Response of Aquatic Animals to Environmental Changes

A special issue of Fishes (ISSN 2410-3888). This special issue belongs to the section "Environment and Climate Change".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (15 February 2024) | Viewed by 14822

Special Issue Editors


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Guest Editor
Department of Marine Ecology and Environment, Gangneung-Wonju National University, Gangneung 25457, Republic of Korea
Interests: climate change; response of aquatic animals; fishery

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Guest Editor
Department of Marine Ecology and Environment, Gangneung-Wonju National University, Gangneung 25457, Republic of Korea
Interests: isotope ecology; benthic ecology; marine biogeochemistry
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

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Guest Editor
Department of Marine Biology, Pukyong National University, Busan, Republic of Korea
Interests: environmental DNA; metabarcoding; genetic resources

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Aquatic animals are widely distributed in rivers, lakes, and seas, which occupy 70% of the earth's surface. In the past hundred years, human activities have had a great impact on the earth's environments, and the water environment is no exception. The environment in which aquatic animals live is facing the impact of human activities such as climate change, industrial pollution, agricultural emissions, and recreational activities. Aquatic animals cope with and adapt to the stresses resulting from these impacts and continue to survive. The aim of this Special Issue is to understand the physiological and ecological response characteristics of aquatic animals to changes in the marine environment of various temporal and spatial scales that appear in the process of climate change and to share scientific evidence for future change prospects. This Special Issue welcomes original articles and review articles dealing with the physio-ecological adaptation characteristics of aquatic animals and future changes in response to environmental change.

Prof. Dr. Chung Il Lee
Prof. Dr. Hyun Je Park
Prof. Dr. Hyun-Woo Kim
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

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Keywords

  • life cycle
  • ecology
  • physiology
  • diversity
  • response
  • adaptation
  • estuary
  • coastal
  • open sea
  • aquatic animal
  • feeding strategy
  • freshwater species
  • marine species

Published Papers (7 papers)

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Editorial

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3 pages, 1244 KiB  
Editorial
Sharing Scientific Evidence of the Response of Aquatic Animals to Environmental Change
by Chang-Keun Kang, Hyun-Woo Kim, Hyun Je Park and Chung Il Lee
Fishes 2023, 8(1), 40; https://doi.org/10.3390/fishes8010040 - 05 Jan 2023
Viewed by 1243
Abstract
Aquatic animals, which are ecologically important consumers in aquatic ecosystems and widely distributed in rivers, lakes, and seas, which occupy 70% of the earth’s surface, respond in unique ways to environmental changes at various temporal and spatial scales, and have optimized strategies for [...] Read more.
Aquatic animals, which are ecologically important consumers in aquatic ecosystems and widely distributed in rivers, lakes, and seas, which occupy 70% of the earth’s surface, respond in unique ways to environmental changes at various temporal and spatial scales, and have optimized strategies for survival [...] Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Response of Aquatic Animals to Environmental Changes)
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Research

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12 pages, 5797 KiB  
Article
Spatial Distribution of Major Fish Species Catches and Their Relationship with Environmental Factors in the Beibu Gulf, South China Sea
by Menghui Li, Xuehui Wang, Feiyan Du, Shuai Peng, Lianggen Wang, Dianrong Sun, Yuezhong Wang, Pimao Chen and Yongsong Qiu
Fishes 2023, 8(11), 559; https://doi.org/10.3390/fishes8110559 - 20 Nov 2023
Viewed by 1182
Abstract
This study focused on major fish species caught from different ecological habitats to analyze the habitat changes in economically important fish in the Beibu Gulf. The maximum entropy model was constructed based on the data from 26 voyages obtained through the otter trawl [...] Read more.
This study focused on major fish species caught from different ecological habitats to analyze the habitat changes in economically important fish in the Beibu Gulf. The maximum entropy model was constructed based on the data from 26 voyages obtained through the otter trawl fishery stock surveys conducted in the Beibu Gulf from 2006 to 2018. A total of 10 taxa of major fish catches, belonging to 4 families, 1 genus, and 5 species, were analyzed for their distribution characteristics in potential habitats during various ecological periods, specifically the withered and high-water periods, as well as their relationships with crucial environmental factors. During both the withered and high-water periods, the average area under the curve was 0.927, and all models had values exceeding 0.9. Salinity was identified as the principal factor during both periods. The salinity niche of Acropoma japonicum and the primary productivity niche of Sciaenidae were identified as the most restricted factors. The total distribution area of potentially suitable regions for major fish catches extended between 106°30′–109°45′ E and 17°30′–20°45′ N, and the area was lesser during the withered period. During the withered period, the distribution areas of Sciaenidae, Leiognathidae, and Saurida increased, while the distribution area of Trachurus japonicus increased during the high-water period. Sciaenidae and Trachurus japonicus exhibited the highest rates of change at 6.22% and 10.92%, respectively. This indicates that the high-water period may expand the range of suitable habitats for large catches that have an ideal habitat status in the Beibu Gulf. Therefore, it is crucial to anticipate the potential fish habitats in the Beibu Gulf and clarify their spatial distribution patterns. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Response of Aquatic Animals to Environmental Changes)
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18 pages, 3467 KiB  
Article
Implications of Warming on the Morphometric and Reproductive Traits of the Green Crab, Carcinus maenas
by João N. Monteiro, Juan Bueno-Pardo, Miguel Pinto, Miguel A. Pardal, Filipe Martinho and Francisco Leitão
Fishes 2023, 8(10), 485; https://doi.org/10.3390/fishes8100485 - 27 Sep 2023
Viewed by 949
Abstract
Understanding the relationship between environmental temperature and the biological traits of organisms is fundamental to inferring the potential impacts of climate change. In the case of marine poikilotherm species, seawater temperature is one of the main driving forces of biological processes, with consequences [...] Read more.
Understanding the relationship between environmental temperature and the biological traits of organisms is fundamental to inferring the potential impacts of climate change. In the case of marine poikilotherm species, seawater temperature is one of the main driving forces of biological processes, with consequences at higher levels of organization such as population and ecosystem. In this study, we analysed differences in maximum carapace width (CWmax), size at maturation, relative size at maturation, and duration of the reproductive season for the green crab (Carcinus maenas) along a temperature gradient. An extensive review of bibliographic data was performed on studies published between 1962 and 2020, gathering C. maenas data from 55 different populations, spread over 20 degrees of latitude and 14.2 °C of sea surface temperature (SST). In addition, green crab data were collected at five different lagoons and estuaries along the continental Portuguese coast. The relationship between average SST and CWmax, age of maturation, reduction of size at maturation, and duration of egg bearing was analysed to understand the role of SST in driving variation in these C. maenas characteristics across a latitudinal gradient. There was a significant relationship between SST and CWmax for males and SST and CW of females at maturation, respectively. The results extrapolate for each local projected temperature increase caused by climate change and suggest an effect on the morphometric and reproductive traits of C. maenas across regions. These changes comprise an overall reduction in C. maenas body size, an enlargement of the reproductive season, a shortening in the duration of larval developmental time, and a decrease in the relative size of crabs at maturation. Secondary consequences on the fecundity and connectivity of populations are discussed. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Response of Aquatic Animals to Environmental Changes)
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12 pages, 3854 KiB  
Article
Molecular Characterization and Response of Silver Carp (Hypophthalmichthys molitrix) GLUT1 under Hypoxia Stress
by Zewen Zhang, Xiaohui Li, Guiwei Zou and Hongwei Liang
Fishes 2023, 8(8), 425; https://doi.org/10.3390/fishes8080425 - 20 Aug 2023
Viewed by 854
Abstract
As an important freshwater species with economic and ecological benefits, silver carp (Hypophthalmichthys molitrix) exhibits poor tolerance to hypoxia. Glucose transporters (GLUTs) are core membrane proteins that transport glucose to tissues and regulate essential life activities. Its expression is regulated by [...] Read more.
As an important freshwater species with economic and ecological benefits, silver carp (Hypophthalmichthys molitrix) exhibits poor tolerance to hypoxia. Glucose transporters (GLUTs) are core membrane proteins that transport glucose to tissues and regulate essential life activities. Its expression is regulated by HIF-1α and cells in hypoxic conditions to maintain energy demand through GLUTs inducing enhanced glucose transport. We cloned H. molitrix glut1 (SLC2A1) and analyzed its sequence using bioinformatics tools. The glut1 cDNA was 2104 base pairs long and encoded a 490 amino acid protein. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that sliver carp glut1 is evolutionarily conserved and exhibited the highest sequence similarity with Ctenopharyngodon idella glut1. Glut1 expression was the highest and lowest in the gills and liver, respectively. Hypoxic stress significantly increased glut1 expression in the brain (p < 0.05); in the gills, it was the highest and lowest in the semi-asphyxia and asphyxia groups, respectively; in the liver, it was significantly higher under hypoxia than that of the normoxia group; and in the heart, it was significantly higher in the floating head, semi-asphyxia, and asphyxia groups than in the normoxia group (p < 0.05). The proposed mechanism may thus provide the basis for elucidating the molecular basis of silver carp’s hypoxia stress response mediated by glut1. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Response of Aquatic Animals to Environmental Changes)
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17 pages, 1091 KiB  
Article
Potential Influence of Shading in Freshwater Ponds on the Water Quality Parameters and the Hematological and Biochemical Profiles of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus Linnaeus, 1758)
by Geraldine B. Dayrit, Emmanuel M. Vera Cruz, Channarong Rodkhum, Mahmoud Mabrok, Pattareeya Ponza and Mudjekeewis D. Santos
Fishes 2023, 8(6), 322; https://doi.org/10.3390/fishes8060322 - 17 Jun 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2290
Abstract
Nile tilapia is a high-demand commodity in most developing countries including the Philippines, but its production is hampered by fluctuating water temperature (WT) and dissolved oxygen (DO) concentrations, which are mostly influenced by temperature warming. Net shading has been demonstrated to reduce pond [...] Read more.
Nile tilapia is a high-demand commodity in most developing countries including the Philippines, but its production is hampered by fluctuating water temperature (WT) and dissolved oxygen (DO) concentrations, which are mostly influenced by temperature warming. Net shading has been demonstrated to reduce pond temperature and increase the rate of spawning in cultured tilapia. The current study aimed to investigate the potential effects of shading on the water quality parameters, blood indices, and serum biochemical profiles of cultured Nile tilapia. Fish were collected from unshaded (control) and shaded (experimental) ponds in three breeding cycles. WT and DO concentrations were measured, while hematological and biochemical analyses were performed. The results showed that the average WT was considerably decreased in the shaded pond with no significant difference in the DO concentrations. Red blood cells, hemoglobin, and lymphocyte counts were significantly lower in fish raised in shaded ponds, although mean corpuscular volume and neutrophil counts were significantly higher. Likewise, Chole, TP, and Alb values were significantly affected by the interaction of cycle and shading setup. Cortisol, Glb, K+, Cl, Mg2+, and TCa values showed significant differences and were only affected by the cycle. Similarly, AST and ALT values showed significant differences and were affected by both cycle and shading setup. Water quality parameters (WT and DO), hematological blood indices, and serum biochemical variables were correlated positively with each other. In brief, prior data imply that net shading can reduce WT in aquaculture ponds, reduce stress in Nile tilapia, and lessen the consequences of temperature warming on species production. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Response of Aquatic Animals to Environmental Changes)
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32 pages, 13352 KiB  
Article
Distributional Changes in Fishery Resource Diversity Caused by Typhoon Pathways in the East/Japan Sea
by Yong Woo Jung, Beom Sik Kim, Hae Kun Jung and Chung Il Lee
Fishes 2023, 8(5), 242; https://doi.org/10.3390/fishes8050242 - 06 May 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1790
Abstract
Typhoons disturb the upper ocean, weaken the physical stratification, and induce temporal and spatial changes in primary production, which rapidly alter the distribution and diversity of fishery resources. This study analyzed the response of oceanic conditions and fishery resources on the sea area [...] Read more.
Typhoons disturb the upper ocean, weaken the physical stratification, and induce temporal and spatial changes in primary production, which rapidly alter the distribution and diversity of fishery resources. This study analyzed the response of oceanic conditions and fishery resources on the sea area of the typhoon pathway in the East/Japan Sea (Type A: typhoon passed from southwest to northeast; Type B: typhoon dissipated in the southwest; Type C: typhoon passed from southeast to northeast; and Type D: typhoons passed from southwest to northwest). For Types A and B, the sea surface temperature (SST) decreased in all areas, and Chl-a showed the largest fluctuations in the southwest. For Type C, the SST variation was reduced in the eastern part, stratification was strengthened, and Chl-a did not differ significantly in each area. For Type D, SST and Chl-a showed significant variations in the western part. The biomass of fishery resources increased along the typhoon path for each type, and the diversity increased for Types A and D but decreased for Type B; however, the diversity and catch of fishery resources increased in the northeast for Type C. This study contributes to understanding the impact of typhoon pathway changes on the marine environment and ecosystem. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Response of Aquatic Animals to Environmental Changes)
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Review

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34 pages, 7272 KiB  
Review
Shellfish as Biosensors in Online Monitoring of Aquatic Ecosystems: A Review of Russian Studies
by Alexander G. Dvoretsky and Vladimir G. Dvoretsky
Fishes 2023, 8(2), 102; https://doi.org/10.3390/fishes8020102 - 08 Feb 2023
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 5785
Abstract
The use of biological objects in monitoring the state of the environment and the changes caused by the impact of environmental pollution on marine and fresh waters is a promising tool due to a lower cost in comparison to traditional monitoring and the [...] Read more.
The use of biological objects in monitoring the state of the environment and the changes caused by the impact of environmental pollution on marine and fresh waters is a promising tool due to a lower cost in comparison to traditional monitoring and the ability to receive immediate information about the ecosystem status. In this review, we summarize the biological information about shellfish biomonitors and the results of studies focused on the development and use of the bioindicator species in early warning systems in Russia. Since the mid-1980s, Russian specialists have developed online biomonitoring systems; as in the rest of world, there are two main approaches that are currently applied to study the physiological status of potential biosensor shellfish species and to monitor freshwater and marine systems: valvometry (registration of gaping activity in bivalve mollusks) and photoplethysmography (registration of cardiac activity in mollusks and crustaceans). Valve movement responses to stressors such as abnormal conditions and pollutants include the closure of shell valves for a long period, decrease in the average distance between valves, rapid shell opening, and higher closing frequency. Cardiac activity reactions of shellfish to stress factors include rapid increases in heart rate and stress index, higher variability in heart rate than under normal conditions, and longer periods required for heart rate recovery after stress. The most common bioindicators used to monitor environmental disturbances in marine ecosystems are blue mussels, Iceland scallops, and red king crabs in cold-water habitats and Black Sea mussels in warmer waters as well as freshwater mussels and crayfish in fresh waters. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Response of Aquatic Animals to Environmental Changes)
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