Survival, growth and immune activity of scallop Chlamys farreri cultured at different depths in Haizhou Bay (Yellow Sea, China) during hot season

Survival, growth and immune response of the scallop, Chlamys farreri, cultured in lantern nets at five different depths (2, 5, 10, 15, and 20 m below the sea surface) were studied in Haizhou Bay during the hot season (summer and autumn) of 2007. Survival and growth rates were quantified bimonthly. Immune activities in hemolymph (superoxide dismutase (SOD) and acid phosphatase (ACP)) were measured to evaluate the health of scallops at the end of the study. Environmental parameters at the five depths were also monitored during the experiment. Mortalities mainly occurred during summer. Survival of scallops suspended at 15 m (78.0%) and 20 m (86.7%) was significantly higher than at 2 m (62.9%), 5 m (60.8%) or 10 m (66.8%) at the end of the study. Mean shell height grew significantly faster at 10 m (205.0 μm/d) and 20 m (236.9 μm/d) than at 2, 5 or 15 m in summer (July 9 to September 1); however, shell growth rate at 20 m was significantly lower than at the other four depths in autumn (September 2 to November 6). In contrast to summer, scallops at 5 m grew faster (262.9 μm/d) during autumn. The growth of soft tissue at different depths showed a similar trend to the shell. Growth rates of shell height and soft tissue were faster in autumn than in summer, with the exception of shell height at 20 m. SOD activity of scallops increased with depth, and ACP activity was significantly higher at 15 and 20 m than at other depths, which suggests that scallops were healthier near the bottom. Factors explaining the depth-related mortality and growth of scallops are also discussed. We conclude that the mass mortality of scallop, C. farreri, during summer can be prevented by moving the culture area to deeper water and yield can be maximized by suspending the scallops in deep water during summer and then transferring them to shallow water in autumn.     

Newly recorded bloom-forming dinoflagellate Gymnodinium impudicum in Haizhou Bay,Yellow Sea,China

Journal of Oceanology and Limnology - With the development of industrialization and aquaculture in Jiangsu and Shandong Provinces along the South Yellow Sea coast, China, eutrophication has greatly...     

Effects of benzo（a）pyrene exposure on the antioxidant enzyme activity of scallop Chlamysfarreri

Scallop Chlamys farreri was exposed to different concentrations of benzo(a)pyrene (BaP) (0.5 μg/L, 1.0 μg/L, 10.0 μg/L and 50.0 μg/L) for 30 days in seawater. The 7-ethoxyresorufin O-deethylase (EROD) activity was significantly induced, and increased with the increasing BaP concentration. The glutathione-S-transferase (GST), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), Glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activities increased in short time at low concentration of BaP, and was significantly depressed at high concentr...     

Identification of Cytochrome P450 (CYP) genes in Zhikong scallop (Chlamys farreri)

Cytochrome P450 (CYP) superfamily is one of the membership largest and function most diverse protein superfamily recogniozed among living beings. Members of this superfamily were further assigned to different families and subfamilies based on their amino acid similarities. According to their phylogenetic relationships, the CYP genes which likely diverged from common ancestor gene and may share common functions were grouped into one clan. Widely distributing scallops are a group of the most conspicuous bivalve; however the studies on their CYP is acarce. In this study, we searched the genome and expressed sequence tags of Zhikong scallop (Chlamys farreri) for CYP genes. In total, 88 non-redundant CYP were identified, which were homed in 13 CYPs gene families. Phylogenetic analysis divided these genes into 4 CYP clans. As in deuterostomes, Clan 2 was the largest, which contained 33 genes belonging to CYP1, CYP2, CYP17 and CYP356 families. Clan 3 contgained 19 genes belonging to CYP3, CYP5 and CYP30 families. Clan 4 contained 23 genes, all belonging to CYP4 family. The mitochondrial CYP clan contained 9 genes belonging to CYP10 and CYP24 families. In comparison, protostomes (C. farreri, D. pluex, D. melanogaster) contained more CYP genes than deuterostomes (S. purpuratus and vertebrates) in Clan 2 but less genes in Clan 3 and Clan 4. Our findings will aid to deciphering CYP function and evolution in scallops and bivalves.     

Effects of different combinations of cryoprotectants on spermatozoon vitality of Chinese scallop,Chlamys farreri,during low temperature equilibrium

The effects of membrane penetrating anti—freezing agents (MPAAs), DMSO (dimethyl sulfoxide), glycerol, EG (ethylene glycol) and methanol in combination with different cryoprotective additives such as carbohydrates, macromoleules and inorganic compounds on the spermatozoon vitality of Chinese scallop,Chlamys farreri, during 1 h 0 °C equilibrium were investigated. When only MPAAs existed, the detrimental effects of different MPAAs ranked in the following order: DMSO<methanol<EG<glycerol. When carbohydrates were added into MPAAs solution, 5% glucose caused larger decrease of spermatozoon vitality than 2.4% lactose. 5% glucose or 2.4% lactose in 7.5% glycerol caused complete damage. 10% yolk was best in maintaining the spermatozoon vitality except when used in combination with 10% methanol. 10% milk significantly decreased spermatozoon vitality in EG and methanol and enhanced its vitality in glycerol, but did not significantly influence it in DMSO. Glycine MPAAs ranked in the following order. 10% yolk <10% yolk +2.4% lactose <2.4% lactose <2.0% citrate <10% milk <10% milk +2.0% citrate <5% glucose <80mmol/L glycine +55 mmol/L NaHCO₃. Contribution No. 2434 from the Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences.     

Characterization,expression and function analysis of DAX1 gene of scallop (Chlamys farreri jones and preston 1904) during its gametogenesis

DAX1, a member of nuclear receptor superfamily, has a function in the sex determination and gonadal differentiation of several vertebrate species. However, little information about DAX1 of invertebrates is available. Here we cloned a homolog of scallop (Chlamys farreri Jones and Preston 1904) dax1, Cf-dax1, and determined its expression characteristics at mRNA and protein levels. The cDNA sequence of Cf-dax1 was 2093 bp in length, including 1404 bp open reading frame (ORF) encoding 467 amino acids. Unlike those of vertebrates, no conserved LXXLL-related motif was found in the putative DNA binding region of Cf-DAX1. Fluorescence in situ hybridization showed that Cf-dax1 located on the short arm of a pair of subtelocentric chromosomes. Tissue distribution analysis using semi-quantitative RT-PCR revealed that Cf-dax1 expressed widely in adult scallop tissues, with the highest expression level found in adductor muscle, moderate level in mantle, gill and testis, and low level in kidney, ovary and hepatopancreas. The result of quantitative real-time PCR indicated that the expression of Cf-dax1 was significantly higher (P<0.05) in testis than in ovary at the same stage, showing a sex-dimorphic expression pattern. Furthermore, immunohistochemical detection found that Cf-DAX1 mainly located in spermatogonia and spermatocytes of testis and in oogonia and oocytes of ovary, implying that DAX1 may involve in gametogenesis of bivalves.     

Seasonal phenology of the heterotrophic dinoflagellate Noctiluca scintillans(Macartney) in Jiaozhou Bay and adjacent coastal Yellow Sea,China

Seasonal variations in numerical abundance, cell diameter and population carbon biomass of the heterotrophic dinoflagellate Noctiluca scintillans were studied for 10 years from 2004 to 2013 in Jiaozhou Bay and adjacent coastal Yellow Sea, China, and their ecological functions were evaluated. In both areas, N. scintillans occurred throughout the year and demonstrated an essentially similar seasonality; the cell abundance increased rapidly from the winter minimum to an annual peak in late spring and early summer, and decreased gradually toward the autumn-winter minimum. The peak abundance differed by years, and there was no consistent trend in long-term numerical variations. The cell diameter also showed a seasonal fluctuation, being larger in spring and early summer than the other seasons. Estimated carbon biomass of N. scintillans population reached to a peak as high as 90.3 mg C/m~3, and occasionally exceed over phytoplankton and copepod biomass. Our results demonstrate that N. scintillans in northwestern Yellow Sea displays the seasonal phenology almost identical to the populations in other temperate regions, and play important trophic roles as a heterotroph to interact with sympatric phytoplankton and copepods.     

Daptonema parabreviseta sp. nov. (Xyalidae,Nematoda) from the Jiaozhou Bay of the Yellow Sea,China

A new species of free-living marine nematode of the genus Daptonema Cobb, 1920 is described from the sublittoral sediment of the Jiaozhou Bay, Qingdao. Daptonema parabreviseta sp. nov. is characterized by having narrowed anterior end; small funnel-shaped buccal cavity; short cephalic setae; spicules with bulbiform proximal end and pointed distal end; gubercunalum tubular shape with a blunt dorsal apophysis. The female genital system presents a spacious postvulval sac. The new species closely resembles Daptonema brevisetosum Thanh & Gagarin, 2009. However, it differs from Daptonema brevisetosum by having relatively narrowed head (10 μm vs 20 μm); spicules with bulbiform proximal end and pointed distal end, not bifurcated at distal end. Female genital system with a spacious postvulval sac (vs absent).

     

Effect of Fouling Organisms on Food Uptake and Nutrient Release of Scallop （Chlamys nobilis, Reeve） Cultured in Daya Bay

Biofouling is an important factor that affects the bivalve farming industry. Fouling organisms may reduce growth and survival rate of the cultured species. Fouler are often filter feeders, so they are potential competitors for food resource with the cultured species. The present study was conducted to measure the impact of fouling on food uptake and nutrient release in April and June, 2006 in Daya Bay near Guangzhou, China. Results showed that fouling organisms had significant effect on food uptake and nutrient release. The chlorophyll a uptake rate of fouled scallops was 7.53Lh-1±1.416Lh-1 and 11.94Lh-1±2.497Lh-1 in April and June, respectively, significantly higher than those of cleaned scallops, i.e., 4.23 Lh-1 ±2.744Lh-1 and 2.57Lh-1± 1.832 Lh-1 respectively.The consumption of total particulate matter by fouled scallops in April and June was 5.52Lh-1±0.818Lh-1 and 3.07Lh-1±0.971 Lh-1,respectively; the corresponding results for cleaned scallops are 2.49Lh-1 ±0.614Lh-1 and 2.37± 1.214Lh-1, respectively. Fouling increased ammonia release significantly. The ammonia release rate of fouled scallops was 33.81Lh-1±7.699Lh-1 and 76.39Lh-1 ±9.251Lh-1 in April and June, while cleaned scallops released 2.46Lh-1± 0.5 1 1Lh-1 and 7.23Lh-1± 1.026Lh-1 ammonia, respectively. Phosphate release of fouled scallops was 22.72Lh-1 ± 9.978 Lh-1 in June and cleaned scallops released phosphate 6.01Lh-1 ±0.876 Lh-1 in April. Therefore, fouling contributed much to food reduction and concentration increase of ammonia and phosphate in water.     

Distribution Characteristics of Fat Greenling(Hexagrammos otakii) Inhabiting Artificial Reefs Around Qiansandao Island,Haizhou Bay,China

Chinese government has provided vigorous financial supports to artificial reef(AR) projects to repair marine ecosystem. Qiansandao AR, an important AR project of Fishery Resource Restoration Program in Shandong Province, was built during 2002 to 2007. It has enhanced the local fishery harvest and generated positive economic benefits. Fat greenling(Hexagrammos otakii) is a major commercial reef fish in Qiansandao with high economic values. Its distribution characteristics need to be further studied. In this research, we studied the potential influence of environmental variables and distance from ARs on catch per unit effort(CPUE) and body length of fat greenlings. The results showed that the average body length of fat greenlings distributed within 10 m from ARs was longer than that of fat greenlings distributed more than 600 m away from ARs. Body length also increased with the increased salinity, while it declined as temperature increased. The probability of the presence of fat greenling increased when temperature was below 20℃, then it slightly decreased. CPUE decreased as the distance increased. Our results elucidate the potential effects of environmental variables and distance from ARs on the distribution of fat greenling, which may also be helpful to the distribution research of other reef fish species.     

Age,growth,and mortality rate of the yellow goosefish Lophius litulon(Jordan,1902) in the Yellow Sea

With the decline in the most fisheries resources in the Yellow Sea,the yellow goosefish Lophius litulon has increased in commercial and ecological importance in recent years.We studied the length distribution,length-weight relationship,age composition,growth pattern,mortality,and exploitation rates of the yellow goosefish in the Yellow Sea.Total length(TL) of females and males ranged from 173 to582 mm and 178 to 500 mm,respectively.The length-weight relationships were also estimated for females and males.Age classes from 2 to 4 years predominated in the samples.The von Bertalanffy growth function(VB GF),estimated based on non-linear least-squares methodology,showed significant differences between sexes.Females attained a greater estimated asymptotic total length(765 mm TL) compared to males(579 mm TL).The VBGF did not differ significantly between stocks of the northern Yellow Sea and the southern Yellow Sea.Estimated natural instantaneous mortality rate(M) ranged from 0.25/a to 0.33/abased on four age-and length-based methods.Total instantaneous mortality rate(Z) of total samples calculated by the age-based catch curve method was 0.591/a and the average fishing mortality(F) was 0.30/a.Estimated exploitation rate(E) was approximately 0.5,indicating that the population of L.litulon in the Yellow Sea may be sustainable.These results provide a reference for the present status of L.litulon and information for the management.     

Impact of microzooplankton and Calanus sinicus (Brodsky, 1962) on phytoplankton in the Yellow Sea during early summer

Dilution incubations and Calanus sinicus addition incubations were simultaneously conducted at five stations in the Yellow Sea in June of 2004 to evaluate the impact of microzooplankton and Calanus sinicus on phytoplankton based on the Chlorophyll a (Chl-a) levels. The Chl-a growth rates (k) ranged from 0.60–1.67 d⁻¹, while microzooplankton grazed the Chl-a at rates (g) of 0.29–0.62 d^t-1. The addition of C. sinicus enhanced the Chl-a growth rate (Z) by 0.004–0.037 d⁻¹ ind.⁻¹ L. C. sinicus abundance ranged from 84.1–160.9 ind. m⁻³, which occupied 90.7%–99.1% of the copepod (>500 μm) population. The in-situ increase in phytoplankton by C. sinicus community was estimated to be 0.000 4–0.005 9 d⁻¹. These results showed that microzooplankton were the main grazers of phytoplankton, while C. sinicus induced a slight increase in the levels of phytoplankton.     

Influence of Spatial-Temporal and Environmental Factors on Larimichthys polyactis,Octopus variabilis,and Species Aggregated Set-Net CPUEs in Haizhou Bay,China

Set-nets are common alongshore fishing gear used in Haizhou Bay, which rely on flow to catch fish. The catch per unit effort(CPUE) of set-net is affected by spatial-temporal and environmental factors but no research has been conducted on this subject. In this study, we used generalized additive models(GAMs) to explore the influence of spatial-temporal and environmental factors on CPUEs of species aggregated, small yellow croaker(Larimichthys polyactis), and octopus(Octopus variabilis) based on logbooks investigations conducted at 4 stations in an alongshore area of Haizhou Bay from 2011 to 2012. The results showed that all CPUEs exhibited significant spatial-temporal differences at various scales. Aggregated CPUE was high when the sea surface temperature(SST) was 15-18℃ and 20-23℃, which was mainly determined by life history traits of the octopus and small yellow croaker(optimal SSTs 14-17℃ and 19-24℃, respectively). Chlorophyll-a concentration had significant influences on the aggregated, small yellow croaker and octopus CPUEs at optimal ranges of 3.8-6.2 mg m~(-3), 4.2-4.8 mg m~(-3) and 4.5-5.5 mg m~(-3), respectively. Flow through the net had positive relationships with CPUEs. The approximate logarithmic trends in regression curves had a critical point of 2.5 Mm~3 d~(-1), which was the dividing point that differentiated whether the major factor affecting CPUEs was the flow velocity or the fishery resource. Our results from this study will help guide fishery production and improve catch rate of set-net fishing in Haizhou Bay.     

Spatial and temporal variation of picoplankton distribution in the Yellow Sea, China

Seven surveys were carried out in April, September, October, December 2006 and March, May, August 2007 in the Yellow Sea, China. Variations in the spatial and temporal distribution of Synechococcus, picoeukaryotes and heterotrophic bacteria are quantified using flow cytometry. Synechococcus and heterotrophic bacteria are most abundant from late spring to autumn, while picoeukaryotes concentration is high in spring. Synechococcus and heterotrophic bacteria concentrated high in the northwest part of the Yellow Sea in spring and autumn, while picoeukaryotes distributed evenly over the whole study area except for a small frontal zone in the coastal area on the west (in spring) and central Yellow Sea (in autumn). Under mixing conditions, the vertical distribution of the three picoplankton groups showed a well-mixed pattern. Upon a well-established stratification, the maximum abundance of picoplankton occurred above the mixed layer depth (~30 m). Cell sizes of Synechococcus and picoeukaryotes were estimated by converting forward scatter signals (FSC) from cytometry analysis to cell diameter, showing the results of 0.65–0.82 μm for Synechococcus and 0.85–1.08 μm for picoeukaryotes. The average integrated carbon biomasses ranged 15.26–312.62 mgC/m2 for Synechococcus, 18.54–61.57 mgC/m2 for picoeukaryotes, and 402.63–818.46 mgC/m2 for heterotrophic bacteria. The distribution of Synechococcus and heterotrophic bacteria was temperature dependent, and picoplankton presence was poor in the Yellow Sea Cold Water Mass.     

Population genetic structure of the mantis shrimp Oratosquilla oratoria(Crustacea: Squillidae) in the Yellow Sea and East China Sea

The mantis shrimp O ratosquilla oratoria is an ecologically and economically important species in the Western Pacific. In present study, the population genetic structure of O ratosquilla oratoria from the Yellow Sea and East China Sea was examined with mitochondrial DNA control region sequences. In total, 394 samples were collected from 18 locations and 102 haplotypes were obtained. For the Yellow Sea, the overall nucleotide diversity and haplotype diversity were 0.006 9 and 0.946 8, respectively; while across all the East China Sea locations, the overall nucleotide diversity and haplotype diversity were 0.027 94 and 0.979 0, respectively. The results of AMOVA and pairwise F_(ST)(0.145 2, P 0.001) revealed moderate differentiation between the Yellow Sea and East China Sea populations of O. oratoria. However, neither the neighbor-joining tree nor haplotype network showed clades with geographic pattern, which indicated considerable gene flow was existed between the Yellow Sea and East China Sea, and supporting the high larval dispersal ability in this species. Mismatch distribution analysis and neutrality tests suggested that O. oratoria has undergone population expansion event, and the Pleistocene glacial cycles might have an impact on the historical demography of O. oratoria. The genetic information obtained in this study can provide useful information for sustainable improvements for capture fisheries management strategies.     

Studies on the community structures of meiofauna and marine nematode at six stations in the Southern Yellow Sea,China

1Introduction As part of a comprehensive investigation of ecosys-tem dynamics in the Yellow Sea and East China Sea,astudy has been made of meiofauna,defined here asmetazoans passing a0.5mm sieve but retained by a0.031mm sieve.Meiofauna is an important energeticgroup in benthic small food web due to their smallsize,high abundance and fast turnover rates.Theproduction of meiofauna is equal to or higher than thatof macrofauna in estuaries,shallow waters and deepseas(Gerlach,1971;Platt and Warw…