ALBERT

Description: Marine aquacultures growth require good quality water is leading to high efficiency and low risk to human health. In other words, the water quality is a critical factor to success and failure of the aquaculture industry. The aim of this project is to study water quality and the trophic status at the different depths and layers in the southern Caspian Sea based on environmental parameters and nutrients during three periods (2008, 2009 and 2010-2011) in order the feasibility of fish cage. Results showed that water temperature, transparency, pH, dissolved oxygen were varied 5.50-32.60 ̊C, 3.50- 10.00 m, 7.15-8.80 and 3.18-12.00 mg/l at the different depths and layers, respectively. In addition, The values of NH4+, NH3, NO2-, NO3- and PO4-3 were 0.001-0.140 mg/l, 0.01-22.63 µg/l, 0.1-21.2 µg/l, 0.001-0.423 mg/l and 0.008-0.071 mg/l, respectively. Inorganic nitrogen (DIN/N), inorganic phosphorous (DIP/P) and total phosphorous (TP) were registerd 0.68-14.75, 0.07-0.68 and 0.01-2.67 µM, respectively. Thermal startification are more important for fish-breeding. Thermal stratification was occurred from depths greater than 20 m in late spring to early fall in the Caspian Sea. Optimum transparency for fish farming cage was considered less than 5 meter which in this study were recorded from 20 to 50 meter depths. The range of the standard of pH and dissolved oxygen for fish farming cage were 7.80-8.50 and 〉5 mg /l that in current study results of pH and dissolved oxygen were consistent.Various forms of nitrogen (ammonium, nitrite and nitrate ) at the different layers were acceptable and less than the threshold limit of Australia and New Zealand. But, phosphate value was more than threshold limit of Australia and New Zealand at some layers depth during years of 2009 and 2010- 2011. The results of the nutrients compared with data from the reference year (1996-1996 ) in the Caspian Sea was shown that this ecosystem passed oligotrophic status and shifted to mezotrophic and eutrophic condition. In addition, the values of NH4/N, NO3/N and DIP/P compared with eutrophic condition of reference year (2005) showed that Caspian ecosystem was not passed euotrophic condition and it still under mezotrophic status. As a conclusion, it seems that offshore of the Caspian Sea (depths between 20 to 50 meter) were suitable for different species of fish for cage culture. But, since 2000 decayds the Caspian Sea has experienced four times algal bloom (toxic and harmful species) and in recent years a number of other species also has reached to bloom potential and also mezotrophic condition of this ecosystem, it is appropriate that the establishment of fish farming cages carried out as a pilot to more precautionary approach which not lead to environmental disaster.

Description: Iranian Fisheries Science Research Institute

Description: Published

Description: This study aimed to determine domain the adaptability of rainbow trout(Oncorhynchus mykiss) fingerlings in fresh water up to 20 per thousand (grams per liter) for providing facilities for growing this valuable species in the aquatic environment with salinity unconventional been completed. For this purpose the biochemical, bloody and physiologic parameters rainbow trout were studied to determine the adjustment range .Fingerlings fishes from cold water fish farm in the province Mazandran were prepared and for experiments were transferred to the Ecological Institute of Caspian Sea . Fingerlings with an average weight 31.56 ± 0. 07 SE g and average fork length 13.80 ± 0.15 SE cm, in 3 treatments in water with salinities (fresh, 13 and 20 grams per thousand) with a density of 15 numbers in polyethylene to 300-liter tank containing the 250 liters of water testing were introduced.Fresh water from Tajan rivers and water psu13 from the water Caspian Sea and water psu20 by mixing water the Caspian Sea and Sea salt was prepared . The daily amount to 50 percent of the of water tankss been replaced .During the experimental period was for 7 days and were not fed during the experiment.The water parameters was measured during the experiment included 6 ppm dissolved oxygen, pH equal to 8.2 and temperature 15.5 ° C . In the experimental period were not observed Losses in the experimental groups . The results showed that fish gill and kidney introduced in different salinities by making appropriate changes in chloride cells in the gills through increasing the number and the volume of these cells at the base of secondary blades and tubules in the kidney tubules to create greater interior space, are adapted to By changing salinity.Relatively parameters osmolarity, sodium, chloride, magnesium, cortisol, calcium, hematocrit, hemoglobin,number of red blood and white cells in water saltier than freshwater environment was higher (0.05〈 p, Duncan). Changes in hematological and blood plasma ionic parameters and vital organs Fingerlings indicates a willingness adaptability and the ability physiological adaptation fingerling was consistent with changes to environmental salinity brackish water .So, the factors measured with increasing salinity the uptrend that the range of variation for the osmolarite 449-281 mOsmol kg, for sodium, chloride, magnesium, cortisol, respectively, 211- 151, 165121, 3 / 3 7/0, 87. 53 mmol and the calcium 22-13 mg per dL.The measured values for hematocrit 32.2- 38.8%, hemoglobin 6.2 - 8.6 g per deciliter and the red and white blood cells, was respectively, 1.2-1.7×106 and the 15.6 -18.9×103.

Description: Iranian Fisheries Science Research Institute

Description: Published

Description: This study was conducted to determine phosphorous and nitrogen species at the surface sediment in the southern Caspian Sea (Mazandaran Coast, Kelarabad). Surface sediments samples were collected at three stations from autumn of 2011 to winter of 2012. All samples were perpared by digesting and extracting processes and then phosphorous and nitrogen species concentrations determined using spectroscopy instrument. Results of this study showed that annual mean of Loosely-P, Fe-P, Al-P, Bioava.-P, Ca-P, TIP, Rese.-P and TP was obtained as 5.06±0.33, 55.11±2.52, 42.38±3.74, 102.52±5.68, 172.91±7.12, 275±9.12, 333.30±28.52 and 608±52 µg/g.dw, respectively. The results also showed that inorganic phophotous was less than organic phophorous during different seasons, however, mean percentage of residue-P containing organic compounds and non-degredable compounds was more than 50 percent. Percentage of Ca-P was higher than 60, whereas Bioava.-P was less than 40 percent. In addition, Fe-P and Loosely-P attained the maximum and minimum values, respectively, among the bioavailable phophorous. The order of different forms of phosphorous were recorded as Org-P〉Ca-P〉FeP〉Al-P〉Loosely-P. Annual mean of NH4/N, NO2/N, NO3/N, TIN, TON and TN were observed as 4.23±0.50, 0.06±0.01, 0.74±0.12, 5.02±0.53, 2.48±0.63 and 7.53±0.51 µg/g.dw, respectively. Annual percentage of TIN was two folds than TON and concentration of NH4/N was also four times than NO3/N. As a conclusion, the results revealed that main causes of Bioava.-P adsorbtion and desorbtion were temperature, Eh and pH. Also, the form of NH4+ /N was of a high percntage because of anaerobic condition in the sediments. According to the high ratios of nitrogen/phosphorous of sediments to nitrogen and phosphorous of bottow water, it finds that released of those from the sediments to water will be happned with high rates. Therefore, it is expected that the establishment of fish farming cages should be carried out with more precautionary approaches which not leads to increased algae bloom.

Description: Iranian Fisheries Science Research Institute

Description: Published

Description: The salinity tolerance and hydromineral regulation capabilities of juvenile great sturgeon, Huso huso, of different age and size groups (1: 35 days, BW: 0.60±0.02g &TL; 4.80±0.13clp; II: 35 days, BW: 2.23±0.20 g & TL: 7.19±0.17cm; III: 35 days, BW: 9.91±0.23g& TL: 11.86±0.24cm; IV: 50 days, BW: 3.97±0.25 g & TL: 9.34±0.18cm; V:50 days, BW:22.27±1.9g & TL: 17.25±0.35cm; VI: 65 days, BW: 6.3±0.67g& TL: 11.37cm ; n=90 for each group) in freshwater (FW:0.5% 0), estuary water (EW:9.5 %0)'and the Caspian Sea water (CsW:12.5% 0) were investigated. The fishes are directly transferred from FW to EW and CsW. The possible repercussions of osmoregulatory processes on some indicators of classical were examined at the end of 168 hours fish acclimation. Mortality was observed (higher than 50% after 72 hours) only in 1stgroup in EW and CsW. Some haematological parameters, namely haematocrit (Hct), red and white blood cells count (RBC, WBC), mean cell volume (MCV), hemoglobin concentration (Hb), mean cell hemoglobin concentration (MCHC), the amount of haemoglobin per erythrocyte (MCH), levels of cortisol, osmolarity and ion concentration (Na+, K+, .16 S.M. Farabi et ai., Ca+2 and Mg+2) in the plasma were determined. The functional levels of the mechanism of osmotic and ionic homeostasis were similar in different groups (II to VI) but differed in experimental media (p〈0.05). Significant differences were observed between the levels of serum Na+ concentration in different groups in EW and CsW media (p〈0.05). Serum Na+ and Ca+2 concentrations were higher than those of FW and EW media, but lower than in CsW media. The Hct, MCV and MCH decreased with increase in fish age, and decreased from FW media to CsW media with increasing salinity; RBC, WBC and MCHC did not change. The trend of increasing levels of cortisol were observed at higher salinity in each group (p〈0.05). However, Hct, MCV, MCHC, cortisol, osmolarity and ion concentration values did not return to initial values (P〈0.05), showing that osmoregulatory processes caused major physiological changes in this species.

Description: Published

Description: This study aimed to assess the social, economic and fish farming in cages in the Southern Caspian Sea. The Caspian Sea is considered as one of the most important water resources of Iran, in which due to the appropriate weather conditions in the north of the country, has the potential for marine aquaculture. With the implementation of this plan would say that with respect to the proposed initial selection from Kheshtsar in Mazandaran province and Kiashahr in Guilan province with along coastline of about 250 km from the depth of 20 to 100 meters and an the area of about 2027km2 has the cage aquaculture talent. Of course, at the depths of greater than 100 M by using the world technology procedure, there is also the possibility of the establishment of marine cage aquaculture. Now, with the regards of the above potential in the Caspian Sea coastline, it is expected at least 200 cages fish sites farming in with the establishment of 40 cages per site and produce 160,000 tons with creating of 1,000 direct jobs and 2,000 indirect jobs and income 2000 billion gross annual average net profit of 40% could be 800 billion in which will produce of proteins needed part of the country, creating jobs, welfare, prosperity and economy in the region. With the implementation of such national project, it is needed to establish pilot farms to reach the goals: environmental assessment studies, risk assessment, aquatic selection and the use of appropriate cage structures according to ecological conditions of southern Caspian Sea.

Description: Iranian Fisheries Science Research Institute

Description: Published

Description: Babolroud River is one of the important rivers for fisheries and environmental aspect that locared in center part of Mazandaran province. The river has a span of 92 km starting from Albourz mountainous and end up at the southern part of Caspian Sea. This study was done for five months (3rd Feb. through 5th July, 2008) for the better understanding of pollution situation such as organophosphorous, organochlorine pesticides and agrochemical fertilizer that drainage from paddy fields and horticultures to the river. A total of three main sites for pesticides and plus five sub-sites for drainage were selected for observation in three different regions of the river (mountainous, plain and estuary). The organochlorine and organophosphorous pesticides measured by GC (ECD and TSD detectors) with US-EPA (508) and AOAC procedure and agrochemical fertilizer parameters were measured by ASTM method. The maximum concentrations of aldrin, lindane, heptachlor epoxyde, DDE and β- BHC (period 1), δ- BHC and endrin (peiod 2), heptachlor and DDT (period 3), α- BHC (period 3 & 4), dieldrin (period 4) were 6.02, 0.85, 0.51, 0.50, 0.22, 0.35, 0.23, 0.50, 0.46, 0.19 and 0.16 µg/l, respectively. The maximum concentrations of four components of organophosphorous such as Diazinon and Chlorpyrifos (period 1), Malathion (period 2), Azinphos methyl (period 3) were 1.36, 0.46, 0.44 and 2.56 µg/l, respectively. The maximum amounts of tree components of parameters of agrochemichals fertilizers indictor such as total nitrogen (period 2, sub-site 5), total phosphorus and orthophosphate (period 4, sub-site 5) and organo-phosphorus (period 3, sub-site 4) were 5990, 1290, 1220 and 336 µg/l, respectively. The maximum concentrations of organochlorine pesticides components in sediments of the river such as lindane (period 2, site 2), δ- BHC (period 1 site 3), α- endosulfan (period 1, site 2), endrin and heptachlor epoxide (period 2, site 2) and DDE (period 2, site 1) were 0.99 0.54, 0.29, 0.19 and 0.19 µg/l, respectively. The maximum concentrations of organochlorine pesticides components in fish tissue of the river such as endosulfan sulfate, lindane, endrin, δ- BHC and DDE were 0.32, 0.29 0.27, 0.25 and 0.21 µg/l, respectively.

Description: Iranian Fisheries Science Research Institute

Description: Published

Description: The abundance and biomass of benthic macroinvertebrates were studied in the place of fish cage culture in southern coasts of Caspian sea (Mazandaran waters- kelarabad). The goal of this study was to consider of fish cage culture effects on the abundance and biomass of benthic macroinvertebrates. The sampling was carried out in 3 stations in depth of 20 meter of Kelarabad waters monthly. In this study 7 species were identified belonged to 5 genus of 4 family. Totally 23442 sample of benthic invertebrates were counted that the lowest and highest abundance were in station 1(23.4%) and station 2(46.8%) respectively. The results of stations study showed that the highest abundance and biomass were in stations 2 and 3 with the average of 646 ± 1230.4 n/m2 and 0.526 ± 1.001 gr/m2 respectively. This coulld be respectively dependant to not settling of cage (witness station) and appearance of Cerastoderma glaucum because of its large body in station 1. The difference of abundance and biomass between different stations was not significant (p ›0.05). The study on abundance and biomass in different seasons showed that the highest abundance in autumn with the avarage of 888.13 ± 1371.58 n/m2 belonged to Strblospio gynobranchiata and the highest biomass belonged to C. glaucum which was because of appearance of not native species of polychaeta and also the species with shell covering from bivalvia. The results showed that the specie of S. gynobranchiata from polychaeta including 93.3% of abundance was the dominant specie that could be related to appropriate ecological conditions for living and high adaptability.It was concluded that the abundance and biomass of benthic macroinvertebrates in station 1 was lower than other stations which was related to fish cage culture activity and its effects on benthic macroinvertebrates. So it is suggested that each mariculture activity in southern coasts of Caspian sea should be carried out with regarding to environmental considerations and performance of comparative evaluation project of environmental effects.

Description: Iranian Fisheries Science Research Institute

Description: Published

Description: The main goal of the current study is to evaluate the impact of dietary herbal appetizer on the growth performance of growth out shrimp. This project was conducted at Caspian sea research institute of ecology from 2014 to 2016. Totally 180shrimps with an average weight of 2 g were randomly distributed to 9 fiberglass tanks with area and depth of 1m2 and of 0.6 m. The experiment lasted for eight weeks and the shrimp were fed by three different diets as follows: 1. Commercial pellet contained no herbal additive (control diet) 2. Commercial pellet contained 1% herbal appetizer and 3. Commercial pellet contained 2% herbal appetizer. The results showed that prawn weight gains for diet 1 , 2 and 3 were 6.28, 5.68 and 6.07 respectively. The estimated growth rate was 2.34g for control diet, 2.22g for 1% inclusion of the additive and 2.28g for 2% inclusion of the additive. Results also showed that inclusion of the additive did not change statistically average final weight (p〉0.05). A larger weight gain was observed at 0% additive inclusion although this was not statistically different with other treatments. In conclusion, with regard to the observed results, herbal appetizer administration cannot improve growth, feed conversion rate and weight gain in common carps.

Description: Iranian Fisheries Science Research Institute

Description: Published

Description: Caspian Sea macrobenthos was surveyed every two months from December 2007 to October 2008, in the west, east and central parts of Mazandaran province waters. Each area was sampled with 3 replicates at 2 depths of 5 and 10m by Van Veen grab. Five different classes were recognized, including Polychaeta (52.7%), Oligochaeta (27.8%), Bivalvia (12%), Cnistacea (7.5%) and Insects (0.07%). Total mean (LSD) abundance and biomass were 2727± 1303 individual/m2 and 88.9±22.93, respectively. The Polychaeta demonstrated the highest abundance and Bivalvia had the highest biomass. The highest abundance of macrobenthos was found in eastern and the highest biomass in western coasts of Mazandaran. In August 2008, macrobenthos abundance showed higher values. In October, remarkable difference was observed between the abundance of Polychaeta and other macrobenthos organisms. According to Kniskal-Wallis test, abundance and biomass of the entire macrobenthos classes except Insects, showed a significant difference between sampling months (P〈0.05). Macrobenthos biomass had no significant difference among the three areas whereas abundance demonstrated a significant difference within these areas (P〈 0.05).

Description: Published

Description: The The Shahid Rajaei Reservoir- Sari is an important and large reservoir in Iran. The major objectives of dam instruction are flood control, irrigation purposes, and electricity power. However the dam is going to supply drinking water for the people. In order to prevent threats of unsuitable water to human health risks and economic losses, it is necessary to monitor the water quality before offering it to people. In this study, some of the physicochemical parameters and Chlorophyl- a, phytoplankton,microb and fungi of Shahid Rajaei reservoir were measured at 4 stations (Shirin Roud branch, Sefid Roud branch, the crossing point of branches, near the tower) during six sampling months (June, July, August, September, November and February) in 2012-2013. In order to water quality classification, the water quality index, trophic status, Shanoon and saproby indices of reservoir calculated and the results compared to different criteria and standards. The results showed that the mean (±Standard Error) of temperature, dissolved oxygen, pH, phosohate, amonium and nitrate concentrations and Chlorophyl a were 21.35 (±1.30) ºC, 10.48 (±0.37), 8.54 (±0.04), 0.050 (±0.004), 0.036 (±0.004), 0.75 (±0.03) mg/l and 18.00 (±7.23) mg/m3, respectively. In the present study, temperature between surface and deep layer was stratified in June and July, which the stratification was registerd 0.47 and 0.69 °C decreases with increasing of each meter depth in 15 to 30 meter culumn. But, these changes for each increasing meter of water depth were 0.2 to 0.26 °C in August and September, respectively, and finally was close to zero in November. In the warm months (July, August and September) with the formation of thermal stratification in the reservoir was formed oxygen stratification, but in the cold season (November and February), with vertical mixing of water oxygen and percent saturation of the reservoir was nearly homogeneous. TSI showed the maximum and minimum values at stations 4 (oligotrophic condition) and 2 (mesotrophic condition), respectively. The maximum and minimum monthly values of TSI obtained in July, August (eutrophic level) and September, February (oligotrophic level) respectively. Based on the Water Quality Index (WQI), the reservoir was in the “good” quality in whole months, .This class shows that the reservoir is suitable as source of drinking water through routine treatment of drinking water and the quality of water is rarely is low. Meanwhile the water is suitable for swimming and water recreation and survives of .sensitive fish and other aquatic species. Based on the results, 107 phytoplankton species were identified during the period of study. The species were classified in 8 divisions. Maximum and minimum values of mean (SE) abundance observed in July and January, 661 (±286) and 10 (±2) million cells/m3 respectively at the surface layer. The One way analysis of abundance and biomass data showed temporal significant variances (P〈 0/05), however the spatial variances of data were not significant (P〉 0/05). Bacillariophyta and Pyrrophyta formed more than 95% of phytoplankton. 3 dominant species namely, Cyclotella meneghiniana, Goniaulax polyedra and Ceratium hirundinella formed about 70% of phytoplankton aboundance. Comparison of diversity indices (Shannon and Evenness) showed higher values in May and January; however the indices reached its lowest level (0.58 and 0.16) in August. Water quality assessment using Shannon index showed the lowest quality of water (moderately to high polluted) in July and August. This index demonstrated the highest water quality (slightly polluted) at station 1 and 4 respectively. The results of the water quality assessment using Saproby index (based on the resistant phytoplankton species to organic pollution) also indicated to organic pollution of water in the months of summer. The saproby assessment in stations categorized most of the stations in “moderately polluted” class of organic pollution except at station 4 which was in "slightly polluted" class. In conclusion, the removal (transfer) place and time of water to the water treatment plants.are impratnt because of temporal and spatial variation of water quality due to changes of phytoplankton structure in Shahid Rajaee Reservoir. Meanwhile, the survey showed that physico-chemical parameters alone did not reflect the actual conditions of aquatic water bodies. Monitoring of aquatic ecosystems must be complemented by biological monitoring. Microbial survey showed that the maximum and minimum geometric mean of the total number of bacteria, in September (6101559 CFU/100ml) and February (3310 CFU/100ml) respectively. However in stations, the maximum and minimum count of this parameter obtained at stations 2 (455316 CFU/100ml) and 3 (40964 CFU/100ml) respectively. There were no viable count of total coliform in the months of May and June. However it’s counting reach to the maximum value in September. Clostridium perfrigens showed viable count in water sample during September. The results also showed no proportion of fecal streptococci in microbe account in the Shahid Rajaei Reservoir. It might be good sign of suitable water quality in term of no-contamination by old and resistant fecal microbes. Base on the total coliform count, water quality was suitable for swimming and source of drinking water in most stations and months. The coliform count increased in August and September in stations 3 and 4. In these 2 months the probability of new fecal contamination increased by warm blood animals in the reservoir. It seems that the environment in September is suitable for accession of old and resistant microbes such as Clostridium perfrigens. The results of sample analysis revealed that the fungal colony counts in the station 4 and 5 were significantly higher than those the other stations. Moreover, the minimum and maximum of the fungal colony counts wereobserved in August and February, respectively. The most commonly isolated genera were Aspergillus, yeasts (especially candida) Penicillium, Cladosporium, Mucor, Fusarium, Althernariya, sterile hyafe and Paecilomyces respectively. Finally, in order to prevent of occurrence of eutrophication, algal bloom, and control of microbial activities and organic phosphorus loading it is necessary to control the activities of the human societies around the dam or the rivers tributary.

Description: Iranian Fisheries Science Research Institute

Description: Published