New study findings show reduced sturgeon rearing costs, while improving growth...

A study was completed at the Bears Bluff NFH, where the performance of "first-feeding" stage shortnose sturgeon fry (cultured according to six different feeding regimens) was compared. The standard practice before this study was to manually feed the fry 100% live feed every four hours throughout the day and night, which is both costly and labor intensive. However, a feeding regimen was identified that significantly reduced the need for live feed and manual nighttime feedings, while producing better growth without compromising survival when compared to the standard feeding practice.

The study has been published in the North American Journal of Aquaculture:
Kent M. Ware, James P. Henne, Brian H. Hickson, and Kevin Charlesworth. Evaluation of Six Feeding Regimens for Survival and Growth of Shortnose Sturgeon Fry. North American Journal of Aquaculture 68(3):211-216

New study identifies diet that will improve growth & survival of endangered bonytail...

A collaborative study was completed at Mora Fish Technology Center (NM) that compared the performance of the critically endangered bonytail (fish) when fed various types of commercially available feeds. The goal of the study was to identify a feed that would enhance growth and survival of the bonytail reared for recovery in an intensive culture facility. The study concluded that commercially available diets are largely inadequate for intensive bonytail culture. The study provides information for formulating a diet that meets the specific nutritional requirements of the bonytail, thereby potentially improving the success of bonytail propagation programs and the recovery of this endangered species. The study has been published in the North American Journal of Aquaculture, Volume 68.

James Henne (lead scientist) conducted this study while working at the Mora Fish Technology Center (NM). James is currently the Assistant Project Leader at Bear?s Bluff National Fish Hatchery (SC). Others involved in the study include Matthew Romero (Mora FTC), Teresa Martinez (Mora FTC), Brian Fillmore (Tishomingo NFH), Ann Gannam (Abernathy FTC), and Gary Carmichael (USFWS, retired).

Citation:

James P. Henne, Matthew M. Romero, Teresa V. Martinez, Brian M. Fillmore, Ann L. Gannam, and Gary J. Carmichael. 2006. Performance of Endangered Bonytails Fed Four Commercial Diets. North American Journal of Aquaculture 68(3):217-223.

Molecular tag reader developed for stock identification of small fish

As part of an effort to develop a molecular tag that persisted in the blood stream of fish for use as a stock identification marker, we developed a series of possible marks and a reader to identify the molecular tags left in fish. We were able to read molecular tags in juvenile Atlantic salmon thirty months after marking fish just eight days after yolk absorption. Molecular tags included biotinylated bovine serum albumin taken up by fish in five minute water baths and included tags added to the serum albumin including laser tags or other fluorescent tags. These were attached to the serum protein molecules. A number of laboratory tests were conducted to confirm the presence of bovine serum albumin and each of the tags attached to it over the course of 30 months after a single marking treatment.

As a convenient and efficient method for recognizing these tags, we also developed a molecular tag reader, or a hand-held portable electro-optical system that reads light emissions at the excitable wavelength of the tag, or fluorescent dye on the protein. The tag reader provides quick and easy identification of marked fish either as whole live animals or from blood samples. The tag reader can be used for small whole animals such as eel elvers or to read light emissions from internal circulation close to the skin such as blood vessels in fish fins.

This process of marking can be used to mark stocks of several species at different life stages or sizes of animals including very small larvae and can be used to identify the particular stock or group of fish. Different tags with separate wavelength light emissions can be used to create more than one stock mark in the blood stream and apply separate tags for different groups. The major benefit of this system is the ability to mark small fish and still be able to retrieve marks up to 30 months after the marking of the animals.

The tagging system was developed as a cooperative project between Dr. John Sternick, Mansfield University, Mansfield, PA, and Dr. Bill Krise, Northern Appalachian Research Laboratory, Wellsboro, PA (US Geological Survey), now with the US Fish and Wildlife Service, Fish Technology Center, Bozeman, MT.

Sound Science: Advancing Fisheries Management

Fish Marking Methods Compared (Region 2 and 4 collaborative study)

A collaborative study was completed at Bears Bluff, SC, where Adam Fuller (Mora FTC, Region 2) and James Henne (Warm Spring Regional Fisheries Center, Bears Bluff NFH, Region 2) compared the performance of various PIT tags and PIT-tag readers (compared different sizes and brands, currently available in North American market). Their goal was to provide verifiable baseline info on the status of PIT-tags, to inform fisheries managers about usefulness and limitations of PIT-tags & readers. Their findings will be reviewed and then submitted for publication. Applications of findings should help guide interjurisdictional fisheries management, in situations where target fish species move long distances and/or live for many years.

Adam Fuller conducting a PIT tag reading	Variety of tags compared in the study
Tag reading devices used in this study	Striped mullet, tagged as part of the tag / tag reader verification

Manual Now Available for Culture of Imperiled Atlantic Sturgeon

The Lamar Fish Technology Center (part of the Northeast Fishery Center in Lamar, PA) has completed a comprehensive manual for the culture of Atlantic sturgeon. This product represents over 10 years of research on Atlantic sturgeon culture performed at the facility in Lamar, Pennsylvania, and represents the first manual of its kind for rearing this imperiled species. As restoration of Atlantic sturgeon becomes a higher priority, this work represents a valuable tool for fisheries scientists.