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    fish and fishery products microbiology bacteria causing fish spoilage

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    This material describe bacteria which causing spoilage in fish and seafood products

    National fish, wildlife and plants climate adaptation strategy

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    The purpose of the National Fish, Wildlife and Plants Climate Adaptation Strategy is to inspire and enable natural resource administrators, elected officials, and other decision makers to take action to adapt to a changing climate. Adaptation actions are vital to sustaining the nation’s ecosystems and natural resources— as well as the human uses and values that the natural world provides.http://www.wildlifeadaptationstrategy.gov/pdf/NFWPCAS-Final.pdfNational Fish, Wildlife and Plants Climate Adaptation Strategy Recommended citationNational Fish, Wildlife and Plants Climate Adaptation Partnership. 2012. National Fish, Wildlife and Plants Climate Adaptation Strategy.Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies, Council on Environmental Quality, Great Lakes Indian Fish and Wildlife Commission, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Washington, DC. Cover credits: Children in woods, Steve Hillebrand. Horse-eye jacks, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Painted Hills, Jane Pellicciotto. Pelican, George Andrejko/ Arizona Game and Fish Department. Design and layout: Jane Pellicciotto/ Allegro DesignThis publication is printed on FSC-certified paper in the United States. ISBN: 978-1-938956-00-3 DOI : 10.3996/082012-FWSReport-1 wildlifeadaptationstrategy.gov about this report This report was produced by an inter- governmental working group of federal, state, and tribal agency representatives at the request of the U.S. Government. Therefore, the report is in the public domain. Some materials used in the report are copyrighted and permission was granted to the U.S. Government for their publication in this report. For subsequent uses that include such copyrighted materials, permission for reproduction must be sought from the copyright holder. In all cases, credit must be given for copyrighted materials. For more information, contact:Mark Shaff er U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service [email protected] 703-358-2603 Roger Griff is National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration [email protected] 301-427-8134 ARPITA ITA CHOUDHURY Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies [email protected] 202-624-5853 DI SCLAIME R This Strategy is not a final agency action subject to judicial review, nor is it considered a rule. Nothing in this report is meant to affect the substantive or legal rights of third parties or bind government agencies. Photo cr editscover: Children in woods , Steve Hill ebr and. Horse-eye jac ks, National Oc eanic and Atmosph eric Administration. Painted Hills, Jane Pell icc iotto. Pelican , Georg e Andrejko/Ar izona Game and Fish Department acknowl edgement This Strategy was produced by an intergovernmental working group of federal, state and tribal agency professionals whose expertise, knowledge and dedication brought the report to completion (see Appendix E). The Strategy would not have been possible without the research, monitoring and assessment activities of the nation’s scientific community on natural resource conservation in a changing climate. The Strategy also benefited greatly from input from a variety of non-governmental organizations and the public.National Fish, Wildlife and Plants Climate Adaptation Strategy authors National Fish, Wildlife, and Plants Climate Adaptation Partnershipii | National Fish, Wildlife & Plants Climate Adaptation Strategy Inside Preface 1 Executive Summary 2 CH.1 About the 7 Strategy 1.1 A Broad National Effort 7 1.2 Origins and Development 8 1.3 The Case for Action 9 1.3.1 The Climate is Changing 9 1.3.2 Impacts to Fish, Wildlife, 11 and Plants 1.3.3 Ecosystem Services 12 1.3.4 Adaptation to Climate Change 14 1.4 Purpose, Vision, and 17 Guiding Principles 1.5 Risk and Uncertainty 18 CH.2 Impacts of 19 Climate Change & Ocean Acidification 2.1 GHG-induced Changes 19 to the Climate and Ocean 2.2 Existing Stressors on Fish, 21 Wildlife, and Plants 2.3 Climate Change Impacts 25 on Fish, Wildlife, and Plants 2.3.1 Forest Ecosystems 31 2.3.2 Shrubland Ecosystems 33 2.3.3 Grassland Ecosystems 33 2.3.4 Desert Ecosystems 34 2.3.5 Arctic Tundra Ecosystems 36 2.3.6 Inland Water Ecosystems 39 2.3.7 Coastal Ecosystems 42 2.3.8 Marine Ecosystems 47 2.4 Impacts on Ecosystem 51 ServicesThe purpose of the National Fish, Wildlife and Plants Climate Adaptation Strategy is to inspire and enable natural resource administrators, elected officials, and other decision makers to take action to adapt to a changing climate. Adaptation actions are vital to sustaining the nation’s ecosystems and natural resources — as well as the human uses and values that the natural world provides.g a ryry w i s e g a ryry w i s e noaa Paul S u nd b e rgInside the Strategy | iii Resources 93 Literature Cited 93 Appendix A: 103 Supporting MaterialsEcosystem-Specific Background Papers 103 Related Resources, Reports, and 103 Materials Appendix B: Glossary 105 Appendix C: Acronyms 108 Appendix D: Scientific Names 109 Appendix E: Team Members 110 CH.3 Climate 53 Adaptation Goals, Strategies & Actions GOAL 1: Conserve habitat to support 55 healthy fish, wildlife, and plant populations and ecosystem functions in a changing climate. GOAL 2: Manage species and habitats 60 to protect ecosystem functions and provide sustainable cultural, subsistence, recreational, and commercial use in a changing climate. GOAL 3: Enhance capacity for effective 63 management in a changing climate. GOAL 4: Support adaptive 67 management in a changing climate through integrated observation and monitoring and use of decision support tools. GOAL 5: Increase knowledge and 71 information on impacts and responses of fish, wildlife, and plants to a changing climate. GOAL 6: Increase awareness and 74 motivate action to safeguard fish, wildlife, and plants in a changing climate. GOAL 7: Reduce non-climate stressors 76 to help fish, wildlife, plants, and ecosystems adapt to a changing climate. CH.4 Opportunities 79 for Multiple Sectors 4.1 Agriculture 81 4.2 Energy 83 4.3 Housing and Urbanization 84 4.4 Transportation and 86 Infrastructure 4.5 Water Resources 86 CH.5 Integration & 88 Implementation 5.1 Strategy Integration 88 5.2 Strategy Implementation 90 usfws USFWS/Jo shu a Win e usfws ni gh t s k y : O k l a h oma D e p a r tment o f Wi l d l i f e Con s e r vation6 | National Fish, Wildlife & Plants Climate Adaptation Strategy Our climate is changing, and these changes are already impacting the nation’svaluable natural resources and the people, communities, and economies that depend on them. PrefacePreface | 1 that can be taken, or at least initiated, over the next !ve to ten years in the context of the changes to our climate that are already occurring, and those that are projected by the end of the century. It is designed to be a key part of the nation’s larger response to a changing climate, and to guide responsible actions by natural resource managers, conservation partners, and other decision makers at all levels. "e Strategy was produced by federal, state, and tribal representatives and has been coordinated with a variety of other climate change adaptation e#orts at national, state, and tribal levels. The overarching goal of the Strategy is a simple one: to inspire, enable, and increase meaningful action that helps safeguard the nation’s natural resources in a changing climate. "e overarching goal of the Strategy is a simple one: to inspire, enable, and increase meaningful action that helps safeguard the nation’s natural resources in a changing climate. Admittedly, the task ahead is a daunting one, especially if the world fails to make serious e#orts to reduce emissions of GHGs. But we can make a di#erence. To do that, we must begin now to prepare for a future unlike the recent past. The observed changes in climate have been attributed to the increasing levels of carbon dioxide (CO2) and other greenhouse gases (GHGs) in the atmo-sphere, which have set in motion a series of changes in the planet’s climate system. Far greater changes are inevitable not only because emissions will continue, but also because CO2 stays in the atmosphere for a long time. Even if further GHG emissions were halted today, alterations already underway in the Earth’s climate will last for hundreds or thousands of years. If GHG emissions continue, as is currently more likely, the planet’s average temperature is projected to rise by 2.0 to 11.5 degrees Fahrenheit by the end of the century, with accompanying major changes in extreme weather events, variable and/or inconsistent weather patterns, sea level rise, and changing ocean conditions including increased acidi!cation. Safeguarding our valuable living resources in a changing climate for current and future generations is a serious and urgent problem. Addressing the problem requires action now to understand current impacts, assess future risks, and prepare for and adapt to a changing climate. "is National Fish, Wildlife and Plants Climate Adaptation Strategy (herea$er Strategy) is a call to action–a framework for e#ective steps These impacts are expected to increase with continued changes in the planet’s climate system, putting many of the nation’s valuable natural resources at risk. Action is needed now to reduce these impacts (including reducing the drivers of climate change) and help sustain the natural resources and services the nation depends on. Because the development of this adapta-tion Strategy will only be worthwhile if it leads to meaningful action, it is directly aimed at several key groups: natural resource management agency leaders and sta# (federal, state, and tribal); elected o%cials in both executive and legisla-tive government branches (federal, state, local, and tribal); leaders in industries that depend on and can impact natural resources, such as agriculture, forestry, and recreation; and private landowners, whose role is crucial because they own more than 70 percent of the land in the United States. "e Strategy should also be useful for decision makers in sectors that a#ect natural resources (such as agriculture, energy, urban development, transporta-tion, and water resource management), for conservation partners, for educators, and for the interested public, whose input and decisions will have major impacts on safeguarding the nation’s living resources in the face of climate change. "e Strategy also should be useful to those in other countries dealing with these same issues and those dealing with the international dimensions of climate adaptation. USFWS 2 | National Fish, Wildlife & Plants Climate Adaptation Strategy Executive Summary Fish, wildlife, and plants provide jobs, food, clean water, storm protection, health benefits and many other important ecosystem services that support people, communities and economies across the nation every day. The observed changes in the climate are already impacting these valuable resources and systems. These impacts are expected to increase with continued changes in the planet’s climate system. Action is needed now to help safeguard these natural resources and the communities and economies that depend on them. Measurements unequivocally show that average surface air tempera-tures in the United States have risen two degrees Fahrenheit (°F) over the last 50 years. The science strongly supports the finding that the underlying cause of these changes is the accumulation of heat-trapping carbon dioxide (CO2) and other greenhouse gases (GHG) in the atmosphere. If GHG emissions continue unabated, the planet’s average tempera-ture is projected to rise by an additional 2.0 to 11.5 °F by the end of the century, with accompanying increases in extreme weather events, variable and/or incon-sistent weather patterns, sea levels and other factors with significant impacts on natural environments and the vital services they provide. Faced with a future climate that will be unlike that of the recent past, the nation has the opportunity to act now to reduce the impacts of climate change on its valuable natural resources and resource-dependent communities and businesses. Preparing for and addressing these changes in the near term can help increase the efficiency and effectiveness of actions to reduce negative impacts and take advantage of potential benefits from a changing climate (climate adap-tation). In 2009, Congress recognized the need for a national government- “...develop a national, government-wide strategy to address climate impacts on fish, wildlife, plants, and associated ecological processes.” —Department of the Interior, Environment, and Related Ag encies Appr opr iations Ac t, 2010g a ryry w i s e Executive Summary | 3 and other decision makers to take effective steps towards climate change adaptation over the next five to ten years. Federal, state, and tribal governments and conservation partners are encour-aged to read the Strategy in its entirety to identify intersections between the document and their mission areas and activities. The Strategy is guided by nine principles. These principles include collaborating across all levels of government, working with non-government entities such as private landowners and other sectors like agriculture and energy, and engaging the public. It is also important to use the best available science—and to identify where science and management capabilities must be improved or enhanced. When adaptation steps are taken, it is crucial to carefully monitor actual outcomes in order to adjust future actions to make them more effective, an iterative process called adaptive management. We must also link efforts within the U.S. with wide climate adaptation strategy for fish, wildlife, plants, and ecosystems, asking the Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) and the U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI) to develop such a strategy. CEQ and DOI responded by assembling an unprecedented partnership of federal, state, and tribal fish and wildlife conser-vation agencies to draft the document. More than 90 diverse technical, scientific, and management experts from across the country participated in drafting the technical content of the document. The result is The National Fish, Wildlife and Plants Climate Adaptation Strategy (hereafter Strategy). The Strategy is the first joint effort of three levels of govern-ment (federal, state, and tribal) that have primary authority and responsibility for the living resources of the United States to identify what must be done to help these resources become more resilient, adapt to, and survive a warming climate. It is designed to inspire and enable natural resource managers, legislators, efforts internationally to build resil-ience and adaptation for species that migrate and depend on areas beyond U.S. borders. Finally, given the size and urgency of the challenge, we must begin acting now. Climate Change Impacts on Natural Systems The Strategy details the current and expected future impacts of climate change on the eight major ecosystem types in the United States (Chapter 2). For example, warmer temperatures and changing precipitation patterns are expected to cause more fires and more pest outbreaks, such as the mountain pine beetle epidemic in western forests, while some types of forests will displace what is now tundra. Grasslands and shrublands are likely to be invaded by non-native species and suffer wetland losses from drier conditions, which would decrease nesting habitat for water-fowl. Deserts are expected to get hotter and drier, accelerating existing declines in species like the Saguaro cactus. Climate change is expected to be especially dramatic in the Arctic. Temperature increases in northern Alaska would change tussock tundra into shrublands, leading to increased fire risk. In addition, the thawing of frozen organic material in soils would release huge amounts of GHGs, contributing to climate change. In coastal and marine areas, the loss of sea ice and changing ocean conditions are threatening key species such as walrus, ice seals and polar bears as well as the lifestyles and subsis-tence economics of indigenous peoples. Global annual average temperature from 1901–2000, indicating a clear long-term global warming trend. Orange bars indicate temperatures above and blue bars indicate temperatures below the average. The black line shows atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) concentration in parts per million (ppm). 58.5°F 280 300 320 340 360 380 400 260 58.0°F 57.5°F 57.0°F 56.5°F CO2 CONCENTRATION (PPM) 1880 1900 1920 1940 1960 1980 2000 Global Temperature and Carbon Dioxidesource: us gcrp 2009. Global Climate Change Impacts in the United States. 4 | National Fish, Wildlife & Plants Climate Adaptation Strategy areas (including refugia and corridors of habitat that allow species to migrate), and areas where habitat restoration can promote resiliency and adaptation of species and ecosystem functions. In addition to traditional habitat restora-tion and protection efforts, this Strategy envisions innovative opportunities for creating additional habitat. For example, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) works with farmers and ranchers to cost-share conservation practices that benefit at-risk, threatened, or endan-gered species, such as the lesser prairie chicken. These efforts may be useful in responding to climate change as well as other existing conservation challenges. Similarly, adjusting rice farming practices in Louisiana could provide valuable new resources for a variety of waterfowl and shorebirds whose habitat is now disap-pearing because of wetland loss and sea level rise. It is also possible to use applied manage-ment to make habitats and species more resistant to climate change so they continue to provide sustainable cultural, subsistence, recreational, and commercial uses. For example, managing stream corridors to preserve functional processes and reconnect channels with well-vegetated floodplains may help to ensure a steady supply of ground-water recharge that maintains coldwater species even when air temperatures rise. Floodplains serve as vital hydrologic capacitors, and may become even more important in many parts of the country as more precipitation falls as rain instead of snow. Protecting and restoring stream habitats to maintain more narrow and deep stream beds and riparian shade cover can also help keep water tempera-tures cool in a warming climate. Climate Change Adaptation Strategies and Actions The Strategy describes steps that can be taken to address these impacts and help conserve ecosystems and make them more resilient (Chapter 3). Proposed strategies and actions along with check-lists to monitor progress are organized under seven major goals in the Strategy: 1 | Conserve and connect habitat 2 | Manage species and habitats 3 | Enhance management capacity 4 | Support adaptive management 5 | Increase knowledge and information 6 | Increase awareness and motivate action 7 | Reduce non-climate stressors Many proposed actions describe types of conservation activities that management agencies have traditionally undertaken but that will continue to be useful in a period of climate change. Other actions are designed specifically to respond to the new challenges posed by climate change. An extremely important approach for helping fish, wildlife, and plants adapt to climate change is conserving enough suitable habitat to sustain diverse and healthy populations. Many wildlife refuges and habitats could lose some of their original values, as the plants and animals they safeguard are forced to move into more hospitable climes. As a result, there is an urgent need to identify the best candidates for new conservation Rivers, streams, and lakes face higher temperatures that harm coldwater species like salmon and trout, while sea level rise threatens coastal marshes and beaches, which are crucial habitats for many species, such as the diamondback terrapin and the piping plover. Since water can absorb CO2 from the air, the rising levels of the gas in the atmo-sphere and accompanying absorption into the oceans have caused ocean waters to become 30 percent more acidic since 1750. Acidification is already affecting the reproduction of organisms such as oysters. As the pH of seawater continues to drop, major impacts on aquatic ecosys-tems and species are expected. Executive Summary Loss of arctic ice means loss of valuable habitat for many marine species. USFWS/Joel G arlich- M iller Executive Summary | 5 of ecosystem services provided by well- functioning ecosystems also are needed. For example, there may be fewer salmon for commercial and recreational harvest, as well as for traditional ceremonial and cultural practices of indigenous peoples. Adaptation efforts will be most successful if they have broad support and if key groups are motivated to take action themselves. Efforts to increase aware-ness and motivate action should be targeted toward elected officials, public and private decision makers, groups that are interested in learning more about climate change, private landowners, and natural resource user groups. Engaging these stakeholders early and repeatedly to increase awareness of climate change, to develop integrated adaptation responses, and to motivate their participation is key to making this Strategy work. Reducing existing stressors on fish, wild-life, and plants may be one of the most effective, and doable, ways to increase resilience to climate change. Many existing non-climate stressors may be exacerbated by climate change. In partic-ular, avoiding, reducing and addressing the ongoing habitat degradation (e.g., pollution, loss of open space) associ-ated with human development is critical and requires collaboration with land-use planners and private land owners. Taking steps to reduce stressors not related to climate, such as fig

    Game and fish law proclamations: as amended

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    Text of laws governing fishing and hunting, as well as regulation by the Texas Game and Fish Commission

    H. D. Fish

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    Fish, standing in front of a field.Inscriptions on image and/or album page: "#481/H. D. Fish/'23"Digitized by: MBLWHOI Libraryimage/jpg black and white image reformatted digitalPhotograph

    Oral DNA vaccination of rainbow trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss (Walbaum), against infectious haematopoietic necrosis virus using PLGA [Poly(D,L-lactic-co-glycolic acid)] nanoparticles

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    A DNA vaccine against infectious haematopoietic necrosis virus (IHNV) is effective at protecting rainbow trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss, against disease, but intramuscular injection is required and makes the vaccine impractical for use in the freshwater rainbow trout farming industry. Poly (D,L-lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) is a U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved polymer that can be used to deliver DNA vaccines. We evaluated the in vivo absorption of PLGA nanoparticles containing coumarin-6 when added to a fish food pellet. We demonstrated that rainbow trout will eat PLGA nanoparticle coated feed and that these nanoparticles can be detected in the epithelial cells of the lower intestine within 96 h after feeding. We also detected low levels of gene expression and anti-IHNV neutralizing antibodies when fish were fed or intubated with PLGA nanoparticles containing IHNV G gene plasmid. A virus challenge evaluation suggested a slight increase in survival at 6 weeks post-vaccination in fish that received a high dose of the oral vaccine, but there was no difference when additional fish were challenged at 10 weeks post-vaccination. The results of this study suggest that it is possible to induce an immune response using an orally delivered DNA vaccine, but the current system needs improvement

    A local analgesic, lidocaine, did not affect short‐term welfare during electroanesthesia of a teleost fish

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    In recent decades, fisheries research has benefited from the use of various forms of electroimmobilization to facilitate fish handling through rapid induction and recovery times, capacity to allow immediate release, and other advantages not shared by pharmaceuticals. However, as electroimmobilization becomes increasingly prevalent, it is expected that animal care committees may require electroimmobilized fish to also receive chemical anesthetics or analgesics. We experimentally investigated whether the administration of lidocaine (a local analgesic at ~ 1 mg/kg body mass) to electroanesthetized fish resulted in any welfare‐relevant differences in the behavior and physiology of Largemouth Bass Micropterus salmoides during and after standardized intracoelomic tag implantation surgeries relative to a group that received a saline sham. We also used multiple control treatments to examine potential behavioral and physiological effects of handling, electroanesthesia, surgery, and the drug administration process. We quantified voluntary movements on the surgery table, ventilation rates after surgery, reflexes, and emergence/exploration in a behavioral arena. Primary and secondary stress biomarkers also were used to evaluate physiological stress over a 2‐h period postsurgery. The administration of lidocaine at the tested dose did not facilitate fish handling during surgery and did not affect changes in the physiological stress response relative to the saline control. Swimming activity postsurgery was lower in fish treated with lidocaine; however, other differences in behavior were negligible. Electroanesthesia alone was able to sufficiently facilitate the surgical procedures by limiting voluntary escape attempts without significantly exacerbating physiological stress from handling. There does not appear to be any advantage to adding lidocaine to the protocol

    Fish in the city

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    Aquaculture is the most recent addition to animal husbandry and it is the fastest growing food production industry. Its contribution to world food security in the 21st century is already significant and it is bound to continue to grow because demand for fish for human consumption is rapidly increasing whereas fish supplies from ocean fisheries are likely to decline. The rapid evolution of aquaculture involved a host of innovations of which many were based on R&D activities by public and private research organizations. Applied R&D tends to be the more effective the better focused it is on specific research problems or opportunities. Among the many possible aquaculture production systems on which aquaculture R&D might focus are recirculation aquaculture systems and in this paper we explore crucial aspects of the potential of urban recirculation aquaculture. Our exploration begins with a vision of recirculation aquaculture production plants located at the fringes of cities of converging economies. Such production systems are distinctly different from conventional urban aquaculture systems based on urban sewage. We scrutinize our vision from four perspectives: (i) the expected demand for aquaculture fish from urban consumers; (ii) cost competitiveness of fish produced at the fringes of cities as compared to fish produced in the rural hinterland; (iii) the potential for integration of urban recirculation aquaculture production into the modern food supply chains that are now emerging in converging economies, and (iv) the ecological footprint of aquaculture production compared to that of chicken production. Based on trends in the growth of urban populations world-wide and trends in demand for fish for food we estimate a total urban demand for aquaculture finfish between 11 and 51 million tons in 2025. We use von Thünen's location theory to provide support for the vision to locate recirculation aquaculture plants not within cities and not in their rural hinterland but on the fringes of cities. Moreover, we argue that tightly controlled recirculation aquaculture production would seem to be particularly well suited for being integrated into modern food supply chains. Finally, we compare the ecological footprint of recirculation aquaculture fish with that of industrially produced chicken and we find that the ecological balance depends on the source of energy used. We conclude our exploratory study with some thoughts on the implication for aquaculture R&D of the potential for recirculation aquaculture located on the fringes of cities in emerging economy countries. --

    Cortisol response and immune-related effects of Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar Linnaeus) subjected to short- and long-term stress

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    It is generally considered that stress causes decreased immune function in fish. In this study we examined in Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar Linnaeus) the effects of both short- (a single 15 s out of water) and long-term (4 weeks of daily handling 15 s out of water) stress on plasma cortisol (free and total) and glucose levels, expression of interleukin-1\u3b2 (IL-1\u3b2) and survival of head kidney (HK) macrophages under culture with Aeromonas salmonicida. In the short-term study, samples were collected prior to the application of the stressor, and at 1, 3, 6, 12 and 24 h post stress. Free and total plasma cortisol levels and the percentage of free cortisol increased significantly in the stressed group at 1 and 3 h post stress. Plasma glucose levels were significantly higher than those of control fish at 1, 3 and 6 h post stress. Constitutive expression of IL-1\u3b2 in macrophages isolated from head kidneys in stressed fish was significantly higher at 1 and 3 h post stress. However, lipopolysaccharide (LPS) stimulated expression of IL-1\u3b2 in HK macrophages, exhibited significantly higher fold increases in unstressed fish compared to stressed fish. In the long-term study, with the exception of an increase in plasma glucose levels at 1 week, there were no significant differences in stress parameters between groups. There was a significantly higher constitutive IL-1\u3b2 expression in macrophages isolated from stressed fish over the first 2 weeks. At weeks 1, 2 and 3 the magnitude of IL-1\u3b2 response of isolated HK macrophages to LPS stimulation was reduced in >90% of the stressed fish. At 4 weeks there was no significant difference in inducible IL-1\u3b2 expression between the groups. Macrophages isolated from stressed fish also showed significantly decreased survival when exposed to A. salmonicida. This study shows a clear pattern from repeated handling stress, whereby effects on immune cells begin with increased constitutive expression of IL-1\u3b2, followed by decreased stimulation of leucocytes by extracellular antigen, and finally decreased leukocyte survival when exposed to A. salmonicida. The implications of these changes in the immune system will be discussed with respect to the use of classical indicators of stress to predict possible effects on the immune system of fish.Peer reviewed: YesNRC publication: Ye

    Rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss Walbaum) intestinal eosinophilic granule cell (EGC) response to Aeromonas salmonicida and Vibrio anguillarum extracellular products

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    Eosinophilic granule cells (EGCs) are considered to be analogous to mammalian mast cells. In this study the short term ultrastructural responses of ECGs to extracellular products (ECPs) of Aeromonas salmonicida or Vibrio [Listonella] anguillarum were investigated. Bacterial ECP was prepared from a broth culture of bacteria and injected intraperitoneally at a dose of 0.07 and 0.08 micro g/g body weight into 0+ rainbow trout. Controls were injected with saline alone. Fish were killed at 30 min, 1, 2 and 4 h post-injection and the intestine removed, fixed and embedded in resin for light and electron microscopy. Cell counts were made of the number of observable EGCs/mm of the stratum granulosum of the intestine. A rapid decrease in the number of observable EGCs in the gut of ECP-injected fish occurred but there was no apparent change in the number of EGCs in the control fish. This decrease was coincident with an explosive, anaphylactic-like degranulation and a complex multivesiculated substructuring of the EGC granules. In addition there were many ultrastructural changes in the multivesiculated EGCs, including the presence of numerous smooth walled cytoplasmic tubules, spherical electron-lucent vesicles in the peripheral cytoplasm, and a planar subfractionation of the granules which occasionally appeared crystalline. This is the first time that this multivesiculated type of degranulation has been reported in response to A. salmonicida and V. anguillarum extracellular products and is similar to a previously described EGC response to capsaicin and substance P. The significance of this degranulation morphology with respect to the pathogenesis of disease is discussed..RE: 20 ref.; SC: CA; VE; 0I; ZA; 0VSource type: Electronic(1

    2005 Annual Financial Report of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

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    This report provides information on U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's financial, management, and programmatic results for 2005.Front Cover Photo Credit: Brown and White Pelicans Rest On Pelican Island NWR, George Gentry/USFWS Table of Contents MESSAGE FROM THE DIRECTOR OF THE U.S. FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE .......................................................5 I. THE UNITED STATES FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE..............................................................................................7 A. MISSION AND ORGANIZATION ..........................................................................................................................................8 B. ORGANIZATIONAL CHART...............................................................................................................................................10 II. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS ......................................................................................................11 A. MISSION GOALS AND PERFORMANCE..............................................................................................................................12 Mission Goal 1 - Resource Protection ..........................................................................................................................13 Mission Goal 2 - Resource Use....................................................................................................................................13 Mission Goal 3 - Recreation ........................................................................................................................................14 Mission Goal 4 - Serving Communities.......................................................................................................................14 Mission Goal 5 - Management Excellence ...................................................................................................................15 Impact of Hurricanes ..................................................................................................................................................15 Data Verification and Validation .................................................................................................................................15 B. MANAGEMENT CONTROLS AND LEGAL COMPLIANCE .......................................................................................................17 C. FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS................................................................................................................................................18 D. LIMITATIONS OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS ...............................................................................................................20 E. ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL STATEMENTS ............................................................................................................................21 III. U.S. FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS ..........................................................................25 A. PRINCIPAL FINANCIAL STATEMENTS ...............................................................................................................................26 B. NOTES TO PRINCIPAL FINANCIAL STATEMENTS...............................................................................................................31 Note 1 - Summary of Significant Accounting Principles .............................................................................................31 Note 2 - Assets Analysis ...............................................................................................................................................39 Note 3 - Fund Balance with Treasury and Cash..........................................................................................................40 Note 4 - Investments, Net ...........................................................................................................................................41 Note 5 – Accounts and Interest Receivable, Net..........................................................................................................42 Note 6 - General Property, Plant, and Equipment (PP&E), Net .................................................................................43 Note 7 - Seized and Forfeited Property.......................................................................................................................44 Note 8 - Liabilities Analysis .........................................................................................................................................45 Note 9 - Operating Leases...........................................................................................................................................48 Note 10 - Imputed Financing Sources........................................................................................................................49 Note 11 - Dedicated Collections .................................................................................................................................50 Note 12 - Combined Statement of Budgetary Resources.............................................................................................51 Note 13 - Consolidated Statement of Financing – Allocation Transfers......................................................................53 Note 14 - Consolidating Statement of Net Cost...........................................................................................................54 C. REQUIRED SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION....................................................................................................................57 Combining Statement of Budgetary Resources............................................................................................................58 Facilities Management ................................................................................................................................................60 D. REQUIRED SUPPLEMENTARY STEWARDSHIP INFORMATION.............................................................................................62 Stewardship Lands ......................................................................................................................................................63 Stewardship Investments ............................................................................................................................................65 Heritage Assets ............................................................................................................................................................67 IV. INDEPENDENT AUDITORS’ REPORT......................................................................................................................73 Message from the Director of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service I am pleased to present the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Annual Financial Report, providing information on our financial, management, and programmatic results for fiscal year 2005. I am proud to announce that the Service has received, for the third consecutive year, an unqualified audit opinion from the independent auditors who concluded that the Service’s financial statements are presented fairly in all material respects. Additionally, the Independent Auditors’ Report for fiscal year 2005 identified no material weaknesses. This demonstrates our dedication to maintaining sound financial practices and reliable financial information to support our commitment to effectively manage resources to protect and enhance fish, wildlife, and plants and their habitats for the benefit of this and future generations. We addressed fiscal challenges in fiscal year 2005. The Independent Auditors’ Report for fiscal year 2004 identified three reportable conditions related to internal controls over financial reporting and processes, none of which KPMG considered to be a material weakness. In addition, KPMG noted significant deficiencies in internal controls over the Service’s Required Supplementary Information and Required Supplementary Stewardship Information. Although KPMG noted the significant deficiencies again in fiscal year 2005, the Service is implementing corrective actions which I am confident will resolve these issues. With regard to compliance with laws and regulations, the Service was reported to be noncompliant with portions of the Federal Financial Management Improvement Act (FFMIA). We aggressively implemented actions for all reportable conditions and all were resolved or downgraded in the Independent Auditors’ Report for fiscal year 2005. Also, the Service has and will continue to take specific corrective actions to ensure greater security and general controls over sensitive information systems. Therefore, I conclude that the Service’s systems of management, administrative controls provide reasonable assurance that Service operations, taken as a whole, meet the objectives of Section 2 of the Federal Managers’ Financial Integrity, and that Service operations are being conducted consistent with the intended objectives of Office of Management and Budget’s (OMB) Circular A-130. Also in fiscal year 2005, we evaluated the Service’s management controls as required by the FFMIA. The purpose of this evaluation is to identify any material weakness that places the overall control system at risk and to ensure that intended program results are achieved, resources are used consistent with the Service’s mission, resources are protected from waste, fraud, and mismanagement, laws and regulations are followed, and information is reliable and reported timely. Again, I’m pleased to report that the Service is in compliance and no such weakness was identified. The financial and performance data presented in this report are complete and reliable, and in accordance with guidance from OMB. Additionally, we evaluated our financial management system as required by the FFMIA. I conclude that the Service’s financial system substantially complies with the U.S. Standard general ledger at the transaction level and with Federal financial accounting standards. It also substantially complies with Federal financial management system requirements regarding information technology security and general controls. The information presented in this report provides the means to manage Service goals and objectives. It also illustrates how the Service supports the U.S. Department of the Interior’s vision for effective stewardship based on communication, consultation, and cooperation, all in the service of conservation. The Service is entrusted with the protection, conservation, and recovery of threatened and endangered species, migratory birds, some marine mammals, inter-jurisdictional and other fisheries and their habitats, stewardship of the National Wildlife Refuge System, and assists foreign governments with their conservation efforts. Additionally, we oversee Federal assistance programs to states for sport fish restoration and wildlife restoration, which distribute hundreds of millions of dollars from excise taxes on fishing and hunting equipment to state wildlife agencies. We accept these responsibilities with optimism and resolve. As we meet the inspiring challenges of the future, we pursue our mission in the most efficient and effective manner to meet our responsibilities as stewards of the public trust. H. Dale Hall, Director November 1, 2005 I. The United States Fish and Wildlife Service 7 I. The United States Fish and Wildlife Service Communities and individuals throughout the United States (U.S.) have a strong commitment to fish and wildlife resources. Many communities realize substantial economic benefits from tourism and visitors that come to enjoy fish and wildlife. Hunting and fishing remain strong components of community culture all along the nation’s great river systems. As an asset of tremendous environmental, recreational, and economic importance, the nation’s fish and wildlife resources represent a vital part of our natural heritage, one that is facing increasing pressures. For this reason, the mission of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) grows continuously more complex and critical. I. The United States Fish and Wildlife Service 8 A. Mission and Organization The Service’s mission is working with others to conserve, protect, and enhance fish, wildlife, plants, and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. Mission The Service is the principal Federal agency responsible for conserving, protecting, and enhancing fish, wildlife, plants, and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. The Service manages the 91- million-acre National Wildlife Refuge System (NWRS), which encompasses 545 National Wildlife Refuges (NWRs), thousands of small wetlands, and other special management areas. It also operates 69 National Fish Hatcheries, 64 fishery resource offices, and 81 ecological services field stations. The agency enforces Federal wildlife laws, administers the Endangered Species Act, manages migratory bird populations, restores nationally significant fisheries, conserves and restores wildlife habitat such as wetlands, and helps foreign governments with their conservation efforts. It also oversees the Federal Assistance program that distributes hundreds of millions of dollars in excise taxes on fishing and hunting equipment to state fish and wildlife agencies. The Service has the privilege of being the primary agency responsible for the protection, conservation, and renewal of these resources for this and future generations. We accept this responsibility and challenge with optimism and resolve to pass along to future generations of stewards a fish and wildlife resource heritage that is stronger than when it was entrusted to us. The Service employs approximately 10,000 permanent and temporary staff and is supported by citizens volunteering approximately 1.4 million hours. Although the Service is headquartered in Washington, D.C., over 90% of the workforce is located in communities across the nation at over 700 field stations supported by seven regional offices. The Service continues to focus on building and maintaining relationships with a broad array of stakeholders, including the states, tribes, community groups, and other organizations due to our involvement at the community level. I. The United States Fish and Wildlife Service 9 Organization As shown in the accompanying organization chart, the Directorate of the Service is comprised of the Director, two Deputy Directors, and 11 Assistant Directors, all located in Washington, D.C. There are seven Regional Directors and one Manager of Operations, located throughout the U.S. The Service headquarters offices are located in Washington, D.C. and Arlington, Virginia, with field units in Denver, Colorado, and Shepherdstown, West Virginia. Regional Offices are located throughout the U.S. Region 1, located in Portland, Oregon, serves California, Hawaii, Idaho, Nevada, Oregon, and Washington, as well as the Trust Territories of the Pacific. (Region 1 also includes the California/Nevada Operations Office.) Region 2, located in Albuquerque, New Mexico, serves Arizona, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Texas. Region 3, located in Ft. Snelling, Minnesota, serves Indiana, Illinois, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Ohio, and Wisconsin. Region 4, located in Atlanta, Georgia, serves Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee, as well as Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. Region 5, located in Hadley, Massachusetts, serves Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Massachusetts, Maryland, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Virginia, Vermont, West Virginia, and the District of Columbia. Region 6, located in Denver, Colorado, serves Kansas, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska, Colorado, Utah, and Wyoming. Region 7, located in Anchorage, Alaska serves the entire state of Alaska. In the U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI), the Service’s Director reports to the Assistant Secretary for Fish and Wildlife and Parks and has direct line authority over Service headquarters and the seven regional offices. Assistant Directors provide policy, program management, and administrative support to the Director. Regional Directors guide policy and program implementation through their field structures, and coordinate activities with Service partners. Chapter I. The United States Fish and Wildlife Service 10 B. Organizational Chart Director Deputy Directors Assistant Director Wildlife & Sport Fish Restoration Programs Assistant Director National Wildlife Refuge System Assistant Director Migratory Birds Assistant Director Fisheries & Habitat Conservation Assistant Director Endangered Species Assistant Director International Affairs Assistant Director Law Enforcement Assistant Director External Affairs Assistant Director Budget, Planning & Human Resources Assistant Director Business Management & Operations Assistant Director Information Resources & Technology Management (CIO) Division of Federal Assistance Division of Natural Resources Division of Migratory Bird Management Division of Fish & Wildlife Management & Habitat Restoration Division of Conservation & Classification Division of Management Authority Division of Law Enforcement Operations Division of Congressional & Legislative Affairs Division of Human Resources Division of Engineering Division of Information Resources & Technology Management Division of Realty Division of Bird Habitat Conservation Division of the National Fish Hatchery System Division of Consultation, Habitat Conservation Plans, Recovery & State Grants Division of Scientific Authority Division of Special Agents ‘in’ Charge Regions 1-7 Division of Public Affairs Division of Budget Division of Contracting & Facilities Management National Conservation Training Center Native American Liaison Division of Conservation, Planning & Policy Division of Visitor Services & Communication Division of Habitat & Resource Conservation Division of Environmental Quality Division of Partnerships & Outreach Division of International Conservation Clarke R. Bavin National Forensics Laboratory Division of Policy & Directives Management Planning & Evaluation Staff Division of Financial Management Division of Economics Division of Safety & Health Regional Director Region 1 Portland, OR Manager California/Nevada Operations Sacramento, CA Regional Director Region 2 Albuquerque, NM Regional Director Region 3 Fort Snelling, MN Regional Director Region 4 Atlanta, GA Regional Director Region 5 Hadley, MA Regional Director Region 6 Denver, CO Regional Director Region 7 Anchorage, AK Deputy Chief Deputy AD Deputy AD Deputy AD Deputy AD Deputy AD Deputy AD Deputy AD Deputy RD Deputy Manager Deputy RD Deputy RD Deputy RD Deputy RD Deputy RD Deputy RD II. Management’s Discussion and Analysis 11 II. Management’s Discussion and Analysis The following areas are addressed in the Management’s Discussion and Analysis: A. Mission Goals and Performance B. Management Controls and Legal Compliance C. Financial Highlights D. Limitations of Financial Statements E. Analysis of Financial Statements II. Management’s Discussion and Analysis 12 A. Mission Goals and Performance DOI has developed a Strategic Plan for Fiscal Year (FY) 2003 - 2008 that encompasses the missions and goals of its eight bureaus and the DOI Offices (http://www.doi.gov/ppp/stratplanfy2003_2008). The plan is organized around the DOI’s principal mission areas: 1. Resource Protection 2. Resource Use 3. Recreation 4. Serving Communities 5. Management Excellence The Service is entrusted with the protection, conservation, and recovery of threatened and endangered species, migratory birds, some marine mammals, inter-jurisdictional and other fisheries, their habitats, and stewardship of NWRS. As such, the Service will significantly contribute to the successful achievement of the DOI’s mission goals for Resource Protection, Recreation, Serving Communities, and Management Excellence while supporting the Resource Use mission goal through a collaborative environmental consultation effort. The following information delineates Strategic Plan goal attainment for FY 2005 and provides explanations where appropriate for analysis and discussion. Note: the DOI’s guidance and specifications for the performance section of bureau FY 2005 annual reports considers performance targets to be “met” when final or estimated data indicates that performance will be at or within 5% of the target. II. Management’s Discussion and Analysis 13 Mission Goal 1 - Resource Protection Resource Protection/Improve Health of Watersheds, Landscapes, and Marine Resources that are DOI Managed or Influenced in a Manner Consistent with Obligations Regarding the Allocation and Use of Water/Achieve Watershed and Landscape Goals Through Voluntary Partnerships The Service estimated that 240,230 acres of wetlands and uplands would be restored or protected in FY 2005 through voluntary partnerships. The Service estimates that this target will be exceeded by restoring or protecting 743,192 acres in FY 2005. There are several reasons why the target may be exceeded. One of the contributors to this goal, the Service’s Coastal Program succeeded in protecting over 300,000 acres of uplands in a single project in the Gulf of Mexico. This value is considerably greater than the planned FY 2005 Regional target of 150 acres. Because the Coastal Program works on a voluntary basis with landowners and managers, it is difficult to predict exactly how many acres will be achieved during the year. The actual FY 200
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