full conference abstract book now available

40th Annual Larval Fish Conference

Abstract Book

June 19‐23, 2016

Chesapeake Biological Laboratory

University of Maryland Center for Environmental

Science

Solomons, MD

Welcome to Solomons

We are excited to welcome the Larval Fish Conference back to the Chesapeake

Biological Laboratory in Solomons, MD. For those who attended that conference,

you will note that a lot has changed on our campus and in our community since

then. But, we hope we have retained the same small town charm.

We have put together an exciting and diverse program

that was put together, in part, to celebrate the

contributions of our friend and colleague, Dr. Ed Houde.

Ed has been a regular attendee at many LFCs and

through his work, his enthusiasm and friendship has

impacted many of us who are also regular attendees.

The LFC 2016 program focuses on four main elements

that are evident in Ed’s work: Ontogeny & systematics,

predator‐prey interactions, maternal effects, and the

impact of larval processes on later life stages.

On the first day, Monday, the conference will be at the Holiday Inn in Solomons so

we can seat, comfortably, everyone in the plenary sessions. That evening, buses

will pick you up from the hotel and bring you into Solomons for dinner. Buses will

leave between 18:00 – 18:45 and return between 20:45 – 21:30

On Tuesday, the conference moves to CBL. Buses will pick everyone up from the

hotel between 08:15 and 09:00 and bring you to the lab. We will have the poster

session that evening at the lab, which is an excuse for a barbeque. Buses will start

taking people home at 20:45 – 21:30.

Wednesday is also at CBL, with buses again pick people up from the hotel from

08:15 – 09:00. Buses will take you back to the hotel between 17:00 – 17:45. It is

a short walk from the hotel to the Calvert Marine Museum which is the site of the

banquet that evening, starting at 18:30.

On our last day, Thursday buses will pick you up from hotel between 08:15‐09:00

and bring you to the lab once more. Buses will return to the hotel between 11:45

– 12:30.

Emergency Contacts and WIFI Information

In case of a medical emergency, please contact 911.

Non‐life threatening medical care, contact: Solomons Urgent Care – located in the Solomons

Medical Center next to the shopping center and across from the car wash in front of the

Holiday Inn.

14090 HG Trueman Rd. Solomons, MD 20688 410‐394‐2800

WALK‐IN PATIENTS ARE ACCEPTED BUT APPOINTMENTS ARE STRONGLY ENCOURAGED. SAME DAY APPOINTMENTS CAN BE MADE AS EARLY AS 10:00 A.M. TO MAKE AN APPOINTMENT CALL

410‐394‐2800.

Monday – Friday 2:00 pm ‐ 10:00 pm Sunday12:00 pm ‐ 10:00 pm

Pharmacy: Our nearest pharmacy, CVS, is about a 20 minute walk north of the Holiday Inn. They carry a full range of over the counter medications. 13390 H. G. Trueman Road Solomons, MD 20688 (410) 326‐6731 Monday‐Friday 08:00 – 22:00 Tom Miller’s cell # (410) 610‐9027.

WIFI

To access WIFI on CBL campus connect to LFC2016 using the password Ontogeny (capital “O”).

Presentations Oral Presentations

Outside of the plenary session, presentations will follow the 15 minute + 5 minute

question format. Most talks occur in concurrent sessions so please take time to

review your talk to ensure that it does not exceed 20 minutes.

Presenters are required to upload their presentations onto a shared speaker

folder by 8:00AM the morning of their presentation. Please bring a thumb drive to

load your talk.

Throughout the meeting (Sunday evening 5:00‐8:00 PM, and break and lunch

periods throughout the Conference), we will have a student‐staffed station to

assist presenters in loading and reviewing their talks. Loading facilities will be at

the Holiday Inn on Monday, and at CBL in our Mansueti Conference Room on

Tuesday – Thursday. Presentation will be saved into the folder with your session.

It will be helpful if you format titles according to

day_session_last name of presenter: for instance, WEDNESDAY_10A_SECOR.

Please take care to review talks, particularly if they contain audio of video

elements and alert the staff if these should be reviewed again in advance of the

session.

Each room will be equipped with a podium, a presentation laptop, laser pointer,

and a clip‐on microphone (clip‐on).

Poster Presentations

All posters cannot exceed 47 inches (1.2m) width x 36 inches (0.9m) in height. We

strongly recommend your posters be smaller than this maximum size.

Poster setup can take place afternoon on Tuesday and must be taken down by

Wednesday morning

CBL CAMPUS MAP

Conference Schedule

Time 19 Sunday (Holiday Inn) 20 Monday (Holiday Inn) 21 Tuesday (CBL) 22 Wednesday (CBL) 23 Thursday (CBL)

Holiday Inn Ball Room A. Fowler Buidling B. Nice Hall A. Fowler Buidling B. Nice Hall A. Fowler Building

8:00 AM Bus to CBL: 8:15‐9:00 Bus to CBL: 8:15‐9:00 Bus to CBL: 8:15‐9:00

Welcoming Remarks: 8:30‐8:40 Announcements: 9:00‐9:20 Announcements: 9:00‐9:20 Announcements: 9:00‐9:20

9:00 AM Plenary 1: 9:20‐10:00 Session 3A: 9:20‐10:40 Session 3B: 9:20‐10:40 Session 7A: 9:20‐10:40 Session 7B: 9:20‐10:40 Session 11A: 9:20‐10:40

Foodweb: (4 talks) Otogeny&Syst: (4 talks) Maternal: (4 talks) Dispersal: (4 talks) Contributed: (4 talks)

10:00 AM Plenary 2: 10:00‐10:40 Coffee Break 10:40‐11:00 Coffee Break 10:40‐11:00 Coffee Break 10:40‐11:00

Coffee Break 10:40‐11:00 Session 4A: 11:00‐12:00 Session 4B: 11:00‐12:00 Session 8A: 11:00‐12:00 Session 8B: 11:00‐12:00 Session 12A: 11:00‐11:40

11:00 AM Plenary 3:11:00‐11:40 Foodweb (3 talks) Ontogeny&Syst: (3 talks) Maternal: (3 talks) Dispersal: (3 talks) Contributed: (2 talks)

12:00 PM Lunch: 11:40‐1:40 Lunch: 12:00‐1:40 Lunch: 12:00‐1:40 Bus Return to Holiday Inn 12:00‐12:30

1:00 PM

Plenary 4:1:40‐2:20 Session 5A: 1:40‐3:00 Session 5B: 1:40‐3:00 Session 9A: 1:40‐3:00 Session 9B: 1:40‐3:00

2:00 PM Plenary 5: 2:20‐3:00 Foodweb: (4 talks) Otogeny&Syst: (4 talks) Matern/Carryov: (4 talks) Dispersal: (4 talks) 2:00 Shuttle Bus delivery to regional airports

3:00 PM Coffee Break 3:00‐3:20 Coffee Break 3:00‐3:20 Coffee Break 3:00‐3:20

Contributed: 3:20‐4:40 (4 talks) Session 6A: 3:20‐4:40 Session 6B: 3:20‐4:40 Session 10A: 3:20‐4:40 Session 10B: 3:20‐4:40

4:00 PM Foodweb: (4 talks) Contributed: (4 talks) Carryover: (4 talks) Dispersal: (4 talks)

5:00 PM Registration: 5:00‐9:00 ELHS Executive Committee Meeting 5:00 ‐ 6:00 ELH Business Meeting: 4:40‐6:00 Early Career Development (4:40 ‐ 5:40)

Social: 6:00‐9:00

6:00 PM Bus pick up for Taste of Solomons 6:00 Barbecue and Poster Social: 6:00‐9:00

Banquet Dinner: 6:30‐9:30

7:00 PM Auction and Award Winner Announcements

8:00 PM

9:00 PM Bus return to Holiday Inn: 8:45‐9:30 Bus return to Holiday Inn: 8:45‐9:30

Monday June 20 – Plenary Session

Speaker Title

Plenary

9:00 AM Introductions, Convener Tom Miller

10:00 AM Jeffrey M. Leis, Luciano B. Mason,

Séverine Choukroun, Michael Bode,

Geoffrey P. Jones, David H. Williamson,

Hugo Harrison and Hugo Bode

It works! Building a biophysical larval‐fish

dispersal model for the Great Barrier Reef

based on empirical larval and adult

behavior data, and testing it.

10:40 AM Break

11:00 AM Daniel Margulies, Vernon P. Scholey,

Jeanne B. Wexler, and, Maria S. Stein

Studies of the Early Life History of Large

Pelagics

11:40 AM Lunch (on own)

Plenary ‐ Convener Ed Chesney

1:40 PM Susan M. Sogard Maternal effects in teleosts: the case for

age diversity

2:20 PM Jeffrey M. Leis, Nalani Schnell, David

Johnson, Peter Konstantinidis

Larval Fish Systematics: an historical

perspective

3:00 PM Break

3:20 PM Marta Moyano and Myron A. Peck Defining thermal thresholds in fish larvae:

are they the most sensitive life stage?

3:40 PM Maik Tiedemann, Heino O. Fock,

Patrice Brehmer, and, Christian M

llmann

Co‐existence through spatio‐temporal

niche partitioning: The case of sardine and

round sardinella larvae in the Canary

Current Ecosystem

4:00 PM Claudia Namiki, Maria de Lourdes Zani‐

Teixeira, J. Harari, and, Erico S.L.G.

Santos, Mario Katsuragawa, and

Frederico P. Brandini

Scombridae larvae from the Southeast

Brazilian Bight: 1974‐2002 long term

variation

4:20 PM Sukgeun Jung Generalized size‐dependent formulation

for natural mortality of fish based on their

fecundity

* Students

Revisiting the link between year‐class

strength and larval growth in fishes:

progress from an international symposium

on the Growth–Survival Paradigm

Dominique Robert, Akinori Takasuka,

Pascal Sirois and Jun Shoji

Holiday Inn Ball Room

Contributed ‐ Convener Ed Chesney

9:20 AM

Tuesday June 21 – Food Web Session

Speaker Title

9:00 AM Announcements

9:20 AM Pierre Pepin The growth‐survival paradigm: the from a

probabilistic framework

9:40 AM Francis Juanes Predator‐prey relationships in marine fishes: are

larvae different?

10:00 AM Viola Neumann, Matthias Schaber, Uwe

Boettcher, Margit Eero and Fritz Koster

Clupeid consumption of cod eggs: Does it affect

recent recruitment of Baltic cod?

10:20 AM Mauricio F. Landaeta, Javier Vera‐Duarte,

Karen Manriquez, and, Natalia Marcovich

Trophic flexibility of larval Harpagifer antarcticus

in shallow waters from South Shetland Islands,

West Antarctica

10:40 AM Break

11:00 AM Lee A. Fuiman An Egg Boon Time Series Reveals Effects of a

Climate Event on a Marine Food Web

11:20 AM Lucie Vanalderweireldt, Gesche Winkler,

Marc Mingelbier and Pascal Sirois

Is the estuarine turbidity maximum food web

suitable for the early life stages of a recently re‐

established Striped Bass population?

11:40 AM Anna Akimova, Marc Hufnagl and Myron

A. Peck

Modelling a where‐to‐be‐born index: spatially‐

resolved predation mortality of cod early‐life

stages in the North Sea

12:00 PM Lunch (on own)

1:40 PM James H. Jr. Cowan, Lee A. Fuiman,

Matthew D. Campbell, and, Kenneth A.

Rose

The final chapter of the larval fish Olympiad

2:00 PM Jessica F. Andrade, Thomas P. Hurst and

Jessica A. Miller

Flatfish behavioral responses to predation cues

under elevated carbon dioxide concentrations

2:20 PM Hannah M. Murphy, Daigo Kamada, Pierre

Pepin, and, Dominique Robert

The importance of larval vital rates to capelin

recruitment dynamics

2:40 PM A. Hernández de Rojas, M.C. Castro, L.

Yebra, and, D. Cortes, M. Mercado, R. Luiz‐

Carrian, A.Garcia, F. Gomez‐Jakobsen,

J.M. Quintanilla, S. Salle and A. Uriartia

Molecular characterization of Sardina pilchardus

larvae diet in Málaga Bay (SW Mediterranean

Sea)

3:00 PM Break

3:20 PM Thomas P Hurst, Banjamin J. Laurel, Eric

Hanneman, and, Scott A. Haines

Nutritional and ocean acidification effects on

larval growth of northern rock sole

3:40 PM Arild Folkvord and Svein Sundby Swim bladder filling in herring larvae ‐ effects of

oil on the water surface

4:00 PM Jun Shoji and Masaki Hata Submarine groundwater seepage as possible

nutrition source for flatfish juveniles

4:20 PMKamil Mert Eryalçin ,Batuhan Olguner and

Gulsah Turcihan

Effects of different dietary enrichments on fatty

acid and biochemical composition of Rotifer

(Brachionus plicatilis ) and Artemia

4:40 PM Business Meeting

* Students

A. Fowler Bldg

Food Webs, Contributed, Convener Pierre Pepin

ELHS in Marine Foodwebs ‐ Convener Jim Cowan

ELHS in Marine Foodwebs ‐ Convener Pierre Pepin

ELHS in Marine Foodwebs ‐ Convener Jim Cowan

Tuesday June 21 Ontogeny & Systematics

Speaker Title

Ontogeny and Systematics, Convenor ‐ Dave Johnson

9:00 Announcements

9:20 AM

10:00 AM Eric J. Hilton What is an ontogenetic character in systematics?

10:20 AM Jeffrey M. Leis and Anthony C. Gill More than archetypal coral‐reef fishes: Revision

and relationships of the Acanthuroidei

10:40 AM Break

Onogeny and Systematics, Convenor ‐ Jeff Leis

11:00 AM Michaela Kolker and Roi Holzman Accumulation of Morphological Disparity

throughout Ontogeny in Coral Reef Wrasses

(Family: Labridae)

11:20 AM G. David Johnson and Nalani K. Schnell Osteological diversity of larval chaetodontids

illustrated and its bearing on the affinities of

Coradion and Ostracoberyx

11:40 AM Nalani K. Schnell and G. David Johnson The larval fish collection at the MNHN, Paris and

morphological details on an undescribed

butterflyfish larva

12:00 PM Valentina Bernal‐Duran, Nicole Jahnsen‐

Guzman and Mauricio F Landaeta

Ontogenetic allometry, integration and

heterochrony in Gobiesocid clingfish larvae using

geometrics morphometrics


Onotgeny and Systematics, Contributed, Convenor ‐ Nalani Schnell

2:00 PM Peter Konstantinidis Osteology and Systematics of the Ragfish,

Icosteus aenigmaticus (Lockington 1880)

2:20 PM Jennifer M. Martin and Eric, J. Hilton Phylogenetic Relationships of the Inkfishes

(Lophotus, Eumecichthys and Radiicephalus :

Lampridiformes) Based on New Adult and

Ontogenetic Characters

Contributed

2:40 PM Fabrice Teletchea Systematics and aquaculture: what could they

bring to each other?

3:00 PM Break

Contributed, Convenor ‐ Dan Margulies

3:20 PM Alison L. Deary and Frank J. Hernandez Ontogenetic changes to the feeding apparatus in

Larimus fasciatus (family: Sciaenidae)

3:40 PM Fabrice Teletchea, Emilie Réalis‐Doyelle, Alain

Pasquet and Pascal Fontaine

Effects of temperature on the early life stages of

freshwater fish: general patterns and species‐

specific trends.

4:00 PM Julie Andrea P. Aano, Maria Rowena Romana

Eguia and Frolan A. Aya

Effect of Various Live Food Organisms on Growth

and Survival of Hatchery‐bred Philippine Silver

Therapon Larvae, Leiopotherapon plumbeus

(Kner, 1864)

4:20 PM Catriona Clemmesen, Martina H. Stiasny, Felix

H. Mittermayer, Michael Sswat, Rüdiger Voss,

Fredrik Jutfelt, Melissa Chierici, Velmurugu

Puvanendran, Atle Mortensen, Thorsten

B.H.Reusch

Effects of ocean acidification on Atlantic cod

larvae of different populations in termsof

survival and carry over of early life for

recruitment to the fished stocks4:40 PM Business Meeting (Fowler)

* Students

B. Nice Hall

intro to session ‐ key note " old frontier and new

perspective"G. David Johnson and Peter Konstantinidis

Wednesday June 22 – Maternal Effects

Speaker Title


9:20 AM Alison Loeppky, Craig Purchase and

Gail K. Davoren

Does maternal investment effect otolith

chemistry of larval capelin?

9:40 AM Julian Doering, Hans Sloterdijk and

Werner Ekau

CANCELLED

10:00 AM Simon A. Morley, Robert S. Batty and

Audrey J. Geffen

Key factors determining the hatching

characteristics of herring larvae

10:20 AM Lasse Marohn, Roxana Sühring, Marko

Freese and Reinhold Hanel

Maternal transfer of persistent and potentially

hazardous compounds in European eels

10:40 AM break

11:00 AM Paul A. Venturelli, Cheryl A. Murphy,

Tom A. Johnston, and, Brian J. Shuter

Maternal quality, recruitment, and the

dynamics of exploited fish stocks

11:20 AM Stephan B. Munch and Who Seung Lee Environmental predictability and

transgenerational plasticity in sheepshead

minnows

11:40 AM R. Christopher Chambers Maternal Effects as a Unique Contributor to

Offspring Viability and Fitness

12:00 PM lunch (on own)

1:40 PM Holly K. Kindsvater When smaller is better: do females decrease

offspring size to improve their own chances of

survival?

Carryover of Early Life Phenotypes

2:00 PM Olivier Morissette, Louis Bernatchez

and Pascal Sirois

Early life growth rate as a predictor of

cannibalistic life history in stocked lake trout

populations

2:20 PM Yun‐Kae Kiang and Hui‐Yu Wang Temperature‐food correlations determine

early life growth rates for a subtropical

cutlassfish Trichiurus japonicus

2:40 PM Brian K. Gallagher, David H. Secor and

Philip M. Piccoli

Carryover effects of partial migration in white

perch (Morone americana ) within the Hudson

River Estuary

3:00 PM Break

3:20 PM Christopher S. Murray, Lee A. Fuiman

and H. BaumannConsequences of elevated CO2 exposure

across multiple life stages in a coastal forage

fish

3:40 PM Chimura Masayuki, Tanaka Hiroshige,

Yamashita Yuuho, and, Honda Satoshi

Neither fast growth nor big size in larval and

early juvenile stages is really necessary for

recruitment success of walleye pollock Gadus

chalcogrammus in the Sea of Japan

4:00 PM S Garrido, A.M.P. Santos, P. Bryére, V.

Marques, A. Silva and I. Figueiredo

Temperature and food‐mediated variability of

Atlanto‐Iberian European sardine populations

4:20 PM Discussion

* Students

A. Fowler Bldg

Maternal Effects and Beyond, Convener‐ Sue Sogard

Maternal Effects and Beyond, Convener‐ Sue Sogard

Maternal, Carryover, Convener, Dave Secor

Carryover of Early Life Phenotypes, Contributed, Convener‐Dave Secor

Wednesday June 22 – Dispersal

Speaker Title


9:20 AM Sukgeun Jung, Ig‐Chan Pang, Joon‐ho Lee, and,

Haw Hyun Lee

Climate‐change driven range shifts of chub mackerel

(Scomber japonicus) projected by bio‐physical

9:40 AM Marianne Bachand, Julien Henault‐Richard,

Sylvain Martin, Jean Morin and Anne

Timm(presenter)

Habitat modeling of early life stages of northern

pike in large water bodies

10:00 AM Michael E. Fraker, Reed M. Brodnik, Eric J.

Anderson, Lucia Carreon‐Martinez, Kristen M.

DeVanna, Daniel D Heath, and Julie M.

Reichert

Larval dispersal underlies demographically

important intersystem connectivity in a Great Lakes

yellow perch (Perca flavescens) population

10:20 AM Marian L. Shaffer, Patrick Forsythe, Ryan

McManamay, and, Timothy Strakosh

Environmental factors associated with the spatial

and temporal occurrence of fish eggs

and larvae during pelagic drift in Lower Green Bay,

Wisconsin

10:40 AM break

11:00 AM C. Marin Martinez and Eric J. Hilton Larval Fish Monitoring Program at the Virginia

Institute of Marine Science

11:20 AM Igal Berenshtein, Claire B Paris, Hezi Gildor,

Erick Fredj, Yael Amitai, Omri Lapido and

Moshe Kiflawi

Directional swimming in coral reef fish larvae

11:40 AM Valquairia Garcia, Hayden T. Schilling, Derrick

O. Cruz, Steven M. Hawes, Jason D. Everett,

Anthony Miskiewicz, and Iain M. Suthers

A young versus versus an old frontal eddy of the East

Australian Current, in relation to possible source

waters


1:40 PM Edward F. Roseman, Mark DuFour, Jeremy

Pritt, Robin L. DeBruyne, Greg Kennedy, Stacey

Ireland, Dustin Bowser and Jaquie Craig

Dynamics of Walleye Sander vitreus Spawning and

Larval Drift in the St. Clair ‐ Detroit River System

2:00 PM Katrin E Marancik, Jonathan Hare, David E

Richardson, Michele Traver and Katherine

Sosebee

Where do southern New England Red Hake larvae

come from?: examination of apparent mismatch

between larval and adult distribution patterns.

2:20 PM E. S. Rutherford, Dmitry and Raisa Beletsky, J.

Bossenbroek, and, M. Wittmann

Dispersal of Aquatic Invasive Species Larvae by Lake

Currents

2:40 PM Iain M. Suthers To "entrain, sustain and retain": is a 40 km diameter

eddy the sweet‐spot for an offshore nursery?

3:00 PM

3:20 PM Elizabeth W. North , Jason E. Spires , Jacob D.

Goodwin , and, Wen Long

Combining a larval transport model with observed

mortality rates to estimate the spatial extent of

recruitment from an oyster sanctuary

3:40 PM Kathryn E. Crane and Eric P. Bjorkstedt Linking otoliths and oceanography: environmental

effects on growth of larval rockfish off north‐central

California

4:00 PM Yoichi Miyake, Aigo Takeshige, Hikaru Itakura,

Akira Yoshida and Shingo Kimura

Glass eels of Anguilla japonica may migrate into the

coastal ocean using shoreward intrusions of

Kuroshio water

4:20 PM Richard D.M. Nash, Mark R. Payne, Jon

Albretsen, and, Audrey J. Geffen

Spatial linkages in the early life history of north

eastern Atlantic herring populations across the

north of the British Isles.

Larval Dispersal, Convener ‐ Elizabeth North

B. Nice Hall

Break

Larval Dispersal, Convener ‐ Ed Rutherford

Larval Dispersal, Convener ‐ Ed Rutherford

Larval Dispersal, Convener ‐ Elizabeth North

Thursday June 23

Speaker Title


9:20 AM Daniel Margulies, Jeanne B. Wexler, Maria S.

Stein, Vernon P. Scholey,Tomoki Honryo, Michio

Kurata, Yang‐Su Kim, Taro Matsumoto, Amal

Biswas, Yasuo Agawa and Yoshifumi Sawada

Studies of the Larval Stages of Yellowfin (Thunnus

albacares) and Pacific Bluefin (Thunnus orientalis)

Tuna Conducted in Panama and Japan

9:40 AM Edward Chesney, Kathryn O'Shaughnessy,

Tara Duffy, Sarah Webb, Heather Forth, Ryan

Takeshita, Ralph Portier

Toxicological testing with an estuarine icon, the

bay anchovy, Anchoa mitchilli

10:00 AM Anthony Miskiewicz, Iain M. Suthers, Smith

James , Anthony Richardson, Ana Lara Lopez,

John Keane John and Francisco Neira

Establishing longterm ichthyoplankton monitoring

program for southern Australia

10:20 AM Hubert Keckeis , Stefan Roesler and Philipp

Gmeiner

Effect of ship induced waves on drift density of fish

larvae in a large River.

10:40 AM Break

11:00 AM Loes J. Bolle, Christ A.F. de Jong, Ewout Blom,

Cindy J.G. van Damme, Peter W. Wessels and

Hendrik V Winter

Do pile‐driving sounds cause mortality in fish

larvae?

11:20 AM Stacey A. Ireland, Edward Roseman, Gregory

Kennedy, and, Robert Hunter

Monitoring of artificial spawning reefs for Lake

Sturgeon, Acipenser fulvescens, reproduction in

the St. Clair‐Detroit River System

A. Fowler Building

Contributed, Convener ‐ Fred Scharf

Contributed, Convener ‐ Fred Sharf

OralPresentation

Anna Akimova, Marc Hufnagl and Myron A. Peck

Thuenen Institute Of Sea Fisheries, Hamburg, Germany; Institute of Hydrobiology and Fisheries Science, University of Hamburg, Germany

Modelling a where‐to‐be‐born index: spatially‐resolved predation mortality of cod early‐life stages in the North Sea

Fish early life stages enter the marine food web at its very low level. Eggs and larvae of many marine fishes drift passively with the water currents and are exposed to the predators they encounter on their way. Predation is believed to be one of the most important sources of mortality of fish early life stages but, due to the large number of potential predators and the wide range of different behaviors they display is difficult to assess and to model. A basic challenge is correctly depicting the spatial and temporal dynamics of predator‐prey interactions. Here, we studied the role of predation mortality on eggs, larvae and early juveniles of the Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua) in the North Sea using a biophysical model. We implemented two mortality schemes based on size‐dependent mortality following from size‐spectrum theory. The first included temperature‐dependent predation mortality while the second also included spatially heterogeneous predator biomass from observed ab undances of the main predators of cod early‐life stages. We estimated survival probabilities of cod offspring at different spawning areas and times. Our results highlight the importance of the spatiotemporal overlap of cod early‐life stages with their predators and its effect on bulk mortality rates and cod recruitment.

Tuesday 11:40at

FoodWebs

Page 1

OralPresentation

Jessica F. Andrade, Thomas P. Hurst and Jessica A. Miller

Oregon State University Alaska Fisheries Science Center, NOAA‐NMFS

Flatfish behavioral responses to predation cues under elevated carbon dioxide concentrations

The direct and indirect effects of ocean acidification (OA) are concerning, particularly in high latitude regions where the levels and rate of increase in oceanic CO2 are expected to be highest. Studies with marine fishes suggest elevated CO2 levels impair a brain neurotransmitter involved in a variety of behaviors. To date there have been no studies examining OA behavioral effects in flatfishes. In laboratory experiments, we first examined the effects of multiple predation cues (predator odor, alarm cues from injured conspecifics, and sight of a predator) on activity and foraging of speckled sanddab (Citharichthys stigmaeus) under ambient CO2 conditions. Fish were most responsive to alarm cues, exhibiting increased activity and foraging following cue exposure. We then examined the effects of elevated CO2 levels on sanddab behavior in the presence and absence of alarm cues. CO2 treatments reflected present‐day levels (~400 µatm) and those predicted to occur over the next 150 years (~1,000 and ~1500 µatm). Preliminary observations suggest CO2 level affected flatfish behavior, although the highest activity and postures occurred in the intermediate treatment. Results will provide better insight into flatfish life history, the range of OA responses in fishes, and potential impacts of OA on predator‐prey dynamics of marine communities.

Tuesday 14:00at

FoodWebs

Page 2

OralPresentation

Julie Andrea P. Aano, Maria Rowena Romana Eguia and Frolan A. Aya

De La Salle University, Manila, Philippines Southeast Asian Fisheries Development Center, Binangonan Freshwater Station, Rizal, Philippines

Effect of Various Live Food Organisms on Growth and Survival of Hatchery‐bred Philippine Silver Therapon Larvae, Leiopotherapon plumbeus (Kner, 1864)

Philippine silver therapon, Leiopotherapon plumbeus, locally known as ayungin, is an endemic fish species in the country. The demand for silver therapon remained high despite the decline of its population. Taking into account the potential of this species for stock enhancement, this study focused on developing an initial feeding strategy necessary to provide potential L.

plumbeus juveniles for aquaculture. The experiment conducted was a 10‐day feeding experiment utilizing live food organisms [Brachionus (B), Moina (M), co‐fed with BM, Chlorella (C) and filtered lake water (L)]. Resorption rate of yolk was determined based on the changes in the yolk‐sac volume at specific time intervals. Morphometric measurements were evaluated to assess growth performance of larvae. Survival rate was determined at 9DAH (days after

hatching). Rapid absorp on of yolk by larvae was denoted within 24 hours a er hatching, with 89.5% of the initial yolk volume reduced. Growth parameters of L. plumbeus larvae reared under different feeding schemes showed significant differences starting at 5DAH (P<0.05) onward. BM has a significant higher rate of survival (18.07 ‐7.09%). B. rotundiformis (15‐20mL‐1) can be considered as a starter food for silver therapon larviculture and M. micrura (5‐10mL‐1) can be utilized during an assumed co‐feeding phase at 6DAH.

Tuesday 16:00at

Phylogenetics

Page 3

OralPresentation

Marianne Bachand, Julien Henault‐Richard, Sylvain Martin, Jean Morin and Anne Timm (presenter)

Hydrology and Ecohydraulic Section, Environment Canada, Quebec, Canada; USDA Forest Service, Baltimore Field Station, Baltimore, MD, USA

Habitat modeling of early life stages of northern pike in large water bodies

Concern exists that changes in the distribution of lentic fish reproductive habitats resulting from water level (WL) regulation could explain low recruitment in regulated water bodies. Rainy Lake (RL) and Namakan Reservoir (NR) are large water bodies located on the Ontario (Canada) and Minnesota (USA) border regulated with Rule Curves (RC) implemented in 1970 and revised in 2000. We developed 2D habitat models based on water depth, wetland type and the presence of cattail to evaluate the impacts of WL on the distribution of northern pike (NP; Esox lucius) spawning and nursery (larval and young of the year (YOY)) habitats. Data on NP larvae were collected using light trap surveys, while YOY data were collected using trap net surveys. Using logistic regressions, we combined environmental variables such as water depth, wave energy, and light, with 2D models of submerged and emergent vegetation to predict the distribution of nursery habitats. Results showed that spawning ha bitat was the most sensitive to WL regulations, while suitable nursery habitat was present under all RC. Maintaining high WLs just after ice‐out would increase the amount of suitable spawning habitat and improve NP reproductive conditions in the area by preserving connectivity between spawning and nursery habitat.

Wednesday 9:40at

Dispersal

Page 4

OralPresentation

Igal Berenshtein, Claire B Paris, Hezi Gildor, Erick Fredj, Yael Amitai, Omri Lapido and Moshe Kiflawi

Department of Life Sciences, Eilat Campus, Ben‐Gurion University, Be er Sheva 84105, Israel; The Interuniversity Institute for Marine Sciences of Eilat, PO Box 469, Eilat 88103, Israel; Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science University of Miami 4600 Rickenbacker Causeway, Miami, Florida 33149‐1098; Institute of Earth Sciences, The Hebrew University, Jerusalem, Israel The Jerusalem College of Technology, Jerusalem, Israel; Institute of Earth Sciences, The Hebrew University, Jerusalem, Israel; 1Department of Life Sciences, Eilat Campus, Ben‐Gurion

Directional swimming in coral reef fish larvae

Coral‐reef fish larvae are been shown repeatedly to orient effectively in response to cues emanating from the reef, which may help guide their settlement. On the other hand, little is known about larval orientation and directional‐swimming in the open sea, away from such cues, where the larvae spend the bulk of their pelagic phase. Lacking such information, biophysical models of dispersal and connectivity typically impose non‐directional larval movement ‐ i.e. simple random walk (SRW) with zero correlation of swimming directions across time. In this study we combine field and modelling work to examine the consequences of this constraint. First, using a Drifting‐In‐Situ‐Chamber (DISC), we tested the auto‐correlation in the swimming direction of Amphiprion ocellaris larvae at three different scales: (1) across 30 minutes, (2) after a significant perturbation, and (3) across two consecutive days. We identified significant autocorrelation which decays after 24 hours (r(1)=0 .78, r(2)=0.46 and r(3)=0.1), suggesting a Correlated Random Walk (CRW) process in‐lieu of SRW. Accordingly, we implemented CRW in a bio‐physical model of the Gulf of Aqaba, using our empirically derived parameters. We identified a consequent increase in both recruitment success (x2.5) and mean dispersal distances (x1.5); which, we believe, warrants a revision of how movement during the pelagic duration is modeled.

Wednesday 11:20at

Dispersal

Page 5

OralPresentation

Valentina Bernal‐Duran, Nicole Jahnsen‐Guzman and Mauricio F Landaeta

Universidad de Valparaíso, Chile; Universidad Andrés Bello, Chile

Ontogenetic allometry, integration and heterochrony in Gobiesocid clingfish larvae using geometrics morphometrics

The development of an organism can be considered as a movement through a multimensional scale defined by its size, shape and age. Allometry is the association between shape and size and heterochrony is the association between shape and time. Ontogenetic trajectories are the paths along which growing organisms move through this space and they characterize the dynamics of developmental change. The pelagic stages of clingfishes Sicyases sanguineus and Gobiesox marmoratus from near‐shore waters of central Chile were selected to study the shape changes on size and age utilizing landmark‐based geometric morphometrics. The ontogenetic shape trajectory showed similar patterns of shape changes along the larval development. The ontogenetic allometry was similar for both species (38% and 34%, respectively), but both of them occupy different morphospaces, as quantified by Principal Component Analysis and Canonical Variate Analysis of the shape components. Integration between head a nd the rest of the body throughout larval development occurred in a similar fashion for both species (RV=0.6, P<0.001). Finally, the developmental timing was different between S. sanguineus and G. marmoratus, being faster for the latter. It remains to be established if the ontogenetic trajectory during early stages was truncated or accelerated in evolutionary terms.

Tuesday 12:00at

Phylogenetics

Page 6

PosterPresentation P6

Eric P. Bjorkstedt, Erin Damm and Roxanne R. Robertson

NOAA Fisheries SWFSC and Humboldt State University, Trinidad, CA, USA CIMEC, Humboldt State University, Trinidad, CA, USA

Larval fish assemblages off northern California: Observations along the Trinidad Head Line

We analyzed data on larval fishes from samples collected from 2011 to 2015 along the Trinidad Head Line off northern California to evaluate 1) cross‐shelf and seasonal patterns in species distributions and assemblage composition, 2) spatial relationships between larval fishes and hydrographic structure, and 3) whether recent climate events have affected nearshore ichthyplankton assemblages off northern California. Over 100 taxa have been identified from these samples. However, as has been reported elsewhere in the northern California Current, the ichthyoplankton assemblage is dominated by a small number of taxa, including several myctophids, deep‐sea smelts, aggregate rockfishes (Sebastes spp.), a few flatfishes, osmerids and clupeids. Non‐metric multi‐dimensional scaling (NMDS) resolved cross‐shelf and seasonal patterns in assemblage structure that are in general consistent with differences in species' adult distributions, reproductive timing, and early life history strategies. Closer examination suggests that cross‐shelf distributions and assemblage structure are influenced by hydrographic structure in this highly dynamic region, and in particular by fronts formed by coastal upwelling processes or freshwater discharge at the coast. The arrival of the "Warm Blob" along the coast in late 2014 had relatively short‐term effects on larval distributions (onshore compression and possibly vertical displacement) that rapidly reversed in early 2015.

Tuesday at

Contributed

Page 7


Cathrine Boerseth

Oceanographic Institute, University of São Paulo (IOUSP), Brazil.

Spatial dynamics and characterization of the ichthyoplakton community of natural and artificial reef environments on the Paran coast, south Brazil.

Artificial reefs (ARs) have been deployed on the inner shelf of Paran state, south Brazil, to act as anti‐trawling units and to offer habitat and shelter in an attempt to recuperate biodiversity. The purpose of this study was to offer a first characterization of the ichthyoplankton community associated with the ARs and the adjacent archipelago of Currais. Sampling was conducted using two methodologies; 1) plankton net attached to an underwater scooter and; 2) light‐traps. A hydrodynamic model was used to study larval dispersal to and from the study area. Sampling was conducted between Aug. 2014 and Apr. 2016. A total of 17 taxonomic groups from 13 families were identified. 8 of the species identified were never before registered in previous studies of adult fish in the sampling area. First occurrence of the invasive Blenniidae Omobranchus punctatus was registered. 63% of fish larvae caught on the ARs were of reef associated species of which Caranx ruber was the most ab undant. The hydrodynamic model provided insight on dispersal trajectories and connectivity between Currais and Itacolomis island. The results of this study can be used to better define guidelines for sustainable use of the ARs and Currais (a Marine Protected Area since 2013).

Tuesday at

Contributed

Page 8

OralPresentation

Loes J. Bolle, Christ A.F. de Jong, Ewout Blom, Cindy J.G. van Damme, Peter W. Wessels and Hendrik V Winter

IMARES, IJmuiden, The Netherlands; TNO, The Hague, The Netherlands; IMARES, IJmuiden, The Netherlands; TNO, The Hague, The Netherlands

Do pile‐driving sounds cause mortality in fish larvae?

Concern exists about the potential adverse effects of underwater sounds on marine fauna. Loud impulsive sounds can cause fatal injuries in fish, but little is known about the sound levels at which physical damage occurs, especially in fish larvae. We examined lethal effects of pile‐driving sound in different larval development stages of three fish species (Solea solea, Dicentrarchus labrax and Clupea harengus), thus representing larvae with physostomous, physoclistous and without swim bladders. Physoclists are presumed to be most vulnerable to (sound) pressure differences. Controlled exposure experiments were carried out using the larvaebrator, a device specifically developed to expose fish larvae to high‐intensity impulsive sounds in a laboratory setting. Replication was based on power analysis of pilot experiment data. Ten to 15 replicates, with 100 larvae per replicate, were used for each sound level, stage and species. Survival was monitored during a seven to ten day period post‐exposure. No significant differences in survival between control and exposure groups were observed for any of the species or stages at cumulative sound exposure levels up to 216 dB re 1 Pa2s. This suggests that lethal effects of pile‐driving might only occur within close range (<100 m) of the pile.

Thursday 11:00at

Contributed

Page 9

OralPresentation

R. Christopher Chambers

NOAA Fisheries, Northeast Fisheries Science Center, Howard Laboratory, Highlands, NJ, USA

Maternal Effects as a Unique Contributor to Offspring Viability and Fitness

Females contribute genes and non‐genetic material to their offspring, each of which might affect offspring fitness. In fish, the non‐genetic maternal contributions to offspring vary among taxa but could influence offspring fitness through extra‐nuclear egg material (e.g., yolk and other nutrients, mitochondria, and cytoplasmic genes); the location, timing, and micro‐environment of spawning; nest provisioning; and tending of offspring among other means of influence. In this paper examples of these mechanisms of influence are reviewed, patterns of their occurrence ? especially pertaining to work on temperate and boreal fish species ? are summarized, and outstanding research questions are identified.

Wednesday 11:40at

MaternalEffect

Page 10

OralPresentation

Edward Chesney, Kathryn O'Shaughnessy, Tara Duffy, Sarah Webb, Heather Forth, Ryan Takeshita, Ralph Portier

Louisiana Universities Marine Consortium, Chauvin, LA 70344: Louisiana Universities Marine Consortium, Chauvin, LA 70344: Northeastern University, Department of Marine and Environmental Sciences, Boston MA 02115: Arkansas State University – Newport, Newport, Arkansas 72112: Abt Associates, Boulder, Colorado, 80302: Abt Associates, Boulder, Colorado, 80302: Department of Environmental Sciences, College of the Coast & Environment, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA 70803

Toxicological testing with an estuarine icon, the bay anchovy, Anchoa mitchilli

The Deepwater Horizon oil spill prompted an unprecedented effort to understand the effects of oil on key species within the Gulf of Mexico ecosystem, including ELH stages of many fishes and invertebrates. The ELHS of the bay anchovy (BA) dominate estuarine ichthyoplankton during the spring and summer when DWH oil reached coastal estuaries throughout the GOM. Laboratory exposures of BA embryos and larvae under a variety of conditions (CEWAFs, HEWAFs of DWH crude, HEWAFs of aged DWH crude, slick exposures) showed that bay anchovy are highly sensitive to a variety of crude oil exposure preparations. LC50s (24 h) ranged from 0.43 to 3.87 ug/L for the various oil preparations. Exposures at "apparent" sub‐lethal concentrations subsequently reduced growth and survival during 6 days of larval growout. Static exposures in the presence of plankton changed the exposure dynamics and the subsequent outcomes. Low level exposures also caused a variety of malformations in newly hatched BA larvae including erosion of the finfolds, malformed yolk‐sacs and malformed eye buds. Results of these studies suggest that the ELH stages of BA are among the most sensitive species of fishes to crude oil and that they make an excellent choice for environmental assessments of toxicants

Thursday 9:40at

Contributed

Page 11


Todd R. Clardy, Rommel H. Maneja, Moritz J. Heinle, Muaadh Alnuwairah, Joshua Dagoy and Mohammed Ali Qurban

King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals, Dhahran, Saudi Arabia

Ichthyoplankton surveys in Saudi Arabian waters of the Arabian Gulf

The early life history stages of marine fishes in Saudi Arabian waters of the Arabian Gulf are poorly studied. Recently, King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals in Dhahran, Saudi Arabia has initiated several surveys designed to describe the diversity, distribution, and ecology of phytoplankton, zooplankton, and ichthyoplankton throughout Saudi waters of the Arabian Gulf. A spatial and temporal survey samples 33 stations, including along five offshore transects and within five coastal zones three times per year. Monthly sampling occurs at locations in the North, South, and Gulf of Salwah to identify annual patterns in the ichthyoplankton assemblage. Finally, a survey at Jana Island, one of a series of six coral islands that run north‐to‐south off the Saudi coast, is examining the Island Mass Effect at 24 stations around the island. Collectively, these surveys will increase the available ichthyoplankton material from the Arabian Gulf for study and will lead to a br oader understanding of ichthyoplankton ecology in the region. In this presentation, we provide details of these sampling programs and discuss anticipated outcomes.

Tuesday at

Contributed

Page 12

OralPresentation

Catriona Clemmesen, Martina H. Stiasny, Felix H. Mittermayer, Michael Sswat, Rüdiger Voss, Fredrik Jutfelt, Melissa Chierici, Velmurugu Puvanendran, Atle Mortensen, Thorsten B.H.Reusch

GEOMAR Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel, Evolutionary Ecology of Marine Fishes, Kiel, Germany; Dept. of Economics, University of Kiel, Sustainable Fisheries, Kiel, Germany; Dept. of Biology, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway; Institute of Marine Research, Oceanography, Tromsø, Norway; Nofima AS, Tromsø, Norway.

Effects of ocean acidification on Atlantic cod larvae of different populations in terms of survival and carry over of early life for recruitment to the fished stocks

Ocean acidification has been shown to impair behaviour, sensory abilities, otolith morphology and organ development of marine fish. However, critically important information needed for adapting management strategies of exploited fish populations to global change in terms of how ocean acidification may influence the population dynamics is missing. In two separate experiments, we have obtained daily mortality rates under acidified conditions (~1100 ppm) for Atlantic cod larvae populations from the Øresund and the Barents Sea. Results show a doubling of mortality rates compared to present‐day CO2 concentrations during the first weeks of development, a critical phase for stock recruitment. When including these data in stock‐recruitment models, recruitment of both stocks was markedly reduced to between 8 and 24 % of current levels. These results emphasize the importance of addressing the effects of global change on fish stocks, particularly including vulnerable early life stages and the carry over effects for recruitment.

Tuesday 16:20at

Carryover

Page 13

OralPresentation

James H.Cowan Jr., Lee A. Fuiman, Matthew D. Campbell and Kenneth A. Rose

Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA, USA; University of Texas Marine Science Institute, Port Aransas, TX, USA; NOAA Fisheries, Pascagoula Laboratory, MS, USA

The final chapter of the larval fish Olympiad

Several years ago we completed a series of laboratory experiments designed to determine whether some individuals among a cohort of larval red drum possessed skills making them less vulnerable to predation. It was determined that some larvae are indeed athletes and had a set of traits that made them ~10% less likely to be eaten on the first attack than others in the cohort. We then were able to screen larvae for their athletic prowess. After screening, chemically marked larvae were placed in 3m3 mesocosms for 6 hours with a juvenile(s) pinfish. The size of the pinfish predator was chosen such that it should have about a 50:50 chance of catching larvae on the first attempt based upon size alone. Half of the larvae in each trial were athletes, the others not. Finally, we developed an IBM based upon larval skills identified in the laboratory, and characteristics of the predator that was used in the lab trials (Fundulus sp.). The results pretty simple, larval skills m ean very little when they are confronted with a fish predator. It s all about cohort specific growth rates and the number of contacts. Few digital larvae survived more than two contacts.

Tuesday 13:40at

FoodWebs

Page 14

OralPresentation

Kathryn E. Crane and Eric P. Bjorkstedt

Humboldt State University and California Department of Fish and Wildlife, Arcata, CA, USA NOAA Fisheries SWFSC and Humboldt State University, Trinidad, CA, USA

Linking otoliths and oceanography: environmental effects on growth of larval rockfish off north‐central California

We developed otolith growth trajectories as an index of growth during early life (age 5‐50 d) for three species of rockfish off north‐central California, based on analysis of otoliths taken from pelagic juveniles captured in late spring from 1983 to 2004. To assess the role of environmental factors in driving variability in growth, we decompose otolith growth patterns into ontogenetic and putative environmental components, and model the latter as a function of environmental conditions at the time of otolith deposition. Candidate environmental conditions included those expected to have nearly immediate, physiological or foraging effects (e.g., sea surface temperature, wind‐driven turbulence), or lagged effects that propagate through the plankton ecosystem (e.g., upwelling, sea level anomaly). The model framework accounted for autocorrelated error in the otolith time series. The strongest and most consistent effects were observed for factors with direct effect (e.g., concurrent temperature), which accouinted for 10‐20% of variation in non‐ontogenetic otolith growth; ecosystem effects, where observed, accounted for less than 5% of variation. In ongoing work, we are extending this analysis to integrate metrics of ocean structure (e.g., thermocline depth) derived from a 30‐year data‐assimilative model‐based reanalysis of conditions the California Current.

Wednesday 15:40at

Contributed

Page 15

OralPresentation

Alison L. Deary and Frank J. Hernandez

University of Southern Mississippi University of Southern Mississippi

Ontogenetic changes to the feeding apparatus in Larimus fasciatus (family: Sciaenidae)

Unlike other pelagic sciaenids, which overtake evasive prey in the water column with quick bursts of speed, L. fasciatus have a superior mouth and use specialized structures in the gill arches co‐opted for feeding to filter prey from the upper water column. As juveniles and adults, L. fasciatus exploits a distinct foraging habitat from other pelagic sciaenids, although it is not known when during ontogeny they begin exploiting this niche. Since L. fasciatus is not a commonly exploited sciaenid, very little data is available regarding the structure of the feeding apparatus, particularly in early life history stages (ELHS), and how these structures differ from other pelagic sciaenids. Thirty five ELHS specimens of L. fasciatus (2.0 mm total length to 89 mm standard length) were cleared and doubled‐stained to examine the structure of skeletal elements in the oral and pharyngeal jaws. Overlap was observed in the relative size of oral jaw elements but L. fasciatus possessed more gill rakers and longer gill filaments on the first ceratobranchial throughout ontogeny. Therefore, L. fasciatus possesses specializations to the pharyngeal jaws that may enable them to filter prey from the water column and partition their foraging niche from other pelagic sciaenids at early stages.

Tuesday 15:20at

Phylogenetics

Page 16


Alison L. Deary, Angie M. Hoover, Brian Dzwonkowski, Hannah Box, Allan Shiller, Frank Hernandez, Alan Weidemann, William M. Graham

University of Southern Mississippi University of South Alabama, Dauphin Island Sea Lab. Naval Research Laboratory

CONCORDE‐ Hydrographic characterization of a river plume in the northern Gulf of Mexico during an anomalous winter discharge event

Factors that influence the availability of prey to early life history stage (ELHS) fishes, which are most susceptible to predation, competition, and environmental fluctuations, can have substantial consequences for the condition, growth, survival, and subsequent recruitment of fishes. The physical characteristics of the water column can influence the quantity of suitable prey for larval fishes, the ability of larval fishes to sense prey, and can physiologically stress larval fishes if water quality parameters deviate from tolerable conditions. Therefore, to fully understand how oceanographic features influence the condition of larval fishes, we must look beyond biological factors (i.e., prey field) and examine physical parameters (water source, water quality, hydrography) that influence the prey field. Physical data were collected aboard the RV Point Sur from February 10‐12, 2016 to assess the biophysical impacts of a high winter discharge event in the Northern Gulf of Mexico. For th is study, we characterized a discharge plume that was identified visual changes in sea surface color and measured salinity differences south of the Mobile Bay mouth. The sampled plume originated from the Mobile Bay and was composed of warmer (~17.1 C), less saline (31.0 psu) surface water than the nearby non‐plume station (16.8 C, 32.5 psu).

Tuesday at

Contributed

Page 17


Andrea Dias, Tatiana Colchen, Fabrice Teletchea, and, Alain Pasquet

UR AFPA, University of Lorraine, 54506 Vandoeuvre les‐Nancy, France; UR AFPA, University of Lorraine, 54506 Vandoeuvre les‐Nancy, France; CNRS, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique France; UR AFPA, University of Lorraine, 54506 Vandoeuvre les‐Nancy, France

Ontogenesis of the predatory behaviour of pikeperch larvae (Sander lucioperca)

Cannibalism is the process by which an animal both kills and eats a congener, and thus could be considered as intraspecific predation. The goal of the present study was to describe the ontogenesis of predation in pikeperch larvae to allow understanding in future experiments why cannibalism appears so early (between 14 and 21 days post hatching). One hundred pikeperch larvae (from 17 to 45 days post hatching) were tested (20 per week during five weeks). They were fed usual prey (nauplii of Artemia salina) and then larval zebrafish (Danio rerio) during twenty minutes. Feeding trials were video recorded, and the number of attacks and captures were counted. The predatory behaviour was also described. After 17 days, 5% of the larvae attacked zebrafish and 65% at 24 days; this percentage remained constant thereafter. Nevertheless, there was an evolution of the behaviour according to the age of the larvae; younger ones showed a S shape of the body just before the attack as the y did with the nauplii. Older individuals showed an adult like hunting behaviour (a fast tail movement). These results highlight that pikeperch larvae are able to hunt fish very early, which could explain intra‐cohort cannibalism in this species.

Tuesday at

Contributed

Page 18

OralPresentation

Julian Doering, Hans Sloterdijk and Werner Ekau

Leibniz Center for Tropical Marine Ecology (ZMT), Bremen, Germany

Environmental constraints in a tropical inverse estuary shape the reproductive potential of Ethmalosa fimbriata (Clupeidae)

As a consequence of the Sahelian drought, the Sine Saloum (Senegal) has become an inverse estuary , i.e. salinity increases upstream. Extreme environmental conditions inside the estuary were used to investigate the reproductive response of Ethmalosa fimbriata at the outer range of its physiological performance curve. Females sampled at elevated salinities (~48) were producing almost four times more oocytes than their oceanic counterparts (salinity ~37). Essential fatty acids (EFA) such as Arachidonic acid (ArA) and Eicosatrienoic acid (ETE) are crucial in the ontogeny and embryonic development of fishes, especially in species inhabiting hypersaline waters. Oocytes EFA ratios were positively correlated to surface water temperature and relative batch fecundity in the mature female. This indicates a close connection between environmental conditions, food quality, and the species reproductive potential. An observed negative correlation between batch fecundity and female condition, on the other hand, revealed a trade off between somatic growth and the number of produced oocytes. E. fimbriata thus faces energy expensive challenges in order to feed and spawn under hyperhaline conditions inside the estuary. With regard to global warming and the eventual future inversion of estuaries in other parts of the dry tropics, understanding the spawning biology of well‐ adapted fish species is the key to predict possible impacts on the ecosystems and local fisheries.

Wednesday 9:40at

MaternalEffect

Page 19


Megan M. Dotterweich, Jacob P. Strock, Ehren A. Habeck, Kristin M. Habeck and R. Christopher Chambers

NOAA Fisheries, Northeast Fisheries Science Center, Howard Laboratory, Highlands, NJ, USA NOAA Fisheries, Northeast Fisheries Science Center, Howard Laboratory, Highlands, NJ, USA

Prey Consumption as a Metric for Scoring Effects of Environmental Stressors

Many environmental stressors elicit sublethal yet important biological responses in fish early life‐stages (ELS). We are developing sublethal response metrics to use in our experimental evaluations of the effects of various environmental stressors, e.g., contaminants, thermal stress, elevated CO2, and hypoxia on the ELS of marine and estuarine fishes. A good response metric should be directly related to fish health, sensitive to stressor variation, capable of generating a large N for statistical analyses, and reasonably easy to implement. Prey consumption rate has the potential to be such a metric, and we are evaluating three candidate predation rate parameters: attack rate, estimated maximum consumption, and observed maximum consumption. Two parameters are estimated from a 2‐parameter function (Hollings type‐II functional response) which relates the number of prey eaten per predator to the number of prey offered. The parameters are defined as the attack rate, a ( slope of fit at origin), and the estimated maximum consumption (asymptote of function), Th‐1, where Th is handling time per prey item. The observed maximum consumption is the number of prey consumed when offered in excess. We are evaluating these three metrics in ELS of four species: winter flounder, Atlantic tomcod, and shortnose and Atlantic sturgeons.

Tuesday at

Contributed

Page 20


Laura del Pilar Echeverri, Sharon Z. Herzka, Sylvia Patricia A. Jimenez, Paula Perez and Vicente Ferreira

Center for Scientific Research and Higher Education of Ensenada (CICESE), Ensenada, Baja California, Mexico; Instituto Politecnico Nacional, CICIMAR (SNI/COFAA/EDI), La Paz, Baja California Sur, Mexico; Center for Scientific Research and Higher Education of Ensenada (CICESE), Ensenada, Baja California, Mexico

Variation in larval fish assemblages in relation to mesoscale structures in the deepwater region of the southern Gulf of Mexico

The Gulf of Mexico's oceanographic characteristics are heavily influenced by mesoscale structures that influence larval fish abundance, dispersion and assemblage structure. This study evaluated the relationship between specific mesoscale structures and larval fish assemblages in the deepwater region (>1000m) of Mexico's Exclusive Economic Zone. Ichthyoplankton was sorted out from zooplankton samples collected during November 2010 and July 2011. Oceanographic data obtained in‐ situ and through remote sensing were used to identify four mesoscale structures with contrasting hydrographic characteristics: the region of influence of the Loop Current (LC); their anticyclonic gyres (ACG); the semi‐permanent cyclonic gyre of the western Bay of Campeche (BC) and the eastern region of this bay, that is known to be strongly influenced by regional river inputs and local offshore transport. Cluster analysis indicated a high similarity in the assemblage structure between many of the st ations within LC and ACG (north‐central gulf) as well within BC (southern gulf), indicating the presence of two regional assemblages driven by large‐scale reproductive and circulation patterns. Nevertheless, some stations had a very low level of similarity. Results suggest that biological processes and physical processes operating at various spatial scales likely play a role in the structuring of ichthyoplankton assemblages in this region.

Tuesday at

Dispersal

Page 21


Florian Eggers, Arild Folkvord and Aril Slotte

Department of Biology, University of Bergen, N‐5020 Bergen, Norway; Department of Biology, University of Bergen, and the Hjort Centre for Ecosystem dynamics, N‐5020 Bergen, Norway; Institute of Marine Research, N‐5817, Bergen, Norway

Salinity dependent fertilization rates of herring from Landvikvannet ‐ a recently occupied brackish water habitat

Atlantic herring have recently started inhabiting Landvikvannet, a former freshwater lake, now a brackish water system resembling a miniature Baltic Sea system. It has been unclear if herring could successfully reproduce under the prevailing conditions with moderately saline anoxic waters (> 20 psu) below 4 m and salinities below 18 psu in the upper layer. A factorial crossing experiment was undertaken with ripe herring caught in Landvikvannet generating offspring from seven parental combinations incubated in replicates at three different salinities, 6, 16 and 35 psu. The results indicate generally low fertilization success at 6 psu, but highly variable fertilization success at 35 psu between different parental crosses. This is surprising considering their not too distant Atlantic origin. Best fertilization success was generally obtained at 16 psu which is close to the ambient salinity of the intermediate water masses in Landvikvannet. Two of the groups initially fertil ized at 16 psu were successfully incubated after transfer to 6 psu within half an hour after fertilization. The variable fitness as measured by fertilization success is expected to have pronounced evolutionary consequences in this recently established herring population.

Tuesday at

MaternalEffect

Page 22

OralPresentation

Kamil Mert Eryalçin, Batuhan Olguner and Gulsah Turcihan

Istanbul University, Faculty of Fisheries, Ordu Cad. No:200 Laleli‐Istanbul, Turkey

Effects of different dietary enrichments on fatty acid and biochemical composition of Rotifer (Brachionus plicatilis) and Artemia

High quality and nutritionally enriched live feeds improve the quality and quantity of production in larvae culture. Rotifer (Brachionus plicatilis) and artemia are the most common live feeds used in aquaculture. In this study, two experiment were conducted; rotifer feeding during 8 days (Trial I) and Rotifer and Artemia enrichment (Trial II). In Trial I, five diets were tested (M0 Plus, S.Parkle, w‐3 Yeast 60, Beaker's Yeast and Chlorella vulgaris) and in Trial II, effects of four commercially available enrichment products (w‐3 Olio, n‐3 Top Rich, Red Pepper, Selco) and alternatively two laboratory produced enrichers (Microalgae mixture; Dunaliella salina+Chlorella vulgaris and Emulsion T) were studied on fatty acids and body composition of rotifer and artemia. Alternative enrichment emulsion was also prepared by fish oil, taurine and vitamins (Emulsion T). At the end of the Trial I, overall results showed that S.parkle showed better biomass performance in rotifers. In Trial II, rotifers enriched n‐3 Top Rich showed better n‐3 HUFA accumulation whereas in artemia enriched Red Pepper showed highest HUFA level and Selco supported other essential fatty acids such as EPA(20:5n‐3) and DHA(22:6n‐3). In conclusion, commercial enrichment products offer different nutritional components. Further study is needed for alternative local enrichment sources and processing technology for enhancing live feeds nutritional quality.

Tuesday 16:20at

Contributed

Page 23


Ana M. Faria, Ana F. Lopes and Emanuel J. Goncalves

MARE, ISPA‐IU, Lisboa, Portugal

CO2‐induced ocean acidification on reproductive output of the two‐spotted goby, Gobiusculus flavescens

Environmental conditions experienced by parents may affect their physiological status and provide the opportunity for non‐genetic effects to be transferred to the offspring, potentially increasing their fitness. Females, in particular, may affect their offspring by varying the number, size or energy content of the eggs depending on the available energy to invest in reproduction. The impacts of global climate change may strongly affect the way fish invest in offspring. Here we investigate the effects of near‐future levels of pCO2 on the reproductive performance of the two‐spotted goby, Gobiusculus flavescens. Breeding pairs were held under control and high CO2 levels (~ 1600 uatm) for a 2‐month period during the breeding season. Preliminary results suggest that future levels of pCO2 can affect reproductive performance of this species. In the high pCO2 group, a larger proportion of breeding pairs laid eggs successfully. Pairs in the high pCO2 group produced on average 1.5 more clutches compared to the control group. The high pCO2 group also laid more eggs per mm2, but these were however smaller compared to the control group. A better knowledge of how climate change will affect reproductive performance is crucial to predict the consequences for marine populations.

Tuesday at

MaternalEffect

Page 24


Jana M. del Favero, M. Katsuragawa, Maria de L. Zani‐Teixeira, and, Jefferson T. Turner

Oceanographic Institute, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil; School for Marine Science and Technology, University of Massachusetts

Modeling Engraulis anchoita (Clupeiformes: Engraulidae) eggs and larvae in the Southeastern Brazilian Bight

Most data sets of ichthyoplankton contain a high frequency of zeros, and not considering the possible inflation of zero counts may result in incorrect model predictions. Thus, we modeled Engraulis anchoita eggs and larvae using zero‐inflated models (ZI). ZI are mixture models with two components: (1) containing false zeros (due to design, survey or observer errors) modeled using a binomial GLM; (2) containing abundance data that may produce zeros (true zeros), and modeled with a negative binomial GLM (ZINB). Common to larvae and eggs, the probability of false zeros was lowest in the southern area of the Southeastern Brazilian Bight, and higher at deeper station depth. Different mesh‐size was significant only for eggs, with the probability of false zeros higher in 0.505 mm mesh‐size samples than in 0.333 mm ones. Temperature was negatively related to eggs and larvae in the count part of the model; salinity was negatively related only to larvae. Egg abundance was higher in years sampled with 0.333 mm mesh‐size under conditions of moderate/strong El Ni o. ZINB fitted our data better than other models. Although ZINB has been used in other areas of research, we are not aware of its previous use for ichthyoplankton.

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Page 25

OralPresentation

Arild Folkvord and Svein Sundby

Department of Biology, University of Bergen Institute of Marine Research, 5817, Bergen, Norway and the Hjort Centre for Ecosystem dynamics, N‐5020 Bergen, Norway

Swim bladder filling in herring larvae ‐ effects of oil on the water surface

We carried out an experiment with herring larvae subject to oil additions on the water surface as part of a larger effort to evaluate possible effects of petroleum related activities on fisheries resources along Lofoten and Vesterålen in Northern Norway. Northward drifting herring larvae typically will be of a size in this area when they are expected to fill their swim bladders. Herring larvae were reared under controlled conditions in the laboratory, fed natural zooplankton in excess. Selected groups were subject to additions of canola food oil on the water surface over a two week period to specifically address non‐toxic effects of possibly altered swim bladder filling rates. The addition of food oil effectively inhibited the swim bladder filling of herring larvae, but without generating negative effects on growth and survival. The relatively high growth of oil exposed larvae during the exposure period may indicate indirect prey enrichment effects after contact with food oil, and that a two week delay of swim bladder filling is not detrimental per se under good feeding conditions. Future studies using crude oil or produce water should focus

on possible toxic effects and inclusion of these oil compounds in the swim bladder.

Monday 15:40at

Dispersal

Page 26


Laurence Forget‐Lacoursiere, Lucie Vanalderweireldt, Gesche Winkler and Pascal Sirois

Chaire de recherche sur les espè ces aquatiques exploitées, Université du Québec Chicoutimi, Chicoutimi, QC, CAN; Institut des Sciences de la Mer, Universit du Québec Rimouski, Rimouski, QC, CAN; Chaire de recherche sur les espèces aquatiques exploitées, Universit du Qué bec Chicoutimi, Chicoutimi, QC, CAN

Ichthyoplankton and juvenile fish community structure in the St. Lawrence River since the re‐establishment of the Striped Bass population

Extirpated by the mid‐1960, the Striped Bass (Morone saxatilis) population of the St. Lawrence River (SLR) has been re‐introduced gradually since 2002. The re‐introduction of an apex predator such as the Striped Bass can reorganize the food web and the community structure of an ecosystem via trophic cascades. This study aims to assess the relative contribution of the re‐established Striped Bass population to the ichthyoplankton and juvenile fish community structure in the SLR. From May 2014 to September 2015, larvae and juveniles were sampled at 459 stations using a Bongo net or a beach seine. Each fish was identified to the lowest taxonomic level. Three different assemblages were identified using multivariate analyses. These assemblages corresponded to 1) the upstream freshwater region, 2) the estuarine turbidity maximum (ETM), and 3) the downstream region. Striped Bass larvae and juveniles were strongly associated with the ETM. We postulate that there is a linkage bet ween feeding conditions within the ETM and the presence of Striped Bass. Further investigations on meso‐ and macrozooplankton community structure in the same study area will evaluate the close association of early life stages of the fish community, including the striped bass and food availability and composition.

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FoodWebs

Page 27

OralPresentation

Michael E. Fraker, Reed M. Brodnik, Eric J. Anderson, Lucia Carreon‐Martinez, Kristen M. DeVanna, Daniel D Heath, and Julie M. Reichert

Aquatic Ecology Laboratory, Department of Evolution, Ecology, and Organismal Biology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA NOAA‐GLERL, Ann Arbor, MI, USA GLIER, University of Windsor, Windsor, ON, CA; AEL, Ohio State University; GLIER, University of Windsor; GLIER, University of Windsor; USGS Great Lakes Science Center, Ann Arbor, MI,

Larval dispersal underlies demographically important intersystem connectivity in a Great Lakes yellow perch (Perca flavescens) population

The ability to quantify connectivity among spawning subpopulations and their relative contribution of recruits to the broader population is a critical fisheries management need. By combining microsatellite and age information from larval yellow perch (Perca flavescens) collected in the Lake St. Clair Detroit River system (SC‐DRS) and western Lake Erie with a hydrodynamic backtracking approach, we quantified subpopulation structure, connectivity, and contributions of recruits to the juvenile stage in western Lake Erie during 2006 2007. After finding weak (yet stable) genetic structure between the SC‐ DRS and two western Lake Erie subpopulations, microsatellites also revealed measurable recruitment of SC‐DRS larvae to the juvenile stage in western Lake Erie (17% 21% during 2006 2007). Consideration of precollection larval dispersal trajectories, using hydrodynamic backtracking, increased estimated contributions to 65% in 2006 and 57% in 2007. Our findings highlight the value of complementing subpopulation discrimination methods with hydrodynamic predictions of larval dispersal by revealing the SC‐DRS as a source of recruits to western Lake Erie and also showing that connectivity through larval dispersal can affect the structure and dynamics of large lake fish populations.

Wednesday 10:00at

Dispersal

Page 28

OralPresentation

Lee A. Fuiman

University of Texas Marine Science Institute, Port Aransas, TX, USA

An Egg Boon Time Series Reveals Effects of a Climate Event on a Marine Food Web

Spawning aggregations of marine organisms produce egg boons, episodic pulses of nutritional resources for egg consumers. Fish eggs, in particular, are tens to hundreds of times more concentrated in essential fatty acids (EFA) than similar sized zooplankton. The flow of EFAs through food webs is critical for ecosystem functioning. Annual sampling of eggs from the autumn spawning aggregation of red drum (Sciaenops ocellatus) between 2009 and 2015 at Port Aransas, Texas coincided with the most severe drought on record in Texas and its recovery. Fatty acid composition of those eggs varied significantly between years. The most abundant EFAs in eggs increased by 38 to 77% of total fatty acids (mean: 59%) from their lowest to highest levels during the period, while some non‐essential FAs increased by as much as 115%. These findings describe large changes in availability of fatty acids to egg consumers (downstream effects). The proximate cause of this variation in egg composition is a difference in the diet of adult red drum. But, correlated patterns in the temporal trends in egg fatty acid composition and several climatological, hydrographic, and water chemistry variables provide clues to the broader impacts of the drought on the local marine food web.

Tuesday 11:00at

FoodWebs

Page 29

OralPresentation

Brian K. Gallagher, David H. Secor and Philip M. Piccoli

University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science, Chesapeake Biological Laboratory, Solomons, MD, USA; University of Maryland, Department of Geology, College Park, MD 20742

Carryover effects of partial migration in white perch (Morone americana) within the Hudson River Estuary

Partial migration is defined as the presence of multiple groups with distinct migration behaviors (contingents) within a single population. Previous studies of white perch (Morone americana) populations consistently documented a resident contingent, which remained in natal freshwater habitats throughout life, and a migratory contingent, which dispersed from the natal habitat and used brackish habitats. The objectives of this study were to assess the occurrence and carryover effects of partial migration in juvenile and adult white perch within the Hudson River Estuary. Juvenile contingents were identified using otolith strontium:calcium (Sr:Ca) profiles, while age determination and length back‐calculation were employed to compare hatch dates, larval size‐at‐age and late‐juvenile growth rates between contingents. Adult contingents were identified using otolith Sr:Ca profiles taken within the first annulus of the otolith, and adult size‐at‐age data were used to construct separate von Bertalanffy growth models for each contingent. Results indicated that migrants displayed earlier hatch dates, smaller larval size‐at‐age and faster late‐juvenile growth rates than residents, while von Bertalanffy growth models suggested that migrants attained a larger maximum size as adults. These findings support the notion that early life conditions influence the adoption of different migration behaviors, which carry over to juvenile and adult growth characteristics.

Wednesday 14:40at

Carryover

Page 30

OralPresentation

Valquairia Garcia, Hayden T. Schilling, Derrick O. Cruz, Steven M. Hawes, Jason D. Everett, Anthony Miskiewicz, and Iain M. Suthers

School of Aquaculture, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, SC, Brazil; School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Science, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia; School of Biological Science, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia; School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Science, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia;

A young versus versus an old frontal eddy of the East Australian Current, in relation to possible source waters

Frontal eddies are generated by current shear along the edge of ocean boundary currents which may entrain larval fish from shelf waters and contribute to the connectivity and recruitment of coastal populations. Larval fish assemblages were sampled from two frontal eddies of the East Australian Current and their expected source waters on the shelf. The small and younger eddy, located 150 km offshore, was characterised by distinctive coastal water properties of lower temperature (<20°C) and salinity, and by a high abundance of fish larvae of inner shelf families and estuarine taxa of commercial importance. However when we sampled the putative, coastal source waters of this eddy, the region was swept over by the East Australian Current, and had similar water properties and family composition, dominated by deep ocean taxa, to a larger frontal eddy that was formed 4 weeks earlier. Shelf taxa were evident in the putative coastal source waters of this older eddy, but these we re no longer evident in the older eddy. Our study revealed the difficulties and ocean dynamics of determining the significance of frontal eddies being potential offshore nursery areas. The larval fish communities found for each location reflect the water type of only the previous few weeks.

Wednesday 11:40at

Dispersal

Page 31

OralPresentation

Susana Garrido, A.Miguel.P. Santos, Phillipe Bryè re, Vitor Marques, Alexandra Silva and Ivone Figueiredo

IPMA ‐ Portuguese Oceanic and Atmospheric Institute IPMA; Portuguese Oceanic and Atmospheric Institute ACRI_ST

Temperature and food‐mediated variability of Atlanto‐Iberian European sardine populations

The effect of food availability and water temperature on the growth, survival and foraging behaviour of European Sardine (Sardina pilchardus) larvae was assessed through laboratory experiments. Feeding rates of sardine larvae are higher than values previously reported for other small pelagic fish, but their inability to feed at low prey concentrations during the first weeks of life, suggests that it is adapted to forage within dense prey patches. Temperature significantly impacted larval foraging, growth and survival, even within the optimal range of temperatures for spawning. Based on these results, we have hypothesized that satellite‐derived SST and Chlorophyll‐a determined in the main recruitment areas during spawning could be used to predict the recruitment strength of the following year. Discriminant analysis was able to separate years of high and low recruitment based on the values of abundance of spawners and mean SST and Chla‐a concentration for the three main recruitment hotspots in Atlanto‐Iberian waters, correctly classifying 80% of the observations by cross‐validation. These results highlight how even modest changes in food availability and temperature can lead to large changes for larval growth and survival, revealing one of the mechanisms whereby inter‐annual environmental variability can have significant ecological impacts at the population level.

Wednesday 16:00at

Carryover

Page 32


Simon J. Geist, Karolina Bohata, Selina Stoeher, Sebastion Kanne, Stephanie Simon, Josephine Edward (NatMIRC) and Werner Ekau (ZMT)

Texas A&M University Corpus Christi, Corpus Christi, Tx, USA; University of Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany; University of Bremen, Bremen, Germany; Ministry of Fisheries & Marine Resources, Swakopmund ( NatMIRC); Leibniz Center for Tropical Marine Ecology, Bremen, Germany (ZMT)

Larval growth and condition of coastal pelagic fish in the Northern Benguela System related to an Upwelling filament

Advection of fish larvae from favorable nearshore feeding grounds into oceanic waters can negatively impact their feeding success and by this nutritional condition and growth rate of fish larvae. The risk of offshore transport is especially pronounced in Eastern Boundary Upwelling Ecosystems, where surface water layers are transported offshore by upwelling filaments that extend deep into oceanic waters. At the same time, these filaments transport productive nutrient rich water masses offshore with the potential to sustain favorable feeding habitats for fish larvae in regions that otherwise would not be suitable. In the Northern Benguela Upwelling System off Namibia, austral summer is the peak spawning season for coastal pelagic fish. Cape anchovy (Engraulis encrasicolus) and Cape horse mackerel (Trachurus capensis) larvae were sampled in their central spawning area (19‐21°S) around a fading upwelling filament at distances from 5 to 250 km from the shoreline during austral summer 2014. Larval abundance, daily growth rate and condition factor are discussed in relation to distance from coast, oceanographic conditions and zooplankton biomass. No clear signal for reduced larval condition with distance to coast within the sampling grid was found, indicating the positive role of upwelling filaments to spatially extend favorable larval habitat.

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Page 33


Amy E. George, Tatiana Garcia, Duane C. Chapman, and, Benjamin H. Stahlschmidt

U.S.G.S. Columbia Environmental Research Center, Columbia, MO U.S.G.S. Illinois Water Science Center, Champaign, IL U.S.G.S. Columbia Environmental Research Center, Columbia, MO

Ontogenetic changes in swimming speed of silver carp larvae

Silver carp are invasive in the waterways of central North America. In order to predict recruitment potential in various tributaries of the Great Lakes, different aspects of early life history must be explored. With sparse research on swimming capacity during these life stages, modeling larval dispersal has been challenging. We explored ontogenetic changes in routine and maximum swimming speeds of silver carp larvae after hatching. Daily measurements of routine swimming speed were taken for two weeks using a still camera and custom image analysis software(LarVel). Larval swimming speed was calculated using the larvae location between pairs of consequent image frames and their time frame. Using an endurance chamber, we found the maximum speed of larvae for eight weeks post fertilization. Over the initial two week period, larval swimming speeds increased with ontogeny, and the relationship between size and swimming speed was inconsistent. This represents the time p eriod that larvae leave the main channel of a river in search of nursery habitat. In the latter six weeks of the experiment, individual larval speed was more variable, but average speeds were more consistent over time. Knowledge of swimming capacity, along with hydraulic characteristics of a river, enables further refinement of models of embryonic and larval drift.

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Page 34


Wooseok Gwak, Jun‐Sop Kim and Hyeong‐Woon Ju

Gyeongsang National University

Importance of estuarine habitats for larval and juvenile fishes with the results in Danghang bay, Korea

Field investigations have been conducted at two estuaries and one blocked‐estuary in Danghang bay to examine the impact of a dike on estuarine ecosystem with special interests in changes of fish compositions and assemblages. We have investigated the composition of larval and juvenile fishes by various collection nets including beam trawl and seine nets from August 2011 to July 2012. Transportation of dike, flood protection dams, tidal or hydroelectric power barrages, and other obstructions block tidal flow on many rivers throughout the world. In recent decades, estuarine conservation and restoration efforts have attempted to reverse some of these human alterations to tidal and freshwater exchange by removing or altering existing water control structures. The purpose of our study is to determine, from occurrence of larval and juvenile fishes, what kind of fish species use two different kinds of estuary, and the impact of a dike on fish habitats will be discussed.

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Dispersal

Page 35


Kristin M. Habeck , Allison C. Candelmo, Ehren A. Habeck, Raven M. Benko, Matthew E. Poach, Dan Wieczorek, Beth A. Phelan, and R. Christopher Chambers,

NOAA Fisheries, Northeast Fisheries Science Center, Howard Laboratory, Highlands, NJ, USA NOAA Fisheries, Northeast Fisheries Science Center, Howard Laboratory, Highlands, NJ, USA

Assessing Ocean Acidification Effects in Early Life‐Stages of Flounders from Different CO2 Environments

A predictive understanding of the modes of actions, patterns of responses, and downstream consequences of ocean acidification in fishes is needed. Key questions include whether species, and even populations within species, differ in their sensitivity to elevated CO2 and whether these are related to local environmental conditions. Flounders are superb candidates for such analyses due to the discrete habitats occupied by the early life‐stages (ELS) of species (e.g., spawning in warm, autumn shelf waters by summer flounder vs spawning in cold winter inshore waters by most winter flounder) and by populations within species (e.g., inshore vs offshore spawning populations of winter flounder). We are testing these questions with laboratory‐based factorial experiments designed to evaluate responses to elevated CO2 by ELS of summer and winter flounder. To date, we have found summer flounder to be responsive to elevated CO2 in terms of fertilization rate (‐), survival of embr yos (‐), and ontogenetic rates of larvae (+). Results on winter flounder show elevated CO2 to affect fertilization rates in a positive but somewhat different way between northerly (Mass) and southerly (New Jersey) coastal winter flounder populations. The scheme for our future inter‐population contrasts of winter flounder is also described.

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Page 36


Takuya Hasegawa and Jun Shoji

Hiroshima University, Japan Hiroshima University, Japan

Does ice goby Leucopsarion petersii breed only once or multiple times? ‐ estimation of breeding cost under laboratory experiments

Ice goby Leucopsarion petersii is distributed in eastern Asia. This species is morphologically characterized by small size and "neoteny", with which adult fishes breed with their gonad in larval form. Previous studies showed that ice goby die within one year and reproduce only one time, indicating that majority of energy are used for breeding. However, a recent study reported male ice goby bred twice under laboratory condition. In order to estimate the cost for breeding, tank experiments were conducted with males at four reproductive stages: 1) nest making stage, 2) spawning stage, 3) another breeding stages, and 4) egg protection stage. Nutritional condition of male was measured at the end of each stage. Possible factors which prevent multiple breeding were examined.

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MaternalEffect

Page 37

OralPresentation

A. Hernández de Rojas, M.C. Castro, L. Yebra, N. Valcárcel‐Pérez, D. Cortés, M. Mercado, R. Láiz‐Carrión, A. García, F. Gómez‐Jakobsen, J.M.

Quintanilla, S. Salles and A. Uriarte.

Spanish Institute of Oceanography, O.C. of Gijón, Asturias, Spain; Spanish Institute of Oceanography, O.C. of Fuengirola, Málaga, Spain

Molecular characterization of Sardina pilchardus larvae diet in Málaga Bay (SW Mediterranean Sea)

The study of predation in the early life stages of fish by direct observation of their stomach content is very difficult, mostly because prey lose all identifiable characteristics. We developed a multiplex‐PCR based method, which detected within the gut of the larvae the presence/absence of the five main species of copepods that live in Malaga Bay: Clausocalanus parapergens, Oncaea waldemari, Paracalanus indicus, Temora stylifera and Acartia clausi. A set of five species‐specific primers were designed and combined in a single multiplex PCR system, which allowed a time and cost effective screening of the samples. The method detected as little

as 0.09 ng/L of copepod DNA without cross‐reac ons with Sardina pilchardus DNA.

Tuesday 14:40at

FoodWebs

Page 38


Eric J. Hilton, Ann C. Matarese and Duane E. Stevenson

Virginia Institute of Marine Science, College of William & Mary, Gloucester Point, VA, USA NOAA‐Fisheries, Alaska Fisheries Science Center, Seattle, WA, USA

Development of the Skeleton of the Northern Ronquil, Ronquilus jordani, With Notes on the Ontogeny and Osteology of Other Members of the Family Bathymasteridae (Zoarcoidei)

Bathymasteridae comprises seven species in three genera (Ronquilus, Rathbunella, and Bathymaster) from the North Pacific Ocean. The family is often considered to be the basal‐most of Zoarcoidei; recent molecular studies recover it as a basal paraphyletic grade. We examined the ontogeny of the skeleton in R. jordani (8.2‐115 mm SL) to better understand the skeleton of these fishes. Cartilages of neural and haemal arches are present in our smallest specimens, and centra are ossified by 15.0 mm. Ossification of the axial skeleton begins near the midpoint of the caudal vertebrae, and proceeds anteriorly and posteriorly from there. By 19.0 mm the axial skeleton is completely formed, and by 34 mm the median‐fin rays are completely developed. At 8.2 mm the first cartilaginous elements of the caudal fin are present, and at 29.7 mm the caudal fin skeleton is completely ossified. Within the paired fins the dermal components of the pectoral girdle are among the first bones to form (e.g., cleithrum present by 8.2 mm), whereas the pelvic girdle forms later (just becoming differentiated at 13.5 mm). Ongoing work will extend this investigation to the elements of the cranium, forming a baseline for comparative ontogenetic studies among zoarcoids.

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Phylogenetics

Page 39

OralPresentation

Eric J. Hilton

Virginia Institute of Marine Science, College of William & Mary, Gloucester Point, VA, USA

What is an ontogenetic character in systematics?

The importance of ontogeny has been discussed by generations of ichthyologists, if not fully integrated into systematic studies. New material, information, and approaches to study have all served to instigate renewed interest in the study of ontogeny in the systematics of fishes. Because it is a process, ontogeny itself cannot be coded for systematic analyses, but rather it is a feature that develops at some point during this process that may enter into this discussion whether that appearance is fleeting or marks some developmental milestone. This presentation will reflect on so‐called ontogenetic characters in systematic analyses of fishes, drawing from my research as well as examples from the literature, and offer a framework for the use, description, and interpretation of these characters to inform phylogenetic hypotheses. The first dichotomy I recognize is a separation between direct (e.g., distinct characters and meristic or morphometric data specific to a sing le life stage; order of development; direction of development) and indirect uses (e.g., supporting homology statements) of ontogeny for systematic inference. Although equally important, the majority of phylogenetic studies that incorporate ontogenetic information have focused on the latter rather than to look for patterns of ontogeny at different levels of systematic relationships.

Tuesday 10:00at

Phylogenetics

Page 40


Angie M. Hoover, Alison L. Deary, Brian Dzwonkowski, and, Hannah Box

University of Southern Mississippi University of South Alabama, Dauphin Island Sea Lab

CONCORDE ‐ Assessment of larval fish diet and condition during an atypical winter freshwater discharge event in the northern Gulf of Mexico

Recruitment of larval fishes to adult populations is an essential aspect of understanding fluctuations in fisheries yields. Larval fish survival is influenced by both biotic and abiotic factors, including predation, starvation, and unfavorable transport. Prey field and physical water‐column characteristics are two major determinants of larval fish condition. Therefore, characterizing the water column in which larval fishes are caught can help explain differences in their condition, and help us better predict under which circumstances larvae are more likely to survive. In February 2016, the Consortium for Coastal River Dominated Ecosystems (CONCORDE), sampled a freshwater discharge plume emanating from the Mobile Bay. Utilizing several datasets, the physical structure of the water column (i.e. water‐source, physical characteristics) has been described. We then examined the planktonic community to ascertain the prey available to larval fishes to further detail the differences between plume and non‐plume waters. Condition of fishes will be measured by morphometrics, diet analysis, and essential fatty acid profiles, in order to assess the value of the productivity associated with plume features. By combining several indices of fish condition, this study will define the relationship between larval fish condition and freshwater‐discharge plumes using biotic and abiotic data.

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Page 41


Charlie Houbaut‐Vigneron, Johan Auwerx, Daniel De Charleroy and Fabrice Teletchea

UR AFPA, Université de Lorraine ‐ INRA, Vandœuvre‐lès‐Nancy, France; Instituut voor Natuur‐ (INBO), Dwersbos 28, 1630 Linkebeek, Belgium

Maternal and temperature effects on the survival and development of early life stages of a cold stenothermal fish species, the burbot Lota lota.

According to the latest report of the IPCC, the average temperatures on Earth's surface could rise between 0.5°C and 5.5°C in this century. As poikilotherms, fish could be strongly impacted. The goal of the present study was to evaluate the effect of four temperatures (1, 3, 5, and 7°C) on the survival and development of early life stages of burbot. Four parameters were studied at both hatching and yolk sac resorption: survival rate, deformity rate, development time, and larval size. Overall, 18 584 eggs coming from two females (A and B) were placed in 3 petri dishes each per temperature tested. The development time for the entire endogenous feeding period was divided by 2.3 for both females, from 100 days at 1°C to 44 days at 7°C. The survival rate was strongly different between females, averaging 70% for female A, and ranging from 0.3% at 7°C to 26.7% at 1°C for female B. The malformation rate was close or higher than 90% for the female B, while it varied from 0.3% at 1?C to 17% at 7°C for the female A. This study highlights that temperatures strongly influences survival and development of burbot, yet this varies according to females.

Tuesday at

MaternalEffect

Page 42


Hung‐Yen Hsieh , Yun‐Chen Chang , Pei‐Jie Meng , and, Wen‐Tseng Lo

Graduate Institute of Marine Biology, National Dong Hwa University, Checheng, Pingtung 944, Taiwan National Museum of Marine Biology and Aquarium, Checheng, Pingtung 944, Taiwan Institute of Marine Biotechnology and Resources, National Sun Yat‐sen University, Kaohsiung 804, Taiwan

Mesopelagic fish larvae assemblages in the waters southwest of Taiwan: linking with the intrusion of the Kuroshio Branch Current

This study analyzed the spatiotemporal patterns of mesopelagic fish larvae assemblages in relation to hydrographic conditions on three transects along the coast southwest of Taiwan during 22‐23 August, 5‐6 December 2014, and 28‐29 April 2015. A total of 2625 mesopelagic fish larvae were collected in the study, which included three families and 41 taxa or types. Benthosema pterotum (19.1%), Cyclothone alba (11.6%), Benthosema fibulatum (10.8%), Benthosema sp. (9.4%), and Neoscopelus sp. (9.2%) were the five most dominant taxa. Although no significant difference was found in fish larvae abundance, higher values were observed in December and April than in August. Besides, higher fish larvae abundances occurred in transect II and lower in transect I throughout the study period. Two species groups and three station groups were distinguished. The assemblage structure of mesopelagic fish larvae in the waters southwest of Taiwan was related to the prevailing oceanographic proce sses at the time of sampling. The change in monsoons potentially affects the succession of water masses in this study area. These mesopelagic fish larvae may be carried by the penetrating Kuroshio Branch Current driven by the seasonal monsoon from waters east of Taiwan into the southeastern Taiwan Strait.

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Dispersal

Page 43


Sarah K. Huber, Peter Konstantinidis, Eric J. Hilton, and, Deborah K. Steinberg

Virginia Institute of Marine Science, College of William & Mary, Gloucester Point, VA, USA

Lessons Learned from Larval Fish Workshops at the Virginia Institute of Marine Science's Nunnally Ichthyology Collection

The Nunnally Ichthyology Collection at VIMS is conducting a project aimed at safeguarding its large collection of larval fishes, with the goals of improving storage of specimens, identifying specimens; and cataloging specimens and linking associated environmental data and images in a publicly accessed database. As part of this project, VIMS hosted two workshops (October 5‐16, 2015, June 6‐17, 2016) for students, collection managers, research scientists, and volunteers. Participants learned how to sort and identify larval fishes, acquired information on preparation, storage, and curation of larval‐fish collections, and learned imaging techniques. Here we present the results of these workshops, including assessment data on participant preparedness and the numbers of fishes that were processed. In October 2015, thirteen participants identified 4,694 individual fishes in 811 lots, comprising 100 families; nine families were new additions to the VIMS Collection. At the end of the workshop participants felt more prepared to identify larvae, access identification resources, store/organize collections, digitize specimens, and clear and stain larval fishes. A repeated theme in many comments on post‐workshop assessments echoed the importance of the hands‐on nature of this workshop, and identification of a broad diversity of larval fishes under the guidance of internationally recognized larval fish taxonomists.

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Page 44


Klaus B. Huebert

UMCES Horn Point Laboratory, Cambridge, MD, USA TextfieldName: Interactive larval fish modeling demonstrations using Quirks

Interactive larval fish modeling demonstrations using Quirks

A new web interface for the Quirks larval fish model makes it easy for students and researchers to conduct individual‐based modeling experiments on larval fish foraging behavior and growth physiology using only a web browser. Quirks is free open‐source software, and has been validated across a wide range of larval fish types and environmental conditions. Users with no computer programming background can interactively explore the roles of different larval fish traits and environmental factors in determining growth. For example, it only takes a few clicks to demonstrate how the effect of temperature on growth depends on prey concentration. To participate in hands‐on demonstrations of the web interface and the full Quirks model, you are invited to use one of the tablets provided by the University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science or your own device (e.g., smartphone or laptop).

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Page 45

OralPresentation

Thomas P Hurst, Banjamin J. Laurel, Eric Hanneman, and, Scott A. Haines

Alaska Fisheries Science Center, NOAA‐NMFS Oregon State University

Nutritional and ocean acidification effects on larval growth of northern rock sole

Climate change is expected to occur along multiple aspects such that ocean acidification will occur in conjunction with warming and changes to the foraging environment. Previous studies have demonstrated that nutritional condition plays a significant role in the responses of invertebrates to ocean acidification, but similar studies have yet to be conducted with marine fishes. In this study, we examined the effects of elevated CO2 levels and nutritional stress on the growth and development of northern rock sole (Lepidopsetta polyxystra) during the pre‐flexion (3‐31 days) and post‐flexion (31‐87 days) larval stages. In both stages, larval feeding regime had a much larger impact on growth rates than did CO2 level, and there was no observed interaction between stressors. By 31 days‐post‐hatch, larvae in the high feeding treatment were 84.2% heavier than the fish in the low feeding treatments, but there was no significant effect of CO2 level on body size or condition. The ef fects of food limitation were greater among post‐flexion larvae undergoing metamorphosis. These results have important implications for understanding the impacts of the multi‐faceted nature of climate change on population productivity of commercial fish species in the North Pacific.

Tuesday 15:20at

FoodWebs

Page 46

OralPresentation

Stacey A. Ireland, Edward Roseman, Gregory Kennedy, and, Robert Hunter

USGS Great Lakes Science Center, Ann Arbor, MI, USA; IAP Worldwide, Cape Canaveral, FL, USA

Monitoring of artificial spawning reefs for Lake Sturgeon, Acipenser fulvescens, reproduction in the St. Clair‐Detroit River System

The St. Clair‐Detroit River System (SCDRS) is the 160‐kilometer connecting channel between Lakes Huron and Erie. Lake Sturgeon, (Acipenser fulvescens), were historically abundant and provided ecological, economic, and social value. Beginning in the early 1900s, modification of habitat, exploitation, and introduction of non‐native species caused declines in the Lake Sturgeon population. To remediate these losses, artificial spawning reefs were constructed throughout the system. We examined lake sturgeon egg densities and numbers of larvae collected from six constructed reefs in the SCDRS to determine if Lake Sturgeon used reefs for spawning. Eggs were sampled pre‐ and post‐ construction at each site and larvae were sampled during nocturnal drift after reef construction. Pre‐ construction monitoring of eggs detected no eggs; however, eggs were found upstream of the Harts Light Reef site in 2013 and 2014. Lake Sturgeon eggs were present on five of six newly constructed reefs. Larvae were detected upstream and downstream of each reef, and collections were generally higher downstream of reefs. The presence of eggs and larvae indicate that reefs provide functional spawning habitat. Thorough pre‐ and post‐monitoring provides information critical to the adaptive management approach to restoration and to aid the recovery of Lake Sturgeon in the SCDRS.

Thursday 11:20at

Contributed

Page 47


Sylvia Patricia A. Jimenez, Laura del Pilar Echeverri, Sharon Z. Herzka, and, Vicente Ferreira

Instituto Politecnico Nacional, CICIMAR (SNI/COFAA/EDI), La Paz, Baja California Sur, Mexico, [email protected] Center for Scientific Research and Higher Education of Ensenada (CICESE), Ensenada, Baja California, Mexico

Fish larval abundances in the deep‐water region of the southern Gulf of Mexico relative to oceanographic conditions

Fish larval abundances were obtained from oblique zooplankton (surface to 200m) hauls conducted during four cruises covering the deep‐water region of the Gulf of Mexico (south of 25& November 2010, July 2011, March 2013 and October 2015. Mean larval abundances were highest in November 2010 (624 larvae/1000m3) and lowest in October 2015 (112 larvae/1000m3), and intermediate during July 2011 and March 2013. During all cruises the highest larval abundances were observed within the Bay of Campeche and the lowest in the open water region of the central gulf. We will evaluate the relationship between specific mesoscale structures, larval abundance, and hydrographic characteristics. Oceanographic data obtained in‐situ through CTD casts and remote sensing will be used to identify the location of fixed sampling stations relative to spatially varying mesoscale structures with contrasting hy drographic characteristics: the region of influence of the Loop Current (LC), anticyclonic gyres from LC, the semi‐permanent cyclonic gyre of the western Bay of Campeche (BC) and the eastern BC, which is influenced by strong offshore transport. This study will provide a baseline for understanding the oceanographic processes related to spatial and temporal variation of ichthyoplankton abundances in the southern Gulf of Mexico.

Tuesday at

Dispersal

Page 48

OralPresentation

David G. Johnson

National Museum of Natural History, Washington, DC, 20560

Ontogeny and phylogenetic systematics of fishes: An old frontier, waiting (a personal perspective)

Publication of the proceedings of the Ahlstrom Memorial Symposium, Ontogeny and Systematics of Fishes in 1984 heralded a new era for the incorporation of developmental stages into mainstream systematic ichthyology. More than thirty years later, it seems that the predicted revolution never came to pass. Most comparative anatomical and phylogenetic investigations during the ensuing period have failed to take advantage of the rich and critical source of character information that larval stages can provide. The well‐documented differences between larvae and adults of marine fishes in pigmentation, shape, and especially ornamentation are all too frequently ignored in phylogenetic analyses. Likewise, and most importantly, with all fishes, the enormous potential for solving long‐ standing questions of homology remains largely untapped. I hope to demonstrate both aspects with examples from some of my own work. The reasons for this lapsus are clear enough. Most systematic icththy ologists are not trained in, or even exposed to, the handling, identification, and study of tiny fish larvae. Furthermore, the work is highly labor intensive and requires singular dedication to obtaining and preparing the appropriate material. For freshwater fishes, the solution may be found in rearing. For marine fishes, with some exceptions, collections must be scoured for appropriate developmental series. Nevertheless, without these efforts we turn our backs on a critical piece of the puzzle, the most morphologically dynamic part of the life history. With the current dominance of molecular systematics, morphology is often viewed by academic institutions and funding agencies as an old‐fashioned science, much of the important work having now been completed. This is absurd, for molecular systematists and evolutionary developmental biologists have no engaging questions to ask without a deep understanding of morphology, and without ontogeny that deep understanding is unreachable. Comp arative morphology is founded in exploration and discovery ‐ an old frontier awaits.

Monday 9:20at

Phylogenetics

Page 49

OralPresentation

David G. Johnson and Nalani K. Schnell

National Museum of Natural History, Washington, DC, 20560 Muséum national d'Histoire naturelle, Paris, France

Osteological diversity of larval chaetodontids illustrated and its bearing on the affinities of Coradion and Ostracoberyx

Butterfly fishes of the perciform family Chaetodontidae are small, colorful, coral‐reef fishes comprising 12 genera and ca 139 species. Most chaetodontids have a pelagic larval tholichthys stage characterized by specific modifications of the head bones. Most commonly, the posttemporals and supracleithra are expanded posteriorly as large laminar plates, and the preopercles are expanded and extended posteriorly into a broad spine and anteriorly to cover much of the cheek. Additionally, the rugose frontals are expanded, cover all or part of the parietals and bear a small, somewhat rounded supraoccipital crest. However, not all chaetodontid larvae exhibit all of these features. Forcipiger lacks some of them, and, it has been argued that Coradion exhibits none of them. A superficially similar larva with hypertrophied head bones characterizes the Scatophagidae, but its distinctiveness with respect to the chaetodontid tholichthys has been addressed several times. Although the osteological similarities and differences among larval chaetodontids have often been described, they have never been clearly illustrated. We herewith photographically illustrate and evaluate similarities and differences of the various chaetodontid tholichthys stages in the context of generic interrelationships and compare them with larval Ostracoberyx (Ostracoberycidae), which has been suggested to be closely related to the Chaetodontidae, in order to assess the possible phylogenetic implications.

Tuesday 11:20at

Phylogenetics

Page 50

OralPresentation

Francis Juanes

University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, Canada

Predator‐prey relationships in marine fishes: are larvae different?

Predator‐prey relationships are especially constrained by allometric patterns in morphology and behavior of both predators and prey. Most previous analyses have used prey and predator weights; however, prey length may provide a different perspective. Here I take a length‐based perspective on a large database of predator and prey size for marine predators (~35,000 prey items, 92 predators) and compare results to previous studies based on weights. I first assess the allometry of prey length and prey:predator length ratios, and then focus my analyses on the scaling of species‐specific trophic niche breadth estimated using quantiles of relative prey sizes, and comparing patterns for larval vs. adult fishes. I found a positive wedge‐shaped relationship between prey and predator length and a negative converging relationship between relative prey sizes and predator size. For larvae, trophic niche breadths were mostly parallel and increased with predator size. In contrast, for adults trophic niche breadths were converging and scaled negatively with predator length. These differences suggest contrasting ontogenetic foraging opportunities between adults and larvae: a lack of large relative prey sizes for the largest adult predators, and a greater ability of larvae to include larger prey items in their diet as they grow.

Tuesday 9:40at

FoodWebs

Page 51

OralPresentation

Sukgeun Jung

Jeju National University, R.O. Korea

Generalized size‐dependent formulation for natural mortality of fish based on their fecundity

Natural mortality of fish is a major source of uncertainty in stock assessment. Because the mortality rate of fish larvae and juveniles is known to decrease with increasing body size, various size‐ dependent formulations of mortality have been proposed. However, derived mortality rates differ greatly among the proposed formulations. As fisheries scientists have often ignored implications of fecundity in estimating natural mortality of fish, I have developed and proposed an approach to validate size‐dependent mortality rates based on fecundity for both of batch and total spawners. For bay anchovy (Anchoa mitchilli) and Pacific anchovy (Engraulis japonica), examples of heterochronal species, my central assumption for deriving their mortality rates was that, at equilibrium, approximately two of the eggs produced by an average female anchovy during the spawning period would survive after a year, because the life cycle of anchovy is mostly complete in a year. I additiohally developed a matrix projection method to estimate size‐dependent natural mortality for isochronal fishes by providing an example of the application to Pacific cod (Gadus macrocephalus). Comparisons with results from field surveys suggested that my theoretically‐derived natural mortality rates based on fish fecundity are reliable enough for the purpose of stock assessment.

Monday 16:20at

Contributed

Page 52

OralPresentation

Sukgeun Jung, Ig‐Chan Pang, Joon‐ho Lee, and Haw Hyun Lee

Jeju National University, R.O. Korea Pukyong National University, R.O. Korea Jeju National University, R.O. Korea

Climate‐change driven range shifts of chub mackerel (Scomber japonicus) projected by bio‐physical coupling individual based model in the western North Pacific

We projected the effects of warming ocean on the range shift of biomass of chub mackerel (Scomber japonicas) covering from the larval to the adult stages up to age 3 yr by developing and applying individual‐based models (IBM) based on a regional ocean circulation model for the western North Pacific and two climate change scenarios. From laboratory experiments, we observed a diurnal cycle in the buoyancy of larval mackerel. Our IBMs tentatively suggested that the larval and juvenile mackerel in the Korea Strait, the Japanese coastal areas and the Kuroshio extension areas are mostly transported from the East China Sea where they were hatched. Despite the greater uncertainty, the preliminary results of our IBM projected that, by the 2050s, the strengthened Tsushima warm current in the Korea Strait and the East Sea, driven by global warming, will shift the larval and juvenile mackerel biomass distribution north to the East Sea, and adult mackerel biomass north, especially in the Yellow Sea. To improve the model performance, international cooperative researches among the regional countries are required, especially for extensive ichthyoplankton surveys in the East China Sea.

Wednesday 9:20at

Dispersal

Page 53

OralPresentation

Hubert Keckeis, Stefan Roesler and Philipp Gmeiner

University of Vienna, Austria; Dept. Limnology and Oceanography University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences

Effect of ship induced waves on drift density of fish larvae in a large River.

Navigation in Rivers may create problems for YOY‐fish due to displacement effects induced by ship generated waves, thus affecting dispersal. The effects of navigation on young‐of‐the year (YOY) fish were investigated for the Danube River by synchronously recording wave parameters (i.e. wave height, wave frequency, water currents), fish abundance and fish drift of YOY in two distinct inshore nursery habitats a gravel bar and a groyne field. In both habitats, significant effects on drift densities of larvae and early juveniles during ship passages was observed, depending on taxa and developmental stage. Significant differences were observed between the two mesohabitats, which can be attributed to differences in hydraulic‐ and geo‐morphological conditions. In a previous study, we found that habitats which are considered as most suitable nursery habitats for characteristic riverine fish species seem to be particularly affected by vessel‐induced wave wash. Here, we present n ew findings of the effect of waves on the drift‐ density in a newly created mesohabitat, which provides a high connectivity and shelter from ship generated waves.

Thursday 10:20at

Contributed

Page 54

OralPresentation

Yun‐Kae Kiang and Hui‐Yu Wang

Institute of Oceanography, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan; Institute of Oceanography, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan

Temperature‐food correlations determine early life growth rates for a subtropical cutlassfish Trichiurus japonicus

In subtropical oceans, seasonal variation in temperatures and monsoons may alter productivity and prey density. We hypothesized that temperature‐food correlations determine early life growth rates of marine fishes in subtropical oceans. To test this hypothesis, we studied cutlassfish Trichiurus japonicus, an important fishery species in the subtropical west Pacific. Cutlassfish spawn all year round, thus, their larvae may display seasonal variation in growth rates. We collected larval (N=90) and early juvenile (N=544) samples spanning three Taiwan coasts: NW, NE, and SW, in 2000‐2015. The temperature‐zooplankton density correlations at NW, NE, and SW were: r = 0.44, 0.14, and 0.19, respectively. Daily growth rates (at 2‐60 days) were positively correlated with temperatures for NW fish, supporting our hypothesis. We evaluated the effects of temperature and zooplankton density on fish growth (60 day) using bioenergetics modeling. Simulated growth were NW > NE > SW, reflec ting differential temperature‐prey density correlations. Further, within‐location growth patterns indicate temperature effects on physiological processes (maximum growth at 25‐26 & data and bioenergetics modeling, our study demonstrates two pathways of temperature effects on early life growth for cutlassfish. Changes in temperature‐food correlations could influence variability of recruitment and production of cutlassfish.

Wednesday 14:20at

Carryover

Page 55

OralPresentation

Holly K. Kindsvater

Rutgers University

When smaller is better: do females decrease offspring size to improve their own chances of survival?

Why older, larger females produce larger offspring than younger females in the same environment is a life‐history puzzle. Conventional life history theory predicts that the optimal offspring size should not vary among females, while their clutch size may change with age or condition. Although this theory has been influential and widely accepted in studies of terrestrial animals, it does not explain age‐dependent maternal effects in fishes. Recent theory showed adaptive maternal effects can evolve if differential fitness benefits and costs of clutch size and egg size change maternal reproductive value. Reproductive value depends in part on how growth and fecundity change with age. The theory predicts adaptive maternal effects can evolve if young females reduce egg size, not number, to improve their chances of reproducing again. Meta‐analyses of egg size and number data from salmonids suggest another hypothesis: that the timing of egg development means egg size is more e volvable than number. The costs of reproduction and the details of development thus have an under‐ appreciated role in explaining the diversity of fish life histories, as well as implications for their population dynamics.

Wednesday 13:40at

MaternalEffect

Page 56


Matthias Kloppmann, Cindy van Damme, Richard D.M. Nash, Bastian Huwer and Christope Loots

Thuenen Institute of Sea Fisheries, Hamburg, Germany IMARES, Imuiden, The Netherhands IMR, Bergen, Norway DTU‐Aqua, Copenhagen, Denmark and IfreMer, Boulogne sur Mer, France

When (How?) things go wrong: How larval drift can distort stock abundance estimates

For assessment purposes, marine ecosystems are often treated as closed systems. Particularly when recruitment is calculated based on larval abundance, unusual drift events can lead to erroneous results. The Mid Water Ring Net (MIK) Survey, undertaken during the 1st quarter International Bottom Trawl Survey, delivers a recruitment index for North Sea herring larvae. The index represents the offspring of the autumn spawning components only, therefore, the MIK herring larvae index should not be influenced by larval abundances from the winter spawning Downs component, which often occur in large quantities in the southern part of the survey area. Another source of error is the intrusion of herring larvae originating from the west of Scotland. While the latter is currently of minor importance, the Downs larvae have to be reliably taken out from the index calculation. In order to achieve this, the index algorithm excludes all stations south of 54 N with mean larval lengths of less than 20 mm SL. In recent years, however, enhanced drift of small larvae of Downs origin northwards and beyond that latitude lead to the inclusion of large abundances of too small larvae in the index calculation. This resulted in a biased MIK index that should, otherwise, have been much lower.

Tuesday at

Dispersal

Page 57

OralPresentation

Michaela Kolker and Roi Holzman

The George S. Wise faculty of life sciences, Tel Aviv University and the Interuniversity Institute of Marine Sciences in Eilat, Israel.

Accumulation of Morphological Disparity throughout Ontogeny in Coral Reef Wrasses (Family: Labridae)

The marine family of Labridae is a highly morphologically and ecologically diverse group in indo‐pacific coral reefs. They display a staggering trophic diversity and occupy a variety of ecological niches. Novel morphological adaptations in Labridae resulted in a wide trophic range, from the common durophagous and generalist invertebrate predators to a selection of specialized and niche‐constrained modes of feeding such as piscivory, herbivory and planktivory. This trophic variety is apparent in the family?s larvae during the late pelagic stage, despite immediate environmental constraints for highly conserved suction feeding. We found that larvae initially exhibited low morphological disparity in the earliest developmental stages, which was then followed by gradual specialization into distinct trophic guilds within the plankton. Interestingly, out of the range of measured morphological parameters, a small subset was found to reliably predict the observed disparity along ontogenetic development.

Tuesday 11:00at

Phylogenetics

Page 58

OralPresentation

Peter Konstantinidis

Virginia Institute of Marine Science, VA, USA

Osteology and Systematics of the Ragfish, Icosteus aenigmaticus (Lockington 1880)

The ragfish is endemic to the Northern Pacific, from the coast of California to Japan. Adults inhabit the bathypelagic zone while juveniles are frequently caught near the surface. There is a significant difference in shape and anatomy between juveniles and adults, which can reach a maximum length of up to two meters. The species is characterized by more than 60 vertebrae, the lack of dorsal‐, anal‐, and pelvic‐fin spines, prickles on all fin rays, the absence of the pelvic fin in adults, more than 17 principal caudal fin rays, and scales which are only present along the lateral line. The ragfish was first described by Lockington in 1880 and its systematic position has been uncertain ever since, which is mirrored by its placement in its own family and order (Icosteidae, Icosteiformes). Anatomical characters are peculiar and have led to various speculations of its systematic position ranging from a ‘prepercomorph' to a close relationship to members of the Stromateoidei. The latter hypothetical relationship is additionally supported through larval characters and molecular data. Here, I will present an anatomical analysis of the skeleton of larval and juvenile ragfish in order to clarify its phylogenetic position within the teleostean tree.

Tuesday 14:00at

Phylogenetics

Page 59

OralPresentation

Peter Konstantinidis

Virginia Institute of Marine Science, VA, USA

Ontogeny and systematics: advancements in methods and new approaches

Since the first larval fish conference in 1977, the focal point of contributions has been characterized by ecological, physiological or fisheries related aspects. Presentations that concerned anatomical descriptions with or without a phylogenetic component were scarce. A significant exception was the symposium Fish Larvae and Systematics , organized by J.M. Leis, J. E. Olney and M. Okiyama in 1997, at the 19th larval fish conference in Sydney. However, this dearth of morphological studies seems to continue and I believe that there are (at least) two reasons for this: 1) the scarcity of ichthyologists trained in larval fish identification and taxonomy, and 2) the erroneous belief that comparative anatomy and phylogenetic systematic studies are an antiquated science. In this presentation I will focus on the latter and present indications that comparative anatomy and phylogenetic systematics have not been stagnant in the past years. New and modern approaches and applicati ons, such as immunohistochemistry, CT‐scanning, 3D‐reconstructions, and cell labeling can advance the fields of classical morphology tremendously, while leading to new discoveries in morphological studies and beyond (EvoDevo). Herein, I argue that comparative anatomy and phylogenetic systematics, in combination with early life history, bear immeasurable information that is essentially unexplored.

Tuesday 9:40at

Pylogenetics

Page 60

OralPresentation

Mauricio F. Landaeta, Javier Vera‐Duarte, Karen Manriquez, and, Natalia Marcovich

Universidad de Valparaiso, Valparaiso, Chile; Hydroplank Ltda Universidad Andres Bello, Santiago, Chile

Trophic flexibility of larval Harpagifer antarcticus in shallow waters from South Shetland Islands, West Antarctica

We analysed the trophic habits, feeding success and selectivity of larval spiny plunderfish Harpagifer antarcticus (Osteichthyies: Harpagiferidae) collected weekly in austral summer 2014 and 2015 at Bah a Chile, Greenwich Island, South Shetland Islands. Based on the stomach contents of 202 individuals ranging between 5.97 to 10.66 mm, larvae were omnivorous, with chain‐forming diatom Thalassiosira minuscula, euphausiid eggs and copepodites as the main prey items. The feeding success, as well as the trophic niche breadth were independent of size. Only maximum prey size (width) was positively correlated with larval size, suggesting preference of larger prey as larvae grow. At interannual scale, significant differences were detected in the ingested prey per gut, with higher numbers during summer 2014. Trophic niche breadth increased with larval size. At weekly scale, and after storm winds from south‐east and high turbulence in surface waters, H. antarcticus larvae changed their selective feeding based on large prey (i.e, copepodites) to a more opportunistic feeding strategy, selecting on large abundance of small (i.e., Thalassiosira minuscula) to medium‐size prey (euphausiid eggs). Present results suggest that larval spiny plunderfish exhibit feeding behavior plasticity ensuring higher feeding rates after major changes triggered by meteorological conditions in a shallow embayment of West Antarctica.

Tuesday 10:20at

FoodWebs

Page 61

OralPresentation

The Larval Morphology Tag Team , Jeffrey M. Leis, Nalani Schnell, David G. Johnson and Peter Konstandtinidis)

Australian Museum, Sydney and University of Tasmania, Hobart Australia; Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle, Paris, France; National Museum of Natural History, Washington DC USA; Virginia Institute of Marine Science, Gloucester Point, VA USA

Larval Fish Systematics: an historical perspective

Not long ago, larval‐fish biology was largely studied using ship‐towed nets, and fish‐larva identification was poorly known, so larval‐fish biologists also had to be taxonomists. Ed Houde started his larval‐fish research in 1967, and is of that cohort , including larval‐fish legends Elbert Ahlstrom, Bill Richards, Geoff Moser, Art Kendall, Mike Fahay, Muneo Okiyama and Satoshi Mito. We put Ed s contributions to systematics in perspective and look at today where genetics is asserted by some to have solved the problems in fish systematics. Today, few larval‐fish biologists need to undertake systematic research because of advances since the mid 1960s, including regional larval fish identification guides. Today, more preserved material is available in collections, blue‐ and black‐water diving open new possibilities for obtaining and studying larvae in situ, new techniques assist in assessing and describing morphology, and genetics has simplified linking larvae to adul ts. Thus, more is possible. Contemporary examples of larval‐fish morphology advancing understanding of relationships are provided. Study of morphology enables independent testing of phylogenies produced by genetic methods, many of which are poorly resolved. The resulting reciprocal illumination advances understanding of fish evolution, provides confidence in some relationship hypotheses, and pinpoints others requiring further research.

Monday 14:40at

Plenary

Page 62

OralPresentation

Jeffrey M. Leis, Luciano B. Mason, S?verine Choukroun, Michael; Jones, Geoffrey P.; Williamson, David H.; Harrison, and Hugo Bode

University of Tasmania, Hobart and Australian Museum Research Institute, Sydney, Australia Australian Maritime College, Launceston, Australia University of Tasmania, Hobart and Australian Museum Research Institute, Sydney, Australia

It works! Building a biophysical larval‐fish dispersal model for the Great Barrier Reef based on empirical larval and adult behavior data?and testing it.

Larval dispersal models increasingly include larval behavior rather than assume passive larvae. However, few include a range of dispersal‐relevant behaviors. Fewer still are tested. Many models over‐generalize adult behaviors such as seasonal, lunar and diel timing or location of propagules release. Even if empirically‐based behavior is included, variation among individual propagules is seldom included: rather, mean behavior is used, unrealistically constraining dispersal outcomes. Our model for Great Barrier Reef (GBR) fishes uses empirical measures of larva vertical distribution, swimming and orientation, and variation in and ontogeny of them. Only virtual larvae with sufficient swimming ability to overcome currents within ?detection zones? around reefs can settle. Propagules are released at empirically‐determined times and places. Egg buoyancy is included. Hydrodynamics are a 3D development of the 2D James, et al. (2002) model. We tested three model scenario predictions (1‐ all empirical larval behavior; 2 ‐ hypothetical SE swimming; and 3 ‐ passive larvae) for a grouper (Plectropomus maculatus) in the southern GBR using genetic parentage techniques that matched recruits at the end of the 2011/12 spawning season with adults from spawning aggregations (Williamson et al. in review). Observed dispersal direction and distance best fit model Scenario 1 predictions.

Monday 10:00at

Plenary

Page 63

OralPresentation

Jeffrey M. Leis and Anthony C. Gill

University of Tasmania, Hobart and Australian Museum Research Ins tute, Sydney, Macleay Museum, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia

More than archetypal coral‐reef fishes: Revision and relationships of the Acanthuroidei

Acanthuroid fishes are often considered archetypal coral‐reef fishes. Using characters of larvae and adults, Acanthuroidei is redefined including traditional acanthuroid families (Acanthuridae, Ephippidae, Luvaridae, Scatophagidae, Siganidae, Zanclidae) and taxa usually placed within Percoidei (Antigonia, Chaetodontidae, Drepaneidae, Leiognathidae, Lobotidae, Pomacanthidae): all share a specialised tooth ontogeny. Based on larval morphology (particularly head spination, skull sculpting, early developing posteriorly‐placed pelvic fins, pigmentation, and body shape) and adult morphology (dorsal gill‐arches) Lobotidae is rediagnosed including Lobotes, Datnioides and Hapalogenys, genera traditionally placed in Lobotidae, Datnioididae and Haemulidae, respectively. Three‐item analysis shows Lobotidae is sister to other acanthuroids. Antigonia and Leiognathidae are nested within traditional acanthuroids on the basis of larval morphology, one postcleithrum, & absent interarcual cartilage. Our morphology‐based phylogeny has areas of both agreement and disagreement with recent gene‐based phylogenies. Areas of agreement include: removal of Hapalogenys from Haemulidae; inclusion of Lobotes, Datnioides and Hapalogenys in Lobotidae; Lobotidae, Antigonia and Leiognathidae related to at least some of the acanthuroid taxa as defined here; Luvaridae and Zanclidae included in Acanthuroidei. The redefined Acanthuroids are from coral reefs, epipelagic oceans, soft bottoms, outer continental shelves and slopes, estuaries, mangroves and fresh water, but most acanthuroid species live on coral reefs.

Tuesday 10:20at

Phylogenetics

Page 64

OralPresentation

Alison Loeppky, Craig Purchase and Gail K. Davoren

University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, CanadaMemorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, NL, Canada

Does maternal investment effect otolith chemistry of larval capelin?

Identifying the natal origin of marine fish is important to understand the connectivity among populations residing in different habitats. Capelin, Mallotus vilosus, is a key forage fish species that spawns at beach and deep‐water (15‐40 m) habitats along the northeast Newfoundland coast. Eggs adhere to sediment where they remain throughout incubation. We are investigating the ability to identify the natal habitat of larval capelin using otolith microchemistry. Previous research demonstrated otolith chemical signatures vary greatly among individuals reared under identical controlled and uncontrolled conditions. To investigate whether maternal investment was responsible for this variability, we reared artificially fertilized eggs from twelve families (1 male + 1 female) under controlled temperature (10, 15 °C) and salinity (10, 20, 30 ppt) treatments. Otolith chemical signatures did not reliably classify individuals among treatments, but there was high classification succ ess (83.4%) into families. A spiking experiment, whereby enriched 137Ba was added to the water of incubating eggs revealed that trace elements from the ambient water are incorporated into developing otoliths during incubation. These findings suggest maternal investment and ambient water chemistry influence otolith chemical signatures in capelin larvae. Therefore, understanding their relative influence will determine whether we can identify the natal origin of individuals.

Wednesday 9:20at

MaternalEffect

Page 65

OralPresentation

Katrin E Marancik, Jonathan Hare, David E Richardson, Michele Traver and Katherine Sosebee

Integrated Statistics, NMFS Narragansett Laboratory, Narragansett, RI, USA NOAA/NMFS/NEFSC/Narragansett Laboratory, Narragansett, RI, USA NOAA/NMFS/NEFSC/Woods Hole Laboratory, Woods Hole, MA, USA

Where do southern New England Red Hake larvae come from?: Examination of apparent mismatch between larval and adult distribution patterns.

Red Hake, Urophycis chuss, is currently managed as two unit stocks: a southern stock (Georges Bank and south) and a northern stock (Gulf of Maine). However, there is a discrepancy in the distributions of Red Hake larvae and adults: there are more adults in the north and more larvae in the south. The distribution of larvae has been confounded by difficulty achieving species‐level identifications with three species common in the area: White Hake, Red Hake, and Spotted Hake. We identified morphological traits that separate species and have confirmed these with genetic techniques. We are currently making species‐level identifications in the Northeast Fisheries Science Center's shelf‐wide Ecosystem Monitoring (EcoMon) survey datasets. The areas of high larval abundance were identified using hot spot analysis (Getis Ord Gi* statistic adapted for Matlab). Larval Red Hake are located primarily on Georges Bank and in the southern New England area (off Rhode Island, Massachusetts, and New York) with a small, but growing, hot spot in the western Gulf of Maine. Additional analyses will be presented to examine age‐structure and growth of adults and relate the patterns to the two‐stock hypothesis used in management versus a single stock hypothesis with seasonal or age‐based migrations.

Wednesday 14:00at

Dispersal

Page 66

OralPresentation

Daniel Margulies, Vernon P. Scholey, Jeanne B. Wexler, and, Maria S. Stein

IATTC, La Jolla, CA, USA IATTC, Achotines Lab, Republic of Panama

Studies of the Early Life History of Large Pelagics

Large oceanic pelagic species exhibit early life histories that can be characterized by rapid growth, elevated metabolic processes, and rapid rates of feeding and mortality. Most large oceanic pelagic species spawn in tropical or subtropical waters, sometimes undergoing extensive migrations in order to spawn in discrete geographic regions. Other large pelagics do not undergo spawning migrations and spawn circumoceanically throughout tropical and subtropical latitudes. Tunas and billfishes exhibit reproductive modes characterized by high batch‐ and annual fecundities, and their larval stages are characterized by highly selective diets, precocious digestive and sensory development, and early transition from a zooplanktivorous diet to a fish diet. In this presentation, we review the Inter‐American Tropical Tuna Commission?s (IATTC?s) research program on the early life history of tunas, based at the IATTC?s Achotines Laboratory in the Republic of Panama. We summarize the development of broodstock of yellowfin for a captive spawning program for research purposes, as well as the results of studies of coastal tunas and billfishes conducted at the Achotines Laboratory. We also review key findings from other studies worldwide of the early life histories of tunas and billfishes.

Monday 11:00at

Plenary

Page 67

OralPresentation

Daniel Margulies, Jeanne B. Wexler, Maria S. Stein, Vernon P. Scholey,Tomoki Honryo, Michio Kurata, Yang‐Su Kim, Taro Matsumoto, Amal Biswas, Yasuo Agawa and Yoshifumi Sawada

IATTC, La Jolla, CA, USA IATTC, Achotines Lab, Panama; All Other Authors ‐ Kindai University, Oshima Station, Wakayama Prefecture, Japan

Studies of the Larval Stages of Yellowfin (Thunnus albacares) and Pacific Bluefin (Thunnus orientalis) Tuna Conducted in Panama and Japan

The Inter‐American Tropical Tuna Commission (IATTC) conducts research on the reproductive biology and early life history of yellowfin tuna (Thunnus albacares) at the Achotines Laboratory, Republic of Panama. Larvae hatched from eggs spawned at the Achotines Laboratory are routinely used in a variety of laboratory experiments designed to investigate the effects of key environmental and biological factors on pre‐recruit survival. In this presentation, experimental results from four major topics of yellowfin larval research will be discussed. These include studies of larval growth variability, effects of wind‐induced microturbulence on larval survival, the effects of ocean acidification on larval survival, and comparative studies of larval vital rates of yellowfin and Pacific bluefin. The comparative studies of yellowfin and Pacific bluefin were part of a 5‐year joint study among the IATTC, Kindai University of Japan, and the Autoridad de los Recursos Acuáticos de Panama (ARAP). The joint studies were supported by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and the Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST).

Thursday 9:20at

Contributed

Page 68

OralPresentation

Lasse Marohn, Roxana Sühring, Marko Freese and Reinhold Hanel

Thünen Institute of Fisheries Ecology, Hamburg, Germany; Helmholtz Centre, Geesthacht, Germany

Maternal transfer of persistent and potentially hazardous compounds in European eels

The European eel (Anguilla anguilla) is listed as a critically endangered species. A combination of factors have caused an extreme decline of recruitment and led to recruitment values of 1‐8% of former levels. Among these factors spawner quality is regarded to play a vital role for the survival of this species. Spawner quality of eels can be impaired by e.g. parasites, disease and pollution and especially endocrine disrupting organic chemicals pose a potential threat to reproduction and development of offspring. In order to investigate and quantify the maternal transfer of different flame retardants, fungicides and pesticides in eels, we analyzed the concentrations of these persistent and potentially hazardous compounds in muscle tissue, gonads and eggs of artificially matured European eels. Our results show that brominated and chlorinated flame retardants, substituted diphenylamines and other substances are not merely stored in lipid rich tissues of adult eels but that they are also maternally transferred to gonads and eggs during maturation. These findings highlight the relevance of these compounds as contaminants in European eels that potentially impair egg and embryo development.

Wednesday 10:20at

MaternalEffect

Page 69

OralPresentation

Jennifer M. Martin and Eric, J. Hilton

Virginia Institute of Marine Science, Gloucester Point, VA, Thomas Nelson Community College, Hampton, VA Virginia Institute of Marine Science, Gloucester Point, VA TextfieldName: Phylogenetic Relationships of the Inkfishes (Lophotus, Eumecichthys and Radiicephalus:

Phylogenetic Relationships of the Inkfishes (Lophotus, Eumecichthys and Radiicephalus: Lampridiformes) Based on New Adult and Ontogenetic Characters

Phylogenetic studies of Lampridiformes are limited due to the rarity, fragility, and common misidentification of specimens, particularly in the early life stages. Within the order are Lophotus (Lophotidae), Eumecichthys (Lophotidae), and Radiicephalus (Radiicephalidae), the only three genera of fishes known to produce ink analogous to that found in cephalopods. The two families have been considered to form a monophyletic group, although familial monophyly had not been tested. New specimens of Radiicephalus possess several undescribed characters associated with the ontogeny and morphology of ink‐related structures, the pelvic fins, and scales. New material of Lophotus and Eumecichthys provide new character states and allow for revised descriptions of ink‐related structures, vomerine teeth, and the supraoccipital process. In a new systematic study including these characters to examine relationships of Lampridiformes, inkfishes were never recovered as a monophyletic group. Radiicephalus is recovered as sister to a clade containing the monophyletic families Trachipteridae (Trachipterus, Zu, Desmodema) and Regalecidae (Regalecus, Agrostichthys). Eumecichthys was recovered either as sister to Lophotus, resulting in support of a monophyletic Lophotidae, or as sister to the remaining Taeniosomes (all Lampridiformes except Lampris, Velifer, and Metavelifer), rendering Lophotidae polyphyletic. The placement of Eumecichthys requires additional morphological analysis to establish its systematic affinity.

Tuesday 14:20at

Phylogenetics

Page 70

OralPresentation

C. Marin Martinez and Eric J. Hilton

Virginia Institute of Marine Science, College of William and Mary Virginia Institute of Marine Science, College of William and Mary

Larval Fish Monitoring Program at the Virginia Institute of Marine Science

Since 2007 the Larval Fish Monitoring Program at the Virginia Institute of Marine Science has sampled larval fish stages from one fixed station in the York River, tributary which drains into the southern portion of the Chesapeake Bay. The collected samples have been used to represent the larval ingress and assemblage for the Chesapeake Bay in general; however this assumption has not been thoroughly investigated so far. To examine spatial differences of the assemblages from the mouth of the Bay and the York River, monthly samples (October 2015 ‐ May 2016) were collected across transects at the mouth of the Bay and mouth of the York River. The goal is compare the density and composition of the assemblages, and incorporate potentially influential environmental factors such as wind speed, freshwater discharge, and temperature to the analysis. Preliminary results indicate differences in the composition and abundance of the larval fish assemblage between locations, with great er number of individuals and species at the mouth of Bay, including marine species usually not collected in the York River. These results will provide information about spatial structure of the larval fish assemblages and the conditions that may influence the dispersal and transport into the Chesapeake Bay.

Wednesday 11:00at

Dispersal

Page 71

OralPresentation

Chimura Masayuki, Tanaka Hiroshige, Yamashita Yuuho and Honda Satoshi

Hokkaido National Fisheries Research Institute, Japan; Fisheries Research and Education Agency, Kushiro, Hokkaido, Japan; Hokkaido National Fisheries Research Institute, Japan; Fisheries Research and Education Agency, Kushiro, Hokkaido, Japan; Headquarters, Japan Fisheries Research and Education Agency, Yokohama, Kanagawa, Japan

Neither fast growth nor big size in larval and early juvenile stages is really necessary for recruitment success of walleye pollock Gadus chalcogrammus in the Sea of Japan

The biomass of the walleye pollock stock distributing in the Sea of Japan off Hokkaido Island has declined since around 1990 due to decreasing of the recruitment, defined as the number of age‐2 fish, and has not recovered. In 2006 and 2012, relatively strong year class occurred and the recruit per spawner in these two years were high as well as its historical peak in the late 1980s. Recently, the recruitment positively correlates with the abundance of age‐0 pelagic juveniles estimated by acoustic survey in May. Hatch dates and growth rates of pelagic juveniles were estimated through otolith analysis. The juveniles in 2006 and 2012 year‐class originated from eggs spawned in the latter half of the spawning season, and their body size at capture were smaller than that of the early‐hatched juveniles of low‐ or middle‐abundance year classes. Among the late‐hatched fish, the juveniles in 2006 and 2012 year‐class grew slower than the juveniles in low‐abundance 2008 and 2009 year‐class. For this walleye pollock stock, the effect of size and growth rate in larval and early juvenile stages on recruitment success may be smaller than other factors (e.g. transport success or failure of egg and larvae).

Wednesday 15:40at

Carryover

Page 72

OralPresentation

Anthony Miskiewicz, Iain M. Suthers, Smith James , Anthony Richardson, Ana Lara Lopez, John Keane John and Francisco Neira

Environment and Strategic Planning, Wollongong City Council, Wollongong, NSW, Australia; School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Science, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia; 4 Centre for Applications in Natural Resource Mathematics (CARM), The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia; Integrated Marine Observing System, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia; Institute of Marine and Antarctic Studies, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia; MARSCCO ‐ Marine Sciences Consulting, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia

Establishing longterm ichthyoplankton monitoring program for southern Australia

Monitoring of ichthyoplankton assemblages is a cost effective way to monitor changes in the marine environment, including large‐scale shifts in species distribution. Australia's Integrated Marine Observing System (IMOS) includes 7 reference stations with moored instruments and monthly biogeochemical sampling, phytoplankton and zooplankton. Since 2014, ichthyoplankton sampling with an 85 cm diameter ring net and 0.5 mm mesh has been conducted at 3 stations over 12 degrees of latitude to develop a sustainable ongoing time series of larval fish abundance. To assess the ability of this minimal sampling effort, we review sporadic but spatially intensive ichthyoplankton surveys since 1983 off eastern Australia with a power analysis to detect short‐ and long‐ term trends in the abundance of target species and the ichthyoplankton community. Integrating historical data sets included the challenge of combining different deployments and mesh sizes with different goals and of developing a standardised taxonomic list of only ~150 families and ~50 species as a minimum IMOS standard. The historical data sets from eastern Australia collected over the past 30 years, initiate an ichthyoplankton climatology for the western Tasman Sea, where a strengthening East Australian Current has driven a ~3°C rise in coastal temperatures since 1940s.

Thursday 10:00at

Contributed

Page 73

OralPresentation

Yoichi Miyake, Aigo Takeshige, Hikaru Itakura, Akira Yoshida and Shingo Kimura

The University of Tokyo, Kashiwa, Chiba, Japan; The University of Tokyo, Kashiwa, Chiba, Japan; Kobe University, Kobe, Hyogo, Japan; Shizuoka Prefectural Research Institute of Fishery (Hamanako Branch), Hamamatsu, Shizuoka, Japan; The University of Tokyo, Kashiwa, Chiba, Japan

Glass eels of Anguilla japonica may migrate into the coastal ocean using shoreward intrusions of Kuroshio water

The Japanese eel, Anguilla japonica, is of importance in East Asian fisheries and riverine ecosystems. In early life stages, they are transported near coastal habitats by the Kuroshio. Recruitment mechanisms of glass eels (juveniles) from this warm current remain unknown. For several fish species, shoreward migration in their early life stages apparently occurs with warm water intrusions from the Kuroshio although clear relationships are yet to be demonstrated. We therefore aimed to elucidate the relationship between recruitment of A. japonica glass eels and shoreward intrusions of Kuroshio water. Catches of glass eels in Lake Hamana, an estuary on the Pacific coast of Japan, in 1965‐2014 fishing seasons (December‐April) were used as a proxy for the recruitment. Westward intrusions of Kuroshio water into the coastal ocean raise the water temperature at Shirahama, located east of Lake Hamana, and consequently increase water temperature differences between Shirahama and Lake Hamana. The mean water temperature differences in fishing seasons were thus used as a proxy for the intrusions. The glass eel catch tended to be greater when there were larger differences in mean water temperatures. This result suggests that glass eels detrain from the Kuroshio and migrate shoreward using the warm water intrusions.

Wednesday 16:00at

Dispersal

Page 74

OralPresentation

Simon A. Morley, Robert S. Batty and Audrey J. Geffen

British Antarctic Survey, Natural Environment Research Council, Cambridge, UK; Scottish Association for Marine Science, Oban, Scotland, UK; Department of Biology, University of Bergen / Institute of Marine Research and Hjort Centre for Marine Ecosystem Dynamics, Bergen, Norway

Key factors determining the hatching characteristics of herring larvae

Maternal energy allocation is a key component of fish early life histories that could affect stock recruitment relationships. Factors known to impact maternal investment into eggs include the temperature during development and size of the mother, which will impact early feeding, growth and therefore survival of larvae to metamorphosis. We reared three stocks of herring, Clupea harengus, two autumn stocks, Manx and Buchan and the Clyde spring stock (in 2 consecutive years). Eggs from individual females, covering the maximum available egg size range, were spread onto glass plates and then fertilized with sperm from a mixture of males. Embryos and larvae were reared at temperatures that represented the high, medium and low environmental temperatures experienced by each stock. Length, weight and yolk volume of larvae at hatch were positively correlated with egg size whilst length and weight of larvae at hatch was negatively correlated with incubation temperature. The slope of the relationships between hatching characteristics and egg size was affected by an interaction between rearing temperature and stock. A clear understanding of how egg size interacts with embryo and early larval development is therefore key to individual based models projecting how different fish stocks will be affected by changing environments.

Wednesday 10:00at

MaternalEffect

Page 75

OralPresentation

Olivier Morissette, Louis Bernatchez and Pascal Sirois

Institut de biologie integrative et des systèmes, Universit Laval, Québec, QC, CAN; Chaire de recherche sur les espèces aquatiques exploitées, Universit du Québec ‐Chicoutimi, Chicoutimi, QC, CAN; Institut de biologie integrative et des systèmes, Universit Laval, Québec, QC, CAN

Early life growth rate as a predictor of cannibalistic life history in stocked lake trout populations

Supplementation stocking is a common management tool for lake trout (Salvelinus namaycush) populations in Canada. Motivation behind this practice is the increasing of population density to support recreational fishery. However, negative genetical and ecological effects of stocking raise concerns among fisheries scientists and conservationists. Recently, we found that a significant proportion (20%) of stocked lake trout within planktivorous populations exhibit an atypically high growth rate. We hypothesized that such a high growth rate is attained by the exploiting the cannibalistic niche. In this study, we compared length‐at‐age of lake trout within two stocked planktivorous populations. Every individual were genotyped by next generation sequencing and assigned to their genetic origins (local, stocked or hybrids) with ADMIXTURE software. Back‐calculated length‐at‐age were compared between genetic origins and niche exploitation determined by stable isotope analysis (carbon and nitrogen). Our results showed that cannibalistic trout were exhibiting higher growth rates than other fish within populations during early life stages and this growth advantage is maintained throughout the whole life history. These results highlight a deterministic component of the expression of a facultative life history in lake trout, independent of the lakes fish community.

Wednesday 14:00at

Carryover

Page 76

OralPresentation

Marta Moyano and Myron A. Peck

University of Hamburg, Institute for Hydrobiology and Fisheries Science, Olbersweg 24, 22767 Hamburg, Germany

Defining thermal thresholds in fish larvae: are they the most sensitive life stage?

There is an urgent need to gain a “cause and effect” understanding of the responses of organisms to climate‐driven changes in key environmental factors by resolving the underlying physiological mechanisms. Due to global warming, individuals in some areas are experiencing temperatures beyond their optimum. Despite the importance of identifying critical thermal limits (e.g. CTmax) and thermal performance curves (TPCs) for projecting climate impacts and the potential sensitivity of fish early life stages to environmental factors, CTmax and TPCs remain largely unmeasured in early life stages of marine fish. We discuss how to develop protocols to measure CTmax and TPCs for fish early life stages including various methodological aspects impacting estimates (warming rate, static versus dynamic methods, etc.). Recent estimates obtained on clupeid (Clupea harengus), and moronid (Dicentrarchus labrax) larvae are presented. We compared these data with those collected on later life stages (juveniles, adults, spawners) to test the hypothesis that larvae have relatively narrow thermal limits and that the thermal sensitivity of this life stage will be a bottleneck for the persistence of some populations in a warmer climate. Finally, we discuss how these data can be integrated into models to make mechanistic‐based projections of climate impacts.

Monday 15:20at

Contributed

Page 77

OralPresentation

Stephan B. Munch and Who Seung Lee

NOAA Fisheries UC Santa Cruz

Environmental predictability and transgenerational plasticity in sheepshead minnows

We have long known that temperature is critical in the early lives of ectotherms. Among other things, temperature controls rates of growth, mortality, and the timing of development. More recently, we have found that the thermal environment in the parental generation significantly modifies the thermal performance curves of their offspring. This transgenerational thermal plasticity (TGP) has now been documented across a broad range of taxa. Theoretical studies generally conclude that TGP is expected to evolve when the environment is stochastic but the parental environment provides information about conditions offspring will face. To date, this theory has been tested only once in an invertebrate. To fill this gap, we used four populations of sheepshead minnows (Cyprinodon variegatus) from Florida to Connecticut to test the hypothesis that the degree of TGP is driven by the predictability of the thermal environment. We found a clear latitudinal gradient in the magnitu de of TGP in both growth and the timing of maturation. These results are broadly consistent with current theory and have important implications for management of populations in a changing climate.

Wednesday 11:20at

MaternalEffect

Page 78

OralPresentation

Hannah M. Murphy, Daigo Kamada, Pierre Pepin, and, Dominique Robert

Centre for Fisheries Ecosystems Research, Memorial University of Newfoundland, Canada Fisheries and Oceans Canada

The importance of larval vital rates to capelin recruitment dynamics

Capelin (Mallotus villosus) is a small forage fish that plays a key role in the transfer of energy from secondary producers to vertebrate predators in boreal food webs. Profound changes in abundance and distribution of capelin occurred in 1991 in Newfoundland (NL), which corresponded with the collapse of groundfish stocks, and population recovery has only occurred recently (2011). We investigated the link between larval capelin vital rates (growth) and recruitment in the NL ecosystem. We considered three years of data: 2002, a collapsed population state; 2006, a transitioning state; and 2013, a recovering state. We used otolith microstructure to investigate changes in larval growth amongst years, and we investigated the potential drivers (temperature, prey availability) of larval survival. Larval growth was faster in the recovering population state (2013) compared to the other two years, which suggests there is a link between larval vital rates and recruitment. Temperat ure was not a driver of growth variability. Larval diets varied amongst years, with Pseudocalanus sp. dominating the diet in 2013, which may be an important driver of fast growth. This study provides an important update on capelin larval research from the 1980s and provides new data on the link between larval vital rates and capelin recruitment.

Tuesday 14:40at

FoodWebs

Page 79

OralPresentation

Christopher S. Murray, Lee A. Fuiman and H. Baumann

University of Connecticut, Department of Marine Sciences, Groton, CT, USA; University of Texas Marine Science Institute, Port Aransas, TX, USA

Consequences of elevated CO2 exposure across multiple life stages in a coastal forage fish

Ocean acidification may impact the fitness of marine fish, however, studies reporting neutral to moderate effects have mostly performed short‐term exposures to elevated CO2, whereas longer‐term studies across multiple life stages are still scarce. We performed a CO2 exposure experiment, in which a large number (n>2,200) of Atlantic silverside Menidia menidia offspring from wild spawners were reared through their embryonic, larval, and juvenile stages under ambient (500 atm) and high CO2 conditions (2300 atm) (4.5 months post fertilization). While survival was high across treatments, subtle but significant differences in length, weight, condition factor, and fatty acid composition were observed. On average, fish from the acidified treatment were 4% shorter and weighed 6% less, but expressed a higher condition factor than control juveniles. In addition, the metrics of length and weight distributions differed significantly, with high CO2 juveniles occupying more extreme size classes and the length distribution shifting to a positive kurtosis. Five of 27 fatty acids differed significantly between treatments. Our results suggest that high CO2 conditions alter long‐term growth in M. menidia, particularly in the absence of excess food. However, it remains to be shown how these differences will impact wild fish facing size‐selective predation and seasonally varying prey abundance.

Wednesday 15:20at

Carryover

Page 80


Hikaru Nakano, Atsushi Fukuta and Jun Shoji

Hiroshima University, Japan

Effects of the Tsunami in March 2011 on fish community and recruit in coastal waters of northern Japan: a comparison among habitats with different levels of disturbance

Seagrass bed has been considered as an ecosystem which supports high species diversity and high biological production. In order to evaluate impact of the Tsunami in March 2011 on habitat condition, fish community structure and recruitment in seagrass Zostera marina beds of the Pacific coast of northern Japan, vegetation and fish assemblage were compared between the period before (summer in 2009 and 2010) and after (summer from 2011 to 2015) the Tsunami at three sites with different levels of disturbance. At the site with catastrophic impact, seagrass mostly disappeared after 2011. Mean number of fish species, fish abundance and biomass were significantly lower in 2011 and 2012 than in the years before the tsunami. Dominant fish species changed after the tsunami: seagrass‐associated species were replaced with mud/sund‐associated species. On the other hand, there was no significant year effect on the vegetation coverage, mean number of fish species, fish abundance and bio mass at the two other sites with smaller impact by the tsunami. Changes in sea bottom and vegetation conditions (from seagrass to mud/sand bottom) are suggested to have induced the replacement of dominant fish species.

Tuesday at

Contributed

Page 81

OralPresentation

Claudia Namiki, Maria de Lourdes Zani‐Teixeira, J. Harari, and, Erico S.L.G. Santos, Mario Katsuragawa, and Frederico P. Brandini

Instituto Oceanográfico, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil

Scombridae larvae from the Southeast Brazilian Bight: 1974‐2002 long term variation

This study analyses scombrid larvae from 297 Bongo net samples collected over the inner and mid‐continental shelf during 16 cruises in Southeast Brazilian Bight (SBB) (23.5‐25 S), from 1974 through 2002. Scombrid total density was 10,494 larvae.10.m‐2. The most abundant species were Auxis spp. (80%), S. colias (7%) and E. alletteratus (3%). Other species, Thunnus spp., Allothunnus sp., Sarda sarda and Scomberomorus sp., represented less than 0.5%. The three most abundant species were more likely to be collected between temperatures from 23 to 26 C and salinities from 34 to 36.5. Abundance varied greatly among species and years, but Auxis spp. was less abundant in 1975, strong La Ni a year, and more abundant in 1991 and 2002, El Ni o years. A trend toward increasing the frequency of occurrence of Auxis spp. and decreasing of S. colias was observed throughout time. The high variability of distribution and abundance of scombrid larvae among years can be related to the conj unction of Brazil Current and common events as local and remote winds that generate high variability of oceanographic conditions in the SSB. The results indicate large scale events in the area may also influence scombrid larval occurrence and abundance.

Monday 16:00at

Contributed

Page 82

OralPresentation

Richard D.M. Nash, Mark R. Payne, Jon Albretsen and Audrey J. Geffen

Institute of Marine Research, Bergen, Norway; DTU‐Aqua, Copenhagen, Denmark; Institute of Marine Research, Flødevigen, Norway; Department of Biology, University of Bergen, Norway

Spatial linkages in the early life history of north eastern Atlantic herring populations across the north of the British Isles.

There are two ICES management areas for autumn spawning herring spanning the north of the British Isles (Area IVaNorth and area IV). During January and February each year the over‐wintering herring (Clupea harengus) larvae occurring throughout the North Sea are enumerated for a recruitment index for the North Sea stock. Larvae spawned to the west of the North Sea are probably advected into the northern North Sea from the adjacent west of Scotland (IVaN) spawning grounds, mixing with North Sea‐spawned larvae. However, the extent of larval mixing in the North Sea has not been quantified. Back‐tracking of larvae from their capture site, otolith micro‐chemistry and forward particle tracking from known spawning grounds all indicate a similar pattern of mixing of larvae from both North Sea and west of Scotland spawning grounds in the northern North Sea. There is the potential for a large amount of mixing of larvae from different spawning grounds, even in relatively small a reas. The ingress of herring larvae from the west of Scotland highlights the connectivity between these two regional seas areas and has implications for the estimate of the recruitment index for herring in the North Sea.

Wednesday 16:20at

Dispersal

Page 83

OralPresentation

Viola Neumann, Matthias Schaber, Uwe Boettcher, Margit Eero and Fritz Koster

DTU AQUA National Institute of Aquatic Resources, Charlottenlund, Danmark; Johann Heinrich von Thünen Institute Federal Research Institute for Rural Areas, Forestry and Fisheries, Hamburg, Germany; DTU AQUA National Institute of Aquatic Resources, Charlottenlund, Danmark

Clupeid consumption of cod eggs: Does it affect recent recruitment of Baltic cod?

Eastern Baltic cod recovered from historically low stock sizes since the mid‐2000s, partly due to improved reproductive success and recruitment. While high predation pressure on cod early life stages by planktivorous sprat and herring has been reported as an important factor preventing cod from recovery in the 1990s, low predation is regarded a potential factor for the improved recruitment in the 2000s. In this study, an important feedback loop in trophic interactions in the eastern Baltic Sea is analysed. Predation on early life stages of the major predator species cod by forage fish sprat and herring in the main spawning area of cod is investigated to elucidate the contribution of predation pressure of clupeids on improved recruitment. A comparison of daily consumption with daily egg production rates suggests that predation pressure on cod eggs has been substantial in certain years and seasons, but generally lower in the 2000s than in the 1990s. This was due to a comb ination of reduced predator abundance and lower daily rations of cod eggs by individual predators.

Tuesday 10:00at

FoodWebs

Page 84

OralPresentation

Elizabeth W. North , Jason E. Spires , Jacob D. Goodwin and Wen Long

UMCES Horn Point Laboratory, Cambridge, MD 21613; NOAA Oxford Cooperative Laboratory, Oxford, MD 21654; Rutgers University, Port Norris, NJ 08349; Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Sequim, WA 98382

Combining a larval transport model with observed mortality rates to estimate the spatial extent of recruitment from an oyster sanctuary

Large‐scale oyster restoration programs in the Choptank River, USA, have placed billions of juvenile oysters on hundreds of acres of reefs and could enhance oyster populations both inside and outside of restoration areas due to larval production and transport. Yet, the expected spatial extent of juvenile recruitment outside of restoration areas is not known and would promote a better understanding of population connectivity and the effect of oyster restoration. The objective of this analysis was to estimate the spatial extent of juvenile recruitment in multiple regions within the Choptank River, including restoration areas. Field surveys were conducted to estimate mortality rates of oyster larvae using a new identification technique based on polarized light. A coupled three dimensional hydrodynamic and larval transport model was applied to simulate the transport of larvae from habitat polygons derived from sidescan sonar surveys. Observed mortality rates were applied to the trajectories of simulated larvae to estimate the spatial extent of juvenile recruitment from different regions. Comparison of model prediction to observed recruitment, sensitivity of predictions to assumptions, and implications of results for restoration will be discussed.

Wednesday 15:20at

Dispersal

Page 85

OralPresentation

Pierre Pepin

Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Northwest Atlantic Fisheries Centre, St. John's, NL, Canada

The growth‐survival paradigm: the from a probabilistic framework

Survival through the larval phase (e.g. from hatch to metamorphosis) is predicated on the probabilities of successful feeding, which dictates growth rates, the probabilities of encountering (or not) predators, and the likelihood that currents will carry an individual to a suitable habitat for further development. The growth‐survival paradigm (GSP) centers on the concept that an individual with a high growth rate is expected, on average, to have a greater likelihood of surviving than another larva with a slower growth rate. In this presentation I will focus on how to take a probabilistic approach to the investigation of early life dynamics to assess how changes in the distribution of growth histories and mortality rates inform us of the processes that affect survival. The basic premise for this presentation is that functional relationships (e.g. regressions, GAMs, etc.) may not be sufficient to understand the processes that affect survivorship without consideration of t he variance around the predicted value (i.e. average). I will seek to provide greater sense of the patterns of variance around average feeding, growth and mortality rates how the variability changes in relation to the average and why it may be important.

Tuesday 9:20at

FoodWebs

Page 86


Emilie Réalis‐Doyelle, Alain Pasquet, Pascal Fontaine, and, Fabrice Teletchea

UR AFPA, Université de Lorraine ‐ INRA, Vandœuvre‐lès‐Nancy, France; Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique France

Effects of temperature on the survival rate and development during the entire endogenous feeding period of common carp (Cyprinus carpio)

Fish are poikilothermic animals, and therefore water temperature has a strong effect on survival, development time, growth and energetic consumption, particularly during early life stages. The present study investigated the impact of temperature (16, 18, 20, 22 and 24 C, chosen according to climate forecasts) on the survival rate and the plasticity of several phenotypic traits for both embryo and larvae of a eurythermal fish species, the common carp (Cyprinus carpio). About 16 000 eggs, coming from 3 families (3 females and 3 males) were used per temperature. The temperature has no significant effect on both survival (65‐80%) and deformity rates (< 3%) during the entire endogenous feeding period. These results are in accordance with the possible increase of the distribution area of the common carp in France for the coming decades according to climate change predictions in France (from 1 to 5 C by 2100). Nevertheless, at the lowest temperature (16 C), the larvae were sma ller and had a lower energetic content and developed more slowly, suggesting a possible limited ability to disperse and resist starvation.

Tuesday at

Contributed

Page 87


Stephen Gray Redding, Lee Cooper and David H. Secor

Chesapeake Biological Laboratory, Solomons, MD, USA

Contingent structure of Northwest Atlantic mackerel evaluated using otolith stable

Atlantic mackerel (Scomber scombrus) support an important commercial fishery and are prey for many larger species. Stock assessments for Northwest Atlantic mackerel currently assume a single stock, comprised of northern and southern contingents, with natal regions centered off coastal Nova Scotia and southern New England. We hypothesized that otolith δ18O and δ13c values could separate these regions on the basis of hydrographic differences. Archived otoliths from the United States (source: NMFS Northeast Fisheries Center) and Canada (source: Fisheries and Oceans Canada), as well as otoliths from Iceland (source: Marine Research Institute) were carefully milled to extract material corresponding to the first year of life. Initial investigation with solely US sourced otoliths from the southern New England natal region did not reveal significant geographical variation in isotopic content, but interannual differences were observed that corresponded to trends in regional ocean warming and a shift in the Gulf Stream position. We are now extending these studies of isotopic variation geographically by analyzing otoliths from the northern natal region in Canada and an Icelandic outgroup.

Tuesday at

Contributed

Page 88


David E. Richardson , Katrin E. Marancik , Leah Lewis , Evgeny V. Zakharov and Robert Hanner

Northeast Fisheries Science Center, Narragansett RI, 02882 Biodiversity Institute of Ontario, Guelph, Ontario Canada

Integrating DNA barcoding into ichthyoplankton monitoring programs

The data collected through ichthyoplankton monitoring surveys provides valuable insight into the spawning dynamics of multiple species simultaneously. Fish eggs in particular offer a more precise evaluation of species‐specific spawning characteristics than larvae; however, preserved egg collections are greatly underutilized due to the limitations associated with morphology‐based identifications. We used DNA barcoding to identify fish eggs collected along the northeastern US continental shelf by the Northeast Fisheries Science Center (NMFS/NOAA) from 2002‐2012. A total of 1603 fish eggs were selected through an established sub‐sampling protocol and submitted for barcode sequence analysis. Of these, 1495 (93.26%) sequenced successfully, representing a total of 50 identified species many of which have either never before been identified to the species‐level as eggs, or have only previously been identified to a higher‐taxonomic level or during specific developmental egg stages. In comparison with past attempts at morphological identification, our molecular identifications comprise a broader diversity of eggs and demonstrate a technique with high success rates of unambiguous identifications that is not sensitive to egg stage. Overall, this work shows that DNA barcoding of fish eggs is sufficiently advanced to be incorporated into long‐term regional‐scale ichthyoplankton monitoring programs.

Tuesday at

Contributed

Page 89

OralPresentation

Dominique Robert, Akinori Takasuka, Pascal Sirois and Jun Shoji

Centre for Fisheries Ecosystems Research, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John s, NL, Canada National Research Institute of Fisheries Science, Fisheries Research Agency, Yokohama, Japan D partement des sciences fondamentales, Universit du Qu bec Chicoutimi, Chicoutimi, QC, Canada Center for Field Science of the Seto Inland Sea, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan

Revisiting the link between year‐class strength and larval growth in fishes: progress from an international symposium on the Growth–Survival Paradigm

The Growth Survival paradigm aims to predict recruitment strength from early life dynamics. A central assumption of the paradigm is that larval growth, early life survival, and recruitment strength are positively correlated. In November 2015, we held a symposium/workshop on Growth survival paradigm in early life stages of fish: controversy, synthesis, and multidisciplinary approach in Yokohama (Japan) to review the past 25 years of research testing this paradigm in field, laboratory, and modeling studies. Evidence that fast growth is not always linked to higher survival emerged from a wide variety of taxa and systems, suggesting that the current paradigm does not capture the complexity of the links between early life growth and survival potential. We propose a new conceptual framework that can potentially reconcile these apparently contradictory results, in which the comparison of means and variances of growth rate frequency distributions between early larval stage and juvenile stage (endpoint) is used to quantify growth‐selective losses. The magnitude of changes in the mean and/or variance of growth rate frequency distribution is proportional to mortality rate. The potential for the onset of a strong year class is predicted to be maximal under minimal changes in growth rate frequency distribution between early larval stage and endpoint. The overall goal is to improve our understanding of growth survival relationships in order to facilitate the prediction of recruitment dynamics in exploited populations.

Monday 9:20at

Plenary

Page 90

OralPresentation

Edward F. Roseman, Mark DuFour, Jeremy Pritt, Robin L. DeBruyne, Greg Kennedy, Stacey Ireland, Dustin Bowser and Jaquie Craig

US Geological Survey Great Lakes Science Center University of Toledo Ohio DNR, Division of Wildlife

Dynamics of Walleye Sander vitreus Spawning and Larval Drift in the St. Clair ‐ Detroit River System

The St. Clair‐Detroit River System is located in the heart of the Great Lakes. Walleye reproduction was measured in the Detroit River using egg and larval surveys for the past 10 years and in the St. Clair River for the past 5 years. However, estimates of contributions from spawning in the system to the Lake Erie population have not been determined. We use long‐term survey data to characterize egg and larval drift patterns and a Bayesian approach to quantify larval walleye export from the Detroit River. Egg deposition occurred throughout both rivers but indices of egg abundance were about an order of magnitude higher in the Detroit River. Similarly, larval export was much higher and occurred earlier in the Detroit River. Larval export from the Detroit River into Lake Erie varied across years and channel, however the majority of walleye larvae were exported through the highest volume channels. Annual export of walleye larvae ranged from 11.9 million in 2013 to 113.4 mi llion in 2014. Given the widespread spawning, large numbers of larvae produced, and continued habitat improvements; the Detroit River provides valuable habitat and added resilience to the Lake Erie walleye population as well as supporting a vibrant fishery.

Wednesday 13:40at

Dispersal

Page 91


Edward F. Roseman, Jaquelyn M. Craig, Robin L. DeBruyne, Stacey A. Ireland, Kevin M. Keeler, Greg W. Kennedy, James Boase, Justin Chiotti, Richard Drouin, Rosanne Ellison, Jason Fisher, Bruce Manny, Jennifer Read and Lynn Vaccaro

US Geological Survey, Great Lakes Science Center, Ann Arbor, MI USA; US Geological Survey, Great Lakes Science Center; US Fish and Wildlife Service; Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry, Canada; MIchigan Water Center; US EPA

Evaluating valuating Habitat Restoration in the St. Clair‐Detroit River System using Egg Deposition on Spawning Reefs and Larval Drift of Native Fishes

Early and mid‐twentieth century impairments to the St. Clair‐Detroit River System (SCDRS) reduced water quality and decreased the availability of natural spawning substrate for fishes. Coinciding with habitat losses were declines in populations of several species of native fish including lake sturgeon and lake whitefish. Historically, the entire system provided a vast stretch of spawning and nursery habitat for both of these fish as well as other native species. In 1987, declines in fish populations and vital habitat, among other water quality issues, resulted in a Great Lakes Area of Concern designation with Beneficial Use Impairments for portions of both rivers. Improvements to water quality provided opportunities for habitat and population restoration. Recently, artificial spawning reefs have been constructed and were monitored for performance. Reefs were constructed in the St. Clair River and the Detroit River. This poster focuses on pre and post‐assessment of these artificial spawning reefs. Biological monitoring such as this will aide in evaluating the success of habitat restoration within the SCDRS and determine the need for other long term monitoring programs for future projects.

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Page 92

OralPresentation

E. S. Rutherford, Dmitry and Raisa Beletsky, J. Bossenbroek, and M. Wittmann

NOAA GLERL, Ann Arbor, MI, USA; University of Michigan CILER, Ann Arbor, MI, USA; University of Toledo, Toledo, OH, USA; University of Nevada‐Reno, Reno, NV, USA

Dispersal of Aquatic Invasive Species Larvae by Lake Currents

Knowledge of aquatic invasive species (AIS) dispersal can help inform surveillance and response strategies to slow the spread of established invaders. We studied potential dispersal of invasive Eurasian Ruffe (ER) and Golden Mussel (GM) larvae in Lakes Michigan and Erie using 3‐D hydrodynamics and particle transport models. ER has spread slowly from Lake Superior to northern Lake Michigan, while GM has not yet invaded the Great Lakes. We predicted larval transport from several major tributaries and ports that are most prone to invasion because of their significant recreational and commercial usage. Average modeled dispersal of ER larvae over 6 years from rivers and ports varied from 11‐13 km/yr (depending on the lake), and was higher (19 km/yr) when originating from offshore deballasting locations near ports. Modeled GM dispersal was greater than for ER due to longer spawning times, stronger seasonal currents, longer drift period, and greater available settlement habit at. Our results help explain ER distribution and spread, and indicate that advection by lake currents is an important AIS dispersal mechanism in the Great Lakes. Effective surveillance programs that maximize early detection of new AIS before lake currents disperse their larvae will help contain and prevent AIS spread and impacts.

Wednesday 14:20at

Dispersal

Page 93

OralPresentation

Nalani K. Schnell and G. David Johnson

Muséum national d'Histoire naturelle, Paris, France; Smithsonian Institution, National Museum of Natural History, Washigton, DC, USA

The larval fish collection at the MNHN, Paris and morphological details on an undescribed butterflyfish larva

The Museum national d'histoire naturelle in Paris is home to a large ichthyoplankton collection, comprising more than 15700 lots. Most of these samples were collected offshore French Polynesia in the Pacific Ocean during multiple expeditions carried out since the 1970's and from Antarctica. These specimens are stored in the Museum's collection unsorted and unidentified. With the help of museum grants and the expertise of international larval fish experts, this collection is being transferred into ethanol as well as sorted and identified. During this process a vial with a known but so far undescribed tholichthys larva (family Chaetodontidae) was discovered. This larva is distinguished by a long, curved horn above each eye. Due to its remarkable morphology it has been mentioned in earlier publications, but assignment to a species is difficult. Here we provide morphological details on this horned tholichthys larva.

Tuesday 11:40at

Phylogenetics

Page 94

OralPresentation

Marian L. Shaffer, Patrick Forsythe, Ryan McManamay, and, Timothy Strakosh

University of Wisconsin‐Green Bay, Green Bay, Wisconsin, USA Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, TN, USA U.S. Fish & WIldlife Service, Atlanta, GA, USA

Environmental factors associated with the spatial and temporal occurrence of fish eggs and larvae during pelagic drift in Lower Green Bay, Wisconsin

Quantitative studies on the distribution patterns of ichthyoplankton in large freshwater ecosystems (e.g., Great Lakes) are lacking compared to marine ecosystems. However, recent research suggests that spatial and temporal patterns in the pelagic Great Lakes are equally complex and shaped by environmental and biological forces. Knowledge of the factors associated with distribution is essential for effective fisheries management. The early life history of fishes in Lower Green Bay, Lake Michigan, remains largely unknown, for example, the complete assemblage of fish species producing eggs and larvae that undergo a period of pelagic drift has not yet been described. Associations between the occurrence of eggs and larvae in space and environmental variables have not yet been tested, and furthermore, have not been placed in the context of large ongoing rehabilitation projects. The objectives of this study were to 1) quantify the spatial and temporal distribution of enviro nmental variables in Lower Green Bay and the Fox River, 2) describe the timing of occurrence and the spatial distribution of recently produced pelagic drifting eggs and larvae, and 3) quantify the associations between ichthyoplankton distribution and abiotic and biotic conditions using models that appropriately account for the interrelated effects of space and time.

Wednesday 10:20at

Dispersal

Page 95

OralPresentation

Jun Shoji and Masaki Hata

Hiroshima University, Japan; Hiroshima University, Japan

Submarine groundwater seepage as possible nutrition source for flatfish juveniles

Submarine groundwater is richer in nutrition compared to river water. In order to examine effects of submarine groundwater seepage on distribution, feeding and growth of juvenile marbled sole Pseudopleuronectes yokohamae, physical and biological surveys were conducted around a submarine groundwater seepage on a tidal flat in southwestern Japan. Spatial distribution of radon‐222 (222Rn) concentration in water showed more submarine groundwater seepage in the offshore area. The lower salinities at offshore sampling stations corresponded with the highest 222Rn concentrations. Mean abundance of juvenile marbled sole was highest at the offshore area where high submarine groundwater seepage was indicated. Major prey items in the stomachs of the marbled sole at the post‐ settlement stage (10 40 mm) were small crustaceans such as cumaceans and gammarids, which were replaced with polychaetes in larger juveniles (40 50 mm). A negative correlation between gammarid abundance and salinity indicated a higher concentration of gammarids around the area of high submarine groundwater seepage. Stable isotope analysis showed greater dependence of post‐ settlement stage marbled sole on the small crustaceans with low & terrestrial origin contribute to production of the juvenile marbled sole through submarine groundwater.

Tuesday 16:00at

FoodWebs

Page 96


Darrel E. Snyder, Sean C. Seal, Jennifer A. Charles, and, C. Lynn Bjork

Larval Fish Laboratory, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, USA

Guide to cyprinid fish larvae and early juveniles of the Upper Colorado River Basin with computer‐interactive key

To facilitate identification of larvae and early juveniles of the five native (three endangered) and ten other cyprinids in the Upper Colorado River Basin (UCRB), developmental series of reared and collected specimens were studied for differences in size relative to developmental state, morphology, meristics, and pigmentation. The results, including detailed descriptive species accounts, comparative summary tables, and instructions for downloading and using the associated computer‐ interactive key, were documented as a manuscript in a final report to the Upper Colorado River Endangered Fish Recovery Program and published as Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW, formerly CDOW) Technical Publication 47 (Snyder et al. 2016). Electronic (PDF) copies of the guide are available on the CPW and Larval Fish Laboratory (LFL) websites, the latter at http://warnercnr.colostate.edu/lfl‐ downloadable‐keys‐guides‐and‐bibliography; printed copies are available upon request from CPW. The a ssociated key (as well as a family‐level computer‐interactive key) is available at the same LFL website and on a compact disk accompanying printed versions of the publication. This guide complements a similar previously published guide for UCRB catostomids (Snyder and Muth 2004, CDOW Technical Publication 42) and completes a long series of descriptive investigations begun over 35 years ago for the larvae of cypriniform fishes in the UCRB.

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Page 97


Darrel E. Snyder, Kevin R. Bestgen and C. Lynn Bjork

Larval Fish Laboratory, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, USA

Illustrations depicting larval and juvenile development of suckermouth minnow

The suckermouth minnow Phenacobius mirabilis (Cyprinidae) seldom exceeds 10 cm TL and typically inhabits riffles and runs in small streams to large rivers in midwestern and central United States. The adult is characterized by a subterminal to inferior mouth; prominent lower‐lip lobes; long, blunt snout; highly positioned eyes; short S‐shaped gut; silvery, speckled peritoneum; dorsal fin origin anterior to pelvic fins; eight dorsal and seven anal principal fin rays, and 40‐51 lateral‐line scales. It spawns as a non‐guarding, open‐substrate, lithophil over gravel or cobble from April through August at 14‐25 C. Fertilized eggs are 1.5‐2.0 mm in diameter, demersal, and adhesive. At 17‐23 C, eggs hatch in 3‐4.5 days, yielding 4‐5‐mm‐TL larvae. Only 6.6‐8.0‐mm larvae, have been previously illustrated and described. Here we illustrate its development from recently hatched 4.7‐mm protolarva to 40.2‐mm juvenile. Notable features include a low mouth, widely separated lower‐ lip lobes, and oval to deltoid eyes; in earlier larvae, 25‐27 preanal and 38‐39 total myomeres, long pectoral fins, very sparsely pigmented dorsum, and ventral pigment outlining the gut region anteriorly and sometimes in part laterally; and in later stages, a dark caudal spot at the base of the caudal fin and prominent sensory papillae on the lower head.

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Page 98

OralPresentation

Susan M. Sogard

NOAA Fisheries, Santa Cruz, CA.

Maternal effects in teleosts: the case for age diversity

The extreme longevity of some teleosts, particularly the rockfishes (Sebastes spp)., has motivated examination of the importance of older fish in contributing to reproductive success. Even moderate levels of exploitation typically remove a large proportion of the older age classes, shifting responsibility for population replenishment to younger fish. Recent empirical studies have demonstrated that larger, older females can disproportionately influence reproduction through multiple life history traits that differ from those of smaller, younger females, including relative fecundity, larval quality, timing of reproduction, and location of reproduction. These age or size‐dependent effects have important implications for fisheries management, for example challenging the assumption that spawning stock biomass provides an appropriate metric of reproductive potential regardless of the age composition of mature females. Extended time series datasets for heavily fished species provide evidence that severe age truncation can destabilize populations. This presentation will review the background and evidence for maternal effects on reproduction and examine the importance of age diversity for maintaining population resilience and persistence.

Monday 13:40at

Plenary

Page 99


Jacob P. Strock and Joel K. Llopiz

Lafayette College, PA, USA; Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, Biology Department, MA, USA

Habitat Use and Environmental Predictors of Growth Rate in Juvenile Alewife and Blueback Herring

This study examined growth of larval and juvenile river herring (alewife and blueback herring) and the potential role of feeding habitat (pelagic vs littoral) in mitigating growth limitation during their lentic development. Juvenile herring were sampled July‐November in Great Herring Pond, Plymouth, MA. Otoliths were analyzed for hatch dates and age‐class‐specific growth rates. Time series of water temperature and zooplankton were analyzed for associations with herring growth rates. Indicator species of littoral and pelagic habitats (snails and mussels, respectively) were analyzed for δC13 and δN15 Possible roles of temperature and prey (zooplankton) in juvenile growth rate variation were examined with a generalized linear model. Growth rates appear to be limited by temperature in larval and late juvenile alewife and in late juvenile blueback herring, and by prey density in late juvenile blueback herring. Juvenile blueback herring did not show habitat shifts over time (no relationship with δc13 variation). Juvenile alewife appear to shift to greater use of littoral habitat, perhaps explaining the lack of relationship between pelagic prey density and juvenile alewife growth rate, and indicating that both species tend to partition trophic resources as availability declines.

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FoodWebs

Page 100

OralPresentation

Iain M. Suthers

Sydney Institute of Marine Science, School of Biological Earth & Environmental Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney. 2052. NSW AUSTRALIA

To "entrain, sustain and retain": is a 40 km diameter eddy the sweet‐spot for an offshore nursery?

Bakun (1996; 2006) provided a 3‐stage synthesis of favourable reproductive habitat in ocean eddies. This "triad" is evident in small, cyclonic frontal eddies, which characterise the landward side of all ocean boundary currents. The shelf waters, already pre‐conditioned with plankton and larval fish diversity become entrained into frontal eddies and sustained by eddy uplift driven by tangential velocity of the boundary current, and geographically retained relative to the shelf. This process is compared in 5 studies of the East Australian Current, and with similar studies in the Kuroshio, California and Florida Currents. Frontal eddies of the EAC may contain 10 fold more larval fish and zooplankton than waters over the adjacent continental shelf. Small eddies are difficult to find as they are only apparent in SST or HF Radar; present altimetry can only resolve >30 km. However eddies 30 to 50 km in diameter form on average once per week and exist for 1 to 3 weeks which is sufficient for larval fish to complete metamorphosis. Serendipitous Slocum glider and Lagrangian drifter tracks reveal problems and possibilities with this process. Focussed research of these small features may reveal them as ubiquitous offshore nurseries, and possible sites for restocking the ocean.

Wednesday 14:40at

Dispersal

Page 101


Iain M. Suthers, Robert L. Stephenson, Michael J. Power and, Shawn W. Laffan

Sydney Institute of Marine Science, School of Biological Earth & Environmental Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney. 2052. NSW AUSTRALIA Fisheries and Oceans Canada, St Andrews Biological Station, 531 Brandy Cove Rd., St. Andrews, NB E5B 2L9 CANADA School of Biological Earth & Environmental Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney. 2052. NSW AUSTRALIA

Quantitative metrics of larval retention in the Bay of Fundy from 22 autumn surveys

The remarkable recent findings of larval fish settling back to their natal area coupled with genetically distinct spawning times and locations have rekindled interest in larval retention (Iles and Sinclair 1982) The spatial distributions of larval Atlantic herring (Clupea harengus) were examined from 22 annual autumn surveys (1975‐1998) from the Bay of Fundy, a region with large tides and residual flow. Larvae from 3 to 27 mm in length (from hatch to nearly 4 months post‐hatch) persisted each year in two major aggregations. Larval retention was tested using a size diversity index, based on the co‐ occurrence of 1 mm size categories, derived from protracted spawning of several weeks. Both size diversity and geospatial hot spots (Gi* statistic) of 4 size (age) classes were evident at specific stations in the 50‐100 m bathymetry and not elsewhere. One of the 3 main spawning areas collapsed during the study period following a period of intense fishing, and failed to rebuild, but there was no significant change in the location of larval hotspots in subsequent years near the spawning area. While larval retention does not directly relate to each spawning location, it contributes to the metapopulation complex of herring stocks in the western Atlantic.

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Dispersal

Page 102

OralPresentation

Fabrice Teletchea, Emilie Ré alis‐Doyelle, Alain Pasquet, and, Pascal Fontaine

UR AFPA, Université de Lorraine ‐ INRA, Vandœuvre‐lès‐Nancy, France; Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique France

Effects of temperature on the early life stages of freshwater fish: general patterns and species‐specific trends.

In the current context of global warming, studies on the effect of temperature on biodiversity have gained a new impetus. Temperature is indeed the main abiotic factor that influences both the survival and the development of early life stages of fish. Based on data gathered within the database called STOREFISH and new experimental data obtained on five European freshwater fish species, the main goal of the present analysis is to compare the effects of temperature, and to establish general patterns and species‐specific trends. Whatever the species, development time decreases exponentially when temperature increases. Also, towards the thermal limit (lower and upper) of the species considered, the survival decreases rapidly; yet species present different ranges of thermo‐ tolerance. The very early development stages seem to be much more sensitive to temperature changes for all species. At hatching, an increase of temperature (within the thermal tolerance) results either in a strong decrease of larval size or has no or weak effect. Temperature effects on the energy consumption during the endogenous feeding period vary also between species. Several examples will be provided during the presentation to illustrate both general patterns and species‐specific trends and the possible ecological consequences will be discussed.

Tuesday 15:40at

Contributed

Page 103

OralPresentation

Fabrice Teletchea

UR AFPA, Université de Lorraine ‐ INRA, Vandouvre‐lès‐Nancy, France

Systematics and aquaculture: what could they bring to each other?

Systematics is traditionally based on morphological characters to both define species and establish classifications. In the past decades, partly due to the advent of molecular biology, traditional systematics has declined while molecular systematics has tremendously increased. This results in that less funding are generally provided to traditional systematics, particularly for searching new morphological characters. Aquaculture, the farming of aquatic animals, has increased exponentially in the past decades, resulting in the today half of fish consumed worldwide is farmed and is expected to continue to rise. Aquaculture requires controlling the life cycle of the targeted fish in captivity, including the rearing of early life stages. Therefore, by coupling systematics and aquaculture, it could be possible to bring new funds and facilities to the former to study the early life stages of numerous fish species and to the latter it would offer a conceptual framework to perfo rm comparative ontogeny. Together, this could help improving our knowledge on the early life stages that could be useful for systematics (e.g., provide informative larval characters and ontogenetic character transformations) and aquaculture (e.g. help domesticating new species). Examples will be further developed during the presentation.

Tuesday 14:40at

Phylogenetics

Page 104

OralPresentation

Maik Tiedemann, Heino O. Fock, Patrice Brehmer, and, Christian M llmann

Thuenen Institute of Sea Fisheries, Hamburg Institut de Recherche pour le D veloppement (IRD), Dakar Institute for Hydrobiology and Fisheries Science, University of Hamburg, Germany

Co‐existence through spatio‐temporal niche partitioning: The case of sardine and round sardinella larvae in the Canary Current Ecosystem

Niche partitioning allows competing species to concurrently co‐exist in the same environment. In the Canary Current Ecosystem (CCE) sardine (Sardina pilchardus) and round sardinella (Sardinella aurita) are the most dominant small pelagic species and compete over food availability on the continental shelf, the species preferred spawning habitat. Since upwelling at the shelf break is the main characteristic of the CCE we investigated upwelling intensity driven spawning behavior of the two species during two contrasting spawning seasons. Three cruises were conducted to sample fish larvae during winter/spring and summer along the Western Sahara to the Senegalese coastal area. S. pilchardus spawned in the permanent upwelling off Western Sahara/Mauritania in winter/spring and summer. S. aurita, however, spawned off Mauritania in summer under weak upwelling conditions by following a warm Guinean water influx to the north. Our observations thus indicate that species specific spawning times and locations led to spatio‐temporal niche partitioning explaining co‐existence of S. pilchardus and S. aurita larvae inside the CCE. Further, these results indicate that species specific spawning behavior will be affected when upwelling intensities will change in the future. These new insights may contribute to understand future stock spawning variability of the most important small pelagic species in the CCE.

Monday 15:40at

Contributed

Page 105


Marco Torri, Biagio De Luca, Marco Arculeo, and, Angela Cuttitta

IAMC‐CNR Capo Granitola, Italy ; University of Palermo, Italy; IAMC‐CNR Capo Granitola, Italy; University of Palermo, Italy; IAMC‐CNR Capo Granitola, Italy

Assessing spatial growth patterns as revealed by otolith microstructure analysis: case study of Sardinella aurita in the Mediterranean Sea

In relation to the increase of sea temperature in the last decades, a northwards shift of abundance and distribution of Sardinella aurita, a warm water clupeid fish, in Mediterranean Sea was recorded. We used sagittal otolith microstructure analysis to assess the larval growth patterns of Sardinella aurita, comparing two environmentally different zone of the Central Mediterranean Sea during the Summer 2013: Central Tyrrhenian Sea (North‐CMES) and Strait of Sicily (South‐CMS). Growth models and increments width for each site were correlated with daily variations of temperature (SST) and food availability (CHL) obtained from remote sensing data. In the North‐CMES, one of the northernmost zone of the distribution of this species in Mediterranean Sea, more suitable environmental conditions for the larval development were detected. This zone showed higher values in growth rates estimated by models, SST and CHL compared to the South‐CMS. Daily variations of SST and CHL did not show a significant effect on the widths of the otolith micro increments, although differences exist between different areas. This work provides basis to propose possible scenarios about the future spatial variations of the distribution range in relation to the climate change, in the framework of the management of the fisheries resources.

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Page 106

OralPresentation

Lucie Vanalderweireldt, Gesche Winkler, Marc Mingelbier and Pascal Sirois

Chaire de recherche sur les espèces aquatiques exploitées, Université du Québec Chicoutimi, Chicoutimi, QC, CANADA; Institut des Sciences de la Mer, Université du Québec Rimouski, Rimouski, QC, CANADA; Chaire de recherche sur les espèces aquatiques exploitées, Université du Québec Chicoutimi, Chicoutimi, QC, CANADA

Is the estuarine turbidity maximum food web suitable for the early life stages of a recently re‐established Striped Bass population?

The Striped Bass (Morone saxatilis) was extirpated of the St. Lawrence River (SLR) by the mid‐1960, most probably due to the cumulative effects of habitat destruction and overfishing. In 2002, a program to reintroduce this species was initiated and in 2008, natural reproduction was confirmed. However, very little is known on the ecology of the early life stages of this recently re‐established population. In this study, we tested the hypothesis that the estuarine turbidity maximum (ETM) offers the most suitable feeding conditions for the growth of early life stages of Striped Bass in the SLR. From May to September 2014, 386 stations were sampled using Bongo net or beach seine. More than one thousand Striped Bass larvae and juveniles were captured and analysed. Size structure and condition were compared among three different regions of the SLR including the upstream freshwater region, the ETM and the more saline downstream region. Results support the hypothesis that the ETM offers the most suitable feeding conditions for growth of Striped Bass early life stages. Further investigations on otolith microstructure, stomach content and prey available in the field will improve our understanding on underlying processes of this hypothesis.

Tuesday 11:20at

FoodWebs

Page 107

OralPresentation

Paul A. Venturelli, Cheryl A. Murphy, Tom A. Johnston and Brian J. Shuter

University of Minnesota, Saint Paul, MN, USA; Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA; Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forests, Peterborough, ON, Canada

Maternal quality, recruitment, and the dynamics of exploited fish stocks

The relation between reproductive success (recruitment) and population size is fundamental to forecasting the dynamics of exploited wild populations. Although small‐scale experiments have documented extensively the importance of maternal quality to offspring survival in plants and animals, the strength of this association in the wild and its effects on the dynamics of exploited populations are largely unknown. Here, we combine a field experiment involving walleye (Sander vitreus) with population modeling and analyses of data from 40 populations (26 species) of exploited marine fish to show that maternal quality can have strong effects on both juvenile survival and, as a result of harvest‐induced demographics, the dynamics of exploited populations. Our results contradict existing fisheries theory and practice, and demonstrate that age and size structure are essential to the sustainability of populations of long lived fish species.

Wednesday 11:00at

MaternalEffect

Page 108


Carley R. Zapfe, Glenn A. Zapfe, Elizabeth M. Wright, Cynthia G. Gavins, Pamela J. Bond, and Consuela Y. Cowan

Riverside Technologies, Inc. NOAA,NMFS, SEFSC, Mississippi Laboratories Riverside Technologies, Inc; NOAA,NMFS, SEFSC, Mississippi Laboratories; NOAA,NMFS, SEFSC, Mississippi Laboratories

Deepwater Horizon Plankton Assessment Archive (DWHPAA): What can it do for you?

In response to the 2010 MC252 Deepwater Horizon oil spill, the Natural Resource Damage Assessment (NRDA) established a team of scientists and laboratories from across the country to sort and identify field samples collected under the Plankton Assessment project. Samples were collected using bongos, neuston, manta, and MOCNESS sampling gears and were sorted for ichthyoplankton, fish eggs, decapod larvae, decapod juveniles, debris, nekton, and large sized zooplankton. Specimens were identified to the lowest taxonomic level possible based on the current available literature. The Deepwater Horizon Plankton Assessment Archive (DWHPAA), curated by the NOAA NMFS Mississippi Labs Plankton Unit, was established to ensure samples, specimens, and associated data were retained for long term use with access to the scientific community. The archive is located at the Stennis Space Center in Mississippi and contains over 125,000 samples. We expect over 85,000 ichthyoplankton, 25,000 de capod larval specimens, 4400 fish eggs, 2100 zooplankton,300 nekton, 700 debris, and 8500 original field samples will be available for loan to researchers. The purpose of this poster is to inform scientists of the DWHPAA and potential use for future scientific work involving the planktonic community in the northern Gulf of Mexico.

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Page 109

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