Asian Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Research
Not a member yet
1022 research outputs found
Sort by
Evaluation of the Ecological Health Status of Creek Road River Using the Condition Factor and Health Assessment Index of Tympanotanus fuscatus
A healthy environment is essential for achieving economic prosperity and eradicating poverty. Creek Road water-sides are characterised by the presence of a boat transport jetty essential for local transportation and trade. Furthermore, this area faces significant environmental challenges due to the dumping of human waste into the water body. This ecotoxicological study aimed to evaluate the ecological health status of the Creek Road River using Tympanotonus fuscatus as a biomarker. The study complements chemical environmental monitoring with bio-indicator-based bio-monitoring to achieve a more holistic ecological health assessment. Based on a literature review on hazardous chemical crude oil spills, the following Target Chemicals (TCs) were selected for the study: lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), nickel (Ni) and polyaromatic hydrocarbon (PAH). The experimental study area was the Creek Road River, while the African Regional Aquaculture Centre (ARAC) was selected as the reference site. In both sites, water, sediment and T. fuscatus were sampled for a comparative study. Water and sediment samples were used to evaluate the Environmental Water Quality Index (EWQI) and sediment quality, respectively. The sampled fish was used for gross anatomical assessment of condition factor (CF) and Health Assessment Index (HAI). The observed internal and external lesions were recorded and scored in terms of the severity of the lesion using the HAI protocol. EWQI of Creek Road River results showed worse outcomes than ARAC, with temperature, dissolved oxygen (DO) and heavy metals failing to meet the Maximum Allowable Toxicant Concentration (MATC) guideline for marine water. Sediment quality showed that Pb and PAH were above the MATC for marine sediment in Creek Road River, while all parameters were normal in ARAC. There was no significant difference in CF and HAI for experimental and reference sites. The study was able to show that there is an ongoing heavy metal contamination of the Creek Road River with a historic spectrum of contamination profile. The CF and HAI results showed a good ecological health status of the River. Though the finding was inconsistent with the expected environmental impact from the water and sediment quality results. It was therefore concluded that a more ecological health-sensitive test tool is needed to make a more assertive statement on the ecological health status of the Creek Road River
Assessment of VIIRS Sensor Capabilities for Detecting Nocturnal Light Fishing and Oceanographic Parameters in the Northern Waters of Tegal, Indonesia
Aims: To evaluate VIIRS sensors\u27 capability in detecting light fisheries distribution in Tegal Northern Waters and assess related oceanographic parameters. Current knowledge of potential fishing grounds for night time light fishing fleets remains limited, requiring research using remote sensing techniques.
Methodology: VIIRS Day-Night Band data was analyzed alongside sea surface temperature (SST) and chlorophyll-a data. Field verification was conducted to assess accuracy.
Results: Highest vessel detection of mini purse seine occurred during transitional seasons (March-May and September-November), lowest during western monsoon (December-February). Fishing grounds concentrated 5-9 miles offshore (6°42\u270" - 6°48\u270" S and 109°15\u270" - 109°21\u270" E). Optimal conditions: SST 29.5-30°C, chlorophyll-a 0.5 mg/m3. VIIRS imagery accuracy: 97% for SST, 94.68% for chlorophyll-a detection.
Conclusion: VIIRS sensors effectively map light fishing spatial distribution and relate to key oceanographic parameters, providing valuable data for optimizing pelagic fish resource utilization. This approach offered an improved method for identifying potential fishing zones and understanding spatiotemporal patterns of nocturnal fishing
Assessment of Nutritional Quality of Smoked Hilsha (Tenualosa ilisha) Treated with Different Spices during Storage at Various Temperatures
Aims: The present research was conducted to investigate the effect of different spice formulations on the nutritional and microbial quality of smoked hilsha (Tenualosa ilisha) stored under sealed and vacuum-sealed conditions at two storage temperatures: room temperature (28-30°C) and refrigeration (4-8°C).
Study Design: The experiment followed a three-way factorial design with five spice treatments, two packaging methods, and two storage temperatures, using three biological replicates with random assignment of fish chunks to treatments and storage units for unbiased evaluation of sensory, nutritional, biochemical, and microbial quality.
Place and Duration of Study: The study was carried out at Fish Processing and Quality Control Laboratory of the Department of Fisheries Technology, Faculty of Fisheries, Bangladesh Agricultural University (BAU), Mymensingh during the period of August 2022 to January 2023.
Methodology: Freshly collected hilsha were dressed, cut into chunks, dipped in spice mixtures, and smoked at 70-80°C using an improved traditional kiln. Five treatments were applied: T0 (control, no spice), T1 (onion, garlic, ginger, mustard seed, chili), T2 (onion, garlic, ginger), T3 (ginger, mustard seed, chili), and T4 (ginger, chili). After smoking, products were cooled, packed, and stored for sensory evaluation (9-point hedonic scale), proximate composition (moisture, protein, lipid, ash), biochemical indices (TVB-N, pH, PV), and microbial analysis at different storage intervals.
Results: Results showed that storage temperature, packaging method, and spice treatment had a significant impact on the quality of smoked hilsha. Sensory scores for flavor, color, and texture declined more rapidly in samples stored at room temperature, with acceptability lost within 6-10 days, while refrigeration extended shelf life up to 30-42 days, particularly under vacuum-sealed conditions. Proximate analysis indicated a progressive increase in moisture content with storage time, while protein, lipid, and ash contents decreased, with the highest nutrient retention observed in T1. Biochemical indices (TVB-N, pH, PV) increased steadily across treatments, but the rise was significantly lower in spice-treated samples compared to the control (T0). Microbial load also followed an increasing trend, with vacuum-sealed and refrigerated samples showing the slowest growth.
Conclusion: Overall, T1 consistently outperformed other treatments in maintaining sensory quality, nutrient stability, and delaying spoilage indicators, while T0 exhibited the poorest quality retention. The findings suggest that spice incorporation, especially the T1 combination, along with vacuum packaging and refrigeration, can effectively enhance the storage stability and commercialization potential of smoked hilsha products
Some Aspects of Reproductive Biology of Alosa fallax (Lacepède, 1803) Twait Shad in Syrian Marine Waters, Eastern Mediterranean
This study investigates the reproductive biology of Twait Shad (Alosa fallax) in the coastal waters of Latakia Governorate, Syria. Fish samples (1,200 specimens) were collected using local fishing methods (Gillnets and Purse nets) from October 20, 2021, to September 14, 2023.
The total length of the sampled fish ranged from 10.4 to 21 cm, with an average of 14.27 cm ± 3. The studied population consisted of males, who outnumbered females, comprising 59.4% and 40.6%, respectively.
The reproductive study showed that A. fallax spawns in Syrian marine waters from April to September, with a single peak in May for both sexes. The highest gonad somatic index (GSI%) values were recorded in May. The length at first sexual maturity was 17.1 cm for males and 19.1 cm for females.
The hepatosomatic index (HSI%) reached its highest values during the first year of the study, in October 2022 (1.91 ± 1.01), and in September 2023 (3.92 ± 3.05)
Investigating the Fecundity and Condition Factor of Heterotis niloticus in a Freshwater Ecosystem: A Case Study of Epie Creek, Bayelsa State, Nigeria
This study investigated the fecundity, sex ratio, and condition factor of Heterotis niloticus in Epie Creek, Bayelsa State, Nigeria. 99 samples were collected for 6 months between January - June 2023 using castnets, baited hooks, and gill nets in three stations. Gravimetric method was used to calculate fecundity using the equation: Fecundity = , condition factor was determined for 1 year using Tukey\u27s multiple comparisons of the means and ANOVA. Results showed that fecundity varied monthly, with the highest mean value in January (28003.00±37883.24) and lowest in June (2151.00±733.98). The condition factor ranged from 2.5 to 3.5 across stations. The sex ratio did not differ significantly from 1:1 across seasons and size classes; however, males were slightly more numerous, likely due to differential growth rates between the sexes. The result showed that H. niloticus spawns more during the wet season with the highest egg, and it thrive perfectly well in Epie Creek. These findings provide valuable insights into the breeding potential and reproductive timing of H. niloticus, supporting aquaculture development and sustainable practices.
Sustainable Strategies for Freshwater Aquaculture in India: Steering Opportunities and Future Challenges
With rapidly expanding production, aquaculture is one of the fastest-growing food production sectors globally. In India, the advancement of innovative aquaculture practices has greatly boosted the contribution of aquatic products, generating positive economic impact. This study adopts a three-dimensional perspective covering the economic, environmental and social considerations that govern this growing industry. This review assesses the level of structural upgrading within the fisheries sector in India, identifying alignment with the global sustainability frameworks put forth by FAO, UNEP etc. With climate change emerging as a challenge to both aquatic ecosystems and production systems, associated stressors and changes such as oxygen dynamics, eutrophication, pathogen proliferation etc. need to be judiciously managed as part of mitigation and adaptation measures. As a major player in the global aquaculture sector, India has witnessed notable progress in the modernization of its fishing industry. This includes technology advancements such as Recirculating Aquaculture Systems (RAS) and Integrated Multi-Trophic Aquaculture (IMTA) which reduce effluent discharge and feed waste, lower disease transmission, allow for nutrient recycling and sustainable intensification through biodiversity conservation. These have tangible links to inclusive growth and sustainable development as they address poverty alleviation (SDG 1), food security (SDG 2), circular economy principles (SDG 12) and biodiversity conservation/ minimizing ecological degradation (SDG 14). Currently inland fisheries in India show a higher degree of advancement compared to coastal regions, largely due to targeted government initiatives supporting industrial improvements. This study addresses real-world practices, government efforts and environmental concerns and explores broader linkages with policy and sustainability goals. Further, it offers strategic recommendations to enhance the sector’s sustainable growth by analysing its current status and identifying potential areas for improvement
An Overview of Heavy Metal Bioaccumulation in Major Shrimps Species in Indonesia
Shrimps, as the key component of not only the aquatic ecosystem but also the local fisheries economy, are prone to accumulating toxic metals such as cadmium, mercury, lead, and arsenic from the surrounding water and sediments. Indonesia’s shrimp exports in 2024 reached a value of more than USD 1.68 billion with a volume of 1,134,017 tons. The shrimp production can decrease due to heavy metal pollution. The goal of this study is to compile information from several studies about the bioaccumulation of heavy metals in the tissues of different shrimp species in aquatic habitats or shrimp farms that were carried out in various regions of Indonesia. This studies include Macrobrachium rosenbergii, Acetes sp., Penaeus merguiensis, Litopenaeus vannamei, and Fenneropenaeus merguiensis from various locations in Indonesia. The results are Whiteleg shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) are the most researched shrimp species in Indonesia due to their high production volume. The most investigated heavy metal in Indonesian shrimp is lead that can cause various health problems in humans including nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, and even death in severe cases. Chromium and cadmium levels was found too and the levels exceed permissible food safety thresholds. Another heavy metals that accumulated in Indonesian Shrimp are mercury, copper, zinc, and arsenic. Physicochemical and biological method can be use for reducing heavy metal in water
First Record of the Rhadinorhynchus trachuri (Acanthocephala, Rhadinorhynchidae) Parasite on the Auxis rochei from the Marine Waters of Lattakia, Syria
The aim of this research was to deal with identification of the types of endoparasites observed in the fish species A. rochei caught in the marine waters of Lattakia, the site of infection and prevalence of the parasites found during the current study to be protected from the damages of this parasite. They research was carried out in Department of Zoology, Faculty of Sciences, Latakia University between October 2021 and September 2023. during the research, 263 live specimens of A. rochei were collected; they were taken from the commercial fishermen from Ras Al Basit – Lattakia. All specimens were transferred fresh to laboratory of Hydrobiology in Faculty of Science at Latakia University. Eleven fish were infected by parasites. Fish were dissected and then their body cavities and internal organs were examined. Some parasites were observed inside intestines of some fish; these parasites were collected, counted, processed, examined and saved, and classified according to criteria applied in similar studies. Infection prevalence (%) and mean intensity follow the recommendations of (Bush et al., 1997). In the result, 11 out of 263 examined specimens of A. rochei were infected with 27 parasites found in their intestines. The infection prevalence was 4.18% and its density was 2.45 parasite/ fish. Morphological features (body, eggs, and hooks) of Rhadinorhynchus trachuri agreed with study of Amin (2020). Worms collected were mature females with an orange color, body composed of proboscis, neck and trunk. trunk elongated, sub-cylindrical, somewhat swollen anteriorly, a spinose, and covered with transverse striated cuticle. Proboscis is cylindrical, stout, claviform, densely armed with 12 alternating rows of strongly re-curved 23–25 hooks. In conclusion, the result of this study showed the presence of the parasite R. trachuri inside the intestines of the A. rochei fish that inhabiting the marine waters of the Syria coast of Lattakia. This is the first record of infection of A. rochei fish by R. trachuri in Mediterranean Sea generally and Syrian marine waters especially. In our knowledge, this article will contribute to the ichthyhelminthological studies of marine fish in Syria
The Effect of Variegated Grasshopper Meal (Zonocerous variegatus) on Growth, Nutrient Utilization and Gene Expression Study in Juvenile Clarias gariepinus (Burchell, 1822)
Over the years there has been research on how to improve fish yield. This study investigated the effects of variegated grasshopper meal (Zonocerous variegatus) on growth performance, nutrient utilization, and gene expressions in juvenile Clarias gariepinus (African catfish). The variegated grasshopper meal diets (VGDMs) were incorporated with the other feed ingredients at 25% (VGDM1), 50% (VGDM2), 75% (VGDM2), and 100% (VGDM3) diets while the remaining group served as control. Growth performance, nutrient utilization, and gene expression study were evaluated. The mRNA expression of Growth hormone (GH), Heat Shock Protein (HSP70), Melatonin (MEL 1C), tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), and interleukin 1 beta (IL-1β) were investigated in the liver and muscle of C. gariepinus fed with varying doses of grasshopper meals (VGDMs) using reverse transcriptase–polymerase chain reaction. There were significant (p>0.05) variations in all parameters in all the treatments. There was a significant upregulation (p<0.05) in the gene expression of GH, HSP70, MEL 1C, and TNF-α in VGDM1 compared to control in both tissue groups. In addition, there was significant downregulation (p<0.05) in interleukin 1 (IL-1β) gene expression in liver VGDM2. This study suggests that dietary variations involving VGMD have the potential to boost growth and improve the immune responses of this fish species
Common Carp (Cyprinus carpio) Fish Aquaculture Revitalization, Multiplication and Sustainability in Nigeria
Thirty three mature broodfish of Common Carp were harvested from Panyam Fish Farm, Plateau State (PFFPS), and from Federal University of Agriculture Makurdi Research Fish Farm (FUAMRFF). These farms are situated in two different agro-ecological zones of Nigeria (with a fading history of Carp fish culture). The broodfish were fed for 90 days, in preparation for on-farm breeding activities with the aim of determining water quality, hatching parameters (through un-induced natural spawning, induced natural spawning and induced breeding by stripping in indoor concrete ponds); thirdly, to determine percentage survival of the bred Carp fish progenies cultured for 56 days (in ponds sampled in PFFPS and FUAMRFF). Fourthly, to evaluate growth and potential economic returns from the two areas, and finally to further evaluate fish farmers perception of Carp fish culture in selected fish farms across other agro-ecological zones in Nigeria. After breeding activities, progenies were cultured and fed to satiation. The water quality parameters in the ponds and in water holding tanks was monitored daily. At the end of the research period, PFFPS showed better Carp fish hatching tendency, highest (94%) in Induced Natural spawning), with better environmental condition and water physico-chemical parameters for Carp fish culture with mean Dissolved Oxygen content level (8.35 Mg/l), and pH (7.54). Furthermore, PFFPS has capacity to accommodate the mass production of Carp fish. Economically, PFFPS had a higher gross margin (402,250), and Profit index (5.0). Also, result from fish farmers perception on carp fish culture showed that 62% of farmers have no idea of Carp fish management, 66% have no idea of Carp fish selling price, 66% are aware of PFFPS and 100% expressed that more awareness should be created on aquaculture diversification (with interest in Carp fish aquaclture), as this will meet consumer demand and rescue this species from its current track of going extinct in Nigeria, if given urgent attention)