ALBERT

Description: A trophic study was carried out in February of 2012 to January 2013 on the ecosystem in the Persian Gulf, Bushehr provience. A total of 2,948 samples of stomach contents were analyzed based on the weight and number of food items and were identified about 40 preys. Crustacean and bony fish were as a main prey in most of the stomach contents .The mean average trophic level was estimated at 3.6 by Ecopath software. In this research, the mean level were studied between eight species varied from 3.47 to 4.61, Saurida tumbil occupy the highest and the Argyrops spinifer was the lowest level.The ranges of total mortality varied from 0.7 to 3.05 per years. The food consumption rate was estimated about 69.82 per year. The overlap index showed that the prey items such as fish, crustacean, bivalve and echinoderm were shared about 65, 15, 15 and 6 percent in all stomach of individual in respectively. Mixed trophic analysis indicates that benthos have a positive effect on most of the fish species. Most species have a negative impact on themselves, interpreted here as reflecting increased with in group competition for resources. This preliminary model can be helpful to determine the gaps in the present knowledge about demersal system of the Persian Gulf.

Description: PhD

Description: Thesis Advisors: S.M.R. Fatemi p.h.D. and F.Kaymaram p.h.D. Consulting Advisors: S.A.A taghavi motlagh p.h.D. and T. Valinasab p.h.D.

Description: Study on the biomarkers types to assess health status of marine ecosystems in environmental biomonitoring has an important value. Accordingly, accumulation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons(PAHs) in sediment, water and tissues (liver and gill) of mudskipper(i.e. Boleophthalmus dussumieri) and some physiological responses like lysosomal membrane change performed on haemocytes, stability of red blood cell membrane and the Glutathione-S Transferase (GST) activity in the liver were measured in mudskipper. Samples were obtained from five sites along north western coast of the Persian Gulf (Khuzestan coast). Red blood cell membrane changes after different concentration of PAHs at different time was also studied to evaluate impact of PAHs compound on cell membrane. PAHs concentration was measured by HPLC method. The activity of GST enzyme was analysed by spectrophotometric method. Lysosomal membrane change was measured by NRR time method and stability of red blood cell membrane was evaluated by EOF test. Total PAH concentrations in the coastal sea water, the sediments, theliver and the gill tissues ranged between 0.80-18.34 μg/l, 113.50-3384.34 ng g-1 (dry weight), 3.99-46.64 ng g-1 dw and 3.11-17.76 ng g-1 dw, respectively.Highest PAHs pollution was found at Jafari while the lowest was detected at Bahrakan sampling sites. The lowest enzymatic activity was identified at Bahrakan (7.19 ± 1.541 nmol/mg protein/min), while the highest was recordedat Jafari (46.96 ± 7.877 nmol/mg protein/min). Comparative analysis of GST activity in the liver of mudskippers showed significant difference (p 〈 0.05) between the locations of Jafari and Bahrakan, and with other sites. Moreover, nosignificant difference was detected between the locations of Arvand, Zangi and Samayeli (p 〈 0.05). The mean RT was below 90 minutes in all sampling sites.Values of mean RT of the dye ranged from 34 (for the blood samples of mudskipper collected from Jafari site) to 78 minutes (for the blood samples of mudskipper collected from Bahrakan site). Spatial evaluation revealed the longest RT in fish from Bahrakan as compared with those from other sites.Preliminary results showed a significant difference (p 〈 0.05) among sampling sites except between Arvand and Zangi (p 〉 0.05). Osmotic fragility curves indicated that erythrocytes collected from mudskippers at Jafari were the most 009fragile followed by Zangi〉 Arvand〉 Samayeli〉 and Bahrakan. The mean erythrocyte fragility was significantly higher at Jafari site (p 〈 0.05) when compared to other sites. Significant differences were found between the varioussites (p 〈 0.05).The result indicated no significant differences between the control and treatments of mudskipper RBC exposed to field concentrations of PAHs (P〉0.05). The results further indicated significant differences (P〈0.05) between the control and treatments of mudskipper RBC exposed to acute. Potency Divisor concentrations. It is clear from the present result that chronic. Potency Divisor concentrations protect red cells against osmotic hemolysis. This study, however, showed that PAH concentrations in this region are not higher than the available standards. The findings showed that Lysosomal membrane destabilization, liver GST activities and fragility of red cell membrane are highly sensitive in the mudskipper, B. dussumieri. Thus, mudskipper perceived to begood sentinel organisms for PAH pollution monitoring. Sediment PAH concentrations were strongly correlated with biomarkers, indicating that PAH type pollutants were biologically available to fish. One of the possible riskassessment implications of this study is that biomarkers can be applied not only to characterize biological effects of pollution exposures, but also to determine the bioavailability of pollution in aquatic systems. The results also indicated that PAHs compound possess anti haemolytic property.

Description: PhD

Description: Advisors:P. Eghtesadi Araghi, A. Mashinchian Counsellors: M. R. Fatemi, G. Riazi

Description: Linear alkylbenzene sulfonate (LAS) are widely used in detergent industry. Dueto contaminants entering the water, and the effects of their accumulation in fish,LAS, has a great importance in environmental pollution. In the present study,accumulation of LAS and its histological effects on gill tissue, liver and kidneyof Caspian kutum (Rutilus frisii kutum) were studied. Caspian kutum is the mostimportant and most valuable teleosts of the Caspian Sea. Due to releasingCaspian Kutum in rivers and Anzali Lagoon and unlimited entry of wastewaterto the aquatic ecosystem, research on the impact of LAS on Caspian kutum isimportant. In the present study, fish exposed to sublethal concentrations of LAS(0.58, 1.16 and 2.32 mg/l) for 192 hours. Control treatments with threereplicates at 0, 24, 48, 72, 96 and 192 hours were done. For assessments of thehistological effects of LAS, tissue sections prepared and by using Hematoxylin -Eosin were stained, then the prepared sections, examined by light microscopy.For determination of the bio accumulation of LAS, the soxhlet extraction andsolid phase extraction was performed to determine the amount of LAS usingHPLC with fluorescence detector.According to results average of bioconcentration factor and LAS concentrationsin fish had reached stable levels after approximately 72 h and thus representedsteady state BCF values in this species.The value of steady-state bio-concentration factor of total LAS was 33.96 L.Kg-1 and for each of the homologous C10-n-LAS, C11-n-LAS, C12-n-LAS and C13-n-LAS were 3.84, 6.15, 8.58 and 15.57 L.Kg-1 respectively.According to the results obtained in gills exposed to LAS, histopathologicalalteration include hypertrophy, lifting of lamella epithelium, edema, clubbing oflamellae hyperplasia, lamellar fusion and aneurysm were seen. In liver tissueexposed to three concentrations of LAS, congestion and dilation of sinusoids,irregular-shaped nuclei and degeneration in the hepatocyte, vacuolardegeneration and necrosis were observed. In kidney exposed to threeconcentrations of LAS, reduction of the interstitial haematopoietic tissue,degeneration in the epithelial cells of renal tubule, tubular degeneration,necrosis, shrinkage and luminal occlusion were observed. According to theresults the most alteration due to exposure to LAS was seen in the gill tissue.None of the control samples showed histological effects of LAS.

Description: PhD

Description: Advisors:Shahla Jamili,Nader Shabanipour Counsellors: Ali mashinchian Moradi, Shahab Shariati

Description: This study was conducted to determine reproduction characteristics, diet regime, age structure and population dynamics parameters of the vimba vimba persa (Pallas, 1811) in Mazandaran waters of the Caspian Sea, from October 2008 to September 2009.A total of 994 specimens were monthly collected by beach seine and cast net from six fish landings of Ramsar, Tonekabon, Chaloos, Mahmood Abad, Sari and Behshahr.Biometric characters were measured for each specimen at the laboratory. Scales were used for age determination. Sex determination and fecundity were determined. Population dynamic parameters as well as stock assessment including cohort analysis were estimated using FISAT software. The finding showed that the mean of fork length and body weight of the Caspian Vimba were 168.4±2.6 mm and 71.94±32.24 g respectively. Strong correlation was found between these two variables (a= 0.012; b = 3.047; r2 = 0.955).92 specimens were studied from the fecundity point of view. This species was found to have more abundance in spring (esp. Apr-May). The samples composed of 397(42.6%) male, 537(57.4%) female; Overall sex ratio (M: F =1: 1.35) was significantly different from the expected 1:1 ratio (p ≤0.05).The advanced stages of maturity (4th & 5th) were found in April and May. The highest Gonadosomatic Index in female was in May and the lowest one was in July. This fish is therefore a spring spawner. The maximum absolute and relative fecundities were 34640 and 260.9, respectively; the minimum absolute and relative fecundities were 5400 and 94.5 respectively. The averages of absolute and relative fecundities were 17198±7710 and 171.85±48.8, respectively.Coefficient vacuity index was 59.2% which indicates that this fish is mesophagous. Among of living creature consumes by Caspian Vimba mollusks,76arthropods, worms, plants, detritus and fishes were found 32.9% , 26.7% , 13.4% , 17% , 4.4% and 1.6% respectively.The infinite fork lengths were 261 mm for females, 25mm for males and 261 mm for both sexes respectively. For population growth and mortality parameters; K ( 0.28 per year for both sexes, 0.3 per year for males, 0.33 per year for females); t0 ( -0.65 year for both sexes, -0.23 year in females, -0.51 year in males ); Φ' ( 2.28 ); Z ( 0.98 per year ); M ( 0.59 per year); F ( 0.39 per year) and Exploitation coefficient was 0.4.The analysis showed that total biomass and MSY were 1336 and 528.8 tonnes respectively.

Description: PhD

Description: Advisors:Gh. Vosoughi, F. Kaymaram Counsellors: Sh. Jamili, H. Fazli

Description: Amoungst the three spiny lobster species in southern Iranian waters, Panulirus homarus is the only commercial species with a total landings of 20-45 tons per year indicating a decrease in both landings and CPIJE in recent years. Fishing has been regulated according to the no. of fisherman and effort, and trap ha's replaced the gillnef since 1994. Fishing is carried out along the rocky shores of Chah-Bahar region through different landing places by local fisherman for a period of about two months. Most of catch is exported mainly frozen. This research was sposored by the Fisheries Research Dept. and aimed to work on the population dynamics and stock assessment in order to stablish a better understandings of the stock and hence a proper management in this region. Sampling was done for. 10 successive months in _5 major landing places from 1994 to 1995 with no sampling during the monsoon period through June to July. Althogethere, 8500 specimen were collected and the biometry was done accordings to the sex, region and month. Average total length, total weight and carapace length was obtained 216mm., 452 gr. and 75mm. respectively. Total length-weight relationship of both sexes was calculated and follows the cubic law. Regression coefficients for both sexes was 2.8231, males 2.9616, total females 2.7490, berried females 2.6611- and non-berried females

Description: PhD

Description: Supervisor: H. Emadi Advisors: A. Savari, B.H. Kiabi

Description: To study the macrobenthic community at Mahshahr creek four Creeks namely Bihad, Doragh, Ghazaleh and Ghanam were chosen. Sampling was conducted on bimonthly basis and carried out from August 1996 to June 1997, 216 sediment samples were collected from 12 stations using 0.1 m^2 Van Veen Grab, The stations were located at the mouth, middle and the end of each Creek. In situ measurements of temperature pH, DO and salinity were done using different sensors. The samples for the measurements of TOM, grain size were collected and analysed in vitro. The results indicate spatial and temporal heterogeneity in the structure of macro faunal assemblages of the creeks. A total of 12 macrofaunal groups were identified within the study area. Amphipods were the most dominant group (43%) followed by polychaetes (42%), copepods (3.5%), tanaids (3.1%) and other groups (8.4%). The range for the numerical abundance of macrobenthos was between 12583 to 3648 individual per m2 and the variation was done to different bottom texture the variable environment conditions governing the different parts of each creek as well as within creeks. Application of diversity indices (Shannon H and Simpson indices) on the dominant macrobenthic assemblages (crustaceans & polychaetes) was varied between 1 to 2.5 being higher in Bihad and Ghanarn and much reduced Shannon H index or a higher Simpson in Ghazaleh. Probably brought about activities in this creek. Gut content analysis of four species of fish showed that the main food items consist of Crab, Shrimps and other crustacean species, The secondary production of macrobenthic fauna and hence a fish production were assessed. To do this first the production of most dominant species Apseudes sp. was computed through Cohort analysis. The total macrobenthic production was estimated and from this fish production was computed. The macrobenthic and fish secondary productions were 24300 tons/year) and 24300 (tons/year) respectively. These values were lower than those with similar areas in the Indian Ocean.

Description: PhD

Description: Advisors: A., Savari; Counsellors: A., Esmaili; G., Vosoughi

Description: One of the most important marine ecologic phenomenon, is the study of animal community among the bed or benthic fauna. Macrobenthoses are the great part of the benthic fauna that are more biomass than meiofauna and microfauna. To study polychaetes diversity of mangroves, located in Khoore-Khooran, sampling was conducted on a bimonthly and carried out from December 2001 to October 2002. Bottom samples were collected by Van Veen grab (0.025 m2) at 6 station from 2 transect in situ measurement of temperature, pH, DO and salinity were done. A total of polychaetes were identified within study 32 Family and 43 Genus. Cirriphormia and Nephtys were the most dominant genus in the studies. The range numerical abundance of polychaetes was between 3006 per m2 in the station A3 to 559 individual per m2 in the station A1 and the variation was done to different bottom, texture the variable environment conditions governing the different parts of each creeks as well as within creeks. Application of diversity indices (Shannon H') on the dominant polychaetes assemblages has higher H' in the Azar and lower H' in the Mehr and the stations B3 has the highest H' and the station A2 has the lowest H' Application of diversity and Richness, Evennes were studied and showed that the station A3 has the lowest evenness and the most individual, and station A I has the middle pollution.

Description: PhD

Description: Advisors: Emadi, H.; Counselors: Vosoughi, G., Nabavi, S.

Description: To investigation of the toxic effects of atrazine on newly hatched larvae and releasing age fry of the Caspian Kutum, Rutilus frisii kutum, the 96h LC50 was determined as 18.53 ppm and 24.95 ppm, respectively. Newly hatched larvae were exposed to three sublethal concentrations of atrazine (1/2LC50, 1/4LC50 and 1/8LC50) for 7 days. Different histopathological alterations were observed in fins and integument, gills, Kidney, digestive system, liver and the brain of the exposed larvae. Fry’s were exposed to one sublethal concentration of atrazine (1/2LC50) for four days, and like the larvae’s, many histopathological alterations were observed in fins and integument, gills, Kidney, digestive system, liver and the brain of the exposed fry’s, too. Also, measurements of the body ions: Na+, K+, Ca2+, Mg2+ and Cl- in atrazine exposed larvae and fry’s compare to control groups showed that atrazine is changed the body ions composition. No significant differences were found in length growth rate, weight growth rate and the condition factor of the atrazine exposed larvae and fry. Immunohistochemical localization of the Na+, K+-ATPase in integumentary and gill ionocytes, showed no differences in dispersion pattern of the ionocytes in atrazine exposed larvae and fry, compare to control group. Measuring the dimensions of the ionocytes and counting the ionocytes showed that atrazine is affecting on ionocytes by mild increasing in size and mild decreasing in number. Ultrastructural studies, using SEM and TEM, showed that atrazine have significant effects on cellular and subcellular properties. It caused necrosis in surface of the pavement cells in branchial epithelium, necrosis in endoplasmic reticulum of the ionocytes and changed the shape of the mitochondria in these cells. Results showed that sublethal concentrations of atrazine were very toxic to larvae and fry of the Rutilus frisii kutum, and at these levels can made some serious histopathological alterations in their tissues. Related to the severe histopathological alterations in osmoregulatory organs, like gill, kidney and digestive system, and the alterations in the body ion composition, it could be concluded that atrazine could interfere with the osmoregulation process of the Rutilus frisii kutum at the early stages of the life history.

Description: PhD

Description: Advisors: Shahla,Jamili;Saber, Khodabandeh; counsellors: Ali, Mashinchian Moradi; Abbass Ali, Mottalebi

Description: Khark & Kharko Islands are the last Northern point for fringing coral reefs in Iranian side of the Persian Gulf. These Coralline habitats are the Protected Area and Wildlife Refugees with the total area of 2400 ha which located in the territory of Bushehr Province. This research carried out during 2006-2007 with monthly sampling from 12 stations, which selected around Islandsand inshore waters with maximum depth of 20 meter. Sampling was conducted using by Bongo-Net plankton sampler with 500μ of mesh size. Totally, 1808 specimen from 45 family fish larvae was identified in studiedarea, including: 21 coralline fish larva families and 24 shore fish larvae such as pelagic and demersal fishes which some of them known as indicator, sentinel or endemic species for coral reef ecosystems. The results was shown that coral reef diversity in coral reefs (Khark & Kharko Islands) is more than other habitats such as estuary and river mouth, creeks, mangrove forest sites,and off shore water of the Persian Gulf and Oman Sea Iranian side. Among Identified families, Clupeidae, Blenniidae, Sillaginidae, Atherinidae and Tripterygiidae; with more abundance were dominant families in studied area. The pick of fish larvae abundance family were estimated in spring. There were significant differences between seasonally abundance and subareas, but there were not significant differences in diversity indexes between Khark and Kharko stations with coastal stations (p〈 0.05). The mean abundance of fish larvae were estimated 18.7083 larvae under 10m² of sea surface, and the mean diversity indexes and evenness wereestimated 0.7135 and 0.565342 consequently, that was showed the area is under ecological stress for fish larvae, and wasn’t stable. Therefore, from theecological point of view, only some of the fish larvae groups as like Clupeidae were dominant. Thus, they were the main cause of the fish larvae abundance change in studied area. Due to geographical location of Khark andKharko Islands and among the environmental parameters, Its seems that the condition of sea current is the main cause for present or absent and distribution patterns of fish larvae in area. Abundance of fish larvae in west of Islands was higher than eastern parts in the spring. But this condition will be reversed in eastern part of Island and several coastal stations, so that the Islands surrounding clock wise current to cause fish larvae distribution patterns.

Description: PhD

Description: Advisors: Vosoughi, Gh.; Fatemi, M.R.S.; Nikuian, A.R.; Jamili, Sh.

Description: In a survey on 524 specimens from 18 different species belonging to the Carangidae family collected from The Persian Gulf, otolithes (Sagittae) are extracted from under gills region. After washing, their morphometric parameters measured. These parameters are otolith length, width, weight and length of antirostrum, width and length of rostrum, width in right and left sagittae. In addition to the otolith outline, mode position and mode opening of the Sulcus acusticus was examined. Data indicate correlation between most of the parameters (P〈0.05). This shows correlation between total length and weight of fish, otolith length and weight of otolith in most of specimens. There was correlation in most species between otolith length and total length of studies fishes, otolith weight and weight of fish, otolith weight and total length, otolith length and weight of fish, length of right and left otolith. Otolith had very diveres outline types (fusiform, sagitiform, lanceolated, iregular). There were most of variety about status dentates in dorsal margin and ventral margin of the otolith. As result of this analysis it is possible to identify species from the Carangidae family by the otolith characters.

Description: Masters

Description: Advisors: GH., Vosughi; T., Valinasab; Counsellors: P., Ghavam mostafavi

Description: Anemone fishes are a group of 28 species of coral reef fishes belonging to the family Pomacentridae, subfamily Amphiprioninae and all have an obligate symbiotic relationship with sea anemones. Two species of these small ornamental fishes have been identified in the Persian Gulf including Amphiprion clarkii and A. sebae. The phylogenetic relationship between Amphiprion species of the Persian Gulf was studied by collecting 15 samples from three Iranian islands, Larak, Farur and Kish. DNA was extracted from each sample and a part of mtDNA was amplified. Two pairs of primers were designed to amplify a final target of 400 by nested-PCR. Each amplicon was sequenced, aligned and genetic diversity among samples was investigated by phylogenetic analysis. Results show that there is no significant genetic variation among A. clarkii individuals; however, A. sebae individuals from Larak were different from other fishes of the same species. Most probably this is due to the ability of A. clarkii to be symbiotant with all 10 species of host sea anemones which enables it to spread its own population in the 3 islands. However, A. sebae is observed to be symbiotant only with one host in the sea, therefore, has one option that reduces its distribution.

Description: PhD

Description: Advisors: M., Fatemi; F., Amini; copunsellors: A., Gharshi; M., Hoshmand

Description: In this project, have been studied to determine the appropriate model to spatial, temporal and diversity of demersal fishes in the Sea of Oman, including Trichiuridae, Nemipteridae, Haemulidae, Arridae, Synodontidae, Batoidfishes, Carangidae, Scianidae, Carchariniformes and Serranidae. This research became operational from catch data during 2003 to 2013 (in 2007, due to the lack of ship failed). Processing and calculations was evaluated by using the software Excel, SPSS, Arc GIS and table curve 3D highest biomass and abundance was showed in strata A and C and 10-30 m depth layers was showed the best condition biomass. In other words, highest biomass was showed in the eastern region in the Oman Sea than the central and western regions. Batoidfishes and Trichiuridae had the highest biomass .Depth factors was showed a significant correlation with the biomass. Scianidae, Serranidae and Haemulidae were showed a large decline. Synodontidae was showed a very large increase. The largest of Shannon index belong to central and western region of the Oman Sea. The highest Shannon index was showed 10-20 and 50-100 m, respectively. The Distribution maps based on the biomass was analyzed by using Arc GIS software. So that were identified in the first time in a ten-year period and carefully catch stations any economic of aquatic group. In conclusion, the depth can be found in the pattern of distribution, abundance and diversity of fish from away the beach so that follow specific pattern.

Description: PhD

Description: Advisors: Toraj, Valinassab;Seid Mohammad Reza, Fatemi;Consulers: Shahla, Jamili;Babak, Moghaddasi

Description: This project was done for identifying and survey on distribution and diversity of true crabs in inter tidal and sub tidal zones of the Gulf of Oman (Sistan and Baluchistan province) during two year from 2009 to 2010. Specimens of inter tidal zones were carried out at 10 stations and 8 stations from sub tidal. The specimens were collected by hand and dip-net from inter tidal and by trawl net from sub tidal regions, preserved in 70% alcohol and carried to the laboratory. A total of 37 species belonged to 17 families from inter tidal and 23 species belonged to 9 families from sub tidal were identified. Of which 54 species were identified up to species level. 2 species from Matutidae, 1 species from Eriphiidae, Menippidae, Pseudoziidae, Plagusidae, Varunidae, Camptandriidae, Dromiidae and Dorippidae, 2 species from Oziidae, 3 species from Epialtidae, 2 species from Majidae, 4 species from Pilumnidae, 12 species from Portunidae, 6 species from Xanthidae, 2 species from Grapsidae, 3 species from Dotillidae, 3 species from Macrophthalmidae, 3 species from Ocypodidae, 3 species from Calappidae, 2 species from Parthenopidae and 1 species from Galenidae were identified. All specimens are deposited in the Zoological Museum, University of Tehran (ZUTC). The results of the present study revealed that family Portunidae with 6 species from inter tidal and 9 species from sub tidal regions have the highest species richness among the 22 families. Maximum similarity (Sorenson's Index) was obtained among the stations Breis, Lipar, Pozm and Gordim, and minimum was obtained among the stations Chazire-Kharchang with Pasabandar, Beris, Lipar, Daria-Bozorg, Pozm and Gordim in intertidal regions. In sub tidal regions maximum similarity (Sorenson's Index) was obtained among the stations Pasa bandar with Berisand minimum was obtained among the stations Govatr with Ramin and Gordim, Ramin with Pozm. Also maximum species richness was observed at Tiss in inter tidal and Chabahar in sub tidal stations, whereas minimum was obtained at Beris, Pozm, Gordim and Lipar in inter tidal and Govatr and Pozm in sub tidal stations. Family Ocypodidae in inter tidal and Portunidae in sub tidal regions have the highest distribution. In all of the species length and Breadth of carapace showed significant relation.

Description: PhD

Description: Supervisors: S.M.R., Fatemi; Gh., Vosooghi; Consullators:T., Valinasab; A. Savari

Description: Due to anthropogenic activities, toxic metals still represent a threat for various marine organisms. Metallothionein (MT) and cadmium concentration in gills, liver, and kidney tissues and cadmium partitioning in soluble (cytosol) and insoluble fractions of mentioned tissues of Persian sturgeon (Acipenser persicus) were determined following exposure to sub-lethal levels of waterborne cadmium (Cd) (50, 400 and 1000 μg L-1) after 1, 2, 4 and 14 days. The increases of MT from background levels in comparison to controls were 4.6-, 3-, and 2.8-fold for kidney, liver, and gills, respectively after 14 days. The matallothionein concentration in liver was in the range of 56.89-168.44 μgL-1 and for kidney and gills, 39.78-189.30 and 28.15-91.20 μgL-1, respectively. The results showed that MT level change in the kidney is time and concentration dependent. Also, cortisol measurement revealed elevation at the day 1 of exposure and that followed by MT increase in the liver. Cd concentrations in the cytosol of experimental tissues were measured and the results indicated that Cd levels in the cytosol of liver, kidney, and gills increased 240.71-, 32.05-, and 40.16-fold, respectively 14 days after exposure to 1000 μgL-1 Cd. The accumulation of Cd in cytosol of tissues is in the order of liver 〉 gills 〉 kidney. Spearman correlation coefficients showed the MT content in kidney is correlated with Cd concentration, the value of which is more than in liver and gills. Thus, kidney can be considered as a tissue indicator in Acipenser persicus for waterborne Cd contamination. Also, tissue metal accumulations (gills, liver, kidney and muscle) in Persian sturgeon (Acipenser persicus) were compared following exposure to sublethal levels of waterborne Cd (50, 400 and 1000 μg L-1) after periods of 1, 2, 4 and 14 days. Meanwhile, the trends of Cd concentration increase in different tissues during the exposure periods and concentrations were modelled as equations. The obtained results indicate that at the end of 4 and 14 days of exposure, total tissue cadmium concentration followed the pattern: liver〉 gill〉 kidney〉 muscle. Calculation of bioconcentration factor (BCF) after 14 days exposure showed that at low and high concentrations, highest BCFs were found in kidney and liver, respectively. According to the results, the accumulation capacity of muscle was the lowest at all exposure concentrations. The hematological parameters including osmolarity, total protein, cortisol and glucose of plasma were measured, too. Total protein of plasma was in the range of 416.90-1068.10 mg dl-1 plasma.Total protein decreased not significantly (P≥0.05) after exposure to Cd. Cortisol increased after 1 day exposure that followed by significant (P≤0.05) elevation of glucose. The range of cortisol was very vast and it was determined between 0.03 to 16.21 ng mL-1. The content of plasma osmolarity was in the range of 282.33-294.20 mOsmol L-1.Osmolarity of treated fish plasma showed no significant decrease (P≥0.05). Total protein in gills, liver, and kidney showed that at high concentrations of metal, protein content decreased significantly (P≤0.05) in the liver after 4 and 14 days exposure. Thus, total protein of liver and glucose of plasma can be used as general biomarkers of exposure to Cd. Also, the metallothionein and cadmium were measured in gills, kidney and liver of 8 wild Persian sturgeon caught in coast of Guilan Province. According to the results, the concentration of metallothionein was in the range of 45.87-154.66 microgram per liter with the maximum and minimum concentrations in liver and gills, respectively. The trend of cadmium concentration in cytosol of tissues was: liver〉 kidney〉 gills. The results of Spearman correlation test showed that there was a significant positive correlation between metallothionein and cadmium in cytosol of liver (r2= 0.850, p≤ 0.01). In the kidney, the correlation between cadmium and metallothionein was significantly positive (r2= 0.731, p≥ 0.05). But there was not such significant correlation in the gills (p≥ 0.05).

Description: PhD

Description: Advisors: A., Esmaili; Counsellors: A., Mashinchian Moradi; M., Pourkazemi

Description: Oxidative refolding is one of the key challenges hampering the development of peptide based compounds as therapeutics. The correct refolding for three disulfide peptide like w-Conotoxi n MVIIA is difficult and crucial for biological activity. This work advanced knowledge of chemical and biological for improve oxidative refolding of synthetic w-Conotoxi n MVIIA in base of Conus magus venom. The present study aimed to set up an appropriate and effective protocols for refolding of disulfide-rich w-Conotoxin MVIIA. In this study, the crude peptide was protected with Acm group, according to the right amino acid sequences (Synthesized by Australian Company). The crude peptide was purified by H PLC. To prepare the peptide to refolding, innovative deprotection applied molar ratio (AMR) method was performed based on mercury. Accuracy of deprotection was approved by reverse phase chromatography. The deprotected target peptide (omega-conotoxin) was determined by SDS-PAGE. Then the Oxidative refolding of target peptide was performed in six protocol based on Guanidinium chloride and oxidized and reduced Glutathione. Analgesic effect of refolded peptide was surveyed with formalin test in mice Balb/c. Non neurotoxic effects of target peptides were survey with ICV injection in mice model (C57/BL6). The innovative deprotection protocol performed based on the best ratio of mercury/2-mercaptoethanol adjusted to 1mg/10p1 in 90 minute. The results showed the yield and purity of omega-conotoxin MVIIA as 93 and 95%, respectively. Refolding of 40 mg omega Conotoxin with GSSG and GSH on ratio of 10:1 and 20 mM ammonium acetate showed the best analgesic effect compared with the other methods. The result showed 95.5% yield and 98% purity of omega-conotoxin MVIIA in this refolding method. Related refolding method reduced 85% pain in experimented mice using 7 ng of the peptide. That was 71.5 fold stronger than morphine and 2 times than standard Prialt®. And it was not neurotoxic in mice. In this study, refolding method for omega-conotoxin MVIIA was optimized in the fourth factor including: reducing the time, amount and number of reagent and increase the efficiency. We introduced new method for deprotection of omega-conotoxin MVIIA. Effective, economic and applied refolding and deprotecti on method was performed in this research may al so be applied to similar omega conotoxin peptides.

Description: PhD

Description: Advisors: Delavar, Shahbazzadeh; Shahla, Jamili; counsellors: Kamran, Pooshang Bagheri; Pargol, Ghavam Mostafavi

Description: Sponges are the most primitive of the multicellular, These organisms don’t have any mechanical defense system, so their early appearance in evolution has given them a lot of time for the development of advanced secondary metabolites as chemical defense system. Sponges have the potential to provide drugs from chemical components against diseases. In this investigation the sponge samples, which it is Ircina spp., were collected at depth of 15- 24 meter, from locations on the coastline of Island Kish in Persian Gulf of Iran. For identifying natural components, methanolic and diethyletter were used as extraction solvents, after removal of the solvents, the GC/MS spectra of the fraction were obtained. Then in vitro cytotoxic, antimicrobial and antifungal were identified. In vitro cytotoxity screening, by XTT assay, against KB/ C359 and HUT-56/ C365 cell line, was conducted in this study in 1 - 544 μg/ml. IC54 for winter diethyletter extract was 325 μg/ml, winter methanolic extract was 364 μg/ml, IC54 for summer diethyletter extract was 544 μg/ml, and summer methanolic extract was 454 μg/ml in HUT-56. IC54 for winter diethyletter extract was 454 μg/ml, winter methanolic extract was 444 μg/ml, IC54 for summer diethyletter extract was 344 μg/ml, and summer methanolic extract was 424 μg/ml in KB. In vitro antimicrobial activity by Broth Dilution Methods against clinical gram-positives and gram negatives (Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus subtilis). The results conducted that the MIC values of winter diethyletter extract for Escherichia coli 24mg/ml, the MIC values of winter diethyletter extract for Escherichia coli 24mg/ml, the MIC and MBC values of winter diethyletter extract for Staphylococcus aureus was 2mg/ml and 24mg/ml. The MIC and MBC values of winter diethyletter extract for Bacillus subtilis was 1.5 mg/ml and 2mg/ml. In vitro antifungal activity by Broth Dilution Methods against clinical pathogens; Candida albicans and Aspergillus fumigatus. The results conducted that the aqueous extracts didn’t have any antifungal activities on pathogens, the MFC of the summer and winter diethyletter extract was 30 mg/ml and 2 mg/ml A. fumigates, the summer and winter methanolic extract was 0722 mg/ml and 2 mg/ml A. fumigates, the summer and winter methanolic was 4/75mg/ml, MFC 5 mg/ml on C. albicans.

Description: PhD

Description: Advisors: A. A., Motallebi; SH., Jamili; Counsellors: A., Mashinchian; P., Gavam Mostafavi

Description: Toxins produced by flora and fauna and its proteins as well as valuable pharmaceutical compounds. They contain proteins used in producing painkillers, drugs for treating cancer, infectious diseases, allergy, blood pressure, etc. In this study on 250 blackfin stonefish, we investigated the LD50 and hematological effects of the toxin produced by this fish along with its pharmacological and enzymatic properties investigated by other researchers. One and three LD50 of venom injected IM in Rabbits under study was administered IV and different parameter like PT, PTT, cbc total protein and SDS-PAGE venom electrophoreses were studied before and 24 hours after venom injection. The total protein was estimated 331 µg/ml and the level of RBC WBC were 6.62 and 7.1 mm3 before venom treatment and reduce to 6.3 and 5.7 mm3 after venom injection. The MCH=21 pg MCHC=32.6% Hb=13.95 g/dl HCT=42.8% were before venom treatment and reduce to MCV=65.3 fl MCH= 22 pg MCHC=33.7% Hb=12.7 g/dl HCT=37.7% after venom injection The PT and PTT reduce after venom treatment (before venom treatment were PT=8.5 second & PTT = 27 second and after venom injection PT=15 second & PTT = 34 second) the platelet count reduce after venom injection (before venom=495 103/microliter and after venom was 49 103/microliter). Our results showed that the venom caused a significant reduction In WBC, RBC Hb, Hct, and platelet count which is due to lysis of cell after venom treatment.

Description: Masters

Description: Advisors:Dr. Shahla Jamili; Dr. Hossein Zolfagharian

Description: There are a lot of evidence that show hvdrocarbones cause some defect in reproduction and growth of bivalves. Bivalves are filter-feeder, thus accumulate more hydrocarbones in their tissue. In this study adult pearl producing oysters (Pinctada fucata) are used for all experimens. Samples of oysters, water and sediment from four natural beds; Nakhiloo (clean), Hendurabi (semipolluted), Lavan 1 (semipolluted) and Lavan 2 (polluted) were gatherd for 13 succesive months. Temperature, salinity, pH, oxygen and turbidity were recorded in each sampling. Oysters were kept in laboratory for adapation and then their length (DVM) were measured. Hemolymph samples were collected by insuline syring. Sediments and soft tissues of oysters were dissolved in carbon tetrachloride and when heated to extract oil hydrocarbones. UV, GC and IR were used to assay oil hydrocarbones. Accumulation of hydrocabones in soft tissue were as follows : Kakhiloo〈Hendurabi〈 Lavan 1〈Lavan 2 Regarding water, pollution in Lavan was more than Nakhiloo and Hendurabi, however due to water currents and closeness of Lavan 1 and Kakhiloo station to the coast pollution was less than Hendurabi. Results showed that there is not meaningful difference (P〈0.05) between sexual hormones in males and femals. Concerning progesterone cycle, there are two peak of spawning in oysters, major one in late spring and minor one in mid fall. Little elevation of progesterone start gamete and a lot of elevation release gametes_ Esteradiols gradually increase during gametogenesis and reach to maximum level during vitellogenesis. Testosterone have a synergestic role which esteradiol during vitellogenesis and also is effective in male sexuality. Multi regression test showed that there isn't meaning relationship (P〈0.05) between hydrocarbones pollution and esteradiols. However in Lavan 2 due to hormone concentration of hydrocarbones had some effect in sexual hormonal cycles. Turbidity was the most effective factor for releasing of progesterone. Progesterone was a stimulating factor for releasing estradiol also release of testosterone was corrolated with oxygen and depth of beds. One way analysis of variance showed that there is not significant relasionship (P〈0.05) between different factory in stations.

Description: PhD

Description: Advisor:Sh. Oryan Counsellors: A. Savari, Gh. Amini Ranjbar. The full text document is in Farsi only so it has not been possible for AC Editors to check the metadata input.

Description: In the present research, a total of 207 pieces of fish from 25 sampling stations in Gilan Province coasts in the years 2001-2002 were biologically studied in terms of their growth and development, reproduction and feeding. The average length and weight of the fishes are increased, as they get older. The highest index of length and weight growth is observed in the years 1 to 2. As the age increases, gradient of length and weight growth diagrams decrease. In studying the relation between length and weight, it was observed that proportionate to the total length, the weight is increased progressively. The fatness coefficient index in the initial years of life and prior to maturity is higher than the post maturity period. As the age increases, the decrease of this index is observable. The fatness coefficient index rate is directly related to index of fullness. The highest Gonadosomatic Index is seen in the months of June and July, i.e. at the times of spawning; and the lowest index rate is observed in the months of November and December. The appropriate temperature for reproduction of these species is from 18 to 22 degree centigrade. The Gonadosomatic Index is higher in spring and summer seasons as compared with autumn and winter. Besides, as the fishes become aged, the amount of the said index increases in a manner that the gradient of it in the years to maturity is less than the maturity time and thereafter. Sexual maturity stages in different months are directly related to Gonadosomatic index, and increase as the age increases. The sexual ratio of male fishes to the female fishes in terms of number is plus one prior to maturity; about one at the time of maturity and minus after maturity. In general the frequency of male fishes as compared with female fishes in all group ages is approximately two times. The fecundity mean, and the diameter and the rate of eggs will substantially increase, as the Gonadosomatic index rises. The maturity age in the male fishes is 3 to 4 years and in female fishes is 4 to 5 years. The spawning of this species in rivers occurs repeatedly and in different time intervals, and do not take place once (Asyncronous). The Gastrosomatic index is directly related to index of fullness and will decrease, as the age increases. The index of fullness is relatively the months of April and May. The underlying reason is the need of the fishes to energy for reproduction. As the spawning time commences, the index of fullness moves down and the downward direction continues. After spa g mg and reduction of the volume of energy in the body, the index of fullness rises, and it will be substantially high until the beginning of fall. In fall and winter as it gets cold, the index of fullness moves downward and the body fat deposits are used. A correlation is shown between the changes in vacuity index and fullness indices. This means that as the fullness index rises, the vacuity index decreases, and vice versa. The Hepatosomatic index prior to the reproduction is at the highest amount and after spawning is at the lowest. No correlation is observed between the fullness and Hepatosomatic indices. In other words reproduction is an inherent and instinct originated matter; and its cycle goes on, alternately and in an orderly manner, upon completion of germinal cells, even when it coincides with reduction or stoppage of somatic cell growth. The rising trend of Hepatosomatic starts in August and will continue until the next July. The volume of fat around digestive tract is severely reduced in early spring and this trend will reach its apex in summer season. In the cold seasons, i.e. the fall and winter, the accumulation of fat around digestive tract increases. Consequently, a meaningful and inverse relation is observed between index of fullness, also the progress of sexual maturity stages and the volume of fat.

Description: PhD

Description: Advisor:Gholamhossein Vosoughi Counsellors:Shahrbanoo Oryan, Mahmood Ramin. The full text document is in Farsi only so it has not been possible for AC Editors to check the metadata input.

Description: Biological aspects, population dynamics and stock assessment of the Caspian Sea prawns Palaemon adspersus and Palaemon eleganse were investigated in Guilan coastal water of the Caspian Sea. Sampling was done monthly with a bottom trawl with mesh size of 3 mm in cod end in 0 - 5 m and 5 - 10 m depth in areas as Astra, Shafa Roud, Anzali, Chonchanan Chamkhaleh and Chaboksar during year 2002. Results of one year sampling showed that mean total length of Palaemon adspersus (pooled data) was 39.9±6.84 mm (X±SD) and mean wiegth was 1.133±0.67 g. The mean total length of females and males was 41.6±7.5 mm and 37.9±5.2 mm respectively and mean weight for the mentioned sexes was 1.353±0.65 g and 0.868±0.38 g respectively. There was significant differences in mean length and weight of females and males (P〈0.05). The mean total annual sex ratio of males: females for this species was 1.4 and this sex ratio deviated significantly from 1:1 (X2, P〈0.05) and biased towards males in the population of this species. The spawning season of Palaemon adspersus begins in April and ends in September with a peak in June . Mean fecundity of this species was 1994.5 ± 506.6 . The growth coefficients Loo and K for females were estimated as 58.5 mm and 2.3 /Year and for males as 55.9 mm and 2.6 /year respectively . The mean CPUA ( catch / Km2 ) for this species was 9.99 ± 33.2 kg / km2 and the correspondance biomass was calculated as 5067.7 kg in 0 - 10 m depth . The mean total length of Palaemon elegans (pooled data ) was 27.5 ± 5.7 mm (X±S.D) and mm and 24.01±4.18 mm respectively and mean weight for the mentioned sexes were was 0.553 ± 0.3 g and 0.237±0.15 g respectively. There was significant differences in mean length and weight of females and males (P〈0.05). The mean total annual sex ratio of males:females for this species was 0.57 and in this species also sex ratio differed significantly from 1:1 (X2, P〈0.05) and skewed towards females in the population of this species. The spawning season of Palaemon elegans extended from May to September with a peak in July . Mean fecundity of this species was 642.7±313.4. The growth coefficients LOO and K for females were estimated as 42.119 mm and 2.40 /Year and 33.87 mm and 2.50 /year for males respectively. The mean. CPUA ( catch/ Km2 ) for this species was 0.75±3.86 kg/km2 and the correspondance biomass was calculated as 382.1 kg in 0-10 m depth .

Description: PhD

Description: Advisor:Hossein Emadi Counsellors:Mohammadreza Ahmadi, Tooraj Valinassab. The full text document is in Farsi only so it has not been possible for AC Editors to check the metadata input.

Description: Sea cucumbers belong to phylum Echinodermata, order Holothuroidea are an abundant and diverse group of Invertebrates, with over 1400 species occuring from the intertidal to the deepest oceanic trenches. Sea cucumbers are important components of the food chain in temperate and coral reef ecosystems and they play an important role as deposite feeders and suspension feeders. Rapid decline in populations may have serious consequences for the survival of other species that are part of the same complex food web,as the eggs, larve and juveniles constitute an important food source for the other marine species including crustaceans, fish and mollusks. In addition sea cucumbers are often called the earthworms of the sea, because they are responsible for the extensive shifting and mixing of the substrate, and recycling of detrital matter. Sea cucumbers consume and grind sediment and organic material into finer particles , turning over the top layers of sediment in lagoons , reefs and other habitats and allowing the penetration of oxygen. While the taxonomy of the holothurian families is generally well known , the distinction of similar species is difficult. There are relatively few holothurian taxonomist.Most sea cucumber species can be identified by Holothurin taxonomists by using the calcareous skeletal ossicles found in the body wall. In this study , at first a sea cucumber from Kish island in Persian gulf has recognized. Individuals collected from west and east extend far away into north and south of coral reefs by diving. I have checked them morphologically and anatomically.Then with key to the orders of the Holothuroidea, They belong to the Aspidochirotida with key to the families of Aspidochirotida, they were in Stichopodidae families and with key to the genus of Stchopodidae, they were Stichopus. Then ossicles were extracted at National Museum of Natural History, by Dr David Pawson. The ossicles were measured on a transect across a slide prepared from the mid-dorsal region of each specimen.The one we have in the shallow waters of Kish island, is Stichopus hermanni, a massive holothurian, body broad, considerably flattened ventraly ,the dorsal side slightly arched and the lateral sides almost vertical; body wall fairy thick and soft ; mouth subterminal; anus central; tentacles usually 20 in number of length and leaf shaped. Numerous ossicles consisting of table with large discs having usually 7 to 15 peripheral holes, but often irregular or incomplete and spire of moderate height ending in a group of spinelets, rosettes of variable development, and c-shaped rods. Color (exept papillae)partly remained after preservation in alcohol which is found at the depth of 4 to 8 meters, on coral reef. Furthermore, the sexual reproductive cycle was described using standard methods. Gonads were removed and transferred to Bouin's fixative for four weeks and then processed according to standard embedding technique. To prevent the loss of tubule contents during embedding, the tubule sections, were cut well beyond the segment selected for sectioning. For each individual, six sections, each section with 5µm diameter by microtome were cut from tubules. These sections were first placed on gelatin coated slides (the gelatin was heated to 42°c) and then transferred to the oven at 37°c for one hour. This technique usually prevents the fragil tubules from breaking and the loss of gametes. The slides were stained with Eosin and Hematoxylin, and good resolution of the various cell types achieved.A second series of slides was stained with the Periodic Acid Schiff(PAS) to identify polysaccharides(glycogen). Monthly sampling was occurred.The sexual reproductive cycle was defined through the combined use of these criteria: Monthly percentages of the gonad stages for each sex, the monthly gonad index (GI) , given as the ratio of the wet gonad weight (G) to the dray weight (DW)and the monthly percentage of individuals that undetermined sex. The gonad consists of two tufts of tubules on which saccules develop. Gonadal development was classified into five stages: post spawning, recovery, growth, advanced growth, and mature stage that were adapted from the earlier studies of holothurians. Histological preparations showed that the sex of larger individuals could be identified by the presence of oogonia and young oocytes in females, and spermatogonic stages in males.The mean diameter of the tubules and gonadal mass follow annual cycles, increasing from late winter through spring, and dropping abruptly after spawning in the summer. Gametogenesis is generally a prolongate process and begins in March. By summer the ovarian tubules contain oocytes with diameter of 120-240 pm and the testicular tubules contain an abundance of spermatozoa (diameter 5-6 gm ).Following spawning the predominant activity within the spent tubules is phagocytosis of the residual gamets.The active phase of gametogenesis (March to July), coincides with an increasing photoperiod regim, and an accelerated gametogenesis occurs in July when temperature is high. Throughout the year, the gonad of Stichopus hermanni is larger in males than in females, and this is due to the number of tubules in the testis rather than to tubules length or diameter.

Description: PhD

Description: Advisors:Shahrbanoo Oryan, Gholamhossein Vosoughi Counsellors:Mohammadreza Fatemi, Alireza Nikoeian. The full text document is in Farsi only so it has not been possible for AC Editors to check the metadata input.

Description: Class Condrichthyes consist of two sub-classes: Holocehali and. Elasmobranchii, the second one are more divers and has more importance. Selachimorpha (sharkes) and Batidoidimorpha (rays and skates) are two super-order of Elasmobranchii, which they have crucial role in ecological balance in marine ecosystmes. Except few cases, most of sharks and rays (rays and skates) are not well identified, so a lot of works need to be done in this regards. The area of study is located between 49°, 35' and 52°, 33' E and between 27°, 21' and 30°, 02' N in depth of 7 to 78 in. Study were conducted diuring August 1998, September 1999. Samples were taken during 3 sea cruises from 70 bottom trawl net. All sharks and batoid fishes were identified based on biometric specifications (weight, total, length and sexuality for both group and extra biometric specifications, disc width, disc length, and tail length only for, batoid fishes). The 1140 specimens of batoid fishes identified belonged to 6 families, and 18 species. 3 new species were identified, they are Himantura sp.1 and Himantura sp.2 belonged to Dasyatidae family and Rhinobatos sp. belonged to Rhinobatidae Familiy. It needs more works and more adaquate ducuments for cl.earfing scientific names of these species. The 275 specimens of sharks identified belonged to 6 families and 10 species. Chiloscyllium sp. belonged to Hemiscylliidae, family as a new species was identified.

Description: PhD

Description: Advisors: G.H. Vossoughi Counsellors: B.Mokhayer, M.R.Ahmadi, S.A. Taghavi Motlagh The full text document is in Farsi only so it has not been possible for AC Editors to check the metadata input.

Description: In the present research, investigations were carried out for structure elucidation of natural compounds and also for studing biological and teratogenical effects of two Genus of soft corals named as " Echinogorgia cf. indica" and "Sinularia erecta" in Persian Gulf. First, 350 gr Echinogorgia was extracted by Acetone, then, the extract was separated by ether from aqueos phase to give 4.5 gr oil. The oil eluted with Petrol - ether Et2 o (9:1) which was recovered Linderazulene and it's derivative as purple Cristals (350 mg/ca 0.1 %). In order to determine molecular structure, the Samples were used for spectroscopic method as: H1- NMR , C13- NMR and 2D NMR. Also, for extraction and structure elucidation of natural compounds, the soft coral " sinularia erecta " were used 1187/37 gr and extracted by Aceton. The extract was concentrated and resulting aqueous suspension and extracted by using ether to give 8.41 gr oil. The oil , was Chromatographed on a column of silica gel and some different fractions were gathered. Initial fraction (1-11) which were nonpolar compounds were seprated by GC/MS. Mass spectrum were prepared and much compounds were recognized.

Description: PhD

Description: Advisors:Sh. Oryan, Ab. Rustaiyan Counsellors:K. Parivar, K. Zareh. The full text document is in Farsi only so it has not been possible for AC Editors to check the metadata input.

Description: Epinephelus coioides (family serranidae) is protogynous. This species is one of the most important fishes in food chain of marine proteins of persian Gulf. Therefore knowing about the reproductive biology and physiology of this species is an important role on aquaculture procedures. Monthly samples of Epinephelus coioides were obtained in khozestan Bahrekan province from 2001 to 2002 for annual variation of base line of reproductive hormone. The hormones such as: 17-B estradiol, Testosteron, Progesterone, Gonadotropin I ,II GTHI, II) and cortisol have assayed and also different stages of gonads from the histological point of view were studied by light and electron microscope. Aditional to morphometric and fecundity measurements, the important factors such as : Gonadosomatic index (GSI) Hepatosomotic index (HSI) and Condition factor (KF) were also studied. Environmental factors such as temperature, salinity, photoperiod and pH were analyzed for the determination of effective factors responsible for the changes of reproductive cycles. The flactmation of estroid hormones and gonadotropines show a significant variation in different stages of maturation, e.g 17-B estradiol's concentration in the third stages, GTH II in fourth stages of sexual maturation or final oocyte maturation, plasma Testosteron in post ovulation and Progesterone during maturation indicates the highest levels of above mentioned hormones. The total calcium concentration was high in all year. calcium concentration was correlated with GTH II synthesis and increases with GTH II in June. 17-B estradiol concentration was also correlated with GSI. The high concentration of cortisol throughout the year was an index of stress and development of ovary maturational processes. This species was protogynous synchronous hermaphrodites , and belongs to annual spawning species, being monandric. The sexual transition was found to occure in individuals of 51.2- 105 cm in length. GSI and HSI level confirms the time of spawning period is in April- June. Electrone microscopic studies of gonad tissues showed some changes in mitochondria and endoplasmic reticulum in the post ovulation, maturation and post spawning periods. During the monthly sampling the biochemistry of tissues variations indicated decrease in protein and lipid content, but an increase in water content of spawning fishes which was correlated to the maturation of Epinephelus coioides . sex ratio indicative of higher frequences of females to males during monthly sampling periods. The females were smaller than males in sizes, therefore the females lived in 8-15m depth, but males were living in upper limits of depth. The results indicated that the temperature was the most effective parameter in reproductive cycle of Epinephelus coioides and the mean 24°c was a convenient temperature for spawning. Photoperiod was the second effective. factor on the reproductive cycle for this species. It seemed that the increase in the photoperiod between January to May caused a development of the oocyte. Regarding to the results of this research, it seems that the period of spawning in Epinephelus coioides is in May- June and the aquaculture procedure of Epinephelus coioides could be performed in the above mentioned periods.

Description: PhD

Description: Advisors:Shahrbanoo Oryan Counsellors:Hamidreza Habibi, Abbas Matinfar. The full text document is in Farsi only so it has not been possible for AC Editors to check the metadata input.

Description: Moon oxygenases related to cytochrome P450s are the molecular Biomarkers which have important role in Biotransformation of endogenous and exogenous compounds and catalazyin of many biological reactions. One of the important isoenzyme is cytochrome P4501A. This isoenzyme involved in metabolism of environment pollutnts such as PAHs. Because of its inducibility, it has a key tool for impact assesment of contaminants in aquatic environment. In this study, at first, that fractions containing Acipenser persicus and Huso huso isoenzyme were purified, and after that Antibodies against them were prepared. For isolation of isoenzyme fraction, Microsomes were prepared from fish liver using differential centrifugation at high speeds. microsomes were solubiized by cholat sodium and Emulgen. Extraction of this isoenzyme was done with the combinatuion of ionexchange chromatography and gelfiltration or chromatofocusing chromatography. Ion exchange chromatography and gel filtration were applied in DEAE sepharose fast flow and sephacryl S200 respectively and chromatofocusing was done at poly buffer 74 and 94 exchanger. The results of SDS-PAGE Showed that the molecular weight of isoenzyme was about 58±1 KDa. Furthermore the inmunoblotting results confirmed this subject. Isoenzyme activigy based on EROD (Ethoxyresorofin o-deethylase) reaction showed about 20-26 fold increase in enzyme activity of treated fish than control fish. The results of Elisa, Using monoclonal anti cod P4501A demonstrated the inducibility and highly elevated of its activity in treated sample more than the control fish. Mean while, the fish sample were showed the strong reaction to polyclonal antibody against beluga P4501A1 prepared in our Lab compared to monoclonal anti body.

Description: PhD

Description: Advisors:Ali Mostafaie, Abbas Esmaieli Counsellors:Mohammad Pourkazemi, Hamid Rahi. The full text document is in Farsi only so it has not been possible for AC Editors to check the metadata input.

Description: The Yellowfin tuna was caught more than all other species in the southern waters of Iran (24000 tons in 1998). In order to come up with the responsible fishing pattern, there was a need to identify some of the biological characteristics and population dynamic parameters. This thesis was the first which covered the whole Yellowfin tuna distribution in the Oman Sea, included the fishing grounds of Berris, Ramin, Chabahar, Pozm and Jask. The data during 1998-99 from different fishing grounds were polled. Based on the exponential relationship between length and weight in the size range 38-173 Cm, the relationship (W=aL^ b) was calculated as W=0.000012L ^ 3.0831). The mean fork length,head length,girth and weight were calculated respectively 84.15 Cm, 23 Cm, 53 Cm, and 11828 g. Length infinity was estimated 189 Cm with growth parameters of 0.42 per year. Growth performance index was 4.18 which was in agreement with the findngs of the other studies in the Indian and Pacific Oceans. The mortality parameters and exploitation rate were estimated as below: Z = 1.75-1.85 M=0.6 F=1.25 E=0.68 Occurence of empty stomach was high (60%) in the speciemens obtained from the Oman Sea. Purpleback flying squid (Sthenoteuthis oualaniensis) was the most dominant prey species observed in the study (57% in females and 60% in males), occurrence of teleost fishes were found to be the second (38% in males and 42% in females). Crabs also were identified in the specimens(1-2%). The study on sex ratio indicated that males were predominant at all sizes above 120 Cm fork length. 50.82% of specimens were males and 49.18% females. The monthly gonadosomatic index was deriven higher values during January to June which could be indicated as spawning period.

Description: PhD

Description: Advisors:H. Emadi, B. Kiabi Counsellors:A. Keyvan, G. Vossoughi. The full text document is in Farsi only so it has not been possible for AC Editors to check the metadata input.

Description: Distribution and growth biology of rock oyster (Saccostrea cucullata) in the northern shores of Oman sea have been struied. During this one-year study, samples have been taken monthly from ten different stations. quantity of vertical distribution of this species was obseredl in the mid - intertidal zone. After determining the spread pattern, the following subjects were studied: - Growth parameters - Distionction of the "cohorts" - Determination of "spawning Season" - Condition of the "Gonado Somatic Index" - Sex ratio - Length of the species during the first year of maturation. - Identification and determination of percentage of "Biofouler Organisms." Results obtained from the above - mentioned studies show that considering a growth factor (k) of 0.52, the value of "Loo " for this species is equal to 114 (mm).Five to six different age groups were observed among the samples taken. In the areas where this study was conducted, this species grows 24 to 30 (mm) in the first year of its life this growth rate is lower in the higher - aged grpups relative to the lewer - aged groups, so that the longest size classes grow between 4 to 6 (mm) per year. • The maxinum Value of the "Condition Index" is in the pozm area and the minimum value of it belongs to Darak and Tang areas. Along with the increase in the growth of gonads the above mentioned condition index increases gradually simultaneous with the onset of spawning. Also, study of the influence of environmental factors on the maturation process suggests that the most important factors affecting maturation and spawing are temperature and salinity. The study of GSI shows that this species has a coordinated bimodal spawing trend, with its spring peak in june and its autumn peak, being still higher than the spring peak, in september. The recruitment curve confirms the above spawning peaks with its peaks occuring after a delay of one month or maximum two months in comparison to the spawning peaks. The results of calcuation of "Sex Ratio" of this species in each area show that sex ratio is 1:1. Among the first size classes that reach maturity, nearly 67% of the samples are male and the remaining 33% are female. with the increase in the shell size, the percentage of males decreases and the percentage of females increases. , The above facts prove the protandrous nature of this species the diagram showing the sizes of the first samples which reach maturity suggests that more than 50% of the samples mature after their length exceeds 36 (mm). The shortest mature sample was found to have a length of 22(mm). After studying "Biofouler Organism" nine different invertebrate groups were indentified. Barnacles and Tunicates have the highest and lowest percentages respectively. According to zonal observations, Barnacles and polychacta do the greatest damage to this species.

Description: PhD

Description: Advisor:H. Emadi Counsellors:B.H. Kiabi, A. Savari. The full text document is in Farsi only so it has not been possible for AC Editors to check the metadata input.

Description: This survay has been done from Januray 2000 till May 2002 in Khouzestan costal waters. Four species of grouper were identified from which orange spotted grouper (Epinephelus coioides) was the dominant species. For studing environmental parameters and reproductive biology, age, growth parameters and mortality rate samples were collected by fishing ship. Samples were taken montly in 4 days by fishing traps and trawls. In addition, some samples were obtained from Khozestan fish landing centres. Environmental factors such as PH, 02, salinity, water temperature and depth of traping areas, were measured. To identify species, morphometric characteries of 452 individal fishes were measured. Stomach contents of 394 fish were has survaid, from which stomach of 226 fish, and 168 fish had empty stomachs. Percentage of empty stomachs (cv) in males was more than females. Food items found in 73 percent of stomach were crab (11%), shrimps (8.8%) , squids (3.9%), gastropods (17%) and bivalves (0.4%). Feeding intensity in year classes did not obay logic trends The importance relatively indicator (I.R.I) were 81, 9.9, 4, 1.5 and 0.3 percent for fish, crab, shrimp, squid, gastropod and bivalve respectively. For age determination, sagita otoliths of 450 fish were taken and countable sections were obtained from 425 specimens. Relative frequency distribution of opaque and transparent rings showed that each opaque growth ring generates once a year from November to September. It seemed that generation of opaque rings is affected by temperature and photoperiod changes. Correlation between length and age was calculated using Von Bertalanffy's least square method. Following equasion was obtaind: L(t) : 122.27 (1 e 0.146 (t+0.482)) Growth parameters were determined through by Ford Walford equasion and Response Surface and Shepherd subcommands in Elefan program and L00 and K amounts were have determined. Correlation between length and age of 635 fish was determined by gender . Length and age correlation was calculated by exponential model and between total length and standard length by straghit line model. Correlation between age and weight of sagita was calculated by total length and age. The most Correlation was between sagita weight and fish age (r=0.876). Total mortality rate (z) was estimated by Length Converthed Method , Jones and Vanzaling and Powel Wetherall. Total mortality rate was z=0.39. Natural mortality rate, using Pauly method was calculated M=0.32. Fishing mortality (F) was 0.08. Gonads of 425 fishes were surveid within 18 month, from which 363 were female, 46 were male and 16 were sex reversing individuals .Total length of females varied from 26 to 95.5 centimeters while males length varied from 56.5 to 107 centimeters. Sex reversing individuals had a length of 47.5 centimeters, when two years old and 62.5 centimeters at age of 3 years. From the mentioned 425 fish, 401 individuals were matured, containing 339 females and 62 males, 5.47 females against each male. Montly changes of Gonadosomatic Index (GSI) by total body weight and standard length and total body length showed that this index increases from march to May and maximum increase was in May . This experiment was adapted in spawning season. Potential, relative, and absoulate fecundity was estimated by counting eggs in three samples. Total amount of traped fish using special traps was 16182.18 kg from which Epinephelus coioides provided catching 15353.43 kg of it (91.27 %) and By catch was 141.18 kg (8.24 %). Total average CPUE for whole catch was 123.33 kg/day/vessel. Total amount of catch was estimated 232.04 tons, considering CPUE of total catch and total Khuzestan trap ships effort.

Description: PhD

Description: Advisor:Hossein Emadi Counsellors:Gholamhossein Vosoughi, Aminollah Taghavi. The full text document is in Farsi only so it has not been possible for AC Editors to check the metadata input.

Description: One of the most important marine ecologic phenomenon , is the study of animal community among the bed or benthic fauna. Macrobenthoses are the graet part of the benthic faune , that are more biomasses than meiofauna and microfauna. To study polychaetes diversity of Mangroves, located in Khoore-Khooran , sampling was conducted on a bimonthly and carried out from December 2001 to October 2002. Bottom samples were collected by Van Veen grab (0.025 m2)at 6 station from 2 transect Insitu measurement of temperature , pH , Do and salinity were done . Atotal of polychaetes werw identified within study 32 Family and 43 Genus . Cirriphormia and Nephtys were the most dominant genus in the studies . The range fomumerical abundance of polychaets was between 3006 per m2 in the station A3 to 559individual per mein the station A1 and the variation was done to different bottom , texture the variable environment conditions govrtneng the different parts of each creeks as well as within creeks . Application of diversity indices (Shannon H') on the dominant polychates assambladges has higher H' in the Azar and lower 1-1/ in the Mehr . and the stations B3 has the highest H' and the station A2 has the lowest H' Application of diversity and Richness, Evennes were studied and showed that the station A3 has the lowest evenness and the most individual , and station A1 has the middle pollution.

Description: PhD

Description: Advisors:Hossein Emadi Counsellors:G. Vosoughi,S. Nabavi

Description: Caspian Sea has gone under a lot of changes due to human influences and the unwanted presence of a ctenophora Menomiopsis leidyi which has greatly changedthe structure of planktons in the last recent years. Therefore, this study was carried out in order to determine these changes in the zooplankton community.the Sampling was done in 8 transacts in Astara, Anzali, Sefidrood, Tonekaboun, Noushahr, Babolsar, Amirabad and Bandar Torkaman coastal waters at 5 different depths including 5, 10, 20, 50 and 100 m. Sampling was carried outin four seasons of spring, summer, autumn and winter during 2008, 2009 and 2010 on board of R/V Gilan.Altogether, 12 species of zooplankton were identified in 2008, 22 species in 2009 and 14 species in 2010. The zooplankton included four groups: copepoda (4 species), cladocera (8species), rotatoria (10 species) and protozoa (2 species).The increase of diversity in 2009 was due to cladocera and rotatoria groups.The abundance of zooplankton in the spring was 5074 + 7807 ind/m3 more than other season in 2008. The abundance of copepoda in the summer reached the highest value of 3332 ind/m3 and since autumn the abundance gradually decreasesand in the winter reached to the lowest value. The most abundance of cladocera was 797 ind/m3 in winter and decreased in summer and autumn. The abundance ofrotatoria was 2189 ind/m3 in winter. rotifera and copepoda consisted the main population of Zooplanktons in the winter.The results of 2009 and 2010 showed that the abundance of zooplankton in winter was 2.6 fold of autumn, 1.6 fold of summer and 1.1 fold (1/9 fold in 2010)of spring. After increasing increased of temperature, phytoplankton, andzooplankton in summer, M.leidyi increased too. In the autumn M. leidyi reached to the highest rate and decreased zooplankton. The maximum population of zooplankton was in the layer 0-20 m and in the layer more than 20 meters, the abundance of zooplankton decreased very much. In 2162008, 2009 and 2010, the abundance of zooplankton was 87, 77 and 77 percent in the layer 0-20 m respectively.In this study, the thermocline was observed in the layer 10 – 20 meters in the spring, that formed a thin layer but in the summer it was in the layer 20 to 50 meters. Temperature decreased between 11 to 15 oC in this layer. The variation of temperature between surfaces to bottom was 10 to 13 oC in spring, 19 to 21 in summer, about 9 oC in autumn and maximum 3 oC in winter. The most biomass of zooplankton was in the west. The biomass of zooplankton in central west and east of Southern of Caspian Sea was 54 %, 22 % and 24 % respectively in 2008, in 2009 was 48%, 33% and 20% respectively and in 2010 was 54 %, 29 % and 16 % respectively .The biomass decreased from west to east.The model of zooplankton designed by principal component analysis (PCA)and linear regression for Southern of Caspian Sea.

Description: PhD

Description: Advisor: Seyed Mohammad Reza Fatemi Counsellors:Rezvan Mousavi Nadoushan, Reza Pourgholam

Description: Green scat namely as Scatophagus argus argus is a venomous aquarium fish belonging to Scatophagidae family. It can induce painful wounds in injured hand with partial paralysis to whom that touch the spines. Dorsal and ventral rough spines contain cells that produce venom with toxic activities. According to unpublished data collected from local hospitals in southern coastal region of Iran, S. argus is reported as a venomous fish. Envenomation induces clinical symptoms such as local pain, partial paralysis, erythema and itching. In the present study green scat (spotted scat) was collected from Persian Gulf coastal waters. SDS-PAGE indicated 12 distinct bands in the venom ranged between 10-250 KDa. The crude venom had hemolytic activity on human erythrocytes (1%) with an LC100 (Lytic Concentration) of about 1.7 μg. The crude venom can release 813 μg proteins from 0.5% casein. Phospholipase C activity was recorded at 3.125 μg of total venom. Our findings showed that the edematic activity remained over 48 h after injection.The purification of the venom was done by HPLC and 30 peaks were obtained within 80 min but only one peak in 68 min retention time showed hemolytic activity at 90% acetonitril was isolated. The area percentage of the hemolytic protein showed that this hemolytic protein consist of 32 percent of total proteins and its molecular weight was 72 KDa in SDS_PAGE.The results demonstrated that crude venom extracted from Iranian coastal border has different toxic and enzymatic activities.

Description: PhD

Description: Advisors:Shahla Jamili, Delavar Shahbazzadeh. Counsellors: Mohammad reza Fatemi, Behrouz Vaziri

Description: Benni (Barbus sharpeyi) is valuable fish that Khuzastan fisheries office propagated it artificially in Susangerd Fish Propagation Center every year. Pituitary gland is used for this aim but female fish lost their fertilization power after 2-3 years, so in present research, new hormone, that is called Ghrelin. The aims of this research are histology, hormonal, zygote and larval generation studies and comparing the results with each other.Ghrelin is a multifunctional peptidyl hormone which increases GTH-II in fish, amphibian, and birds and mammalian so its effect on Benni sexual maturation was studied. Human Ghrelin (hGRL) was obtained from ANASPEC, Canada, with 28 amino acids.In the present study, three levels of ghrelin including 0 (sham treatments), 0.10 (treatment 1) and 0.15 μg/g (treatment 2) body wt and one level of pituitary gland 4000 μg/g (pituitary treatment) with two replications were used.56 specimens were injected intraperitonealy and their ghrelin level was evaluated immediately after injection and after 24 h. Control fish(n=16) were just injected by physiological saline. For hormonal studies sham and experimental fish(n=40) were anesthetized with MS-222 at a concentration of 250 mg l-1, and blood samples were collected and kept at 4ْC, then spun to collect serum. Serum samples were stores at -20ْC until the RIA for CTH-II. For histology studies immediately after injection a piece of ovary was collected from control fish (Sham zero) after being anesthetized. The sampled ovaries were fixed in Buin solution and embedded in paraffin, and stained to Sections of 5–6 μm using haematoxylin and eosin. The ovarian samples were performed with a compound microscope. Histology and micrometry studies had done.The mature oocytes had given from mature fish, then weighted and the working fecundity were counted. The mature oocytes fertilized, the eggs were incubated and the percentage of fertilization was calculated. After 72h the eggs hatched and the percentage of hatch was counted. The percentage of hindrance was calculated after 6 days.Hormonal results indicate that ghrelin and pituitary increase significantly the GTH-II level in comparison to sham.Macroscopic observations (before taking ovary) showed that ovaries with green colored have couple oval structure located in the abdominal cavity. Microscopic studies of dissected ovaries indicated simultaneous growth of127oocytes with 6 stages. The type of the ovary is asynchronous. The results indicated that both of the ghrelin treatment increased the percentage of mature follicles followed by decrease of immature follicles. There were significant differences (P〈0.05) between the number of mature and immature follicles. Average diameter of follicle in both of the ghrelin treatment was significantly (P〈0.05) declined in the stages of the vitellogenesis when the result compared to the other treatment.Just treatment 1 and pituitary treatment can give mature oocytes. The fecundity of pituitary treatment significantly increase in comparision to ghrelin treatment (P〈0.05). In food-restricted fish where endogenous ghrelin levels are known to be increased, a chronic administration of ghrelin induces overt negative effect in releasing mature oocytes. The percentage of fertilization was significantly increase (P〈0.05) in ghrelin t. in comparison to pituitary t. and the percentage of hatch was significantly increase (P〈0.05) in pituitary t. in comparison to ghrelin t. There was no significant difference (P〉0.05) in terms of percentage of hindrance between treatments.In conclusion, the present study demonstrated that ghrelin has positive effect on the level of GTH-II, oocyte maturation, ovarian vitellogenesis and the number of mature follicles of Barbus sharpeyi ovary. Increasing of the mature follicles number reduces their average diameter, indicating stimulating effect of ghrelin in sexual maturation of Barbus sharpeyi.The ghrelin and pituitary treatment have equal chance in the post-stage of spawning.

Description: PhD

Description: Advisors:Shahla Jamili, Naeem Erfani Majd Counsellors: Mohammad Reza Fatemi, Gholamhossein Vosoughi

Description: This study was conducted to determine biological characteristics and population dynamicsparameters of threadfin bream (Nemipterus japonicus) in Persian Gulf (Bushehr Province),during November 2006 and October 2007. The minimum and maximum specimens were 75-273 mm FL and their weight was 7.6 - 351.9 g. Based on the exponential relationship betweenfork length and weight, slope (b) for individuals, males and females was 2.987321, 2.992546and 3.007314, respectively.The emptiness value (V) was 45.6% and it shows that N. japonicus is a moderate feeder.The results of Fp indicates that crustacean with 78.2% are main foods, mollusca (27.7%),fishes (20.7%), polychaeta (19.2%) and Foraminifera (11.7%) were identified as minor foodsand phytoplanktons (9.9%), nematoda(8.0%), echinodermata (2.3%) and sea weeds (0.3%)were random foods.The reproduction studies showed the spawning season extended within 2 peaks, fromApril- May and September and main spawning occurs in spring season.The mean absoluteand relative fecundities were 472388±42633 and 3817±293 (X±SE), respectively. Themaximum, minimum and mean of oocyte diameter were 0.448, 0.022 and 0.221mm (SE=0.071), respectively.The fork length at 50% maturity estimated to be 20.25 cm for females.The growth coefficient (K) , length infinity (L∞ ) and ɸ' was estimated 0.42/yr , 34.17 cmand 2.69, respectively.The coefficient of total mortality, fishing mortality, natural mortality and E was 1.37,0.43, 0.94 and 0.31, respectively.

Description: PhD

Description: Advisores:T. Valinassab, S. Jamili Counsellors:M.R. Fatemi, F. Kaymaram

Description: Chemical ecology is the science of study and analysis of natural chemical products in result of biochemical processes in organisms and their reactions to variations of ecological and environmental parameters.In marine chemical ecology the existence of natural products in aquatic organisms and their ecological roles in marine animals and their reactions to environmental parameters variations will be studied.Among them, fatty acids are the most various and abundant ones in natural products which had been extracted from many marine organisms such as mollusks and algae.In this study selected animals were the dominant species of mollusks in intertidal zone of chabahar bay including gastropods, bivalves and polyplacophora classes.Nerita textilis and Turbo coronatus species are among gastropoda, Saccostrea cucullata is from bivalve, and Chiton lamyi is from polyplacophora.After seasonal sampling, separation and identification of natural products of these species, fatty acids had been isolated and identified by GC mass chromatography and their seasonal variations had been identified.In addition environmental factors of the location including pH, salinity temperature, dissolved oxygen, chlorophyll a and nutrients were measured monthly.Then the effect of seasonal variations of environmental factors on fatty acids had been studied by applying statistical analysis.GC/MS resulted thirteen fatty acids, which the most importants were myristic, stearic, oleic, palmitoleic, arachidonic and eicosapentaenoic acids.In majority of species palmitic acid was most abundant than the others and saturatedes had the most percentage levels than unsaturated ones.Although seasonal variations of identified fatty acids was not similar in species, but the majority of unsaturated ones had their maximum during winter, while saturated acids reached their maximum in summer.Statistical Analysis showed the strong correlations between Environmental factors and some fatty acids and temperature, nitrate, silicate and pH had strong correlations in all species.The species was studied from the point of lipid content and the results showed a good quality of lipid content in the selected species in the intertidal zone of Chabahar bay.

Description: PhD

Description: Advisors:Peiman Eghtesadi, Ali Mashianchin Counsellors:Isa Iavari, Shahla Jamili. The full text document is in Farsi only so it has not been possible for AC Editors to check the metadata input.

Description: In order to come up with the responsible fishing pattern of common carp, there was a need to identify some of the biological characteristics and stock assessment of carp in Iranian waters of the Caspian Sea .The fork length ,weight ,age ,growth parameters of von bertalanffy and mortality rates of common carp were estimated from oct 2006 to sept 2007.Based on the exponential relationship between length and weight in the size range 6.3-65.6 cm ,b was calculated 2.895, 2.843 and 2.925 respectively for combined sexes ,males and females. The mean condition factor was 1.9 which is close to the ideal condition.The results from measuring 3170 specimens ,were showed the first fork length of maturity was 30 cm for males and 32 cm for females. The results indicated that females were predominate and sex ratio was 0.66:1 (M:F) and chi-squares analysis showeda significant difference between males and females.(p〈0.05).Length infinity and growth coefficient were calculated by three different methods as below: Length frequency analysis : k=0.17 L∞ =68.04 Age-Length Key k=0.15 L∞ =74.25 Back calculation : k=0.14 L∞ =68.4The mortality parameters and exploitation rate were estimated as below :Z=0.73 per year M=0.31 per year F=0.42 per year E=0.56Refer to amount of common carp catch in 2007 -08 ,biomass was calculated 9640.2 tones by jone's cohort analysis and MSY 2374.5 tones.According to analysis ,the number of common carp in the distribution area (Iranian part of the Caspian Sea ) was estimated 24 millions in the 2006-07.

Description: PhD

Description: Advisors:Mohammadreza Fatemi, Farhad Kaymaram Counsellors: Shahla Jamili, Aminollah Taghavi Motlagh

Description: Biochemical ecotoxicology and biomarkers using are a new sciences that are used for biomonitoring in aquatic environment. Biomonitoring plays a vital role in strategies to identify, assess, and control contaminants. On the other hands in recent year's attention to polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) and heavy metals increased in aquatic environments because of their carcinogenic and mutagenic properties combined with their nearly ubiquitous distribution in depositional environments by oil pollution or industrial waste waters.The present research aimed to assess PAHs and Ni, V levels in surface sediments and bivalves (Anodonta cygnea)and the effects of PAHs and heavy metals (Ni,V) on the hemocyte of the Anodonta cygnea were investigated in 2 stations (Mahrozeh, Selke in Anzali Lagoon, North of Iran). Samples were collected during at 2 different periods of the year, Dry and rain seasons, (June & September) and to confirm our first observations, Cage station is added. The bivalves hemocytes were monitored for membrane injury by NRR methods (neutral red retention assay).Heavy metal (Ni, V) concentrations were determined by Atomic Absorption in Anodonta cygnea and the sediments in Anzali Lagoon. The vanadium concentration in bivalves and sediments was ND(not detect )-0.4231 μg/g and 1.4381-306.9603 μg/g dry weight respectively. Nickel concentration in bivalves and sediments was 0.0231-1.3351, 0.4024-19.3561 μg/g dry weight respectively.PAHs concentrations were determined by GC-Mass in Anodonta cygnea and the sediments. Average concentration of PAHs is 115-373.788 ng/g dry weight in bivalves and average concentration of PAHs is 34.85-1339.839 ng/g dry weight in sediments. Bioaccumulation sediments factor(BASF) is high about PAHs (〉1) and BASF is low for Ni, V (〈1) .Internal Damage mechanisms of bivalves hemocytes (cell mortality, dye leakage, decreased membrane stability, are observed (Lowe Methods).Statistical analysis was used to explore the relationship between altered cellular and above contaminants. There are power and negative correlations between PAHs and NRR method for hemocytes in Anodonta cygnea (P〈0.0005), but good correlation is not observed between Ni, V and NRR method for hemocytes in every time.This research indicates that the NRR assay is a useful screening technique able to discriminate polluted sites and at first we announce that Anodonta cygnea hemocytes are efficient biomarker for PAHs pollutants in fresh water.

Description: PhD

Description: Advisors:Peyman Eghtesadi, Shahla Jamili Counsellors:Abbasali Motallebi, Mohammad Rabbani

Description: Biological studies and heavy metal (Ni, v, Fe, Pb,Cd) determination in liver, gonad and muscle of Scomberomorus commerson were carried out from Oct 2006 to Sept 2007 in Hormozgan coastal waters. 599 Samples were gutted for reproduction and nutrition studies, fork length and weight were measured to nearest cm and g respectively. Meanwhile 40 samples were also investigated for heavy metal studies. All specimens were collected from two major landing sites (Bandar Lengeh & Bandar Abbas). Minimums & maximum fork length & weight were 29, 128 cm & 235 and 15350 g respectively.Isometric growth was shown according to our study and b was estimated 2.9 (overall), 2.91(male) & 2.89 (female). The average relative gut length was 0.52± 0.007 and it was determined that S. commerson is a carnivorous. More than 99 percent of gut content was different teleost fishes. Gastro somatic index had two peaks in Nov & Jan (before spawning) and with a decreased trend in July, the spawning period. Occurrence of empty stomach was estimated % 65.77. Maximum amount of condition factor was in Dec. Spawning season was started from June. The average of Absolute & relative fecundity (to weight unit) was 1217149±179315 and 178.2±15.58 respectively. Lm50% was estimated 75 cm for females. Sex ratio was 0.97: 1 (male: female). Chi- Square test showed no significant difference (p〉0.05). Maximum amount of hepatosomatic index was estimated in March.Metal concentrations were determined using either Flame Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (for Fe) or Graphite Furnace Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (for Pb,Cd,Ni and V). The mean concentration (μg/g dry weight)of Pb,Cd,Ni,V and Fe in the liver were 0.0309, 0.0268, 0.0672, 0.0077, 2.5159 in the gonad 0.0440 ,0.0295, 0.1096, 0.0000, 1.4449 and in the muscle 0.0244, 0.0324, 0.0656, 0.0128, 1.6138 respectively. The maximum metal concentrations were below the maximum permissible limits for human consumption recommended by the USEPA, WHO and the UK. The results of Kendall's Tau-b correlation coefficient were as follows:The Liver tissue:There were significant positive linear relationships between accumulation of V, Fe, and Pb with Fork length, Pb and Fe with weight, GSI with Pb, Cd, V and 109 Fe, and a negative linear relationships between HSI with accumulation of V and Fe, Fork length, weight and GSI.The Gonad tissue:There were significant positive linear relationships between GSI with accumulation of Pb, Cd, Fe, Fork length and weight, a negative linear relationship between HSI with Fork length, weight and GSI.The Muscle tissue:There were significant positive linear relationships between accumulations of V, Fe with Fork length and weight factors and as well as GSI with Cd, V, Fe, Pb, Fork length and weight,a negative linear relationship between HSI with Fork length, weight, Cd, Fe and GSI. The results of Mann-Whitney U tests (P≤0.05) show that there were significant differences between summer and autumn from heavy metal contents in the studied tissues point of view. The only exceptions were for Ni in the liver, gonads and muscle and as well as there were significant differences between male and female from heavy metal contents in the studied tissues. The only exceptions were for Pb in muscle, Ni in liver, gonad and muscle, V in muscle, and Cd and Fe in gonads.

Description: PhD

Description: Advisors:S. Jamili, F Kaymaram Counsellors: M.R Fatemi, M. S Motrazavi

Description: In the present study, intestinal helminth parasite fauna of 398 specimens of three species of kilkas, C. engrauliformis (N= 92), C. grimmi (N= 136) and C. cultriventris (N= 170) from Babolsar harbor were investigated. Five parasitespecies were found including: Corynosoma strumosum (Acanthocephala), Pronoprymna ventricosa (Trematoda), Contracaecum sp. (Nematoda), Raphidascaris sp. (Nematoda) and Anisakis sp. (Nematoda). The highest prevalence and abundance were observed in C. strumosum and P. ventricosa.The prevalence and abundance of C. strumosum in C. grimmi was significantlyhigher than C. engrauliformis. The prevalence and abundance of P. ventricosa inC. cultriventris was significantly higher than C. engrauliformis. The prevalence,mean intensity and mean abundance of the parasites were compared accordingto the sex, length group and season also effect of parasite on host growthparameters was considered. The diversity, equability, similarity, speciesrichness, dominance Indices and specificity indices of helminth parasites of thethree host species were studied.Also the lead and cadmium concentrations in the intestine, muscle, liver, kidneyand gonad of kilkas and their parasites C. strumosum and P. ventricosa weremeasured and compared. The results revealed that lead and cadmiumconcentrations in C. strumosum and P. ventricosa were significantly higherthan kidney, liver, intestine, gonad and muscle. The lead and cadmiumconcentrations of the parasites were compared according to the sex, parasitismand season.

Description: PhD

Description: Advisors:Shahla Jamili, Masoumeh Malek Counsellors:Mohammad Bagher Nabavi, Abbas Ali motallebi

Description: Artemia is a small crustacean that adapted to live in brine water and has been seen in different brine water sources in Iran. Considering the importance ofgenetic studies manifest inter population differences in species, to estimategenetic structure, detect difference at molecular level and separate differentArtemia populations of Iran, also study of phylogenic relationships among them,samples of Artemia were collected from nine region: Urmia lake in WestAzerbaijan, Shoor and Inche-Borun lakes in Golestan, Hoze-Soltan and Namaklakes in Qom, Maharloo and Bakhteghan lakes in Fars, Nough pool in Kermanand Mighan pool in Markazi and DNA extracted by phenol-chloroform method.Primers designed on a ribosomal fragment (16s rRNA) of mt DNA sequence andPCR was done. Digestion of the 1566 bp segment PCR product by 10 restrictionendonuclease (Alu I, EcoR I, Eco47 I, Hae III, Hind III, Hinf I, Mbo I, Msp I,Rsa I, TaqI) showed 25 different haplotypes: 9 in Urmia, 4 in Shoor and Inche-Borun, 1 in Namak and Hoze-Soltan, 3 in Mighan, 1 in Bakhtegan Maharlo, 3 inMaharloo and 4 in Nough. Measurement of haplotype and nucleotide diversityintra population and nucleotide diversity and divergence inter populations andevolutionary distance between haplotypes showed a high diversity inmitochondrial genome of Artemia in studied regions whose results are similar tothose explained for highly geographic expansion organism. In addition, resultsshowed considerable heterogeneity between different populations and there areenough evidences in haplotypic level for separation of studied samples anddivision of Iranian Artemia to seven populations including Urmia, Shoor andInche-Borun, Hoze-Soltan and Namak, Maharloo, Bakhteghan, Nough andMighan. Phylogenetic analysis of the 16S rRNA data set resulted strictconsensus and neighbor joining distance trees, demonstrated that all sampleswere monophyletic and parthenogenetic form derivation from bisexualpopulations and genetically high resemblance to those of A. urmiana. Study of270 specimens from different region showed the genus Artemia in Iran clusteredinto three clades including: 1- Shoor, Inche-Burun, Hoze-Soltan, Namak,Bakhtegan and Maharloo 2- Nough and Mighan 3- Urmia. Totally, obtainedresults indicated to ability of used techniques for study of inter species diversity,population structure, reveal of phylogenic relationship and dividing of differentpopulations of Artemia in Iran.

Description: PhD

Description: Advisor:Sohrab Rezvani. Counsellors: Mohammadreza Fatemi, Majid Sadeghizade

Description: Seasonal sampling from 40 immature Caspian salmon were performed insummer, autumn, winter and spring. The maximum ranges of RBC counts,Hct, Hb, WBC count and clotting times were observed in spring, summer,spring, spring and winter, respectively. The minimum amounts of thesefactors were counted in summer, winter, winter, winter and winter,respectively. Blood Samples were taken from healthy smolt, immature andadult Caspian salmon in spawning time. Hematological determinations andbiochemical serum analysis were performed in 101 fish in the three samples.The ranges of hematological values for sample mean were counted. Red bloodcell counts were 866600 mm3 and 1259400 mm3 in smolt and adultrespectively. Hematocrit was 48.39% in smolt and 44.29% in adult.Hemoglobin was 8.85 gr/dl in smolt and 10.91 gr/dl in adult. White blood cellcount was 8781.58 mm3 in smolt and 5217.55 mm3 in adult and mean weredifferential of WBC, Lymphocyte 90.57%in smolt and73.22% in adult.Neutrophil was 5.12% in smolt and 16.92% in adult, Monocyte were 1.27%in smolt and 4.24% in adult, Clotting time was 282.34 Seconds in smolt and291.47 seconds in adult MCV, MCH and MCHC also meagered in smolt andadult. Biochemical parameter in immature and mature Caspian salmonmeagered .Glucose concentration was 2.97 mmol.l- in immature and 1.99mmol.l- in mature .Cholesterol concentration was 4.26 mmol.l- in immatureand 7.06 mmol.l- in mature. Triglyceride amount was 2.35 mmol.l- inimmature and 2.47 mmol.l- in mature and Calcium was 2.47 in immature and2.61 mmol.l- in mature.An in situ study was made on erythrocytic isoantigens and hetero-antigenand their corresponding iso-and hetero-antibodies of sera by means ofhemoagglutination tests on the blood sample, of 450 immature and 50 matureCaspian salmon. The absence of erythrocyte iso-antigens and hetero-antigenand their corresponding iso-and hetero-antibodies were shown by theexperimental. It could be indicated an intra-specific variation and differencesin species for kelardasht hatchery.

Description: PhD

Description: Advisor:Amin Keivan Counsellors: Shahrbanoo Oryan,Gholamhossein Vosoughi. The full text document is in Farsi only so it has not been possible for AC Editors to check the metadata input.

Description: In order to carry out Biometric studies, 75 samples were caught from 3 locations ( Tajan river, Sefidrud and Shirud) using Salic and the length (±1 mm) and weights (± 5 gr) of samples were determined. Using One-way ANOVA by SPPSS software, there wasn’t significant difference between locations in length and fecondity (P ≥0.01(, but there was significant difference between Shirud and tajan samples with sefidrud in weight ) P≤0.01(. In order to carry out genetic variation studies, 210 fish were caught from 3 different regions of the Iranian coastline (Khoshkrud, Tonekabon, Gorganrud) and 1 region in Azerbaijan (Waters of the Caspian Sea close to Kura River mouth) during 2008-2009 . Genomic DNA was extracted of fin using the phenol-chloroform. The quantity and quality of DNA from samples were assessed by spectrophptometer and 1% agarose gel electro-phoresis.PCR was carried out using 15 paired microsatellite primers. PCR products were separated on 8% polyacrylamide gels that were stained using silver nitrate. Molecular weight calculate using UVTech software. The recorded microsatellite genotypes were used as input data for the GENALEX software version 6 package in order to calculate allele and genotype frequencies, observed (Ho) and (He) expected heterozygosities and to test for deviations from Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium. Genetic distance between two populations was estimated from Nei standard genetic distance and genetic similarity index (Nei, 1972). Genetic differentiation between populations was also evaluated by the calculation of pairwise estimates of Fst and Rst values. From 15 SSR markers were used in this investigation, 9 of them were polymorph. Average of expected and observed heterozygosity was 0.54 and 0.49 respectively. Significant deviations from Hardy-Weinberg expectations were observed in all of location except Anzali lagoon- autumn in AF277576 and EF144125, Khoshkrud in EF144125 and Gorganrud and Kura in AF277576. Using Fst and Rst there was significant difference between locations ) P≤0.01(. According to Fst , the highest population differentiation (Fst= 0.217) was between Gorganrud and Khoshkrud that have the lowest Nm and the lowest (Fst= 0.086) was between Gorganrud and Tonekabon that have the highest Nm. Using Rst the highest population differentiation (Rst= 0.271) was between Tonekabon and spring Anzali lagoon and the lowest (Rst= 0.026) was between Tonekabon and Autumn Anzali159lagoon. Also the difference between Spring Anzali lagoon and Autumn Anzali lagoon was noticeable (Fst=0.15). AMOVA analysis with consideration of 2 sampling regions (Iran and Azerbaijan) and 7 sampling locations (Iran: Khoshkrud, Tonekabon, Gorganrud, Spring Anzali lagoon and Autumn Anzali lagoon ; Azerbaijan: the Kura mouth) revealed that almost all of the variance in data namely 83% )P≤0.01( was within locations, Genetic variances among locations was 14% )P≤0.01( and among regions was 3% )P≤0.01(.The genetic distance was the highest (0.646) between Gorganrud and Autumn Anzali lagoon populations, whereas the lowest distance (0.237) was between Gorganrud and Tonekabon River.Result obtained from the present study show that at least 2 different population of Rutilus frissi kutum are found in the Caspian sea,which are including the kura river population and the southern Caspian sea samples and it appears that there is more than one population in southern Caspian sea that should be attantioned in artifical reproduction Center and stoke rebilding.

Description: PhD

Description: Advisors:Sohrab Rezvani Gilkolaie, Gholamhossein Vosoughi Counsellor:Mohammadreza Fatemi

Description: About 3600 specimens were collected by bottom trawl at 15sampling stations.24 biometric characters were measured for each specimens atthe laboratory.. Microscopic cross – sections of statolith wereused for age determination. Sex determination and fecunditywere determined. Population dynamics parameters as well asstock as stock assessment including cohort analysis wereestimated using FISAT software. The findings showed thatDorsal Mantle Length (DML) and Body weight (BW) of theIndian squid were 133.9 ± 0.78 mm and 99.61 ± 0.95 grespectively. Strong correlation was found between these 2variables (R2 = 0.90). The maximum age was 5 years.Relationship between DML and age was highly significantlyof p ≤ 0.05.Overall sex ratio (M: F = 0.52) was significantly differentfrom the expected 1:1 ratio (p ≤ 0.05).The ovary weight and nidamental glands weight were 7.72 ±0.0006 g and 3.07 ± 0.0003g respectively. Absolute andrelative fecundity of the Indian squid were found to be 122733± 30.87 and 2348 ± 0.4 respectively. GSI were 14.35 in Apriland 8.63 in July. This squid is therefore a spring spawner. Theinfinite dorsal mantle length were 258.62 mm for females,194.72 mm for males and 252.02 for both sexes respectively.For population growth and mortality parameters; K (0.65 peryear for both sexes, 0.85 per year for males, 0.65 per year forfemales); t0 (0.24year for both sexes, 0.22 year in females,0.26 year in male); φ` (2.30 in both sexes, 2.47 for males, 2.37for females); Z (1.17 per year for both sexes, 1.10 per year infemales, 1.39 per year, in males); M (0.70 per year for bothsexes, 0.90 for males, 0.67 for females); F(0.27 per year forboth sexes, 0.27 per year in males, 0.195 per year in females).Exploitation coefficient were 0.51 per year for both sexes,0.57 per year males and 0.51 per year females respectively.The results indicates that since the Indian squid is a short liveaquatic organism, therefore, the exploitation coefficient couldbe raised to 0.7 per year. The analysis showed that totalbiomass and MSY were 10103.5 ton and 2576.4 tonrespectively. These findings are the first study of its sort aboutthe Indian squid in the coastal waters of Oman Sea as well asNorth-West of Indian Ocean.

Description: PhD

Description: Advisors:Gholamhossein Vosoughi, Tooraj Valinasab Counsellors: Bahram Hasanzade Kiabi, Mohammadreza Fatemi

Description: This project was on “Study of Slurry, as an enrichment compound, on growth and survivalparameters of Rutilus firisii kutum Kamensky 1901 larva and compare with routinecondition according to hypothesis that use of Slurry, fertile organic compound, to increasethe efficiency of survivorship and growth of Rutilus firisii and in other hand adaptationof natural food was performance.”The object of this project is to compare growth of Rutilus firisii and in usual conditionand the condition of use Slurry The experiences performed in culture and propagationcenter Dr. Yousefpour decent (Associan of Dr. Beheshti culture and propagation) inSiahkal village, 32 Km far from southeast, in North of Iran. In this plan, threedifferent treatments and related these nine pools , in 1.7 hec area (in same condition)were determined so that the density of storage was 1.7 million/hec larva.In this research at first treatment m we use slurry as enrichment compound during larvalwithin a period of 13 days, and it used all the days of during larval in second treatment.Then the result of this study compared to control treatment. The results have shown thelevel of this study compared to control treatment. The results have shown the level ofsurvivorship in pools were nutrition by slurry was 1.7 million times or twice than poolswere nutrition with usual concentrate. In addition, growth coefficient such as dailyweight growing (DWG) index, daily length growth (DLG), specific growth ratio (SGR) were measured in this case. All of these parameters in slurry treatment were shownnoticeable enhancement in first treatmentThereof in the first week there was significant difference (P〈0.001) between the averageof length and weight in first week , and in the second week there was a significantdifference (P〈0.05) between them.

Description: PhD

Description: Advisors:M.Falahi Kapoorchali,S.M.R.Fathemi Counsellors:GH.Vossoughi, A.Matinfar

Description: Biodiversity and distribution of benthic Foraminifera and Ostracoda in thecontinental shelf sediments of the Omman Sea was studied in order to indicating ofthe composition of benthic foraminiferal and ostracodal communities anddetermining of their relationship with the environmental factors of the Omman Sea.Sediment samples were gathered in winter 2006 from twelve stations ranging indepth from 30 to 103 meters. Environmental factors including depth, temperature,salinity, dissolved Oxygen and pH were measured with a CTD system duringsampling time and grain size and total organic matter were measured in laboratory.From the overall 57 benthic foram species, there were 52 identified species belongto 25 genera of 16 families. The cosmopolitan foraminifer, Ammonia beccarii, wascommon in all sampling stations. The composition of benthic foram communitieshad a highly positive correlation with depth, salinity and total organic matter. Fromthe overall 30 ostracod species, there were 26 identified species belong to 22genera of 13 families. Diversity and aboundance of ostracoda of the Oman Seadecreased from east to west and from south to north but increased slightly in thenorthwest (near the Strait of Hormoz). Ostracoda of the genus Propontocypris werecommon in all sampling stations but the genera Cyprideis, Paradoxostom andHemicytheridea were rare in the Oman Sea. Diversity and aboundance of ostracodain northern regions were less than southern and were less than foraminifera too.The composition of ostracodal communities had a highly positive correlation withdept, salinity and grain size. Biodiversity and distribution pattern of benthicforaminifera and ostracoda were being different in various sampling stations,especially between northern and southern regions. Water depth, salinity andstructure of the sediments were the most important abiotic factors controlling thedistribution pattern of benthic foraminifera and ostracoda in the Omman Sea. Noneexistence or rare observation of structural abnormalities and oil polluted individualsin the vicinity of all sampling stations, resulted to the "clean" benthic environmentof the Omman Sea.

Description: PhD

Description: Advisor:Seyed Mohammad Bagher Nabavi Counsellors: Gholam Hossein Vosoughi, Seyed Mohammad Reza Fatemi

Description: Populations of kilka in the Caspian Sea have important role in the food chain. This study was conducted to determine population parameters of three species of kilka in the south of the Caspian Sea, during 2006-2007.Mean length was 102.4±9.7 mm for common kilka, 117.8±6.9 mm for anchovy and 119.5±10.9 mm for bigeye. The relationship between length and weight indicated the negative allometric growth in the all three species. Mean age for common kilka, anchovy and bigeye were 3.6, 4.6 and 4.6 years, respectively.Sex ratio (M:F) were 0.52:1 for anchovy, 0.60:1 for common kilka and 1.60:1 for bigeye.The value of growth coefficient (K) was the highest (0.321) for the common kilka, (0.267) for the bigeye, and the lowest for the anchovy kilka (0.245). Total mortality estimated from the descending of the catch curve using the age structure, Z=1.280 yr-1 for common kilka, Z=1.067 yr-1 for anchovy, and Z=1.015 yr-1 for bigeye. Natural mortality (M) were estimated using Pauly formula as M=0.622, M=0.537 and M=0.503 per year for common kilka, bigeye and anchovy, respectively. Value of fishing mortality (F) were estimated from Z and M, as F=0.658 for common kilka, F=0.564 for anchovy and F=0.478 for bigeye. The exploitation rate (E) were estimated E=0.514 for common kilka, E=0.528 for anchovy and E= 0.471 for bigeye. The estimate of MCY (Maximum Constant Yield) was calculated using themore reliable time series of commercial catch data from 2001-2007, which resulted in an estimate of MCY for the kilka fishery of 14100 tonnes.

Description: PhD

Description: Advisors: Mohammadreza Fatemi, Farhad Kaymaram Counsellors:Gholamhossein Vosoughi,Aminollah Taghavi Motlagh

Description: A total of 361 caudal fin samples were collected from adult A. stellatusspecimens caught in the north Caspian Sea, including specimens from Kazakhstan (Ural River),Russia (Volga River), Azerbaijan (Kura River), specimens caught in the south Caspian Sea includingspecimens from Fishery Zone 1 (from Astara to Anzali), Fishery Zone 2 (from Anzali to Ramsar),Fishery Zone 3 (from Nowshahr to Babolsar), Fishery Zone 4 (from Miyankaleh to Gomishan) as wellas from specimens caught in Turkmenistan (all specimens were collected during the sturgeon stockassessment survey). About 2 g of fin tissue was removed from each caudal fin sample, stored in 96%ethyl alcohol and transferred to the genetic laboratory of the International Sturgeon Research Institute.Genomic DNA was extracted using phenol-chloroform method. The quality and quantity of DNAwas assessed using 1% Agarose gel electrophoresis and Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) wasconducted on the target DNA using 15 paired microsatellite primer. PCR products wereelectrophoresed on polyacrylamide gels (6%) that were stained using silver nitrate. Electrophoreticpatterns and DNA bands were analyzed with BioCapt software. Allele count and frequency, geneticdiversity, expected heterozygosity and observed heterozygosity allele number, and the effective allelenumber, genetic similarity and genetic distance, FST and RST were calculated. The Hardy WienbergEquilibrium based on X2 and Analysis of Molecular Variance (AMOVA) at 10% confidence levelwas calculated using the Gene Alex software. Dendrogram for genetic distances and identities werecalculated using TFPGA program for any level of the hierarchy.It is evident from the results obtained that the 15 paired primers studied, polymorphism was observedin 10 pairs in 12 loci, while one locus did not produce DNA bands. Mean allele number was 13.6.Mean observed and expected heterozygosity was 0.86 and 0.642, respectively. It was also seen thatspecimens from all regions were not in Hardy Wienberg Equilibrium in most of the loci (P≤0.001).Highest Fst (0.063) was observed when comparing specimens from Fishery Zone 2 and Fishery Zone4 (Nm=3.7) and lowest FST (0.028) was observed when comparing specimens from the Volga Riverand those from the Ural River (8.7). Significant differences (P〈0.01) were observed between RSTrecorded in the specimens studied. Highest genetic distance (0.604) and lowest genetic resemblance(0.547) were observed between specimens from Fishery zones 2 and 4. Lowest genetic distance(0.311) and highest genetic resemblance (0.733) was observed between specimens from Turkmenistanand specimens from Fishery zone 1. Based on the genetic dendrogeram tree derived by applyingUPGMA algorithm, A. stellatus specimens from Fishery zone 2 or in other words specimens from theSepidrud River belong to one cluster which divides into two clusters, one of which includesspecimens from Fishery zones 1, 3 and 4 and specimens from Turkmenistan while the other clusterincludes specimens from Ural, Volga and Kura Rivers. It is thus evident that the main population ofthis species belongs to the Sepidrud River.Results obtained from the present study show that at least eight different populations of A. stellatusare found in the north and south Caspian Sea, four of which are known populations including the UralRiver population, the Volga River population, the Kura River population and the Sepidrud Riverpopulations. The four other populations identified belonging to Fishery zones 1, 3, and 4 and toTurkmenistan are most probably late or early spawners of the spring run and autumn run of each ofthe major rivers mentioned.Specific markers were also identified for each of the populations identified. The Ural River populationcan be identified using primers Spl-68, 54b and Spl-104, 163 170, 173, the Volga River populationcan be identified using primers LS-54b and Spl-104, 170, 173 113a and similarly the population fromthe Kura River can be identified using primers LS-34, 54b and Spl-163, 173 and that from theSepidrud River can be identified using primers LS-19, 34, 54b and Spl-105, 113b. This study givesevidence of the presence of different populations of this species and calls for serious measures to betaken to protect the genetic stocks of these populations. Considering that the population of A. stellatusin Fishery zone 2 is an independent population of the Sepidrud River in the Gilan Province, the catchof these fishes in the region needs to be controlled and regulated in order to restore the decliningstocks of this species.

Description: PhD

Description: Advisors:Mohammad Pourkazemi, Amin Keivan Counsellors:Mohammadreza Fatemi, Bahram Kazemi. The full text document is in Farsi only so it has not been possible for AC Editors to check the metadata input.

Description: Sphyraena jello, Pick handle Barracuda, is amongst the highly valuable and main commercial fisheries resources in the southern waters of Iran. Given such an economically significant position, this study, being conducted in 2006-2007, attempts to investigate its biological habit and characteristics in Iran’s water of the Persian Gulf.For the sampling purpose, three major landings namely Bushehr, Deylam and Genaveh were selected to obtain samples from commercial catches. The sampling is composed of 655 males and 515 females during a twelve month period. By studying the feeding through the counting method, it is revealed that, Liza subviridis characterized by %42.8 and Sepia pharaonis by %8.4 made the highest and lowest stomach content respectively. The findings showed that male fish in smaller size will mature sooner than females’ specimen but this gender ratio or proportion was not significantly different except during October and September.Such a difference between male and female in different months could be originated from longer residing of female group in spawning ground compared to male group. The previous spawning lasted during September –October, and there was a peak of spawning in feeding in August. The lowest fat proportion for both male and female genders was reported 0.10 and 0.11 respectively in October; but the highest level of condition factor was reported to be 0.59 and 0.63 during November and June.

Description: PhD

Description: Advisors:S.Jamili, T.Valinassab Counsellors: Gh.Vosoghi, M.R. Fatemi

Description: This project was done for identifying the mesopelagic fish of the Iranian waters of Oman Sea, during two year from 2008 to 2010. The specimens were collected using two trawler vessel from nine station. All the specimens were fixed in formalin then in 70% alcohol and carried to the laboratory. In total of 19 species belonged to 14 families of 6 orders identified including:Echinorhinidae, Stomidae, Phosichthyidae, Synodontidae, Paralepididae, Myctophidae,Acropomatidae, Priacanthidae, Pentacerotidae, Champsodontidae, Gempylidae, Trichiuridae, Nomeidae and Congridae. Of which 17 species were identified up to species level including:Echinorhinus brucus, Bathophilus indicus, Chauliodus sloani, Harpadon nehereus, Lestrolepis japonica, Benthosema pterotum, Diaphus garmani, Diaphus effulgens, Bolinichthys photothorax, Acropoma japonicum, Synagrops adeni, Cookeolus boops, Histiopterus typus, Champsodon sagittus, Neoepinnula orientalis, Trichiurus lepturus, Cubiceps baxteri.Vinciguerria was identified up to genus level because only one specimen caught during the survey and one species (Congridae) was identified up to family level because only 3 specimens of this fish in early stage of life were caught and their characters were not suitable for identify up to species level.The highest species belong to Myctophidae family of Myctophiformes order.

Description: PhD

Description: Advisors:Golamhossein Vosoughi, Tooraj Valinassab Counsellors: Mohammad Reza Fatemi, Asghar Abdoli

Description: The Effect of two freshwater green algae species Chlorella sp. & Scenedesmus obliquus enriched (from the beginning of culture and after 96 hours) with different dosages of B group vitamins (0, 0.5, 1, and 2 ml of enriching solution per each liter of algae medium) on fecundity of Daphnia magna and growth of Rutilus frisii kutum fry were investigated in a research from spring, 2008 to autumn, 2009.First, each of the green algae species were cultured purely and massively in the Zander (Z-8+N) medium and then the nutritional value (the amount of protein, lipid, and carbohydrate) of enriched algae were meausered. In this study, enriching of Chlorella sp. & S. obliquus with a suitable mix of B group vitamins significantly improved their nutritive value. So the highest amount of nutritional value of Chlorella sp. was obtained because of enriching with dosage 0.5 ml.l-1 (366.654Kcal) and for Scenedesmus obliquus with dosage of 1 ml.l-1 (376.95Kcal). The acquired amount from control group showed an increase of respectively 42% and 11%.According to the results, increased dosages of enriching solution caused Daphnia fecundity to increase (at both stages : enrichment from the beginning of culture and after 96 hours). So the highest average of D. magna reproduction rate was obtained through being fed with Chlorella sp. and S. obliquus enriched with dosage of 2 ml enriching solution per liter of algae medium. The average fecundity of D. magna fed with Chlorella sp. enriched with dosage of 2 ml.l-1 enriching solution from the beginning of culture and after 96 hours was obtained respectively 2.128 ± 0.375 and 2.1 ± 0.69 and the average fecundity of D. magna fed with S. obliquus enriched with dosage of 2 ml enriching solution from the beginning of culture and after 96 hours was obtainedrespectively 2.128 ± 0.375 and 2.1 ± 0.69 which showed respectively an increase of 61 ٪, 91٪, 77 ٪, and 83٪ in proportion to the acquired amount from control group. When enriching solution was added to either algae culture medium from the beginning of culture, showed statistically significant differences (P〈0.05) between dosages of 0 and 2 ml.l-1, 1 and 2 ml.l-1, and 0.5 and 2 ml enriching solution per each liter of Chlorella sp. culture medium and between dosages of 0 and 1 ml.l-1, and 0 and 2 ml enriching solution per each liter of S. obliquus culture medium.The highest average of body weight gain percentage and specific growth rate of kutum fry was obtained respectively 21.19%, 26.63%, 1.92, and 2.34 from the beginning of culture and after 96 hours with dosage of 1 ml B group vitamins per each liter of Chlorella sp. culture medium, which showed respectively an increase of 50%, 70%, 46%, and 62% in proportion to the acquired amount from control group. In the cases which Chlorella sp. were grown in the medium containing vitamin, from point of view of the average percentage of weight and specific growth rate of kutum fry significant differences were observed on the basis of the result of One-way ANOVA between dosages of 0 and 1, 1 and 2 , 0.5 and 1 ml B group vitamins per each liter.The highest average of body weight gain percentage and specific growth rate of kutum fry was obtained respectively 32.02%, 29.42%, 2.78, and 2.34 from the beginning of culture and after 96 hours with dosage of 2 ml B group vitamins per each liter of S. obliquus culture medium, which showed respectively an increase of 32%, 19%, 28%, and 17% in proportion to the acquired amount from control group. In the cases which S. obliquus were grown in the medium containing vitamin, from point of view of the average percentage of weight and specific growth rate of kutum fry significant differences were observed on the basis of the result of One-way ANOVA between dosages of 0 and 1, 0 and 2.According to the results of the present research we can say that considerable enhancement in the quality of the food of D. magna can be made by manipulation of the nutritional value of fresh water unicellular green algae with suitable mixture of B group vitamins, so that both the fecundity of D. magna will increase and the nutritional requirements of the kutum fry will be filled in this way.

Description: PhD

Description: Advisors:Maryam Fallahi,Ghobad Azari Takami Counsellors:Gholamhossein Vossoughi, Ali Mashinchian

Description: In the present study possibility of Malathion biomarker with Genotoxicity andEcophysiological reactions were determined in Caspian Roach (Rutilus rutiluscaspicus). At fist LC50 value of Malathion, an organophosphate insecticide was determined. Then four groups of experimental fish (containing 30 fish in each group) were exposed to different concentrations of Malathion. e. 0, 0.01, 0.05 and 0/1 ppm respectively for 23 days and effects of Malathion on Hematological (RBC, WBC, Hb and Hct) and biochemical parameters (Glucose, triglyceride, urea, total protein and Albumin), some enzymes (SGPT, SGOT and ALP), Cortisol level, plasma cations (Na+ and K+) , histological changes (gill and liver) and finally DNA destruction were examined. Sampling was done in 3rd, 13th, 23rd days during exposure and also 30 days after recovery. Data analysis was done by SPSS (Ver.13) and graphs were drawn by Excel 2007. Results showed that WBC, RBC, Hb, Hct, some biochemical parameters and K+ of Mallation treatments were decreased significantly in compare to control group (P〈0.05). Changes in enzyme were many different. No significant changes were observed in Na+ and cortisol levels (except in groups treated with 0.01 Mallation) (P〉0.05). LC50 value of Malathion in Caspian Roach was 6.5 ppm. Histological examinations showed thatMallation cause tissue damages and there were more damages in longer times and in higher concentrations. Apoptotic cell and comet were observed as DNAdestruction and they were more in treatments with higher Mallation concentrations for longer times.

Description: PhD

Description: Advisors:Shahla Jamili Ph.D, Maryam Shahidi Ph.D Counsellors: Ali Mashinchiyan Mouradi Ph.D, Gholam Hosain Vosoghi Borazjani Ph.D

Description: Phylogenetic relationships among all described species (total of 12 taxa) of the decapoda, were examined with nucleotide sequence data from portions of mitochondrial gene and cytochrome oxidase subunit I (COI). The previous works on phylogeny proved that the mitochondrial COI gene in crustacean is a good discriminative marker at both inter- and intra-specific levels. We provide COI barcode sequences of commertial decapoda of Oman Sea, Persian Gulf, Iran. Industrial activities, ecologic considerations, and goals of the decapoda Barcode of Life campaign make it crucial that species of the south costal be identified. The reconstruction of evolut phylogeny of these species are crucial for revealing stock identity that can be used for the management of fisheries industries in Iran. Mitochondrial DNA sequences were used to reconstruct the phylogeny of the Penaeus species of marine shrimp. For this purpose, DNA was extracted using phenol- chloroform well as CTAB method. The evolutionary relationships among 12 species of the decapoda were examined using 610 bp of mitochondrial (mt) DNA from the cytochrome oxidase subunit I gene. Finally the cladograms were compared and the resulted phylogenetic trees confirmed that the Iran's species origin is Indo-west pacific species. Iran's species, which were not grouped with the other decapoda taxa seem to always form a sister clade with Indo-west pacific species with strong bootstrap support 100%. The result completely agrees with the previously defined species using morphological characters.However, we still lack any comprehensive and clear understanding of phylogenetic relationships in this group.

Description: PhD

Description: Advisors:S. Rezvani Gil Kolayii Ph.D,P. Ghavam Mostafavi Ph.D Counsellors:S.M. Fatemi Ph.D, H. Fazli Ph.D