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Earhart ML, Blanchard TS, Strowbridge N, Sheena R, McMaster C, Staples B, Brauner CJ, Baker DW, Schulte PM. Heatwave resilience of juvenile white sturgeon is associated with epigenetic and transcriptional alterations. Sci Rep 2023; 13:15451. [PMID: 37723229 PMCID: PMC10507091 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-42652-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2023] [Accepted: 09/13/2023] [Indexed: 09/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Heatwaves are increasing in frequency and severity, posing a significant threat to organisms globally. In aquatic environments heatwaves are often associated with low environmental oxygen, which is a deadly combination for fish. However, surprisingly little is known about the capacity of fishes to withstand these interacting stressors. This issue is particularly critical for species of extreme conservation concern such as sturgeon. We assessed the tolerance of juvenile white sturgeon from an endangered population to heatwave exposure and investigated how this exposure affects tolerance to additional acute stressors. We measured whole-animal thermal and hypoxic performance and underlying epigenetic and transcriptional mechanisms. Sturgeon exposed to a simulated heatwave had increased thermal tolerance and exhibited complete compensation for the effects of acute hypoxia. These changes were associated with an increase in mRNA levels involved in thermal and hypoxic stress (hsp90a, hsp90b, hsp70 and hif1a) following these stressors. Global DNA methylation was sensitive to heatwave exposure and rapidly responded to acute thermal and hypoxia stress over the course of an hour. These data demonstrate that juvenile white sturgeon exhibit substantial resilience to heatwaves, associated with improved cross-tolerance to additional acute stressors and involving rapid responses in both epigenetic and transcriptional mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Madison L Earhart
- Department of Zoology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada.
| | - Tessa S Blanchard
- Department of Zoology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Nicholas Strowbridge
- Department of Zoology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
- School of Biodiversity, One Health, and Veterinary Medicine, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Ravinder Sheena
- Department of Zoology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Clark McMaster
- Department of Zoology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Benjamin Staples
- Department of Zoology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Colin J Brauner
- Department of Zoology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Daniel W Baker
- Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture, Vancouver Island University, Nanaimo, Canada
| | - Patricia M Schulte
- Department of Zoology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
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2
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Brevé NWP, Leuven RSEW, Buijse AD, Murk AJ, Venema J, Nagelkerke LAJ. The conservation paradox of critically endangered fish species: Trading alien sturgeons versus native sturgeon reintroduction in the Rhine-Meuse river delta. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 848:157641. [PMID: 35908701 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.157641] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2022] [Revised: 06/29/2022] [Accepted: 07/22/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Sturgeons rank among the most endangered vertebrates in the world. Yet, the dwindling of wild sturgeon populations stands in stark contrast to their thriving status in aquaculture. Moreover, through the exotic pet trade, sturgeons are introduced outside their natural ranges where they may compete and hybridize with native species and transmit parasites and diseases. Here, we present an in-depth inventory of alien sturgeons in the delta of the rivers Rhine and Meuse, because several countries consider reintroduction of the native, critically endangered European sturgeon (Acipenser sturio). Our study is based on (a) an inventory of the industry of sturgeon cultivation; (b) reports on spread of alien sturgeons; (c) an analysis of pathways for introduction and spread; and (d) a risk assessment using the Harmonia+ protocol. In total, 11 alien Acipenseriformes (sturgeons and paddlefishes) were traded across an intricate network of >1000 distribution points in the Netherlands, Belgium, and Germany. Circa 2500 alien sturgeons were reported from 53 angling ponds and 64 other lakes and ponds, whereas circa 500 alien sturgeons were reported widespread across hydrologically connected waters. Species that posed the highest risk of introduction, establishment and spread are Siberian sturgeon (A. baerii), Russian sturgeon (A. gueldenstaedtii) and Sterlet (A. ruthenus). We recommend to implement stringent trade regulations and practical solutions to prevent spread of alien sturgeons. Measures must preferably be taken at the spatial scale of river basins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Niels W P Brevé
- Wageningen University, Aquaculture & Fisheries Group, De Elst 1, 6708 WD Wageningen, the Netherlands; Wageningen University, Marine Animal Ecology Group, Droevendaalsesteeg 1, 6708 PB Wageningen, the Netherlands; Sportvisserij Nederland, Royal Dutch Angling Alliance, Leijenseweg 115, 3721 BC Bilthoven, the Netherlands.
| | - Rob S E W Leuven
- Radboud University, Research Institute for Biology and Environmental Sciences, Department of Animal Ecology and Physiology, Heyendaalseweg 135, 6525 AJ Nijmegen, the Netherlands; Netherlands Centre of Expertise on Exotic Species (NEC-E), Toernooiveld 1, 6525 ED Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Anthonie D Buijse
- Wageningen University, Aquaculture & Fisheries Group, De Elst 1, 6708 WD Wageningen, the Netherlands; DELTARES, Department of Freshwater Ecology & Water Quality, Boussinesqweg 1, 2629 HV Delft, the Netherlands
| | - AlberTinka J Murk
- Wageningen University, Marine Animal Ecology Group, Droevendaalsesteeg 1, 6708 PB Wageningen, the Netherlands
| | - Jorrit Venema
- VAART software B.V., Berkelstraat 76, 3522 ER Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Leopold A J Nagelkerke
- Wageningen University, Aquaculture & Fisheries Group, De Elst 1, 6708 WD Wageningen, the Netherlands
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Gebauer T, Gebauer R, Císař P, Tran HQ, Tomášek O, Podhorec P, Prokešová M, Rebl A, Stejskal V. The Effect of Different Feeding Applications on the Swimming Behaviour of Siberian Sturgeon: A Method for Improving Restocking Programmes. BIOLOGY 2021; 10:biology10111162. [PMID: 34827155 PMCID: PMC8614938 DOI: 10.3390/biology10111162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2021] [Revised: 11/05/2021] [Accepted: 11/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Restocking programmes of different fish species have been implemented worldwide. However, the survival of hatchery-reared fish after release to riverine ecosystems is at a very low level. One of the reasons for the high mortality rate of post-released fish is their modified swimming behaviour due to the hatchery rearing practice. To investigate one of the possible causes for modified swimming behaviour, Acipenser baerii larvae were exposed to surface- and bottom-feeding applications with day and night light regimes in a factorial design. We also analysed the effect of 5 and 10 days of starvation after different feeding applications on sturgeon swimming behaviour. The surface-feeding application was previously expected to promote the frequent Siberian sturgeon swim up to the mid- and top-water layers in our rearing facilities. However, our results indicated that the modified behaviour of the Siberian sturgeon in our study was caused by fish starvation and a possible predator-free environment rather than by the method of feed application or the day/night light regimes. These results may be used to improve the implementation of restocking programmes either through modified hatchery rearing practice or the training of foraging skills with predator stimuli.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tatyana Gebauer
- South Bohemian Research Center of Aquaculture and Biodiversity of Hydrocenoses, Faculty of Fisheries and Protection of Waters, Institute of Aquaculture and Protection of Waters, University of South Bohemia in Ceske Budejovice, Husova tř. 458/102, 370 05 České Budějovice, Czech Republic; (R.G.); (H.Q.T.); (O.T.); (P.P.); (M.P.); (V.S.)
- Institute of Genome Biology, Research Institute for Farm Animal Biology (FBN), Wilhelm-Stahl-Allee 2, 18196 Dummerstorf, Germany
- Correspondence: (T.G.); (A.R.)
| | - Radek Gebauer
- South Bohemian Research Center of Aquaculture and Biodiversity of Hydrocenoses, Faculty of Fisheries and Protection of Waters, Institute of Aquaculture and Protection of Waters, University of South Bohemia in Ceske Budejovice, Husova tř. 458/102, 370 05 České Budějovice, Czech Republic; (R.G.); (H.Q.T.); (O.T.); (P.P.); (M.P.); (V.S.)
| | - Petr Císař
- Laboratory of Signal and Image Processing, Institute of Complex Systems, Faculty of Fisheries and Protection of Waters, CENAKVA, University of South Bohemia in Ceske Budejovice, Zámek 136, 373 33 Nové Hrady, Czech Republic;
| | - Hung Quang Tran
- South Bohemian Research Center of Aquaculture and Biodiversity of Hydrocenoses, Faculty of Fisheries and Protection of Waters, Institute of Aquaculture and Protection of Waters, University of South Bohemia in Ceske Budejovice, Husova tř. 458/102, 370 05 České Budějovice, Czech Republic; (R.G.); (H.Q.T.); (O.T.); (P.P.); (M.P.); (V.S.)
| | - Ondřej Tomášek
- South Bohemian Research Center of Aquaculture and Biodiversity of Hydrocenoses, Faculty of Fisheries and Protection of Waters, Institute of Aquaculture and Protection of Waters, University of South Bohemia in Ceske Budejovice, Husova tř. 458/102, 370 05 České Budějovice, Czech Republic; (R.G.); (H.Q.T.); (O.T.); (P.P.); (M.P.); (V.S.)
| | - Peter Podhorec
- South Bohemian Research Center of Aquaculture and Biodiversity of Hydrocenoses, Faculty of Fisheries and Protection of Waters, Institute of Aquaculture and Protection of Waters, University of South Bohemia in Ceske Budejovice, Husova tř. 458/102, 370 05 České Budějovice, Czech Republic; (R.G.); (H.Q.T.); (O.T.); (P.P.); (M.P.); (V.S.)
| | - Markéta Prokešová
- South Bohemian Research Center of Aquaculture and Biodiversity of Hydrocenoses, Faculty of Fisheries and Protection of Waters, Institute of Aquaculture and Protection of Waters, University of South Bohemia in Ceske Budejovice, Husova tř. 458/102, 370 05 České Budějovice, Czech Republic; (R.G.); (H.Q.T.); (O.T.); (P.P.); (M.P.); (V.S.)
| | - Alexander Rebl
- Institute of Genome Biology, Research Institute for Farm Animal Biology (FBN), Wilhelm-Stahl-Allee 2, 18196 Dummerstorf, Germany
- Correspondence: (T.G.); (A.R.)
| | - Vlastimil Stejskal
- South Bohemian Research Center of Aquaculture and Biodiversity of Hydrocenoses, Faculty of Fisheries and Protection of Waters, Institute of Aquaculture and Protection of Waters, University of South Bohemia in Ceske Budejovice, Husova tř. 458/102, 370 05 České Budějovice, Czech Republic; (R.G.); (H.Q.T.); (O.T.); (P.P.); (M.P.); (V.S.)
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New L, Simonis JL, Otto MC, Bjerre E, Runge MC, Millsap B. Adaptive management to improve eagle conservation at terrestrial wind facilities. CONSERVATION SCIENCE AND PRACTICE 2021. [DOI: 10.1111/csp2.449] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Leslie New
- Washington State University Vancouver Washington USA
| | | | - Mark C. Otto
- U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Patuxent Wildlife Research Center Laurel Maryland USA
| | - Emily Bjerre
- U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Patuxent Wildlife Research Center Laurel Maryland USA
| | - Michael C. Runge
- U.S. Geological Survey Patuxent Wildlife Research Center Laurel Maryland USA
| | - Brian Millsap
- Migratory Bird Management Albuquerque New Mexico USA
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Southee FM, Edwards BA, Chetkiewicz CLB, O’Connor CM. Freshwater conservation planning in the far north of Ontario, Canada: identifying priority watersheds for the conservation of fish biodiversity in an intact boreal landscape. Facets (Ott) 2021. [DOI: 10.1139/facets-2020-0015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Freshwater ecosystems show more biodiversity loss than terrestrial or marine systems. We present a systematic conservation planning analysis in the Arctic Ocean drainage basin in Ontario, Canada, to identify key watersheds for the conservation of 30 native freshwater fish, including four focal species: lake sturgeon, lake whitefish, brook trout, and walleye. We created species distribution models for 30 native fish species and accounted for anthropogenic impacts. We used the “prioritizr” package in R to select watersheds that maximize species targets, minimize impacts, and meet area-based targets based on the Convention on Biological Diversity commitment to protect 17% of terrestrial and freshwater areas by 2020 and the proposed target to protect 30% by 2030. We found that, on average, 17.4% and 29.8% of predicted species distributions were represented for each of the 30 species in the 17% and 30% area-based solutions, respectively. The outcomes were more efficient when we prioritized for individual species, particularly brook trout, where 24% and 36% of its predicted distribution was represented in the 17% and 30% solutions, respectively. Future conservation planning should consider climate change, culturally significant species and areas, and the importance of First Nations as guardians and stewards of the land in northern Ontario.
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Affiliation(s)
- F. Meg Southee
- Wildlife Conservation Society Canada, 344 Bloor St W, Suite 204, Toronto, ON M5S 3A7, Canada
| | - Brie A. Edwards
- Wildlife Conservation Society Canada, 344 Bloor St W, Suite 204, Toronto, ON M5S 3A7, Canada
| | | | - Constance M. O’Connor
- Wildlife Conservation Society Canada, 344 Bloor St W, Suite 204, Toronto, ON M5S 3A7, Canada
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Kornienko VO, Olifirenko VV. Dynamics of growing of Russian sturgeon (Acipenser gueldenstaedtii) larvae for different durations of cultivation. REGULATORY MECHANISMS IN BIOSYSTEMS 2020. [DOI: 10.15421/022067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
In the context of the need to preserve the biodiversity of natural waters, the cultivation of valuable fish species for stocking natural reservoirs takes on exceptional importance. Optimization of the technology for growing sturgeon in artificial conditions has become the main goal of our research. The population used for the present study is from a fish farm, Dneprovskiy Sturgeon Fish Breeding Factory located in Belozersky district (Kherson region, Ukraine). Studies were conducted for ten years (2007–2017). The objective of our study is to assess the quality of juvenile sturgeon when grown with different durations. The research material was provided by the free embryos and larvae of Russian sturgeon (Acipenser gueldenstaedtii von Brandt & Ratzeburg, 1833). Formation of experimental groups and calculation was performed on the principle of groups-analogues by standard methods. The main resultant criteria were larval survival, optimal extrinsic performance, and fish productivity. As a result of the conducted research it was determined that the optimal term of growing the larvae of A. gueldenstaedtii in the pools was 20 days. During this period, young sturgeon had high rates of average body weight with a survival rate of at least 53.4–60.2% and optimal physiological state. In variants with a maximum growth period of 24 days, the difference in the individual masses of the test material was significantly increased on the background of rather high mass indices of the larvae (1.2–1.4 and 1.9–2.1 times, respectively for II–III variant). This led to an increase in the pressure of food competition and, as a result, to a decrease in the output of young sturgeon growth of up to 46.5–61.9%. Survival of the larvae was by far the highest in the experimental groups with a minimum period of cultivation and ranged within 75.1–80.7%. The maximum level of fish productivity was observed in the third variant of the experiment with the longest period of cultivation. An analysis of the relative indicators of body weight gain revealed that with the extension of the growing period in experimental variants the percentage of realization of growth of larvae during the period of exogenous feeding was proportionally reduced. The most effective use of feed for the growth of body weight of the larva was in the variant with a growing period of 20 days. Feed costs in these groups ranged within 2.80–3.24, which averaged 2.83–3.02. Analysis of the dynamics of oscillations of the main biochemical indicators showed that the accumulation of consumables in the body of the experimental larvae increased with the growing period of cultivation in the pools. The amount of moisture was adequately reduced. The greatest influence on the results of the growth of sturgeon larvae in the pools among all the considered factors belonged to the period of cultivation, the magnitude of significance of which was 61.2%. The research results should significantly improve the technology of growing the Dnieper population of A. gueldenstaedtii on fish farms.
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McDougall CA, Welsh AB, Gosselin T, Anderson WG, Nelson PA. Rethinking the influence of hydroelectric development on gene flow in a long-lived fish, the Lake Sturgeon Acipenser fulvescens. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0174269. [PMID: 28329005 PMCID: PMC5362236 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0174269] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2016] [Accepted: 03/06/2017] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Many hydroelectric dams have been in place for 50 - >100 years, which for most fish species means that enough generations have passed for fragmentation induced divergence to have accumulated. However, for long-lived species such as Lake Sturgeon, Acipenser fulvescens, it should be possible to discriminate between historical population structuring and contemporary gene flow and improve the broader understanding of anthropogenic influence. On the Winnipeg River, Manitoba, two hypotheses were tested: 1) Measureable quantities of former reservoir dwelling Lake Sturgeon now reside downstream of the Slave Falls Generating Station, and 2) genetically differentiated populations of Lake Sturgeon occur upstream and downstream, a result of historical structuring. Genetic methods based on ten microsatellite markers were employed, and simulations were conducted to provide context. With regards to contemporary upstream to downstream contributions, the inclusion of length-at-age data proved informative. Both pairwise relatedness and Bayesian clustering analysis substantiated that fast-growing outliers, apparently entrained after residing in the upstream reservoir for several years, accounted for ~15% of the Lake Sturgeon 525–750 mm fork length captured downstream. With regards to historical structuring, upstream and downstream populations were found to be differentiated (FST = 0.011, and 0.013–0.014 when fast-growing outliers were excluded), and heterozygosity metrics were higher for downstream versus upstream juveniles. Historical asymmetric (downstream) gene flow in the vicinity of the generating station was the most logical explanation for the observed genetic structuring. In this section of the Winnipeg River, construction of a major dam does not appear to have fragmented a previously panmictic Lake Sturgeon population, but alterations to habitat may be influencing upstream to downstream contributions in unexpected ways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Craig A. McDougall
- North/South Consultants Inc., Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada
- * E-mail:
| | - Amy B. Welsh
- Division of Forestry and Natural Resources, West Virginia University, Morgantown, West Virginia, United States of America
| | | | - W. Gary Anderson
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada
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