Caspian Sea: Ecology and Biologyiirc.narod.ru/4conference/Abstract/Sec5.pdf · Section 5: Caspian Sea, Ecology and Biology 267 Comparison of Sensitivity to oil pollution in Mnemiopsis

Caspian Sea: Ecology and Biology

Reproductive phenology and breeding success on the whiskered tern (Chlidonias hybridus) in southern of Caspian Sea Ab-bandans (artificial wetlands) in the north of Iran (Mazandaran province) S. M. Amini Nasab1, B. Behroozi Rad & A. R. Riahi Bakhtiari1- Department of Environmental Science, Tarbiat Modarres University, Noor, Iran Phone:+98-123-2240042, E-mail: [email protected]

This study concludes activities and researches during May-September, 2003. Zarrinkola and Marzoonabad Ab-bandans (Artificial Wetlands) have been selected for this work. There is one breeder group of Whiskered Tern (Chlidonias hybridus) (930 pairs) in Zarrinkola Ab-bandan, where as, two breeder groups (1390 pairs) were in Marzoonabad Ab-bandan. Clutch size was 1-4 eggs in Zarrinkola and Marzoonabad second breeder group, where as, in the first breeder group was 1-5 eggs. Brood size included 1-3 chicks. Breeding success in Zarrinkola, first and second breeder group was %57/08, %82/96 and %75/87, respectively. There is not any significant difference between clutch size and brood size with breeding success (p>0/05). There is significant difference (p<0/05) between the rates of losses among the

Section 5: Caspian Sea, Ecology and Biology 266

reproductive phenology stages. Because of intense rainfall, the maximum loss was during the incubation time (egg stage). Key Words: Phenology, breeding, Whiskered tern, artificial wetlands, Ab-bandan, Caspian Sea, Mazandaran, Iran

Spatial and temporal variations in salinity, temperature & electrical conductivity in Noor coastal area

S. A. Azarmsa Assistant Prof., Tarbiat Modarres University, Tehran, [email protected]: 0122-6253499

Seawater salinity along with its temperature affects the density and thus stability of the water column. This in turn profoundly affects many biological processes in the upper ocean. Saltier water is denser and thus tends to sink below fresher water. Therefore, the information on the horizontal and vertical distribution of salinity and temperature can be used to identify where a water mass comes from. In other words, just noting and comparing the water salt content and temperature in a study area, we can identify current characteristics. In this paper, the temperature, salinity and electrical conductivity are recorded at 5 measuring stations from the surface to depth in Noor coastal area. Further, the measured data are used to present profiles of temperature, salinity and electrical conductivity and to study how they change throughout the water column and in horizontal plane. Finally, the temporal variations of temperature, salinity and electrical conductivity are investigated and conclusions are made about the water density and its spatial and temporal variations in the study area. Key words: seawater, temperature, salinity, electrical conductivity, density, Noor


Comparison of Sensitivity to oil pollution in Mnemiopsis leidyi (Ctenophora) and Acartia clausi (Crustacea) in the Caspian Sea. M. Barazandeh1, B. Abtahi1, A. Javanshir2, A. Esmaeili Sari1 & S. Khodabandeh3

1- Marine Sciences Department, Natural Resources and Marine Sciences Faculty, Tarbiat Modarres University, Noor, Iran, phone: +98-1226253901, Email: [email protected]; 2- Caspian Ecology Research Center, Sari, Iran, phone: +981523462498, Email: [email protected]; 3- Marine Sciences Department, Natural Resources and Marine Sciences Faculty, Tarbiat Modarres University, Noor, Iran and University of Montpellier II, France.

Mnemiopsis leidyi, which belongs to the Phylum Ctenophora, has caused many ecological problems after entering the Caspian Sea. It seems that the high decrease in Kilka and also Sturgeons and Phocapopulation is related to the distribution of this Ctenophore in most regions of the Caspian Sea. Iran has a small share from polluting point of view, but it gets a much extensive part of pollution created by other countries because of the sea currents in the sea. For example oil and gas extraction, along with transportation and industrial production, has been the source of severe air, water, and soil pollution in the Caspian region. Any way study of different species sensitivity to its pollutants, is an important biological subject in the Caspian Sea to research and to this purpose we have used LC50 method with WAF of crude oil in this experiment. The determined sensitivity by this method at the same conditions can be used to compare various species sensitivity to different pollutants and as a result of it obtain their survival rate and competition ability in the sea. So in this study the acute toxicity of the Water Accommodated Fraction (WAF) of the crude oil to M. leidyiand Acartia clausi were determined and their LC50s for 96h were compared. The experiment was carried out in similar bottles containing 1 litre, 55 m filtered seawater and there were 10 individuals in each bottle. WAF of the crude oil was prepared according to the method of Anderson et al. One part of crude oil was mixed with nine parts of filtered sea water for 23 h, and then left to settle for 1 hour. The aqueous phase was collected and used as the stock solution for subsequent experiments. Toxicity tests were carried out under static conditions and consisted of 3 stages (Survival test, lethal range determination and main toxicity test). After calculating the mortality during 96 h in the main toxicity test, LC50 for these 2 species were


determined by Pharmacologic Calculation System software and the obtained results are: 3.311 and 0.148 ml/l for M. leidyi and A. clausirespectively. As you see the results show that Mnemiopsis leidyiseemed to be more resistant to WAF of the crude oil than A. clausi.This difference was probably caused mainly by the dissimilar composition of these 2 species structures. This study indicates that high resistance of M. leidyi to the marine pollutants in comparison with other marine zooplankton may be the main result of its highly distribution in the Caspian Sea and it is strongly recommended that further studies on the tolerance of M. leidyi population to various marine pollutants including other oil products, heavy metals and etc. be carried out and also can be compared with other marine organisms. Key words: Acartia clausi; Caspian Sea; Crude oil; LC50; Mnemiopsis leidyi; WAF.

Pain sensitivity of fishes and analgesia induced by opioid and nonopioid agents

L. S. Chervova1 & D. N. Lapshin2

1- Department of Ichthyology, Moscow State University, Moscow, Russia. Phone: +007(095)9394092. Email: [email protected]. 2 - Institute for Information Transmission Problems, Moscow, Russia. Phone: +007(095)9523303 Email: [email protected]

Experiments were performed on carp Cyprinus carpio, rainbow trout Oncorhynchus mykiss, cod Gadus morhua and sturgeon Acipenser ruthenus. An originally designed optico-mechanical system was used to record the response to painful electrical stimulation. Before and after administration of analgetic agents, drugs used were mu agonists’ tramadol, dermorphine and beta-casomorphine, kappa agonist U-50488, delta agonist DADLE, and nonopioid agents sydnophenum, analginum, novocainum. Drugs were administrated by different ways - peritoneally, subcutaneously, intranasally. Administration of drugs produced dose-dependent and lasting for at least 1 h increase of NT in 1.5-3 times. In rainbow trout, intranasal administration of dermorphine 0.20-0.75 mg/kg caused a concentration-dependent decrease in the pain sensitivity by 12-55%. The analgesic effect was usually observed within 10 min after administration and it lasted for at least 1 h (up to 2-3 h in some fish). In cod, intranasal administration of beta-casomorphine 2.5-12.5 mg/kg and peritoneal one 10-30 mg/kg decreased the pain sensitivity by 15-37% and 14-35%, respectively. In carp, nociceptive thresholds significantly increased following the


intramuscular injection of agonists’ mudelta, and kappa opioid receptors, tramadol 10-100 nmol/g, DADLE 10-50 nmol/g, and U-50488 30-80 nmol/g, respectively. Antinociceptive effects of opioid agents were blocked or significantly reduced by pretreatment with naloxone. In cod, injected peritoneally sydnophenum 15-100 mg/kg decreased the pain sensitivity by 15-89%. Intraperitoneal injection of 50% solution of analginum 0.5-2.5 ml/100g and subcutaneous one 0.25-1 ml/100g decrease the pain sensitivity by 16-21% and 29-45%, respectively. Local subcutaneous injections of 2% solution of novocainum blocked the nociceptive reactions. Stress significantly reduced nociceptive responses. Key words: analgesia, fish, nonopioids, opioids, pain

Survival of sturgeon fries by controlling submerged weeds

Y. Filizadeh1 & H. Ahmadi2

1- Department of Agronomy, Shahed University, Ramsar, Iran. 2- Mirza Koochak Khan Higher Fisheries Education Centre, Rasht, Iran.

Sturgeons are the most valuable aquatic animals in the Caspian Sea. Sturgeon fries at 100 mg weight easily trapped in heavy dense stands of submerged aquatic vegetation. Due to the often-detrimental impacts of submerged weeds on growth and mortality of young fish, removal of nuisance vegetation with minimal harm to sturgeon fries is a desirable goal. Paraquat (1,1´-dimethyl-4, 4´-bipyridinium ion) was evaluated at rates of 0, 0.5, 1, 2, 5, and 10 mg l-1 in the fish ponds for control of Potamogeton crispus, Ceratophyllum demersum,Myriophyllum spicatum and Hydrilla verticillata in the International Institute of Caspian Sea, Shahid Ansari and Shahid Beheshti fish research stations, Rasht, Iran during 1999-2000. Paraquat treatments were conducted on May 25, 1999 and June 10, 2000. The 5 mg l-1

treatments and above reduced biomass of all aquatic weeds by > 75%. Treatment of 10 mg l-1 reduced the biomass of aquatic weeds by > 90%; however this application rate also significantly reduced growth several desirable and non-target species such as Chara by > 90%.


Biomass of submerged weeds following the 0.5, 1, 2 mg l-1 application of paraquat were reduced 8, 12 and 26% respectively. Results showed the removal of competitive, canopy forming weeds such as P. crispus,C. demersum and M. spicatum open new areas and increased the survivability rate of sturgeon fries by 45%. Key words: sturgeons fries, fish ponds, submerged weeds, paraquat.

Reproduction and Embryonic Development of Comb jelly Mnemiopsis leidyi in the Southeast Caspian Sea Conditions S. Ghabooli1, B. Abtahi1, A. Javanshir2, J. Seifabadi1, T. A. Shiganova3

1- Marine Sciences Department, Natural Resources and Marine Sciences Faculty, Tarbiat Modarres University, Noor, Iran, phone: +98-1226253901, Email: [email protected]; 2- Caspian Ecology Research Center, Sari, Iran,, phone:+981523462498, Email: [email protected]; 3- Institute of Oceanography of Russian Academy of Sciences,Moscow, Russia, phone: +7951292327, Email: [email protected].

There are many studies on distribution and population dynamics of Mnemiopsis leidyi, but few were carried out on its fecundity rate and early life stages of M. leidyi . In this study we studied the fecundity rate individually (according to Individual Biologic Methods, IBM) and some early life stages of M. leidyi in southeast Caspian Sea conditions (higher salinity compared to north and middle regions) .We could observe three different stages of the larvae before hatching. Like other results, we could observe several categories and a range of variability of hatching time, fecundity rates (the fecundity was much lower than that reported from the Black Sea, with the maximum 558 eggs/day), reproduction size and temperature dependant mortality was also observed.Key words: Caspian Sea, early life stages, fecundity, Mnemiopsis leidyi


Food ecology of eurasian coot Fulica atra (L.) in Caspian Sea region in Golestan wetlands, Iran S. M. Ghasempouri1, H. R. Rezaee 2& S. Dantism3

1- Department of Environmental Science, Natural Resources Faculty of Tarbiat Modares University, Mazandaran, Noor 46414, Iran. Phone: +98-122-6253101 Email: [email protected]; 2- Department of Fisheries and Environment, Gorgan University, Iran. Email: [email protected]; 3- Department of Environmental Science, Allameh Mohaddes Noori University, Noor 46415, Iran

In order to primary study of Eurasian Coot Fulica atra (L.) in the wetland of Golestan province, after study of the general situation of wetlands and ecology of this species, during scientific visit of region, from the beginning of the fall until beginning of the winter (2000); hunting of Coot did during four months period and 21 Coot collected. This entire Coot studied morphologically. In this way that, collection of appearance characteristics including: biometry, measurement of body weight; and biologic characteristics including: intestine length, intestine weight and contents of gizzard (in order study of food habits) studied. After collecting of primary data, with using of two statistical methods, “Multiple regression” and “One way analysis of variance test” different variations compared with each other. The results show that correlation between volumes of undigested contents with volume of gravel, weight with body length, volume of digested contents with weight of digested contents, orderly for the first and second cases weren’t meaningful, and it was meaningful for the last one (used method: Multiple regression). The results of compared variations including: weight with regional code, volume of digested contents with regional code, intestine length with regional code, for the first and second case, show that there isn’t meaningful difference; But the last one shows a possibility of meaningful difference (used method: one way analysis of variance test). Key Words: coot, Caspian Sea region, ecology, food habit


Prospects for application of compound (diludine) for hydrobionts of Caspian Sea basin R. Goncharova1, A. Slukvin1, G. Duburs2, J. Uldrikis2, E. Bisenieks2

1-State Research Institution “Institute of Genetics and Cytology” of National Academy of Sciences of Belarus (SRI “IGC” NASB), 220072, Minsk, Akademicheskaya St., 27, REPUBLIC OF BELARUS, E-mail: [email protected]; 2-Latvian Institute of Organic Synthesis, 1006, Riga LV, Aizkraukles street 21, LATVIA, E-mail: [email protected]

The proposed compound (diludine– antimutagen, antioxidant, complexon) is a 1,4 – dihydroisonicotinic acid derivative and is applied as a feed additive for different animal species. There are the developed technology and techniques for applying the compound in fresh–and sea water aquaculture which were evaluated: in carp in clean and radio contaminated areas of the Republic of Belarus; in salmonid fishes in nurse–pond farms of Latvia and flounder under conditions of the fish–farms of the People’s Republic of China. The development technology for the agent application in fish allows a substantial increase in the efficiency parameters of its rearing, namely: 1) an increase in the reproductive parameters of the stripped fishes and improvement in the quality of their progeny (preventing developmental malformations and cytogenetic injuries) under both chronic technogenic impact and normal ecological conditions; 2) stimulation of the organism growth and development rate; 3) a rise in fish resistance to diseases and stress factors; 4) a decrease in 137 s concentration in fish germ cells and bodies; 5) an increase of the productivity in rearing fish in ponds and nurse–ponds.The agent characteristic: diludine is a crystalline powder of a yellow color with green fluorescence with weak specific smell, water insoluble, poorly soluble in ethyl alcohol, chloroform, vegetable oils and fats, with molecular weight of – 253,3 and melting point of – 183–187OC, compatible with vitamins included in premix composition. Diludine increases the tocopherol level in organism, reduces the peroxide content in liver and stabilizes carotene, vitamins A, D, E, vegetable oils and fats as antioxidant. The agent is absorbed in gastrointestinal tract and distributed comparatively evenly in organism. No residual quantities of the preparation are detected in organs and tissues in 72 hours. LD50 for mice at peroral administration of the preparation makes up 30000-mg/kg-body weight. The agent does not exhibit embryotoxic, mutagenic effect and is not accumulated in animal organism, no side–effects are observed by the agent


application. There are no contra–indications for its application. Diludine is used for animals in microdoses as a feed additive. The cost of the agent is 20 euro per 1 kg. The agent is produced by the firm “Pharmacia” (Latvia). Diludine application in aquaculture of Caspian sea basin can be an effective means for neutralizing anthropogenic pressure in hydrobionts and, as a result, for increasing its economic efficiency. Key words: dihydroisonicotinic, hydrobionts, diludine, cytogenetic, salmonid

Peculiarities of osmotic and ionic regulation in Caspianacipenserids

L. S. Krayushkina & O. G. SemenovaDepartment of Hydrobiology and Ichthyology, Biological faculty, St. Petersburg State University, St. Petersburg, Russia. Phone: 007 (812) 3213279. Fax: 007 (812) 4277310. E-mail: krayushkina@ mail.ru

Characteristic features of the mechanisms for the support of osmotic and ionic homeostasis in Caspian acipenserids species in sea water (12.5‰, 403 mosm/l) after their transfer from fresh water were studied. In experiment conditions immature fish in 2+ age of old were investigated: secondary freshwater species – sterlet Acipenser ruthenus L. (from Middle Volga) and diadromous species- Russian sturgeon A.gueldenstaedtii Br., starred sturgeon A. stellatus Pall., great sturgeon Huso huso (L.). Species peculiarities of osmotic and ionic regulation were revealed on the strength of the analysis of the dynamics of the osmolarity and cation concentrations (Na+, K+, Ca 2+, Mg 2+) in blood serum, the urine and intestinal liquid, the level of a cortisol in blood serum. In the experiments, secondary freshwater sterlet is adapted to sea water 12.5‰ as a conformer. In sea water the diadromous acipenserids after their transfer from fresh water are capable to support blood serum osmolarity on relative constancy level in a result of the transition from hyperosmotic regulation to hypoosmotic one. However functional level of the mechanism of osmotic and ionic homeostasis is not equal in different species. This level rises in a number of acipenserids in the direction “Russian sturgeon great sturgeon starred sturgeon”. Present data testify that osmo- and ion regulatory systems of young fish of the same species, which were investigated before in the age of 1.5-2.5 months (Krayushkina, 1983), are non-completed developed. The results of


present investigation can be allowed for the practice of sturgeon rearing in fishery farms. Key words: acipenserids, osmotic and ionic regulation, blood serum, urine, intestine liquid, cortisol.

Karyological study on Bighead gobie (Neogobius kessleri)in Mahmoud Abad (Caspian Sea)

A. Esmail1- M.R. Kalbasi2

1. Faculty of Natural Resources and Marine Sciences, University of Tarbiat Modares. P.O.Box: 46414-356. Nour, Iran. 2- E-mail: [email protected]

Karyological characters of Neogobius kessleri, in Caspian sea were studied by examining metaphase chromosome spreads from the kidney tissues. The examination of 30 metaphase spread prepared from 10 specimens indicated that the chromosome numbers of this species was found 2n=46 and the arm number was determined as NF=46. The prepared karyotype of this species was consisted of 23 pair’s acrotelocentric (at) chromosomes. The chromosome formula can be stated as 2n = 46(at). Karyological parameters show that relative length and length variation range of chromosomes are between 2.34-7.04,1.67-5.01 respectively and total length is 71.16µ. In this study, it was found that the best chromosomal spread quality were obtained from 40 µg/gr Colchicine injection, height dropping 120 cm, cooled slide with flame and %1 Tri-sodium Citrat as a hypotonic solution in 4ºC.Key words: Chromosome, Karyology, Bighead gobie, Neogobius kessleri, Mahmud abad-Iran.

Determination of Optimal Dietary Protein Level for Juvenile Beluga (Huso huso)A. M. Abedian1., M. Mohammadi1.& F. Shariatmadari2

Assi. Prof. Fisheries Department. Marine Science Faculty. Tarbiat Modares Univ. Noor. 46414-356, Mazandaran. Iran. Tel: 0122- 6253101-3, E-mail: [email protected], Asso. Prof. Animal Science Department, Agriculture Faculty, Tarbiat Modares Univ.

This study was conducted to determine dietary protein requirement of juvenile Beluga (Huso huso) with emphasis on amino acids balance. In this experiment six iso caloric diets with different levels of protein (25, 30, 35, 40, 45 and 50 %) prepared by using accessible materials.


Juvenile Beluga with an initial body weight of 100±10 g was fed satiation way during an 8-week experiment. Analysis of variance (One Way ANOVA) and Duncan’s multiple range test suggested that growth performances were significantly affected by the different levels of dietary protein (P<0.01). The growth performances involve body weight increase percentage, specific growth rate and yield increase, further the volume of feed and protein consumption per day increase significantly (P<0.01) as dietary protein increased from 25 to 50%, whereas there was no significant effect on cost index, feed conversion ratio, protein efficiency ratio and net protein utilization. The maximum and minimum mean of body weight increase percentage, specific growth rate and yield occurred at 50% and 25% dietary protein levels, respectively. As there was no significant difference (P<0.01) in feed conversion ratio and cost index between diets with different protein levels and high levels of protein (45-50) was the best, therefore volume nearly 23gr protein (dry matter)/day was suggested for growth of juvenile Beluga (100-300gr) based on used materials in this experiment. Key words: Diet, Protein, Amino Acid, Beluga (Huso huso).

Investigation on food competition between mullets (Liza spp) and kutum roach (Rutilus frisii kutum) along mazandaran coast of the Caspian Sea J. Seyfabadi¹, H. Negarestan² & N. Naeech 1- Marine Biology Dpartment, Marine Resources Faculty, Tarbiat Modarres University, Iran, Phone: +98-9122182335, Email: [email protected] 2- Fisheries Research Organization

The possibility of feeding competition between two groups of commercially important fishes, viz, mullets and kutum roach in the southern coast of the Caspian Sea along Mazandaran province was investigated using 213 randomly collected fish from three major beach seining sites. Feeding regimes were determined using numerical method, followed gravimetric method of the gut contents for further accuracy. Analysis of data was done using ANOVA and S.N.K. method. Emptiness or fullness of guts, food properties, frequency of prey occurrence index (Fp) was also determined. Results showed that feed priority for roach included barnacle, bivalves and crabs, while for mullets included foraminifers, ostracods, bivalves and gastropods. Fp for roach was found to include barnacle, bivalves


and crab, of which barnacle constituted about 61.7% of the gut contents; for mullets Fp included foraminifers, ostracods, bivalves and gastropods, of which foraminifers constituted about 64.2% of the gut contents. The investigation showed no feeding competition for the main items (benthos) in these fishes Key words: Caspian Sea, Food competition, Rutilus frisii, Liza spp.

The ecology of the Caspian Sea and the present status of sturgeon stocks in this ecosystem A. Shariati Ministry of Agricultural Jehad

In this study, the Caspian Sea – the biggest lake of the world has been thoroughly described using precise data. The ecological and hidrobiological characteristics of this immense lake, the major rivers flowing into it as well as the water shed areas will briefly be analyzed. The commercially important fish species will also be evaluated particularly reference will be made to the global prominence of the Caspian Sea because of the existence of several precious Caviar fish species in this lake. In this respect, various facts & figures representing the present & past status of sturgeon fisheries in the Caspian Sea will be provided. Reference will also be made to various factors affecting the decrease or increase of fish resources, including over-fishing, destruction of fish nursery grounds, pollution of the natural habitats caused by introduction of industrial sludge, sewage & agricultural run- off and pollution caused by oil-rigging. Meanwhile, the effects of the disintegration of former Soviet Union should not be overlooked, since there used to be greater protection of the highly valuable sturgeon resources. In order to prevent such destructive trends, suggestions are provided that might secure sustainable utilization of the precious sturgeon resources of the Caspian Sea. Key words: hidrobiological, Caviar fish, Caspian Sea, pollution


The pattern of Caspian Sea penetration into the Anzali Wetland, Iran M. Sharifi Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Razi University, Kermanshah, Iran. Phone: +98-831-4274545 Email: [email protected]

Long term fluctuation of the Caspian Sea level and increase in pollution loads in the Anzali basin have dramatically influenced water quality in the Anzali wetland by increasing the extent of salt water penetration and increasing anaerobic condition at the bottom of wetland. To understand the extent of Caspian Sea penetration into the Anzali wetland, the water salinity was measured at different depths along six transacts at the mouth of the wetland and along five tributaries connecting the wetland to the sea. The results demonstrated a depth-dependent salinity gradient extending up to 10 kilometers into the wetland. The pattern of saltwater and freshwater interface presented in this study indicates that greatest loss of water quality in the wetland occurs where the input of polluted effluent coincides with the penetration of the saline water. Key words: Anzali Wetland, Caspian Sea, salinity gradient

Ecotourism in the Iranian coasts of the Caspian Sea S. M. Takrimi Member of board of academy Mirza Koochak Khan Higher Fisheries Education Center, Phone: +98-132-3382800 Email: Tackrimi @yahoo.com

The newly born ecotourism industry is growing fast in nearly all communities due to various reasons. The new industry enjoys good prospects to such an extent that many countries are pinning their hope on the profits gained out of ecotourism. It is evident that in order to further facilitate the growth of such industry greater emphasis should be given to research that aim at identifying the effective factors in the development of ecotourism with a view on sound conservation & management policies as well as sustainable exploitation of the resources. These are, in fact, some of the prerequisites that have to be seriously taken into account. Though often richly endowed with cultural, historical & natural attractions, the developing countries still witness a low contribution of ecotourism in their GNP.


This calls for collective cooperation in identifying the barriers and later on, paving the way for developing ecotourism industry in these countries.Iran is also among those countries that enjoy numerous tourist attraction sites. Providing susceptible grounds for the development of ecotourism industry, such high potentials for tourist attraction portend vibrant business and lucrative jobs for all those who enter this field of activity. Besides, it can provide a good source of income for the country thus increasing Iran’s share of ecotourism income to an accepted global level .The biodiversity & various climatic conditions in Iran create unique environmental features particularly along the Iranian side of the Caspian Sea a short review of such potential tourist attractions may help trigger a better insight for effective management & sustainable exploitation of resources as a profitable source of income for people. Key words: ecotourism, development, Caspian

Obligatory aquatic fungi and fungi-like organisms of Caspian Sea

E. A. Kuznetsov Department of Hydrobiology, Faculty of Biology, Moscow State Lomonosow University, Vorobyovy gory, 119992 Moscow, Russia; [email protected]

Complex studies of obligatory aquatic zoosporic fungi and fungi-like organisms were conducted for the first time in different parts of Caspian Sea: in freshened waters of the northern part, in salty central and southern parts, and also in the hyperhaline Kara-Bogaz-Gol Bay (before creation of the dam isolating it from the main sea basin). 79 species were found (including 44 parasitic ones) belonging to 4 kingdoms (Fungi, Protoctista, Mycomyxina, Stramenopila) traditionally considered by mycologists as "fungi" In the mycoplankton saprotrophic fungi with a short development cycle (3—8 h) dominated: in the salty parts of Caspian Sea they were rep[resented by thraustochytrids, in the freshened parts — by chytrids. The most prominent development of them was achieved in coastal and shallow parts with the depth no more than 10 m. The number of fungal propagules (mainly zoospores having the diameter 3 to 5 ) in such biotopes may reach dozens thousands in 1 ml, their biomass being 1 to 6 mg in 1 ml. Zoospores lack a rigid, hardly being decomposed wall (thus differing from spores of higher fungi) and are perfectly well assimilated by animals-filtrators, what is necessary to take into account


when analyzing their nutritional base and in trophological studies. In mycobenthos mycelial forms of saprotrophic fungi dominated, which were also good food for detritophages and benthophages. The presence of a large quantity of parasitic fungal species on algae and invertebrates may, under certain conditions (e.g., in case of pollution or change in the thermal regime), undermine the nutritional base of aquatic animals, including those being of a commercial interest. In freshened parts of Caspian Sea on injured fish (including sturgeon ones) and their caviar saprolegnids were frequently found. Key words: propagules, propagules, saprolegnids, detritophages, mycobenthos mycelial

The feeding preferences of grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella Val.) for ten aquatic plants Y. Filizadeh1*, H. Ahmadi2 & K. Zolfinejad3

1-Department of Agronomy, Shahed University, Ramsar, Iran, 2- Mirza Koochak Khan Higher Fisheries Education Centre, Rasht, Iran, 3 -Guilan Research and Training Fishery, Bandar-Anzali, Iran.

Heavy dense stands of submerged and free floating weeds causes numerous problems in the Iranian freshwater systems. Aquatic weeds interfere with agricultural irrigation, restrict recreation and fish production, and has a detrimental effect on dissolved oxygen concentrations. A widely used method of controlling aquatic weeds in through the use of herbivorous fish, including grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella). The feeding preferences of the grass carp (C. idella) for 10 aquatic plants were examined in 2 replicate experiments under field and fiberglass conditions. Individual grass carp (45-70 g) were placed in aerated, large outdoor tanks that hold approximately 2500 liter of water with randomly assigned individual plants during the 168-hr period and fish - ponds for 90 days. Results showed that grass carp preferring succulent young plans and will not control all types of aquatic weeds. The grass carp preferred plants in the following order in both experiments: [1] Lemna minor, [2] Chara sp., [3] Najas guadalupensis. [4] Hydrilla verticillata, [5] Potamogeton pectinatus, [6] P. perfoliatus, [7] P. crispus, [8] Azolla filiculo problemides., [9] Ceratophyllum demersum., and [10] Myriophyllum spicatum.Key words: Ctenopharyngodon idella, Biological control, Aquatic plant management.


The study of day-night effects of temperature on growing Asepencer baeri species M. A. Yazdani Sadati1 & V. A. Vlasov1

Department of Aquaculture, Moscow Agricultural Science Academy named after Timiriazev, P.O. Box 127550, No. 45, Timiriazevskaya St., E-mail: [email protected], tell: +7(916)3030991

Asepenceridae family with the long history of life is one of the most valuable caviar fishes because of the importance of meat and caviar in global trademark. Their main survey is extended in Caspian Sea with up to 80% of global caching. Unfortunately, because of ecological changes created in their life environment and also the human disturbing effects such as over-caching, the increase of industrial and agricultural pollutions have been resulted to decrease their total population. Thus, IUCN and Also CITES have limited the traditional caching to special rules. One of the effective ways to protect the species and to avoid over-caching is the cultivation in artificial conditions in fishery pools aimed to obtain meat and caviar. Asepencer baeri species has high cultivation ability in artificial conditions and matures within 6-7 years to produce caviar, while in natural conditions 12-16 years is necessary. In this study with investigating and obtaining biotechnical aspects necessary to the cultivation, were studied the day-night effects of temperature on its growth. The obtained results showed that temperature changes were directly correlated with respiration measure and was resulted to decrease consumed energy wastes necessary for the life actions, which ultimately was resulted to increase in the fish growth. Key words: Asepencer baeri, aquaculture, temperature mode

Taste preferences in fish and prospects for application of taste stimulants in aquaculture A. KasumyanDepartment of Ichthyology, Moscow State University, 119899 Moscow, Russia. Phone: +007-095-9392725 Email: [email protected]

Systematic investigations of fish taste preferences have only been performed during the last 10-15 years. Searching fish taste stimulants it was shown that many of free amino acids, betaine, nucleotides, nucleosides, amines, organic acids, salts and sugars had the same effect


on feeding intake as a natural food extract. It was found that fish taste preferences are highly species specific and the differences among fish species are apparent when comparing the width and composition of spectra for both stimulants and deterrents. There is strong similarity in taste preferences between geographically isolated fish populations of the same species and there is similarity in taste preferences in males and females although taste preferences at the individual level may vary dramatically among conspecifics. Taste responses are more stable and invariable for highly palatable substances than for substances with a low level of palatability. There is a correspondence between oral and extraoral taste preferences in the same fish species; however, there is no correlation between smell and taste preferences. Taste preferences in fish show low plasticity (in relation to the diet), appear to be determined genetically and seem to be patroclinous. Fish feeding motivation and various environmental factors like water temperature and pollutants such as heavy metals and low pH water may shift fish taste preferences. The growing world fish aquaculture demands sources for less expensive food for the fish. The use of additives that improve the palatability of artificial food for fish is a probable application. The eventual incorporation of feeding stimulants into diets consisting of cheap and normally non-palatable protein sources may be of practical significance to the fish farming industry. It will minimize wastage and the potentially deleterious effects of waste food on water quality. Introducing of taste stimulants into modern fish feeds improved the feed intake and significantly increased the ad libitummetabolizable energy of the diets, which resulted in an increase in fish growth. If fish are fed to satiation with a diet of poor palatability and then given a more palatable diet, they will begin eating again until they reach a new satiation level. It has been shown that fish digests artificial food with good chemosensory characteristics more effectively. Another possible application of feeding stimulants may be to mask deterrent ingredients of diets like unpalatable plant proteins used as substitutes for fish meal protein and certain antibiotics. Supplement of feeding stimulants might mask such ingredients and improve of feed intake. The palatability of artificial food might also be raised by removing the components with bad taste or by replacing those components with equivalents, which do not provoke negative taste responses.Key words: aquaculture, chemoreception, feeding behaviour, fish, taste


The survey of invasion effects of Cetenophora (Mnemiopsis Leidyi) on ecosystem of southern Caspian seaH. Ramzani Aquaculture Department, Ecological Academy of the caspian sea, Sari, Iran, P. O.Box 961., Phone: 0098- 0152- 346- 2498, 9, Fax: 0098- 0152- 346- 2495, E-mail: [email protected]

Caspian Sea is the largest lake in the world that its extent is 438000 km sqr. Caspian Sea takes into a count the largest lake in the world. It is located between Iran, Russian Federal Republic, Azarbaijan, Turkamanstan and Kazakhstan countries. Caspian sea has 114 species, 63 subspecies and 114 fish race. This ecosystem is one of rare aquatic ecosystem in the world. In the recent years, this ecosystem is exposed to threat by invasion of Mnemiopsis Leidyi (Ctenophora). Despite planktons are important in food chain of aquatic ecosystem. The planktonic survey carried out by ten tones vessel in less than 10m and 2500 tones vessel (Gilan ship) in more than 10 m in the Caspian Sea. This survey took place before entrance years of cetenophore (1994-1996) and after entrance of ctenophore (1999-2000). The comparison of this survey indicated that the main changes of densities percentage and biomass of planktons observed. Before 1997 in phytoplankton groups cryophyte phylum has been dominant phytoplankton in the southern Caspian Sea where as 1999-2000 years, pyrophyto phylum has shown large increase in summer and autumn seasons. Also, the zooplankton changes showed in coastal areas of Caspian Sea in 1991. The vertical and horizontal distribution of zooplankton varied in depths. The majority of zooplankton contains arthropoda phylom, copepoda order, naupli, cladocera order and rotiforia phylum. In 2001, during sampling from 50m depths, the marked decreasing in the percentage of zooplankton population observed. The general of eurytemora, calanipeda, podon, polyphemus and synchaeta in zooplankton population of Caspian sea were not observed. After entrance years of cetenophora the survey showed the decrease of biomass in copepoda order. This decreasing is synchronous with increasing of cetenophora biomass in many coastal areas, Before entrance of cetenophora, kilka catch reached from 90000 up to 95000 tones, but after entrance of cetenophora, in 1998 –1999 this figure was decreased, this figure reached to 45000 tones in 2001, annually, the decreasing had social and economical effects. The cooperation of


marginal countries in the Caspian Sea, policy markers and university community want to biological challenge against cetenophora of Caspian Sea. Key words: Caspian Sea, Mnemiopsis Leidyi, Phytoplankton, Zooplankton, Kilka.

Studying the role of Caspian Sea on Precipitation condition in the shores of the north of Iran H. R. Moradi Assistant professor of Natural Resource College of Tarbiat Modares university, watershed management Dep., Mazandaran, Noor, Tel: 0122-6253101, Fax: 0122-6253499, Email: [email protected]

Caspian Sea, the largest lake of the word, has a special role in environment circumstances of its regions. In this research, we have considered the role of Caspian Sea in precipitation in the shores of the north of Iran country. Results show that three kinds of air mass and pressure system affect precipitation in the south shores of Caspian Sea: Siberia high pressure, low- pressure systems and emigrant anticyclones. Between those factors, most precipitation originates from Siberia high pressure, while most and strangest precipitation originates from emigrant anticyclones. Evaporation that produce by Caspian Sea, provide moisture for precipitation that originated from Siberia high pressure, while moisture for low pressure and part of moisture for emigrant anticyclones, provide from black sea, Mediterranean and Atlantic Ocean. Necessary condition for tacking place of density precipitation in area while provide when in the south shores of Caspian sea in the surface of the earth settle a high pressure ridge that resulted from cold air expansion and exit a trough in the middle and upper level of atmosphere. It should be point out that cold airflow from high latitude to the south shores of Caspian Sea cause in increase of air pressure in area. With due attention to season and high temperature of seawater, when cold air pass over sea. The lower part of it become warm and humid and consequently become unstable. This humid and unstable air will be driven to the south coasts of sea by a anticyclone airflow. The exit of Trough in the upper level support ascent of airflow. So, Higher of pressure in the surface of the earth and deeper of the trough in the upper level lead to more expectation of more intensity precipitation.Key words: Caspian Sea, Precipitation of The north coasts of Iran, Synoptic maps, Iceland emigrant low pressure and Siberia high pressure


Metal Ion-mediated Oxidative Stress is Associated with Increased Cell Membrane and DNA Damage in Carp Gill Suspensions. M. Arabi Department of Biology, Animal Physiology lab., Shahrekord University, Shahrekord, Iran, Telefax: 98381- 4424419, [email protected]

Reducing the number of fish due to water contamination is a paradox to heavy demands. Due to direct exposure of gills in the water, it has been dominantly accepted that they are the main site to water contamination and toxicity (e.g. metal ions). In the present study we attempted to investigate the metal ion contamination on the functional capacity of Carp gill cells with antioxidants interactions as an in vitrostudy. The extent of cellular membrane damage/LPO (as TBARS levels), GSH content, were investigated after addition of two metal ion compounds viz. CuSo4 and HgCl2 in various concentrations 300, 500, 700, 1000 and 3000 µM to gill cells preparation of freshwater Fish Carp (Cyprinus carpio L.) with modulations by BSA (0.5 & 1.0 %) and DMSO (0.5 %) as free radical scavengers .The Comet assay technique was also performed for the highest concentrations of two mentioned metal ions as an index to DNA breaks. The outcomes were:(a) Copper and mercury increased the rate of LPO dose-dependently (r = + 0.995 and r = + 0.993 respectively, p< 0.001) but the GSH content was only marginally affected (r = -0.787 and r = -0.844 respectively, p <0.05). (b) Depleting of GSH molecules by copper had a wider range than mercury. (c) In the highest concentration of metal ions (3000 µM) both DMSO and 1.0% BSA showed a pro-oxidative potential to elevate the levels of TBARS (p<0.001) but for other concentrations when supplemented with three scavengers, it was found a fall in the levels of the latter. (d) Addition of 1.0 % BSA to medium containing 3000 µM of metal ions caused a significant decline in GSH content (p<0.01). (e) Copper and mercury could imposed high rate of DNA breaks (single-stranded) in Carp gill cell suspensions as a Comet appearance. These findings indicate that, copper and mercury have deleterious influence on membrane integrity and GSH content as well in a relative dose-dependent manner. The complexes of metal ions and thiol (-SH) residues of cell proteins could also act as a more potential cell toxicant leading to disturbances in cell


functions towards cell death. DNA fragmentation is frequent in metal ion contamination. Key words: contamination, heavy demands, antioxidants, DNA, Cyprinus carpio

Toxicity and LC50 of phenol and naphthol in Abramis brama and Rutilus frisii kutum fingerlings F. Shariati,1 A. Esmaili Sari2 & M. Piri3

1-Islamic Azad University, Lahidjan, P.O.BOX: 1616,Tel: (0141) 2229081-4, E-mail: [email protected]; 2- Faculty of Natural Resources and Marine Sciences, Tarbiat Modarres University, P.O.Box: 46414-356 Noor, Iran; 3- Golestan Fisheries Research Center, P.O.Box: 130 Gorgan, Iran

Acute toxicity of phenol and 1-naphthol compounds in vitro were studied in the bream Abramis brama orientalis and the carp Rutilusfrisii kutum. Tests were conducted in static system for a period of 96 hours. Important physical and chemical parameters in water such as temperature, pH, dissolved oxygen, hardness and electrical conductivity were monitored during the experiment. Tests were conducted using 5 different treatments and 3 replicates were run for each treatment. Results obtained were analyzed statistically using computer-based software including statgraph, Quatro pro and Probit Analysis. LC50 96h for phenol and 1-naphthol were 2.1593 and 2.5188 mg l-1,respectively in R. frisii kutum and 25.1880 and 2.8490 mg l-1,respectively in A. brama orientalis. The Maximum Allowable Concentration (MAC) for phenol was 2.1593 mg l-1 in R. frisii kutumand 2.5188 mg l-1 in A. brama orientalis, whereas that for 1-naphthol was 0.2154 mg l-1 in R. frisii kutum and 0.2849 mg l-1 in A. brama orientalis. It is evident from the results obtained that R. frisii kutum is more vulnerable to phenol and 1-naphthol toxicity as compared to A.brama and 1-naphthol compounds are more toxic than phenolic compounds for both species. Key words: Abramis brama orientalis, acute toxicity, LC50, 1-naphthol, Phenol,


Fish-eating bird's diversity of south coast of Caspian Sea B. BehrouziradAssist. Prof.,Faculty of Natural Resources and Marine Science, Tarbiat modarres university, E-Mail: [email protected]

There are 61 species in 14 families of fish-eating birds in Iran. The fish -eating birds of the Iranian coast of Caspian Sea belong to 41 species in 10 families, which include 61 percent of total fish eating bird species and 70 percent of bird family of Iran. Resident birds constitute 13 percent of the fish -eating birds of the Caspian Sea coast and the rest are migratory in autumn and winter. There exist 3 threatened species of fish-eating birds of the world at the Iranian coast of Caspian Sea, which are Oxyura leucocephala, Phalacrocorax pygmeus, andPelecanus crispus wintering in the south coast wetlands of the region.17 percent of the fish-eating birds of the Iranian coast of Caspian Sea are aquatic, 5 percent terrestrial and 78 percent wadding. The P. carbo is the wintering and breeding migratory in the wetlands of the region, which feed in the fish ponds. The main habitat of these birds is Miankaleh and Amirkelayeh wildlife refuge, Anzaly marsh and Mouth of Sefidrood River of the Ramsar Site. O. lecucephala, P. pygmeus and P. crispus are protected species and the rest are not allowed to be eaten by Islamic rule, for the same reason they are not being threatened by man Key words: breeding, Caspian Sea, fish-eating bird, wintering, Iran.

Determination of heavy metals content in the water, sediments and muscle of crayfish, Astacus leptodactylus, in southern coasts of Caspian Sea (Abbasa River of Nour city)

S. V. Hosseini, S. M. Amininasab, R. Tahergorabi, A. E. Sari & S. Bor Fishery Department, Faculty of Natural Resources and Marine Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Iran. Phone: +98-122-6253102, Email: [email protected]

Rivers are one of the sensitive ecosystems because of their conditions. Rivers are important source of pollutant accumulation that determination between absorption demand and heavy metals content in benthic samples is one of the most important indices for pollution determination. Sampling of water, sediments and muscle of Crayfish,


Astacus leptodactylus, had been conducted on six stations of river. Then, Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (A.A.S) determined the heavy metals chemical analyses of the samples. Mean rate of Cu, Pb, Cd, Cr, Zn, Ba and Fe in water of inspected stations was 6.95, 1.33, 2.62, 3.28, 124.2, 134.96 and 5.06 mg/l, respectively, that aren’t suitable to drink (in the base of global standards), although this water can be used for agriculture and aquaculture. Also, heavy metals content in the sediments had been in the tolerance ranges for aquatic animals. Mean contents of heavy metals in the muscle of Crayfish, A. leptodactylus, inspected stations are 45.73, 2.44, 3.27, 184.20, 145.12 and 9.66 for Cu, Pb, Cd, Cr, Zn, Ba and Fe respectively (mg/kg dry weight) that is less than range of sanitary standards for human consumes. There is significant correlation between heavy metals contents in water, sediments and Crayfish, A. leptodactylus, in Abbasa River.Key words: Heavy metals, Pollution, Crayfish, Astacus leptodactylus, Caspian Sea, Abbasa River. Iran.

Karyotype analysis in Schizothorax zarudnyi from Hamoon Lake S. V. Hosseini1 & Mo.R. Kalbassi1

1- Fishery Department, Faculty of Natural Resources and Marine Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Iran. Phone: +98-122-6253102 Email:[email protected]

Karyological characters of Schizothorax zarudnyi, in Hamoon lake of Iran were studied by examining metaphase chromosome spreads from the kidney tissues. The examination of 85 metaphases spread prepared from 20 fingerling specimens indicated that the chromosome numbers of this species was found 2n=96 and the arm number was determined as NF=142. The prepared karyotype of this species was consisted of 9 pairs of metacentric (m), 14 pairs submetacentric (sm) and 25 pairs subtelocentric (st) chromosomes. The chromosome formula can be stated as 2n = 9m + 14sm + 25st. Karyological parameters shown that centromeric index, arm ratio, relative length and so length variation range of chromosomes of this fish are between 25.00 – 49.24, 1.03 – 3.55, 0.88 – 4.13 and 14.57 – 67.70 respectively and total length of chromosome is 1639.16µm. The largest chromosome in this species is


a pair of the submetacentric chromosome. The sex chromosomes were cytologically indistinguishable. With respect to the number of S. zarudnyi chromosomes and resistant of this fish to the environmental conditions, it seems to be tetra ploid origin fish. Key words: Karyotype, Chromosome, Schizothorax zarudnyi, Hamoon

The use of GIS environment on contamination resources hazardous degree assessment in Gilan province H. Khoshravan Coastal management office Caspian Sea research and study national center, Tel: 0151 – 2261405, E- mail: [email protected]

Gilan as an Iranian northern province surrounded between Caspian Sea and Alborz mountains chain has a special climate i.e. Khazari Mediterranean climate that gives potentials of a agricultural and tourist attraction to the province. In addition, some parts of Caspian Sea watershed are located in this province. Growth of population, urban development, industrial and agricultural activities and obtaining natural sources applies environmental pollution risks on the valuable and sensitive ecosystem of the province. This research assesses environmental pollution sources of the coastal province of Gilan, Iran. In fact, after collecting data on pollution sources such as industries, mines, agriculture and related activities, municipal and rural communities and installations, mineral springs, and hydrocarbon sources, a database of the sources developed. A Universal Ranking System Model (URSM) created by defining indexes presenting characteristics of every kind of the sources as an environmental pollution risk source and assigning an importance number to every index and using Fuzzy theory to translating linguistic phrases to mathematical language. Then, all data on the pollution sources introduced to a Geographic Information System i.e. ArcView GIS and by composing the GIS environment with MS Excel software computational environment, the ranking model of URSM applied on the data. As a result, scale of relative risk of every pollution source in comparison with other sources of its kind and also other kinds determined. Then, by fractionating the province to 109 zones, zones with high pollution sources highlighted.


Finally, by composing the results of risk assessment with field surveys in addition to previous reported pollution monitors the needed conditions for the future pollution control programs obtained. Key words: Mediterranean climate, urban development, GIS, URSM, environment

Invasion of ctenophore Mnemiopsis leidyi into the Caspian Sea and measures to control of its population size. T. A. Shiganova P.P.Shirshov Institute of oceanology RAS, Nakhimovsky prosp.,36,117997, Moscow,Russia, Email: [email protected]

Zooplanktivorous ctenophore Mnemiopsis leidyi was introduced into the Black Sea with ballast waters from the ships in early 1980s. Its native habitat is in temperate to subtropical estuaries along the Atlantic coast of North and South America, where it is found in an extremely wide range of environmental conditions. M. leidyi had explosive outbreak in the Black Sea and expanded into the Azov, Marmara, and eastern Mediterranean through the straits and in some its areas with ballast waters, and recently into the Caspian Sea with ballast waters of the oil tankers. Thus the Black Sea became second donor area for Mnemiopsis invasion for the seas of Mediterranean basin and the Caspian Sea. It was determined that the relatively high salinity (18-22‰), high temperature and high prey (zooplankton) concentration are the most important conditions for M. leidyi population growth in recipient areas. As a result, during ten years M. leidyi became the most distributed in different conditions of the estuaries and coastal areas of the World Ocean and its effect on the ecosystems in native and particularly in nonnative habitats and economical loss may estimate in millions US dollars. In 1997 GEZAMP suggested introducing another ctenophore Beroe ovata, a specialized predator for zooplanktivorous ctenophore like M. leidyi. to control its population in the Black Sea. These suggestions were not implemented in time, but B. ovataappeared in the Black Sea spontaneously as M.leidyi from the same area. The Black Sea ecosystem began rapidly to recover. Using this positive natural example we performed experiments testing the feasibility of B. ovata introduction as an effective predator on M.leidyi to the Caspian Sea. Our experiments in the Caspian Sea water showed that B. ovata could live at minimal salinity 7-8 ‰, could feed


on Mnemiopsis, had normal metabolism rate and could reproduce at the minimal salinity 10‰. But optimal salinity with higher reproduction rate was estimated at 11.00 ‰ and higher. Ovae obtained at this salinity could develop, larvae hatched and continued development and growth.Thus physiological evidence suggests that in Caspian water with salinity 10-13‰, B. ovata reproduces, grows and ingests M. leidyi. Released to the sea, it could establish reproducing population. This salinity is characteristic for the Middle and Southern Caspian, and it is a main area of Mnemiopsis distribution. If we could receive positive effect after Beroe introduction it would be important event of man’s actions on recovering Caspian biodiversity and fishery. Key words: ctenophore, Beroe ovata, zooplanktivorous, predator

Bacterial count in waters with depths of less than 10 meters in south of Caspian Sea

H. Kiakojoory & M. Kamgar Ecology Research Station of Caspian Sea, Nowshahr, Mazandaran province, IRAN, P.O.Box 498,Telefax:0192367 2657, Email: [email protected]

Bacterial count has been done in the form of the large project “hydrology and hydrobiology of southern cousin of Caspian Sea in the depths of less than 10 m” in 4 progressive seasons since 1999 to 2000. There are 10 sampling lines which are perpendicular to sea shore in Mazandaran and Golestan providences.In every line, 5 stations were assigned and 12 samples were caught in every party and every line. The method was bacterial plate count with 5 dilutions 10-2,10-3,10-4,10-

5,10-6 in nutrient agar prepared with sea water. Also warm blooded animal coliforms as representative organisms of pollution were detected. The lines Khazarabad and Tonekabon had the most abound bacteria and coliforms in all stations, the sediment counts were more than the count of the water column. More bacterial count have been seen in stations far from the shore that sludge drainage is low in cold seasons, oppositely more bacterial count were in stations near the shore in warm seasons and this phenomenon is synchronized with the data obtained from “sediment sorting”.Key words: Caspian Sea – bacterial - coliform count


The comparison of some important hematological and serum biochemical parameters in healthy and diseased Golden grey mullet (Lisa auratus) fishes in southern coasts of Caspian Sea. A. A. Saeedi1, H. A. Khoshbavr Rostami 1, M. Kamgar1, Z. Rezvani 1,

M. J. Zorriehzahra 2 & I. Sharifpour 2

1. Ecology Research Station of Caspian Sea, Nowshahr, Mazandaran province, IRAN, P.O.Box 498, Telefax:0192367 2657, 2. Aquatic Animal Health and Diseases Dept., Iranian Fisheries Research Institute, (IFRO), Tehran, Iran. E.mail: [email protected]

Unknown acute morbidity has recently been occurred in Golden grey mullet fish of Caspian Sea. First announcement of the morbidity was reported from Lisa auratus species in Ziba- kenar beach of Guilan province in Feb.2004. The affected fish weighted 200-250 g and clinical signs of the moribund fishes were erratic swimming behavior such as; spiral and belly-up at rest, lethargic appearance without any surface erosion. The post-mortem findings in affected fish which observed were gas accumulation and high distention in swim bladder, yellowish liver, liquefaction of gall in gall bladder, presence of excess micro sand accumulation in ceacum with hyper anemia of intestine. In order to investigate the etiology of the mortality, some hematological parameters include erythrocyte and Leukocyte count, hemoglobin, packed cell volume (PCV), mean corpuscular volume (M.C.V), mean corpuscular hemoglobin (M.C.H), mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (M.C.H.C), leukocyte differential count and biochemical parameter of serum such as serum glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase(S.G.O.T) were examined .About 60 blood samples from L. auratus fish (30 diseased and 30 healthy)were obtained and compared. This comparison revealed that erythrocyte count, hemoglobin and packed cell volume were highly decreased in diseased fishes. So this differences in compare with healthy fishes were significant (p<0.05), but the amount of M.C.V, M.C.H and M.C.H.C were natural. The results showed that the diseased fishes faced a normocytic normochoromic anemia. The number of leukocyte (W.B.C) was highly decreased in diseased fishes .In this case the diseased fish had leukocopenia. On the other side the enzyme amount (S.G.O.T) was highly increased in diseased fishes. Among the leukocytes and S.G.O.T there were significant


differences in two groups of L. auratus fishes. The normocytic normochoromic anemia, leukopenia and increase of S.G.O.T in diseased fishes could be considered as an indicator of presence of probably a viral agent in the affected fishes. More investigation and comprehensive research project would be necessary to clarify and define the causative agent of the disease in the affected fishes Key words: Caspian Sea, Liza, Leukocyte, Erythrocyte, Hemoglobin, Haematocrit, Index of blood, transaminas enzyme, disease

Changing urban landscapes in Southern Caspian Sea region; Land invasion and urban mal-growth S. Lotfi Assistant Professor, Department of Urban Planning, University of Mazandaran E-mail: [email protected]

It is expected that at the first decade of the 21-century almost half of the world population likely to live in urban areas, where most resources will be consumed and most waste and pollution would be produced. There is a general agreement that the current pattern of urban growth has led environmental degradation. The rate of urbanization has increased due to some urban policies in context of construction control in the recent years in Iran. Under these circumstances the southern part of Caspian Sea has rapidly gained considerable attention for urban development. This paper tries to explore the extension and depth of urban physical growth on the agricultural areas. The intention is to provide a basis for better understanding and assessing how the new urban policies caused land invasion and urban land use changes at the cost of environmental damage in the region. Key words: Urban planning, Caspian Sea, land invasion


Effect of photoperiod on growth indices, stress and biochemical levels in one year old reared beluga sturgeon (Huso huso)F. Askarian1, M. Bahmani2, R. Kazemi3 & M. Mohseni4

1-Islamic azad university,Science and Research branch,Agriculture and Natural Resources faculty,Fisheries Group, Ph.D Course -Young Researchers Club,(E-mail:[email protected]); 2,3-Dep. of Phisiology and Biohemistry,International sturgeon Research Institute,P.O.BOX:41635-3464,Rasht,Iran. 4-Dep. of Breeding and Rearing,International sturgeon Research Institute,P.O.BOX:41635-3464,Rasht,Iran

In this research 56 one year old beluga sturgeon (average of initial weight and total lengh was 475.94+2.91 and 49.13+0.22 respectively) were subjected to four different light regimes including natural photoperiod (NP),continuos dark (0L:24D),continuos light (24L:0D) and long day regime (16L:8D) from April to October of 2003.The following experiment was undertaken to determine the effect of photoperiod on growth, stress (cortisol and glucose) and biochemical (triglycerid and cholestrol) levels in oen year reard beluga. As compared with other treatments, exposure to continuous light regime resulted in higher weight (816.61+31.34 gr),total lengh(59.13+ 0.62 cm),conditionfactor (0.75+0.007%), growth rate (0.018+0.77 gr),specifc growth rate (0.78+0.09%) and finally the lowest FCR (1.98+0.09).Cortisol, glucose, triglycerid and cholesterol were reported 16.26 + 2.79 nmol/dl, 44.17+2.75 mg/dl, 347.68 +2 4.79 mg/dl and 76.11 + 4.95 mg/dl in cotrol treatment, 18.00 + 1.81 nmol/dl, 54.39+2.89 mg/dl, 443.48+32.99mg/dl and 84.55+ 5.71mg/dl in continuos dark treatment, 18.72+ 2.21 nmol/dl, 49.18+2.12 mg/dl, 367.30+19.43 mg/dl and 67.21+ 3.80 mg/dl in continuos light treatment and 23.84 + 3.06 nmol/dl,53.01+2.62 mg/dl, 397.60 + 23.18 mg/dl and 91.41 + 6.51 mg/dl in long day regime. The results reveal that there is a positive relation between growth indices and increase of daylength in one year old beluga sturgeon and they get physiological acclimatization in different light regimes. Key words: Beluga sturgeon, photoperiod, growth indices, stress, biochemical level


Virology, molecular biology and histopathology investigations on mortality of wild golden grey mullet (Liza-auratus) in Iranian waters of Caspian Sea M. J. Zorriehzahra1; D. K. Gomez 2; T. Nakai 2; I. Sharifpour 3; Ch. Sh. Chi 4; M. Soltani 5; M. Sh. Rohani6 & A. A. Saidi 7

1, 3, 6 - Aquatic Animal Health & Diseases Dept., Iranian Fisheries Research Institute, (IFRO),Tehran, Iran E-mail: [email protected] Tel: 009821-6919152 Mobile: 0098912-107-5728 Fax: 009821-6420732; 2- Graduate School of Biosphere Science, Hiroshima University, Higashihiroshima 739-8528, Japan; 4- Dept. of Life Science, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan, 5- Dept. of Aquatic Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran, 7 - Mazandaran Fisheries Research Center, Sari (Khazar –abad), Iran

Unknown acute mortality occurred in wild golden grey mullet Lisa auratus in Iranian Caspian Sea in February, 2004. Clinical signs of the moribund fish were erratic swimming behavior such as spiral and belly-up at rest and high distention of swimming bladder. Histological examination of the brain revealed hyperaemia, degeneration and necrosis in external granular layers as well as focal extension. In virological examinations, the brains of affected golden grey mullet were positive in the reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction test for piscine nodavirus (Nodaviridae, Betanodavirus), the causative agent of viral nervous necrosis (VNN) in a variety of cultured marine fish worldwide. Nucleotide sequence of the PCR amplicons is closely related with the coat protein gene of piscine nodaviruses, particularly redspotted grouper nervous necrosis virus (RGNNV). Although, It was not succeeded to isolate the virus, experimental infection with the brain homogenates of the affected fish in sevenband grouper (Epinepherus septemfasciatus), which is highly susceptible to RGNNV, produced neurological abnormality followed by mortality. These results suggest that the present mortality of golden grey mullet in Caspian Sea is associated with piscine nodavirus infection. Key words: Caspian Sea, Golden grey mullet, Iran, Viral nervous necrosis, Nodavirus, PCR


Managing watershed area: Tools for the Caspian ecological sustainability H. Lahijani Iranian National Center for Oceanography Tehran, POBox 14155-4781,[email protected]

The Caspian Sea as the largest inland waterbody for its huge non-living and living resources has attracted attention of sceintists and polycy makers.The catchment basin of the Caspian Sea covers around 3.5 km² which is ten times greater than the Sea surface area. The catchment basin is located in the circum-Caspian states: Iran, Turkmenistan, Kazakhastan, Russia and Azerbaijan as well as in Georgia, Armenia, Turkey and Uzbakistan. It is diverse; with mountains, plains and deserts. The diverse environment, combined with a broad-scale of human activities; as industrial, agricultural and reacrational which presents a chalenging mix to the Caspian Sea. More than 100 rivers mainly trough the north, south and west coast flow to the Sea. They provide 81% of fresh water, 90% of sediment, 90% of nutrient, and 30% of salt to the Caspian Sea. Poluttants also enter to the Sea through the rivers. Despite of increasing oil production in the past decade, land-based or the catchment basin contribution to the Caspian pollution is about 90%. Riverine contribution to supply excess nutrient and toxic sabstances consist the main chalenge to the sustainability of the Caspian Sea ecology. Introducing new species through shiping of Volga-Baltic and Volga-Azov chanels and overfishing in river mouths and coastal zones contain new stress to the Caspian environment. Human-induced changes are expected to have great implications to the Caspian ecology. As the human impacts come from more than one country, transboundary management required for minimizing negative ecological consequences and maintaning the ecological complexity of the Caspian Sea.


Circum-Caspian states are required to develop regional strategy to integrate sustainable use of the marine resources with other activities on the watershed area. It provides a vision for the future landscape of the Caspian Sea. Regional integrated approach represents a change in focus from the issues that in sectoral aspects seem important such as invaded species, sea-level change, and threatened species, to the issues that we expect to enhance and protect such as our life, regional water and biological resources. Key words: Watershed management, Caspian Sea, ecological sustainability

Trace metals in modern sediment of the Iranian Caspian Coast

H. Lahijani Iranian National Center for Oceanography, Tehran, POBox 14155-4781,[email protected]

Iranian coast on the South Caspian influenced by such human activities as agriculture, tourism, and industry. Waste materials from the hinterland through rivers as well as from southward coastal currents can pollute the coastal sediment . Pollution of the coastal environment is of concern because the life of highly populated area is intimately linked to the resources of the Sea and adjacent zone. Surface and subsurface sediments were collected from the coast to demonstrate distributions and enrichments of heavy metals in the studied area. Grain-size, mineral composition, chemical composition and leachable trace metals have been determined. The coastal sediments mostly consist of well-sorted sands, however muds are present on the east and coarse-grained sediment on the central coasts. Heavy minerals are principal composition of the coastal sediments except of the east coast in which carbonate prevailed. Concentration of trace metals in clay fraction of the sediments were as follows: Cr, 180; Cd, 7; Ni, 100; Cu, 75; Zn, 400; Pb, 190 ppm. Quantitative comparison of the trace metals concentrations between surface and core (not affected by human activities) samples allows calculating geoaccumulation factor (GF) that differentiate background composition (influenced by mineral composition) from recent pollution. Geoaccumulation factor ranged from 0-1 that indicates the modern sediments as trace metals are concerned have remained unpolluted. The analyzing trace metals can be present in the sediments


in forms of active or bioavailable and inert. Leachable trace metals analysis for bioavailability revealed that their concentrations are: Cr, 15; Cd, 5; Ni, 15; Cu, 40; Zn, 125; Pb, 50 ppm. In summary this study indicates that the trace metal concentration in surface sediments of Iranian coast is governed mainly by the mineral composition. Despite of minor increase in the leachable part of the trace metals, the Iranian coastal environment remained relatively clean. Key words: Environmental hazardous, metals, Caspian Sea, Iran

The occurrence of fat liver disease (fld) in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) due to side effects of dietary lipids at cultured salmonids farms in northern of Iran H. Ebrahimzadeh Musavi & M. R. Rostami Ahmadi Department of Fish Health. Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Tehran University, Email;[email protected]

Industrially cultured fish of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) are the most sensitive fish of salmonids to the fat degenerative disease of the liver, which may be the result of feeding with high-fat diets or inadequate nutritional dietary regimens at low temperatures. The particular important problem contributed to the provision of fat requirements in fishes are the prevention of 02 auto oxidation of lipids or unsaturated fatty acids chemically comprised chains of hydrogenated carbon atoms with long chains (4 to 6 carbon atoms in the chain). In this work, the qualitative histopathological tests were performed on liver, kidney, intestines and muscle tissues specimens of the rainbow trout to revealed fat accumulation. The severity of fatty infiltrations was judged by the relative quantities of intracellular fat droplets. The cellular changes in the following cells were obvious; sinusoidal endothelial lining cells, hepatocytes, the epithelial cells of bilitary, and hepatic ducts. The histopathological examination in rainbow trout after using the lipids which are the most effective source of energies in fish after proteins, showed steatites in the visceral fat area. Increasing the fat rate up to %17 in the dietary regimens is economical and will save protein usage, will reduces N2 excretion and water pollution.Key words: Fatty liver disease (FLD), rainbow trout, liver


Coastlines maps of sensitivity as base unit of the information system of oil spills response Y. Y. Blinovskaya Maritime State University named after admiral G.I. Nevelskoy, Vladivostok, Phone: +7 4232 51-52-70 e-mail: [email protected]

During a long time coasts have been a favorable field for people to exploit. Sea coastal area is the most available and promising part of the World Ocean for economic development. Continental and oceanic vastest structures of the Earth contacting determines a specific structure, dynamics and development of a coastal zone, which implies an interaction region of the adjacent land and sea areas. This is a kind of a center of social and economic structures attraction, intensive development of which started in the second part of the XX century, it was characterized by considerable progress in allocating people and industry in many countries of the world. Natural resources and economic immense potential of the coast makes for concentrating various kinds of economic activity here. And the resources cost estimation is determined by our knowledge in the sphere of oceanic natural environment. Variety and close vicinity of seacoast resources result in taking use of them by a lot of marine economy sectors. Directly contacting and cooperating, and being densely populated, they cause sea and land ecosystems maximum load. As a result, conflict situations often occur because of space-time and econology incompatibility of some kinds of activity. One of the major conflicts occurring during natural resources potential development and usage is coastal waters contamination mostly by oil, it happens in many regions of the world. So, overall development of shelf mineral resources requires working out a program of sea coastal zones condition monitoring and detailed assessment of influencing them. Consequently, elaborating an up-to-date informational technologies based system of sea coastal zones protection from contamination becomes urgent.


Causes and consequences of rapid Caspian Sea Level Change S. B. Kroonenberg1, N. S. Kasimov2, E. Aliyeva3, G. M. Abdurakhmanov4

1-Delft University of Technology, Dept. of Geotechnology, P.O.Box 5028, 2600 GA Delft; the Netherlands; e-mail: [email protected]; 2- Faculty of Geography, Moscow State University, Russia [email protected] 3 Geology Institute, Azerbaijan Academy of Sciences, Baku, Azerbaijan, [email protected];4. Institute of Ecology, University of Dagestan, Makhachkala, Russia. [email protected]

The Caspian Sea, the largest inland water body on earth, shows sea-level fluctuations at much shorter time scales than the world's oceans. It experienced a full sea-level cycle between 1929 and 1995, with an amplitude of 3 metres. Rates of sea-level rate between the 1977 lowstand and the 1995 highstand average a hundred times that of the eustatic rise.Caspian sea-level change has caused numerous catastrophes and near catastrophes in the recent past. During sea-level fall the northern Caspian sea floor almost desiccated, leaving important ports inaccessible, disrupting spawning grounds for sturgeon, threatening salt extraction in Kara Bogaz Göl, and causing widespread rapid environmental changes along the coasts. Sea level rise threatened towns, infrastructure and agricultural lands along the coasts, caused spreading of oil pollution in the southern Caspian and of polluted Volga sediments in the north, and flooding and salinization in coastal plains. However, the Caspian also serves as a natural laboratory for global change and coastal dynamics. In the first place, Caspian sea-level change records discharge changes of the Volga river and hence precipitation in the East-European platform, which in turn is controlled by global circulation patterns. The recent sea-level cycle shows a good correlation with the North Atlantic Oscillation, so the history of Caspian sea level changes might afford clues for global climatic history. In the second place, each year of Caspian sea-level change offers an accelerated picture of coastal response to a century of sea-level change along oceanic coasts. Coastal response to sea-level change is strongly dependent upon offshore gradient. The low-gradient Volga delta shows how delta progradation accelerated as a result of sea-level fall. Surprisingly sea-level rise does not immediately lead to


delta retrogradation, but only to aggradation, as vegetation keeps the contours of the coast line intact even after 3 metres of sea-level rise. Along the intermediate-gradient Dagestan barrier coast it is seen that larger barrier-lagoon complexes only form during transgressions. Regressions only give low single storm barriers. Ground Penetrating Radar transects of barrier complexes enable a precise correlation between sedimentary architecture and coastal processes. New AMS datings on in situ molluscs from backbarrier highstand lagoonal deposits in Dagestan suggest that the last Holocene highstands occurred around 2600 BP and in the Little Ice Age (16-19th century AD), both well-known periods of global cooling. This suggests that Caspian Sea Level Change on millennial time scale is forced by changes in solar activity. In the third place, the development of recent Caspian deltas (Volga, Terek, Kura) during rapid sea-level fluctuations helps to understand the 3D subsurface architecture of the Pliocene Paleo-Volga delta that hosts most of the oil in the South-Caspian Basin in Azerbaijan. This in turn can lead to a more rational use of natural hydrocarbon resources in the southern Caspian. Key words: Caspian Sea, sea level change

Using remote sensing and GIS techniques for the coastal changes of Gorgan bay entrance, southern Caspian

S. R. Mousavi1 & K. Solaimani1

Department of Watershed Management, University of Mazandaran, PoBox 737, Sari-Iran. 1- [email protected], 2- [email protected]

Remote sensing and GIS has been used to detect shoreline changes along Miankaleh peninsula promontory of the Gorgan Bay entrance over the last three decades (1975-2002). The study focuses on coastal changes using the geo-information technology, in particular active stretches of the study area. Which compared with existing configurations from ancillary researches to establish existing and future classifications of different coastal activities. For this porpuse satellite data (LANDSAT ETM+, TM, SPOT, ASTER L1A, RADARSAT) and aerial photographs have been analyzed. SPOT-Pan data were georeferenced with respect to 1:50000 topographic maps using a Universal Transverse Mercator (UTM) projection, then all the needed data sets were registered to the SPOT-Pan image. The mentioned georeferenced data were imported into GIS environment then change detection was performed manually by visual interpretation


and updated features were digitized on screen. The hydrological stations data showed rapid rise of the Caspian Sea level by 2.6 m between 1975 and 1996. Results of the study showed that the Caspian Sea level rise affected the coast of Miankaleh peninsula promontory strongly and that the rate of changes is between 18 m/y as a minimum shift and 230 m/y (long) as a maximum shoreline change at Miankaleh Peninsula promontory over the last three decades. The study revealed that this severe erosion is due to coastal processes, sediment deficiency and sea level rise or/and subsidence. Coastal instability at Miankaleh Peninsula promontory has almost continued during the last century. Severe erosion was determined along other cells over the Gorgan Bay coast. This research showed that remote sensing and GIS methods are perfect tools to shoreline change mapping and monitoring. Key words: R.S., GIS, coastal changes, coastal changes,. Caspian Sea

Insulin-like growth factor-I can induce oocyte in vitromaturation of Persian sturgeon (Acipenser Persicus)

B. Bahrami Kamangar1, B. Mojazi Amiri2, M. J. Rasaee3, B. Abtahi4 & M. Bahmani5

1-Department of Fisheries Sciences, Faculty of Natural Resources, Tarbiat Modares University. E-mail: bbkamangar@ yahoo.com 2- Department of Fisheries & Environmental, Faculty of Natural Resources, University of Tehran. 3- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University 4- Department of Marin Biology, Faculty of Natural Resources, Tarbiat Modares University. 5- International Institute of sturgeon Researches.

A comparative study on the effect of insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) with DHP, hCG and aceton dried pituitary of Persian sturgeon (adsP) on in vitro germinal vesicle break down (GVBD) was examined in oocytes of the Persian sturgeon. Moreover, the effect of DHP and hCG in pretreated oocyte with IGF-I was examined. This study was carried out on two maturational stages of oocytes according to polarization index (PI<0.07 and PI>0.1). The oocytes used on two germinal vesicle positions, underwent GVBD in response to IGF-I (10, 100, 1000 ng/ml). The rate of GVBD was varied on each dose. In oocytes with PI<0.07, IGF-I (10, 100 ng/ml) was more potent than DHP (10 ng/ml) while in oocytes with PI>0.1, IGF-I (100, 1000 ng/ml) was more potent than DHP (10, 100ng/ml) on GVBD induction. IGF-I (10 ng/ml) in PI<0.07 and (100, 1000 ng/ml) in PI>0.1 induced more GVBD than hCG (10,100,1000 IU/ml). In two PI,s, adsP was more


potent than IGF-I. Pretreatment of oocytes (PI<0.07 and PI>0.1) with IGF-I (100,1000 ng/ml) and then treatment with DHP (100 ng/ml) could increase GVBD as compare to oocytes that was not pretreated. Oocytes pretreated with IGF-I (1000 ng/ml) and then treated with hCG (100, 1000 IU/ml) underwent GVBD only in PI>0.1 (P<0.05). These results suggest, for the first time in sturgeon fish, that IGF-I is involved in the induction of GVBD of oocytes. IGF-I appears to act directly on oocyte as well as in conjunction with DHP or hCG, to induce GVBD. Key words: Insulin-Like Growth factor-I, Oocyte Maturation, Persian Sturgeon, Maturation Inducing Hormone, Gonadotropin.

The study of bacterial pathogens and fungi in fresh fish and heavy salted fish in Gilan A. Akhondzadeh Basti 1, A. Misaghi 1, T. Zahrae Salehi 2 & A. Mohebby 3

1-Department of Food Hygiene, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Tehran, University. Tehran, Iran. P.O.Box: 14155-6453. E. mail: [email protected], 2-Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Tehran, University. Tehran, Iran. P.O.Box: 14155-6453; -3Azad Islamic University. Tehran, Iran.

The microbial status of seafood after catch is closely related to environmental conditions and microbiological quality of the water: water temperature, salt content, distance between localization of catch and polluted areas (human and animal faeces), natural occurrence of bacteria in the water, ingestion of food by fish, methods of catch and chilling and post-harvest handling or processing conditions. Heavy salted eviscerated fish is traditional product in Iran that is prepared from the Caspian sea near the coast. This product is being prepared by mixed salting methods, in Gilan (northern province of Iran). The salted fish is usually kept outside the refrigerator in fish markets and is traditionally consumed undercooked in Iran. Therefore consumption of it may cause food borne diseases. In this study the incidence of fungi and some bacterial pathogens in fresh marine fish (before salting process) and traditionally heavy salted fish were investigated. Forty Liza aurata (golden gray mullet) were caught from the Caspian sea near the coast. They were sampled aseptically for fungal and some bacterial examinations, using American Public Health Association (APHA) and Food and Drug Administration (FDA) isolation methods, after capture. All of the whole fresh fish were traditionally salted in a container, using mixed salting method, in Gilan. The salted fish were


tested for the same fungal and bacterial examinations after the end of salting process. Listeria monocytogenes serovars 1/2a and 1/2b were isolated from 60% (24/40) of salted Liza aurata. MPN (Most Probable Number) values of L. monocytogenes were higher than 1× 102 g-1 (recommended L. monocytogenes limit for smoked and salted fish according to ICMSF, 1994) in four (10%) of salted fish. The percentage of Vibrio parahaemolyticus positive samples were 35% (14/40) and 50% (20/40) in fresh (not salted) Liza aurata and salted Liza aurata respectively. Three (7.5%) of fresh fish and one (2.5%) of salted fish showed higher than 1×102 g-1 contaminations to V. parahaemolyticus in MPN method.Staphylococcus aureus was detected in 92.5% (37/40) of salted Liza aurata. No S. aureus was detected in fresh Liza aurata. Plate count of S. aureus higher than 1×103 cfu g-1 (recommended S. aureus limit for smoked and salted fish according to ICMSF, 1994) was obtained in 27.5% (11/40) of salted fish. Coliforms were enumerated in 7.5% (3/40) of fresh Liza aurata. E. coli and Salmonella spp. were not present in the fresh and salted fish in this study. The fungi were isolated in 62.5% of (25/40) salted fish, but when fresh samples were analyzed, no colonies were observed. The genera of isolated fungi were Penicillium, Cladosporidium, Aspergillus and Mucor. Some of the identified species were Penicillium notatum, Penicilliumfrequentis, Penicillium. In conclusion, this study indicated that Listeria monocytogenes, Vibrio parahaemolyticus and Staphylococcus aureus may be present in the heavy salted fish as a result of contamination of growing water of fish and subsequent initially contamination of fresh fish used for this product or secondary contamination of the fresh fish during capture and subsequent unhygienic handling and processing. Key words: Caspian Sea, Golden gray mullet, Iran, Fish processing, microbiological quality.


Effects of potassium permanganate treatment on fungal infection, eyed eggs, hatching percentage and larval deformities of rainbow trout in west Mazandaran conditions A. Banavreh¹, B. Abtahi², M. K. Mirzakhani3

1,3- M.Sc. In Fisheries, Faculty of Marine Scinces, Tarbiat Modarres University. Noor. Mazandaran, [email protected]; 2-Assist. Prof. Of Fisheries Dept, Faculty of Marine Scinces, Tarbiat Modarres University, Noor Mazandaran.

Fungal infection may decrease hatching rate of salmonid eggs. Historically culturists to control fungus of eggs used Malachite Green. However, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) withdrew its approval in 1991 because of its teratogenicity. In Iran, it is still in use for aquaculture practices. Potassium Permanganate could be considered as the alternative choice within salmonid farms, taking into account that E.P.A. Potassium Permanganate knew it as oxidant and detoxifier. In this study Potassium Permanganate (50 and 100 mg/l in 15 min bath) Was compared with Malachite Green (1.5 mg/l in 45 min bath) and natural control (without drugs). Each treatment group consisted of 3 replicates, which covered 1000 Rainbow Trout eggs. After one week, fungal infection, eyed eggs and hatching percentage, and larval deformities rate were determined. The results indicated the low fungal infection rate in Malachite Green treated group in comparison with natural control (p<0.05), although the former and lather revealed no significant difference with Potassium Permanganate treated groups. Comparing with other treatments, Potassium Permanganate (100 mg/l), showed an increment in rate of eyed eggs (p<0.05).Key words: Potassium Permanganate, Malachite Green, Fungal infection, Rainbow Trout, Mazandaran

Time-place learning in rainbow trout Pisces:Salmonidae P. J. Heydarnejad Email: [email protected]; ph: 0061363265141 fax:0061363243804

Time-place learning in relation to feeding behaviour in rainbow trout was examined. Two groups (20) of fish were kept in two Rathbun tanks (designate T1&T2) in a temperature-controlled and insulated room that circulated freshwater. Photoperiod was maintained at 12: 12


LD (lights on at 0800h). Food was delivered by hand for half an hour in the morning and in the afternoon, through submerged outlets in the corners of the tanks at a scheduled time every day. Feeding activity of fish was recorded on photophase period (12 h) every second day, at 10 minute intervals. By feeding in the same corner for T1 and two diagonally opposed corners for T2, 2 times/1 place and 2 times/2 places of learning were examined, respectively. The experiment was conducted in 7 parts and extended over a 6 month period. The effects of full ration, half ration, minimised water current, partition, place shifting, and time shifting were studied. The results suggested that no clear evidence of time/place learning occurred in any of the tanks. Feeding behaviour could not be explained on the basis of circadian or hourglass mechanisms. Food acted as a strong stimulus to gather fish in the feeding area and fish immediately responded to this stimulus which indicated that circadian feeding activity of fish was not entrained by LD cycle or food availability. Some probable reasons were discussed for the lack of time/place learning in rainbow trout, including modification or loss of natural behaviour, due to laboratory confinement of these fish for some decades. In summary, the experiment suggested that rainbow trout may simply not show time/place learning. Study on Biology of Pontogammarus maeoticus in Caspian Sea southern shores J. Lobat Dep. of Environmental Sciences, University of Allameh Mohaddes Noori, Noor, Iran, Tel.: +98-122-6224499, Email: [email protected]

Monthly sampling was carried out in southern littoral region of Caspian Sea to study biology of Pontogammarus maeoticus.Percentage of coupled population, length of the coupled females and males and number of eggs and babies which were carried by females were determined. Observations showed no resting period in reproductivity of this species. Number of coupled animal populations was determined with a maximum on August and a minimum on January. The shortest length of the animals was measured on December and the highest on February. Comparison between coupled males and females showed that females are longer than their paired males. Counted number of eggs indicated a decrease on June and an increase on April. However, number of babies was counted with a less number on October and a high number on November. A positive


correlation was found between length of females and their eggs numbers. However no correlation was distinguished between their lengths and numbers of babies. SEM images showed that females have hollows between segments 1-2 and 5-6 on their dorsal sides. However males have no hollows on their dorsal sides. An aquarium study showed also a good adaptability of these animals to a fresh water condition. Feeding of themselves and dead algae and animals were observed as their nutritional behavior. Key words: Pontogammarus maeoticus, Caspian Sea, biology, sex discrimination, length, number of eggs and babies

Biological control of intermediate host parasites (snails) by the use of Tinca.tinca fish. M. Abou1, A.A.Saeedi1, A.Rezai1, Z. Rezvani1 & S. F Mirhashemi2

1- Ecology Research center of Caspian sea,Ecology Research station of Caspian sea,Nowshahr,P.O.Box 498,Telefax . 0192-3672657 . IRAN, 2- -Bony fish Research center of Caspian sea,Research station of Astane Ashrafieh

The snails evolution in the process of fishes and other chordatae are playing most important role as a first intermediate host and they are effective in distribution of parasite infestation in the nature . Now days their control in the most parts of the word seems to be difficult and sometimes impossible .The control of these parasites present in fish farms can be done through medical method by the use of copper sulfate. in order to control the parasite infestation of human pathogenic like schistosoma, this substance can be use by 30ppm Dose.The other physical and mechanical control method can be used by drainage,snail collecting and to drain the living environments of snails .All these methods had not a permanent and continued results. These days the most suitable control method is called biologic method because it dosent have abuse effect of copper sulfate and on the other hand it has a minimum risk to ecological changes in the nature (water environment).Thus pathogenic parasites of fish (parasitic blindness or diplostomiasis) occurred in warm water fish farms are called as a widespread disease and caused a high reduction in fish production amount .Hence for achievement the positive results regarding biological control of these pathogenic diseases,on Autumn and spring 2000,the number of three fiberglass tank (1.5×1.5×0.7 m, volume of


1.5m3) was prepared and filled with water (by fish farm water supply).In each tank about 450 snails in different sizes were released .Then 5 Tinca tinca fish in sizes of >25g,50-100g and <30g in each tank were also released. Key words: Tinca, tinca fish, snails, parasite, feeding, fish farm, water resources

The ecology of Iranian coastal area of Caspian Sea

A. A. Khanipoor, A. R. Mirzajani, D. Ghaninezhad & S. Bageri Caspian Sea Bony fishes Research center. P.o. Box 66 Bandar e Anzali. Iran, Email: [email protected]

The Caspian Sea is the largest lake in the world. Its surface area is 4350000 km2 and its mean depth 180m. The northern section average depth is 10m and in southern Caspian the deepness is more than1000 m. Nearly 130 rivers inflowing into Caspian Sea. Volga provide 80% water discharges to this water-body. Almost 245 million people living around the Caspian Sea, these numbers of population have its influence on ecology of this aquatic system. The Caspian Sea has very good fisheries resources, also its oil and gas considerable and attracted the world attention including its political issues, cultural, legal, economy and environment. In this statement we are discussing some ecological and fisheries characteristics of Caspian Sea regarding Iranian water area, containing; fauna and flora, industrial fisheries, invasive ctenophore and Beroe ovata, pollution. Key Words: Industrial fisheries, Caspian ecology, fauna and flora.

Section 5: Caspian Sea, Ecology and Biology308

Cyclic dynamic between Artemisia aucheri andBromus tectrum

Mohammad Jankju-Borzelabad1, and Mahdieh Tavakoli2

1 & 2 - Faculty of Natural Resources and Desert studies, Yazd University, Yazd, Iran, Phone 0098-351-8210312, Email: [email protected]

Plant interactions were investigated between perennial Artemisiaaucheri and annual Bromus tectrucm, in steppic rangeland of Nasr-Abad in Yazd province. Several major microclimatic factors e.g. temperature, luminance, and soil relative humidity were measured as paired samples from Artemisia-understory and open space. Furthermore, regression relationships were investigated between the microclimatic factors, Bromus density in understory, and Artemisiavigour in overstory. Our findings suggest a cyclic dynamic between Bromus and Artemisia. Accordingly, at the first phase there is an open space in which Artemisia seedling can establish during wet years. Artemisia canopy decreases light intensity and soil temperature and consequently evapotraspiration in its understory. Favourable conditions in understory facilitate establishment of Bromus seedlings. However, the highest density of Bromus was observed under the dead Artemisia canopy. That is possibly because, with increasing Bromusdensity, plant interactions switches from facilitation to competition. Therefore Artemisia vigour in overstory decreases, and it eventually dies. Water or wind erosion removes litter and accumulated soil under the dead Artemisia, leading to unfavourable conditions for Bromusgrowth. After a while, Bromus disappears and open space remains. Such changes might be repeated again by Artemisia initiation in open space.Key words: cyclic dynamics, steppic rangelands, plant ecology, Artemisia, Bromus,Yazd

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