased in 2005 through to 2009 and 2005 through to 2011 ( P P = 0.048), 2007 ( P = 0.002), 2008 ( P = 0.0001) and 2009 ( P = 0.001); no evidence for decreasing the prevalence occurred in 2005 ( P = 0.1), 2010 ( P = 0.17) or 2011 ( P = 0.52). The χ 2 ‐test adjusted for confounding indicated that decreases in prevalence in 2005 to 2009 could be attributed to increases of LPS rather than confounding variables such as increased resistance of shrimp, diminished virulence and improved cultivation practices. We discuss the possible relationship between the warm water temperatures in the Gulf of California and increases in the prevalence of WSD. We conclude that LPS has been an adequate management strategy for preventing WSD, supporting recent compulsory measures taken by the Mexican government to improve biosecurity in shrimp farms.

Virulence mechanisms of bacterial aquaculture pathogens and antivirulence therapy for aquaculture - Tom Defoirdt (Reviews in Aquaculture, 2014)
Although aquaculture continues to be the fastest‐growing food‐producing industry worldwide, the sector faces important challenges with respect to controlling infectious diseases. Indeed, the frequent use of antibiotics, which are traditionally the most important line of defence against bacterial disease, has raised problems related to the development and spread of resistance. As a result, we currently are in a race to develop novel therapeutics that should allow us to continue controlling bacterial disease in the future. In this respect, scientific progress of the past years has allowed us to start understanding the mechanisms by which bacterial pathogens are causing disease. This knowledge in its turn opens up novel possibilities to combat infections by interfering with these mechanisms, a strategy that has been termed antivirulence therapy. In this review, the current knowledge with respect to pathogenicity mechanisms of bacterial aquaculture pathogens is discussed, including adhesion mechanisms, production of extracellular polysaccharides and biofilm formation, production of lytic enzymes (e.g. haemolysins and proteases), mechanisms of iron acquisition, secretion systems and regulatory mechanisms such as quorum sensing and host–pathogen signalling with catecholamine stress hormones. Furthermore, an overview is given of the first steps towards antivirulence therapy for aquaculture, with a focus on quorum sensing disruption as a proof of concept.

Proliferating cell nuclear antigen and V asa protein expression during gonadal development and sexual differentiation in cultured S iberian ( A cipenser baerii B randt, 1869) and R ussian ( A cipenser gueldenstaedtii B randt & R atzeburg, 1833) sturgeon - Malgorzata Rzepkowska; Teresa Ostaszewska (Reviews in Aquaculture, 2014)
Early gonadal development in R ussian ( A cipenser gueldenstaedtii B randt, 1869) and S iberian sturgeon ( A cipenser baerii Brandt & R atzeburg, 1833) reared in controlled conditions from dph 1–439 (days post hatching) was studied using histological methods. Migrating primordial germ cells ( PGC s) were observed in both species on dph 1. On dph 25 in both species gonad primordia developed in gonadal ridges. In dph 115 juveniles two types of gonad were distinguished, putative ovary and putative testicle. Meiotic activity was observed in ovaries on dph 197, while in testicles the first meiotic divisions were observed much later, on dph 439 and only in several S iberian specimens. The presence of V asa protein was confirmed exclusively in germ cells during gonadogenesis, indicating that V asa is a good marker of germinal cells also in A cipenseridae. Vasa protein displayed a nuage association or nuage‐like localization. Some differences in the level of V asa protein expression during male and female gonad development were also observed. In the gonads of both investigated sturgeon species the PCNA (proliferating cell nuclear antigen)‐positive reaction was observed first in oogonia, while in spermatogonia at approximately 115 dph which was correlated with active mitotic divisions of germ cells. Surprisingly, meiotic oocytes arrested in diplotene also demonstrated strong PCNA ‐positive germinal vesicle.

Dynamic self‐thinning model for sessile animal populations with multilayered distribution - Isabel Fuentes‐Santos; Alhambra M. Cubillo; María José Fernández‐Reiriz; Uxío Labarta (Reviews in Aquaculture, 2014)
The main drawback of the traditional self‐thinning model is how time is handled. Self‐thinning ( ST ) has been formally recognized as a dynamic process, while the current ST models have not included the temporal effect. This restricts the analysis to the average competitive behaviour of the population and produces a biased estimation of the self‐thinning parameters. In this study, we extend the dynamic ST model introduced by Roderick and Barnes (2004) to the analysis of multilayered sessile animal populations. For this purpose, we incorporate the number of layers and the density per layer into the dynamical approach. The performance of the dynamic model was checked and compared with the classical ST model through the analysis of mussel populations grown at different density treatments. Unlike the traditional model, the dynamical approach detected the effect of culture density on the competitive behaviour of individuals and allowed to analyse the temporal evolution of intraspecific competition by estimating the ST exponent trajectory. Moreover, this approach provided an ecological interpretation of any possible value of the ST exponent. Thus, our results support the use of the dynamic model in the analysis of self‐thinning in sessile animal multilayered populations. The estimation of the ST exponent trajectory reflects the dynamic nature of the ST process, providing a more realistic description of population dynamics than the traditional model.

Sturgeon ( A cipenser transmontanus ) sexual maturation and caviar quality - Xiaonan Lu; Barbara A. Rasco (Reviews in Aquaculture, 2014)
Numerous studies about sturgeon reproductive physiology over the past twenty years have helped researchers to understand the relationship between how sexual maturation in female sturgeon may affect the quality and yield of caviar. Here, works about white sturgeon ( A cipenser transmontanus ) female reproductive physiology relating to egg harvest and roe quality are summarized.

Dissolved oxygen criteria for freshwater fish in New Zealand: a revised approach - PA Franklin (New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research, 2014)
Maintenance of suitable conditions in lowland rivers for both fish passage and resident species is crucial to ensuring the long‐term sustainability of fish populations. The dissolved oxygen concentration of water is a key factor controlling habitat quality for fish and a critical measure of stream health. Continued land use intensification and greater exploitation of water resources has contributed towards increasing the frequency and duration of low dissolved oxygen events in lowland rivers and the associated risk of adverse effects on fish communities. Revised guidelines are therefore proposed to support setting of biologically relevant dissolved oxygen limits for the protection of New Zealand freshwater fish communities. These guidelines account for both event magnitude and duration, identify different protection levels based on the risk of negative impacts and are based on current scientific knowledge on the tolerances of New Zealand fish species.

Mangrove ( Avicennia marina subsp. australasica ) litter production and decomposition in a temperate estuary - RV Gladstone‐Gallagher; CJ Lundquist; CA Pilditch (New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research, 2014)
Mangrove forests can provide important cross‐boundary subsidies of organic matter to adjacent habitats through the production, export, decomposition and assimilation of litter. We quantified two of these components in a temperate mangrove forest in Whangamata Harbour, New Zealand: 1) litter production; and 2) decomposition rates as a function of tidal elevation, sediment type and burial depth. Litter traps sampled monthly for a year measured an annual detrital input of 3.24–5.38 t DW ha −1 , of which 77% occurred in summer. Decomposition rates depended on litter type, with leaves decomposing faster (63 d to decay by 50%) than pneumatophore and wood material (316 and 460 d, respectively). Buried leaf and wood litter decomposed 1.3–1.4 times slower than litter on the sediment surface; however, tidal elevation and sediment type (mud vs. sand) had no effect. The slow decay of litter (an order of magnitude slower than tropical mangrove litter) suggests that its incorporation into temperate marine food webs may be relatively slow.

Low mtDNA genetic diversity among killer whales around New Zealand - C Olavarría; CS Baker; G Tezanos‐Pinto (New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research, 2014)
We report here the genetic diversity of killer whales around New Zealand and compare samples collected in this region ( n = 11) with larger geographic databases of mtDNA control region sequences to investigate the relationship of the New Zealand killer whales with more distant populations/ecotypes. Eight variable sites defined four haplotypes, revealing a low mtDNA genetic diversity when compared with other cetacean species and to that observed worldwide for killer whales. The geographic distribution and segregation of haplotypes within New Zealand suggested that this population could be geographically structured. Only one of the New Zealand haplotypes matched with those from other distant regions (the Eastern North Atlantic and Western South Atlantic populations).

Characterisation of the multixenobiotic resistance (MXR) mechanism in the freshwater snail Physa acuta from Patagonia (Argentina) - YA Assef; CN Horak; MG Boquet (New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research, 2014)
P‐glycoprotein (P‐gp) mediated multixenobiotic resistance (MXR) is a mechanism analogous to multidrug resistance (MDR), which has been extensively characterised in mammalian tumours. The expression and function of the MXR mechanism has been demonstrated in numerous aquatic organisms and has been proposed as a biomarker for pollution assessment. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the activity and expression of the MXR mechanism in freshwater snails ( Physa acuta ) of the Andean–Patagonian region. The accumulation and efflux rates of the model P‐gp substrate Rhodamine B in snails previously exposed to pollution were measured. Results confirmed that MXR activity decreased after maintenance in clean water, and that a depuration period of 7 d was long enough to observe a significant deinduction of this system. The results demonstrate the presence of a P‐gp‐like transport system in the freshwater snail P . acuta from Patagonia, and suggest its function as a defence system. The results of this study could be used to provide information on the possible use of these snails as bioindicators in toxicological testing.

Potential use of classical biomanipulation to improve water quality in New Zealand lakes: a re‐evaluation - Carolyn W Burns; Marc Schallenberg; Piet Verburg (New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research, 2014)
The potential use of fish for biomanipulation to improve water quality of lakes in New Zealand was evaluated in 1998 when various constraints, including those based on the structure of pelagic food webs in New Zealand (few potential grazers, zooplanktivores and piscivores), were identified. Since 1998 increased nutrient loading, deteriorating water quality in more lakes and the wider distribution of non‐indigenous fish and Daphnia have occurred throughout New Zealand. In light of these changes, we reassess the potential use of biomanipulation to improve water quality and conclude that, whereas constraints related to implementation and management that were outlined in 1998 still remain, subsequent abiotic and biotic changes, including the spread of non‐indigenous species, and the possible use of indigenous mussels have strengthened the potential for the use of biomanipulative techniques in integrated lake‐specific programmes to improve water quality in some lakes.

The effectiveness of broad‐scale legal minimum lengths for protecting spawning biomass of Haliotis rubra in Tasmania - F Helidoniotis; M Haddon (New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research, 2014)
A legal minimum length (LML) aims to protect spawning biomass but the implementation uncertainty associated with broad‐scale LMLs is rarely assessed. LML estimates can require both growth and maturity data; however, growth data is often lacking and this can limit the estimation of an appropriate LML. To overcome the shortfall in growth data, a method is introduced for inferring growth parameters from size at maturity data. In this way, fine‐scale theoretical LML estimates were obtained in the absence of empirical growth data. A total of 252 populations of blacklip abalone ( Haliotis rubra ) were examined and, of those, 46 were identified as having a relatively lower level of protection because they matured at larger sizes. These 46 populations are potentially at greater risk of over‐fishing as a consequence of implementation uncertainty. Furthermore, the majority of the 46 populations were in an economically valuable region of the fishery. With extensive data on size at maturity, the relative risk to recruitment potential can be assessed and equalised across a fishery.

Tag loss and movement of stocked yearling rainbow trout ( Oncorhynchus mykiss ) in southwestern Australia - BW Molony; AR Church; T Cabassi (New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research, 2014)
Rainbow trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss , have been stocked in southwestern Australia since the 1930s. Trials at a research station maintained 868 tagged yearling O. mykiss (age: 14 months; standard length: 208 mm) for up to 375 days. The mean tag loss rate was 0.12% ± 0.040% per day for both single‐ and double‐tagged fish. The tag loss rate was used to interpret tag return data from 7030 single‐tagged yearlings stocked into three river systems in southwestern Australia. Recaptures indicated that O. mykiss survived into their second season in all rivers, with the maximum time at liberty of 21 months (longevity of at least 35 months). Upstream and downstream movements of O. mykiss increased with time, although 29% of recaptures were reported from the stocking site. Significantly more O. mykiss were recaptured from the Warren River, and differences remained even when corrected for stocking levels; angler effort had a marginal effect on return rates. Higher return rates from the Warren River may be due to availability of suitable habitat (stream cover, cooler water) for O. mykiss . Results allow the stocking regime to be reviewed to improve fishery performance.

Wood decay rates and macroinvertebrate community structure along contrasting human pressure gradients (Waikato, New Zealand) - KJ Collier (New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research, 2014)
Mass loss rates of wooden sticks ( Betula platyphylla Sukaczev) and macroinvertebrate community composition were measured in the Waikato Region of northern New Zealand at 53 running water sites draining native forest catchments (reference), or characterised by urban, industrial, agroforestry or hydrological stressors. Overall wood substrates retained 80% of initial dry mass over 2–3 month incubation periods, equating to average daily decay coefficients ( k d ) of 0.0027 or 0.0002 when adjusted for degree days ( k dd ). There were no statistically significant differences in decay rates between stressor types and native forest reference sites. In contrast, macroinvertebrate richness and compositional metrics varied significantly from reference conditions for several stressor types. Wood decay rates were weakly related to macroinvertebrate community composition, while k dd was weakly but significantly related to % ‘worms’, %EPT* abundance and Quantitative Macroinvertebrate Community Index. The results indicate weak correspondence between macroinvertebrate indicators and wood decay rates, with spatial and temporal factors potentially masking stressor responses. Before wood decay can be widely used as an indicator of lotic ecosystem health there needs to be an improved understanding of environmental factors affecting breakdown rates.

Conversion of southern rock lobster ( Jasus edwardsii ) carapace length to tail width for enforcement of size limits - C Fry; B Green; C Gardner (New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research, 2014)
The morphometric relationship of carapace length (CL) to tail width (TW) of southern rock lobster ( Jasus edwardsii ) was determined to assist enforcement of existing minimum size limits and also to enable the development of an upper size limit in Tasmania. Data were collected from southern rock lobsters in the wild and at processors and used to develop a system for measuring TW which reduces measurement error. Linear regression was used to define the relationship between CL and TW for males (TW = 0.4107x+14.058, R 2 =.9236, n =1003) and females (TW=0.5756x+2.2884, R 2 =.9323, n =503). Logistic regressions provide the TWs associated with the probability (0.5, 50 and 95%) of a lobster having a carapace equal to or more than the theoretical size limits. Regional differences in the morphometric relationship were evident but would not prevent the use of size limit based on TW if a conservative probability value were used.

Individual identification and visual indicators of breeding condition of banded kōkopu ( Galaxias fasciatus ) in an urban New Zealand stream - K Hustler (New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research, 2014)
Banded kōkopu body patterns are visible in 6‐month‐old individuals, are unique and remain unchanged over an extended time period. This allows for reliable individual identification and was confirmed by known age captive individuals and from individuals re‐trapped in the wild. Body pattern types were specific to particular habitats, with lighter more spotted individuals found in forested habitats compared with darker more striped individuals found in backwater habitats. Breeding condition, which was determined by substantial weight loss through the expression of genital products, was confirmed by fin colour change, visibility of gonads through the body wall, the presence of a pectoral patch and post spawning change of body shape.

Mussel reefs on soft sediments: a severely reduced but important habitat for macroinvertebrates and fishes in New Zealand - IM McLeod; DM Parsons; MA Morrison; SG Van Dijken; RB Taylor (New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research, 2014)
Green‐lipped mussels ( Perna canaliculus ) formed extensive reefs on soft sediments in sheltered embayments around northern New Zealand until overfishing and/or increased sediment input caused their virtual disappearance by 1980. To determine the role of mussel reefs as habitat for other animals, we located remnant soft‐sediment reefs in five locations and compared the density, biomass, productivity and composition of mobile macroinvertebrate communities, and the density of small fishes associated with mussels, with fauna in the surrounding soft sediments. The mussel reefs had a distinct assemblage of macroinvertebrates, which had 3.5 times the density, 3.4 times the biomass and 3.5 times the productivity of surrounding areas. The density of small fishes was 13.7 times higher than in surrounding areas. These results show that soft‐sediment mussel reefs support an abundant and productive fauna, highlighting the probable large loss of productivity associated with the historical decline in mussel habitat and the consequent desirability of restoration efforts.

Solubilisation of mucilage induces changes in Microcystis colonial morphology - M Li; W Zhu; Q Sun (New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research, 2014)
This study was conducted to determine if the seasonal succession of Microcystis based on classification using its morphological characteristics was a result of changes in the colonial morphology of the same Microcystis species. The seasonal variation of Microcystis colonial morphology in Lake Taihu was investigated from June 2011 to November 2011 and found that M. ichthyoblabe , M. wesenbergii and M. aeruginosa successively dominated in Lake Taihu. Moreover, Microcystis colonies collected from Lake Taihu were soaked in deionised water in darkness at 4 °C, which resulted in changes in colonial morphology from a morphotype characteristic of M. ichthyoblabe to those characteristic of M. wesenbergii and M. aeruginosa . However, this change was not observed when samples were soaked in raw water from Lake Taihu. The change in morphology was also observed when samples were soaked in cationic solution containing only K, Na, Mg or Fe, but not in 20 mg L −1 Ca solution. These results suggest that the seasonal succession of Microcystis species can be considered a colonial morphological change induced by mucilage solubilisation.

Estimating size of opalfish from otoliths: implications for analyses of New Zealand sea lion diet - C Lalas; HM McConnell; L Meynier (New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research, 2014)
Anomalies can arise when species‐specific otolith equations are applied to congeneric species in analyses of seal prey remains. Opalfishes, Hemerocoetes , two spp., are the most numerous fish in the diet of New Zealand sea lions, Phocarctos hookeri , at their population base at the Auckland Islands. Opalfish identified from otoliths in sea lion prey remains accounted for one‐third of prey items in this and two previous diet studies. This highlighted the need to estimate size of opalfish accurately. Equations to estimate fish size from otolith length differed between the two species because otoliths of H . morelandi were relatively smaller than otoliths of H . artus . However, otoliths of these species were indistinguishable and this precluded definitive estimates of opalfish length and mass from otoliths. In particular, misidentification of otoliths could create untenably large estimates for fish size. A combination of the equations for otolith size to fish size from the two species avoided this anomaly and superseded previously published equations.

Issue Information (Reviews in Aquaculture, 2014)

Chinese Abstracts (Reviews in Aquaculture, 2014)

Community‐based climate change adaptation strategies for integrated prawn–fish–rice farming in B angladesh to promote social–ecological resilience - Nesar Ahmed; Stuart W. Bunting; Sanzidur Rahman; Christopher J. Garforth (Reviews in Aquaculture, 2014)
Farming freshwater prawns with fish in rice fields is widespread in the coastal region of southwest B angladesh because of favourable resources and ecological conditions. This article provides an overview of an ecosystem‐based approach to integrated prawn–fish–rice farming in southwest B angladesh. The practice of prawn and fish farming in rice fields is a form of integrated aquaculture–agriculture, which provides a wide range of social, economic and environmental benefits. Integrated prawn–fish–rice farming plays an important role in the economy of B angladesh, earning foreign exchange and increasing food production. However, this unique farming system in coastal B angladesh is particularly vulnerable to climate change. We suggest that community‐based adaptation strategies must be developed to cope with the challenges. We propose that integrated prawn–fish–rice farming could be relocated from the coastal region to less vulnerable inland areas, but caution that this will require appropriate adaptation strategies and an enabling institutional environment.

Significance of microalgal–bacterial interactions for aquaculture - Fatin M. I. Natrah; Peter Bossier; Patrick Sorgeloos; Fatimah Md. Yusoff; Tom Defoirdt (Reviews in Aquaculture, 2014)
Knowledge on the importance of associations between bacteria and microalgae in aquatic ecosystems is rather limited at the moment, mostly due to a lack of studies at the molecular and biochemical level of microorganisms. This paper discusses the current knowledge on microalgae–bacteria interactions and their potential impacts on the productivity, efficiency and sustainability of aquaculture. Current findings suggest that the interactions are complex and specific. The release of stimulatory products by bacteria that enhance the growth of microalgae, and vice versa, indicates the existence of mutualistic relations. Other factors, such as signalling between bacteria and microalgae, may also play an important role. Although these interactions may be of significant importance, to date, only a few findings have been reported on the use of consortia consisting of microalgae and bacteria for practical purposes. Interestingly, these results pointed out that a combination of microalgae and bacteria is often better than using either of them alone. Further research is needed to obtain a thorough understanding of the mechanisms behind the interactions between these microorganisms, including the identification of active compounds. This knowledge will enable the selection of appropriate consortia for different applications in aquaculture, including disease control and high and sustainable production of feed.

Application of phytochemicals as growth‐promoters and endocrine modulators in fish culture - Suman B. Chakraborty; Péter Horn; Csaba Hancz (Reviews in Aquaculture, 2014)
There is a constant need to increase productivity in aquaculture, particularly to improve growth rate, feed utilization as well as stress resistance of fish. Because of consumer concerns and strict regulations in many countries, the use of synthetic chemicals, hormones and antibiotics is becoming unviable and natural compounds are more acceptable to the public. A wide variety of chemical compounds are found in plants, and many of them have been shown to have beneficial effects on appetite, growth and the immune status of fish acting through different mechanisms. Phytochemicals contained in herbs may enhance the innate immune system, possess antimicrobial capabilities, and are redox active molecules with antioxidant characteristics that may help to improve the general physiological condition of fish. Many studies have discussed the values of phytochemicals as feed additives. Another paramount concern related to phytochemicals is their endocrine modulator effect that can be applied both in aquaculture targeting the production of table fish and the growing sector of ornamental fish production. Different mechanisms such as the effects at the steroid receptor level, effects on steroid synthesis, distribution and excretion, actions on the hypothalamus–pituitary–gonad axis, as well as indirect mechanisms including thyroid and growth hormone disruption have been postulated for the reproductive endocrine disruption in fish populations by phytochemicals. This paper reviews the results of a great number of studies focusing on phytochemicals such as essential oils, saponins, flavonoids and phytosterols discussing their effects on productive traits and the putative mechanism of action.

Nutritional role of natural productivity and formulated feed in semi‐intensive shrimp farming as indicated by natural stable isotopes - Julián Gamboa‐Delgado (Reviews in Aquaculture, 2014)
The natural productivity of semi‐intensively managed shrimp ponds is frequently represented by a diverse trophic structure that forms part of the diet of farmed organisms. As in natural ecosystems, these dietary components exhibit differing isotopic signatures that vary with diet and trophic level. These isotopic differences can be used to infer the transfer of nutrients, as the isotopic values of prey items and consumers can be integrated in mass‐balance mixing models, allowing the quantification of the relative contribution of multiple nutritional sources to the growth of a specific organism. By applying such methodology, it has been possible to estimate the relative dietary contribution of several elements that belong either to the biota of the farming environment or that are part of formulated diets. Careful sampling methods and isotopic analysis of these samples provide valuable information, not only in terms of what the consumer organism has selected, captured and ingested, but also in terms of the proportions of assimilated nutrients in the consumer's tissues. Results from several studies indicate that the natural productivity found in semi‐intensively managed ponds frequently supplies higher proportions of dietary carbon and nitrogen to shrimp growth than the formulated feed, emphasizing the nutritional relevance of the former. A synthesis of field and laboratory studies applying isotopic techniques to determine the relative contribution of nutrients derived from different biota elements and formulated feeds to the growth of farmed shrimp is presented.

Corrigendum (New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research, 2013)

Does one size fit all? An evaluation of length–weight relationships for New Zealand's freshwater fish species - PG Jellyman; DJ Booker; SK Crow; ML Bonnett; DJ Jellyman (New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research, 2013)
Length–weight relationships are a fundamental tool for assessing populations and communities in fisheries science. Many researchers have collected length–weight data throughout New Zealand, yet parameters describing these relationships remain unpublished for many species of freshwater fish. We compiled 285,124 fish records from researchers and institutions across New Zealand to parameterise length–weight equations, using both power and quadratic models, for 53 freshwater species belonging to 13 families. The influence of location and sex on length–weight relationships was also assessed. Location, in particular, generated different length–weight relationships for 65% of the species examined. Length–weight equations were validated by comparing predicted weights against independently measured weights from 25 electrofished sites across New Zealand and the equations were highly accurate ( R 2 >0.99). Recommendations are made about how to robustly apply this new resource which should assist freshwater fisheries researchers throughout New Zealand.

Influence of hydrological regime of an Andean river on salinity, temperature and oxygen in a Patagonia fjord, Chile - J León‐Muñoz; R Marcé; JL Iriarte (New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research, 2013)
Patagonian fjord ecosystems might experience new scenarios due to climate variability (decreasing annual precipitation and glacier melting) in the short term. Herein, we studied the seasonal variability of the Puelo River regime (North Patagonia, 1944–2007, mean streamflow: 650 m 3 /s) and analyses its influence on surface salinity, temperature and dissolved oxygen in the well‐stratified Reloncaví Fjord (41.5°S). Our results show a decreasing trend in the Puelo River streamflow since the late 1970s that is frequently associated with regimes lacking a defined interannual pattern. During the study period, years with prolonged periods of low streamflows in autumn and winter were common. On a scale of hydrological years, the influence of the Puelo River on the surface layer of the Reloncaví Fjord varied strongly in function of both the river's streamflow level and regimes. Years with markedly mixed regimes (rainfall/snowmelt), high autumn and spring streamflows ( Q >1000 m 3 /s) resulted in significantly cooler, fresher conditions in the fjord. These temporal patterns, in turn, determined high, constant saturations (100%) and concentrations (10 mg/l) of surface dissolved oxygen. By contrast, the discharge pattern of 2007 led to stable, low streamflows in autumn and winter ( Q =250 m 3 /s) that did not influence temperature or salinity. A significant association was found between the temporal variability of the salinity (increasing from 6 to 28 psu) and low dissolved oxygen saturation (

Bioavailability of phosphorus transported during storm flow to a eutrophic, polymictic lake - JM Abell; DP Hamilton (New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research, 2013)
The bioavailability of catchment‐derived particulate phosphorus (PP) to lentic phytoplankton was investigated. Two stream inflows to Lake Rotorua (Bay of Plenty, New Zealand) were sampled during moderate (March) and large (August) discharge peaks in 2012. Phosphorus (P) fractions in samples were quantified and a bioassay was undertaken using samples from the March event to determine whether P‐limited phytoplankton could utilise PP. Phosphorus composition differed markedly between events but was comparable between streams. For the March event, all PP (persulphate extractable) was bioavailable if exposed to anoxia, whereas c. 25% was potentially bioavailable for the August event. Despite this, the laboratory bioassay indicated that, under oxic conditions, suspended sediments acted as a sink rather than a source of bioavailable P to P‐limited phytoplankton. This study highlights the importance of considering P speciation and the nature of the receiving environment when assessing the bioavailability of P transported through hydrological landscapes.

First estimates of batch fecundity for Parapercis colias , a commercially important temperate reef fish - NA Beer; SR Wing; G Carbines (New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research, 2013)
Accurate fecundity information is essential for the sustainable management of exploited populations. Mounting evidence of strong size and age effects on female fecundity and egg characteristics indicates that, for spatially‐structured populations, management models should incorporate demographic information. Parapercis colias , a commercially important temperate reef fish, appears to form spatially structured populations at the mesoscale, but the current lack of understanding of spawning and reproductive behaviour could undermine efforts to protect populations from localised depletion. Here we present the first estimates of batch fecundity for P. colias , and initial suggestions of a relationship between fecundity and maternal characteristics that provide strong justification for further targeted research to understand this aspect of P. colias biology and the potential implications for future management.

The genus Pseudo‐nitzschia (Bacillariophyceae) in New Zealand: analysis of the last decade's monitoring data - L Rhodes; W Jiang; B Knight; J Adamson; K Smith; V Langi; M Edgar (New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research, 2013)
The diatom genus Pseudo‐nitzschia blooms throughout New Zealand's coastal waters. More than a decade of monitoring data were analysed in this study and seasonality was a significant factor in the appearance of Pseudo‐nitzschia blooms. Austral spring and summer were the main bloom periods, although there were regional differences. Between January 2000 and August 2011, 8.4% of 29,000 seawater samples analysed for Pseudo‐nitzschia exceeded the voluntary trigger level for biotoxin testing (10×10 4 cells l −1 ), and these were analysed by fluorescent in situ hybridisation (FISH) assays. Pseudo‐nitzschia fraudulenta and P. pseudodelicatissima (low domoic acid [DA] producers) were the dominant bloom formers throughout New Zealand (each contributing 25%) followed by the highly toxic P. australis (10%). Shellfish flesh testing for DA was triggered on 8477 occasions between 2000 and 2011, but no samples exceeded the regulatory limit (20 mg/kg); the maximum concentration was 13 mg/kg (Marlborough Sounds, mid‐winter 2010).

Sexual size dimorphism in calanoid copepods (Centropagidae) from Patagonia (Argentina) - RD Garcia; PE Garcia; M Reissig (New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research, 2013)
Calanoid copepods of the genus Boeckella and Parabroteas ( P. sarsi ) are dominant in zooplankton communities of Patagonian lakes and ponds. This study addresses the occurrence of sexual size dimorphism in calanoid copepods of the genus Boeckella and in the monospecific genus Parabroteas occurring in 12 lakes and ponds of Patagonia (Argentina). The morphometric analysis performed showed that in all the species studied the female is larger than the male, although the difference in size among sexes was found to be variable between species. Interestingly, all species showed significant intraspecific stability in their sexual size dimorphism despite potential differences in their environments regarding predation pressure, environmental stability (permanent or temporary waters) and altitude distribution of populations. Finally, we discuss the potential implications of sexual dimorphism in terms of resource use and vulnerability to predation among other environmental forces which may play a role in promoting larger female to male size.

Historical epidemiology indicates water quality decline drives loss of oyster ( Saccostrea glomerata ) reefs in Moreton Bay, Australia - BK Diggles (New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research, 2013)
Sydney rock oysters ( Saccostrea glomerata ) were historically abundant throughout the intertidal and subtidal zones of the Pumicestone Passage. However, today subtidal oyster reefs are extinct, and loss of around 96% of the vertical zonation suitable for oyster habitation has occurred. European land use practices caused large increases in sediment flux into inshore regions by 1870. This may explain why subtidal oyster reefs declined after major flood events in the late nineteenth century, associated with infestations by spionid polychaete mudworms. Today, mortalities of S . glomerata in the region are associated with QX disease caused by Marteilia sydneyi . Increased virulence of M . sydneyi is likely due to a combination of increased abundance of intermediate hosts in habitat utilised by oysters, together with immunosuppression of the oysters. These processes are all driven by declining water quality derived from anthropogenic catchment development. Recently expanded marine park sanctuary zones fail to protect the ecosystem against continuing water quality decline. Rehabilitation of the ecosystem will require effective catchment management targeting reductions in nutrient and sediment loading, as well as restoration of oyster reefs using QX‐resistant oysters.

Recommendations for the processing and storage of water samples before polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis - BJ Gilpin; M Devane; F Nourozi; B Robson; P Scholes; S Lin (New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research, 2013)
A range of options for the storage and partial processing of water samples before polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis were evaluated. In addition, temporal storage of extracted DNA at 4 °C was investigated. Filtering the water sample and then storing that filter at −20 °C for up to six months before DNA extraction was equivalent to extracting DNA immediately. Freezing a water sample resulted in an immediate 1 log loss of PCR signal, although thereafter the sample was stable for at least three months. A rapid loss of detectable PCR product was found when storing a water sample at 4 °C for longer than one week. Extracted DNA could be stored at 4 °C for at least six months without considerable loss of PCR signal.

Editorial - Doug Mountfort (New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research, 2013)

Problems with implementation of the New Zealand Threat Classification System, as illustrated by Baker et al. (2010) - PA Breen; DAJ Middleton (New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research, 2013)

Distribution and abundance of Abarenicola affinis (Arenicolidae, Polychaeta) in tidal inlets of Otago, New Zealand - S Goerlitz; K Berkenbusch; PK Probert (New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research, 2013)
Lugworms are important members of the macrobenthos of sheltered intertidal sediments, and this study assessed the abundance and distribution of Abarenicola affinis in Otago, southern New Zealand. Using a faecal cast:lugworm ratio (1.00:1.09) revealed a patchy distribution across inlets, with an overall mean abundance of 11.1 individuals/m 2 (range: 3.8 to 21.3 individuals/m 2 ). Distribution patterns varied among inlets, with lugworms mostly confined to the high intertidal zone, but spread across all intertidal zones in one inlet. The lugworm habitat was characterised by muddy to medium sand (55–233 µm mean grain size) with low organic matter ( a (1–12 µg/g dry sediment) contents. Depending on the inlet, lugworm abundance was related to sediment parameters, indicating that their distribution across Otago inlets is habitat dependent. The present findings also indicate that factors other than those measured contribute to A. affinis distribution and abundance patterns in this region.

Editorial Board (New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research, 2013)

Dusky dolphin movement patterns: short‐term effects of tourism - D Lundquist; NJ Gemmell; B Würsig; T Markowitz (New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research, 2013)
Cetacean‐oriented tourism has experienced rapid growth in the last two decades, accompanied by increasing concerns about the effects of tourism on target species. Here, we used shore‐based observations of dusky dolphin ( Lagenorhynchus obscurus ) groups near Kaikoura, New Zealand, and generalised additive models to quantify changes in group speed, reorientation and linearity relative to natural and anthropogenic factors. Summer months were characterised by slower speeds and more changes in direction than winter months. Group speeds were higher at the beginning and end of the day, with slower speeds at midday. Speeds were slower when vessels were present, and dolphin groups changed direction more often when aircraft circled overhead. Effects were positively correlated with number of vessels present within 300 m. Short‐term changes have potential to lead to long‐term impacts, and further acoustic and energetic studies are proposed to elucidate whether these effects are likely to reduce individual fitness.

Dr Russell Gavin Cole (1963–2013) - Ken R Grange; Richard B Taylor (New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research, 2013)

Analysis of trace metal concentration in a degraded lagoon in East Otago, New Zealand - MJ Desmond; RJ McLeod; CD Hepburn (New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research, 2013)
The decline in ecological health of coastal lagoon systems over the last 150 years is globally recognised. The aim of this study was to determine if sediment metal contamination may be a factor contributing to the current degraded state of Mataīnaka Lagoon. The concentration of 44 metals were analysed from the sediment of Mataīnaka, the main inflow to the lagoon (Post Office Creek) and two analogous sites considered less impacted, the Waikouaiti River and Stony Creek Lagoon. In‐depth analysis was conducted specifically on As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Mn, Ni, Pb, Sn and Zn which have all been demonstrated to have toxic effects in the aquatic environment. Localised Cd contamination, −1 , was present within the surface sediment of Mataīnaka. A multidimensional scaling (MDS) ‘fingerprint’ of surface sediment was constructed using an array of 23 metals from all four sites. The metal fingerprint of Mataīnaka was not statistically distinct from the other three sites. Sediment metal concentrations within Mataīnaka were found to be most similar to sites considered uncontaminated in the literature, with the exception of Cd. The degraded state of Mataīnaka is unlikely to be a result of sediment metal contamination as most metals were present within the sediment at concentrations below the threshold effect level for aquatic organisms.