Encapsulation of zingerone by self-assembling peptides derived from fish viscera: Characterization, interaction and effects on colon epithelial cells.

The purpose of the present work was to encapsulate zingerone (a bioactive compound from ginger) by self-assembling peptides derived from fish viscera. The encapsulation conditions were investigated and the structure of fish peptides-zingerone complex was characterized. The interaction between zingerone and fish peptides was investigated using fluorescence spectroscopy. Further research was performed on the in vitro release of zingerone and fish peptide-zingerone as well as their antiproliferative effects on colon epithelial Caco-2 cells. The results demonstrated that zingerone can be successfully encapsulated by self-assembling peptides derived from fish viscera with high encapsulation efficiency and loading capacity. Furthermore, transmission electron microscope and confocal laser scanning microscope observations revealed the successful encapsulation of zingerone by fish viscera peptides. In addition, in vitro release and antiproliferative activity against Caco-2 cells can be significantly increased by encapsulating zingerone via peptide self-assembly. The current study advances knowledge of encapsulation of bioactive compounds through peptide self-assembly.

Analysis of the performance of Faster R-CNN and YOLOv8 in detecting fishing vessels and fishes in real time.

This research conducts a comparative analysis of Faster R-CNN and YOLOv8 for real-time detection of fishing vessels and fish in maritime surveillance. The study underscores the significance of this investigation in advancing fisheries monitoring and object detection using deep learning. With a clear focus on comparing the performance of Faster R-CNN and YOLOv8, the research aims to elucidate their effectiveness in real-time detection, emphasizing the relevance of such capabilities in fisheries management. By conducting a thorough literature review, the study establishes the current state-of-the-art in object detection, particularly within the context of fisheries monitoring, while discussing existing methods, challenges, and limitations. The findings of this study not only shed light on the superiority of YOLOv8 in precise detection but also highlight its potential impact on maritime surveillance and the protection of marine resources.

Are lateralized and bold fish optimistic or pessimistic?

Cognitive bias is defined as the influence of emotions on cognitive processes. The concept of the cognitive judgement bias has its origins in human psychology but has been applied to animals over the past 2 decades. In this study we were interested in determining if laterality and personality traits, which are known to influence learning style, might also be correlated with a cognitive bias in the three-spined sticklebacks (Gasterosteus aculeatus). We used the judgement bias test with the go/no-go procedure where fish were first trained to discriminate between a black and white card and, after reaching a minimum learning criterion, tested their response to an ambiguous card (grey). Optimistic subjects were expected to have a high expectation of reward associated with an ambiguous stimulus, whereas pessimistic subjects a high expectation of non-reward. We used an emergence and a mirror test to quantify boldness and laterality, respectively. We hypothesised that male, bolder and more strongly lateralized fish would be more optimistic than female, shy and less strongly lateralised fish. We found that males and more strongly lateralized fish were more optimistic than females and less strongly lateralized fish. In addition, bold males were more optimistic than shy males as we predicted, but females showed the opposite pattern. Finally, fish trained on the black colour card learned the training task faster than those trained on a white card. Our results indicate that both laterality and personality traits are linked to animals' internal states (pessimistic or optimistic outlooks) which likely has broad implications for understanding animal behaviour particularly in a welfare context.

Prioritizing the multifaceted community and species uniqueness for the conservation of lacustrine fishes in the largest subtropical floodplain, China.

Hydrological variations affect habitat characteristics and fish distribution in floodplain lakes. Assessing the contributions of the local community (i.e., LCBD, community uniqueness) and species to overall ß diversity (i.e., SCBD, species uniqueness) of fish assemblages is valuable for habitat and species conservation planning, particularly from functional and phylogenetic perspectives. We examined the changes in multifaceted LCBD and SCBD of fish across different hydrological periods in the Poyang Lake, China, and analyzed their responsive mechanisms using regression models, based on which the conservation priorities of habitats and species were evaluated. The findings revealed that taxonomic, functional, and phylogenetic LCBD and SCBD were lowest during the wet season compared to the normal and dry seasons, emphasizing the regulatory effects of hydrological regimes on fish assemblages. Taxonomic and functional LCBD were significantly impacted by the mean abundance of migratory fish, highlighting the importance of specific species combinations on community uniqueness. Taxonomic and functional SCBD exhibited positive correlations primarily with mean abundance, suggesting the potential uniqueness of certain common species. Additionally, we identified the river-lake junction (Hukou station) and natural reserve (Xingzi and Nanjishan stations) with high overall community uniqueness as critical habitats. We also emphasized the necessity for increased conservation efforts for species having high overall species uniqueness during different hydrological periods, including Coilia brachygnathus, Ctenopharyngodon idella, Coilia nasus, Saurogobio dabryi, Hypophthalmichthys molitrix, Megalobrama amblycephala, and Parabramis pekinensis. This research underscores the significance of integrating multiple ecological perspectives to manage biodiversity changes and maintain ecological conservation values effectively.

Rapid adaptation of the rainbow trout intestinal microbiota to the use of a high-starch 100% plant-based diet.

Short-term adaptation of the microbiota could promote nutrient degradation and the host health. While numerous studies are currently undertaking feeding trials using sustainable diets for the aquaculture industry, the extent to which the microbiota adapts to these novel diets is poorly described. The incorporation of carbohydrates (CHO) within a 100% plant-based diet could offer a novel, cost-effective energy source that is readily available, potentially replacing the protein component in the diets. In this study, we investigated the short-term (3 weeks) effects of a high CHO, 100% plant-based diet on the mucosal and digesta associated microbiota diversity and composition, as well as several metabolic parameters in rainbow trout. We highlighted that the mucosa is dominated by Mycoplasma (44.86%). While the diets did not have significant effects on the main phyla (Proteobacteria, Firmicutes, Actinobacteria), after 3 weeks, a lower abundance of Bacillus genus, and higher abundances of four lactic-acid bacteria were demonstrated in digesta. In addition, no post-prandial hyperglycemia was observed with high carbohydrate intake. These results provide evidence for the rapid adaptation of the gut microbiota and host metabolism to high CHO in combination with 100% plant ingredients in rainbow trout.

Glyphosate and its formulated product Roundup Transorb R® affect locomotor activity and reproductive and developmental parameters in Jenynsia lineata fish: an intergenerational study.

Glyphosate is the most extensively used herbicide globally owing to its efficacy in agricultural weed control. However, its persistence in aquatic ecosystems has raised concerns about the well-being of non-target organisms such as fish. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of chronic exposure (21 days) to glyphosate or its formulated product Roundup Transorb R®, at an environmentally relevant concentration permitted by regulations in certain countries (65 µg/L of glyphosate), on the locomotor activity and reproductive success of the fish Jenynsia lineata, as well as on the morphology/development and locomotor activity of its offspring, as intergenerational effects. Neither the pure nor formulated herbicide altered the distance traveled and velocity of adult fish exposed to the herbicide (F0), but they negatively affected reproductive success, decreasing the percentage of positive response to the presence of the female, reducing the number of gravid females, causing abortions, and lowering offspring survival (F1). In the F1 generation, a decrease in weight and length was noted along with developmental abnormalities in both treatment groups (pure or formulated glyphosate), with the formulation causing more harm. Observed developmental abnormalities included muscle atrophy, ascites, pigmentary disorders, vertebral agenesis, spinal deviation, and exophthalmia. Furthermore, parental exposure to pure glyphosate led to an increase in the distance traveled and velocity of F1 (hyperlocomotion), whereas exposure to the formulated product resulted in a decrease in these behaviors (hypolocomotion) of F1. These findings highlight the disparity in toxicity between pure glyphosate and the formulated product, underscoring the risk to the survival of fish offspring in glyphosate-contaminated environments.

Multicolour and lineage-specific interphase chromosome Flow-FISH: method development and clinical validation.

Flow cytometry can be applied in the detection of fluorescence in situ hybridisation (FISH) signals to efficiently analyse chromosomal aberrations. However, such interphase chromosome (IC) Flow-FISH protocols are currently limited to detecting a single colour. Furthermore, combining IC Flow-FISH with conventional multicolour flow cytometry is difficult because the DNA-denaturation step in FISH assay also disrupts cellular integrity and protein structures, precluding subsequent antigen-antibody binding and hindering concurrent labeling of surface antigens and FISH signals. We developed a working protocol for concurrent multicolour flow cytometry detection of nuclear IC FISH signals and cell surface markers. The protocol was validated by assaying sex chromosome content of blood cells, which was indicative of chimerism status in patients who had received sex-mismatched allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplants (allo-HSCT). The method was also adapted to detect trisomy 12 in chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) subjects. We first demonstrated the feasibility of this protocol in detecting multiple colours and concurrent nuclear and surface signals with high agreement. In clinical validation experiments, chimerism status was identified in clinical samples (n=56) using the optimised IC Flow-FISH method; the results tightly corresponded to those of conventional slide-based FISH (R2=0.9649 for XX cells and 0.9786 for XY cells). In samples from patients who received sex-mismatched allo-HSCT, individual chimeric statuses in different lineages could be clearly distinguished with high flexibility in gating strategies. Furthermore, in CLL samples with trisomy 12, this method could demonstrate that enriched trisomy 12 FISH signal was present in B cells rather than in T cells. Finally, by performing combined labelling of chromosome 12, X chromosome, and surface markers, we could detect rare residual recipient CLL cells with trisomy 12 after allo-HSCT. This adaptable protocol for multicolour and lineage-specific IC Flow-FISH advances the technique to allow for its potential application in various clinical contexts where conventional FISH assays are currently being utilised.

Deleterious effects of polypropylene released from paper cups on blood profile and liver tissue of Clarias gariepinus: bioremediation using Spirulina.

Despite numerous studies on microplastics, the biological impacts of polypropylene microplastics (PP-MPs) and its toxicity on freshwater fish have yet to be fully revealed. The purpose of this research was to look at the potentially harmful effects of PP-MPs in freshwater African catfish Clarias gariepinus and bioremediation using Spirulina. After acclimatization to laboratory conditions, 108 fish (125 ± 3 gm and 27 ± 2 cm) were assigned into triplicate six experimental groups (12 fish/group), a control group, Spirulina group (SP), PP-MP-treated groups (0.14 and 0.28 mg/l PP-MPs), and PP-MP + Spirulina-treated groups (0.14 mg/l PP-MPs + 200 mg/L SP and 0.28 mg/l PP-MPs +200 mg/L SP) for 15-day exposure and 45-day recovery after that. The hematological parameters exhibiting significance (RBCs, Hct, Hb, and MCV) or non-significance (MCH and MCHC) either decreased with the increase in PP-MP doses from 0.0 in the control to 0.28 mg/L red blood cells (RBCs), hematocrit (Hct), mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH), mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC), hemoglobin (Hb) and platelets or increased with such an increase in doses (mean corpuscular volume (MCV)). The liver enzyme activity, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) exhibited non-significant (p ≥ 0.05) or significant (p < 0.05) increases in (0.14 and 0.28 mg/L) PP-MP-exposed groups, respectively, except ALP. Furthermore, there was a significant (p < 0.05) or non-significant (p ≥ 0.05) increase in 0.14 and 0.28 mg/l PP-MP +200 mg/L-exposure groups, respectively, compared to the control group and the same exposure group without Spirulina. In comparison to the control group, PP-MPs (0.14 and 0.28 mg/L) induced a significant (p < 0.05) increase in the percentage of poikilocytosis and nuclear abnormalities of RBCs. The liver tissue from fish exposed to PP-MPs exhibited varying degrees of pathological changes. These results indicated that these pathological changes increased with PP-MP concentration, suggesting that the effect of PP-MPs was dose-dependent. After 45 days of recovery under normal conditions, it was obvious that there was a significant improvement in the percentage of poikilocytosis and nuclear abnormalities of RBCs, as well as a non-significant improvement in hemato-biochemical parameters and liver tissue.

A simple method for mapping winter recreational fishing ecosystem services supply in lakes. A contribution to mapping freshwater ecosystem services.

Although urban areas negatively impact the environment, they supply a wide range of ecosystem services (ES), mainly cultural ones. Recreation near urban green areas is widespread, including fishing. In northern latitudes, during the winter, lakes are frozen, and several urban dwellers practice ice fishing. Although this activity is well known, no attempts were made to assess and map winter recreational fishery ES supply in lakes. In this work, we developed a methodology to map this ES, taking an urban lake in Vilnius (Lithuania) as an example. A standardized protocol was developed using an unmanned aerial vehicle (proximal sensing), further georeferencing and correcting the gathered images, vectorizing the fishing ice holes, and mapping them using two different methods: Kernel and Point Density. The method developed in this work can be applied in northern areas to identify recreational fishing ES during the winter.•A novel method was developed to map winter recreational fishery ES supply in lakes;•High-resolution images were taken from an unmanned aerial vehicle to identify fishing ice holes in an urban lake.•The method maps a cultural ES, which is trendy in northern latitudes.

Knowledge, attitudes and practices of fresh Nile perch value chain handlers towards food safety requirements in Uganda.

In the continuum from 'farm to fork', the proficiency of food handlers in terms of knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) is essential for ensuring improved food safety outcomes. This study evaluated the KAP of fresh Nile perch fish handlers regarding food safety requirements within Uganda. A cross-sectional survey involving fish handlers (n = 466) engaged in handling fresh Nile perch and fisheries products in both local and export market chains. The study was conducted at 30 gazetted fish landing sites on Lake Victoria, 15 licensed fish export factories, and 9 local markets authorized to sell fisheries products. Data on demographic, knowledge, attitude, and practices was collected using structured questionnaire. Demographic data was analysed using frequencies and percentages. Ordinary least squares bivariate and multivariate regression analyses were performed to determine factors associated with knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding food safety requirements. Fish handlers (49.8 %) demonstrated good knowledge with the majority (74.6 %) from the export market chain. Majority (81.3 %) of market stall handlers had poor knowledge of food safety requirements. Most (68.2 %) fresh Nile perch fish handlers had limited awareness of food-borne pathogens. Only 31.8 % had knowledge about E. coli, Salmonella spp, and Staphylococcus spp. Furthermore, over 63 % believed that consuming contaminated fish could transmit HIV, Covid-19, and Ebola. Male gender, higher income, and advanced education were positively correlated with fish handlers' knowledge of food safety requirements. Fish handlers (57 %) in the local market chain exhibited poor attitudes. Being a male fish handler was significantly (ß = 3.43, 95 % CI: 1.65-5.21, P = 0.001) associated with positive attitudes compared to being female. Education at different levels was significantly (Primary (ß = 3.19, 95 % CI: 1.05-5.33, P = 0.004); Secondary level (ß = 5.883, 95 % CI: 3.52-8.23, P = 0.001); Tertiary (ß = 6.09, 95 % CI: 3.03-9.15, P = 0.001)) associated with positive attitudes compared to no education. Practices ensuring food safety were common in the factories and the export market. The study suggests the need for interventions that promote knowledge transfer and food safety culture, particularly in the local market chain.

Identification and functional characterization of fish IL-17 receptors suggest important roles in the response to nodavirus infection.

Th17 is a lymphocyte T helper (Th) subpopulation relevant in the control and regulation of the immune response characterized by the production of interleukin (IL)-17. This crucial cytokine family acts through their binding to the IL-17 receptors (IL-17R), having up to six members. Although the biology of fish Th17 is well-recognized, the molecular and functional characterization of IL-17 and IL-17R has been limited. Thus, our aim was to identify and characterize the IL-17R repertory and regulation in the two main Mediterranean cultured fish species, the gilthead seabream (Sparus aurata) and the European sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax). Our in silico results showed the clear identification of six members in each fish species, from IL-17RA to IL-17RE-like, with well-conserved gene structure and protein domains with their human orthologues. All of them showed wide and constitutive transcription in naïve tissues but with highest levels in mucosal tissues, namely skin, gill or intestine. In leucocytes, T mitogens showed the strongest up-regulation in most of the il17 receptors though il17ra resulted in inhibition by most stimulants. Interestingly, in vivo nodavirus infection resulted in alterations on the transcription of il17 receptors. While nodavirus infection led to some increments in the il17ra, il17rb, il17rc and il17rd transcripts in the susceptible European sea bass, many down-regulations were observed in the resistant gilthead seabream. Our data identify the presence and conservation of six coding IL-17R in gilthead seabream and European sea bass as well as their differential regulation in vitro and upon nodavirus infection. Supplementary Information: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s42995-024-00225-1.

An investigation of the prevalence and diversity of Anisakis in China: marine food safety implications.

Anisakis can cause Anisakiasis in humans if raw or undercooked fish is consumed. Symptoms of infection may include vomiting, acute abdominal symptoms, or allergies. In this study, we collected 187 commercially available marine fish from the Yellow Sea, East China Sea, and South China Sea. Among them, 79 were found positive containing 520 Anisakis worms. The average prevalence rate was found 42% in this investigation. Ninety-two worms from different sea areas were selected and analyzed for identification, revealing the presence of five different species, which are Anisakis pegreffii, Hysterothylacium aduncum, Hysterothylacium zhoushanense, Hysterothylacium amoyense, and Hysterothylacium sp. In the meta-analysis, three databases: PubMed, CNKI, and BaiduXueshu were searched for surveys on the prevalence of Anisakis in Chinese waters from January 2000 to December 2023. A total of 26 studies were included in this analysis of which 25 publications were retrieved from different databases and one being the present study. The pooled prevalence of Anisakis was 45% among commercially available marine fish. Variances in the prevalence of Anisakis were noted among the four seas, with the highest rates in the East China Sea and the Bohai Sea, reaching 53% [0.38; 0.68] and 49% [0.36; 0.62], respectively. The Prevalence of Anisakis infection was significantly higher in astern parts such as Liaoning, Shanghai, and Zhejiang. Analysis of the host fish subgroups revealed that the orders of Anguilliformes, Scombriformes, and Gadiformes had high rates of infection. These findings suggest a significant prevalence of Anisakis, posing an increasing risk of infection for individuals. This study provides impactful information for implementing preventative measures against Anisakis.

A non-microcystin-producing Microcystis wesenbergii strain alters fish food intake by disturbing neuro-endocrine appetite regulation.

Cyanobacterial harmful algal blooms (cHABs) are pervasive sources of stress resulting in neurotoxicity in fish. A member of the widely distributed Microcystis genus of bloom-forming cyanobacteria, Microcystis wesenbergii can be found in many freshwater lakes, including Dianchi Lake (China), where it has become one of the dominant contributors to the lake's recurrent blooms. However, unlike its more well-known counterpart M. aeruginosa, the effects of dense non-microcystin-containing M. wesenbergii blooms are seldom studied. The disturbance of appetite regulation and feeding behaviour can have downstream effects on the growth of teleost fish, posing a significant challenge to aquaculture and conservation efforts. Here we examined the effects of M. wesenbergii blooms on the food intake of Acrossocheilus yunnanensis, a native cyprinid in southern China. This fish species has disappeared in Dianchi Lake, and its reintroduction might be negatively affected by the presence of this newly-dominant Microcystis species. We co-cultured juvenile A. yunnanensis with a non-microcystin-producing strain of M. wesenbergii at initial densities between 5 × 104 and 1 × 106 cells/mL and monitored fish feeding behaviour and changes in neurotransmitter and hormone protein levels. High-density M. wesenbergii cultures increased the feeding rate of co-cultured fish, elevating concentrations of appetite-stimulating signalling molecules (Agouti-related protein and γ-aminobutyric acid), while decreasing inhibitory ones (POMC). These changes coincided with histopathological alterations and reduced somatic indices in brain and intestinal tissues. Given this potential for detrimental effects and dysregulation of food intake, further studies are necessary to determine the impacts of chronic exposure of M. wesenbergii in wild fish.

Enhancing the utility of chromosome 6 and 8 testing in uveal melanoma biopsies.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to evaluate the significance of testing the gain of chromosome 8 and the gain of chromosome 6 as prognostic markers in histopathological samples of enucleated eyes in with uveal melanoma. METHODS: This is a retrospective study of 54 enucleated eyes. The status of chromosomes 3, 8 and 6 was tested by CISH, and FISH was used in a few samples. A follow-up for the detection of metastases was conducted in all patients. The statistical significance of chromosomal abnormalities as a prognostic factor for the development of metastases was determined. RESULTS: The study group consists of 54 patients (average age 63 years), 28 men (51.9%) Monosomy 3 together with gain of chromosome 8 was found in 10 samples (18.5%). Both chromosomal abnormalities were detected in 6 (11%) patients. No chromosomal abnormality in 3 or 8 was detected in 21 (38.9%) patients. Abnormalities of chromosome 6 were present in 6 (11%) patients. Progression free survival after 5 years was 33.3% (95% CI 0.0; 83.3) in these patients. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings indicate a correlation between progression-free survival and the presence of changes in chromosome 3 and e 8 in uveal melanomas. The results underline the necessity of testing for both chromosomal aberrations.

The complete mitochondrial genome of Trematomus hansoni Boulenger, 1902 (Perciformes, Nototheniidae).

The striped notothen Trematomus hansoni is an Antarctic fish species belonging to the family Nototheniidae (cod icefishes) that is distributed throughout the Southern Ocean. In this study, the complete mitochondrial genome of T. hansoni was sequenced using an Illumina MiSeq platform. The circular mitochondrial genome is 19,218 bp long and contains 13 protein-coding genes, 23 tRNA genes, two rRNA genes, and one control region. Notably, there are two trnG-UCC genes and the second gene, located between trnE-UUC and trnI-GAU, has no D-arm structure. The base composition is 56.18% of A + T and 43.82% of G + C. The phylogenetic analysis supports that T. hansoni is grouped into a single clade with T. bernacchii. This study will be a valuable resource for further research on the phylogeny and evolution of the genus Trematomus.

A survey of nematodes in the European hake (Merluccius merluccius) intended for human consumption.

Ensuring the safety of fish for human consumption is paramount in safeguarding public health, particularly in relation to parasitic infections. The European hake (Merluccius merluccius Linnaeus, 1758) may harbor various parasitic nematodes, some of which have zoonotic potential. This cross-sectional survey analyzed a random sample of European hake collected from two fish shops in Batna city (NE Algeria). After 24 h in cold storage, the samples were transported to the laboratory for further examination. Fish autopsies revealed a staggering 70% parasitization rate. Microscopic examination of isolated nematodes, treated with glycerine, identified two genera within the Anisakidae family: Anisakis sp. (62%) and Pseudoterranova sp. (31.25%). Unidentified nematodes accounted for 6.75%. The detection of Anisakidae family nematodes in fish intended for human consumption underscores the urgency of rigorous veterinary control. This imperative measure aims to preserve public health, mitigate economic losses, and curtail the environmental consequences associated with the proliferation of such parasites.

Effects of Omega-3 Supplementation on the Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness after Cycling High Intensity Interval Training in Overweight or Obese Males.

People with overweight or obesity preferred high-intensity interval training (HIIT) due to the time-efficiency and pleasure. However, HIIT leads to delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS). The present study aimed to investigate the effects of omega-3 supplementation on DOMS, muscle damage, and acute inflammatory markers induced by cycling HIIT in untrained males with overweight or obesity. A randomized, double-blinded study was used in the present study. Twenty-four males with a sedentary lifestyle were randomly assigned to either receive omega-3 (O3) (4 g fish oil) or placebo (Con). Subjects consumed the capsules for 4 weeks and performed cycling HIIT at the 4th week. After 4 weeks-intervention, the omega-3 index of O3 group increased by 52.51% compared to the baseline. All subjects performed HIIT at 4th week. The plasma creatine kinase (CK) level of Con group increased throughout 48h after HIIT. While the CK level of O3 group increased only immediately and 24h after HIIT and decreased at 48h after HIIT. The white blood cell count (WBC) of Con group increased immediately after the HIIT, while O3 group did not show such increase. There was no change of CRP in both groups. O3 group had a higher reduction of calf pain score compared to Con group. O3 group also showed a recovery of leg strength faster than Con group. Omega-3 supplementation for 4 weeks lower increased CK level, reduced calf pain score, and recovery leg strength, DOMS markers after cycling HIIT.

Multiple events determine the distribution of fishes' early life stages in the Abrolhos Bank, Southwestern Atlantic.

Fluctuations in reef fish settlement and recruitment significantly impact local population dynamics and adult population size. We use light traps to evaluate reef fish settlement in inshore and offshore reefs in the Abrolhos Bank, in addition to the spatio-temporal distribution patterns, and environmental variables' influence. Data were collected from inshore and offshore reefs, and statistical analyses, including GLMs, PERMANOVA and nMDS, aimed to understand spatial-temporal species distribution patterns and the relationship between environmental variables. Results indicate greater species abundance and diversity offshore, influenced by winds, tides, and distance from shore, explaining 50% of larval patterns and highlighting the importance of spatial-temporal variations in early-life reef fish assemblages. However, several factors, including habitat type, quality, complexity, seascape configuration, and MPA location, may influence these patterns. Additionally, we provide evidence that commercially important species like Lutjanids use Abrolhos reef areas as nursery grounds.

Distribution of mercury and methylmercury in aquacultured fish in special waters formed by coal mining subsidence.

In China, fence net aquaculture practices have been established in some subsidence waters that have been formed in coal mining subsidence areas. Within this dynamic ecological context, diverse fish species grow continuously until being harvested at the culmination of their production cycle. The purpose of this study was to investigate diverse factors influencing the bioavailability and distribution of mercury (Hg) and methylmercury (MeHg), which have high physiological toxicity in fish, in the Guqiao coal mining subsidence area in Huainan, China. Mercury and MeHg were analyzed in 38 fish samples of eight species using direct mercury analysis (DMA-80) and gas chromatography-cold vapor atomic fluorescence spectrometry (GC-CVAFAS). The analysis results show that the ranges of Hg and MeHg content and methylation rate in the fish were 7.84-85.18 ng/g, 0.52-3.52 ng/g, and 0.81-42.68 %, respectively. Meanwhile, conclusions are also summarized as following: (1) Monophagous herbivorous fish that were fed continuously in fence net aquaculture areas had higher MeHg levels and mercury methylation rates than carnivorous fish. Hg and MeHg contents were affected by different feeding habits of fish. (2) Bottom-dwelling fish show higher MeHg levels, and habitat selection in terms of water depth also partially affected the MeHg content of fish. (3) The effect of fence net aquaculture on methylation of fish in subsidence water is mainly from feed and mercury-containing bottom sediments. However, a time-lag is observed in the physiological response of benthic fishes to the release of Hg from sediments. Our findings provides baseline reference data for the ecological impact of fence net aquaculture in waters affected by soil subsidence induced by coal mining in China. Prevalent environmental contaminants within coal mining locales, notably Hg, may infiltrate rain-induced subsidence waters through various pathways.