Thoughts for the Future of Aquaculture Nutrition: Realigning Perspectives to Reflect Contemporary Issues Related to Judicious Use of Marine Resources in Aquafeeds
Giovanni M. Turchini, Jesse T. Trushenski, and Brett D. Glencross
North American Journal of Aquaculture
- Reliance on marine resources is an ongoing constraint in aquaculture nutrition, and progress in identifying alternative ingredients is becoming increasingly marginal.
- Nutrient‐based formulation is the day‐to‐day reality of formulating industrially compounded aquafeeds, but this approach is less formally and explicitly addressed in aquaculture research and training programs.
- We (re)introduce these topics and highlight the advantages of moving beyond fish meal and fish oil as “gold standards.”
- Realigning research with industry needs and focusing on nutrient composition and ingredient complementarity will spur future innovation in aquaculture nutrition. [Image credit: Brett Glencross]
https://doi.org/10.1002/naaq.10067
Retail Baitfish in Michigan Harbor Serious Fish Viral Pathogens
Traimat Boonthai, Thomas P. Loch, Qingli Zhang, Michelle Gunn Van Deuren, Mohamed Faisal, Gary E. Whelan, and Seth J. Herbst
Journal of Aquatic Animal Health
Indigenous small cyprinid fish species play an important role in Great Lakes ecosystems and also comprise the backbone of a multimillion‐dollar baitfish industry. Due to their widespread use in sport fisheries of the Laurentian Great Lakes, there are increasing concerns that baitfish may introduce or disseminate fish pathogens. In this study, we evaluated whether baitfish purchased from 78 randomly selected retail bait dealers in Michigan harbored fish viruses. Between September 2015 and June 2016, 5,400 baitfish divided into 90 lots of 60 fish were purchased. Fish were tested for the presence of viral hemorrhagic septicemia virus (VHSV), spring viremia of carp virus (SVCV), golden shiner reovirus (GSRV), fathead minnow nidovirus (FHMNV), fathead minnow picornavirus (FHMPV), and white sucker bunyavirus (WSBV). Using the epithelioma papulosum cyprini cell line and molecular confirmation, we demonstrated the presence of viruses in 18 of the 90 fish lots (20.0%) analyzed. The most prevalent virus was FHMNV, being detected in 6 of 30 lots of Fathead Minnow Pimephales promelas and 3 of 42 lots of Emerald Shiners Notropis atherinoides. We also confirmed GSRV in two fish species: the Golden Shiner Notemigonus crysoleucas (5 of 11 lots) and Fathead Minnow (3 of 30 lots). Two VHSV (genotype IVb) isolates were recovered from a single lot of Emerald Shiners. No SVCV, FHMPV, or WSBV was detected in any of the fish examined. Some of the infected fish exhibited clinical signs and histopathological alterations. This study demonstrates that live baitfish are a potential vector for the spread of viral pathogens and underscores the importance of fish health certifications for the Great Lakes baitfish industry.
Assessment of Carbon Dioxide Piscicide Treatments
Aaron R. Cupp, Justin R. Smerud, John A. Tix, Jose M. Rivera, Stacie A. Kageyama, Christopher M. Merkes, Richard A. Erickson, Jon J. Amberg, and Mark P. Gaikowski
North American Journal of Fisheries Management
- Carbon dioxide is being developed as a new aquatic piscicide to control invasive and nuisance fishes.
- Dry ice is a simple carbon dioxide delivery method to administer piscicide treatments.
- Overwinter survival of invasive Silver Carp Hypophthalmichthys molitrix and Bighead Carp H. nobilis was significantly reduced in ponds treated with carbon dioxide as dry ice.
- eDNA concentrations in pond water correlated with fish mortality during carbon dioxide piscicide treatments.
Novel Feed from Invasive Species is Beneficial to Walleye Aquaculture
Sahar Mejri, Réjean Tremblay, Grant Vandenberg, and Céline Audet
North American Journal of Aquaculture