Freshwater ecosystems, such as lakes, rivers, ponds and wetlands are a precious and critically important form of natural resource. This book highlights the need for a strong scientific approach to biomonitoring and conservation of fresh waters and identifies key shortcomings in the present approach. Pertinent examples of this come from the rapid advances made recently on the relationship between biodiversity and ecosystem processes and in food web research, neither of which have so far informed monitoring and management practices. This book also reviews and describes the morphology and material translocation of emergent plants under a set of different environmental conditions, namely, seasonal, spatial, sediment, water depth and harvesting. Furthermore, the environmental impact of phosphorus (P) waste from the aquaculture industry is increasingly a matter of concern in Japan and elsewhere around the world. This book provides nutritional approaches for the reduction of phosphorus waste from yellowtail, one of the highest of any farmed fish species. Other chapters in this book include a review of the benefits of fish embryo cryopreservation for aquaculture and conservation purposes, a discussion of the position of life-history strategies in community ecology, a comparison of the top-down and bottom-up control philosophies for the food chain model so that the most effective management can be identified, the role of systems theory in sustainable management of freshwater systems and ecosystems and a discussion of the present problems that are related to water and sanitation in Sudan.

The farming of aquatic organisms is one of the most promising but controversial new industries in Canada. The industry has the potential to solve food supply problems, but critics believe it poses unacceptable threats to human health, local communities, and the environment. This book is not about the methods and techniques of aquaculture but an exploration of the controversy itself. Rather than choosing sides, Nathan Young and Ralph Matthews present the controversy as a multi-layered conflict about knowledge, rights, and development. Comprehensive and balanced, this book addresses one of the most contentious public policy and environmental issues facing the world today.

The Newfoundland and Labrador cod fishery was once the most successful commercial ground fishery in the world. When it collapsed in 1992, fishermen, scholars, and scientists pointed to failures in management such as uncontrolled harvesting as likely culprits. Managed Annihilation makes the case that the idea of natural resource management itself was the problem. The collapse occurred when the fisheries were state managed and still, nearly two decades later, there is no recovery in sight. Although the collapse raised doubts among policy-makers about their ability to understand, predict, and control nature, their ultimate goal of control through management has not wavered - it has simply been transferred from wild fish to fishermen and farmed cod.

The inference of parentage relationships between individuals from their molecular resemblance represents a useful methodology for genetic improvement in Aquaculture. This makes possible the reorganisation of broodstock in groups with low relatedness, as well as the identification of families in selection programs to avoid the harmful effects of inbreeding and to maintain the highest diversity as possible across generations. The choice of the appropriate genetic marker and the statistical methodology is essential to get the best solution for the questions considered. Depending on the availability of previous information on the genealogy, paternity or kinship analysis will be applied. The simplest approach to paternity inference, involves parent identification through the exclusion of the remaining candidates. However, this can lead to more than one solution, solvable after application of maximum likelihood procedures. The ability to identify the parents of each offspring depends on the sampling scenario (number of candidate parents and the fraction sampled), on the potential of the markers used (polymorphism, genotyping errors), and on the conformance to theoretical assumptions of the statistical models applied. A large number of paternity programs are freely available. They display usually complementary performances, and there is not the best software for all situations. When the authors dealt with a single group of individuals belonging to the same generation or that could not be separated into known generations, the aim was just to estimate the degree of genetic relationship between them, usually expressed as the coancestry coefficient. The basic idea is to determine how much of the molecular similarity (Identity By State) is due to the Identity By Descent (the really important parameter). There are two groups of relationship estimators from the molecular information. One of them includes methods directed at estimating coancestry for only a pair of individuals at a time, usually relaying on the knowledge of the allele frequencies of the reference population. Estimators within this group can be further divided into those called Method of Moments Estimators (MME) and those based on Maximum Likelihood (MLE). The other group of methods uses jointly the information of all individuals to determine the more probable population/familiar structure. They perform an explicit reconstruction of the genealogy leading to the observed population (at least for one generation above). Depending on the type of estimator and the assumptions used in their development, each of them presents some advantages and/or limitations which should be taken into account when choosing the one to use. In the present study, the most relevant estimators are presented and, also, a list of free software available for their application.

Aquaculture is the cultivation of aquatic organisms. Unlike fishing, aquaculture, also known as aquafarming, implies the cultivation of aquatic populations under controlled conditions. Mariculture refers to aquaculture practiced in marine environments. Particular kinds of aquaculture include algaculture (the production of kelp/seaweed and other algae); fish farming; shrimp farming, shellfish farming, and the growing of cultured pearls. This book presents the latest research in the field.

The International Politics of Whaling examines contemporary whaling issues with an emphasis on three factors: our knowledge of whales and current whale populations and the impact of whaling; the actors and institutions involved in the debate over whaling; and the ethical dimension. Reluctantly, he concludes that the current global moratorium on whaling is problematic and that we must focus instead on habitat preservation in order to protect whales more effectively.

This dictionary contains terms related to the various types of aquaculture practiced in the world today. It covers hatchery, nursery, and growout production for fish culture, crustacean and mollusc culture, algal culture, reptile culture, amphibian culture, and echinoderm culture. There are terms for pathology, prophylaxis, breeding, nutrition, genetics, hydrology, engineering, marketing, biology, systems behavior, chemicals, and water chemistry. The names of species cultured and past species are also included with the appropriate Latin names. Most of the disease names have a short description in parentheses that names the pathogen and the type of animals that are prone to the disease, to avoid confusion with other diseases that have similar names.

A fascinating historical study of the decline of salmon runs in the Pacific Northwest

New England once hosted large numbers of anadromous fish, which migrate between rivers and the sea. Salmon, shad, and alewives served a variety of functions within the region's preindustrial landscape, furnishing not only maritime areas but also agricultural communities with an important source of nutrition and a valued article of rural exchange. Historian Erik Reardon argues that to protect these fish, New England's farmer-fishermen pushed for conservation measures to limit commercial fishing and industrial uses of the river. Beginning in the colonial period and continuing to the mid-nineteenth century, they advocated for fishing regulations to promote sustainable returns, compelled local millers to open their dams during seasonal fish runs, and defeated corporate proposals to erect large-scale dams. As environmentalists work to restore rivers in New England and beyond in the present day, Managing the River Commons offers important lessons about historical conservation efforts that can help guide current campaigns to remove dams and allow anadromous fish to reclaim these waters.

This is the first comprehensive book on the biology and ecology of pufferfish, also known as blowfish, swellfish, and globefish. Covering 197 species of pufferfish recorded so far from the marine, brackish, and freshwater ecosystems of the world, this important volume expounds on the toxins and associated poisonings of pufferfish. Importantly, the volume also explores the many uses of pufferfish, such as in aquariums, for their nutritional and culinary value, and for their emerging uses in the treatment of pain. Topics covered include: biology and ecology of pufferfish profiles of the world's marine, brackish, and freshwater pufferfish species characteristics of TTX (tetrodotoxin) and STX (saxitoxin) of pufferfish pufferfish poisoning and symptoms: treatment and management aquarium uses of pufferfish nutritional and pharmaceutical values of pufferfish diseases and parasites of pufferfish and their management

Industrial Applications of Marine Biopolymers presents different classes of marine biopolymers and their industrial applications, demonstrating the precious value of ocean resources to society. This timely volume discusses the exceedingly useful polymers derived from these materials that are biodegradable, biocompatible, and at times water soluble. Direct use or chemically modified forms of such biomaterials have many chemical sites, making them suitable for varied types of industrial applications. In addition, this book also addresses current global challenges of conservation, including extended drought conditions and the need for improved agricultural methods, together with new bio-medical developments. It is suitable for anyone who has an interest in the industrial applications of biopolymers.

This book summarizes and analyzes the biology, ecology, exploitation and management of small cetaceans in Japan. It describes the various types of cetacean fisheries in Japan and their historical development, the life histories and ecologies of the main species involved, and the history and problems of conservation and management. The data show that in some cases the number of small cetaceans harvested exceed sustainable limits and have led to depletion of populations. The book provides a case study of what can go wrong when the needs of industry and conservation collide. The descriptions of life history and ecology are relevant to issues of conservation and management, not just for cetaceans, but for all fisheries around the world.

The water hyacinth is a disruptive factor in aquatic ecosystem management and ecosystem services, and causes problems in fisheries, transportation waterways, irrigation, hydropower generation, and water resources. To address these concerns, it is necessary to integrate past studies with current research and innovations to identify where the knowledge gap is and to creatively assess and solve the problems in a global context. This book provides comprehensive coverage of new research and technological innovations for the application of controlling, managing, harvesting, postharvest processing and utilizing the water hyacinth.

Marine macrophytes (macroalgae, seagrasses, and mangroves) comprise thousands of species distributed in shallow water areas along the world's coastlines. They play a key role in marine ecosystems regarding biodiversity and energy flow. A large proportion of macrophyte species can be characterised as ecosystem engineers-organisms that directly or indirectly affect the availability of resources to other species by modifying, maintaining, and creating habitats. This book is divided into three main themes: * Marine macroalgae and seagrasses as sources of biodiversity gives an overview of the diversity of the main organisms associated with macrophytes, and their functional role and interactions within their hosts. * Primary and secondary production of Macrophytes synthesizes research on food web structures derived from/or associated with, macrophytes and the transfer of macrophytic primary and secondary production from one ecosystem to another. * Threats to macrophytic ecosystem engineers addresses human-induced effects including eutrophication, physical destruction, invasive species, and global warming. The book is among the first one to concentrate on the value of macrophytes for the well-being of marine habitats. The book is aimed at academics but may be useful for students, policy makers, and laymen alike.

Marine Biomedicine: From Beach to Bedside assesses current efforts in marine biomedicine and evaluates the implications of recent advances on the future of the field. Richly illustrated in full color to enhance reader comprehension, the book covers four sections. The first one addresses the technology that has recently been brought to bear on the study of marine natural products, including omics and bioinformatic techniques. The second focuses on lead discovery and reviews various products and their biomedical potential. Examples of clinically successful marine products and discussions of approaches to the clinic are presented in the third section while the last section discusses prospects for the future of marine biodiscovery. Highlighting new technologies, this valuable resource provides an overview of both what is currently possible in the field as well as a detailed look at what is being done in marine natural products research.

Nanotechnology offers a revolutionary and definitive approach for the efficient delivery of drug molecules to non-healthy tissues and cells. This first volume of a series of two volumes analyzes the basics in the development of drug-loaded nanoplatforms, the so-called nanomedicines. Special attention is given to physicochemical engineering, pharmacokinetics, biocompatibility and biodegradability, representative nanoplatforms (based on lipids, polymers, cyclodextrins, metals, carbon, silica, iron oxides, etc.), and advanced nano-engineering strategies for passive, ligand-mediated, and/or stimuli-sensitive drug delivery and release.

Supplying sustenance for millions of the poorest people in the world, freshwater flora and fauna also contribute to overall economic well-being by means of export commodity trade, tourism, and recreation. As sources of high-quality nutrients, freshwater flora and fauna of edible value represent a viable option for alleviating the problems related to malnutrition in developing and underdeveloped countries. Although the nutritional benefits of freshwater flora and fauna are well known, there has long been a need for a book that supplies an assessment of their nutritional qualities. Well-illustrated with approximately 325 photographs, this book fills that need. Nutritional Freshwater Life details the characteristics of more than 300 species of nutritionally important freshwater animals and plants. The book covers algae and plants, crustaceans (prawns, crayfish, and crabs), mollusks (bivalves and gastropods), fish, and frogs. For each species of freshwater life identified, the book provides a photograph and details its characteristics such as scientific name, common names, habitats, global distribution, nutritional facts, and biological features.

The nutritional benefits of marine flora and fauna are well known. Fish and crustaceans provide high-quality sources of amino acids-nutritionally important proteins found in only small amounts in cereals and grains. Nutrients and minerals in seafood can improve brain development and reproduction and there are strong links between fish and heart health. Similarly, other organisms such as phytoplankton and invertebrates possess several nutrients of health importance. All of these benefits are critical to global nutrition and particularly important to food-deficient, low-income countries. The first book of its kind, Nutritional Marine Life explores the nutritional characteristics of the different species of the following groups of edible marine life: Phytoplankton Seaweeds and marsh plants Jellyfish Crustaceans Mollusks Echinoderms Prochordate Fish Turtles Mammals For each species, the book discusses its classification, common name, habitat, global distribution, biological features, and nutritional facts. The highly accessible style and high-quality photographs make it easy to identify nutritionally and commercially important marine species. The book is ideal for students and researchers in fisheries and aquaculture and in related marine biology and biotechnology disciplines. It is also suitable as a reference for practitioners in those fields as well as dieticians, food scientists, and physicians interested in knowing about the health benefits of seafood.

The congress "Arsenic in the Environment" offers an international, multi- and interdisciplinary discussion platform for arsenic research aimed at short-term solutions of problems with considerable social impact, rather than only focusing on cutting edge and breakthrough research in physical, chemical, toxicological, medical and other specific issues on arsenic on a broader environmental realm. The congress "Arsenic in the Environment" was first organized in Mexico City (As 2006 ) followed by As 2008 in Valencia, Spain. The Third International Congress As 2010 was held in Tainan, Taiwan from May 17-21, 2010 entitled: "Arsenic in Geosphere and Human Diseases". The session topics comprised: 1. Geology + hydrogeology of arsenic; 2. Ecological effects: Arsenic in soils, plants and food chain; 3. Marine + terrestrial biota; 4. Health effects on humans: Epidemiology + biomarkers; 5. Toxicological effects; 6. Assessment and remediation; 7. Analytical methods. Hosting this congress in Taiwan was especially relevant, because the endemic Blackfoot Disease, related to the arsenic uptake from drinking water supplied by artesian wells, was discovered here half a century ago. Since then Taiwan has become an important region specializing in arsenic research. This volume presents the extended abstracts of the congress and will give the latest state of the art knowledge based on current research performed by the global scientific community.

It is perhaps because fishes live in a buoyant medium, whether it be fresh or sea water, that they show a diversity in body shapes that is unparalleled by other vertebrates. There is also a unique diversity in the modes of reproduction, whether by external or internal fertilization, and this, with the morphology and fine structure of the reproductive system and its components, is the subject of the present volume. A large part of this book deals with the ultrastructure of spermatozoa, with some discussion of phylogenetic implications.

This book contains detailed information on the physical, chemical and biological ceanographic features at various depths for all the 15 regions of the Atlantic, Pacific, Indian and Southern Oceans as categorized by the Food and Agriculture Organization, and on the commercially important marine fishes and details of fish catches in all the 15 regions of the major oceans since 1950. The book provides maximum and minimum annual mean values of various oceanographic factors at different depths and yearly average catches of major fish categories found from an analysis of the distribution of various oceanographic factors and fish catch data for oceans. It also briefly contains some of the recent studies carried out on the influence of oceanographic factors on fisheries. The work studies fisheries forecasts and also reviews factors which influence fisheries in various regions of the major oceans. The book is intended for scientists, teachers and students specializing in fishery oceanography, physical oceanography,

Squid, cuttlefish and octopuses, which form the marine mollusc group the cephalopods, are of great and increasing interest to marine biologists, physiologists, ecologists, environmental biologists and fisheries scientists.

"Cephalopods: ecology and fisheries" is a thorough review of this most important animal group. The first introductory section of the book provides coverage of cephalopod form and function, origin and evolution, "Nautilus," and biodiversity and zoogeography. The following section covers life cycles, growth, physiological ecology, reproductive strategies and early life histories. There follows a section on ecology, which provides details of slope and shelf species, oceanic and deep sea species, population ecology, trophic ecology and cephalopods as prey. The final section of the book deals with fisheries and ecological interactions, with chapters on fishing methods and scientific sampling, fisheries resources, fisheries oceanography and assessment and management methods.

This scientifically comprehensive and beautifully illustrated book is essential reading for marine biologists, zoologists, ecologists and fisheries managers. All libraries in universities and research establishments where biological sciences and fisheries are studied and taught should have multiple copies of this landmark publication on their shelves.

Cyprinids rank as one of the most commercially important groups of freshwater fishes and are exploited for many purposes; as a human food source, especially in Europe and Asia; as sport fish; and as ornamental fish for ponds and aquaria. Certain species are also cultured as bait fish and several of the small cyprinids such as the zebra fish have become internationally accepted laboratory models for toxicology testing and molecular research. A thorough understanding of cyprinid health and diseases is fundamental to the successful management and exploitation of these fishes for freshwater fisheries, pisciculture and ornamental productions.

This practical guide to disease diagnosis, prevention and control includes numerous colour plates and covers a comprehensive array of diseases - infectious and non-infectious - of cultivated and wild cyprinids.