DOCSLIB.ORG

Aquatic Biotechnology

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Aquatic Biotechnology AQUATIC BIOTECHNOLOGY A Resource Guide for Biotechnology Club Sponsors NSF Award # 0401988 This chapter contains background information, experiment ideas and contact suggestions. Topics covered include: Aquaculture Therapeutic/medicines Aquatic animal health and seafood safety Algae cultivation Aquatic Biotech Page 1 Aquatic Biotechnology The ocean has the oldest, most diverse, most numerous and least studied organisms on earth. It covers almost three fourths of our planet and has the potential to feed the world and supply cures for many diseases. Studying sea plants and animals is a challenge that is becoming easier due to advanced technologies such as deep-sea submersibles, sonar, lasers, videos, and satellites. Biotechnology contributes to current or potential uses of marine products in the areas of: Aquaculture* Conservation of marine ecosystems Therapeutics/medicines* Aquatic animal health and seafood safety* Biomedical research Algae cultivation* *The items indicated are presented in more detail for possible club/classroom adaptation. Aquatic Biotech Page 2 Aquaculture: Increasing the World’s Food Supply Aquaculture is the cultivation of aquatic animals and plants for recreational or commercial purposes. It is very similar to land-based farming techniques with species being grown to be used for human consumption, baitfish, growing pearls, isolating pharmaceutical agents, breeding ornamental fish and propagating fish to stock recreational areas. Eggs and sperm from breeder fish are harvested from adults, fertilized and develop into embryos in special tanks before being transferred to outdoor ponds. Researchers use selective breeding techniques to produce animals with desirable characteristics. Scientists are also studying the genome of different species to identify genes that contribute to properties such as growth rate, fat content, texture, taste, color and disease resistance to produce transgenic fish with enhanced properties. Internet background: A New Kind of Fish Story: The Coming of Biotech Animals (Click here for web snapshot) Page 9 http://www.fda.gov/fdac/features/2001/101_fish.html#creating TheFishSite.com - the website for fish production & aquaculture! Current news articles on Health & Welfare, Hatcheries, Reproduction & Genetics, Feeds & Nutrition, Technology & Equipment, Biosecurity & Hygiene, Environment, Water Quality, Transport, Processing, and Markets & Economics. http://www.thefishsite.com/features.asp NOAA's Undersea Research Program 1315 East-West Highway, R/NURP - Silver Spring, MD 20910 Phone: (301) 713-2427 Marine Biotechnology. Videos available from home page. http://www.nurp.noaa.gov/Biotech.htm Lab activity: Transgenic salmon: This site contains a complete unit on the various aspects of transgenic salmon. After looking at the pros and cons, students are given a role-play position and required to encourage voters to support or reject the creation of transgenic salmon. A copy of the lesson is included in this publication. (Click here for web snapshot) Page 10 http://www.wabr.org/education/articles/2002TransgenicSalmonUnit.doc Local Contacts: Aquatic Biotech Page 3 The Texas Aquaculture Association is an association of entities with interest in the commercial production of shrimp, redfish, tilapia, channel catfish, hybrid striped bass, baitfish production as well as the production of stocker fish, ornamental fish, and pond and lake management. LABB Director: Dr. Markus Horning Ft. Crockett Campus, Bldg 3311 annex, Galveston, TX Laboratory for Applied Biotelemetry & Biotechnology at the Department of Marine Biology at Texas A&M University Galveston! http://www.texasaquaculture.org/id4.htm Fish Health and Genetics Laboratory at A.E. Wood Fish Hatchery located in San Marcos, TX (Click here for web snapshot) Page 17 http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/fishboat/fish/management/hatcheries/fw_fish_lab/ Texas Sea Grant Marine Advisory Service 2700 Earl Rudder Freeway South, Suite 1800 College Station, TX 77845 979.845.3854 http://texas-sea-grant.tamu.edu/mas/index.php Field Trip: Lake Jackson Fish Hatchery: Free tours of facility are available. http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/fishboat/ fish/management/hatcheries/ Aquatic Biotech Page 4 Therapeutics/Medicines Currently, relatively few products derived from aquatic organisms are used in medical applications, but this is rapidly changing. A wide number of marine species contain compounds of interest including antibiotics, antiviral molecules, anticancer compounds, and insecticides. Some examples of marine animals and their special characteristics include: Salmon: produce calcitonin (needed to prevent osteoporosis) with 20 times higher bioactivity than that of human calcitonin. Corals: produce Hydroxyapatite (HA) which is an important component of bone and cartilage. Researchers are hoping to implant HA into fractured bones or around the root of a tooth. Mussels: produce byssal fibers which are protein-rich super adhesives used for clinging to rocks or pilings. Scientists are using recombinant DNA techniques to express the byssal fiber genes in bacterial and yeast to produce these adhesive proteins on a large scale. Potential uses include auto tires, shoes, bone and teeth repair, surgical sutures and artificial tendon and ligament grafts. Pacific sponges: produce Manoalide which is a non-steroidal compound. Plankton: has been shown to contain anti-tumor and cancer-treating abilities. Pufferfish: produce one of the most toxic poisons ever discovered (nearly 10,000 times more lethal than cyanide). Dogfish sharks: contain a steroid called squalamine that appears to be a potent antifungal that may be used to treat life-threatening fungal infections. Snails: have a neurotoxin that has painkiller properties 10,000 times more potent than morphine without the side effects. The development of drugs from marine organisms can be highly profitable. The extraction of arabinosides from the sponge, Tethya crypta, leads to more than $50 million annual sales in derived antiviral medicines. Pseudopterosins are a type of chemical with anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties which were discovered in a coral, Pseudoterigorgia elisabethae, in the Bahamas. Eventually a pure form was developed and is now used in Estee Lauder skin care products. In 1995 pseudopterosin was among the University of California's top ten most valuable royalty generating inventions. Today it has an annual market value of $3-4 million. In addition to pharmaceuticals, biotechnologists are studying marine life from a biomedical approach in order to better understand the human body. Biologists value marine organisms because they serve as excellent models: simple versions of more complex organisms. Studying life processes in marine animals, scientists learn how the same events occur in the human body -- and how they go awry when disease strikes. Aquatic Biotech Page 5 Internet background: Cloned Gene from Sea Animal May Prove Key in Cancer Drug Development Researchers at Scripps Institution of Oceanography at the University of California, San Diego, and their colleagues have taken a significant step forward in developing a new method to produce drug compounds with potential to treat various types of cancer. Includes video clips. (Click here for web snapshot) Page 12 http://scrippsnews.ucsd.edu/article_detail.cfm?article_num=661 Ocean Sponge Has Best Fiber Optics by VIKRAM C. SUNDAR, ANDREW D. YABLON, JOHN L. GRAZUL, MICHA ILAN & JOANNA AIZENBERG, Nature 21 August 2003 The spicules of the deep-sea 'glass' sponge Euplectella have remarkable fiber-optical properties, which are surprisingly similar to those of commercial telecommunication fibers. (Click here for web snapshot) Page 13 http://www.nature.com/cg ... a_fs.html. (full article available with subscription) http://www.phschool.com/science/science_news/articles/channel_deepc_light.html Marine Biological Laboratory: Why Study Marine Organisms for Biomedical Research? Nice information pages with videos. http://www.mbl.edu/marine_org/marine_why.html Marine pharmacology: Information on a career in marine pharmacology (Click here for web snapshot) Page 14 http://www.amsa.asn.au/pubs/CIMS/pharmacology.html Aquatic Biotech Page 6 Aquatic Animal Health and Seafood Safety Biotechnology provides opportunities for improving the health of aquatic organism and the safety of the food supply. More than 50 diseases affect fish and shellfish and cause millions of dollars in losses each year. Many molecular probes and PCR-based assays are being developed for detecting bacteria, viruses and parasites that infect fish and shellfish. A hand-held antibody test kit has been developed to detect Vibrio cholerae, the virus that causes cholera, in oysters. Gene probes have been developed to detect several viral diseases of shrimp. Harmful algal blooms and/or anthropogenic toxins have the potential to cause great harm to marine habitats. Unique biosensors are being developed to inform scientists of increasing levels of specific biomarkers. Moreover, specific marine bacteria have been developed that can aid in the clean-up effort if a toxic spill should occur; thus biotechnology can help society by protecting the environment as well. Marine biotechnologists are also interested in developing vaccines for pathogens that pose threats to fish cultivated by aquaculture. As fish are not easily vaccinated, biotechnology is researching innovative solutions. Aquatic biotechnologists are also working to detect contaminated seafood by identifying genes with encoded toxins. Internet background: Birch
Load more

Recommended publications
  • L the UNDERWATER ANTHROPOCENE Scientific
    L THE UNDERWATER ANTHROPOCENE DOUGLAS J. MC CAULEY cientific dialogues on the Anthropocene rarely extend below the high- Stide line. This terrestrial bias is perhaps justifiable, as we have been altering terrestrial ecosystems since the African diaspora gained momentum about fifty thousand years ago. Today, croplands and pastures take up about 40 percent of the earth’s land surface, while the forty million miles of road (a distance equivalent to 165 trips to the moon) that we have laid out across the world have left less than 10 percent of the planet’s land surface remote. The terrestrial portion of the world has been brought unambiguously under the dominion of our species. By almost all measures, however, the mark of the Anthropocene has been lighter in the oceans. California, my home, provides an illustrative example. Humans assisted with the extirpation of terrestrial megafauna (e.g., eleven- ton mammoths, ground sloths more than ten feet tall) from the region about fourteen thousand years ago. We then proceeded to drive California’s wolves and grizzly bears extinct (the latter our state animal and flag symbol). But today, just offshore and within eyesight of metropolitan skylines, thirty- three- ton gray whales undertake one of the longest mammal migrations on the planet, 550-pound giant sea bass vocalize at divers, and white sharks investigate the palatability of about one and a half California beachgoers annually. While deeply altered, the oceans retain a wildness that has become rare in much of the terrestrial world. What delayed and muted the arrival of the Anthropocene in the oceans? The simple answer is that it is harder to change the oceans— at least for us terrestrial apes.
    [Show full text]
  • Impacts of Sand and Dust Storms on Oceans
    Impacts of Sand and Dust Storms on Oceans A Scientific Environmental Assessment for Policy Makers United Nations Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development © 2020 United Nations Environment Programme ISBN No: 978-92-807-3784-4 Job No: DEW/2282/NA This publication may be reproduced in whole or in part and in any form for educational or non-profit services without special permission from the copyright holder, provided acknowledgement of the source is made. United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) would appreciate receiving a copy of any publication that uses this publication as a source. No use of this publication may be made for resale or any other commercial purpose whatsoever without prior permission in writing from the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). Applications for such permission, with a statement of the purpose and extent of the reproduction, should be addressed to the Director, Communications Division, United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), P. O. Box 30552, Nairobi 00100, Kenya. Disclaimers The designations employed and the presentation of the material in this publication do not imply the expression of any opinion whatsoever on the part of United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) concerning the legal status of any country, territory or city or its authorities, or concerning the delimitation of its frontiers or boundaries. For general guidance on matters relating to the use of maps in publications please go to http://www.un.org/Depts/ Cartographic/english/htmain.htm Mention of a commercial company or product in this document does not imply endorsement by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) or the authors.
    [Show full text]
  • Hands-On STEM (Even in the Virtual Space): Bioluminescent Jellyfish
    Hands-on STEM: Bioluminescent Jellyfish Model Christine Moskalik, B.S., M.S. Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy in Aurora, IL Curriculum and Professional Development Specialist Center for Teaching and Learning [email protected] // (630) 907-5961 Introductions… For your intro, please tell us 1) Your name and district/school. 2) What grade/s & subjects (or in what capacity) do you teach? 3) What is your favorite aquatic animal? Agenda • Intros • Facilitator's Guide & 5e Model • Engage – “What is (is not) a jellyfish?” • Explore – Basic Jellyfish info & anatomy • Explain – apply concepts while creating/improving model • Elaborate – “How anatomically correct is my model?” & other content extensions (such as chemistry of bioluminescence, etc.) • Evaluate – formative/informal assessments • (think of ways you can assess your own students) • Various pedagogy examples (emphasis on virtual) • Build together & strategize for your own students • Wrap-up & Q&A IMSA & Activity Background • IMSA’s Center for Teaching and Learning • Student STEM enrichment & outreach • One-hour Activity: Oceanography Summer Program (7-8) • Adapted to offer as a 90-minute virtual program • May need more time, depending on • your content focus/depth • the ages/grades of your students • what assessments you may choose to incorporate Supplies REUSABLE CONSUMABLE MATERIALS MATERIALS (likely to be used-up during activity) (will not be damaged or used- up during activity) •1 pair of scissors •Clear plastic bottle, 16-20oz (with lid, label •1 hot glue gun removed, clean)
    [Show full text]
  • Introduction to Aquaculture 2 International Center for Aquaculture and Aquatic Environments Auburn University
    WATER HARVESTING AND AQUACULTURE FOR RURAL DEVELOPMENT INTRODUCTION TO AQUACULTURE 2 INTERNATIONAL CENTER FOR AQUACULTURE AND AQUATIC ENVIRONMENTS AUBURN UNIVERSITY 3 INTRODUCTION More than one-fourth of all animal protein consumed by man is aquatic in origin. Regional differences range from Asia where more than one-fourth of dietary animal protein is fish to North and South America where less than 10% of animal protein consumed by man is from aquatic sources. Aquaculture has been been practiced in many Asian countries for centuries, but is a new form of agriculture in many African and Latin American countries. It is defined as the cultivation of animals and plants in aquatic environments. Aquaculturists manipulate certain components of the environment to achieve greater control over production of aquatic organisms than is normally possible in nature. Figure 1: Increased production of aquatic animals and plants is achieved through 4 aquaculture. 5 BENEFITS OF AQUACULTURE 1) Productive use of poor agricultural lands Ponds built on the best agricultural land have the highest natural productivity. High production from aquaculture is also possible in ponds built on land which is unsuitable for other forms of agriculture. Hilly land which is difficult to farm or is easily eroded can be utilized for fish ponds. Swampy areas or soils with high salt or heavy clay content can also be utilized for aquaculture. 6 7 Figure : Small valleys often have excellent potential for pond construction. 2) Natural resource conservation Aquaculture and water harvesting can contribute substantially to the conservation of natural resources, especially water and soil. In many developing countries, surface water is often allowed to drain away instead of being harvested and stored for beneficial use.
    [Show full text]
  • Making a Big Splash with Louisiana Fishes
    Making a Big Splash with Louisiana Fishes Written and Designed by Prosanta Chakrabarty, Ph.D., Sophie Warny, Ph.D., and Valerie Derouen LSU Museum of Natural Science To those young people still discovering their love of nature... Note to parents, teachers, instructors, activity coordinators and to all the fishermen in us: This book is a companion piece to Making a Big Splash with Louisiana Fishes, an exhibit at Louisiana State Universi- ty’s Museum of Natural Science (MNS). Located in Foster Hall on the main campus of LSU, this exhibit created in 2012 contains many of the elements discussed in this book. The MNS exhibit hall is open weekdays, from 8 am to 4 pm, when the LSU campus is open. The MNS visits are free of charge, but call our main office at 225-578-2855 to schedule a visit if your group includes 10 or more students. Of course the book can also be enjoyed on its own and we hope that you will enjoy it on your own or with your children or students. The book and exhibit was funded by the Louisiana Board Of Regents, Traditional Enhancement Grant - Education: Mak- ing a Big Splash with Louisiana Fishes: A Three-tiered Education Program and Museum Exhibit. Funding was obtained by LSUMNS Curators’ Sophie Warny and Prosanta Chakrabarty who designed the exhibit with Southwest Museum Services who built it in 2012. The oarfish in the exhibit was created by Carolyn Thome of the Smithsonian, and images exhibited here are from Curator Chakrabarty unless noted elsewhere (see Appendix II).
    [Show full text]
  • The Society for Marine Mammalogy STRATEGIES for PURSUING a CAREER in MARINE MAMMAL SCIENCE
    The Society for Marine Mammalogy STRATEGIES FOR PURSUING A CAREER IN MARINE MAMMAL SCIENCE What is marine mammal science? There are about 100 species of aquatic or marine mammals that depend on fresh water or the ocean for part or all of their life. These species include pinnipeds, which are seals, sea lions, fur seals and walrus; cetaceans, which are baleen and toothed whales, ocean and river dolphins, and porpoises; sirenians, which are manatees and dugongs; and some carnivores, such as sea otters and polar bears. Marine mammal scientists try to understand these animals' genetic, systematic, and evolutionary relationships; population structure; community dynamics; anatomy and physiology; behavior and sensory abilities; parasites and diseases; geographic and microhabitat distributions; ecology; management; and conservation. How difficult is it to pursue a career in marine mammal science? Working with marine mammals is appealing because of strong public interest in these animals and because the work is personally rewarding. However, competition for positions is keen. There are no specific statistics available on employment of students trained as marine mammal scientists. However, in 1990 the National Science Board reported some general statistics for employment of scientists within the US: 75% of scientists with B.S. degrees were employed (43% of them held positions in science or engineering), 20% were in graduate school, and 5% were unemployed. Marine mammal scientists are hired because of their skills as scientists, not because they like or want to work with marine mammals. A strong academic background in basic sciences, such as biology, chemistry, and physics, coupled with good training in mathematics and computers, is the best way to prepare for a career in marine mammal science.
    [Show full text]
  • Toward a National Animal Telemetry Network for Aquatic Observations in the United States Barbara A
    Block et al. Anim Biotelemetry (2016) 4:6 DOI 10.1186/s40317-015-0092-1 COMMENTARY Open Access Toward a national animal telemetry network for aquatic observations in the United States Barbara A. Block1, Christopher M. Holbrook2, Samantha E. Simmons3*, Kim N. Holland4, Jerald S. Ault5, Daniel P. Costa6, Bruce R. Mate7, Andrew C. Seitz8, Michael D. Arendt9, John C. Payne10, Behzad Mahmoudi11, Peter Moore12, James M. Price13, J. Jacob Levenson13, Doug Wilson14 and Randall E. Kochevar15 Abstract: Animal telemetry is the science of elucidating the movements and behavior of animals in relation to their environment or habitat. Here, we focus on telemetry of aquatic species (marine mammals, sharks, fish, sea birds and turtles) and so are concerned with animal movements and behavior as they move through and above the world’s oceans, coastal rivers, estuaries and great lakes. Animal telemetry devices (“tags”) yield detailed data regarding animal responses to the coupled ocean–atmosphere and physical environment through which they are moving. Animal telemetry has matured and we describe a developing US Animal Telemetry Network (ATN) observing system that monitors aquatic life on a range of temporal and spatial scales that will yield both short- and long-term benefits, fill oceanographic observing and knowledge gaps and advance many of the U.S. National Ocean Policy Priority Objec- tives. ATN has the potential to create a huge impact for the ocean observing activities undertaken by the U.S. Inte- grated Ocean Observing System (IOOS) and become a model for establishing additional national-level telemetry networks worldwide. Background: Telemetry can provide environmental, behavioral and physiological data in near-real time, or by use of archival tags in which the data are stored or later transmitted to satellites.
    [Show full text]
  • Aquatic Animals
    Fact sheets Aquatic animals About 50% of global production of aquatic animals for human consumption in sea water or in fresh water (fish, molluscs, amphibians and crustaceans) comes from aquaculture, close to 90% of which is produced by countries in the Asia-Pacific region. Aquaculture will continue to grow strongly and provide an increasing proportion of the world’s aquatic animal products. To support this growth, the health of aquatic animals must be managed carefully to overcome sanitary challenges met by the numerous species concerned, high trade volumes, and unique challenges posed by the open environment in which these populations often live. Welfare of aquatic animals KEY FACTS The use of aquatic animals by humans for food or any other purpose carries the • The human consumption of aquatic animals is constantly rising. ethical responsibility to avoid unnecessary suffering of these animals. The OIE has • The intensified production and trade of aquatic animals generate new developed welfare standards for farmed fish that cover transport, stunning and sanitary challenges. killing for human consumption and killing for disease control purposes. • The OIE elaborates international standards for aquatic animal health and Use of antimicrobial agents welfare, as well as for safe international trade in aquatic animals and derived products. Appropriate use of antimicrobial agents in aquaculture is important to manage issues relating to public health and food safety, animal health and production, and health of the environment. IMPROVING AQUATIC ANIMAL The OIE has developed standards in the Aquatic Animal Health Code on the HEALTH WORLDWIDE responsible and prudent use of antimicrobial agents in aquatic animals, and on With the increase in farming and global trade of aquatic animals and their products, monitoring programs for antimicrobial resistance.
    [Show full text]
  • Aquatic Animal Life of the St. Joseph River (Maumee Drainage, Hillsdale County, MI)
    Aquatic Animal Life of the St. Joseph River (Maumee Drainage, Hillsdale County, MI) Prepared by: Peter J. Badra Michigan Natural Features Inventory P.O. Box 30444 Lansing, MI 48909-7944 www.msue.msu.edu/mnfi/ For: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service East Lansing, MI June 2004 Report Number 2004-16 Left photo: A pearly mussel called the fatmucket (Lampsilis siliquoidea). Photo by Peter Badra. Middle photo: Blackside darter (Percina maculata), a member of the Perch Family. Photo by Konrad Schmidt. Right photo: A large stonefly from Bean Creek, Lenawee County (Acroneuria arenosa, 2 inch length). Photo courtesy Bean/Tiffin Watershed Coalition. Background photo: The St. Joseph River, Hillsdale County. Photo by Reuben Goforth. Citation: Badra, P.J. 2004. Aquatic Animal Life of the St. Joseph River (Maumee drainage, Hillsdale County, MI). Report number MNFI 2004-16. Report to U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 26pp. Copyright 2004 MSU Board of Trustees Table of Contents Acknowledgments ............................................................................................................................................ ii Introduction ...................................................................................................................................................... 1 Freshwater Mussel Biology and Ecology ......................................................................................................... 1 Freshwater Mussels of the St. Joseph River ....................................................................................................
    [Show full text]
  • Marine Biology @ University of Washington
    MARINE BIOLOGY @ UNIVERSITY OF WASHINGTON Are you interested in studying marine biology at the University of Washington (UW)? The UW currently offers a minor in marine biology. Students are encouraged to declare the OVERVIEW marine biology minor during their freshmen or sophomore years • 35 credits minimum and immediately join a community of researchers and students interested in marine organisms, ecosystems, and conservation. All • Core coursework (19 credits) marine biology minors participate in hands-on learning in tandem • Approved electives (13 credits) with their coursework through labs and fieldtrips, research with • Integrative experience (3 credits, faculty, and other exciting opportunities. The minor combines may not be used for student’s major courses from three UW departments and our marine station on requirements) San Juan Island: • Minimum of 2.0 cumulative GPA in all minor coursework OCEANOGRAPHY studies the marine environment and its inter- actions with the earth, the biosphere, and the atmosphere. The • Minimum 15 credits at the 300—400 field examines the larger picture of the marine world, the global level processes governing the distribution, abundances, and interactions • At least 18 credits may not overlap of life, chemicals, geological formations, and motion in the seas. with student's major requirements; 5 credits may overlap with other AQUATIC & FISHERY SCIENCES (AFS) studies aquatic environ- minor requirements ments, the distribution and abundance of marine and freshwater species, and the sustainable use of ocean resources. AFS students DeClArInG A MInor explore the biology of aquatic organisms, the ecology of aquatic In MArIne BIoloGy communities and habitats, and the issues surrounding resource conservation and management.
    [Show full text]
  • Ocean Theme Parks
    OCEAN THEME PARKS: A Look Inside China’s Growing Captive Cetacean Industry INSIDE 1 China Cetacean Alliance and Members 3 Abbreviations 3 Glossary 4 Review Methodology 5 Executive Summary 6 Recommendations China Cetacean Alliance 8 Introduction to Cetaceans 822, Guofengmeitang 5th Building 10 Ocean Theme Parks in China Kexing W Rd 12 Cetaceans in Captivity in China Changping District, Beijing 14 Captive Breeding Post code: 102208 Phone: 010-53385857 15 Conservation, Education and Research Email: [email protected] 17 Use of Cetaceans for Public Entertainment 21 Animal Management and its Contribution to Welfare Photos 23 Accidents and Illnesses DMangus: page 1; Edita Magileviciute/GVI: page 8; 24 Deaths China Cetacean Alliance: all others 25 Live Capture 26 Chinese National Government Regulations Cover: A beluga waits behind a gate whilst other belugas 31 Conclusion perform in a show at Chengdu Haichang Polar Ocean World. 32 References Back cover: A dolphin at Zhuhai Chimelong Ocean Kingdom. 33 Appendices OCEAN THEME PARKS: A Look Inside China’s Growing Captive Cetacean Industry BY THE CHINA CETACEAN ALLIANCE The China Cetacean Alliance is a coalition of international animal number of wild-caught cetaceans held within these facilities continues protection and conservation organisations, comprising the Animal to increase. Alliance members have documented the arrival of over Welfare Institute, Endangered Species Fund, Environment & Animal 250 wild-caught cetaceans into Chinese ocean theme parks since Society Taiwan, Hong Kong Dolphin Conservation Society, Kuroshio 2010. Captive breeding of cetaceans in these ocean theme parks has Ocean Education Foundation, Marine Connection, Nature University been largely unsuccessful to date. and Whale and Dolphin Conservation.
    [Show full text]
  • Phytoplankton and Recreational Ponds
    Western Regional Aquaculture Center Alaska . Arizona . California . Colorado . Idaho . Montana . Nevada . New Mexico . Oregon . Utah . Washington . Wyoming PHYTOPLANKTON AND RECREATIONAL PONDS Introduction from water and release carbon dioxide (CO2). Sources of oxygen in water result from oxygen Phytoplankton are microscopic plants that live in all exchange between the atmosphere and the surface healthy aquatic systems including freshwater ponds of the water through wind and wave action, oxygen and lakes. The word phytoplankton is derived from derived from the photosynthetic action of the Greek language (phyto = plant; plankton = submerged aquatic vegetation called macrophytes wanderer). It is a term used to describe plants that (macrophytes: Greek, macro = large; phyte = plant), are so small that their movement is primarily and the algal bloom. The major source of oxygen in controlled by the motion of the water. These plants "healthy" ponds, and the primary source of oxygen called algae (alga = singular) include a number of in all warmwater ponds, is produced through the microscopic, single and multiple cell forms. photosynthetic action of the phytoplankton. The phytoplankton population in a pond is usually Oxygen Balance in a Pond comprised of numerous species of microscopic plants that live in a horizontal band or zone near the The oxygen content of a pond or lake is never water surface. The densest population is usually constant. Oxygen is continuously being produced located in a horizontal band extending from about by algae and other aquatic plants and by wind and two to three inches below the surface to a depth of wave action. It is removed from the system through 18 to 20 inches.
    [Show full text]