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The Behavior Of Atlantic Cod, Gadus Morhua, In An Offshore Net Pen, Christopher B. Rillahan

Master's Theses and Capstones

Aquaculture is one of the fastest growing food producing sectors of the world, with an annual compounding growth rate of 8.8% (since 1970). In spite of the rapid growth, scientific and public concerns have arisen about the sustainability and environmental impacts of the industry, including aquaculture's dependence on wild fish products, eutrophication from animal waste and uneaten food, and escapement of genetically altered farming stock. The use of behavioral studies may help refine commercial aquaculture by obtaining information to design operations that optimize growth, and feed utilization, while increasing production and animal well being. The goal of this study was …

A New Perspective: Atlantic Herring (Clupea Harengus) As A Case Study For Time Series Analysis And Historical Data, Emily Klein

Master's Theses and Capstones

This thesis endeavors to develop methods for the historical analysis of a specific species and location to begin understanding fishery patterns and change over time. The main goal was to develop statistical methods to address historical data and provide long-term information on fishery trends and potential relationships between the fishery and outside influences. The Atlantic herring (Clupea harengus) fishery was investigated for underlying patterns and the possible impact of outside variables and events from 1870 to 2007.

In the Gulf of Maine, Atlantic herring (Clupea harengus) provide critical forage for many economically valuable species, while supporting a major New England …

Early Performance Of Constructed Oyster Reefs In Great Bay, New Hampshire, Mark K. Capone

Master's Theses and Capstones

Several oyster reefs were constructed in Great Bay, New Hampshire using remotely-set oysters. A single large reef treatment and a cluster of several small reefs treatment were utilized to test hypotheses relevant to oyster restoration design, and to monitor early restoration reef performance. There was no significant difference in oyster size, density, and recruitment between two experimental reef structures, with both reef types having high survival and fast growth rates for the 2-year study. Both experimental reef structures had significantly higher recruitment rates than natural reefs in 2006, a year of relatively high recruitment (p < 0.05), and elevated yet not significantly higher recruitment rates in 2005, a weak recruitment year (p = 0.078). In situ fluorometry data showed that a restored reef can significantly impact chlorophyll-a levels in overlying water within two years of reef construction. Individual oyster clearance rates ranged from 1.87 L/hr--2.41L/hr.

Distribution And Feeding Behavior Of Early Life Stages Of The Northern Shrimp, Pandalus Borealis, In Relation To The Spring Phytoplankton Bloom In The Western Gulf Of Maine, Erin B. Hobbs

Master's Theses and Capstones

The northern shrimp Pandalus borealis is a commercially important crustacean found in the deep waters of western Gulf of Maine. In order to develop better fisheries management practices, it is essential to understand variability in P. borealis recruitment. Analysis of samples collected along a coastal transect (during 2005 and 2006), indicate cross-shore distribution of early planktonic larval stages is consistent with observed benthic distribution of ovigerous females. Timing of larval occurrence in relation to the spring phytoplankton bloom suggests that a match/mismatch with abundance of phytoplankton and zooplankton prey may be a primary determinant of recruitment success. Among the potential …

Investigation Of The Sex Determination Mechanisms In Summer Flounder (Paralichthys Dentatus) And Black Sea Bass (Centropristis Striata), Heidi R. Colburn

Master's Theses and Capstones

In many cultured finfish species, sexually dimorphic growth is observed, therefore, understanding the mechanisms of differentiation in fishes is necessary for successful aquaculture. Summer flounder (Paralichthys dentatus ) and black sea bass (Centropristis striata) are good candidate species for aquaculture because they easily adapt to culture conditions and have high market value. The production of monosex populations is advantageous in species exhibiting sexually dimorphic growth rates. The purpose of this research was to gain an understanding of the mechanisms involved in sex differentiation of summer flounder and black sea bass. In summer flounder, monosex female culture is beneficial because females …

Spawning Stock Identification Of Atlantic Cod (Gadus Morhua) In Us Waters Using Pan I And Microsatellite Genetic Markers, Timothy S. Breton

Master's Theses and Capstones

Most Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua) stocks within U.S. waters are currently in decline as a result of overexploitation and fishing pressure from commercial fisheries. A better understanding of the genetic structure of cod populations is essential to identify stocks for successful fisheries management. In this study, the genetic structure of cod from major temporally and geographically distinct spawning grounds in U.S. waters was investigated. Adult and juvenile cod were sampled from aggregations within the Gulf of Maine, Georges Bank, and southern New England waters in cooperation with commercial fishermen and state fishery biologists. Caudal fin clips were collected and analyzed …