Nitrogen, phosphorus and E. coli loads in the Sherry River, New Zealand - DJ Ballantine; RJ Davies‐Colley (New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research, 2013)
The Sherry River, a tributary of the Motueka River (Tasman District, upper South Island, New Zealand), has somewhat degraded water quality related to a high proportion of the catchment being used for pastoral agriculture (which comprises 30% dairying). We undertook a campaign to estimate loads of phosphorus, nitrogen and Escherichia coli for comparison with other dairy‐impacted catchments and against which to measure future reductions in pollutants in the Sherry River, expected from changed management practices. Monthly water quality sampling in the Sherry River was augmented with storm chasing for one year (October 2008 to October 2009). Loads of pollutants in events increased disproportionately with event peak flow, probably because the proportion of overland flow increases systematically with increasing event size. Stormflows (occurring 9.5% of the time) transported 33% of the total flow from the Sherry River, and between 22% (for nitrate) and 92% (for E. coli ) of pollutant loads.

New Zealand Threat Classification System: reply to Breen and Middleton - R Hitchmough; CS Baker; BL Chilvers; R Constantine; S Dufresne; R Mattlin; A van Helden (New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research, 2013)

Chinese Abstracts (Reviews in Aquaculture, 2013)

A review of the nutrition and feeding management of farmed tilapia throughout the culture cycle - Wing‐Keong Ng; Nicholas Romano (Reviews in Aquaculture, 2013)
Tilapia is the second most farmed fish group worldwide and over the past decade has quadrupled in production, largely due to their many characteristics conducive to aquaculture conditions as well as to the high marketability and relatively stable market prices. To keep pace with this rapid expansion, tilapia aquaculture will rely increasingly on more sustainable practices, but this must not be at the expense of decreased productivity, increased cost or compromised product quality. Since feed constitutes the major operating cost of tilapia farming, understanding their nutritional requirements, factors that may influence these requirements and implementing the most appropriate feeding management strategy is essential for the continued sustainability and scalability of the global tilapia industry. This review addressed these concerns by providing an overview of published nutrient requirement data and offered practical recommendations to the nutrition and feeding management of farmed tilapia, from broodstock to finishing feeds. The first section of this review extensively discusses the dietary protein/amino acids, lipids/fatty acids, carbohydrates, vitamin and mineral requirements of tilapia. Alternatives to marine‐based ingredients, which are used increasingly in tilapia feeds, are also discussed. This is followed by discussing practical feed management aspects at the commercial farm level including feed formulations, feed types and feeding rates/frequency throughout the culture cycle. Recent research indicating significant differences in nutrient requirements and utilization efficiencies of improved tilapia strains versus non‐improved strains are highlighted. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of tilapia nutrition and thus contributes to the continued global expansion of tilapia farming and the demand for their products.

Sustainability issues related to feeding salmonids: a C anadian perspective - Pallab Kumer Sarker; Dominique P. Bureau; Katheline Hua; Murray D. Drew; Ian Forster; Keith Were; Brad Hicks; Grant W. Vandenberg (Reviews in Aquaculture, 2013)
The issue of sustainability of salmonid culture has been the focus of considerable media coverage and debate between environmental activists and aquaculture industry stakeholders, particularly regarding the use of ingredients derived from wild fisheries (fishmeal and fish oil) in salmonid feeds. This study attempts to summarize recent data and to calculate the conversion efficiency of feed resources by C anadian farmed salmon in order objectively to assess the sustainability of this industry in this regard. Using updated information regarding domestic aquafeeds this review reports advances that have been made in diet formulation, fish in–fish out ( FIFO ) and feed conversion ratios ( FCR ) and demonstrates that production efficiency of farmed salmonids has significantly improved over time due to continued innovations in the aquafeed sector. The results suggest that the C anadian salmon aquaculture industry efficiently converts wild fish resources into high‐value fish products.

A review and SWOT analysis of aquaculture development in Indonesia - Michael A. Rimmer; Ketut Sugama; Diana Rakhmawati; Rokhmad Rofiq; Richard H. Habgood (Reviews in Aquaculture, 2013)
Indonesia has a long history of aquaculture, dating from the 15th century. Subsequently, the country has become a significant contributor to global aquaculture production, destined for both international and domestic markets. In 2009 the Government of Indonesia announced its vision to see Indonesia become the highest (volume) producer of aquaculture products in the world by 2015, with production targets equivalent to an overall increase in production of 353% between 2009 and 2014. This paper comprises a PEEST (policy, economic, environmental, social, technical) review undertaken as a background study for a SWOT (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, threats) analysis, the outcomes of the SWOT analysis and a discussion of possible approaches to support sustainable aquaculture development in Indonesia. To meet the vision of a dramatic expansion of aquaculture production, one or more of the following strategies is required: intensification and production segmentation, areal expansion, and/or production diversification. Most likely the continued development of aquaculture in Indonesia will be a combination of these three strategies, with the relative influence of each depending on production sector and market demands. A key issue identified in the PEEST review and SWOT analysis is the dominance (in terms of number) of Indonesian aquaculture by smallholder aquaculture farmers. We argue that a range of influences, including aquaculture production expansion and changing international market requirements, have the potential to negatively impact smallholder aquaculture farmers in Indonesia, and that further policy development should specifically address these issues.

Issue Information (Reviews in Aquaculture, 2013)

Paradigms for planktonic assemblages: 50 years of contributions from the Leigh Marine Laboratory, Northland, New Zealand - Michael J Kingsford (New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research, 2013)
Plankton includes the primary producers and consumers that are critical for healthy ecosystem function in the marine realm. My objective was to identify the major contributions of the Leigh Marine Laboratory to our broader understanding of planktonic assemblages. Significant contributions were made prior to 1990 on the ecology of larval fishes. From the 1990s the focus changed to the sensory biology of larval invertebrates and fishes, with a strong emphasis given to the role of reef sound in attracting potential settlers. Both early and post 1980s research has been highly influential in a paradigm shift away from passively drifting larvae that have little control over their fate. Important contributions have also been made on the dynamics of nutrient–phytoplankton interactions, larval development and aquaculture. Opportunities abound for future research on the dynamics of planktonic assemblages in shelf waters and in changing seas.

Commemorating 50 years of marine science at the Leigh Marine Laboratory - Kendall D Clements; Richard B Taylor (New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research, 2013)

Contribution of the Leigh Marine Laboratory to knowledge of marine species diversity - Dennis P Gordon; Bill Ballantine (New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research, 2013)
We review the contribution of the Leigh Marine Laboratory, as an extension of the University of Auckland campus, to knowledge of marine taxonomic diversity, particularly in New Zealand. Increase in knowledge of the marine biota of the Hauraki Gulf region (and beyond) in the 1960s–2010s was achieved through targeted taxonomic studies and indirectly in the course of other research and fieldwork by staff, students and visitors. The Cape Rodney to Okakari Point Marine Reserve is the type locality for 46 species and the area including Leigh harbour, Matheson Bay and Whangateau Harbour includes the type localities for 21 additional species. Altogether, University of Auckland staff and their students, throughout their professional careers, have described 570 new species of New Zealand marine life, c. 3.2% of the known marine biota of the exclusive economic zone. The laboratory has had an immeasurable influence as a training ground for field work and experimentation and from decades of oral instruction, published books, monographs and papers, and the examples and inspiration of the key personalities. Current informatics activities at the laboratory, facilitating syntheses of biodiversity data in a global context, continue that legacy.

The other 93%: trophic cascades, stressors and managing coastlines in non‐marine protected areas - DR Schiel (New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research, 2013)
This paper reviews interactions involving stands of macroalgae on rocky reefs, and presents new data on changing sea surface temperatures (SSTs), as a contribution to the celebration of the fiftieth anniversary of the Leigh Marine Laboratory (LML) of the University of Auckland. The focus is on trophic interactions involving predators, sea urchins and large brown algae, particularly trophic cascades. Of the 369 publications arising from work at LML, 40 have been on key aspects of these trophic interactions. Quantitative investigations of the structure of kelp bed communities and mechanistic studies involving manipulative field‐based experiments, essentially a bottom‐up perspective based on habitats and key species, dominated the research through the 1980s. From the mid‐1990s onwards, the focus was more on marine reserves and a hierarchical, top‐down perspective of community structure, with a particular focus on the role of predatory fish, and marine reserves as a tool of management. I discuss these models of community structure of kelp beds within the wider context of the New Zealand nearshore zone, the varying biogeographic regimes around the coastline, diffuse stressors and the changing nearshore climate. I show there appears to have been a significant warming trend in SST in northeast and northwest New Zealand over the past 30 years. I conclude that a trophic effects model is unlikely to apply to much of the coastline of New Zealand, and that a model involving multiple effects, including bottom‐up forces, environmental and climatic influences, species' demographics, and catchment‐derived sedimentation is more appropriate for kelp communities over most of the country. New management models are needed to safeguard marine resources and the services they provide.

Ecology of rocky reef fish of northeastern New Zealand: 50 years on - GP Jones (New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research, 2013)
This review examines the history and current understanding of the ecology of rocky reef fishes in northeastern New Zealand, marking the fiftieth anniversary of the Leigh Marine Laboratory. The cumulative number of publications increased steadily to c. 180 by 2012. Most attention has been on the snapper ( Pagrus auratus , f. Sparidae), the largest in size and economically most important species, and on triplefins (Tripterygiidae), the smallest in size and most diverse family. A strong quantitative school emerged in the 1980s, a period when there was little research on temperate reef fishes elsewhere. A ‘bottom‐up’ view of the effects of habitat structure on fish emerged, identifying the key roles of depth, topography and macroalgae. By 2000, attention shifted to using marine reserves as laboratories for ecological research. A ‘top‐down’ view of fish as predators emerged, documenting cascading effects on prey communities and habitats. The two different viewpoints have not yet been integrated. Research gaps, including population connectivity and climate change, represent major challenges for the next 50 years.

Fish physiology and ecology: the contribution of the Leigh Laboratory to the collision of paradigms - NW Pankhurst; NA Herbert (New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research, 2013)
The often pragmatic division of studies of function (physiology), and the regulation of distribution and abundance of organisms (ecology), as laboratory and field studies respectively, can create an unhelpful intellectual division that runs the risk of ignoring the interaction of physiology, behaviour and environment that regulates the lives of animals in the wild. This review examines the historical and current contribution of ecophysiological research conducted from the University of Auckland's Leigh Laboratory in bridging these paradigms, and generating new insights into animal function and community organisation. The assessment focuses on endocrine control processes, and metabolic and behavioural responses of fish to artificial and natural stressors, and examines tracks of future research needed to underpin understanding of likely effects of predicted environmental change on individuals and populations.

Leigh Marine Laboratory contributions to marine conservation - RC Babcock (New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research, 2013)
The Leigh Marine Laboratory (LML) has taken full advantage of its location on the shores of one of the world's first no‐take marine reserves. The foresight of the founders of the laboratory has enabled the pursuit of ecological studies that have been amongst the first to demonstrate the effectiveness of reserves as a tool for conservation and restoration. The insights flowing from this work at Leigh are important, not only for targeted marine species, but also at the ecosystem level, and have proven to be highly relevant to broader resource management issues. Novel methodologies have been employed in the pursuit of these aims, helping to popularise their wider use. More recent work has focused on understanding the processes underlying the variability in response to marine conservation in marine reserves across the spectrum of coastal marine habitats in New Zealand. The LML has probably exceeded the expectations of its founders, who hoped the laboratory might generate information of interest in the fields of ‘resource management, food web dynamics and natural fluctuations distinct from man‐induced changes’, and its contribution in the field of marine conservation has been significant both within New Zealand and internationally. This has been a 50‐year journey that has gone from a focus on local effects of conservation to the broader context, from direct effects of protection to indirect effects, and from small‐scale spatial conservation management to ecosystem‐based management.

Contributions of the Leigh Marine Laboratory to marine science, 1962–2012: sensory neuroethology - JC Montgomery; CA Radford (New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research, 2013)
The purpose of this paper is to highlight the contributions of the Leigh Marine Laboratory to sensory neuroethology. A brief summary of the work done at Leigh, or by Leigh staff, is given across each of the main sensory modalities: chemosense, vision and octavolateralis sensory systems (electrosense, flow sensing and hearing). Within this broad overview, three particular areas have been singled out for more in‐depth treatment as examples of Leigh research that have made particularly significant contributions to marine science. These three areas are: electrosensory processing, flow sensing and hearing, in particular the role of passive acoustics in orientation and settlement.

Rock lobster biology and ecology: contributions to understanding through the Leigh Marine Laboratory 1962–2012 - AB MacDiarmid; D Freeman; S Kelly (New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research, 2013)
We review the contributions from research conducted through the Leigh Marine Laboratory (LML) since its establishment in 1962, to the understanding of the biology and ecology of the rock lobster, Jasus edwardsii. The number of publications (103 since 1978), their breadth of subject matter, and their frequency of citation indicate the influence of this research effort. The development of an underwater population sampling tool at the LML has been key to the research on lobster distribution, abundance, size structure and sex ratios. These, in turn, allowed significant insights into the impact of fishing on lobster populations, population recovery in marine reserves, the mating system of lobsters, and the cascading effects of lobster removal on reef communities. Other key research has focused on the planktonic larval and post‐larval stages. It is likely that J. edwardsii has received a greater level of ecological research effort through the LML than any other species. The location of the LML on a stretch of rocky coastline with year‐round easy access to the field, and the availability of a rebuilding population of J. edwardsii in an adjacent marine reserve, allowed coupled laboratory and field research to rapidly develop without the confounding effects of fishing. The LML is well placed to address outstanding questions about lobster biology and ecology, and to further contribute to the conservation and management of this important resource.

Issue Information (Reviews in Aquaculture, 2013)

Chinese Abstracts (Reviews in Aquaculture, 2013)

Southward expansion of the C hilean salmon industry in the P atagonian F jords: main environmental challenges - Edwin J. Niklitschek; Doris Soto; Alejandra Lafon; Carlos Molinet; Pamela Toledo (Reviews in Aquaculture, 2013)
C hile is the second largest producer of farmed salmon in the world. After reaching a peak harvest of 631 000 tonnes in 2008, a severe sanitary and production crisis triggered a major legal and operational reorganization, and an imminent expansion of the industry into the A ysén F jords S ystem ( AFS ). This expansion has caused increasing national and international concern about its potential negative impact upon this pristine area, which holds a mosaic of unique ecosystems and three W orld B iosphere R eserves. This paper reviews and provides some upper bounds to potential impacts under two feasible production scenarios. It is concluded that severe but highly localized mid‐term damage to the sea‐floor bottom may affect up to 6200 ha. Although this surface area represents only 0.5% of the AFS , the high heterogeneity and limited scientific knowledge of local ecosystems increase the risks of damaging sensitive habitats, communities or populations. While additional inputs of up to 60 000 t of nitrogen and 8000 t of phosphorus can be predicted, the estimation of carrying capacities is a pendant and urgent task to be accomplished in this area. If current escape rates are not reduced, the average number of escaped salmon may exceed 4.4 million individuals each year, able to consume up to 6600 t of pelagic prey from local ecosystems. We recommend following a strict precautionary approach, not granting new farming leases until sufficient information about the risk and magnitude of these impacts is obtained and transformed into effective management actions.

Nutrient discharge from aquaculture operations in function of system design and production environment - Marc C. J. Verdegem (Reviews in Aquaculture, 2013)
In aquaculture, nutrient loading is defined as the difference between nutrients supplied with fertilizers and feed and nutrients harvested in the form of finfish, crustaceans, molluscs and seaweeds. On average, the production of finfish and crustaceans results in a net nutrient loading, while for the production of molluscs and seaweeds the nutrient loading is negative. In marine and brackish water aquaculture, on a global scale, more nutrients are extracted than added to the environment. However, in freshwater, more nutrients are loaded than extracted. In 2008, the global aquaculture production of finfish and crustaceans resulted in an environmental loading of 1.7 million metric tonnes of nitrogen ( N ) and 0.46 million metric tonnes of phosphorus ( P ). This nitrogen loading represents 0.9% of the human input to the N ‐cycle and 0.4% of the global N ‐cycle. For phosphorus, the loading from finfish and crustacean aquaculture represents 2.3% of the global annual fertilizer supply. With cage aquaculture, nutrients are directly discharged to the environment. Mitigation measures should be shared equally between all polluters involved. For land‐based aquaculture, the development of water re‐use systems is still in its infancy. Although still a minor contributor to global aquaculture production, recirculation technology shows that control and mitigation of pollution from aquaculture is possible. A 15–20 year goal should be to have all inland aquaculture operations applying water re‐use and purification technology and generating useful (waste) outputs in addition to standard aquaculture products.

Differentiating the wild or farmed origin of M editerranean fish: a review of tools for sea bream and sea bass - Pablo Arechavala‐Lopez; Damian Fernandez‐Jover; Kenneth D. Black; Emmanuel Ladoukakis; Just T. Bayle‐Sempere; Pablo Sanchez‐Jerez; Tim Dempster (Reviews in Aquaculture, 2013)
Based on the fact that farmed fish experience different environments, stocking densities and feeding regimes compared with wild fish, several techniques have been developed to discriminate the wild or farmed origin of fish. These techniques quantify differences between genetics, chemical characteristics, fatty acid compositions, trace elements, pollutants, stable isotopes, morphology and organoleptic characteristics. Gilthead sea bream and European sea bass are the most important marine fish in Mediterranean aquaculture and are highly appreciated by commercial and recreational fisheries. A total of 60 studies that used techniques to discriminate farmed from wild fish for sea bream and sea bass form the basis of this review. The most common technique used differences in the lipid and fatty acid composition of fish. Many of these studies dealt with food science and product quality, rather than tracing escapees. A wide range of identification tools is useful in determining the correct origin of captures and proper labelling of marketed fish. External appearance and morphometry are useful for rapid assessments and can be achieved with high accuracy and little cost, especially for sea bream. This makes these methods suitable for detecting large and recent escape events, applicable in fisheries studies, and for ensuring that wild and farmed fish are separated in the marketplace. Techniques using differences in chemical or genetic composition are more useful for environmental monitoring, as they have higher accuracy and can detect escapees long after the escape incident. Regulatory bodies should legislate protocols that describe the technique(s) that must be applied in specific circumstances.

The role of Pleistocene glaciations in shaping the genetic structure of South American fur seals ( Arctocephalus australis ) - JI Túnez; HL Cappozzo; H Pavés; DA Albareda; MH Cassini (New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research, 2013)
Analysing a 529 bp segment of the mitochondrial control region, we evaluated the role that Pleistocene glaciations may have had in shaping the genetic structure currently found in the two southernmost breeding areas of the South American fur seal, Arctocephalus australis . Additionally, we analysed if these two breeding areas correspond to different conservation units. We found 26 haplotypes in 54 individuals. Colonies from the Uruguayan breeding area did not show significant differences in haplotype frequencies, which suggest that they are remnants of a single ancient gene pool. The genealogical relationship between haplotypes revealed a pattern of phylogeographic structure with two main haplogroups corresponding to the different breeding areas. The analysis of molecular variance and the estimate of population divergence time also indicated significant genetic differences and a long period of isolation between Atlantic and Pacific colonies, suggesting that these breeding areas would correspond to different conservation units.

Winter foraging behaviour of lactating New Zealand sea lions ( Phocarctos hookeri ) - BL Chilvers; SJ Childerhouse; NJ Gales (New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research, 2013)
The overlap and conflict between marine mammals and fisheries is widespread and increasing globally. This study used satellite telemetry to examine the foraging patterns of lactating female New Zealand (NZ) sea lions Phocarctos hookeri from the Auckland Islands (50°50′S, 166°28′E), over two consecutive austral winters, 1996 and 1997. Overall, all individuals tagged were characterised as benthic foragers and were found to be diving beyond their calculated aerobic dive limits on 65% of all dives. They exhibited preferential use of the continental shelf and its edge, as they do in summer (59% overlap between winter and summer foraging areas). This study confirms that NZ sea lion foraging behaviours and areas are similar between seasons, and within and between years. Female winter foraging areas spatially overlapped by 38% with the operation areas of sub‐Antarctic trawl fisheries. These findings are important because: female NZ sea lions show extreme foraging behaviour year round; and overlap with trawl fisheries is likely to occur throughout the entire lactation period of NZ sea lions. These results need to be accounted for in the management of this nationally critical, declining species.

Spatial and seasonal variations in the water quality of Jinhae Bay, Korea - D Kim; H‐W Choi; S‐H Choi; SH Baek; K‐H Kim; J‐H Jeong; YO Kim (New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research, 2013)
The chemical and biological characteristics of surface waters in Jinhae Bay were investigated over four seasons to understand water quality in light of the growing industrialisation occurring within this area. Jinhae Bay includes four smaller bays: Masan; Hangam; Jindong; and Gohyun. The water quality in Jinhae Bay varied spatially and seasonally. The water quality of both Hangam Bay and Masan Bay was highly degraded, demonstrating high concentrations of ammonia, nitrate, chlorophyll a and particulate organic carbon. Contamination from sewage was the dominant cause of the water quality deterioration in these bays. Conversely, the water quality in Jindong Bay and Gohyun Bay was not as severely affected as that of the above two bays. Water quality in Jinhae Bay was particularly poor in summer when nutrient loading was highest due to the run‐off associated with high precipitation. Principal component analysis indicated that nitrogen contamination was a major factor influencing the water quality of Jinhae Bay. The effective reduction in high‐nitrogen discharges is essential to improve water quality in Jinghae Bay.

The hydrodynamics of the southern basin of Tauranga Harbour - HW Tay; KR Bryan; WP de Lange; CA Pilditch (New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research, 2013)
The circulation of the southern basin of Tauranga Harbour was simulated using a 3‐D hydrodynamic model ELCOM. A 9‐day field campaign in 1999 provided data on current velocity, temperature and salinity profiles at three stations within the main basin. The tidal wave changed most in amplitude and speed in the constricted entrances to channels, for example the M2 tide attenuated by 10% over 500 m at the main entrance, and only an additional 17% over the 15 km to the top of the southern basin. The modelled temperature was sensitive to wind mixing, particularly in tidal flat regions. Residence times ranged from 3 to 8 days, with higher residence times occurring in sub‐estuaries with constricted mouths. The typical annual storm events were predicted to reduce the residence times by 24%–39% depending on season. Model scenarios of storm discharge events in the Wairoa River varying from 41.69 m 3 /s to 175.9 m 3 /s show that these events can cause salinity gradients across the harbour of up to 4 PSU.

Estimating periphyton standing crop in streams: a comparison of chlorophyll a sampling and visual assessments - C Kilroy; DJ Booker; L Drummond; JA Wech; TH Snelder (New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research, 2013)
Periphyton standing crop is often measured as chlorophyll a but there is increasing interest in using visual assessments of periphyton cover. Visual methods are rapid and require no sample analysis, but can be regarded as subjective with high inter‐operator variability. We investigated variability in periphyton standing crop across operators, rivers and time, as determined visually and from chlorophyll a measurements. We found that visual assessments (comprising percentage cover estimates of up to eight periphyton categories) distinguished sites and occasions as effectively as chlorophyll a . Furthermore, an estimate of chlorophyll a could be derived from the visual assessments. Because our surveys were conducted in only three rivers, general applicability of the derivation of estimated chlorophyll a from the visual assessments warrants further investigation. The current recommendation of 20 views was sufficient for realistic visual assessments of average cover. Overall, our results indicated that inter‐operator variability in visual assessments need not be a major concern, given adequate training.

Evidence for an unrecognised blue whale foraging ground in New Zealand - LG Torres (New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research, 2013)
Blue whale distribution in the Southern Hemisphere is poorly understood. Their survival is dependent on the ability to reliably encounter large aggregations of euphausiid prey. Therefore, documenting and protecting blue whale foraging grounds is fundamental to enhancing their recovery. Various data sources are compiled here to support the hypothesis that the South Taranaki Bight, between the north and south islands of New Zealand, is used as a foraging ground by blue whales for a common euphausiid prey that aggregate as a function of a nearby coastal upwelling system. The distribution of blue whales is compared with ship traffic density and the distribution of seabed mining activities in the region, and reveals close proximity between whales and these potential threats. This paper presents evidence that the South Taranaki Bight is a blue whale foraging habitat and calls for a greater understanding of their habitat use patterns to manage anthropogenic activities effectively.

Responses of three PIT‐tagged native fish species to floods in a small, upland stream in New Zealand - AJ McEwan; MK Joy (New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research, 2013)
Floods are an integral part of flowing river systems, yet our understanding of freshwater fish behaviour during floods is limited. In 2008, 67 redfin bullies ( Gobiomorphus huttoni ), 22 shortjaw kōkopu ( Galaxias postvectis ) and 29 kōaro ( Galaxias brevipinnis ) were tagged with passive integrated transponder (PIT) tags and monitored in a 100‐m study reach before, during or after three floods. Detection patterns of tagged fish indicated that they may be displaced or may move to areas with large substrates during floods. Two individuals returned to the same locations during multiple floods, suggesting that previous experience may influence refuge selection for some individuals. While small changes in community composition occurred that could be attributed to concurrent habitat changes, overall a remarkable level of persistence of individual fish was observed in the tagged community.

Distribution and abundance of Hector's dolphins off Otago, New Zealand - J Turek; E Slooten; S Dawson; W Rayment; D Turek (New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research, 2013)
Data on the distribution and abundance of Hector's dolphins ( Cephalorhynchus hectori ) along the Otago coastline, between Taieri Mouth and Ōamaru (approximately 130 km alongshore), were collected in 2010–2011. Alongshore surveys were conducted in small boats, travelling approximately 400 m from shore, at speeds of 10 to 15 knots. Photographic identification was used to establish sighting histories of identifiable individuals, and mark rate (36%, CV=12%, CI=28–45). Hector's dolphins were found in two areas: between Taiaroa Head and Cornish Head; and in the vicinity of Moeraki. Encounter records suggest there is little exchange between these zones. The Huggins closed capture method was used to estimate the number of marked individuals between Taiaroa Head and Cornish Head (approximately 22 km alongshore), and this value was scaled by mark rate to estimate a total population size of 42 individuals (CV=41%, CI=19–92). A closed population Bayesian analysis yielded a similar estimate of 37 individuals (CV=42%, CI=25–75).

Catchment sediment load limits to achieve estuary sedimentation targets - MO Green (New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research, 2013)
Limits are needed to manage the cumulative effects of sediments in estuaries. A method of calculating catchment sediment load limits to achieve estuary sedimentation targets is presented. The method is based on manipulating the sediment budget and takes advantage of the inherent complexity of the estuary and its connections to different sediment source regions in the catchment. In all but the simplest of cases, there is never just one way to achieve estuary sedimentation targets. This is where opportunity lies, for some ways of achieving targets will be better than others. Management can focus on finding sediment load limits that do not fail any sedimentation targets and that are achievable, affordable and efficient. The latter is expressed in terms of sacrificing capacity of the estuary to accommodate sediment in order that no sedimentation targets are failed. The method and underlying principles are demonstrated by application to Pāuatahanui Inlet, New Zealand.

Role of life cycle assessment in sustainable aquaculture - Ling Cao; James S. Diana; Gregory A. Keoleian (Reviews in Aquaculture, 2013)
As an alternative food source to wild fisheries, aquaculture shows a great potential to help meet the growing demand for seafood and animal protein. The expansion of aquaculture has been achieved partly by system intensification, which has drawn vast criticisms of aquaculture for its environmental, social and economic sustainability issues. Life cycle assessment (LCA) has become the leading tool for identifying key environmental impacts of seafood production systems. A LCA evaluates the sustainability of diverse aquaculture systems quantitatively from a cradle‐to‐grave perspective. It provides a scientific basis for analysing system improvement and the development of certification and eco‐labelling criteria. Current efforts focus on integrating local ecological and socio‐economic impacts into the LCA framework. A LCA can play an important role in informing decision makers in order to achieve more sustainable seafood production and consumption. This article reviews recent applications of LCA in aquaculture, compares the environmental performance of different aquaculture production systems, explores the potential of including biodiversity issues into LCA analysis and examines the potential of LCA in setting criteria for certification and eco‐labelling.

Moult inhibiting hormone: a new approach to the discovery and design of growth promoters in crustaceans? - Sajal Shrivastava; Adline Princy (Reviews in Aquaculture, 2013)
Several chemicals have been tested as growth promoters in aquaculture but they cannot be endorsed for commercial processes due to their residual effects in the body of prawns, lobsters and crabs. The concern over environmental hazard, human health and food safety have led to a search for alternative growth promoters significantly to improve the growth of crustaceans with no such effects. Neurohormones, regulatory signalling molecules of crustaceans that coordinate multiple developmental and physiological processes, are major determinants underlying phenotypic integration. Competitive inhibitors for the moult inhibiting hormone receptor are expected to have a direct growth promoting effect on crustaceans by direct involvement in interference with the receptor in the Y‐organ, which can cause a surge the production of ecdysteroids. Competitive inhibitors therefore can be regarded as growth promoters in crustacean fishery in addition to various other benefits. This review emphasizes the manifold effects of moult inhibiting hormone, a most versatile animal hormone, with an emphasis on the target sites and competitive inhibition.

Issue Information (Reviews in Aquaculture, 2013)

Economic risk associated with white spot disease and stochastic variability in economic, zootechnical and water quality parameters for intensive production of L itopenaeus vannamei - Alfredo Hernández‐Llamas; Javier M.J. Ruiz‐Velazco; Victor M. Gomez‐Muñoz (Reviews in Aquaculture, 2013)
A bio‐economic model was used to analyse the risks of intensive production of shrimp and to propose alternative schemes of risk management by controlling aeration, pond size, stocking density and duration of cultivation. The model was calibrated from databases of farm operations in the S tate of N ayarit, M exico. Improving management allowed us to project an increase in the annual net revenue from $3900 to $26 600 ha −1 and to improve the benefit–cost ratio from 1.14 to 1.55. Managing an early start of aeration, small‐sized ponds, high stocking densities and long cultivation periods maximized economic outcomes. Operating a small farm (consisting of a single 2.5 ha pond) involves more risk than operating a large one (50 ha, consisting of 20 ponds of 2.5 ha each). Improving management also resulted in diminished risk, as indicated by increased values of return per unit risk from 0.14 to 0.21 or from 0.42 to 0.51 (depending on farm size). From sensitivity analysis, we concluded that small ponds are recommended for intensive production of L itopenaeus vannamei and that white spot disease is a major risk factor that can be partly controlled by managing dissolved oxygen levels and aeration.

Chinese Abstracts (Reviews in Aquaculture, 2013)

Genes and growth performance in crustacean species: a review of relevant genomic studies in crustaceans and other taxa - Hyungtaek Jung; Russell E. Lyons; David A. Hurwood; Peter B. Mather (Reviews in Aquaculture, 2013)
Global aquaculture has expanded rapidly to address the increasing demand for aquatic protein needs and an uncertain future for wild fisheries. To date, however, most farmed aquatic stocks are essentially wild and little is known about their genomes or the genes that affect important economic traits in culture. Biologists have recognized that recent technological advances including next generation sequencing ( NGS ) have opened up the possibility of generating genome wide sequence data sets rapidly from non‐model organisms at a reasonable cost. In an era when virtually any study organism can ‘go genomic’, understanding gene function and genetic effects on expressed quantitative trait locus phenotypes will be fundamental to future knowledge development. Many factors can influence the individual growth rate in target species but of particular importance in agriculture and aquaculture will be the identification and characterization of the specific gene loci that contribute important phenotypic variation to growth because the information can be applied to speed up genetic improvement programmes and to increase productivity via marker‐assisted selection ( MAS ). While currently there is only limited genomic information available for any crustacean species, a number of putative candidate genes have been identified or implicated in growth and muscle development in some species. In an effort to stimulate increased research on the identification of growth‐related genes in crustacean species, here we review the available information on: (i) associations between genes and growth reported in crustaceans, (ii) growth‐related genes involved with moulting, (iii) muscle development and degradation genes involved in moulting and (iv) correlations between DNA sequences that have confirmed growth trait effects in farmed animal species used in terrestrial agriculture and related sequences in crustacean species. The information in concert can provide a foundation for increasing the rate at which knowledge about key genes affecting growth traits in crustacean species is gained.

Selectivity of particle size by the pink shrimp Farfantepenaeus duorarum (Burkenroad, 1939) larvae - Rolando Gelabert; Roberto Brito (Reviews in Aquaculture, 2013)
Artificial foods have been proposed in aquaculture as a complement or substitute for live food and the quality has been evaluated by considering nutritional value, acceptability, digestibility and water stability, but because of the filter‐feeding behaviour of larvae of the cultured shrimp and the diversity of food found in the market for larviculture, it is important to define the size of food ingested by the different larval stages until the postlarval stage where raptorial habits are more evident than the filter feeding lifestyle. Selectivity assays in the pink shrimp Farfantepenaeus duorarum larvae were made using polystyrene DVB particles with a diameter between 1 and 50 μm as food. A group of organisms between zoea I and postlarval I stages were put into the particle suspension for 15 min to let the particles be ingested. The particle distribution in the medium and the content of the gut of the animals were characterized with digital‐image processing analysis. The results were compared using the Ivlev selectivity formula, which contrasts the frequency distribution of each particle size in the medium and in the gut of larvae. The results of selectivity were adjusted with a third‐order polynomial regression to determine the optimum and the preferred size of the food for each larval stage. The optimum sizes of the food ingested for the different stages of F. duorarum were between 6.17 and 12.02 μm and the preferred were found to be between 2.68 and 18.65 μm.

Fantastically plastic: fish larvae equipped for a new world - Karin Pittman; Manuel Yúfera; Michail Pavlidis; Audrey J. Geffen; Willian Koven; Laura Ribeiro; José L. Zambonino‐Infante; Amos Tandler (Reviews in Aquaculture, 2013)
Teleost fish are more diverse than any other vertebrate group, and yet only a limited number of species are fished and farmed globally. Efforts to expand the quantity and diversity of fish produced are hampered by the extreme diversity of ontogenetic responses of fish, especially during larval development. This review looks at advances in molecular phylogeny, endocrine and nutrient influences and long‐term studies of the phenotypes of commercially important fish to put the sources and consequences of this plasticity into context. This nested context of evolutionary forces of the fish‐specific genome duplication, epigenetic influences, ontogenetically conserved processes like metamorphosis and cell determination is further presented in relation to how fish larvae translate the environment into somatic signals, the teleostian diversity of internal processes like sex differentiation and somatogenesis, and the long‐term practical consequences of changes in timing or anthropogenic influences. This review aims to present a new baseline of knowledge of marine fish larvae which is useful to scientists, managers and producers.

Gamete quality and broodstock management in temperate fish - Herve Migaud; Gordon Bell; Elsa Cabrita; Brendan McAndrew; Andrew Davie; Julien Bobe; M.P. Herráez; Manuel Carrillo (Reviews in Aquaculture, 2013)
The ability to fully control sexual maturation and spawning and to produce large numbers of high quality seeds ‘on demand’ (i.e. all year long) is a primary requirement for the successful development of aquaculture. This relies on optimal broodstock management practices based on extensive knowledge of the nutritional and environmental requirements of fish in captivity. However, for many established, emerging and new farmed fish species, such knowledge is limited or not available yet. The level of domestication also plays an essential role as stocks with improved traits in farming conditions are selected. Importantly, reliable indicators of egg quality are still lacking and hatcheries still rely on wild harvested broodstocks in many farmed fish species. These key challenges must be addressed urgently to ensure the sustainable development of the E uropean fish farming sector. This review gives an overview of methods to assess egg/sperm quality and many of the most important factors affecting gamete production and quality, including broodstock nutrition, environmental and spawning induction protocols, genetic management, gamete preservation and new reproductive strategies.

Skeletal anomalies in reared E uropean fish larvae and juveniles. Part 1: normal and anomalous skeletogenic processes - Clara Boglione; Paulo Gavaia; Giorgos Koumoundouros; Enric Gisbert; Mari Moren; Stéphanie Fontagné; Paul Eckhard Witten (Reviews in Aquaculture, 2013)
This critical review summarizes the knowledge about fish skeletal tissues and inherent normal and anomalous development. Particular emphasis is given to existing literature on reared European fishes. The aim was to identify the main gaps of knowledge that require to be filled, in order to precociously identify anomalous developmental patterns that lead to skeletal anomalies in reared finfish larvae and juveniles. The review also aims to extend our knowledge about the factors that are possibly involved in the onset of skeletal anomalies. The final goal is the optimization of the morphological quality of farmed juvenile fish.

Chinese Abstracts (Reviews in Aquaculture, 2013)

Feeding behaviour and digestive physiology in larval fish: current knowledge, and gaps and bottlenecks in research - Ivar Rønnestad; Manuel Yúfera; Bernd Ueberschär; Laura Ribeiro; Øystein Sæle; Clara Boglione (Reviews in Aquaculture, 2013)
Food uptake follows rules defined by feeding behaviour that determines the kind and quantity of food ingested by fish larvae as well as how live prey and food particles are detected, captured and ingested. Feeding success depends on the progressive development of anatomical characteristics and physiological functions and on the availability of suitable food items throughout larval development. The fish larval stages present eco‐morpho‐physiological features very different from adults and differ from one species to another. The organoleptic properties, dimensions, detectability, movements characteristics and buoyancy of food items are all crucial features that should be considered, but is often ignored, in feeding regimes. Ontogenetic changes in digestive function lead to limitations in the ability to process certain feedstuffs. There is still a lack of knowledge about the digestion and absorption of various nutrients and about the ontogeny of basic physiological mechanisms in fish larvae, including how they are affected by genetic, dietary and environmental factors. The neural and hormonal regulation of the digestive process and of appetite is critical for optimizing digestion. These processes are still poorly described in fish larvae and attempts to develop optimal feeding regimes are often still on a ‘trial and error’ basis. A holistic understanding of feeding ecology and digestive functions is important for designing diets for fish larvae and the adaptation of rearing conditions to meet requirements for the best presentation of prey and microdiets, and their optimal ingestion, digestion and absorption. More research that targets gaps in our knowledge should advance larval rearing.

Issue Information (Reviews in Aquaculture, 2013)

Miscellaneous (Reviews in Aquaculture, 2013)

Fish larval nutrition and feed formulation: knowledge gaps and bottlenecks for advances in larval rearing - Kristin Hamre; Manuel Yúfera; Ivar Rønnestad; Clara Boglione; Luis E. C. Conceição; Marisol Izquierdo (Reviews in Aquaculture, 2013)
Despite considerable progress in recent years, many questions regarding fish larval nutrition remain largely unanswered, and several research avenues remain open. A holistic understanding of the supply line of nutrients is important for developing diets for use in larval culture and for the adaptation of rearing conditions that meet the larval requirements for the optimal presentation of food organisms and/or microdiets. The aim of the present review is to revise the state of the art and to pinpoint the gaps in knowledge regarding larval nutritional requirements, the nutritional value of live feeds and challenges and opportunities in the development of formulated larval diets.

Skeletal anomalies in reared E uropean fish larvae and juveniles. Part 2: main typologies, occurrences and causative factors - Clara Boglione; Enric Gisbert; Paulo Gavaia; Paul E. Witten; Mori Moren; Stéphanie Fontagné; Giorgos Koumoundouros (Reviews in Aquaculture, 2013)
The presence of skeletal anomalies in farmed teleost fish is currently a major problem in aquaculture, entailing economical, biological and ethical issues. The common occurrence of skeletal abnormalities in farmed fish and the absence of effective solutions for avoiding their onset or definitely culling out the affected individuals as early as possible from the productive cycle, highlight the need to improve our knowledge on the basic processes regulating fish skeletogenesis and skeletal tissues differentiation, modelling and remodelling. Severe skeletal anomalies may actually occur throughout the entire life cycle of fish, but their development often begins with slight aberrations of the internal elements. Comprehensive investigation efforts conducted on reared larvae and juveniles could provide a great contribution in filling the gap in knowledge, as skeletogenesis and skeletal tissue differentiation occur during these early life stages. The aim of this review is to provide a synthetic but comprehensive picture of the actual knowledge on the ontogeny, typologies and occurrence of skeletal anomalies, and on the proposed causative factors for their onset in larvae and juveniles of E uropean farmed fish. The state‐of‐art of knowledge of these issues is analysed critically intending to individualize the main gaps of knowledge that require to be filled, in order to optimize the morphological quality of farmed juveniles.

Microbiology and immunology of fish larvae - Olav Vadstein; Øivind Bergh; François‐Joel Gatesoupe; Jorge Galindo‐Villegas; Victoriano Mulero; Simona Picchietti; Giuseppe Scapigliati; Pavlos Makridis; Yngvar Olsen; Kristof Dierckens; Tom Defoirdt; Nico Boon; et al. (Reviews in Aquaculture, 2013)
For most marine aquaculture species, one of the main bottlenecks is the stable production of high quality juveniles. The high and unpredictable mortality in the first weeks after hatching of marine fish larvae remains a challenging problem that needs to be solved. The severity of the problem differs between species, but cannot be considered adequately solved for any species. Both scientific evidence and experience in hatcheries for a variety of fish, shrimp and shellfish species are accumulating as support for the hypothesis that detrimental fish–microbe interactions are the cause of these problems. Host–microbe interactions in reared fish are still poorly understood, except for a few pathogens, and empirical data of the quality required to test this hypothesis, are lacking. This article provides an overview on the current knowledge of the microbial environment of fish larvae, including methodological aspects to characterize the microbial community (both using culture‐dependent and culture‐independent methods). Further, the current knowledge of the immunology of fish larvae is reviewed, including recent advances in the understanding of toll‐like receptors, inflammatory cytokines, mast cells and piscidins, and the ontogeny of the adaptive immune system. Finally, we provide an overview of the state of the art with respect to steering of microbial communities associated with fish larvae – both steering of community composition and of its activity (e.g. by quorum sensing interference).

What determines growth potential and juvenile quality of farmed fish species? - Luísa M.P. Valente; Katerina A. Moutou; Luis E.C. Conceição; Sofia Engrola; Jorge M.O. Fernandes; Ian A. Johnston (Reviews in Aquaculture, 2013)
Enhanced production of high quality and healthy fry is a key target for a successful and competitive expansion of the aquaculture industry. Although large quantities of fish larvae are produced, survival rates are often low or highly variable and growth potential is in most cases not fully exploited, indicating significant gaps in our knowledge concerning optimal nutritional and culture conditions. Understanding the mechanisms that control early development and muscle growth are critical for the identification of time windows in development that introduce growth variation, and improve the viability and quality of juveniles. This literature review of the current state of knowledge aims to provide a framework for a better understanding of fish skeletal muscle ontogeny, and its impact on larval and juvenile quality as broadly defined. It focuses on fundamental biological knowledge relevant to larval phenotype and quality and, in particular, on the factors affecting the development of skeletal muscle. It also discusses the available methodologies to assess growth and larvae/juvenile quality, identifies gaps in knowledge and suggests future research directions. The focus is primarily on the major farmed non‐salmonid fish species in E urope that include gilthead sea bream, E uropean sea bass, turbot, A tlantic cod, S enegalese sole and A tlantic halibut.

Bivalve shellfish harvesting and consumption in New Zealand, 2011: data for exposure assessment - N King; R Lake (New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research, 2013)
We provide an overview of bivalve molluscan shellfish (BMS) availability to New Zealanders. Data on commercial production (aquaculture) and harvesting, non‐commercial (recreational and customary) harvesting and international trading (imports, exports) of BMS were assembled. These data were transformed to estimate the total weight (greenweight and meatweight) of each BMS species, and all BMS species, available to New Zealand domestic consumers in 2011. An estimated 68,000 tonnes greenweight, or 13,000 tonnes meatweight, of BMS were available. Mussels (mostly commercially‐produced Perna canaliculus ) accounted for 96% of the total available BMS by meatweight. Non‐commercially harvested BMS were 1% of the total available BMS. BMS availability was estimated as 8 g/person/day for the total New Zealand population and 407 g/person/day for shellfish consumers. These estimates were comparable to published national consumption data. The results can be used as inputs to exposure assessment. Food availability is a useful estimate where consumption data are limited.

Trophic ecology drives spatial variability in growth among subpopulations of an exploited temperate reef fish - NA Beer; SR Wing (New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research, 2013)
Blue cod ( Parapercis colias ) support important fisheries around New Zealand, but limited mixing over small spatial scales renders subpopulations vulnerable to depletion and highlights the importance of resolving fine‐scale population structure. Fiordland represents a rare opportunity to achieve this in a relatively pristine environment and intact ecosystem. Between 2000 and 2004, spatial population structure in three fjords was used to test how spatial variability in growth between inner and outer fjord subpopulations can be statistically explained by diet, demography and site‐specific factors. Sex ratios and size distributions vary between habitats, with a female bias and a higher frequency of individuals in the larger size classes within the inner fjords. Stomach content analysis shows that in the inner fjords the diet of blue cod includes a diverse array of benthic species while in the outer fjords P. colias is able to utilise a less diverse array of pelagic prey that may be of a higher nutritional quality. Stable isotope analysis reveals that in two of the three outer fjord habitat sites the Laminarian Ecklonia radiata accounts for a large component of basal organic matter to the local population (66–95%). Consequently, fish condition and individual growth rates are high in these kelp‐bed fuelled outer fjord habitats. Our findings demonstrate that baseline variability in the nutritional landscape can result in spatially structured populations, highlighting the importance of spatially‐explicit management measures in the sustainable exploitation of reef fishes.

Molecular genetic tools for environmental monitoring of New Zealand's aquatic habitats, past, present and the future - SA Wood; KF Smith; JC Banks; LA Tremblay; L Rhodes; D Mountfort; SC Cary; X Pochon (New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research, 2013)
The assessment of biological samples is critical for measuring the ‘health’ of New Zealand aquatic environments. Analysis of these samples commonly requires species identification and enumeration, which usually involves microscopy or microbiological methods. These techniques can be time‐consuming, laborious, and are dependent on taxonomic expertise. Recent advances in molecular methods provide promising tools for assessing environmental samples. A range of molecular techniques are now used in New Zealand including: fluorescent in situ hybridisation; automated ribosomal intergenic spacer analysis; quantitative polymerase chain reaction; and, most recently, next‐generation sequencing. The organisms (or targets) and environments monitored are equally diverse, ranging from cyanobacteria, rotifers and invasive fish in lakes, to macroinvertebrates, and biofilm communities in rivers, to bacteria, micro‐ and macro‐algae and invertebrates in marine ecosystems. Despite research and validation demonstrating their potential, the application of these tools by monitoring agencies has been limited. Legislative requirements, costs, and a reluctance to change methodologies, are the most likely reasons for this. This review examines molecular tools that have been previously or are currently used for monitoring aquatic environments in New Zealand, and explores how these, and new techniques, may be applied in the future.

Lepadidae barnacles (Lepadiformes: Lepadomorpha) in association with copepods parasitising pelagic elasmobranchs in the Western Pacific - IP Jacobsen; T Scott‐Holland; MB Bennett (New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research, 2013)
The following provides a detailed account of associations between stalked barnacles and copepods collected from elasmobranchs in the West Pacific Ocean. Ectoparasitic copepods were collected from blue sharks ( Prionace glauca ) and shortfin mako sharks ( Isurus oxyrinchus ) caught as bycatch in the Eastern Tuna and Billfish longline fishery. Up to eight barnacles from the family Lepadidae were observed on three species of copepods; Pandarus satyrus, Dinemoura latifolia, and Ecthrogaleus coleoptratus . The majority were attached to the fourth dorsal plate with barnacle total length at times exceeding 60% of the copepod host length. Only the fourth study to document this type of association, it also identifies E. coleoptratus as a new host record for the family Lepadidae.

Relative influence of local and landscape‐scale features on the density and habitat preferences of longfin and shortfin eels - DJ Booker; E Graynoth (New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research, 2013)
The relative structural influence of local‐scale versus landscape‐scale habitat features on size‐class matrices of both longfin ( Anguilla dieffenbachia ) and shortfin ( Anguilla australis ) eels collected along six different New Zealand rivers (10 river‐year combinations) are quantified using variance decomposition. The total explained variation of these species and size‐class matrices was related to both local‐scale and landscape‐scale variables, and some proportion was shared between these two scales. When compared with landscape‐scale variables, local‐scale physical habitat variables such as water velocity and fish cover explained more about patterns in the size‐distribution of longfin eels. The opposite situation was true for shortfin eels whose size‐distribution was more strongly related to landscape‐scale variables such as distance from sea and channel slope. These findings suggest that management of river flows is required to ensure flow regimes that maintain availability of suitable local‐scale hydraulic conditions, and that biodiversity conservation efforts need to be targeted at protecting a gradient of rivers across New Zealand's river landscape.

Mass and bathymetry influences on the foraging behaviour of dependent yearling New Zealand sea lions ( Phocarctos hookeri ) - ES Leung; BL Chilvers; AB Moore; BC Robertson (New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research, 2013)
Juvenile foraging ability is limited due to physiological and morphological constraints. Restricted foraging skills can result in reduced juvenile survival, which can lead to population decline. Given the important role mass plays in influencing foraging behaviour and survival, we deployed satellite‐linked time‐depth recorders (TDRs) on seven dependent yearling New Zealand sea lions ( Phocarctos hookeri ) over three seasons from 2008–2010 at the New Zealand subantarctic Auckland Islands to study how mass influenced at sea movements and diving behaviour. Mass was significantly negatively related to dive depth and descent rate, indicating yearling diving behaviour may be influenced by their mass. The yearlings demonstrated inter‐individual variation in foraging locations and strategies. This individual variation was likely attributed to the bathymetry of different foraging areas dictating possible dive depths. Thus, when studying foraging behaviour, in addition to physiological and morphological influences, researchers must examine external factors such as the physical characteristics of the foraging habitat.

Physiological and molecular responses to calcium supplementation in Microcystis aeruginosa (Cyanobacteria) - J‐Q Shi; Z‐X Wu; L‐R Song (New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research, 2013)
Calcium is an important element in water bodies that plays a pivotal role in numerous biological processes; however, its effects on bloom‐forming cyanobacteria have been studied only rarely. In the present study, the effects of calcium on Microcystis aeruginosa , a major bloom‐forming cyanobacterium, were investigated. Significant decreases in growth, chlorophyll a and maximum electron transport rate were shown when calcium was absent, while similar reductions in these parameters were also found at high concentrations of calcium (240 mg/l). The expression of psbA , grpE and recA was up‐regulated significantly for 0 and 240 mg/l calcium treatments. The activity of catalase (CAT) also increased remarkably under these two treatments, suggesting that Microcystis suffered from stress under both calcium absence and under high calcium concentrations. Additionally, the polysaccharide synthesis gene, epsL , was up‐regulated at high concentrations of calcium. These data suggest that calcium plays an important role in the growth of Microcystis , and that enhancement in polysaccharide synthesis in response to increases in calcium concentration might be responsible for bloom formation.

Nutrient distribution and effects on phytoplankton assemblages in the western Korea/Tsushima Strait - P‐G Jang; HH Shin; SH Baek; MC Jang; TS Lee; K Shin (New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research, 2013)
In this study, we investigated the relationship between seasonal/annual variation in water masses and nutrients, and the effects of nutrients on phytoplankton assemblages in the western Korea/Tsushima Strait. We collected water samples at least once per month from March 2006 to January 2008. There was seasonal variation in nutrient concentrations, with higher values in winter than in summer, and there was annual variation in chlorophyll‐ a concentration and phytoplankton abundance during spring, with values being approximately three and 10 times higher, respectively, in 2007 than in 2006. Phytoplankton abundance was also approximately four times higher in 2007 than in 2006 during the stratification periods. Our findings suggest that when the supply of nutrients to the upper layer is increased as a result of the Tsushima Warm Water Current and the effect of typhoons, they regulate the abundance and composition of phytoplankton assemblages in the Korea/Tsushima Strait, inducing a succession from flagellates to diatoms.

Bioeconomics of mud crab, Scylla paramamosain , culture in Vietnam - Elizabeth H. Petersen; Truong H. Phuong; Nguyen Van Dung; Pham T. Giang; Nguyen K. Dat; Vu A. Tuan; Tran V. Nghi; Brett D. Glencross (Reviews in Aquaculture, 2013)
The results of bioeconomic analysis informed by a survey of 80 small‐scale mud crab farmers in Vietnam are presented in this paper. Mud crab farming in Vietnam is profitable, with net revenue being approximately 135 and 41 million VND/year (USD 7000–USD 2100 per year) in the central and southern regions, respectively. Profitability was significantly higher in the centre compared with the north, as almost three times the biomass is harvested in the centre compared with the south (in turn, due to higher aquaculture area and survival rates). The benefit–cost ratio (the ratio between total revenue and total costs) is 3.55 in the centre and 1.97 in the south. The crabs are fed almost exclusively on low‐value finfish in the centre and the south. Feeding rates were found to be low, with 95% of biomass gain coming from natural feed in the environment rather than supplementary feeding by the farmer. If pellets are to be adopted widely by mud crab farmers, negative perceptions regarding the poor adaptability of mud crab to pellets (northern farmers only), relatively slow growth rates compared with low‐value finfish and lack of availability of pellets need to be overcome.

Chinese Abstracts (Reviews in Aquaculture, 2013)

Protein, lipid and energy requirements of cultured marine fish in cold, temperate and warm water - Jenna N. Bowyer; Jian G. Qin; David A. J. Stone (Reviews in Aquaculture, 2013)
Temperature is one of the most important physical factors influencing fish growth. Under optimal temperatures, food energy partitioned into fish growth can be maximized. However, when a marine carnivorous species is cultured in an environment where temperature falls outside the optimal range of a fish, growth will be affected. The nutrient–environment interaction is important for optimizing a fish’s nutritional requirements throughout the grow‐out period. The most current global issue for the aquaculture industry is the inclusion of alternative ingredients into formulated diets to produce a sustainable seafood product. This requires the substitution of fish meal and fish oil with alternative ingredients from plant and terrestrial animal sources. This review discusses the changes in nutritional requirements (protein, lipid and energy) and physiology of some commonly cultured marine fishes as a consequence of seasonal changes in temperature during the grow‐out period. This review also discusses the effects of replacing fish meal and fish oil with alternative protein and lipid sources on the nutritional–environmental interactions of fish performance at different temperatures.

Salmon Welfare Index Model (SWIM 1.0): a semantic model for overall welfare assessment of caged Atlantic salmon: review of the selected welfare indicators and model presentation - Lars H. Stien; Marc B. M. Bracke; Ole Folkedal; Jonatan Nilsson; Frode Oppedal; Thomas Torgersen; Silje Kittilsen; Paul J. Midtlyng; Marco A. Vindas; Øyvind Øverli; Tore S. Kristiansen (Reviews in Aquaculture, 2013)
A semantic model for overall welfare assessment of Atlantic salmon reared in sea cages is presented. The model, called SWIM 1.0, is designed to enable fish farmers to make a formal and standardized assessment of fish welfare using a set of selected welfare indicators. In order to cover all welfare relevant aspects from the animals’ point of view and to create a science‐based tool we first identified the known welfare needs of Atlantic salmon in sea cages and searched the literature for feasible welfare indicators. The framework of semantic modelling was used to perform a structured literature review and an evaluation of each indicator. The selected indicators were water temperature, salinity, oxygen saturation, water current, stocking density, lighting, disturbance, daily mortality rate, appetite, sea lice infestation ratio, condition factor, emaciation state, vertebral deformation, maturation stage, smoltification state, fin condition and skin condition. Selection criteria for the indicators were that they should be practical and measureable on the farm, 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 model that calculates welfare indexes for salmon in sea cages. More importantly, the model identifies how each indicator contributes (negatively and positively) to the overall index and hence which welfare needs are compromised or fulfilled.

Issue Information (Reviews in Aquaculture, 2013)

Avoidance of mussel farms by dusky dolphins ( Lagenorhynchus obscurus ) in New Zealand - HC Pearson; RL Vaughn‐Hirshorn; M Srinivasan; B Würsig (New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research, 2012)
We describe fine‐scale interactions between dusky dolphins and mussel farms in Admiralty Bay, New Zealand. We examined dusky dolphin presence in nearshore mussel farms, coordinated feeding behaviours in and near mussel farms, and long‐term changes in regional population abundance. Sampling methods included boat‐based surveys, focal follows, underwater observations, and photo‐identification. Correcting for area, dusky dolphins spent significantly less time inside mussel farms versus outside mussel farms and other nearshore areas (both P

Monitoring the state of New Zealand rivers: How the River Values Assessment System can help - KFD Hughey; KL Booth (New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research, 2012)
The River Values Assessment System (RiVAS) is a standardised multi‐criteria analysis approach for developing river rankings for diverse values (e.g. irrigation, whitewater kayaking, native birds) to aid decision‐making regarding various aspects of river management. The method identifies primary attributes that characterise the value and an indicator for each. Eleven values have been, or are being, implemented. In this paper, the distribution of primary attributes and indicators by value are mapped. Almost all values require some sort of ‘count’ data (especially recreational and ecological values) and most require water quantity or water quality data. Conversely, some values require data solely pertinent to that value. The tangata whenua (indigenous peoples of New Zealand) value is the most holistic. Findings suggest that comprehensive state of the environment reporting for rivers requires data additional to that currently collected, especially recreation‐related data. RiVAS provides a useful framework for thinking strategically about monitoring and reporting.

The population genetic structure of the waratah anemone ( Actinia tenebrosa ) around New Zealand - AJ Veale; SD Lavery (New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research, 2012)
The genetic structure of populations is often shaped by the reproductive system and larval properties of the species. The waratah anemone ( Actinia tenebrosa ) reproduces through both asexual clones, which have very short‐distance dispersal, and sexual larvae, which are believed to disperse much greater distances. The impact of this mixed strategy on the New Zealand population structure of Actinia tenebrosa was investigated using microsatellite markers. The analysis incorporated 24 sampling locations from around New Zealand and one Australian location, using four microsatellite markers, n = 420. We observed low connectivity and high genetic differentiation between all locations sampled, with a distinct pattern of isolation by distance. The most distinct grouping of locations sampled was the north‐east of the North Island from Cape Reinga to East Cape, which was identified by SAMOVA and STRUCTURE analyses as being moderately diverged from the remainder of the country. A tentative correlation was observed between genetic clustering and biogeographic regionalisation, where the distribution of a number of genetic clusters matched previously defined biogeographic regions. Within each location sampled, large numbers of clones were present and a latitudinal cline was observed in the relative contribution of asexually and sexually generated recruits, with an increase in asexual recruits on the South Island's east coast.

Using climate downscaling to hypothesise impacts on apex predator marine ecosystem dynamics - M Srinivasan; HC Pearson; RL Vaughn‐Hirshorn; B Würsig; R Murtugudde (New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research, 2012)
Climate downscaling studies help to connect global predictions and projections with regional dynamics and generate a better understanding of past and future conditions. Adding ecological variables and trophic relationships into the climate equation is challenging since there are few clear connections. The present study is an exploratory data analysis to explain dusky dolphin ( Lagenorhynchus obscurus ) encounter rate patterns in Admiralty Bay, New Zealand. During 2001–2006, dolphin encounter rate in winter decreased from 6 to 0.8 groups/h and the proportion of dolphin groups observed feeding decreased from 80% to 38% in Inner Admiralty Bay. These trends generally corresponded to cooler and moderate El Niño Southern Oscillation years, lower sea surface height, southwesterly winds, increased surface mixing and decreased sea surface salinity. To fully grasp the significance of these relationships and potential impact(s) on dolphin population trends, directed long‐term studies that synthesise dolphin, prey, water quality, anthropogenic pressures and climatic information into regional climate‐ecosystem models are needed.

The black petrel ( Procellaria parkinsoni ) in pelagic waters off northern Chile: a southern extension to the known distribution and interactions with the pelagic longline fishery - LA Cabezas; J Ruiz; O Yates; M Bernal (New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research, 2012)
During seabird censuses performed as part of scientific research looking into seabird bycatch onboard industrial pelagic longline vessels targeting swordfish ( Xiphias gladius ) we made the first documented records of black petrel ( Procellaria parkinsoni ) in the pelagic waters of northern Chile, considerably extending the species’ range southward. These observations were made during hauling operations in the austral winters of 2008, 2009 and 2010 between 23°00'S and 32°49'S. Black petrels were observed in 9.6% of censuses and a total of 10 birds were recorded. Despite the fact that this species fed upon discards and wastes generated during fishing, no incidental mortality was observed. Our results are relevant to the conservation of the black petrel in the south‐eastern Pacific marine ecosystem, as they provide new information on species range and interactions with pelagic fisheries.

Editorial - Doug Mountfort (New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research, 2012)

Editorial Board (New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research, 2012)

Sixth national survey of pesticides in groundwater in New Zealand - ME Close; A Skinner (New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research, 2012)
The 2010 4‐yearly national survey of pesticides in groundwater included 162 wells. The aims of the survey were to update the national overview of pesticides in New Zealand's groundwater systems, to investigate temporal variation in pesticide concentrations between surveys, and to identify environmental factors associated with pesticide contamination. Pesticides were detected in 38 wells (23%), with two or more pesticides detected in 15 wells (9%). Pesticides were measured in wells in nine of the 14 regions sampled. One well showed a dieldrin concentration greater than the maximum acceptable value for drinking water. A total of 22 different pesticides were detected. Herbicides were the most common pesticide group detected. Levels of only three of the 66 pesticide detections exceeded 1 mg/m 3 . Comparisons with earlier surveys indicate that a similar percentage of wells had detectable pesticides in the last four surveys once correction for variable detection limits was made.

The role of dams in altering freshwater fish communities in New Zealand - PG Jellyman; JS Harding (New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research, 2012)
Dams are important structures for generating electricity and irrigation, but they often severely modify river hydrology and geomorphology and thus impact freshwater communities. These effects are broadly predictable and therefore, at a catchment scale, biological communities should respond in some predictable manner. We interrogated the New Zealand Freshwater Fish Database to determine whether dams have predictable catchment‐scale effects on fish assemblages. Seven selection criteria were applied to over 2000 dams, resulting in 30 dams being considered suitable for analysis. Comparisons were made above and below dams and with data from undammed sites which showed that community composition was significantly different above and below dams. Sites above dams had lower species richness, a lower percentage of diadromous species and a higher percentage of exotic species compared to below dams. None of these differences were present at undammed sites. In summary, dams restrict the movement of diadromous fish generally resulting in their reduction or loss from above‐dam habitats and also create artificial lentic ecosystems that exotic species can successively exploit. These changes to fish communities were found across New Zealand and should be viewed as a general consequence of any new dam construction unless fish management and conservation measures are undertaken.

The first report of Vulcanodinium rugosum (Dinophyceae) from the South China Sea with a focus on the life cycle - N Zeng; H Gu; KF Smith; LL Rhodes; AI Selwood; W Yang (New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research, 2012)
An individual non‐motile (NM) cell was isolated from a surface sediment sample collected in Guangxi, China and subsequently established as a dinoflagellate strain in culture. The motile cells are 22.5–32.5 µm long and 20.0–30.0 µm wide, with a plate formula of Po, X, 4′, 3a, 7″, 6c, 5(?)s, 5″′, 2″″, fitting the description of Vulcanodinium rugosum . The Chinese strain shares 99.8%, 97.4% and 96.7% similarity (LSU sequence) with those from Australasia, France and Japan. Asexual division of V. rugosum takes place either in the thecate motile stage or within a NM division cell. Motile cells divided by binary fission inside the parent cell and transformed to NM division cells within 24 h. The NM cell underwent one to three consecutive divisions within the parent wall. The divisions were not always synchronous and neither was the release of motile cells from the NM cells. It generally took 4 to 6 days for the NM cells to complete one division. NM cells survived for 1 month at 4 °C in the dark, suggesting that they might play an important role in species dispersal. A novel pinnatoxin was detected at 20 pg cell −1 and no other known pinnatoxins (A–G) were detected.

Diet of rainbow trout in Lake Rotoiti: an energetic perspective - JM Blair; BJ Hicks; R Pitkethley; N Ling (New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research, 2012)
We characterised seasonal and ontogenetic changes in diet and prey energy density of rainbow trout ( Oncorhynchus mykiss ) in Lake Rotoiti, New Zealand, to better understand the prey requirements of trout in central North Island lakes. Common smelt ( Retropinna retropinna ) was the dominant prey item of rainbow trout larger than 200 mm (77.8% of diet by weight), followed by kōura (freshwater crayfish Paranephrops planifrons ; 6.3%), common bully ( Gobiomorphus cotidianus ; 5.5%), and kōaro ( Galaxias brevipinnis ; 3.4%). Juvenile rainbow trout (

Distribution of backswimmers in shallow ponds of Patagonia and their predatory role on a common tadpole–copepod assemblage - FG Jara; MG Perotti; MC Diéguez (New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research, 2012)
In this study, the distribution and occurrence of backswimmers in 21 fishless ponds was analysed in the Nahuel Huapi National Park (Patagonia, Argentina). We performed laboratory experiments to study the impact of different developmental stages of the endemic backswimmer Notonecta vereertbruggheni on typical co‐occurring prey. We recorded three species of backswimmers N . vereertbruggheni , Notonecta virescens and Notonecta fazi . A seasonal study in Fantasma pond showed that adults of N . vereertbruggheni colonise and reproduce in the pond in spring and summer, co‐occurring with other macroinvertebrates and endemic tadpoles. Predation experiments explored the impact of N . vereertbruggheni on two large co‐occurring prey, the calanoid copepod Parabroteas sarsi and the tadpoles of Pleurodema thaul . The backswimmer consumed more copepods than tadpoles when prey was offered separately. Selectivity experiments demonstrated that the copepods were preferred over the tadpoles. Backswimmers may impact the typical assemblages of organisms found in fishless ponds of Patagonia during spring and summer.

The spawning dynamics of snapper ( Chrysophrys auratus ) in northern Spencer Gulf, South Australia - Richard J Saunders; Anthony J Fowler; Bronwyn M Gillanders (New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research, 2012)
This study investigated the inter‐ and intra‐annual variation in the spawning dynamics of snapper ( Chrysophrys auratus ). Reproductive samples from northern Spencer Gulf, South Australia were collected over three seasons (2005/06, 2006/07 and 2007/08) and were analysed macro and microscopically. Spawning activity was determined by calculating estimates of spawning fraction and batch fecundities. The onset of spawning occurred in November but varied between years and corresponded with times when water temperature was between 18 °C and 20 °C. The length of the spawning season also differed between years. In each year the peak spawning activity occurred during December when fish spawned almost daily. Spawning frequency and relative batch size did not differ between the first two spawning seasons but, in the third season, batch size was considerably greater and spawning fractionally lower. These results are contrasted with a known recruitment of 0+ over the three years of the study.

Open‐water integrated multi‐trophic aquaculture: environmental biomitigation and economic diversification of fed aquaculture by extractive aquaculture - Thierry Chopin; John Andrew Cooper; Gregor Reid; Stephen Cross; Christine Moore (Reviews in Aquaculture, 2012)
Integrated multi‐trophic aquaculture (IMTA) seeks to biodiversify fed aquaculture (e.g. finfish or shrimps) with extractive aquaculture, recapturing the inorganic (e.g. seaweeds) and organic (e.g. suspension‐ and deposit‐feeders) nutrients from fed aquaculture for their growth. The combination fed/extractive aquaculture aims to engineer food production systems providing both biomitigative services to the ecosystem and improved economic farm output through the co‐cultivation of complementary species. Major rethinking is needed regarding the definition of an ‘aquaculture farm’ and how it works within an ecosystem. The economic values of the environmental/societal services of extractive species should be recognized and accounted for in the evaluation of the full value of these IMTA components. Seaweeds and invertebrates produced in IMTA systems should be considered as candidates for nutrient/carbon trading credits. While organic loading from aquaculture has been associated with localized benthic impacts, there have also been occurrences of increased biodiversity and abundance of wild species in response to moderate nutrient enrichment and the use of infrastructures as substrates. To develop efficient food production systems, it will be important to understand and use the duality of nutrients (essential when limiting/polluting when in excess) to engineer systems producing them in moderation so that they can be partially recaptured while maintaining their concentrations optimal for healthy and productive ecosystems. Measures of species diversity, colonization rates, abundance, growth and ecosystem functions with respect to nutrient partitioning and recycling, species interactions and control of diseases could represent valid indicators for the development of robust performance metrics.

Environmental comparison of intensive and integrated agriculture–aquaculture systems for striped catfish production in the Mekong Delta, Vietnam, based on two existing case studies using life cycle assessment - Ingeborg N. Kluts; José Potting; Roel H. Bosma; Le T. Phong; Henk M. J. Udo (Reviews in Aquaculture, 2012)
Vietnam is the largest producer for the export of striped catfish. Traditionally striped catfish production in the Mekong Delta took place in integrated agriculture–aquaculture systems, but has shifted recently to intensive systems to meet increasing export demands. A recent study quantified the environmental impact of intensive striped catfish production in Vietnam. Another did the same for integrated systems. Both studies used life cycle assessment, covered similar environmental impact categories, and were roughly matched in the production stages included. However, an environmental comparison of both systems has not been made so far. The objective of this paper is to make a comparative life cycle assessment of striped catfish production in intensive and integrated systems. The comparison was based on existing life cycle assessments on these systems, but their methodological choices and data had to be aligned. The results show that striped catfish production in intensive systems contributes considerably more to seven of the nine assessed impact categories (global warming, ozone depletion, acidification, eutrophication, photochemical oxidation, human toxicity, freshwater ecotoxicity, marine aquatic ecotoxicity, fossil depletion). Only contributions to eutrophication and freshwater ecotoxicity were higher for the integrated systems than for the intensive systems. In both systems, grow‐out fish farming contributes most to eutrophication and freshwater ecotoxicity, whereas feed production contributes most to all other impact categories. The environmental performance of integrated striped catfish production is convincingly better in most impact categories. This raises questions about whether (elements of) these systems can be used to mitigate the environmental impact of intensive striped catfish production.

Chinese Abstracts (Reviews in Aquaculture, 2012)

Issue Information (Reviews in Aquaculture, 2012)

Megalocytivirus infection in fish - Kuttichantran Subramaniam; Mohamed Shariff; Abdul Rahman Omar; Mohd Hair‐Bejo (Reviews in Aquaculture, 2012)
Megalocytivirus is a newly discovered DNA‐virus from the Iridoviridae family that possesses icosahedral symmetry and has a size range of 140–200 nm diameter. Based on genetic differences, Megalocytivirus is divided into three major groups; infectious spleen and kidney necrosis virus which is reported to cause disease in numerous marine and freshwater fish species, red sea bream iridovirus that mainly infects red sea bream [ Pagrus major (Temminck & Schlegel 1843)] and turbot reddish body iridovirus that is reported to infect Asian flounder species. Megalocytivirus has not been studied as extensively as other genera in the Iridoviridae family until recently; these viruses have received the most attention in research due to the wider host range and cause significant mortality and economic losses in the aquaculture industry. This review provides information on taxonomy, viral properties, epizootic, pathology and diagnostics of Megalocytivirus infection in fish.

Is lower intensity aquaculture a valuable means of producing food? An evaluation of its effects on near‐shore and inland waters - James S. Diana (Reviews in Aquaculture, 2012)
The effects of aquaculture on the environment have been the subject of much examination, but most of the focus has been on shrimp and salmon. These are not the most common species grown in aquaculture, nor the most common systems used. About 60% of production today uses lower intensity culture to produce organisms in natural systems such as ponds. This paper is an overview of the positive and negative environmental impacts of lower intensity aquaculture. The ranked positive impacts of lower intensity aquaculture include: conservation aquaculture that supplements reproduction in natural populations; improving the quality of natural waters through filtering or consuming wastes by cultured organisms; reducing pressure on wild stocks by providing alternative sources in the market; and replacing damaging employment with more sustainable aquaculture jobs. Negative impacts include: escapement of alien species that become invasive; eutrophication of receiving waters from pond effluents; release of parasites and diseases into natural communities; escapement of unique genotypes resulting in genetic alteration of native stocks; land degradation due to pond construction; release of antibiotics or other drugs into receiving waters; depletion of natural resources such as water; loss of benthic biodiversity from settling of sediments; and reductions in natural populations by collection of larval or juvenile fish. Some impacts, especially the use of fishmeal and the transmission of disease, are much less common in lower intensity aquaculture systems. Aquaculture has an important role in current and future food production, and in many cases lower intensity aquaculture provides a sustainable solution to increased aquaculture production.

Distribution of southern right whales on the Auckland Islands calving grounds - W Rayment; A Davidson; S Dawson; E Slooten; T Webster (New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research, 2012)
Southern right whales ( Eubalaena australis ) were virtually extirpated from New Zealand by commercial whaling, but are now recovering. Previous research at the Auckland Islands has suggested that Port Ross, a sheltered embayment at the northern end of the islands, is the primary calving ground for right whales in New Zealand. However, an abundance of potentially suitable calving areas exist outside Port Ross, raising the question of whether the growing population might be expanding its distribution to occupy new or former habitats. To address this we conducted the first systematic line‐transect survey of potential right whale calving habitat at the Auckland Islands in winter 2011. High densities of southern right whales were sighted inside Port Ross, including all but one of the 21 mother‐calf pairs recorded. The survey confirmed that Port Ross is the principal calving area for southern right whales in the Auckland Islands. This conclusion has implications for the estimation of demographic parameters of right whales in New Zealand, which have thus far relied on data gathered largely in Port Ross, and highlights the importance of protecting this habitat.

Land use influences on suspended sediment yields and event sediment dynamics within two headwater catchments, Waikato, New Zealand - AO Hughes; JM Quinn; LA McKergow (New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research, 2012)
Information on the effect of human‐induced disturbances on sediment yields and sediment sources from New Zealand catchments is limited. This study analyses the sediment yields and event sediment dynamics for a 12‐year period from two paired headwater catchments within the Waikato region. One catchment (Whakakai) was entirely vegetated in native forest, while the other (Mangaotama) was of mixed land use. Near the beginning of the study period, an integrated catchment management plan was implemented with the Mangaotama catchment. This plan included riparian planting, planting of degraded land in Pinus radiata and changes in stock management. Long‐term in‐stream turbidity data was calibrated with suspended sediment concentration (SSC) measurements and used to determine event and annual sediment yields. Hysteresis of the discharge (Q)–SSC relationship during events was used to infer differences in sediment sources. Event sediment yields within the Mangaotama catchment were similar to Whakakai catchment during small events ( c . 1.01‐year return period). For larger and less frequent events (>5‐year return period), the event yields from Mangaotama exceeded Whakakai by about a factor of three, probably due to mass movement initiation. The specific sediment yield (±1σ) from Mangaotama (97±39 t/km 2 /year) was around 60% higher than Whakakai (60±22 t/km 2 /year). Clockwise hysteresis in the Q–SSC relationship dominated at Mangaotama, indicating the importance of near‐channel sources. The persistence of near‐channel source dominance throughout the study period (despite major land use changes) was attributed to switching of erosive mechanisms (i.e. from cattle‐induced mechanical disturbance to subaerial processes). The prevalence of anti‐clockwise hysteresis in the Q–SSC relationship of events at Whakakai suggests that hillslope sources are likely to be a principal source of eroded sediment. Such information provides valuable information that may help guide future decisions on the application of catchment rehabilitation measures.

Near‐surface water temperatures in Doubtful Sound and response to natural and anthropogenic drivers - E Goodwin; CD Cornelisen (New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research, 2012)
New Zealand fiords frequently feature a buoyant low‐salinity layer (LSL) leading to unique biological communities on their rock walls. The LSL has previously been distinguished by its temperature, but we show this is not always reliable. We describe temporal and spatial patterns in water temperature in Doubtful Sound, and the influences of rainfall, wind, air temperature and the discharge from the Manapōuri hydroelectric power scheme. Surface (0.5 to 19 m depth) temperatures in the fiords varied considerably at frequencies corresponding with season and weather. Distinct weather events coincided with fluctuations in surface temperatures of 5 °C to 10 °C, a magnitude of temperature change comparable to seasonal variability. Variability of surface water temperatures declined with proximity to the hydroelectric discharge. Statistical analyses indicated that changes in climate and weather are likely to have a larger effect on temperatures than changes in the rate of freshwater discharge.

Facilitation of upstream passage for juveniles of a weakly swimming migratory galaxiid - K Doehring; RG Young; AR McIntosh (New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research, 2012)
The mitigating effects of fish passes to aid fish dispersal are well recognised; however, non‐sports fish species, juveniles and weak swimmers have mostly been neglected when developing solutions to fish passage issues. We studied the juvenile (fork length, FL Galaxias maculatus ), up an artificial ramp to evaluate the effects of fish size, ramp slope (5°, 15°, 25°), water velocity and the potential need for resting opportunities (pools) for a successful ascent. Water velocity significantly increased and fish passage success significantly decreased with ramp angle, with only one fish passing the 25° ramp. On average, fish had to be 10 mm larger to ascend a 15° ramp angle than at 5°. Pools did not enhance passage success in this study. To facilitate fish passage at barriers for weakly swimming fish species like juvenile īnanga, ramps should provide a rough surface substrate and have an optimal angle of 5° for a 3‐m ramp.

Seasonal changes in the biochemical composition of Evechinus chloroticus gonads (Echinodermata: Echinoidea) - W Verachia; MA Sewell; B Niven; M Leus; MF Barker; PJ Bremer (New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research, 2012)
The influence of season, gender and sexual maturity on the biochemical composition (moisture, protein, total lipids, triglycerides, cholesterol, phospholipids, free amino acids, glucose and glycogen) of gonads from the endemic New Zealand sea urchin Evechinus chloroticus was investigated. Gonads were obtained from urchins during the austral autumn, winter, summer and spring, over a 23‐month period. Biochemical differences between genders were less pronounced in autumn (March to May) and winter (June to August) when more nutritive cells were present in the gonads, and more distinct over spring (September to November) and summer (December to February) months as the gametogenic cells matured, thus highlighting the importance of assessing testes and ovaries separately during biochemical analysis. Differences in the biochemical composition of testes and ovaries were the least pronounced during autumn, which suggests this will be the best season to harvest E. chloroticus in order to enhance taste and flavour, and reduce variability.

Age verification, growth and life history of rubyfish Plagiogeneion rubiginosum - PL Horn; HL Neil; LJ Paul; PJ McMillan (New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research, 2012)
Age verification of rubyfish ( Plagiogeneion rubiginosum ) was sought using the bomb radiocarbon chronometer procedure. Stable isotopes were investigated for life history characteristics. Radiocarbon ( 14 C) and stable isotope (δ 18 O and δ 13 C) levels were measured in micro‐samples from five otoliths that had been aged using a zone count method. All the core 14 C measurements were ‘pre‐bomb’ indicating ages of at least 45 years, and the 14 C measurements across the otolith sections suggested that the zone‐count ageing method described herein is not biased. Maximum estimated age was 100 years. There was no significant between‐sex difference in the von Bertalanffy growth curves. The δ 18 O values indicated that rubyfish are near‐surface as juveniles, and move deeper with age. Adults appear to reside in 600–1000 m; this is deeper than most trawl‐capture data suggest, but not implausible, and has stock assessment implications. The δ 13 C values reflect fish metabolic rates, trophic feeding levels and oceanographic conditions. The stable isotopes record the environmental life history of each fish, and have value in distinguishing stocks and/or indicating vertical and latitudinal migratory patterns.

Effects of environmental gradients on the distribution of harpacticoid copepods in an intertidal flat, Portobello Bay, Otago Harbour, New Zealand - TJ Stringer; JC Korsman; G Peralta; V Keesing; LA Tremblay; CN Glover (New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research, 2012)
Harpacticoid copepods are often one of the most dominant taxa in marine sediments, but there is limited knowledge of the physicochemical sediment characteristics that affect distribution of native New Zealand copepod species. Environmental gradients and abundance of harpacticoid copepods were therefore surveyed in Portobello Bay, an intertidal sand and mud flat in Otago Harbour, New Zealand. Generalised linear mixed models (GLMMs) were used to determine the relationship between physical factors and species abundance as well as to examine interspecies interactions. Six copepod species were present at the study site: Amphiascoides sp. , Enhydrosoma sp., Parastenhelia megarostrum , Robertsonia propinqua , and two species of Quinquelaophonte . Distribution of species was found to be significantly correlated to sediment size, organic content, tidal reach, salinity and pH. In addition to these physical factors, species–species interactions also affected copepod abundance. This information is relevant for understanding factors influencing copepod distribution, but also will shape guidelines for use in marine sediment bioassays using harpacticoid copepods.

Acid Mine Drainage Index (AMDI): a benthic invertebrate biotic index for assessing coal mining impacts in New Zealand streams - DP Gray; JS Harding (New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research, 2012)
Acid mine drainage (AMD) is a widespread phenomenon globally. Drainage into streams from coal mines often contains a cocktail of acidic waters high in dissolved metals, and consequently stream invertebrate communities may be severely impacted. Traditionally, the intensity of impacts has been assessed by combinations of water chemistry and benthic invertebrate metrics; however, a metric specifically designed for assessing mining impacts has not been developed. We propose a benthic invertebrate biotic index: the Acid Mine Drainage Index (AMDI), based on species presence data. The AMDI has been developed by associating water chemistry and benthic invertebrate community data collected from 91 sites. AMD indicator scores for 57 taxa were calculated using weighted averaging. Site scores can range from 0 (severely impacted) to 100 (unimpacted) and sites can be categorised as ‘severely impacted’, ‘impacted’ or ‘unimpacted’. Comparisons between AMDI and traditional indices indicated the AMDI is more accurate at detecting mine drainage.

Use of bacterial communities to assess the ecological health of a recently restored stream - G Lear; P‐Y Ancion; J Harding; GD Lewis (New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research, 2012)
We assess the utility of bacterial community data for providing an indication of stream health in a recently ‘restored’ urban stream. A community DNA fingerprinting technique was used to characterise the bacterial community within Okeover Stream, and a lesser impacted, nearby stream. No significant differences in bacterial community structure were detected between streams. However, further investigation revealed highly elevated levels of Zn, Pb and Cu associated with microbial biofilms in Okeover Stream and an increased abundance of genes encoding for bacterial resistance to Co, Zn and Cd. Benthic invertebrates were also sampled, confirming that despite recent attempts at stream restoration, the ecological health of the Okeover Stream remains poor. While the analysis of macroinvertebrate communities appeared to provide a more informative measure of overall stream health, we show that the targeted analysis of bacterial functional genes can be used to identify possible causes of declining ecological health.

Macrofaunal colonisation of stranded Durvillaea antarctica on a southern New Zealand exposed sandy beach - C Dufour; PK Probert; C Savage (New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research, 2012)
Samples of the kelp Durvillaea antarctica were placed in mesh bags on the upper shore of a southern New Zealand exposed sandy beach and monitored over 30 days to examine their decomposition and macrofaunal colonisation. Amphipoda, Staphylinidae, other Coleoptera and Diptera made up 99.9% of total macrofaunal abundance and biomass of the colonising fauna. Amphipoda and Staphylinidae abundance differed significantly between days of exposure. All main taxonomic groups, except other Coleoptera, differed in biomass between days of exposure and between seasons, with greater biomass in autumn than winter. Decomposition rate and moisture content of D . antarctica differed significantly between days of exposure and between seasons, whereas carbon content only differed significantly over time. Correlations between macrofaunal abundance and the decomposition rate, and total macrofaunal abundance and the C:N ratio, suggest that the macrofaunal community prefers older wrack, despite it being lower in nitrogen content then fresh kelp.

Ikawai: freshwater fishes in Māori culture and economy - BJ Hicks; EM Watene‐Rawiri (New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research, 2012)

Factors affecting farmers’ adoption of integrated rice–fish farming systems in the Mekong delta, Vietnam - Roel H. Bosma; Dang K. Nhan; Henk M. J. Udo; Uzay Kaymak (Reviews in Aquaculture, 2012)
This study investigated the determinants of the adoption of improved rice–fish farming systems in the Mekong delta to support policy making, agricultural land‐use planning and extension of integrated rice–fish farming. Recently these systems have been referred to as adaptations to climate change, while traditional rice–fish systems have often been abandoned. In 2006, we carried out surveys among 94 farmers either practising rice monoculture or having an improved rice–fish system. We analysed data among others with binary logistic regression and simulated adoption by using fuzzy logic. Per capita and per hectare incomes of households practising rice–fish systems were nearly double, while their farm size was 1.3 times larger than that of the rice monoculture farms. Households with larger homesteads, i.e. neighbouring irrigated fields and ponds, better access to financial capital and more know‐how of rice and fish culture and their integration, were more likely to adopt rice–fish systems. Previously identified drivers and factors for adoption, such as an appropriate agro‐ecological context and the farmer’s education and training level, were confirmed. Promoting rice–fish systems needs participatory extension and research approaches for sustainable agriculture strategies such as integrated pest management (IPM) in which farmers, trainers and researchers optimize technologies in constantly changing contexts.

Chinese Abstracts (Reviews in Aquaculture, 2012)

Impact of climate change in Mediterranean aquaculture - Rui Rosa; António Marques; Maria L. Nunes (Reviews in Aquaculture, 2012)
The Mediterranean Sea is the biggest marginal sea of the Earth and is at the centre of the life for several millions of people. Seafood is consumed widely in this region, with an average of 16.5 kg/capita/year, and one‐fourth of the seafood supply comes from aquaculture activities. The Mediterranean aquaculture sector has expanded in recent decades. Production increased by 77% over the past decade reaching about 1.3 million metric tonnes in 2009. The total value of production was around 3700 million US dollars, representing 3.4% of the value of global aquaculture production. The growth of seafood demand in the Mediterranean is expected to increase in the future, especially in southern countries. Yet, during the 21st century, the Mediterranean basin is expected to observe: (i) an increase in air temperature of between 2.2°C and 5.1°C; (ii) a decrease in rainfall of between 4% and 27%; (iii) an increase in drought periods related to a high frequency of days during which the temperature would exceed 30°C; and (iv) an increase of the sea level of around 35 cm and saline intrusion. Moreover, extreme events, such as heat waves, droughts or floods, are likely to be more frequent and violent. This paper reviews the present status of Mediterranean aquaculture (e.g. production trends, main farmed species, production systems, major producing countries), the most relevant impacts of climate change on this sector (temperature, eutrophication, harmful algae blooms, water stress, sea level rise, acidification and diseases) and proposes a wide range of adaptation and mitigation strategies that might be implemented to minimize impacts.

Directive 2010/63/EU on animal welfare: a review on the existing scientific knowledge and implications in cephalopod aquaculture research - António V. Sykes; Filipa D. Baptista; Rui A. Gonçalves; José P. Andrade (Reviews in Aquaculture, 2012)
This review intends to provide a reflection regarding Directive 2010/63/EU, on animal welfare, and its application concerning cephalopod breeding and experimentation in aquaculture research. To do so, we gathered different perspectives of our group members, involving two cephalopod aquaculture researchers, an aquaculture fish production technician and a veterinary professional, the latter with no background on cephalopod research. The inclusion of this class in the animal welfare legislation; the definition of live cephalopods, stress, pain and suffering are revised according to the latest scientific knowledge. Considering the 15 year background that the Centre of Marine Sciences holds on the cultivation of the European cuttlefish, an evaluation of existing production protocols, aquaculture technology related research, ethics and cephalopod welfare are discussed. The application of anaesthesia, analgesia and euthanasia is discussed, bearing in mind the different procedures applied on a daily basis in aquaculture breeding and experimentation and the requirements of the new Directive. Finally, an overview of the above and progress on 3Rs (replacement of animals, reduction in number of animals and refinement of procedures) application to cephalopod welfare is presented.

Exploitation and conservation of fish genetic resources in Africa: issues and priorities for aquaculture development and research - Curtis E. Lind; Randall E. Brummett; Raul W. Ponzoni (Reviews in Aquaculture, 2012)
Africa harbours a rich biological diversity of native fish resources. Recognition of the potential to use these resources to make significant contributions towards improving African food security through aquaculture has existed for some time. A key challenge, however, is achieving compatibility between the two urgent, but sometimes conflicting, goals of reducing poverty and food insecurity in Africa through aquaculture development while paying due attention to the conservation of natural biodiversity and fish genetic resources (FiGR). In this paper we highlight the overarching challenges concerning the conservation and exploitation of FiGR for the long‐term development of aquaculture for food production in Africa. We address the major issues requiring attention in genetic improvement programs in order to take full advantage of the highly diverse wild FiGR in Africa, and we expand on strategies such as zoning, environmental risk analysis and molecular characterization approaches that can be used to minimize the potential harm to wild FiGR arising from aquaculture activities and future development. Finally, we discuss the challenge of strengthening local capacity. The enhancement of local capacity is essential because it will enable the fundamental link required to achieve the desired outcome of increasing the productivity of aquatic animals for food in Africa in a sustainable manner. We trust that this paper will provide a good basis for an in‐depth discussion of the subject, as well as guidance on future research and development priorities for the compatible exploitation and conservation of FiGR in Africa.

Issue Information (Reviews in Aquaculture, 2012)

Occurrence of the marine yellow‐green algae Vaucheria velutina C. Agardh and Vaucheria longicaulis Hoppaugh (Xanthophyceae: Vaucheriaceae) in Auckland, New Zealand - MD Wilcox (New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research, 2012)
The yellow‐green algae Vaucheria velutina and Vaucheria longicaulis are identified using morphological characters of fertile material from the eastern coastline of Auckland. The former species occurs in extensive low intertidal beds on sheltered, muddy shores. The latter species was found in Orakei Basin, and is a new record for New Zealand.

Diffuse contributions dominate over point sources of soluble nutrients in two sub‐catchments of the Manawatu River, New Zealand - JKF Roygard; KJ McArthur; ME Clark (New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research, 2012)
Nitrogen and phosphorus concentrations in the Manawatu River, New Zealand, are among the highest nationally. To target policies to address these nutrient levels effectively, this study sought information on relative contributions of soluble nutrients from point and diffuse (non‐point) sources at various river flows and in relation to concentration‐based regulatory targets using load calculations. In the upper Manawatu and Mangatainoka sub‐catchments of the Manawatu River, measured nutrient loads were 55–154% greater than target nutrient loads. Measured loads were predominately from diffuse sources, which contributed 98% or more of the soluble inorganic nitrogen (SIN) and 84–88% of the dissolved reactive phosphorus (DRP) at all flows. At low flows, point source inputs contributed up to 64% of the DRP in the upper Manawatu sub‐catchment. This study suggests policy to manage nutrient enrichment in these areas should target inputs from diffuse sources at all flows, along with management of point sources at low flows.

Nitrogen fate and transport in a watercress‐dominated stream - TJ Cox; JC Rutherford (New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research, 2012)
A combination of numerical modelling and field and mesocosm experiments were used to quantify the impacts of watercress stands on nitrogen dynamics in a small New Zealand stream. A series of tracer releases, supported by numerical modelling, were performed to a reach dominated by watercress and then to the same reach cleared of watercress. Results show watercress to be dominating in‐stream nitrogen processing through both rapid uptake and hydraulic impacts. A 6–11% loss of N mass was measured over a 100‐m reach with watercress present, whereas no loss of N mass was measured over the same reach cleared of watercress. Transient storage was approximately four times larger with watercress present compared with the same reach without the plants. Model parameterisation was supported by a series of ex situ mesocosm experiments that quantified biomass‐specific uptake rates (1–2.5 mg‐N/g/day) for two different growth stages. These experiments also revealed a lack of coupling of uptake rates with measured photosynthesis rates, contrary to many past modelling approaches.

Is bull‐kelp kelp? The role of common names in science - CI Fraser (New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research, 2012)
Common names are non‐specific by definition, and scientists should naturally avoid placing strict rules on their usage. There are many examples of common names applying to numerous, often only distantly related taxa, yet the term ‘kelp’ is increasingly being used to refer solely to members of the macroalgal order Laminariales, and some scientists now assert that any other use is incorrect. A brief examination of the word's etymology, however, demonstrates that kelp can with equal validity also refer to non‐laminarialean taxa. Many people do still use the word ‘kelp’ in its broader sense, and these conflicting definitions of the word can lead to confusion and miscommunication between scientists and the general public. This review demonstrates that the definition of ‘kelp’ should remain relaxed, in accordance with its role as a common name.

Water quality and benthic macroinvertebrate communities in karst landscapes of North Island, New Zealand: influences of water sources, habitat type and anthropogenic disturbances - DJ Reid; MR Scarsbrook; AE Wright‐Stow; KSS van Houte‐Howes; K Joy (New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research, 2012)
In karst landscapes, aquatic habitats differ in terms of the relative contributions of different water sources (allogenic surface stream vs autogenic karst groundwater) and their geomorphology. Benthic macroinvertebrate community structure in these habitats is likely to vary in response to this heterogeneity, as well as to the physicochemical differences between water flowing through pasture vs native forest dominated catchments. Surveys were conducted to examine the influences of water source, habitat type (main stream‐ways and side passages in caves, and epigean springs) and surrounding land use (native forest or pasture) on the water quality and benthic community structure in the Maniapoto Karst, North Island, New Zealand. Generally, springs and cave side passages received more autogenic water, indicated by lower temperatures and higher conductivities, than the main stream‐ways of caves. However, in terms of community structure, the epigean springs and cave side passages were most distinct from each other, whilst the main stream‐ways of caves were intermediate between the other two habitats. Temperature and nitrate concentrations were higher in sites surrounded by pasture than those in native forest, but surrounding land use exerted less influence on macroinvertebrate community structure than habitat type. A comparison of community structure in caves with high and low tourist traffic failed to identify any significant effects.

The toxic effects of three dinoflagellate species from the genus Karenia on invertebrate larvae and finfish - F Shi; P McNabb; L Rhodes; P Holland; S Webb; J Adamson; A Immers; R Gooneratne; J Holland (New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research, 2012)
Three species of Kareniaceae, Karenia brevis , Karenia brevisulcata and Karenia mikimotoi were assessed for toxicity to juvenile Chinook salmon ( Oncorhynchus tshawytscha ), snapper ( Pagrus auratus ) and six species of marine invertebrate larvae (Greenshell TM mussel, pacific oyster, paua [New Zealand abalone], sea slug, sea urchin and brine shrimp). Karenia brevis was ichthyotoxic to juvenile salmon with a LT 50 of 0.75 h at 0.18 × 10 6 cells L –1 but juvenile snapper were less sensitive (LT 50 of 4.5 h at 5.9 × 10 6 cells L –1 ). Karenia brevisulcata also showed differential toxicity to juvenile salmon and snapper with LT 50 of 0.48 h at 11 × 10 6 cells L –1 and 7.5 h at 16 × 10 6 cells L –1 respectively. However, no acute symptoms were observed in the fish following 48 h exposure to K. mikimotoi at 3.4 × 10 6 cells L –1 . Karenia brevis at the highest level tested (8.7 × 10 6 cells L –1 ) did not cause observable symptoms in any of the invertebrate larvae over 24 h. Karenia mikimotoi only affected paua larvae (LT 50 10 h at 12 × 10 6 cells L –1 ). Karenia brevisulcata was highly toxic to mussel, sea urchin and paua larvae (LT 50 1–6.1 h at 7.5–9.6 × 10 6 cells L –1 ), toxic to sea slug and oyster larvae (LT 50 6 h at 80 × 10 6 cells L –1 and 9.2 h at 34 × 10 6 cells L –1 respectively) but did not affect brine shrimp. Analysis of test cultures by liquid chromatography‐mass spectrometry confirmed that K. brevis produced brevetoxins (52 pg cell –1 ; mainly brevetoxin‐2). Karenia brevisulcata produced brevisulcatic acids (BSXs) and the more toxic Karenia brevisulcata toxins (KBTs). Karenia mikimotoi did not produce brevetoxin, BSXs or KBTs. The present study confirms the broad threats that blooms of K. brevisulcata pose to marine ecosystems and aquaculture, and the hazards of K. brevis to finfish and K. mikimotoi to abalone respectively.

Genetic diversity and population structure of the pot‐belly seahorse Hippocampus abdominalis in New Zealand - J Nickel; R Cursons (New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research, 2012)
Genetic diversity and population structure of New Zealand populations of the pot‐belly seahorse Hippocampus abdominalis were explored via three mitochondrial DNA markers (814 bp of cytochrome b, 624 bp of cytochrome oxidase 1 and 404 bp of the control region) and four microsatellite loci (Habd3, Habd6, Habd7 and Habd9). These markers revealed between 0.7–2.2% sequence divergence and 32–46 alleles with low differentiation among populations around the coastline. In total, 169 seahorses (79 females and 90 males) were sampled with 36 sequences generated for each marker and 166 genotypes attained. It is hoped that this new knowledge will aid in the development of future conservation management.

Estimation of native fish density in lowland streams by repeated electric fishing during the day and following night - E Graynoth; M Bonnett; D Jellyman (New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research, 2012)
Single reaches in three lowland streams in Canterbury, New Zealand, were enclosed with stop‐nets and fish removed by repeated electric fishing passes through the day and following night during base flow conditions in late summer. The proportion of fish caught in each pass varied between species and increased with fish size. Electric fishing efficiency declined in the second and third daytime passes, to 0.73 and 0.79 of the first pass respectively, but increased in the first and second night‐time passes to 1.87 and 2.02. Population estimates, based on the first two or three daytime passes, accounted for only 62% and 82% of the population estimated using all five day and night passes. A high percentage of small benthic species remained hidden within the substrate during the day but emerged at night and became more vulnerable to electric fishing. Single or multiple daytime passes can be used to estimate the approximate density of most native fish species and size classes in small lowland streams and rivers provided calculations take into account fish hidden within the substrate and marginal vegetation.

Investigating the fate of sodium monofluoroacetate during rain events using modelling and field studies - MS Srinivasan; A Suren; J Wech; J Schmidt (New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research, 2012)
We examined catchment‐scale transport of sodium monofluoroacetate (‘1080’) in rainfall run‐off. We developed a hydrological model describing the overland transport of 1080 and validated model results using field data from a headwater catchment, where we intensively sampled a stream during a rainfall event (28 mm in 8 h) that followed 1080 aerial application. Only one stream sample contained a measurable concentration of 1080 (0.1 µg/l; collected 105 min from the start of rainfall), while 1080 was below detection limits (0.1 µg/l) in all other samples. Absence of visually observable overland flow conditions (puddles and saturated areas connected to the stream) early during the rainfall event suggested that overland transport might not have been the dominant mechanism in this catchment. Moreover, analyses of soilwater samples collected from lysimeters installed in the catchment indicated the propensity of 1080 to leach into soil, suggesting the need to investigate subsurface transport pathways.

A new tool for visualising multi‐dimensional datasets: an example of fish schools around artificial reefs - M Kang; T Nakamura; A Hamano (New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research, 2012)
We demonstrated a tool for visualising multi‐dimensional datasets, using an example of fish schools around artificial reefs off the coast of Shimonoseki, Yamaguchi prefecture, Japan. The datasets included acoustic surveys of fish schools, water temperature data, descriptions of the artificial reefs, sediment data, and bathymetry and coastal line data. These datasets were integrated into geographic information system software, which can be used to describe the relationship between water temperature and fish schools; fish schools associated with reefs; and the status of the artificial reefs on the classified seabed. This new tool provides a better understanding of the distribution of fish schools based on their spatial location in context with environmental information around artificial reefs.

Chinese Abstracts (Reviews in Aquaculture, 2012)

Economically important production relationships in channel catfish ( Ictalurus punctatus ) foodfish production - Umesh Bastola; Carole R. Engle (Reviews in Aquaculture, 2012)
The catfish industry ( Ictalurus punctatus ), the largest segment of aquaculture in the USA, has declined in the number of operations, total yield and sales in recent years. This has led to a call for innovations to improve production efficiency and to lower the cost of production. This paper reviewed the literature on management parameters that affect economically important production parameters under the control of an individual catfish farmer. Stocking density, size of fish at stocking, duration of culture, cropping systems, feeding strategies and aeration were shown to significantly affect the economically important parameters of investment costs, yield and feed conversion ratio. Additional work is needed to quantitatively model the effects of multiple parameters and to develop user‐friendly versions to assist catfish farmers in decision making.

Effect of salinity on egg hatching, yolk sac absorption and larval rearing of Senegalese sole ( Solea senegalensis Kaup 1858) - Emilio A. Salas Leitón; Ana Rodriguez‐Rúa; Esther Asensio; Carlos Infante; Manuel Manchado; Catalina Fernández‐Díaz; José P. Cañavate (Reviews in Aquaculture, 2012)
Assays carried out under laboratory‐controlled conditions revealed that eggs of Senegalese sole, Solea senegalensis Kaup 1858, incubated at 10, 18, 27 and 33 grams per litre (g L −1 ) reached their maximum hatching rates (above 80%) 48 h after incubation. In contrast, hatching was significantly delayed (24 h) and completely failed when the salinity was set at 5 and 0 g L −1 , respectively. Newly hatched and early‐developing yolk sac larvae presented similar survival rates 3 days after hatching (DAH) when exposed to salinities of 10, 18, 27 and 33 g L −1 . Larvae incubated at 5 g L −1 salinity died a few hours after hatching once they were released from their respective chorions. The notochord length was unmodified by salinity 5 DAH. Nevertheless, an overall lower myotomal height and a putative delay in the depletion of yolk sac were found in larvae reared at 10 g L −1 . This anomaly in overall larval development became more pronounced with the occurrence (100% of analysed larvae) of mouth deformities and a lack of functionality under 10 g L −1 salinity. Transferring 2 DAH larvae from 33 g L −1 (exhibiting normal mouth development) to a medium with a salinity of 10 g L −1 had no effect on first feeding, weight and metamorphic index. Overall our results indicate the existence of a key time window (0–2 DAH) in which a salinity value higher than 10 g L −1 is required to achieve adequate mouth development and further functionality of larvae. The present work represents a valuable contribution to the sole industry, opening new possibilities in hatchery management practices.

Use of chemicals and biological products in Asian aquaculture and their potential environmental risks: a critical review - Andreu Rico; Kriengkrai Satapornvanit; Mohammad M. Haque; Jiang Min; Phuong T. Nguyen; Trevor C. Telfer; Paul J. van den Brink (Reviews in Aquaculture, 2012)
Over the past few decades, Asian aquaculture production has intensified rapidly through the adoption of technological advances, and the use of a wide array of chemical and biological products to control sediment and water quality and to treat and prevent disease outbreaks. The use of chemicals in aquaculture farms has raised environmental concerns owing to their potential impacts on downstream aquatic ecosystems. Currently little is known about the environmental fate and effects of the chemicals used in Asian aquaculture. Consequently, we reviewed recent information on the use of chemical and biological products in the most important Asian aquaculture producing countries and briefly summarize their main potential environmental impacts. We provide an overview of the main factors controlling the use of these chemicals and describe the international risk assessment guidelines available for aquaculture chemicals. Finally, data gaps and research needs for their implementation in Asian countries are discussed. Our review aims to form a basis for developing environmental risk assessment studies of the chemicals used in Asian aquaculture.

Pathogenesis, virulence factors and virulence regulation of vibrios belonging to the Harveyi clade - Hettipala Arachchige Darshanee Ruwandeepika; Thotawaththage Sanjeewa Prasad Jayaweera; Patit Paban Bhowmick; Indrani Karunasagar; Peter Bossier; Tom Defoirdt (Reviews in Aquaculture, 2012)
The Harveyi clade or core group of the Vibrio genus includes both pathogenic and non‐pathogenic bacteria. Some of the species belonging to the clade, such as Vibrio harveyi , Vibrio alginolyticus , Vibrio campbellii and Vibrio parahaemolyticus , include serious pathogens of aquatic organisms. Importantly, within these species, some strains are pathogenic, whereas others are not. Other members of the clade, such as Vibrio natriegens and Vibrio mytili are reported to be non‐pathogenic. As bacteria belonging to the Harveyi clade show a high diversity with respect to virulence and as the virulent members cause high mortalities in the aquaculture sector, it is important to understand which gene products are responsible for the pathogenicity of the bacteria and how expression of these virulence factors is regulated. This knowledge will ultimately allow for the development of biocontrol measures that aim to reduce the severe losses that are currently faced in the aquaculture sector as a result of vibriosis. In this review, we discuss the pathogenesis of bacteria belonging to the Harveyi clade, their impact on the aquaculture sector, the virulence factors that are involved in pathogenicity and their regulation.

Interspecific fish hybrids in Brazil: management of genetic resources for sustainable use - Diogo T. Hashimoto; José A. Senhorini; Fausto Foresti; Fábio Porto‐Foresti (Reviews in Aquaculture, 2012)
Serrasalmid and pimelodid fish hybrids represent important advances for aquaculture in Brazil, but they also constitute serious genetic risks to cultivated and natural populations. Serrasalmid hybrids (‘tambacu’, ‘tambatinga’ and ‘patinga’) result from crosses between Colossoma macropomum , Piaractus mesopotamicus and Piaractus brachypomus . Pimelodid hybrids (‘ponto e vírgula’, ‘cachandiá’ and ‘cachapira’) arise from crosses between Pseudoplatystoma corruscans , Pseudoplatystoma reticulatum , Phractocephalus hemioliopterus and Leiarius marmoratus . The problems associated with hybrids mainly result from inappropriate use because these animals are reproductively compatible with their parental species. This review shows that monitoring of fish hybrids using genetic techniques is necessary for their sustainable development in aquaculture. The genetic technologies used to identify fish hybrids include cytogenetic methods, which are considered to be low cost, and polymerase chain reaction‐based molecular markers, which are associated with high throughput. Therefore, both types of genetic methodologies should be applied in monitoring programs aimed at brood stock management, wild stocks, the trade of hybrid juveniles and processed fish products in markets. Moreover, physical and genetic confinement of hybrids in aquaculture operations will be necessary to avoid the problems posed by these animals. The expected result of these measures will be the production of genetically improved animals by fish farms, allowing the sector to develop further and offering high‐quality animal protein.

Issue Information (Reviews in Aquaculture, 2012)

Unusual stability of diet of the New Zealand fur seal ( Arctocephalus forsteri ) at Banks Peninsula, New Zealand - LL Allum; FW Maddigan (New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research, 2012)
The diet of the New Zealand fur seal Arctocephalus forsteri was determined from examination of scats and regurgitates collected from two breeding colonies at Banks Peninsula, Canterbury. Identifiable otoliths and squid beaks were obtained from 392 scats and 16 regurgitations collected over four seasons in 2008. Nine species were identified in scats and three species were identified in regurgitates. Arrow squid ( Nototodarus sloanii ) accounted for the greatest proportion of biomass taken (>90%), followed by lanternfish ( Lampanyctodes hectoris and Symbolophorus sp . ; 4%) and barracouta ( Thyrsites atun ; 2.6%). Although slight differences in diet were detected spatially and temporally, both colonies had a squid‐dominated diet year round. This differs from the seasonal dietary variation shown in other areas around mainland New Zealand.

Editorial Report 2011 - Doug Mountfort (New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research, 2012)

Application of tyramide signal amplification‐fluorescence in situ hybridisation and flow cytometry to detection of Heterosigma akashiwo (Raphidophyceae) in natural waters - J Lee; T Katano; M Chang; M‐S Han (New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research, 2012)
We developed protocols to analyse the cell cycle of Heterosigma akashiwo in the natural phytoplankton assemblage using tyramide signal amplification‐fluorescence in situ hybridisation (TSA‐FISH) and flow cytometry. We determined the optimum probe and formamide concentrations for the species‐specific TSA‐FISH probe to be 0.5 ng µL −1 and 40%, respectively. The probe did not hybridise to non‐target phytoplankton including Chattonella sp., which is closely related to Heterosigma and has high sequence similarity to it. We could successfully identify G1‐ and G2‐phase cells and the diel cell cycle of H. akashiwo not only in the laboratory but also in the field after TSA‐FISH. These results demonstrate that TSA‐FISH for H. akashiwo in natural coastal waters could serve as a powerful tool for understanding their bloom mechanism using flow cytometry.

The Kapiti Marine Reserve (New Zealand): spatial and temporal comparisons of multi‐species responses after 8 years of protection - A Pande; JPA Gardner (New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research, 2012)
Kapiti Marine Reserve (KMR) was established in May 1992 following a single baseline biological survey. We surveyed macroalgal, macroinvertebrate and fish species for abundance and/or size at two sites inside and two outside KMR and then conducted reservation status (inside vs outside KMR) and temporal (1992 baseline vs 1999–2000) tests to quantify biological responses after 8 years of protection. Reservation status has had a significant effect on abundance or size for four fish species (banded wrasse, blue cod, butterfish, blue moki), but not for heavily fished macroinvertebrates (two species of paua, kina, rock lobster). Temporal analyses revealed only one significant difference (banded wrasse), but that is not attributable to the reserve. Despite low statistical power to detect change, the value of the baseline survey is highlighted by our ability to understand and interpret better the biological responses that we observed and to demonstrate conservation outcomes at KMR.

Autumn diet of recolonising female New Zealand sea lions based at Otago Peninsula, South Island, New Zealand - AA Augé; C Lalas; LS Davis; BL Chilvers (New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research, 2012)
New Zealand (NZ) sea lions ( Phocarctos hookeri ) are slowly recolonising the Otago coast, South Island, New Zealand. The increase in their numbers may lead to resource competition with other marine predators and fisheries. We determined the diet of female NZ sea lions at Otago during autumn. In total, 571 scats and 110 regurgitations were collected on Otago Peninsula during 2008 and 2009. Barracouta ( Thyrsites atun ) and jack mackerel ( Trachurus sp.) were the two main prey species and accounted for 26% and 31% of the reconstituted biomass, respectively. This was consistent between two years. Only five other species contributed > 5% of the diet by biomass in either year. Prey species are all found on the narrow continental shelf surrounding Otago Peninsula. The main prey species of Otago NZ sea lions may be of higher energy content than prey in the Auckland Islands (remnant breeding area). Resource overlap with other marine predators and fisheries appears to occur around Otago Peninsula. A marine trophic model of the area off Otago Peninsula would help understanding potential competition between marine predators and fisheries in this area.

Survival potential of autotrophic phytoplankton species collected from ballast water in international commercial ships - SH Baek; SW Jung; MC Jang; B Hyun; K Shin (New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research, 2012)
To understand the impact of environmental factors on the survival success of introduced species by ship ballast water, we investigated the survival potential of autotrophic phytoplankton from international commercial ships. Ballast water was collected from chemical tankers that originated in three different bioregions. A laboratory experiment was designed to simulate the resource‐limited waters of the ballast tank as well as the eutrophic water of port and coastal waters in which nutrients are plentiful. Phytoplankton survival and population growth were significantly higher in nutrient‐enriched water than in water from the shipside or ballast water. In particular, the centric diatom Thalassiosira pseudonana was able to tolerate a wide range of salinities (0–30 PSU) and its high survival potential indicated that it could colonise novel ecosystems successfully.

Growth, behaviour and colour changes of juvenile King George whiting ( Sillaginodes punctata ) mediated by light intensities - CA Meakin; JG Qin (New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research, 2012)
Light is an important environmental factor regulating physiological processes and ecological activities in fishes. This research aimed to examine the effect of light on the growth, distribution and body colour of juvenile King George whiting ( Sillaginodes punctata ) when fish were exposed to different light levels under laboratory conditions. In this study, the fish were exposed to three light levels (25, 500, and 1000 lux) in triplicate for two months. Comparisons were made for growth, body colour and behavioural changes between treatments. During the experimental period, there were no statistical differences in specific growth rate, survival, growth efficiency and condition factor between the light levels. Although light did not affect swimming speed or encounter rates, it did influence group flight activity and fish distribution in the tanks. Whiting in low light preferred to spend more time grouped at the bottom of the tank than at medium (500 lux) or high light (1000 lux). Likewise, after having been exposed to low light, whiting exhibited a brighter colour and had fewer body markings and counter‐shading than fish in medium and high light intensities. Differences in fish distribution and body colour between medium and high light intensities were not detected. This study offers a new insight into understanding the impact of light on behaviour and body colour of fish, which may contribute to the spatial distribution, predator avoidance and recruitment of fish in inshore coastal waters.

Assessment of a major shore‐based marine recreational fishery in the southwest Atlantic, Argentina - FM Llompart; DC Colautti; CRM Baigún (New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research, 2012)
This work provides, based on data from roving creel surveys, the first quantitative analysis for a main recreational fishery of the southwestern Atlantic coast. Anglers interviewed were willing to accept minimum size limits but mostly did not approve the maximum daily catch, despite the fact that they considered that the fishery quality was decreasing. Angler profile differed among months but the avidity effect was negligible. Fishing effort was highest during January, with the greatest total catch per unit effort (CPUE) in November and the highest total catch in December. Twelve species were caught, with Cynoscion guatucupa and Micropogonias furnieri accounting for 80% of the harvest. The average lengths for both species were larger than their size at first maturity. Mean (±SD) CPUE values (1.28±0.59 fish/angler/h) and total harvest were high compared with those of other recreational fisheries in the Southern Hemisphere. Some specific fishing‐management guidelines are proposed to promote good angling practices and sustainable long‐term use of the resource.

Short‐term reactions and long‐term responses of bottlenose dolphins ( Tursiops truncatus ) to remote biopsy sampling - G Tezanos‐Pinto; CS Baker (New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research, 2012)
We analyse short‐term individual and group behavioural reactions and long‐term individual responses of bottlenose dolphins ( Tursiops truncatus ) in New Zealand to remote skin biopsy sampling. The biopsy system employed uses a small stainless steel tip (5‐mm diameter, 9‐mm length) mounted on a lightweight polycarbonate projectile, fired from a modified veterinary rifle with adjustable pressure. Individual and group behavioural reactions were scored on a 5‐point scale from 0 (no reaction) to 5 (strenuous reaction). A total of 187 individual and 145 group behavioural reactions were recorded from the Bay of Islands subpopulation, while 38 individual and 39 group behavioural reactions were recorded from the Doubtful Sound subpopulation. Short‐term reactions (

Phylogenetic analyses of bacteria in sea ice at Cape Hallett, Antarctica - EW Maas; AM Simpson; A Martin; S Thompson; EY Koh; SK Davy; KG Ryan; RF O'Toole (New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research, 2012)
Every year, an area of sea ice forms around the continent of Antarctica that is inhabited by communities of microbes. Although the microbial component of this habitat has been postulated to play an ecologically important role in the Southern Ocean, our understanding of the diversity of Antarctic sea‐ice bacteria is limited. The aim of this study was to identify bacterial components present in sea ice at Cape Hallett. Total community DNA was isolated from sea‐ice cores and the 16S ribosomal RNA genes were amplified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) using a range of universal and targeted primer sets. PCR products were de‐replicated using restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) and distinct RFLP types were sequenced. The major bacterial classes identified consisted of α‐proteobacteria, γ‐proteobacteria, Cytophaga–Flavobacteria–Bacteroides group and a small number of Gram‐positive species. Our findings indicate that the bacterial component of sea ice at Cape Hallett is primarily heterotrophic. Cyanobacteria and Archaea were not detected using the methods and primer sets employed in this study. However, bacteria whose 16S rDNA sequences cluster with species that encode phototrophic genes were detected in our sea‐ice samples. This raised the possibility that bacterial phototrophy may occur in Antarctic sea ice.

Ontogenetic diet shifts in snapper ( Pagrus auratus : Sparidae) within a New Zealand estuary - NR Usmar (New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research, 2012)
The diet of the sparid fish Pagrus auratus (snapper) was examined within the Mahurangi Harbour in north‐eastern New Zealand. Ontogenetic shifts occurred in diet. Individuals 100 mm consumed brachyuran crabs, caridean shrimps, bivalves, polychaetes and hermit crabs, with individuals >300 mm also able to consume harder shelled molluscs and bivalves. The stomach contents of juvenile snapper (10–100 mm) sampled across habitats of sand, shell hash, horse mussels and subtidal mud showed differences in major prey taxa; however, these differences were small. This may be advantageous for juveniles, which can then select a habitat for other qualities. A comparison with eight other studies on the diet of snapper from coastal areas showed crustaceans were consistently the most highly ranked major taxon; however, differences among other major taxa were relatively minor.

The influence of Tucetona laticostata (Bivalvia: Glycymeridae) shells and rhodolith patches on benthic‐invertebrate assemblages in Hauraki Gulf, New Zealand - SEA Dewas; S O'Shea (New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research, 2012)
The large dog cockle, Tucetona laticostata (Quoy and Gaimard, 1835), is widely but sporadically distributed throughout coastal waters of Hauraki Gulf. One location at which this species proves common is around Otata Island, one of a series of islands in the ‘Noises’ complex in Hauraki Gulf, where it resides partially buried in gravel and rhodoliths in shallow water, at 5–15 m depth. The shells of T . laticostata collect in large post‐mortem deposits in an area ramping from the sea bed off southwestern Otata Island. Seasonal variation in and benthic macroinvertebrate composition of taxon assemblages within and outside T . laticostata /rhodolith mounds and gravel are described. Both benthic invertebrate mean taxon richness and abundance within T . laticostata /rhodolith habitat are higher than in gravel; spatial and temporal variation in these communities is reported. Anthropogenic threats to structurally complex T . laticostata shell and rhodolith‐based biogenic substrata are discussed.

List of Reviewers 2008–2011 (Reviews in Aquaculture, 2012)

The role of the brain in farmed fish - Sofronios E. Papoutsoglou (Reviews in Aquaculture, 2012)
As is well known, optimal levels of both homeostasis and welfare of farmed fish are almost completely dependent upon human endeavour to investigate fish brain capacities and utilize them for the greatest benefit. According to the accumulated research experience specifically concerning minimization of farmed fish stress, the final outcome of the involved mechanisms is strongly associated with fish species and biological stage as well as a number of rearing environment parameters related to the type of the production system applied. Based on the conclusions gained, it is clear that the fish brain‐neuroendocrinological system is an extraordinarily rich and expressive one forming a species‐specific living ethology that incorporates cognitive behaviour and ‘demands’, the whole constituting, in effect, the fish “personality”. The diverse facets of this ‘personality’ are expressed via a wide range of phenomena: e.g. the power of learning, memorizing, sound production, particular external coloration changes, courtship behaviour, parent care and “emotional feelings” including the manifestation of aggressiveness and the demonstration of “happiness”. The final conclusion to be drawn is that fish are indeed amazing creatures. One can only marvel at the superb plasticity of their brain which, over hundreds of millions of years and through myriad genomic, evolutionary and epigenetic developments, has enabled them to adapt and respond to and remarkably thrive in all extremes of environments, and all this though they lack a cerebral neocortex.

Experiments on an integrated aquaculture system (seaweeds and marine fish) on the Red Sea coast of Saudi Arabia: efficiency comparison of two local seaweed species for nutrient biofiltration and production - Yousef S. Al‐Hafedh; Aftab Alam; Alejandro H. Buschmann; Kevin M. Fitzsimmons (Reviews in Aquaculture, 2012)
Seaweeds absorb inorganic nutrient wastes from mariculture and reduce their undesirable environmental effects. Mariculture in Saudi Arabia is increasing rapidly, thus, to exploit aquaculture wastes and to reduce coastal pollution risks, local seaweeds were cultured using mariculture effluents in integration on the Red Sea coast. The aim of the present study was to test integrated aquaculture of seaweed and marine fish ( Oreochromis spilurus ) for the first time in Saudi Arabia and to determine the seaweeds, Ulva lactuca and Gracilaria arcuata , biomass production and inorganic nutrient bioremediation capabilities. Results showed that G. arcuata grew at a significantly higher rate (2.71% wet weight day −1 ) than U. lactuca (1.77% wet weight day −1 ). The biomass yield (42.38 g wet weight m −2 day −1 ) and net yield (91.11 g wet weight day −1 ) of G. arcuata were also significantly higher than U. lactuca (27.39 g wet weight m −2 day −1 and 58.89 g wet weight day −1 , respectively). Gracilaria arcuata removed 0.45 g m −2 day −1 of total ammonia nitrogen (TAN) with 80.15% removal efficiency and 1.03 g m −2 day −1 of soluble phosphate with 41.06% efficiency. Ulva lactuca removed 0.42 g m −2 day −1 of TAN with 83.06% removal efficiency and 1.07 g m −2 day −1 of soluble phosphate with 41.11% efficiency. Total tissue carbon of both species reached 25.1–26.9% and nitrogen content reached 3.0–3.2% of dry weight. The C/N ratio for both seaweeds was G. arcuata has relatively higher growth potential.

Proteomics: present and future in fish, shellfish and seafood - Xuxia Zhou; Yuting Ding; Yanbo Wang (Reviews in Aquaculture, 2012)
The aim of proteomics is to simultaneously resolve all potential proteins expressed by a cell, tissue or organism in a specific physiological condition. It will allow scientists to build and test better hypotheses, with the ultimate goal to find better solutions to challenges in agricultural sciences, medicine and environmental management. Recent and very promising applications of proteomics have also been provided in the field of aquaculture, such as the search for antigenic proteins, the detection of differentially regulated proteins and the characterization of biologically active proteins primarily to investigate the physiology, development biology and impact of contaminants in aquatic organisms. Thus, a brief overview of present classical proteomics methodology (electrophoresis and mass spectrometry) is presented, and the proteome technique will be focused in the context of applications beneficial to the field of fish, shellfish and seafood/seafood product. In addition, the future potential application and challenge of proteomics in aquaculture will also be discussed.

Three decades of horseshoe crab rearing: a review of conditions for captive growth and survival - Ruth H. Carmichael; Erik Brush (Reviews in Aquaculture, 2012)
Threats to wild horseshoe crab populations and growing interest in their use for research, education and biomedical applications have prompted demand for improved techniques to rear and maintain crabs in captivity. Although numerous laboratory studies have been conducted to determine growth and survival of horseshoe crabs under various conditions, these data have not been compiled and summarized to inform culture practices. We surveyed the literature and analysed the range of available techniques to identify and define a consistent set of conditions for maximum growth and survival of horseshoe crabs in culture. We considered three age classes; embryo, juvenile and adult, and included all extant species ( Limulus polyphemus , Carcinoscorpius rotundicauda , Tachypleus gigas and Tachypleus tridentatus ). We discovered relatively few published studies that clearly related husbandry conditions to growth and survival. Comparison among studies was complicated by inconsistent data collection and reporting techniques. Most published sources reported data for younger age classes, and more studies considered L. polyphemus than Asian species. The most commonly reported variables (temperature, salinity, enclosure maintenance and diet composition) showed size dependent and in some cases species‐specific effects on growth and survival that will be important in guiding culture efforts. We suggest that future studies give additional consideration to substrate type, water flow, dissolved oxygen concentrations, diet quality and the quantity and frequency of feeding. If laboratory‐reared stocks are to be used for propagation and restoration activities, future studies will benefit from closing these data gaps and promoting international data sharing.

Issue Information (Reviews in Aquaculture, 2012)

Chinese Abstracts (Reviews in Aquaculture, 2012)

Author Index (New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research, 2011)

Ontogenetic changes in morphology of flathead galaxiid fishes (Osmeriformes: Galaxiidae) in South Island, New Zealand - SK Crow; RM McDowall (New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research, 2011)
We examined ontogenetic changes in morphology of four non‐migratory ‘flathead’ galaxiid fishes and interspecific differences. Geometric analyses were used to determine where ontogenetic shifts occur, examine growth trajectories between taxa and compare interspecific differences with taxa standardised to each of three sizes. Ontogenetic changes in all taxa were mostly associated with the pelvic and anal fins developing slower than overall length. Growth trajectories differed between all taxa except Galaxias ‘southern’ and G . ‘northern’, with the largest interspecific differences occurring in the overlap between the anal fin and the caudal flange. This overlap discriminated taxa at each of the three size classes despite ontogenetic changes. Morphological shifts suggest that habitat use changes with size. Interspecific differences shown in geometric shape require structural linkages before suggestions can be made on identification or systematics.

Assessing the local effects of riparian restoration on urban streams - R Thompson; S Parkinson (New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research, 2011)
Riparian zones mediate chemical and biological exchanges between streams and the terrestrial environment. In urban systems, these zones are often heavily modified by removal of native vegetation and bank disruption. Management agencies have made considerable investments into restoring riparian vegetation through replanting. We investigated the potential for riparian plantings to restore invertebrate communities, by comparing open and forested (replanted) reaches over winter within three urban streams in Melbourne, Australia. Clear differences in aquatic habitats, food resources and fauna were evident between reaches. Algal biomass on artificial substrates did not differ significantly between reaches. Open reaches had higher abundances of taxa reliant on autochthonous production as the primary food resources (e.g. gastropods, chironomids and oligochaetes), while forested reaches displayed a higher diversity of invertebrate taxa associated with allochthonous resources. We conclude that riparian plantings may have some positive effects on streams, even without broader catchment improvements in water quality and hydrology.

What causes the high interannual variability of flatfish ( Rhombosolea spp.) in Lake Ellesmere? - DJ Jellyman (New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research, 2011)
Lake Ellesmere, Canterbury, a large coastal lake is mechanically opened to the sea at predetermined water levels. The lake maintains important customary and commercial eel ( Anguilla spp.) and flatfish ( Rhombosolea spp.) fisheries, although the harvest of flatfish varies considerably between years. The three main flatfish species (black flounders Rhombosolea retiaria , sand flounders R. plebia and yellowbelly flounders R. leporina) recruit in spring , grow rapidly within the lake, and reach the minimum commercial size within two or three years. Maturing fish endeavour to leave the lake to spawn at sea during summer and autumn. There is a weak association between commercial catches and lake openings lagged by two years, but strong associations between catches in the lake and in the Canterbury Bight. The high interannual variability in abundance partly reflects timing and duration of lake openings, the opportunity of maturing fish to emigrate to sea, and the strength of regional recruitment.

Faecal indicators and pathogens in selected New Zealand waterfowl - EM Moriarty; N Karki; M Mackenzie; LW Sinton; DR Wood; BJ Gilpin (New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research, 2011)
Freshly excreted droppings from Canada geese ( n =80), black swans ( n =80), ducks ( n =80) and gulls ( n =80) were collected from sites around New Zealand. The droppings were enumerated for Escherichia coli , enterococci and Salmonella spp., and for the presence/absence of Cryptosporidium spp. Overall prevalence of E . coli and enterococci in samples was 95% and 94%, respectively. Cryptosporidium spp. was detected in 2% of the samples, whereas no Salmonella spp. were detected in the survey. Preliminary estimates of daily microbial outputs suggest that ducks will produce the highest loadings of E . coli and enterococci per bird, whereas Canada geese will produce the highest loadings of Campylobacter spp. per bird. This study provides the first set of indicator and pathogen counts for one of the largest sources of diffuse faecal contamination of natural waters in New Zealand.

Editorial - Sue Wilkins (New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research, 2011)

Editorial Board (New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research, 2011)

Eutrophication indicators in the Hutt River Estuary, New Zealand - B Fry; K Rogers; B Barry; N Barr; B Dudley (New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research, 2011)
The Hutt River estuary near Wellington New Zealand has a luxuriant intertidal band of green macroalgae growing throughout the year. Investigations of water chemistry suggested that the upstream freshwater river was likely P‐limited and passed on watershed nitrogen nutrients to the estuary. P fertilisation of the estuary from marine waters led to crossing N and P nutrient loadings that support the observed macroalgal proliferation. Chemical analyses of nutrients, macroalgae, and barnacle and mussel consumers were used to understand further the mix of factors controlling eutrophication and food webs in this urban estuary. δ 15 N and δ 13 C were respective helpful indicators of watershed N inputs and C cycling between benthic and pelagic parts of the food web.

Volume Index (New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research, 2011)

Spatial distribution of diatom and pigment sedimentary records in surface sediments in Doubtful Sound, Fiordland, New Zealand - SE Schüller; C Savage (New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research, 2011)
Algal remains (pigment concentrations, diatom frustules) and organic matter sources (δ 15 N, δ 13 C) in surface sediments (0–2 cm) were quantified and related to environmental gradients in Doubtful Sound, Fiordland, New Zealand. Sedimentary pigment concentrations, in particular diatoxanthin and fucoxanthin (diatom biomarkers) were elevated near Malaspina Reach, which experiences greater incident irradiance and mixing of silica‐rich freshwater with nutrient‐rich marine water. In contrast, diatom frustules were recovered in low concentrations in deep basins including Malaspina Reach, most likely related to dissolution and grazing. Spatial variability in pigments in Doubtful Sound was mainly correlated with light conditions (incident irradiance, chromophoric dissolved organic matter). By contrast, diatoms were principally correlated with salinity gradients (effective freshwater depth) and water column stratification (mixing). This study highlights the importance of using complementary sedimentary proxies when reconstructing algal abundance and community composition in fjord environments.

Detection, identification and toxigenicity of cyanobacteria in New Zealand lakes using PCR‐based methods - DI Weller (New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research, 2011)
The aims of this study were to investigate the population dynamics and distribution of cyanobacteria in three New Zealand lakes, to detect the presence of microcystin‐producing mcyE genes in potentially toxigenic strains and to correlate the finding with microcystin production. A total of 18 samples collected over a 6‐week period from Lakes Rotorua, Rotoiti and Rotoehu were found to be predominantly composed of Microcystis spp., Anabaena spp., Coelosphaerium spp. and Aphanocapsa spp. The 820‐bp‐long region of the microcystin synthetase gene ( mcyE ) was successfully amplified for 11 out of the 18 water samples in genera of Microcystis and Anabaena . This provides the first documented evidence of Anabaena sp. carrying the potential to produce microcystins in New Zealand. Microcystin‐LR was the only variant detected by matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionisation time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry (MALDI‐TOF MS) analysis and was present in all samples from Lake Rotoehu.

Currents off the west coast of Northland, New Zealand - PJH Sutton; MM Bowen (New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research, 2011)
The concept of a southward‐flowing West Auckland Current off the west coast of Northland has become an accepted feature of the ocean circulation around New Zealand. Knowledge of this flow is based on sparse data collected in the 1950s. Here we quantify the flows in the area for the first time using a current meter array deployed for a year (2003–2004) across the shelf and slope offshore of Hokianga Harbour and three hydrographic surveys along a transect coincident with the current meter array. Flows are found to be weak, and dominated by the variability. There is a southeastward drift in the mean flow offshore of the 1000‐m isobath, with a northwestward mean found inshore of this. The offshore flows appear to result from large‐scale sea surface height gradients, while the inshore flows respond to wind forcing in a complex manner.

Acoustic monitoring of habitat use by bottlenose dolphins in Doubtful Sound, New Zealand - RG Elliott; SM Dawson; S Henderson (New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research, 2011)
Passive acoustic methods are increasingly used to study cetacean habitat use and behaviour. The Timing Porpoise Detector (T‐POD; www.chelonia.co.uk ) is a self‐contained acoustic data logger, which records echolocation by cetaceans. This study used nine T‐PODs to document habitat use by bottlenose dolphins in Doubtful Sound, New Zealand, over a 12‐month period, collecting data over 76,104 h (of a possible 78,840). T‐POD records show that dolphin distribution varied seasonally, with inner fiord sites being used most often in summer and autumn, and outer fiord sites during winter and spring. This seasonal pattern was positively correlated with surface water temperature. Echolocation activity in general and buzzes, which are usually indicative of foraging, were both significantly more common during dawn and/or dusk, suggesting crepuscular foraging. T‐POD data suggest that parts of the ‘Dolphin Protection Zone‘, in which boat traffic is restricted, are used frequently while other parts are not, and provide a basis for refining this management tool.

Production of pinnatoxins E, F and G by scrippsielloid dinoflagellates isolated from Franklin Harbour, South Australia - L Rhodes; K Smith; A Selwood; P McNabb; S Molenaar; R Munday; C Wilkinson; G Hallegraeff (New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research, 2011)
A pinnatoxin producing dinoflagellate was isolated in cyst form from sediments from Franklin Harbour, South Australia, December 2009. One isolate (CAWD180) produced pinnatoxin G, E, F and A (87, 10, 41 and 1.3 pg/cell respectively; liquid chromatograph–mass spectrometer, LC‐MS, analysis) and another (CAWD183) produced pinnatoxin G only (13 pg/cell). Australian strains were identical to pinnatoxin E and F producers isolated from Northland, New Zealand (2008), based on large subunit (LSU) rDNA and ITS spacer region sequence data. Cysts were capable of division and produced more toxin per cell than the excysted motile form. Crude extracts of mass cultures were tested for toxicity in mice by intraperitoneal (i.p.) injection, gavage and voluntary consumption, and toxicity ratios were 1.0:1.8:4.5 (CAWD180) and 1.0:2.9:7.8 (CAWD183). This is similar to the ratios for New Zealand isolates, but differs from other cyclic imines for which oral toxicity can be 10–1000‐fold less than i.p. administration.

Distiller’s dried grains with solubles as an alternative protein source in diets of tilapia - Chhorn Lim; Erchao Li; Phillip H. Klesius (Reviews in Aquaculture, 2011)
Distiller’s dried grains with solubles (DDGS), a dried residue that remains after the fermentation of grain mash by selected yeasts and enzymes to produce ethanol and carbon dioxide, is currently readily available and less expensive than other conventional protein sources on a per unit protein basis. The nutrient content and nutritional value of DDGS varies with the source and quality of the grains, fermentation time and efficiency, the drying process and the quantity of distiller’s solubles added. In general, corn and wheat DDGS are deficient in lysine and methionine for tilapia, with lysine being the most limiting. Research evaluating the nutritional value of DDGS showed that 20–30% DDGS derived from corn or wheat can be included in tilapia diets without requiring lysine supplementation. With supplementation of lysine, DDGS at levels of 40% or higher can be used without affecting growth performance and feed utilization efficiency. Distiller’s dried grains with solubles also contain yeast, a rich source of beta glucan and nucleotides that have been reported to enhance immunity and disease resistance in fish. Corn DDGS, owing to its high oil content, is rich in linoleic acid and is an excellent source of energy and essential fatty acids for tilapia. High concentrations of xanthophylls present in corn DDGS may impart yellow pigment in fish flesh if included at high levels. Taking into consideration various factors affecting the nutritional value of diets and the quality of pellet and fish products, 15–20% DDGS appears to be optimum in the diets of tilapia.

Chinese Abstracts (Reviews in Aquaculture, 2011)

A combined project of prawns and poultry: a dynamical system - Shib Sankar Sana; Kripasindhu Chaudhuri (Reviews in Aquaculture, 2011)
This review examines a joint project involving prawns and broilers. The growth rates of both species vary with available nutrients. The nutrients for both species are functions of the biomasses of the two species. The harvesting rates of prawns and broilers depend non‐linearly on effort functions. The existence of steady states and their stability (local and global) are investigated analytically. The joint profit of the project is maximized using Pontryagin’s maximum principle. The model is also illustrated using suitable numerical examples and demonstrated graphically.

Modelling storm‐event E . coli pulses from the Motueka and Sherry Rivers in the South Island, New Zealand - RJ Wilkinson; LA McKergow; RJ Davies‐Colley; DJ Ballantine; RG Young (New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research, 2011)
Storm‐induced Escherichia coli pulses in the Motueka River (2074 km 2 ) and the Sherry River (78.4 km 2 ) are modelled. The model focuses on the catchment outlets, representing key processes, including E . coli transfer to and from the river bed, with account taken of the hysteresis in, and non‐linear, non‐stationary, response of E . coli concentrations to river stormflows. The model fits the Motueka River observations well, but less well in the Sherry River. A greatly simplified description of headwater and riparian inputs is satisfactory at the larger catchment scale where near‐field, in‐channel processes dominate the response. Spatial heterogeneity in rainfall‐run‐off and faecal sources probably contribute to the poorer fit in the smaller catchment. Despite using a relatively small number of driving variables and parameters, the model has the potential to predict real‐time E . coli input to Tasman Bay in river plumes causing shellfish and bathing beach contamination.

Economic drivers of land use and groundwater use by irrigators, Waimea Plains Nelson, New Zealand - PA White (New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research, 2011)
Economics provides an important driver of land use change between the four main economic activities of groundwater irrigators (dairy, apples, horticulture‐other and market gardening) using the Lower Confined Aquifer, Waimea Plains, Nelson. Over the period between 2003–4 and 2007–8, most irrigated land moved to higher value uses. In particular, dairy land use, with the lowest average revenue per hectare, was largely replaced by horticulture‐other and market gardening with average revenues per hectare three to seven times greater than dairy. A causal link between economics and groundwater use is established as dairy generally uses more water per hectare than horticulture‐other and market gardening, and as apple orchards responded to low apple prices in 2004–5 by either closing or removing blocks of low‐producing trees. Average groundwater use efficiency increased over time from $4.9/m 3 to $16.7/m 3 because of changes in land use, land use practices and product price.

Motueka River plume facilitates transport of ruminant faecal contaminants into shellfish growing waters, Tasman Bay, New Zealand - CD Cornelisen; PA Gillespie; M Kirs; RG Young; RW Forrest; PJ Barter; BR Knight; VJ Harwood (New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research, 2011)
Hydrographic and water quality surveys of the Motueka River and its river plume were conducted during a moderate flood event (peak flow of 420 m 3 /s) to assess the source and fate of faecal contaminants transported into Tasman Bay. Escherichia coli ( E . coli ) and enterococci concentrations in the river were up to 10000 and 7300 Most Probable Number (MPN)/100 ml during peak flow, respectively. A coastal survey revealed a shallow low‐salinity plume that extended at least 6 km into Tasman Bay and the region's largest aquaculture management areas (AMAs). Mussels within the influence of the river plume, including those collected within an AMA, had E . coli and enterococci concentrations as high as 1300 and 2200 MPN/100 g tissue, respectively. Application of microbial source tracking markers using end‐point PCR assays identified the presence of faecal contamination from ruminant animals (cows, sheep) in water and mussel samples. The detection of ruminant faecal contamination within shellfish located 6 km offshore highlights the close connection between land use and the quality of New Zealand's highly valued coastal resources.

Spatial delineation of the depositional footprint of the Motueka River outwelling plume in Tasman Bay, New Zealand - PA Gillespie; RW Forrest; BM Peake; LR Basher; DM Clement; RA Dunmore; DM Hicks (New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research, 2011)
Progress towards development of a river plume ecosystem basis for management of coastal resources requires a thorough understanding of the nature and spatial extent of terrestrial influences on receiving water and seabed characteristics. As a case study, we estimate suspended sediment (SS) loading rates from the Motueka River catchment into Tasman Bay, New Zealand and describe benthic characteristics along a series of transects encompassing the coastal river plume. A mineral‐rich geological formation in the headwaters of the river was identified as a storm‐generated source of highly elevated concentrations of nickel and chromium in river margin sediments, and coastal sediments extending >5 km offshore. A major storm in 2005, focused in the upper catchment, resulted in an estimated SS discharge of 161,000 tonnes into the Bay. Spatial gradients of a suite of sediment trace metal signatures, organic content and infauna community structure were used to define a river plume depositional footprint of c . 180 km 2 . We suggest that the boundaries of the Motueka catchment be redefined to include this area in order to facilitate engagement of marine stakeholders in management decisions that may affect coastal biological resources.

Integrated catchment management—interweaving social process and science knowledge - A Fenemor; C Phillips; W Allen; RG Young; G Harmsworth; B Bowden; L Basher; PA Gillespie; M Kilvington; R Davies‐Colley; J Dymond; A Cole; et al. (New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research, 2011)
This paper provides an overview of the Motueka integrated catchment management (ICM) research programme. This research was based on the thesis that achieving ecosystem resilience at a catchment scale requires active measures to develop community resilience. We define a generic adaptive planning and action process, with associated knowledge management and stakeholder involvement processes, and illustrate those processes with observations from five research themes: (1) water allocation; (2) land use effects on water; (3) land and freshwater impacts on the coast; (4) integrative tools and processes for managing cumulative effects; and (5) building human capital and facilitating community action. Our research clearly illustrates the benefits for effective decision‐making of carrying out catchment scale science and management within collaborative processes which patiently develop trusting relationships. We conclude that coastal catchments should be managed as a holistic continuum from ridge tops to the sea and that some processes like floods or loss of community resilience have decadal consequences, which support the need for long‐term monitoring and investment.

Recruitment sources of brown trout identified by otolith trace element signatures - R Olley; RG Young; GP Closs; EA Kristensen; TO Bickel; NA Deans; LN Davey; SM Eggins (New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research, 2011)
This study examined whether element:Ca ratios within the otoliths of juvenile brown trout could provide accurate trace element signatures for specific natal tributaries, and attempted to match these to trace element natal signatures found within the otoliths of adult trout caught in the main stem rivers of the same catchment. The trace element signatures of juvenile trout otoliths were analysed from a sample of eight tributaries representing the main sub‐catchments of the Motueka River catchment, New Zealand. Trace element signatures were determined using laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry, and differentiated using linear discriminant function analysis with an overall cross‐validated classification success of 96.8%. Temporal stability in element:Ca ratios was investigated by repeat collections of juvenile fish over two years. Natal signatures from 11 of 23 adult trout sampled from the catchment main stems were matched to one of the eight tributary signatures showing recruitment sources to be spread relatively evenly throughout the catchment. This study demonstrates the potential of using otolith trace element analysis to determine the natal origins of freshwater fish within a catchment.

Building collaboration and learning in integrated catchment management: the importance of social process and multiple engagement approaches - W Allen; A Fenemor; M Kilvington; G Harmsworth; RG Young; N Deans; C Horn; C Phillips; O Montes de Oca; J Ataria; R Smith (New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research, 2011)
Success at integrated catchment management (ICM) requires the ongoing participation of different stakeholders in an adaptive and learning‐based management process. However, this can be difficult to achieve in practice because many initiatives fail to address the underlying social process aspects required. We review emerging lessons around how to engage stakeholders in ways that support social learning. We focus on the experience of an ICM research programme based in the Motueka catchment in New Zealand and provide a simple framework for distinguishing a range of conversations across different communities of practice. We highlight the need to use multiple engagement approaches to address different constituent needs and opportunities, and to encourage the informal conversations that spring up around these. We then illustrate the range of platforms for dialogue and learning that were used in the programme during 10 years of ICM research. Finally, a number of lessons are described from across the programme to guide research leaders and managers seeking to improve collaboration in other integrated science, management and policy initiatives.

Three frameworks to understand and manage social processes for integrated catchment management - M Kilvington; W Allen; A Fenemor (New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research, 2011)
Integrated catchment management (ICM) initiatives involve many complex social interactions. Project leaders and participants face challenges in managing multiple demands for engagement, communication and integration of different knowledge across agencies, sectors, research disciplines and communities. Social frameworks can be practical management tools that help project leaders and participants: (1) make sense of the social and management context of a project; (2) design strategies to meet social process needs such as communication and engagement; and (3) evaluate the effectiveness of the project with a view to improving it. This paper examines the role of social frameworks in supporting ICM research in the Motueka catchment over 10 years. It reviews use of the ISKM (Integrated Systems for Knowledge Management) framework for sharing information between different stakeholder groups and the Orders of Outcomes framework for evaluating outcomes over long periods. In particular, it introduces the Social Spaces framework as a new tool for visualising diverse communication and collaboration needs across a project. We conclude with suggestions on using frameworks in conjunction with participatory evaluation to build capacity and strengthen relationships among project participants.

Variation in nutrient loading from the Motueka River into Tasman Bay, New Zealand, 2005–2009: implications for the river plume ecosystem - PA Gillespie; RW Forrest; BR Knight; CD Cornelisen; RG Young (New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research, 2011)
The monthly mass transport of nitrate nitrogen (NO 3 ‐N), ammonium nitrogen (NH 4 ‐N), total nitrogen (TN), dissolved reactive phosphorus (DRP), total phosphorus (TP) and dissolved reactive silica (DRSi) from the Motueka River catchment into Tasman Bay (South Island, New Zealand) was estimated for the period 2005–2009 based on observed historical relationships between recorded river flows and the associated measured concentrations of each nutrient. The resulting average annual loading estimates for TN, TP and DRSi ranged from 397–829, 25–72 and 4053–6576 tonnes, respectively, over the 5‐year period. Large seasonal variations in nutrient loadings were also estimated with the highest rates generally, but not always, occurring during winter. The observed patterns suggest that phytoplankton biomass within the river outwelling plume may also vary in response to seasonal and inter‐annual variations in catchment nutrient loading rates with potential follow‐on food web effects including the growth of cultured Greenshell TM mussels. The estimated average annual TN loading rate (2005–2009) from the Motueka River catchment (613 tonnes) is only c . 20% of the annual loss of nitrogen based on extrapolated literature values for denitrification rates in Tasman Bay. We therefore suggest that, under the present land use scenario in the Motueka catchment, there is little potential for resulting dysfunctional river plume ecosystem enrichment effects to occur.

Influences of geology and land use on macroinvertebrate communities across the Motueka River catchment, New Zealand - KA Shearer; RG Young (New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research, 2011)
The influences of geology and land use on macroinvertebrate communities were investigated in the Motueka River catchment, New Zealand. Comparisons of functional feeding groups, multivariate community composition and biotic indices (MCI, QMCI, %EPT) were made between native forest stream reaches that differed in subcatchment geology (ultramafic, hard sedimentary, granite, gravel, karst) and between stream reaches surrounded by different land uses (native forest, exotic forest and pasture) within two of these geologies (granite, gravel). Differences in invertebrate community density and taxon richness were greater across the three land uses in the same geology than among the five geologies. Macroinvertebrate communities in streams flowing through native forest had greater numbers of shredders, and higher MCI scores than pastoral streams. Exotic forest macroinvertebrate communities were similar to the native forest communities in granite geology, but distinct from both native and pastoral communities in sites with underlying gravel geology. The results demonstrate that there is potential for underlying geology to influence the magnitude of land use impacts on invertebrate communities. The geologies within a catchment should be accounted for when considering the consequences of land development on river and stream communities.

Linkages between cultural and scientific indicators of river and stream health - GR Harmsworth; RG Young; D Walker; JE Clapcott; T James (New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research, 2011)
Scientific monitoring of river health is well established and has a significant role to play in environmental assessment by communities, managers and policy makers. Cultural indicators help to articulate cultural values, assess the state of the environment from a cultural perspective and assist with establishing a role for Māori in environmental monitoring. We reviewed the philosophies behind cultural and scientific monitoring of river health and compared the results from the two approaches at 25 sites in the Motueka and Riwaka catchments. Both scientific and cultural indicators suggested a decrease in river health in relation to increased land‐use pressure. There were also correlations between the results from the two approaches suggesting cultural indicators could be used in a similar manner as scientific indicators to set environmental benchmarks. Using scientific approaches alongside culturally based monitoring provides a wealth of knowledge to understand better what we mean by river health. The two approaches can be regarded as complementary and reflect two different knowledge systems and perspectives.

Integrated catchment management—a decade of research in the Motueka River catchment - A Fenemor; RG Young; B Bowden; C Phillips; W Allen (New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research, 2011)

Creative platforms for social learning in ICM: the Watershed Talk project - M Kilvington; M Atkinson; A Fenemor (New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research, 2011)
Watershed Talk was an action research project within the Motueka‐based integrated catchment management research programme. It explored processes of dialogue between catchment residents, scientists and resource managers, and examined how design of creative processes can shift people's understanding and develop their capacity to address the complex environmental issues that they face. The project was highly reflective, and examined the potential transformative power of constructive conversation and the means by which social learning platforms can affect the legacy of skills, knowledge and enthusiasm for action amongst participants. Three important elements for the design of platforms for social learning were identified: (1) the value of using principles to guide process design; (2) the potential outcomes from using creative approaches to generate dialogue; and (3) the importance of integrating evaluation and reflection into platform design to both manage the platform and to help cement new learning amongst participants. This paper outlines the fundamental aspects of the Watershed Talk platform design, its implementation, and conclusions drawn from evaluation of the experience.

Establishing native plants in a weedy riparian environment - SJ Smaill; N Ledgard; ER Langer; D Henley (New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research, 2011)
Riparian zones are important for influencing stream habitat and water quality. Efforts to populate these areas with native species are frequently hindered by fast‐growing weed species. A trial was installed to examine riparian establishment alongside the Sherry River in the Motueka river catchment with seven native species and four weed‐control treatments. After 2 years, herbicide use significantly improved seedling survival compared with the other weed‐control treatments, but weed mats promoted greater seedling height and crown diameter growth. Seedling survival and growth varied significantly with species. After comparisons of costs and practical issues, weed mats were concluded to provide the most suitable weed control. Cordyline australis had the highest survival rate, developed the most crown area and performed well in terms of height increment; Pittosporum tenuifolium and Plagianthus regius also performed well. All three native species are recommended for use in further plantings at this and other similar locations.

Sediment yield response to large storm events and forest harvesting, Motueka River, New Zealand - LR Basher; DM Hicks; B Clapp; T Hewitt (New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research, 2011)
Suspended sediment yields (SY) were measured at seven sites in the Motueka catchment to characterise major influences on sediment yield variation and estimate sediment delivery to Tasman Bay. Relationships between storm event SY and peak flow were used with long‐term flow records to calculate SY. At large catchment scale, there were clear differences in SY related to geology and rainfall, but the major influence on SY was the impact of a >50‐year return period storm that caused an increase in event SY ranging from 10–20 times in the headwaters to 2–3 times at the coast. Forest harvesting was an important influence at small catchment scale, producing a five‐fold increase in event SY. The magnitude of the SY increase, the time to recover and the total area affected were all smaller than the impact of large storms. Annual SY at the coast was extremely variable, ranging from 49,000 t to 1.7 Mt.

Suitability of Dual‐frequency Identification Sonar (DIDSON) to monitor juvenile fish movement at floodgates - K Doehring; RG Young; J Hay; AJ Quarterman (New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research, 2011)
The effects of coastal floodgates on fish distribution are largely unknown. In this study, we used Dual‐frequency Identification Sonar (DIDSON) to assess the effect of tidal floodgates on movement of diadromous juvenile galaxiids in a New Zealand estuarine system and test the suitability of DIDSON as a tool for monitoring behaviour of small fish. DIDSON allowed observations of juvenile galaxiid movements over 24 h through contrasting gated and un‐gated culverts. More than twice as many fish were recorded passing the un‐gated culvert than the gated culvert. Movement occurred during the day and night and was highest at the un‐gated culvert just before high tide. By contrast, movement past the gated culvert was highest during low tide, when the gate was open. DIDSON is suitable for discretely observing in situ behaviour of small fish at night or in turbid water and will assist to identify design and operational needs for fish‐friendly floodgates.

Chinese Abstracts (Reviews in Aquaculture, 2011)

Environmental stress and disease in pearl oysters, focusing on the Akoya pearl oyster ( Pinctada fucata Gould 1850) - Rhiannon P. Kuchel; Wayne A. O’Connor; David A. Raftos (Reviews in Aquaculture, 2011)
Pinctada fucata Gould 1850 was first commercially cultivated in Japan in the early 1920s. Japan dominated this market until the proliferation of Akoya viral disease (AVD) in 1996. Since that time the Japanese industry has struggled. In 2000, Japanese production of Akoya pearls represented only 13% of the total world market value. A number of investigations into this downturn have concluded that the proliferation of AVD was a result of stress associated with increasing urbanization and industrialization. This relationship between environmental stress and altered immunological activity is well documented in a number of oyster species. The decline in Japanese pearl production has led to interest in Akoya cultivation in Australia. Commercial Akoya pearl oyster ventures are now in operation in the Australian states of New South Wales, Queensland and Western Australia. The development of a robust and lucrative Akoya pearl industry in Australia will rely on the cultivation and maintenance of healthy oysters. Oyster health is associated with immunological status, which can be jeopardized by both stress and disease. This review details the relationship between the oyster immune system, environmental stress and disease outbreaks in the genus Pinctada , with implications for P. fucata and the fledgling Australian industry.

Stress response for disease control in aquaculture - Yeong Yik Sung; Thomas H. MacRae; Patrick Sorgeloos; Peter Bossier (Reviews in Aquaculture, 2011)
Heat shock proteins (Hsps) are robustly induced by diverse stressors that denature proteins. In addition to stress resistance, Hsps are involved in the folding of nascent proteins, plant and animal development, aging, environmental adaptation and the immune response, demonstrating the fundamental importance of these proteins to cell survival. Heat shock proteins are induced in aquatic organisms by perturbations of temperature and salinity, environmental contaminants, handling, hormones and biotic stressors. Exposure to sublethal stress may enhance tolerance to a subsequent stress, a process termed induced thermotolerance, and provide protection to stressors other than the initial stress, known as cross‐tolerance. In the present review, we briefly describe the established approaches that are used to control disease during aquaculture. This is followed by documentation of Hsp induction after exposure to stressors commonly encountered by aquatic organisms. Induced thermotolerance, cross‐tolerance and immune enhancement by Hsps are also considered. Although physiological stress is known to decrease disease resistance it is now becoming clear that stress‐induced Hsps enhance the tolerance of aquatic organisms to disease. Potential applications for Hsps in the commercial production of fish, crustaceans and molluscs are indicated, an issue of significance when the importance of aquaculture in feeding the world’s population is realized.

Application of phytochemicals as immunostimulant, antipathogenic and antistress agents in finfish culture - Suman Bhusan Chakraborty; Csaba Hancz (Reviews in Aquaculture, 2011)
Phytochemicals such as alkaloids, flavonoids, pigments, phenolics, terpenoids, steroids and essential oils are a large group of plant‐derived compounds commonly found in diets high in fruits, vegetables, beans and cereals. Plant remedies are closely linked to the maintenance of good health in the cultural heritage of many countries. Despite the potential benefits to health and performance as noted in various terrestrial animals, the use of phytochemicals in fish farming has rarely been investigated. Fish culture is under pressure to decrease the use of synthetic antibiotics and chemotherapeutics because of the risk caused to humans by chemical residues in food and by antibiotic resistance being passed on to human pathogens. Consequently, efforts are being made to exploit plants, plant extracts or natural plant compounds as potential alternatives to synthetic chemicals for the stimulation of immune responses and disease resistance in fish. The phytochemicals contained in herbs may enhance the innate immune system and possess antimicrobial capabilities that may be of immense use in fish culture without causing any environmental and/or hazardous problems. Most phytochemicals are redox active molecules that have anti‐oxidant characteristics that may improve the general physiological condition of fish. This review discusses the results emanating from different studies related to the in vivo application of plants and/or phytochemicals in fish in relation to immunostimulation, antipathogenic and antistress activities. Special emphasis is given to the use of Chinese and Indian herbs as immunostimulants in different finfish species during culture and as antibacterial agents against Aeromonas hydrophila .

Reply to Chisholm (2011), Conservation status of New Zealand freshwater fish, 2009; Allibone et al.(2010) - Richard Allibone; Bruno David; Rodney Hitchmough; Donald Jellyman; Nicholas Ling; Peter Ravenscroft; Jonathan Waters (New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research, 2011)

Biodiversity values of small headwater streams in contrasting land uses in the Auckland region - RG Storey; S Parkyn; MW Neale; T Wilding; G Croker (New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research, 2011)
The biodiversity values of 12 small headwater streams (catchments mostly

Size‐based dominance hierarchies in the New Zealand freshwater crayfish (koura) Paranephrops zealandicus - C Stewart; J Tabak (New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research, 2011)
The dominance hierarchies of freshwater crayfish have been extensively researched internationally and are associated with the division of limited resources, such as food, shelter and space. However, dominance hierarchies in the endemic, New Zealand freshwater crayfish (koura) Paranephrops zealandicus (White) have not been determined empirically. This paper has two aims: (1) to determine whether there is a size‐based dominance hierarchy amongst koura competing for spatial refugia, and (2) determine whether agonistic interactions decrease as the size disparity between competing individuals increases. To address these aims we paired wild koura in aquaria with a single shelter and measured the number of approaches, attacks, retreats and escapes made by each individual. In 26 of 31 trials (84%), the larger individual was dominant, indicating that a size‐based dominance hierarchy does exist within koura. Aggressive behaviour in paired individuals decreased as the size disparity increased.

Re: Conservation status of New Zealand freshwater fish, 2009; Allibone et al. (2010) - WP Chisholm (New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research, 2011)

Life histories and life history strategies of invertebrates inhabiting intermittent streams in Hawke's Bay, New Zealand - RG Storey; JM Quinn (New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research, 2011)
Intermittent streams are predicted to harbour macroinvertebrate taxa with particular life history traits that allow them to complete development in a limited time and survive periods without water. Three intermittent headwater streams in Hawke's Bay, New Zealand, had more taxa with very small body size, plurivoltine life cycles, low dissemination potential, long‐lived adults and asexual reproduction than three nearby perennial streams. We traced the population size structure and adult flight periods of six aquatic insect taxa, and the population size structure of an aquatic snail, in three intermittent streams to provide basic information on larval growth rates and infer whether they use particular life history stages to survive summer drought. The insect taxa appeared to over‐summer primarily as eggs, whereas the snail Potamopyrgus antipodarum over‐summered at various stages of maturity. Final instar larvae and adults of most insect taxa appeared well ahead of stream drying, suggesting they can survive early‐onset drought. However, late‐onset drought would allow more larvae to complete development.

Land use influences stream nitrate uptake in the Lake Taupo catchment - FE Matheson; JL Tank; KJ Costley (New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research, 2011)
We quantified nitrate (NO 3 − ) uptake during summer for 11 streams draining into oligotrophic Lake Taupo. Nitrate uptake lengths ( S w ) ranged from 258 to 12035 m, uptake velocities ( V f ) ranged from 0.2 to 6.8 m/day and removal efficiencies ( P r ) ranged from 1% to 59%. Nitrate uptake velocities and areal uptake rates were, respectively, 9‐ and 26‐fold higher for streams in pasture and pine forest land use than in native vegetation. However, average NO 3 − export from these streams was also 8‐fold higher. Our results suggested that NO 3 − uptake velocity ( V f ) was highest in streams with higher dissolved phosphorus (P) concentrations and flow velocities, and smaller benthic substrate size, which were characteristic of catchments dominated by pasture and pine forest land use. Uptake (as removal efficiency, P r ) accounted for an average 16% of the stream NO 3 − export to Lake Taupo. However, since most uptake is assimilatory, removal from the water column is likely to only represent temporary sequestration of NO 3 − and a conversion of inorganic to organic and/or particulate N.

Behavioural variation and competitive status in three taxa of Aegla (Decapoda: Anomura: Aeglidae) from two‐community settings in Southern Chile - CA Parra; EM Barria; CG Jara (New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research, 2011)
Using two populations of Aegla araucaniensis , one syntopic with two congeneric species ( A. abtao and A. denticulata ) and the other no, we assessed agonistic behavioural variations associated with interspecific competition (type of interaction, intensity of aggression, and frequency of dominance in two‐ and three‐species encounters). In general, there was a low level of aggression among interacting individuals. The frequency of agonistic responses tended significantly towards more aggressive behaviours in A. araucaniensis that are not naturally exposed to interspecific competition compared with those that are. The competitive hierarchy was dominated by A. abtao , followed by both populations of A. araucaniensis . Aegla denticulata was always the subordinate species. We can conclude that: (1) the dominance hierarchy is coherent with the distribution patterns of the species in their natural habitat; (2) unlike other species of freshwater decapods, the nature of the studied aeglids is fundamentally passive; (3) in A. araucaniensis , interspecific competition can generate changes in the expression of behavioural traits; (4) in decapod crustaceans, the hierarchies of dominance may be established by conditions other than fighting abilities and/or intensity of agonistic interactions.

The effects of a mussel farm on benthic macrofaunal communities in Hauraki Gulf, New Zealand - KLC Wong; S O'Shea (New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research, 2011)
Variation in species assemblages, richness, indices of diversity and dominance, and sediment grain‐size characteristics beneath and proximal to a mussel farm off eastern Waiheke Island, Hauraki Gulf, New Zealand, are reported. Species richness and density were elevated beneath the farm, probably attributable to structure afforded by dropped mussel shell; the types of taxa that differed in their distributions and abundances within and outside the farm also differed spatially along three surveyed transects, and temporally; no significant difference in sediment grain size was apparent along a transect extending 20m within the farm to 110m outside of it; and the biological footprint of the farm was limited, extending no further than 20m from its northern boundary. The incidence of neither opportunistic nor sensitive taxa was clearly related to the physical location of the mussel farm when the distributions and abundances of taxa throughout the eastern Waiheke Island region were taken into consideration. The farm is recognised to have a statistically significant effect on sea‐bed assemblages of species or no effect at all, with any effect being manifested in an increase in species richness, but not of species traditionally considered opportunists. We deem the most efficient tool to assess rapidly the biological footprint of this farm to be measurement of the outer limit of Perna clumping on the sea bed, rather than the distribution or abundance of any indicator taxon.

Relationships between the spatial distribution of oligochaetes (Annelida, Clitellata) and environmental variables in a temperate estuary system of South America (Río de la Plata, Argentina) - Laura Cecilia Armendáriz; Alberto Rodrigues Capítulo; Eugenia Soledad Ambrosio (New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research, 2011)
The oligochaete assemblage on the Argentine coast of the Río de la Plata estuary was sampled seasonally within environments having different types of disturbances. Three habitats were sampled: sediments free of vegetation, sediments within bullrush stands and substrates with Limnoperna fortunei . The species richness, evenness and Shannon–Wiener diversity values were different among those habitats. The only dominant species (according to the Kownacki index) was Nais variabilis . Mean density values varied between 400 and 199,500 ind./m 2 . Organic matter, ammonium and phosphates correlated positively with the mean oligochaete abundance, but not with the granulometry. Physicochemical variables and nutrient levels were measured and their relation to the sampling sites assessed through a principal component analysis (41.8% cumulative variance). The canonical correspondence analysis (41.2% cumulative variance) indicated that the oligochaetes distributed along both a eutrophication–pollution gradient and a turbidity–conductivity gradient. These results would be useful for assessing the ecological status of estuaries for a subsequent implementation of appropriate sustainability‐management policies.

Modelling the response of a highly eutrophic lake to reductions in external and internal nutrient loading - D Özkundakci; DP Hamilton; D Trolle (New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research, 2011)
The reduction of macronutrients to levels that limit primary production is often a critical element of mitigating eutrophication and reducing the potential for algal blooms. Lake Okaro has remained highly eutrophic despite an intensive catchment and in‐lake restoration programme, including implementation of a constructed wetland, riparian protection, an alum application and application of a modified zeolite mineral (Z2G1) to reduce internal nutrient loading. A one‐dimensional process‐based ecosystem model (DYRESM‐CAEDYM) was used in this study to investigate the need for further nutrient loading reductions of both nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P). The model was calibrated against field data for a 2‐year period and validated over two separate 1‐year periods. Model simulations suggest that the trophic status of the lake, measured quantitatively with the Trophic Level Index (TLI), could shift from highly eutrophic to mesotrophic with external and internal loads of both N and P reduced by 75–90%. The magnitude of the nutrient load reductions is indicative of a major challenge in being able to effect transitions across trophic state categories for eutrophic lakes.

Intraspecies and interspecies hybrids in Haliotis : natural and experimental evidence and its impact on abalone aquaculture - Fabiola Lafarga de la Cruz; Cristian Gallardo‐Escárate (Reviews in Aquaculture, 2011)
Abalone is a highly valued seafood in many parts of the world. Depending on size and species, it can fetch between US$15 and US$30 per kg in some markets. Because of its high value, abalone is cultured in several countries, including China, Australia, Japan, Chile, South Africa, Canada, Mexico, the USA and many other Asian countries, such as Thailand, the Philippines and Korea. Hybridization is widely used to improve specific traits in animal and agricultural stocks by using a new genetic conformation in the offspring. In general, hybridization offers several benefits in aquaculture conditions, such as improvements in growth rate, survival, food conversion and stress resistance (to temperature and disease). Under commercial conditions, hybrids make it possible to diversify the industry and to offer new products and gain new markets. This review examines evidence of wild and experimental hybridization among abalone species from several biogeographical areas worldwide, and provides information on the phenotype characteristics of artificially produced hybrid abalone. Genetic and phenotypic approaches were analysed to determine whether there is a relationship between the genetic variability and positive heterosis in hybrid crosses. In this review, we also reported embryonic and larval development of hybrid and genetic studies derived from gene expression analysis of thermal tolerance. Furthermore, alloenzyme, cytogenetic and molecular DNA markers were reviewed to certify the hybrid status in Haliotis . This review will also discuss the impact of intra and interspecies hybrids on abalone aquaculture worldwide.

Striped catfish farming in the Mekong Delta, Vietnam: a tumultuous path to a global success - Sena S. De Silva; Nguyen T. Phuong (Reviews in Aquaculture, 2011)
The striped catfish ( Pangasianodon hypophthalmus ) (Sauvage), also referred to as tra catfish or sutchi catfish, farming sector is an icon of aquaculture development in Vietnam and globally. Over a decade it has developed from a humble backyard operation to one that currently accounts for the production of over one million tonnes, employing over 180 000 rural poor, and generating an export income exceeding US$ 1.4 billion (2010). It accounts for the highest average production, ranging from 200 to 400 t ha −1 crop, ever recorded for the primary production sector. The system is integrated and incorporates seed production, fry to fingerling rearing and grow‐out, and is concentrated in a few provinces in the Mekong Delta (8°33′–10°55′N, 104°30′–106°50′E), along two branches of the Mekong River. In essence, perhaps, the initial trade restrictions on catfish exports to the USA provided the impetus and then the associated developments from 2002 to 2005 of the sector to a great extent in seeking new markets. The explosion of tra catfish farming has resulted in many competitive sectors challenging this ‘tra catfish’ invasion into a globalized market. These confrontations still exist with many instances of attempts to discredit the sector and discourage international consumers. However, the Vietnamese catfish sector is resilient and has managed to withstand such pressures and continues to thrive. This paper reviews the development of catfish farming in the Mekong Delta, its current status and what is required to sustain it as a major food source and livelihood provider.

Chinese Abstracts (Reviews in Aquaculture, 2011)

Application of a sandwich hybridisation assay for rapid detection of the Northern Pacific seastar, Asterias amurensis - KF Smith; LL Rhodes; JE Adamson; JV Tyrrell; DO Mountfort; WJ Jones (New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research, 2011)
A sandwich hybridisation assay (SHA) has been developed to detect Asterias amurensis (Lütken 1871), commonly known as the northern Pacific seastar, which is an unwanted, and as yet undetected, pest in New Zealand waters. Probes in SHA format have been developed that target the ribosomal RNA internal transcribed spacer region of A. amurensis. The successful assay utilises the capture probe ITS‐C2‐110 and the combined signal probes ITS‐S1‐93 and ITS‐S3‐240. It has been successfully tested for specificity, including cross‐reactivity testing against the common and related seastars, Patiriella regularis (Verrill 1867), P. mortenseni (O'Loughlin et al. 2002), Coscinasterias muricata (Verrill 1867) and Stichaster australis (Verrill 1871). The SHA is a rapid and potentially portable RNA‐based test, and opens up the opportunity for direct analysis of water samples, for example, portside during surveillance of marine pests.

Calculating incubation times and hatching dates for embryonic elephantfish ( Callorhinchus milii ) - WS Lyon; RICC Francis; MP Francis (New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research, 2011)
An experimental approach was used to calculate the spawning times and hatching dates for the oviparous chondrichthyan, Callorhinchus milii . The duration of the embryonic stages, from the formation of the area opaca to hatching, was determined at water temperatures of 10°, 15° and 20°C for egg cases collected from the Marlborough Sounds and Canterbury Bight, using novel observation techniques. Development times for temperatures 9–20°C were calculated using these data, enabling the prediction of spawning times, development times and hatching dates at four spawning sites in New Zealand. In the Marlborough Sounds, peak spawning was in April, with a predicted development time of 32 weeks and a predicted hatching time in November. In Canterbury Bight, peak spawning was in December, with a 25‐week predicted development time, and a predicted peak hatching in late May. At Dunedin, peak spawning was in December, predicted development was 34 weeks and hatching would occur in late July. In Te Waewae Bay, peak spawning during January yielded a predicted 34‐week development period and peak hatching in late August.

Movement patterns of the East Coast rock lobster Panulirus homarus rubellus on the coast of KwaZulu‐Natal, South Africa - E Steyn; MH Schleyer (New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research, 2011)
A tagging study was undertaken on Blood Reef off Durban, South Africa, to investigate movement patterns of Panulirus homarus rubellus as well as inshore/offshore population differences. Lobsters were collected by SCUBA divers and baited traps. Traps caught larger lobsters than divers and trap catches were somewhat male‐dominated (40% female:60% male). Lobsters were predominately resident with only 3% of recaptured lobsters moving over 500 m. Long shore movements were probably related to foraging behaviour and sanding and scouring of reefs. Larger lobsters were caught on offshore reefs (>10 m depth) than on inshore reefs ( 100 mm carapace length, CL) on inshore reefs may be related to fishing mortality. Low juvenile numbers (

Monitoring a New Zealand freshwater fish community using passive integrated transponder (PIT) technology; lessons learned and recommendations for future use - AJ McEwan; MK Joy (New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research, 2011)
One hundred and thirty individual fish were collected and passive integrated transponder (PIT) tagged in a 100‐m reach of a small North Island, New Zealand stream. The positions of the fish were monitored with a hand‐held portable PIT antenna over 41 occasions during day and night in 2008/2009. Redfin bully ( Gobiomorphus huttoni ), shortjaw kokopu ( Galaxias postvectis ) and koaro ( Galaxias brevipinnis ) were the most represented and commonly detected species (75%, 73% and 83% detection rates, respectively). Nine longfin eels ( Anguilla dieffenbachii ) were tagged but only two were later detected. Redfin bullies with lower condition factors than conspecifics were less likely to be detected following tag implantation. Shortjaw kokopu were less likely to be detected but more retained tags than redfins and koaro. No difference in tag detection rates was found over a range of flow levels, nor between surveying during day and night, although a small decline in detection rates occurred as water temperature decreased and with time since sampling. The PIT technique proved to have significant potential for monitoring New Zealand native stream fish communities and has many advantages over previously used techniques, particularly in relation to the collection of fine‐scale spatial data on multiple species.

Geomorphic change of an ebb‐tidal delta: Mair Bank, Whangarei Harbour, New Zealand - KM Morgan; PS Kench; RB Ford (New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research, 2011)
The morphology and volume of Mair Bank, Whangarei Harbour, was examined at decadal and inter‐annual time scales in order to assess the geomorphic stability of the ebb‐tidal delta. Digitised aerial photography of Mair Bank over 56 years was analysed to determine multi‐decadal changes in the position and planform configuration of major morphological units. Bathymetric survey data of the area were used to assess spatial and temporal elevation changes and to construct digital elevation models (DEMs) for quantitative comparisons. Results show that the footprint of Mair Bank has remained constant but significant changes in surface morphology have occurred. The western end of the seaward shell swashbar has migrated landward at an average rate of 10 m/year between 1950 and 2006. The largest subaerial change in sand storage volume occurred between 2003 and 2006 when volume increased from 1.107×10 5 m 3 to 1.690×10 5 m 3 . In terms of material accumulation over the extent of the ebb delta, this equates to a bedlevel rise of 10 cm across Mair Bank, or a 1.3% increase in total volume. In summary, Mair Bank exhibits dynamic sediment reworking, but the gross delta feature is relatively stable in volume and position.

New Zealand Coastal Marine Invertebrates, Volume 1, by StevedeC. Cook (gen. ed.). Canterbury University Press, Christchurch, New Zealand, 2010. 640 p. Numerous line drawings, half‐tones and colour figures, hardcover. ISBN 978‐1877257‐60‐5. Price NZ$150. - Shane T. Ahyong (New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research, 2011)

Environmental preferences of Alopias superciliosus and Alopias vulpinus in waters near Marshall Islands - D‐M Cao; L‐M Song; Yu Zhang; K‐K Lv; Z‐X Hu (New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research, 2011)
This paper reports on a survey carried out in waters near Marshall Islands and on the analysis of catch rates of bigeye thresher shark, Alopias superciliosus , and thresher shark, Alopias vulpinus . The optimum swimming depth, water temperature, salinity and dissolved oxygen range of bigeye thresher sharks were identified as 240–360 m, 10–16°C, 34.5–34.7 and 3.0–4.0 ml/l, respectively, while for thresher sharks they were 160–240 m, 18–20°C, 34.5–34.8 and 1.0–1.5 ml/l, respectively, during daytime. The bigeye thresher shark and thresher shark were widely distributed in areas where the dissolved oxygen was higher than 0.5 ml/l. Some mitigation measures were recommended to reduce the bycatch of bigeye thresher shark and thresher shark, including avoiding fishing in peak areas and periods of shark abundance, using fish as bait and using nylon monofilament leaders. Furthermore, the hook depth data could be input into the ‘habitat model’ to standardise the shark catch per unit effort (CPUE).

Microhabitat use of a native New Zealand galaxiid fish, Galaxias fasciatus - A Akbaripasand; EC Nichol; PM Lokman; GP Closs (New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research, 2011)
To assess microhabitat selection by banded kokopu ( Galaxias fasciatus ), a total of 215 fish were observed using spotlight along 350 m of Sawyers Bay stream in southern New Zealand. We measured multiple microhabitat variables at the focal point position of each observed fish. A correlation analysis showed that depth, focal velocity, adjacent fastest velocity and substrate were the factors most strongly associated with the fish position. Our results showed that patch use by banded kokopu was clearly size‐related. Small fish (≤90 mm) occupied shallow pools with fast velocities over fine substratum, whereas large fish (>90 mm) preferred deeper pools with slower water velocities and coarse substrates. We suggest that such microhabitat partitioning could be related to agonistic intra‐specific interactions and a social hierarchy among individuals.

Source tracking faecal contamination in an urbanised and a rural waterway in the Nelson‐Tasman region, New Zealand - M Kirs; VJ Harwood; AE Fidler; PA Gillespie; WR Fyfe; AD Blackwood; CD Cornelisen (New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research, 2011)
Microbial contamination of New Zealand's rivers, lakes and coastal waters can pose a risk to human health through both recreational contact and the consumption of contaminated shellfish. Microbial source tracking (MST) methods provide a means to identify potential contaminant sources, which can lead to high faecal indicator bacteria concentrations and elevated human health risk because of associated pathogens. Eight MST markers, including general, ruminant and human‐associated Bacteroidales markers, a duck‐associated E2 marker, a gull‐associated Catellicoccus marimammalium marker and three additional human markers [ Enterococcus faecium esp gene, Methanobrevibacter smithii nifH gene, and human polyomaviruses (HPyVs)] were tested for host specificity and sensitivity using an array of animal faecal samples of known origin and wastewater samples. The cross‐reactivity identified for some of the markers, although limited, signals a need to validate overseas markers further in New Zealand before employing them in field studies. Application of MST markers on water samples collected from an urbanised section of the Maitai River (Nelson, New Zealand) identified the presence of faecal contamination originating from humans, ruminants and birds. Human faecal contamination was present in the lower section of the Matai River, and in stormwater drains entering the river, in association with elevated faecal coliform concentrations. Application of the markers to the rural Little Sydney Stream (near Motueka, Tasman district, NZ) identified faecal contamination derived from ruminants, which is consistent with the agricultural (pasture) use of the catchment. This study indicates that some of the markers developed overseas can be used effectively to track sources of microbial contamination in New Zealand watersheds.

Recent observations of reef fishes at the Kermadec Islands Marine Reserve, New Zealand - TD Eddy (New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research, 2011)
The Kermadec Islands have been identified as one of the few remaining pristine marine ecosystens left in the world. The Kermadec Islands Marine Reserve (MR) is the largest in New Zealand protecting species endemic to the archipelago and species not found elsewhere within the country. Reef fishes were surveyed for size and abundance at three sites around Raoul Island and the Meyer Islets and biomasses of trophic groups were calculated. Planktivores dominated trophic group abundance at all three sites. This research represents the first observations of all trophic groups of reef fishes since implementation of the Kermadec Islands MR in 1990.

Phenotypic and molecular characterization of Photobacterium damselae , a pathogen of the cultured tongue sole Cynoglossus semilaevis in China - X‐J Zhang; G‐M Qin; X‐W Bing; B‐L Yan; K‐R Bi (New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research, 2011)
Significant numbers of half‐smooth tongue sole ( Cynoglossus semilaevis ) raised on a marine fish farm in the P.R. China presented erratic swimming, loss of appetite and increased ventilation rate. Internally, diseased fish exhibited redness of liver, stomach and intestines, and white materials may be observed in the intestine. Mortality rates reached levels of up to 10% of the total fish on the farm per day. The dominant bacterial colonies were isolated from the liver, kidney and spleen of affected fish, and high pathogenicity of the isolates to Cynoglossus semilaevis , Paralichthys olivaceus and Synechogobius hasta was confirmed. The phenotypic characteristics of the isolates were studied extensively, including morphological, physiological and biochemical characteristics. The 16S rRNA and gyr B genes of a representative strain (ST1) were sequenced, and phylogenetic trees representing genetic relatedness between the isolate and publicly available 16S rRNA and gyr B gene sequence from the GenBank database was constructed as an aid to identification. The sequenced 16S rRNA gene (GenBank accession No. GU228793) and the gyr B gene of strain ST1 (GenBank accession No. GU228794) exhibited high similarity (98–99%) to those of Photobacterium damselae from the GenBank database. In addition, the activities of extracellular enzymes and haemolysin were also studied, the results showed that the isolates produced beta‐haemolysis on rabbit blood agar, lecithinase, proteinase and DNase but diastase, lipase and gelatinase were not produced. Antibiotic susceptibility tests showed that the isolates exhibited around 80% of susceptibility to 36 various antibiotics tested.

Late summer hyperbenthic estuarine communities: comparing permanently open and intermittently closed systems along the Otago coastline - AWT Lill; GP Closs; M Schallenberg (New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research, 2011)
Few studies have compared hyperbenthic communities among estuaries, in either New Zealand or elsewhere. This study presents the results of a single late summer survey of the lower reaches of 26 estuarine systems along the Otago coastline from the Clutha River to Oamaru, comparing hyperbenthic communities among both permanently open and intermittently closed estuaries. Intermittently closed estuaries are periodically closed from the ocean because of the formation of a berm across the mouth. A total of 33 taxa were captured with mysids and amphipods, the most widespread hyperbenthic taxa, being common in both permanently open and intermittently closed Otago estuaries. The mysid, Tenagomysis novae‐zealandiae , and amphipod, Paracalliope fluviatilis , were widespread, found in 74% and 68% of all estuaries sampled, respectively. In contrast, most other taxa were present in relatively few estuaries, with 17 species recorded from only 10% of estuaries. There was a significant difference in the community composition among permanently open and intermittently closed estuaries. The results highlight the potential sensitivity of New Zealand estuarine communities to management regimes that may alter their open/closed status.

Stable carbon and nitrogen isotope composition of co‐existing herbivorous zooplankton species in an oligo‐dystrophic lake (Shirakoma‐ike, Japan) - J Lee; T Yoshioka; K Ra; J Owen; B Kim (New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research, 2011)
We studied carbon and nitrogen stable isotopes in particulate organic material and zooplankton in an oligotrophic humic lake, Lake Shirakoma‐ike (Japan). The phytoplankton density was low and the zooplankton community was dominated by two species: a cladoceran ( Daphnia longispina ) and a copepod ( Acanthodiaptomus pacificus ). Though the two species have similar body size and shared same phytoplankton food sources of low diversity, they showed significant differences in isotope compositions; δ 13 C of D. longispina ranged from −30.9 to −28.2‰ and δ 13 C of A. pacificus ranged from −37.0 to −33.4‰, and δ 15 N of D. longispina and A. pacificus varied from 0.9 to 1.5‰ and −1.6 to −0.2‰, respectively. This implies that they rely on different food sources and food quality. δ 13 C of total particulate organic matter (POM) was always higher than zooplankton with the range of −29.3‰ to −26.2‰, but the δ 15 N of POM was between the two species, ranging from −2.8 to 1.7‰. The patterns of δ 13 C and δ 15 N suggest that A. pacificus might feed more on autochthonous organic matter compared with D. longispina . The differences in isotopic composition among co‐existing herbivorous zooplankton species may be useful tools in investigating distinct energy pathways in unproductive lakes.

Editorial (translated) (Reviews in Aquaculture, 2011)

Chinese Abstracts (Reviews in Aquaculture, 2011)

Editorial - Sena S. De Silva; Albert G. J. Tacon (Reviews in Aquaculture, 2011)

Reduction in the environmental impact of waste discharged by fish farms through feed and feeding - Abdolsamad K. Amirkolaie (Reviews in Aquaculture, 2011)
The discharge of waste from aquaculture operations can lead to eutrophication and destruction of natural ecosystem in receiving water body. A controlled waste production strategy is necessary to maintain sustainable aquaculture growth into the future. As feed is the major source of waste in aquaculture, the management of aquaculture waste should be approached through diet formulation or feeding strategies. Highly digestible diets have been introduced as a solution to reduce solid waste excretion. Further reductions in solid waste can be achieved through careful selection of feed ingredients and feed processing to improve nutrient availability. An increase in faeces consistency by diet manipulation can improve solid removal efficiency. This condition can reduce the proportion of solids in discharged water in the effluent and also improve farm water quality. A reduction in dissolved nitrogen waste can be achieved by ensuring a balance between protein and energy causing fish to use non‐protein sources as energy. Phosphorous waste can be decreased through careful ingredient selection and proper processing to improve digestibility. A proper feed ration and feeding method for each species should be adopted because feed waste constitutes a large part of waste production.