ALBERT

Description: It is attempted to identify and prioritize the accident prone points (black spots) in “Iraanshahr-Sarbaaz-Chabahar” road located in Baluchistan, Iran, without no use of accident data but rather using Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP), which is the enhanced procedure of road safety audit technique. First, by surveying the whole route, all factors that could influence accidents in this road were specified; then the route was divided into eight sections; this division was performed based on the uniformity and homogeny of each section in terms of geometric design and regional conditions. In each section, potentially hazardous locations were identified and some questionnaires were prepared, which were filled by 5 road traffic experts familiar with the route; then the collected data were analyzed by Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) using Expert Choice Software and the black spots were identified and prioritized. Finally, these black spots were compared with the black spots that had been obtained by traffic police based on accident data.

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: The present project in related to survey of factors and hydrology and hydrochemical features (water temperature, dissolve oxygen saturation, pH, clearance, salinity, nitrogen, phosphorus and silicon) hydrobiology (zooplankton, phytoplankton, macrobenthos) and survey of bio environment pollution (oil, heavy metal, detergent) executed in lower 10m in different water larger in southern Caspian Sea in 2002-2003. For sampling 8 lines number were vertical on coast that selected from Astra in west to Gomishan in east in southern Caspian Sea basin. The result indicated the average physical factors such as pH were 8.11 and salinity12.12 ppt ,and disolve oxygen6.7 mg/l. Average chemical factors such as NO2 , NO3 and NH4 were 1.2 µg/l, 25.7 µg/l, 13 µg/l respectively.Total nitogen and organic nitrogen and inorganic nitrogen were 690.2 µg/l , 667.6 µg/l , 41.6 µg/l. Average silicat were recrded 266.35 µg/l . Total Phosphorus was observed 37.35 µg/l and average of organic Phosphorus concentration was and 20.25 µg/l .Average of Total organic matter (T.O.M) was 4.98% maximum amount were observed in Lisar and minimum in Nooshahr . Concentration of heavy metal during sampling were respectively ,Fe〉Mn〉Zn〉Cr〉Ph〉Co〉Cd〉Cu. Maximum concentration of Fe were determined in winter in Nooshahr and Babolsar respectively 13/3 µg/l 17/1 µg/l. In many stations and different Season, the amount of heavy meta were lower standard of in marine water. The concentration of oil hydrocarborate ( PAHs) in autumn was 0/13 ppb and in winter 0/12 ppb. The amount of ( PAHs) in Southern Caspian Sea were Lower than other parts of Caspian Sea. The average of detergent concentration ( LAS) was 0/036 µg/l that was two fold higher than determined in 2001. Total 107 species of phytoplankton belong to 5 phylum were identified. The numbers of species of phytoplankton groups were respectively, chrysophyta (42 species), cyanophyta (17 species), pyruphyta (17 species), chlorophyta (21 species) and euglenophyta (9 species). The maximum diversity of phytoplankton observed in summer and minimum in autumn. High diversity of chrysophta and cyanophyta observed in summer and phyrophyta and chrlophyta in spring. The composition of phytoplanhkton groups were respectively, chrysophyta (70%), phyrophyta (9%) and chlorophyta (7%) and euglonophyta (1%). Maximum density of phytoplankton was observed in autumn and minimum in winter. Total 19 species of Zooplankton were identified. Maximum diversity was observed in summer and minimum in winter. Zooplankton changes during sampling, showed amount of density of zooplankton in 5m were more than 10 m depths. Total (17 species macrobenthos were identified. The composition of macrobenthos groups were respectively , Annalida (92/7% ) , Bivalvia (2/7%) gumarida (108%) cumacea ( 1/5%) , Balanidae 103% . max . density were observed in Astara and min . in Sefied roud Average of density were 1218 0/851 ind /m2 and biomass 14 15 g/m2 High density were recorded in autumn and low density in winter . Correlation of phytoplankton and zooplankton with physicochemical parameter and also relation between total organic matter and sediment grain size were calculated.Ecological indicies (simpson diversity evenns diversity and shanoon-wiever diversity) were calculated for macrobenthos. Data were shown impact of cetenephora (Mnenemiopsis leidyi) on zooplankton and phytoplankton and macrobenthos density.

Description: Iranian Fisheries Science Research Institute

Description: Published

Description: Limnologicalstudyof SabalanrunoffDamfor aquaculturecold water fish was conducted in sixtimesat fourstationsfrom JulytoDecember2009.Averageminimumandmaximumparametersmeasuredindifferentstationswere included water temperature, dissolved Oxygen, total hardness, electrical conductivity, pH, BOD5, COD,TDS, NH4, NO2, NO3, PO4, TN, TP, SiO2, respectively (10/3 ± 9/5-14 ± 8/7° C), (9 ± 1/2-11/4 ±2/1 mg/liter), (367 ± 19/8-381 ± 17/8mg/liter), (0/95 ± 0/07-1/05 ± 0/07 mz/cm), (8/3 ± 0/1-8/4 ± 0/1), (3 / 3 ± 1/14-3/88 ± 0/71mg/ liter), (15/5 ± 3/1-16/3 ± 3 mg/liter), (0/48 ± 0/04-0/54 ± 0/06mg/ liter), (0/08 ± 0/02-0/13 ± 0/07 mg/liter), (0/004 ± 0/003- 0/05 ± 0/1 mg/ liter), (0/6 ± 0/2-0/64 ± 0/29 mg/ liter), (0/19 ± 0/07-0/22 ± 0/07 mg/ liter), (10/48 ± 0/6-10/98 ± 0/54mg/liter), (0/39 ± 0/11-0/44 ± 0/18 mg/liter), and(9/9 ±0/6-11/1 ± 1/4 mg/liter). Averageminimumandmaximumof water heavy metalswas included of Cd, Pb, Zn, Fe, Cuand Ni respectively was measured as ND(No Deliver), ND, ND- 0/242, ND- 1/075, ND- 0/018andND- 0/014inmg/ liter. Alsoamong the16organochlorinecompoundsmeasuredthehighestamount of was belonged totoxinHexachlorine Benzene (1/5 mg/ liter). The results of theanalysis ofwater quality parametersshowed that parametersexcept ofCOD, TDS, PO4, TP, Zn, Fe andwater temperature, otherparametersdo not haveany restrictions foraquaculturecold waterfishin therunoffDam. Based on data results it was noticed that there was temperature restriction up to November at downstream and station 2 showed less temperature fluctuation and more suitable condition compared to other stations. BOD5 value was within the allowable range for growing trout, in which station 2 somewhat with lower volatility of value had the most suitable BOD5 condition.In the present study, the amount of TDS in the study area was somewhat higher than the limitation and since TDS values increased with distance from the dam, therefore station 2 had somewhat better conditions for fish farming.In addition the amount of EC in the study area, indicating the inappropriateness of it for various activities in the fisheries.Although none of the stations in terms of the amount of phosphorus didn't show favorable conditions for rainbow trout fish propagation, it appears between the researches stations, station 2 had the most favorable terms.The results of this study (regardless of the unseen), it seems that in August and September; Zn had overestimated value for cold fish propagation. Recent study showed that among heavy metals, Fe in water, sediments and fish was over limitation value. Also, Fe value was measured of 1.08 at station 4, which showed over normal value for cold fish propagation. Therefore, station 2 at downstream seemed to have suitable cold fish propagation due to lower Fe value. On the based on the recent study, planktonic biological index did not endorse water quality for fish propagation. In this study, aquatic plant such as Potamogetonpectinatus and Pheragmitiesaustraliswas found at water of higher and somehow polluted organic matter. Probably, based on the results it was noticed that downstream water of dam was polluted to organic matter. At the recent study, resisted maroinvertebrates to organic matter (Chironomidae) was consisted noticeable frequency compared to other sensitive invertebrates to organic matter (EPT).Statistically, it can be expressed that probably organic pollution resulted to increase of resistance invertebrates and decreased of sensitive groups. In recent study, EPT/CHIR index was measured 0.6 in station 2 and 1.74 in station 4. This ration was less to many other mountain rivers. As ETP sensitive invertebrates has higher sensitive to other groups with the regards of environmental condition and pollution, unpredicted increase of Chironomidae compare to sensitive groups resulted of EPT/CHIR value which showed environmental stress. In this study, HFBI index was measured as 7.49 at station 2 and 7 in station4. Based on HFBI index, station 2 was classified as a high organic pollution and station 4 with noticeable organic pollution. At the recent study, station 2 was catch more fish to station4. For instance, Squaliuscephalus and Alburnoides bpinctatuswere catch in station 2 and were not found in station 4. As a whole, Biologicalindicators whichwas includedPlanktonBioindicator, EPT / CHIR. ,HilsenhoffBiologicalIndicator, diversityanddistribution ofaquaticplantsandfish, showed water situation inrunoffDamrich inorganic matter. Finally, thestudy areawasapprovedfor fish farmabout 50tons and needs managementarrangementswiththeincreasedproduction rate.

Description: Iranian Fisheries Science Research Institute

Description: Published

Description: The survey effect of salinity, turbidity and dissolved oxygen performed on Rutilus frisii Kutum juveniles with aim, which was determined about survival rate and histological changes in gill and kidney tissues. Juveniles provided from the Rajai's fish propagation center and then examined in Caspian Sea Ecology Research Center laboratory. The juveniles were investigated on three weight group (200-〈400, 400-〈600, 600-〈1000 mg) and two dissolved oxygen levels (7.6 ± 0.19, 3.8 ± 0.15 mg/L)in fresh water and Caspian sea water(12.5 ppt). Also, six turbidity levels (50 FTU, 430FTU, 2600 FTU, 7800 FTU, 15600 FTU) were probed in freshwater during 168hr. Each treatment has three replications. The factorial test evaluated for survival rate in treatments. The results shown that there was a significant difference among treatments in the different levels of factors, (p〈0.05, Duncan test). The juveniles' survival rate has decreased than control treatment in brackish water and turbidity in freshwater. It was demonstrated that with increasing fish weight, therefore, the survival rate is increased. The lowest survival rates under salinity stress (〉75%) had shown in 400-〈600mg weight group with dissolve oxygen: 3.8±0.15SE mg/l. In addition, the lowest survival rates under turbidity stress (95.83%) had shown that in weight group less than 400 mg with turbidity 15600 FTU. Therefore, survival of juveniles was high. However, gill tissue of juveniles under turbidity and salinity stress became short (necrosis) and thick (edema and hyperplasia) in the end of experiments. The juveniles gill tissues were not changes in the river clear freshwater. Therefore, the factors of gill tissue deformation were salinity and suspended particles in the water. However, the structures of kidney in the different groups of juveniles were similar. Nevertheless, juveniles glomerular diameter increased with increasing weight (p〈0.05, Duncan test). Furthermore, there was a increasing the internal cavity of the proximal and distal tubules and decreasing of glomeruli in diameter in the transfer of juveniles from freshwater to brackish water. Although the survival rate of juveniles is acceptable in this study, but there was abnormal changes in the structure of them gills. It appears that this change will cause a disruption in trend of juvenile's growth.

Description: Iranian Fisheries Science Research Institute

Description: Published

Description: The survey sampled during the fourth stage of the season was in 1387. Sampling in eight directions perpendicular (transect) to the beach and 480 samples was performed. In each transect from Astara to the Turkmen 5 stations at depths of 5, 10, 20, 50 and 100 m were selected for sampling. The total number of 191 species was identified; Bacillariophyta category species number was 97, equivalent to %50.8, category of Chlorophyta 28 species, equivalent to %14.7, category of Pyrrophyta 26 species, equivalent to 13.6 %, category of Cyanophyta 25 species, equivalent to 13.1% and category of Euglenaphyta 15 species, equivalent to 7.9% of all species formed. Average abundance of phytoplankton was 27947500(SD=2465184) n/m3 . The average biomass was 125.51(SD=8.84) mg/m3 . Abundance and biomass in spring and summer, autumn and winter have been significant differences (p 〈0.05). The highest frequency was in winter, autumn, summer respectively and spring was (p 〈0.05) and The highest biomass in winter, fall, spring and summer was respectively (p 〈0.05). Bacillariophyta category has the highest abundance equal to 14390833 ± 16262.35 n/m3 (mean ± standard error) were equivalent to %51.49 of the total abundance, Euglenophyta category has the least density equal to 109791 ± 16262.14 n/m3 (mean ± standard error), which is equivalent to % 0.39 of total abundance were included. Also Pyrrophyta category has the highest biomass equal to 69.66 ± 5.53 mg/m3 (standard error ± mean) were equivalent to %53.14 of the total biomass and Chlorophyta category with an average of 0.68 ± 0.11 mg/m3 (mean ± standard error) have the lowest biomass, were equivalent to %0.54 of the total. Phytoplankton Categories in every season, with biomass and abundance have been different (p 〈0.05). Abundance and phytoplankton biomass in the upper layer and lower layer varies with depth of 50 meters (p 〈0.05). With distance from shore and depth increases, reducing the mean abundance and biomass were observed (p 〈0.05). The highest and lowest abundance of phytoplankton was observed at depths of 10 and 100 meters respectively. The maximum amount of phytoplankton biomass in surface areas of deep stations 20 m and the lowest biomass sampled at the deepest point of the station was 100 meters. Abundance and biomass of phytoplankton in the deep layers of the sample with significant difference (p〈0.05) . So that the highest abundance layers of 10 m, the surface layer of 5 m, 20 m, 50 m and 100 m, respectively(p 〈0.05), and the most biomass in the surface layers of 5 m, 20 m, 10 m, 50 and 100 meters, respectively (p 〈0.05). Abundance and biomass of phytoplankton in transects was significant difference (p 〈0.05). Most phytoplankton respectively transect Astara, Babolsar, Anzali Amirabad, Turkmen, Sefidrud, Noshahr, Branch was observed (p 〈0.05) and in terms of biomass, respectively transects Astara, Anzali, Sefidrud, Babolsar, Noushahr, Branch, Amirabad and Turkmen values were higher (p 〈0.05). Species diversity indexe (Shannon – Wiener) phytoplankton was equivalent to 2.92. Environmental conditions and nutrients in different seasons on these parameters influenced the way that species diversity was lowest in summer and in autumn, winter, and spring, respectively, species diversity increased.

Description: Iranian Fisheries Science Research Institute

Description: Published

Description: This study was conducted to determine the physico-chemical characteristics of water during four season and 8 transects (Astara, Anzali, Sefidroud, Tonekabon, Nowhshar, Babolsar, Amirabad, Bandar Tourkman) in the Southern of Caspian Sea in 2009-2010. 480 samples were collected at different water layers and then physicochemical parameters were measured based on standard methods. Result of this study showed that surface water temperature was varied from 7.2 to 29.8 ◦C in winter and summer, respectively. Minimum fluctuation of water temperature was observed at 100 m depth (6.8-10.3 ◦C). Mean value of water transparency was obtained 4.91±0.24 m. This value increased from inshore to offshore. pH value was fluctuated from 7.15 to 8.83 unit with variance of 1.54. Maximum DO concentration was observed at surface layer (8.40±0.08 mg/l) with 137±18 saturation and minimum was at 100 m depth (6.46±0.18) with 86.1±2.8 saturation. The nitrite, nitrate and ammonium concentration were ranged 0.0-0.2, 0.0-4.6 and 0.05-7.12 µM, respectively. Maximum value of TN was observed at inshore and minimum at offshore (100m). Nitrite concentration decreased from inshore to offshore but increased from surface to the bottom (100 m). The inorganic phosphorous increased at surface water and also at the bottom. Trend of inorganic and TP was similar. Minimum of N/P ratio were observed at summer (5.48±0.38) and maximum value at winter (9.13±0.46). This value of N/P ratio showed that the growth of phytoplankton was limited by nitrogen. The dissolved silicate was decreased from spring (230.7±6.65 µg/l) to winter.

Description: Iranian Fisheries Science Research Institute

Description: Published

Description: The aim of this project was to study the feasibility of cage fish farming based on the evaluation of physico-chemical parameters effective on water quality and the trophic status (scaled and unscaled) at various depths of water and different months in the southeast of the Caspian Sea (Goharbaran region). The total numbers of 154 samples were collected at eight stations from three depths (5, 10 and 15 m) during 12 months. Results showed that the amounts of water temperature, transparency, pH, dissolved oxygen, BOD5, total alkalinity and TSS ranged from 9.00 to 29.00˚C, 0.50 to 12.00 m, 8.05 to 8.74, 5.76 to 12.85, 21 to 195 and 0.00 to 0.12 mg/l, respectively. In addition, the values of NH4+, NH3, NO2-, NO3- and PO4-3 ranged from 0.007 to 0.051, 0.001 to 0.010, 0.002 to 0.015, 0.043 to 0.477 and 0.014 to 0.077 mg/l, respectively. Scaled and unscaled trophic index were 3.42-5.52 and 2.61-5.85, respectively. Therefore, the proper temperatures for cultivation of salmonids species in this area were begun in October and ended in March. In the current study, results of pH and dissolved oxygen were consistent with the standard range of pH (7.80-8.50) and dissolved oxygen (〉5 mg/l) for cage fish farming. Although, Goharbaran region were appropriate for cage fish farming in terms of nutrients, but this region was evaluated as mesotrophic (5.97±0.73) with high risk of eutrophication (〉4).

Description: Published

Description: In order to determine the impact of the new invasive ctenophore (Mnemiopsis leidyi) of the Caspian Sea, it is needed to monitor the temporal and spatial distribution as well as seasonal biomass fluctuation of this animal. At the present study, sampling was conducted in 8 transects such as Astara, Anzali, sephidroud, Tonekabon Nowshar, Babulsar, Amirabad and Bandar Torkaman. Each transect had four stations located at the points off the shore where the bottom depth was 5, 10, 20 , 50 and 100m, respectively. Ctenophore samples were collected with planktonic net and simultaneously some morphometric characteristics such as weight, length, abundance and biomass were measured. Statistical analysis was done based on the averages of year, season, location, depth and size of the M. leidyi. In 2008, mean abundance and biomass of M. leidyi were recorded 63±7 ind.m3 and 7.70±2.34 g.m3, respectively. M. leidyi abundance and biomass were ranged of 0-639 ind.m3 and 0-158 g.m3, respectively. The maximum seasonal average of abundance was 150 ± 17 ind.m3 while the maximum biomass was 26.59± 4.61.m3 in summer. There is a significant different between abundance and biomass in summer and autumn, respectively (p〈0.05). Comb jelly length in autumn was smaller than in summer. Minimum M. leidyi abundance was observed in spring (4.0±0.7ind.m3) and winter (6±2ind.m3). The lowest average of seasonal biomass was observed in winter (0.50±0.07 g.m3). The maximum of M. leidyi biomass was recorded at the depth 5m of Anzali in summer 2008 with 639 ind.m3 and 158 g.m3, respectively. There was not significant different between abundance and biomass in various transects (p〉0.05). The results showed that the highest abundance and biomass coincide to photic zone (≤ 20 m in depth) in which there is a significant different between photic zone and various layer (p〈0.05). The maximum ctenophore size was recorded 55 mm in 2006 and 60 mm in 2007, in which it was 50 mm in 2008. The data of M. leidyi from 2001 to 2008 indicated that abundance and biomass of comb jelly decrease in trend. Therefore, the results showed that the M. leidyi is a superficial and littoral species in the southern Caspian Sea.

Description: Iranian Fisheries Science Research Institute

Description: Published

Description: The aim of this project is to study water quality and the trophic status at different months and depths in the southeast Caspian Sea-Goharbaran based on environmental parameters and nutrients during 2013-2014 in order the feasibility of fish cage culture. Results showed that water temperature, transparency, pH, dissolved oxygen, BOD5, COD, total alkaninity and TSS were varied 9.00-29.00C, 0.50-12.00 m, 8.05-8.74, 5.76-12.85, 14-101, 21-195 and 0.00-0.12 mg/l at the different months and depths, respectively. In addition, The values of NH4+, NH3, NO2-, NO3- and PO4-3 were 0.007-0.051, 0.001-0.010, 0.002-0.015, 0.043-0.477 and 0.014-0.077 mg/l, respectively. Chl-a concentration was recorded as 0.060-8.02 mg/l. Sacled and unscaled trophic indices were equal to 3.42-5.52 and 2.61-5.85, respectively. The proper temperature for cultivation of salmonids species in this area began from October to March. The range of the standard of pH and dissolved oxygen level for fish farming cage were 7.80-8.50 and 〉5 mg /l that in current study results of pH and dissolved oxygen which were consistent in the current study. 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. The results of the nutrients concentrations compared with data from the reference years (1996-1996 ) in the Caspian Sea (Goharbaran region) showed that this ecosystem passed from oligotrophic status and shifted to mezotrophic and eutrophic condition. As a conclusion, although nutrients concentrations were acceptable in terms of fish farming cages in this region, some parameters such as chemical oxygen demand and transparency are not suitable for aquaculture industry. Meanwhile, based on various trophic levels, this ecosystem (Gohrabaran region) has a mezotrophic status with a high risk of eutrophication.

Description: Iranian Fisheries Science Research Institute

Description: Published