Wyban, J., 2019. Selective breeding of Penaeus vannamei: Impact on world aquaculture and lessons for future. In: Jithendran, K.P.; Saraswathy, R.; Balasubramanian, C.P.; Kumaraguru Vasagam, K.P.; Jayasankar, V.; Raghavan, R.; Alavandi, S.V., and Vijayan, K.K. (eds.), BRAQCON 2019: World Brackishwater Aquaculture Conference. Journal of Coastal Research, Special Issue No. 86, pp. 1–5. Coconut Creek (Florida), ISSN 0749-0208.

Shrimp farmers want fast growing shrimp that can resist common diseases and get good survivals in pond culture. The SPF Penaeus vannamei have produced these results and most of Asia has switched to farming SPF P. vannamei. Downward price pressure in the market is causing farmers to demand still better performance to remain profitable. The best opportunity to improve economic performance in shrimp farming is through selective breeding of the commercial shrimp stocks. Three different approaches to shrimp breeding are being employed globally. First is the SPF model, undertaken by US-based breeding companies who supply most of Asia's shrimp broodstock. SPF stocks selected for fast growth have resulted in significant improvements up to 10% gain per generation. Average daily gain (ADG) now exceeds 0.3 gram per day (gpd). In farms stocked at more than 100 PL/m2, farmers harvest 20 g shrimp in less than 100 DOC. These results have propelled the industry forward and India is one of the largest beneficiaries of this approach. A second approach to breeding shrimp is the Ecuador model. Ecuador is the leading shrimp farming country in the Western Hemisphere. Following an industry crash caused by White Spot Virus in 1999, the Ecuador industry initiated a breeding program based on collecting survivors of pond mortality events and over time created a stock of shrimp that are genetically tolerant to WSSV infection. While these efforts ignored the growth characteristics of the shrimp, pond survival rates steadily increased generation by generation and the industry not only recovered from the WSSV problems, it flourished with production of 500,000 MT in 2018. A third model for shrimp breeding combines both approaches. It has been called the SPF/SPT model (Alday-Sanz et al., 2018). This approach starts with a pathogen-tolerant stock as founding stock, passes them through an SPF development process and results in an SPF/SPT stock that are both SPF (pathogen free) with pathogen-tolerant genetics.

Wilder, M.N., 2019. Advances in the science of crustacean reproductive physiology and potential applications to new seed production technology. In: Jithendran, K.P.; Saraswathy, R.; Balasubramanian, C.P.; Kumaraguru Vasagam, K.P.; Jayasankar, V.; Raghavan, R.; Alavandi, S.V., and Vijayan, K.K. (eds.), BRAQCON 2019: World Brackishwater Aquaculture Conference. Journal of Coastal Research, Special Issue No. 86, pp. 6–10. Coconut Creek (Florida), ISSN 0749-0208.

The shrimp culture industry continues to show expansion world-wide, and a large number of crustacean species having commercial importance are found within the order Decapoda. At present, eyestalk ablation is frequently used in hatcheries for marine shrimp in order to induce maturation under captivity, but the method is considered undesirable from the viewpoint of animal welfare. In this regard, this review details the current status of knowledge regarding crustacean reproductive mechanisms, especially in relation to research covering vitellogenin structure, structure and function of vitellogenesis-inhibiting hormone (VIH), identity of putative factors stimulating vitellogenesis, and applications of such research to developing new seed production technology. Regarding vitellogenin, full structure is now known for nearly 20 decapod species, not only for prawns/shrimps, but also for certain crab and crayfish species; vitellogenin molecules in these species have a primary structure consisting of more than 2,500 amino acid residues. VIH is a member of the crustacean hyperglycemic hormone (CHH)-family. Mature CHH-family peptides are typically comprised of 72-78 amino acids having six conserved cysteine residues. The complete identity of vitellogenesis-stimulating hormone (VSH) remains elusive, but eyestalk hormones such as red pigment-concentrating hormone (RPCH) may play a role in promoting ovarian maturation in certain species. The challenge for the future is to seek a viable alternative to eyestalk ablation based on hormonal manipulation and application of the above knowledge.

Neori, A.; Guttman, L.; Israel, A., and Shpigel, M., 2019. Israeli-developed models of marine integrated multi trophic aquaculture (IMTA). In: Jithendran, K.P.; Saraswathy, R.; Balasubramanian, C.P.; Kumaraguru Vasagam, K.P.; Jayasankar, V.; Raghavan, R.; Alavandi, S.V., and Vijayan, K.K. (eds.), BRAQCON 2019: World Brackishwater Aquaculture Conference. Journal of Coastal Research, Special Issue No. 86, pp. 11–20. Coconut Creek (Florida), ISSN 0749-0208.

Modern Israeli integrated multi-trophic aquaculture (IMTA) has emerged from the Israeli freshwater polyculture, with carps, tilapia and grey mullet that started in the 1940-1950s. The dynamics, processes, environment and management of semi-intensive (several tons ha^-1 y^-1) mariculture IMTA started in the early 1970s, at the National Center for Mariculture (NCM) in Eilat, with several models that combined flow-through and recirculation features between primary (fed) and secondary (extractive) species. The seawater fishponds differed from freshwater ponds mainly in the continuous exchange with water from the open sea, to stabilize salinity and other water quality features. The primary (fed) fish was mostly the seabream (Sparus aurata), seabass (Dicentrarchus labrax), shrimp (Penaeus semisulcatus) and mullets (Mugil cephalus and Liza ramada). At first, the extractive component included microalgae, oysters (Crassostrea gigas) and clams (Ruditapes philippnmarum). In more progressive models, plastic-lined double drain ponds and tanks are used. Several other species, for example: clams, seaweed (the macroalgae Ulva spp. and Gracilaria spp.), abalone (Haliotis tuberculata and H. discus hannai), sea urchins (Paracentrotus lividus and Tripneustes gratilla elatensis), shrimp, brine shrimp (Artemia salina) are used. Wetlands planted with the halophytes Salicornia sp. and Sarcocrnia sp. have been integrated as IMTA. Recently, periphyton and drip-irrigated algal biofilters were examined and found to be practical. The research contributed to the enhancement of the sustainability, flexibility and potential for profitability of the aquaculture operation, based on the accumulated understanding about the functioning of the different units and the interactions between them. The principles developed in this research are relevant to brackishwater aquaculture, and have been applied for shrimp culture, mainly in China.

Antony, J.; Sandeep, K.P.; Aravind, R.; Panigrahi, A., and Balasubramanian, C.P., 2019. Growth, survival, and osmoregulation of Indian white shrimp Penaeus indicus juveniles reared in low salinity amended inland saline groundwater and seawater. In: Jithendran, K.P.; Saraswathy, R.; Balasubramanian, C.P.; Kumaraguru Vasagam, K.P.; Jayasankar, V.; Raghavan, R.; Alavandi, S.V., and Vijayan, K.K. (eds.), BRAQCON 2019: World Brackishwater Aquaculture Conference. Journal of Coastal Research, Special Issue No. 86, pp. 21–31. Coconut Creek (Florida), ISSN 0749-0208.

Growth, survival and osmoregulation of Indian white shrimp, Penaeus indicus juveniles were assessed in two water types' namely inland saline groundwater (ISGW) and seawater (SW). Raw ISGW is deficient in potassium (K⁺) and causes poor survival of shrimp. Amended ISGW (Na⁺/K⁺ ratio – 44:1; Mg²⁺/Ca²⁺ ratio – 1.8:1) of salinities 5, 10, and 15 ppt were artificially prepared by mixing of different salts in freshwater. The SW of salinities 5, 10, 15, and 27 ppt were prepared from oceanic water. Juvenile shrimp (∼0.069 g) were stocked to triplicate 120 L tanks (30 shrimp per tank) filled with amended ISGW and SW of different salinities and reared for 45 days (average water temperature, 26.7±0.1°C). All shrimp survived the experimental duration in SW of 10 ppt and amended ISGW of 10 and 15 ppt. Survival was significantly lower in SW of 5, 15 and 27 ppt (75.5–81.1%), and that in amended ISGW of 5 ppt (91.1%) was similar to other treatments. Final mean body weight of shrimp (1–1.2 g) and other growth parameters was not affected by water types and salinities. Serum osmolality was significantly lower for juveniles in amended ISGW of 5 and 10 ppt over those reared in SW of similar salinity. However, the osmoregulatory capacity of juveniles did not vary between amended ISGW and SW of identical salinities. Iso-osmotic point of shrimp in amended ISGW and SW were 793.8 (26.5 ppt) and 779.2 mOsmol Kg^-1 (25.9 ppt) respectively. Tail muscle moisture content was significantly lower for shrimp in amended ISGW of 5 and 10 ppt, though hepatopancreas moisture contents did not vary between treatments. Penaeus indicus juveniles are efficient osmoregulators and exhibit typical euryhaline behaviour with identical growth parameters over a wide range of salinity. Data suggests that amended ISGW of Na⁺/K⁺ ratio ∼45:1 is suitable for P. indicus culture and commercial farming of the species is feasible at low and intermediate salinities.

Lingam, S.S.; Sawant, P.B.; Chadha, N.K.; Pani Prasad, K.; Muralidhar, A.P.; Syamala, K., and Martin Xavier, K.A., 2019. Effect of duration of stunting on physiological recovery of stunted Milkfish under field conditions: A relevant farmers' advisory. In: Jithendran, K.P.; Saraswathy, R.; Balasubramanian, C.P.; Kumaraguru Vasagam, K.P.; Jayasankar, V.; Raghavan, R.; Alavandi, S.V., and Vijayan, K.K. (eds.), BRAQCON 2019: World Brackishwater Aquaculture Conference. Journal of Coastal Research, Special Issue No. 86, pp. 32–42. Coconut Creek (Florida), ISSN 0749-0208.

A study was performed to explore the effect of duration of stunting on the physiological recovery of milkfish. Wild collected milkfish fry (weight of 1.25±0.03 g and length of 5.53±0.03 cm) were stocked in earthen ponds of 0.02 ha, in triplicate, for different durations of stunting, viz., 4 months (Treatment-1; T4), 8 months (Treatment-2; T8) and 12 months (Treatment-3; T12) and normal seed (Control; C). Post-stunting commenced immediately after completion of respective stunting duration. In post-stunting, fish stocking density was adjusted to 5000 fish/ha and was fed at the optimum level (3-5%). The study found that stunting and duration of stunting had significantly affected the physiological response and recovery of fish. Significant reduction in serum biochemical components were observed in T8 and T12 groups (protein- 2.23±0.05 & 1.55±0.32 g/dl; albumin- 1.32±0.018 & 0.89±0.055 g/dl; globulin-0.91±0.024 & 0.66±0.015 g/dl). At the end of the stunting phase, significant reduction in respiratory burst, myeloperoxidase and lysozyme activities and significant increase of super oxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), serum glucose and cortisol were recorded in all groups of stunted fish. However, significant improvement in immunological status of the stunted groups in terms of elevated serum protein (4.33±0.17 g/dl), globulin (2.10±0.019 g/dl), respiratory burst activity (1.319±0.050), myeloperoxidase (0.926±0.059) and lysozyme activity (64.26±2.34 U/ml), were recorded in T8 group during post-stunting phase. In contrast, an imbalance in reinstating catalase activity, serum glucose and cortisol levels were evident in fish stunted for a prolonged phase (T12 group), indicating that stunting of milkfish for 8 months can significantly reinstate the physiological recovery in stunted fish which in turn, will prove to be helpful for keeping the fish physiologically healthy during its captive rearing.

Lalramchhani, C.; Balasubramanian, C.P.; Panigrahi, A.; Ghoshal, T,K.; Das, S.; Shyne Anand, P.S, and Vijayan, K.K., 2019. Polyculture of Indian white shrimp (Penaeus indicus) with milkfish (Chanos chanos) and its effect on growth performances, water quality and microbial load in brackishwater pond. In: Jithendran, K.P.; Saraswathy, R.; Balasubramanian, C.P.; Kumaraguru Vasagam, K.P.; Jayasankar, V.; Raghavan, R.; Alavandi, S.V., and Vijayan, K.K. (eds.), BRAQCON 2019: World Brackishwater Aquaculture Conference. Journal of Coastal Research, Special Issue No. 86, pp. 43-48. Coconut Creek (Florida), ISSN 0749-0208.

Polyculture has been well acknowledged as a strategy for sustainable aquaculture production. However, reports on polyculture of Indian white shrimp with other fish species are limited. In the present study, polyculture of Indian white shrimp (Penaeus indicus) and milkfish (Chanos chanos) was carried out to determine the species compatibility and the effect on growth performances, water quality and microbial load in a pond following biosecured zero-water exchange. Monoculture of P. indicus (25 no./m²) (T1) was compared with polyculture with milkfish at two stocking densities [(P. indicus- 25 PL m^-2, C. chanos- 0.25 no. m ^-2) (T2) and (P. indicus- 25 PL m^-2, C. chanos- 0.50 no. m^-2) (T3)] for 75 days with each treatment having similar sized replicate ponds. Significantly higher (p<0.05) average total ammonia nitrogen (TAN) and nitrite- nitrogen (NO₂-N) were recorded in T1 (145.20±13.50 µg/l and 84.18±16.62 µg/l, respectively), whereas polyculture ponds recorded TAN of 103.76±13.07 µg/l and 81.11±5.09 µg/l and NO₂-N- 45.23±9.41µg/l and 41.21±6.18 µg/l in T2 and T3, respectively. Significantly higher (p<0.05) ABW of pre-adult milkfish (148.04±4.15 g) was recorded in T2 compared to T3 (96.56±1.05 g), and production was also significantly (p<0.05) higher in T2 (482.73±3.24 kg/ha) compared to T3 (369.10.32±6.62 kg/ha). No significant difference (p<0.05) in apparent feed conversion ratio (AFCR) of shrimp was recorded among the treatments, although T3 recorded the best AFCR (1.65) compared to T1 (1.89) and T2 (1.77). There was no significant difference (p<0.05) in total heterotrophic aerobic bacteria (THAB) and total Vibrio (TV) loads in pond water among three different treatment groups. This study indicates that polyculture of P. indicus and milkfish is ecologically and economically beneficial compared to a monoculture of P. indicus.

Biswas, G.; Kumar, P.; Kailasam, M.; Ghoshal, T.K.; Bera, A., and Vijayan, K.K., 2019. Application of integrated multi trophic aquaculture (IMTA) concept in brackishwater ecosystem: The first exploratory trial in the Sundarban, India. In: Jithendran, K.P.; Saraswathy, R.; Balasubramanian, C.P.; Kumaraguru Vasagam, K.P.; Jayasankar, V.; Raghavan, R.; Alavandi, S.V., and Vijayan, K.K. (eds.), BRAQCON 2019: World Brackishwater Aquaculture Conference. Journal of Coastal Research, Special Issue No. 86, pp. 49–55. Coconut Creek (Florida), ISSN 0749-0208.

An integrated multi-trophic aquaculture (IMTA) model involving mullets (Mugil cephalus and Liza parsia) and tiger shrimp (Penaeus monodon) as fed-species, and estuarine oyster (Crassostrea cuttackensis) and seaweed, Enteromorpha spp. as extractive species was evaluated as a viable aquaculture option in brackishwater of the Indian Sundarban. A 150-day field experiment was conducted in six brackishwater ponds (600 m² each). There were two randomly assigned groups, IMTA and polyculture (control) with three replicate ponds. Ponds under IMTA were stocked with mullets and tiger shrimp at 10000 and 30000 no./ha, respectively, C. cuttackensis at 1600 no./ha suspended with a basket in the water column and Enteromorpha spp. at 200 kg biomass/ha. Control ponds were stocked with mullets and shrimp at the same densities to that of IMTA, and devoid of oyster and seaweed. A common low-cost polyculture feed was provided to fishes and shrimp. Mullets attained a significantly higher growth (p <0.05) in the IMTA system compared to that of control ponds, whereas tiger shrimp had insignificantly higher growth in IMTA than in control. Significantly higher production of 1707 kg/ha (19% higher) with better water quality was obtained in IMTA system compared to that of control ponds (1434 kg/ha) (p <0.05). There was a significant reduction in apparent feed conversion ratio by 22%, and an increase in net income by 69% and benefit-cost ratio by 30% in the IMTA system than that of the control. Moreover, for the first time the estuarine oyster, C. cuttackensis was used as an extractive species in brackishwater IMTA system. From an indoor trial, it was observed that this oyster species has high water filtration capacity to remove suspended matters, including planktons. This preliminary experiment indicates the application of IMTA concept in brackishwater as a viable environment-friendly option and warrants further refinement for species combination with the economic viability and environmental suitability.

Arone, B.N.; Padmanaban, V.; Pandi, G.; Jeya Shakila, R.; Neethirajan, N.; Saravanan, B., and Velsamy, K., 2019. Nutritional value and organoleptic evaluation of chocolate biscuits incorporated with freeze-dried and oven dried itoyori surimi. In: Jithendran, K.P.; Saraswathy, R.; Balasubramanian, C.P.; Kumaraguru Vasagam, K.P.; Jayasankar, V.; Raghavan, R.; Alavandi, S.V., and Vijayan, K.K. (eds.), BRAQCON 2019: World Brackishwater Aquaculture Conference. Journal of Coastal Research, Special Issue No. 86, pp. 56-60. Coconut Creek (Florida), ISSN 0749-0208.

Baking is a traditional activity and has a very important place in the food processing industry. There are researches ongoing to increase the nutritional value of bakery products such as biscuits. Incorporating proteinaceous ingredients can improve the nutritional value. Even though fish is a good source of high-quality protein, the odour of fish limits its application in bakery products. Surimi is the myofibrillar protein concentrate extracted from fish flesh with reduced odour. Surimi (itoyori) was purchased from commercial industry and was dried using two different methods viz. freeze drying and oven drying. Chocolate flavoured biscuits were prepared incorporating the two types of surimi powder. The biscuits were prepared with flour containing Maida (90%) and cocoa powder (10%) as control. Surimi powder was added at 10%, 20% and 30% by replacing Maida in the flour to prepare surimi chocolate biscuits. The proximate composition and sensory quality were evaluated. Highest moisture content was recorded in 30% freeze dried surimi biscuits (2.68±0.15%) and the least in 10% oven dried surimi biscuits (2.01±0.08%). Highest protein content was recorded in 30% freeze-dried surimi biscuits (14.85±0.21%) and the least in control biscuits (6.22±0.09%). The average fat content in the biscuits was 24.67±0.37%. The average ash content in the biscuits was 1.65±0.2%. Highest carbohydrates content was recorded in control (65.07±0.27%) and the least in 30% freeze-dried surimi biscuits (56.36±0.02%). As the concentration of surimi increased, the sensory acceptability decreased. However, the biscuits with 10% surimi powder were found to have equal acceptability as control biscuits. Biscuits with 20% surimi powder also had acceptable scores. The use of up to 20% of freeze-dried surimi powder in the preparation of biscuits can increase its nutritional value with acceptance.

Pandi, G.; Rathnakumar, K.; Velayutham, P.; Shakila, R.J.; Anand, S., and Arone, B.N., 2019. Extruded fish snack from low valued fatty fish: An evaluation of nutritional and organoleptic characteristics. In: Jithendran, K.P.; Saraswathy, R.; Balasubramanian, C.P.; Kumaraguru Vasagam, K.P.; Jayasankar, V.; Raghavan, R.; Alavandi, S.V., and Vijayan, K.K. (eds.), BRAQCON 2019: World Brackishwater Aquaculture Conference. Journal of Coastal Research, Special Issue No. 86, pp. 61- 64. Coconut Creek (Florida), ISSN 0749-0208.

As the quantum of snack consumption increases, the efforts to increase its nutritional quality also gain popularity in this modern era. Incorporation of fish protein in snacks can improve the nutritional quality and mineral profile of the product. In the present study, 7% of blanched dried oil sardine powder was incorporated in extruded snacks, and the proximate composition and its organoleptic quality were analyzed in addition to find the values of calcium, phosphorus and iodine. The content of moisture, protein, ash, fat and carbohydrate of control food was 1.13±0.10%, 5.70±0.08%, 0.199±0.001%, 2.82±0.02% and 90.15±0.03% respectively. The sardine powder mixed extruded food contained 1.75±0.17% of moisture, 8.98±0.12% of protein, 1.75± 0.17% of ash, 4.81± 0.12% of fat and 83.56±0.28% of carbohydrate. The mineral composition of control food included calcium (38±2 mg/100g), phosphorus (4.67±0.58 mg/100g) and iodine (nil), while that of sardine powder mixed extruded food contained 84.33±1.15 mg/100g of calcium, 62±2 mg/100g of phosphorus and 0.011±0.001 mg/100g of iodine. This study revealed that the incorporation of 7% fish powder into the extruded snack product lead to the development of nutritionally enriched functional food with consumer acceptability.

Shyne Anand, P.S.; Balasubramanian, C.P.; Francis, B.; Panigrahi, A.; Aravind, R.; Das, R.; Sudheer, N.S.; Rajamanickam, S., and Vijayan., K.K., 2019. Reproductive performance of wild brooders of Indian white shrimp, Penaeus indicus: Potential and challenges for selective breeding program. In: Jithendran, K.P.; Saraswathy, R.; Balasubramanian, C.P.; Kumaraguru Vasagam, K.P.; Jayasankar, V.; Raghavan, R.; Alavandi, S.V., and Vijayan, K.K. (eds.), BRAQCON 2019: World Brackishwater Aquaculture Conference. Journal of Coastal Research, Special Issue No. 86, pp. 65-72. Coconut Creek (Florida), ISSN 0749-0208.

Indian white shrimp, Penaeus indicus, has been identified as a national priority species for domestication and genetic improvement. Although breeding and farming of this species has been studied before the inception of commercial shrimp farming in India, reproductive and hatchery performance of this species on a mass scale has not been addressed so far. To evaluate the reproductive performance of wild P. indicus brooders, a total of 2164 brooders from the broodstock fishery along the Indian east coast were used. The experiment was carried out in two phases; in trial 1, brooders from Odisha, Kanyakumari, as well as Chennai, were used, whereas, in trial 2 brooders from Chennai coast alone was used. Only 16-32% of eyestalk ablated animals spawned successfully, whereas remaining stock was found to be nonresponsive to eyestalk ablation. Ablated females had a latency period of 7-10 days with 2-3 times spawning per brooder. The average fecundity of wild spawner was 220000±56000. Eggs per gram body weight for wild and ablated spawners were 8126±3502 and 1481±863, respectively. The egg hatchability was 80% for wild spawners whereas ablated spawners recorded 50-70% hatchability. During larval rearing cycle a lack of synchronized moulting was noticed during protozoea to mysis conversion (91.5% protozoea and 8.5% mysis 1), and mysis 3 to postlarvae (PL) conversion (30-50% of mysis 3 in PL1/PL2 stage). The study provides a deeper understanding of the reproductive performance of wild broodstock of native P. indicus, which can be used as a reference database for future breeding programs.

De, D.; Kumar, P.; Shyne Anand, P.S.; Biswas, G.; Mukherjee, S.; Ghoshal, T.K.; Suresh, V.R., and Vijayan, K.K., 2019. Embryonic development, larval rearing, and digestive tract and enzyme ontogeny of hilsa shad, Tenualosa ilisha. In: Jithendran, K.P.; Saraswathy, R.; Balasubramanian, C.P.; Kumaraguru Vasagam, K.P.; Jayasankar, V.; Raghavan, R.; Alavandi, S.V., and Vijayan, K.K. (eds.), BRAQCON 2019: World Brackishwater Aquaculture Conference. Journal of Coastal Research, Special Issue No. 86, pp. 73–81. Coconut Creek (Florida), ISSN 0749-0208.

Production of fish larvae in captivity and its rearing are the key factors behind the successful mass propagation of any commercial important aquaculture species. Towards this goal, efforts were carried out to standardize fry production and larval rearing of hilsa shad, Tenualosha ilisha. Artificial fertilization of hilsa was done through dry stripping method. Experiments were carried out to understand the embryonic development, larval rearing, ontogenic development of gut and digestive enzymes. Significantly (P <0.01) higher (86.33±0.88%) fertilization and hatching rate (57±0.58%) was recorded when hydration and incubation were done using river water (salinity 0.19 ppt, hardness 950-980 ppm). After an incubation period of 22-24 h at 23±1.0°C temperature, larvae hatched out. Newly hatched larvae measured 2.20±0.23 mm in total length with large yolk sac and 4 to 6 small oil globules. On the 5^th day after hatching, the alimentary canal was noticed and the mouth opened between 3^rd and 8^th days. The aperture of mouth was found to be 82 µm. Larval rearing at different salinity for 15 days revealed the highest survival (53.67±3.75%) when reared at 1.5 ppt. Presence of digestive enzyme (amylase, acidic protease activity, alkaline protease, and lipase) was first detected on 5^th - day post-hatching. Fourteen days old larvae were characterized by the absence of oil globule and a well-developed intestine with food particle in the gut. Considering the mouth opening and presence of digestive enzymes on 3^rd day and 5^th respectively exogenous feeding of suitable particle size may be introduced from 3^rd day of hatching onwards.

Jannathulla, R.; Syama Dayal, J.; Ambasankar, K.; Yuvapushpa, R.; Ashok Kumar, J., and Muralidhar, M., 2019. Evaluation of fungal fermented rapeseed meal as a fishmeal substitute in the diet of Penaeus vannamei. In: Jithendran, K.P.; Saraswathy, R.; Balasubramanian, C.P.; Kumaraguru Vasagam, K.P.; Jayasankar, V.; Raghavan, R.; Alavandi, S.V., and Vijayan, K.K. (eds.), BRAQCON 2019: World Brackishwater Aquaculture Conference. Journal of Coastal Research, Special Issue No. 86, pp. 82-89. Coconut Creek (Florida), ISSN 0749-0208.

Rapeseed meal (RSM) was fermented using the fungus, Aspergillus niger and was evaluated as a fishmeal substitute in the diet of Penaeus vannamei. A 45-days' growth trial was carried out using nine iso-nitrogenous and iso-lipidic diets. Raw/fermented RSM was included in experimental diets at the rate of 0 (control), 25, 50, 75 and 100 g/kg by replacing fishmeal (w/w). Results revealed that shrimp fed a control diet had a weight gain of 211.65% and was comparable up to the treatments fed diets containing 25, 50 and 75 g/kg fermented RSM (221.56, 211.77 and 202.85%, respectively). However, the inclusion of >25 g/kg raw RSM tended to decrease (P<0.05) the weight gain. The broken-line model indicated that the maximum inclusion was 64.4 g/kg for fermented RSM. Though feed conversion ratio (1.71-1.94) and apparent protein utilization (21.42-24.93) were not affected due to dietary modifications, numerically better results were observed with fermented RSM compared to the respective level of raw RSM. No significant difference was observed in survival and was in the range of 86.67 to 96.67%. Carcass lipid level was high in shrimp fed with the diets having test ingredients (9.50-10.23 g/kg wet weight) than those fed a control diet (8.83 g/kg). Haemolymph indices have shown significant differences in total protein, glucose, cholesterol and triglycerides between the control and test diets. The present investigation concluded that fermented RSM could replace higher level (64.4 g/kg) of fishmeal in the diet of P. vannamei when compared to their raw counterpart (25 g/kg).

Prabu, E.; Felix, N.; Ahilan, B.; Antony, C., and Uma, A., 2019. Effects of dietary supplementation of DL-Methionine on growth and whole body amino acid profile of genetically improved farmed Tilapia. In: Jithendran, K.P.; Saraswathy, R.; Balasubramanian, C.P.; Kumaraguru Vasagam, K.P.; Jayasankar, V.; Raghavan, R.; Alavandi, S.V., and Vijayan, K.K. (eds.), BRAQCON 2019: World Brackishwater Aquaculture Conference. Journal of Coastal Research, Special Issue No. 86, pp. 90–95. Coconut Creek (Florida), ISSN 0749-0208.

A 60-day indoor growth trial was conducted to study the effects of dietary DL-methionine supplementation on the growth performances and survival of GIFT tilapia. Five corn-soy based isonitrogenous and isoenergetic experimental diets (32% crude protein) were formulated with graded levels of methionine (% of dry diet) viz., T0 (0.75), T1 (0.9), T2 (1.05), T3 (1.2) and T4 (1.35%). The feeding trial in triplications was conducted using 15 nos. of 1×1×1.5 m sized cages installed inside the indoor tanks. Among the experimental diets T1, a diet containing methionine level of 0.9% of dry diet yielded significantly (p <0.05), higher mean body weight gain (51.56±0.23 g) followed by T0 (45.2±0.49 g), T2 (42.58±0.10 g), T3 (37.33±0.06 g) and T4 (30.87±0.13g). The best results in terms of feed conversion ratio (1.12±0.08), specific growth rate (1.76±0.01), feed efficiency ratio (0.89±0.06) and protein efficiency ratio (1.60±0.01) were observed in T1. Whole body moisture and lipid contents did not affect dietary methionine supplementation. However, the whole body protein content was significantly (p <0.05) enhanced in fish fed methionine at 0.9% of the dry diet. There was no effect of treatments on whole body essential and non-essential amino acid profiles except lysine, methionine and tryptophan. The results demonstrated that the dietary methionine requirement in corn-soy based diet for GIFT tilapia would be 0.9% of the dry diet for better growth performances.

Malgundkar, P.P.; Pawase, A.S.; Dey, S.S.; Tibile, R.M., and Shelke, A.A., 2019. Effect of dietary Vitamin C on growth and survival of juveniles of Blue Gourami, Trichopodus trichopterus (Pallas, 1770). In: Jithendran, K.P.; Saraswathy, R.; Balasubramanian, C.P.; Kumaraguru Vasagam, K.P.; Jayasankar, V.; Raghavan, R.; Alavandi, S.V., and Vijayan, K.K. (eds.), BRAQCON 2019: World Brackishwater Aquaculture Conference. Journal of Coastal Research, Special Issue No. 86, pp. 96-101. Coconut Creek (Florida), ISSN 0749-0208.

A 90-day feeding trial, to examine the effect of different levels of L-ascorbic acid as a source of vitamin C on growth and survival of juveniles of blue gourami, Trichopodus trichopterus, was undertaken. The experiment was conducted in triplicates following a completely randomized design under indoor environmental conditions. The juveniles of blue gourami with a size range of 4.3 – 4.5 cm length and 3.08 – 3.44 g weight were reared in 54 L glass aquaria at a density of 20 fish per tank. The semi-purified diet containing 32% crude protein was supplemented with different levels of L-ascorbic acid viz. 5, 10, 20, 40, 80, 160, 320 and 640 mg kg^-1 of feed. The diet without L-ascorbic acid supplementation served as the control diet. The flake feed was delivered to the fish at a rate of 4% body weight twice a day. The results demonstrated significantly (p < 0.05) higher growth response with respect to length gain (44.28%), weight gain (76.94%), survival (98.33%) and SGR (0.63%), and better feed utilization in terms of highest PER and lowest FCR in the juveniles fed with 40 mg kg^-1 L-ascorbic acid supplemented diet than the juveniles fed other experimental diets.

Bala Amarnath, C.; Saravanan, P., and Subhendu Kumar Otta, 2019. Determining the dosage and time of injection for WSSV VP28 double stranded RNA to Penaeus indicus in providing effective protection against WSSV. In: Jithendran, K.P.; Saraswathy, R.; Balasubramanian, C.P.; Kumaraguru Vasagam, K.P.; Jayasankar, V.; Raghavan, R.; Alavandi, S.V., and Vijayan, K.K. (eds.), BRAQCON 2019: World Brackishwater Aquaculture Conference. Journal of Coastal Research, Special Issue No. 86, pp. 102–106. Coconut Creek (Florida), ISSN 0749-0208.

White spot syndrome virus of shrimp is best known for its wide distribution and high virulence in bringing mass mortality and huge economic loss to farmers. Though the virus has been causing wide spread mortality to all the cultured penaeid shrimps for quite a long time, no effective treatment strategies have been identified so far. RNAi has been recognized as a powerful tool and found to be functional in shrimp. An attempt was made to verify the possibility of using this technology in laboratory-based experiment through double stranded RNA (dsRNA) construction and injection to Indian white leg shrimp, Penaeus indicus. Amongst the different dosages tried, 1 µg/gm of shrimp administered 24-48 hours before WSSV infection was found to be effective in providing full protection. While trying to further refine the time interval by injecting the shrimp with 1 µg of VP28 dsRNA/gm of shrimp at 3, 6, 12 and 18 hours before WSSV infection, no protection was observed in any of these time intervals indicating that administration of dsRNA 24 hours before infection to be the most suitable. Real time PCR analysis further indicated that only the shrimps injected with dsRNA 24 hours prior to infection were virus free, and the others were with high copy numbers of WSSV. This experiment indicates that dsRNA can be used as a prophylaxis to further prevent the infection by WSSV.

Jagadeesan, V.; Ezhil Praveena, P.; Otta, S.K., and Jithendran, K.P., 2019. Classical runt deformity syndrome cases in farmed Penaeus vannamei along the east coast of India. In: Jithendran, K.P.; Saraswathy, R.; Balasubramanian, C.P.; Kumaraguru Vasagam, K.P.; Jayasankar, V.; Raghavan, R.; Alavandi, S.V., and Vijayan, K.K. (eds.), BRAQCON 2019: World Brackishwater Aquaculture Conference. Journal of Coastal Research, Special Issue No. 86, pp. 107–111. Coconut Creek (Florida), ISSN 0749-0208.

Infectious hypodermal and haematopoietic necrotic viral disease caused by the infectious hypodermal and hematopoietic necrosis virus (IHHNV), a member of the Family Parvoviridae, Genus Penstyldensovirus, is the smallest known shrimp penaeid viruses. This viral disease poses a threat to shrimp farming as it causes runt deformity syndrome in Penaeus vannamei and thereby causing economic loss to the farmers. An analysis was carried out in various P. vannamei farms (n=350) along the East Coast of India from 2013-2018, and it was found that 30 farm samples positive for IHHNV. The shrimps in these farms exhibited classical IHHNV clinical signs like deformed sixth abdominal segment, deformed rostrum, cuticular roughness and wrinkled antennae. There was a wide size variation in growth among the affected farms. These samples on histological analysis showed prominent intranuclear, Cowdry type A inclusion bodies characteristic of IHHNV. The inclusion bodies observed were in the tissues of the ectodermal hypodermal epithelium of fore- and hindgut, mesodermal origins like haematopoietic organs, antennal gland and lymphoid organ. All the samples were positive for IHHNV by PCR using OIE primers. An experiment was conducted in P. vannamei (n=100) to study the disease transmission wherein, the animals were fed orally by the infected IHHNV tissue, and it was found that the animals got the infection by day five. The experimentally infected animals did not exhibit the classical IHHNV symptoms as that was seen in animals in the farming conditions.

Bagthasingh, C.; Thiyagarajan, S., and Alavandi, S.V., 2019. Pulsotypes and virulence of Vibrio harveyi from shrimp hatcheries in south-east coast of India. In: Jithendran, K.P.; Saraswathy, R.; Balasubramanian, C.P.; Kumaraguru Vasagam, K.P.; Jayasankar, V.; Raghavan, R.; Alavandi, S.V., and Vijayan, K.K. (eds.), BRAQCON 2019: World Brackishwater Aquaculture Conference. Journal of Coastal Research, Special Issue No. 86, pp. 112-118. Coconut Creek (Florida), ISSN 0749-0208.

Luminescent Vibrio harveyi has been reported to be one of the major causes of mass mortality of larval stages in penaeid shrimp hatcheries throughout the world. Therefore, understanding the virulence mechanism of V. harveyi and identifying traits has been our quest to detect pathogenic strains in shrimp aquaculture ecosystem. In this study pulsed field gel electrophoresis (PFGE)was used for differentiating V. harveyi isolates recovered from shrimp larvae affected by luminescent bacterial disease in hatcheries and water samples from various sources within the hatcheries. Forty two of the 400 V. harveyi isolates recovered from shrimp hatcheries over a period of two years were used in this study. Cluster analysis of PFGE profiles of 32 V. harveyi isolates in conjunction with virulence factors revealed that the isolates from disease episode were grouped in Cluster II. Further, the isolates in the cluster were all sucrose fermentative and had LD₅₀ value in the order of 10³cfu ml^-1 and ranged from 1.17 × 10³ cfu ml^-1 to 3.16 × 10³ cfu ml^-1. However, the clustering pattern could not be associated with LD₅₀ values based on in vivo pathogenicity experiment. An interesting observation was that majority of the isolates capable of producing siderophores were clustered in IA (11 of 13) although 10 of the 16 isolates in cluster IB also produced siderophores. Six of 13 isolates in cluster IA and 7 of 16 isolates in cluster IB produced extracellular proteins (ECP) and this property was not found to be associated with any of the clustering pattern. This study could not show definite relationship between pulsotypes and virulence of V. harveyi. However, PFGE typing cluster analysis could help in differentiating isolates from disease episodes and normal shrimp seed production cycle. Further, the study has also revealed that sucrose fermenting trait seems to be an important phenotypic trait indicative of virulence of V. harveyi in shrimp hatchery ecosystems.

Kumar, P.; Kaur, V.I.; Tyagi, A., and Nayyar, S., 2019. Probiotic potential of putative lactic acid bacteria isolated from the fish gut: Immune modulation in Labeo rohita (Ham.). In: Jithendran, K.P.; Saraswathy, R.; Balasubramanian, C.P.; Kumaraguru Vasagam, K.P.; Jayasankar, V.; Raghavan, R.; Alavandi, S.V., and Vijayan, K.K. (eds.), BRAQCON 2019: World Brackishwater Aquaculture Conference. Journal of Coastal Research, Special Issue No. 86, pp. 119–127. Coconut Creek (Florida), ISSN 0749-0208.

Aquaculture, growing with rapid pace is facing challenges from disease outbreaks, poor water quality and environmental stress. Use of antibiotics to control the disease is causing great concern in terms of environmental pollution and antimicrobial resistance genes. Probiotic treatment can be an alternative strategy to reduce the use of harmful chemicals and antibiotics. A feeding trial was conducted to evaluate the effects of probiotic (Lactobacillus plantarum FLB1, isolated from the intestine of Indian major carp, Labeo rohita) through dietary supplementation on the immune status and disease resistance of L. rohita fingerlings. Fingerlings (mean body weight 6.0±0.6g) of L. rohita were distributed randomly into six treatment groups in triplicate and fed with graded probiotic concentration. Water quality parameters with respect to temperature, dissolved oxygen, pH, alkalinity and ammonical nitrogen did not differ significantly (p ≤0.05) in different treatments, whereas the difference for total hardness and phosphate were significant among (p ≤0.05) treatments, but well within the optimum range. Hematological, biochemical and antioxidants parameters were studied at 30, 60 and 120 days post-feeding to check the immune status of fish. Significant changes (p ≤0.05) were observed in all treatments (higher in T6) in terms of elevated levels of TEC, TLC, Hb and PCV along with significant increase in total serum protein, albumin, globulin, serum lysozyme and myeloperoxidase activities during whole experimental period as compared to control with maximum rise at 60 days, while liver enzymes ALT and AST showed a declining trend. Control and probiotic fed fishes were challenged with a pathogenic strain of Aeromonas hydrophila post 120 days feeding, which showed higher survival in all probiotic treated groups.

Archana, C.; Zacharia, P.U., and Sanil, N.K., 2019. Myxobolus chanosi n. sp., a novel Myxosporean infecting farmed Chanos chanos (Forsskål, 1775) from Alappuzha, along the southwest coast of India. In: Jithendran, K.P.; Saraswathy, R.; Balasubramanian, C.P.; Kumaraguru Vasagam, K.P.; Jayasankar, V.; Raghavan, R.; Alavandi, S.V., and Vijayan, K.K. (eds.), BRAQCON 2019: World Brackishwater Aquaculture Conference. Journal of Coastal Research, Special Issue No. 86, pp. 128-133. Coconut Creek (Florida), ISSN 0749-0208.

The present study describes a new species of Myxobolus infecting the kidney tissues of farmed Chanos chanos from Alappuzha, Kerala, India. Of the 42 fishes screened, 27 were infected (prevalence 64.28%). The parasites appeared dispersed in the posterior kidney tissues in squash preparations, cysts measuring 56.82±4.13 µm × 51.11±1.40 µm were observed histologically. Oval, bivalvular spores with smooth shell valves, two unequal and elongate-oval polar capsules, and binucleate sporoplasm place the parasite under the genus Myxobolus. Mature spores measured 11.06±0.60 × 7.71±0.74 × 7.62±0.30 (7.35-8.12) µm. Unequal, elongate-oval polar capsules with pointed anterior ends were aligned obliquely to the longitudinal spore axis. Large polar capsule occupied two-thirds the spore length, measured 6.61±0.74 × 4.64±0.58 µm; possessed polar filament with four coils, measured 28.05 ±0.54 µm. Small polar capsule, reached half the spore length, measured 3.33±0.78 × 2.50±0.41 µm; with three coils of polar filament, measured 11.81±0.52 µm. Vegetative stages ellipsoidal, monosporic and dispersed in kidney tissues. A comparison of the present species with closely related forms showed that it differs morphologically and morphometrically from the others. In BLASTn analysis, the partial SSU rDNA (1239 bp) nucleotide sequence showed close identities with M. linzhiensi and Myxobolus sp. SKBU-RC1. In the molecular analysis, it exhibited 4.2% divergence with both M. linzhiensi and Myxobolus sp. SKBU-RC1. Neighbour Joining and Maximum Likelihood trees were topologically similar, and the present species stands out with M. linzhiensi and Myxobolus sp. SKBU-RC1 as sister branches. Gross pathological changes were not apparent in kidneys. However, the fibrous cyst encircling the parasite indicates host immune responses. Based on morphology, morphometry, molecular and phylogenetic analyses, tissue and host specificities along with geographic location, the present parasite is treated as new and is reported here as M. chanosi n. sp. This forms the second report of a myxosporean infection from C. chanos.

Gokulraj, A.; Praveenraj, J.; Gnanadesikan, R., and Arumugam, U., 2019. Mycobacterial infection in ornamental fishes farmed in low saline waters of Tiruvallur District, India. In: Jithendran, K.P.; Saraswathy, R.; Balasubramanian, C.P.; Kumaraguru Vasagam, K.P.; Jayasankar, V.; Raghavan, R.; Alavandi, S.V., and Vijayan, K.K. (eds.), BRAQCON 2019: World Brackishwater Aquaculture Conference. Journal of Coastal Research, Special Issue No. 86, pp. 134–137. Coconut Creek (Florida), ISSN 0749-0208.

The present study reports the detection of Mycobacterium sp. infection in the ornamental fish, Carassius auratus (Gold fish) and two exotic cichlid fishes, Andinoacara rivulatus (Green terror cichlid) and Thorichthys meeki (Fire mouth cichlid) cultured in the low saline waters (5 ppt) of Tiruvallur district. The infected gold fish demonstrated symptoms of skin ulceration, frayed fins, pale gills, disorientation in swimming, ascites and nodules in the liver, whereas the cichlid fishes possessed severe emaciation, skeletal deformity, blackening, weakness and ulceration. The pathogen was isolated in Middlebrook 7H9 broth as typical pink colonies characteristic of Mycobacterium sp. PCR sequencing of the HSP gene was done for molecular confirmation, and the sequences generated were submitted in the GenBank under the accession numbers MK424614, MK424615 and MK424616. Histopathological observation of the organs of the infected fishes revealed granuloma, neutrophil infiltration and vacuolisation in heart, liver and brain. Histopathological changes typical of Mycobacterium sp. viz., lamellar disorientation, and neutrophil infiltrations in the heart, inflammation and congestion in the liver, granuloma in the kidney were documented in infected cichlids. The detection and confirmation of mycobacteriosis in the ornamental fishes cultured in low saline waters of Tamil Nadu is the first report and alert the fish handlers to undertake precautionary measures to prevent the transmission of mycobacterium infection from fish to fish handlers.

Lalitha, N.; Patil, P.K.; Rajesh, R., and Muralidhar, M., 2019. Usage of Pleurotus ostreatus for degradation of oxytetracycline in varying water salinities in brackishwater aquaculture system. In: Jithendran, K.P.; Saraswathy, R.; Balasubramanian, C.P.; Kumaraguru Vasagam, K.P.; Jayasankar, V.; Raghavan, R.; Alavandi, S.V., and Vijayan, K.K. (eds.), BRAQCON 2019: World Brackishwater Aquaculture Conference. Journal of Coastal Research, Special Issue No. 86, pp. 138-141. Coconut Creek (Florida), ISSN 0749-0208.

The oxytetracycline is being used in aquaculture industry as a broad spectrum antimicrobial agent with bacteriostatic property. Unregulated and indiscriminate usage of antibiotics leads to their buildup in the environment. Physical and chemical methods to remediate or remove these antibiotics are ineffective. The present study aims at the mycotic bioremediation of the oxytetracycline by Pleurotus ostreatus. It was cultured in the potato dextrose broth for 7 to 14 days and used in the experiment with fungal load of 10⁴ CFU ml^-l. In vitro soil based lab study was performed in triplicate at four different salinities 1, 15, 30 and 45 ppt, with three different concentrations of oxytetraycline (50, 150 and 250 mg L^-1), and treated with P. ostreatus. The suspended water samples were collected at periodic intervals of 2, 7 and 14 days after treatment and estimated for antibiotic in treatment and control. It was found that the P. ostreatus significantly (p ≤0.05) degraded the antibiotic at all salinities. The reduction of drug ranged from 58-76% (2 days), 45-78% (7 days) & 36-62% (14 days) at 1ppt, 32-34% (2 days), 58-71% (7 days) & 48-80% (14 days) at 15 ppt, 52-73% (2 days), 27- 61% (7 days) & 44-62% (14 days) at 30 ppt, and 32-68% (2 days), 44-66% (7 days) & 44-64% (14 days) at 45 ppt compared to the control.

Srinu, G.; Padmavathi, P., and Chatla, D., 2019. Identification and validation of Anabas spp. (Osteichthyes: Anabantidae) through morphology and DNA barcoding from lake Kolleru, Andhra Pradesh, India. In: Jithendran, K.P.; Saraswathy, R.; Balasubramanian, C.P.; Kumaraguru Vasagam, K.P.; Jayasankar, V.; Raghavan, R.; Alavandi, S.V., and Vijayan, K.K. (eds.), BRAQCON 2019: World Brackishwater Aquaculture Conference. Journal of Coastal Research, Special Issue No. 86, pp. 142–148. Coconut Creek (Florida), ISSN 0749-0208.

Anabas Cuvier, 1816 (Pisces: Osteichthyes: Anabantidae) constitutes a major proportion of fisheries with great ecological and commercial importance in lake Kolleru, Andhra Pradesh, India. Morphological analysis based on 54 adult specimens from different parts of the lake revealed two putative species, Anabas testudineus (Bloch, 1795) and A. oligolepis (Bleeker, 1855) which are very closely related to and barely distinguished by few characteristics (e.g. body depth) exclusively in fully matured specimens. In juvenile and sub-adult specimens, considerable overlap in the range of colour patterns has been observed, inturn it may lead to taxonomic confusion. DNA barcoding is a promising technique for accurate species level identification based on partial mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase I (COI) gene. A total of five DNA barcode sequences were generated using universal primers. The average Kimura 2 Parameter (K2P) distances within species and genera were 0.5% and 1.3% respectively. These barcodes discriminated the congeneric species with lower genetic distance when compared to other taxa. This may aid in deciding the threshold value to delineate the species complex of Anabas from lake Kolleru. Neighbour joining (NJ) tree formed two major clades each shared with accessions to the same species. The maximum likelihood (ML) phylogenetic tree was constructed using COI sequences of Anabantidae which were complemented with the sequences of six other families of order Anabantiformes and the phylogenetic position of Anabantidae was discussed. Future studies are needed for deeper insights into genetic diversity and evolutionary relationships of Anabantiformes using multiple molecular markers.

Vinay, T.N., Raymond, J.A.J; Katneni, V.K.; Aravind, R.; Balasubramanian, C.P.; Jayachandran, K.V.; Shekhar, M.S., and Vijayan K.K., 2019. Mitochondrial DNA study reveals the cryptic species Penaeus japonicus (form-II) in Indian waters. In: Jithendran, K.P.; Saraswathy, R.; Balasubramanian, C.P.; Kumaraguru Vasagam, K.P.; Jayasankar, V.; Raghavan, R.; Alavandi, S.V., and Vijayan, K.K. (eds.), BRAQCON 2019: World Brackishwater Aquaculture Conference. Journal of Coastal Research, Special Issue No. 86, pp. 149–155. Coconut Creek (Florida), ISSN 0749-0208.

Kuruma shrimp (Penaeus japonicus), is the most high-valued penaeid shrimp species due to its high market demand in Japan and other countries, and the most widely distributed penaeid shrimp across Indo-West Pacific. Kuruma shrimp was considered as a single species under the subgenus Marsupenaeus; however, recent studies have shown the existence of cryptic species within kuruma shrimp, with a slight variation in banding pattern on carapace with no other noticeable morphological differences. The form-I, is confined to Japan, Korea and China, including Taiwan and dominates the East China Sea and north of the South China Sea. The form-II is widely distributed in South-East Asia, Australia, the western Indian Ocean, the Red Sea and the Mediterranean with type locality being South Africa (Great fish point). Kuruma shrimp is distributed along both coasts of India. However, there is no genetic data available to conclude whether the species available in India is P. japonicus form-I or form-II. The morphological observations made in this study confirms its similarity with form-II along with the analysis of 16S rRNA (423 bp) and cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) (419 bp) gene sequences which revealed that the species is phylogenetically more closely allied to form-II. This study indicates that P. japonicus form-I is not naturally present in India and the cryptic species in Indian waters is P. japonicus form-II.

Srinivasa Raghavan, V.; Jayasankar, V.; Suja, C.P., and Laxmilatha, P., 2019. Cell culture and gene expression studies in relation to biomineralization in the black-lip pearl oyster, Pinctada margaritifera. In: Jithendran, K.P.; Saraswathy, R.; Balasubramanian, C.P.; Kumaraguru Vasagam, K.P.; Jayasankar, V.; Raghavan, R.; Alavandi, S.V., and Vijayan, K.K. (eds.), BRAQCON 2019: World Brackishwater Aquaculture Conference. Journal of Coastal Research, Special Issue No. 86, pp. 156–163. Coconut Creek (Florida), ISSN 0749-0208.

Nacre is composed of aragonite platelets and organic material formed by molluscs as inner shell layer through biomineralization process, and mantle epithelial cells control nacre formation. A primary culture of granulated epithelial cells was established from mantle tissue of Pinctada margaritifera, through a process of continuous sub-culturing at 28°C in yeast supplemented sea water culture medium. Nuclear beads were placed in culture wells containing semi-solid agar medium and incubated in vitro with cultured granulated epithelial cells in order to evaluate the nacre secretion. On visual observation, a brown coloration was observed on the surface of the bead after 7-10 days. Evaluation of the surface of the nuclear beads by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) after 60 days of incubation revealed a good brick and mortar pattern, characteristic of nacreous layer formation. A lustrous hue was also seen to develop on bead surfaces after this stage. SEM images of a cross section of the nacre-coated bead showed a pattern of arrangement of aragonite tablets similar to that seen in cross sections of the nacre layer of shell of molluscs. The functional ability of cultured granulated epithelial cells was further confirmed by detecting gene expression of two matrix proteins, nacrein and amorphous calcium carbonate binding proteins (ACCBP), which play an important role in formation of the nacreous layer, in both cultured cells and in native mantle tissue. Amplification products for nacrein (480 bp) and ACCBP (500 bp) genes were obtained in both native mantle tissue and in vitro cultured mantle epithelial cells. There was good correlation between the expression patterns of the two genes in in vitro cultured cells and in native mantle tissue, signifying that cultured mantle epithelial cells retain their functional characteristics of biomineralization.

Suja, C.P.; Jayasankar, V.; Srinivasa Raghavan, V., and Bosco, K.M., 2019. Microstructural analysis of in vitro nacre formation on shell bead and titanium by cultured mantle tissue of pearl oyster, Pinctada fucata. In: Jithendran, K.P.; Saraswathy, R.; Balasubramanian, C.P.; Kumaraguru Vasagam, K.P.; Jayasankar, V.; Raghavan, R.; Alavandi, S.V., and Vijayan, K.K. (eds.), BRAQCON 2019: World Brackishwater Aquaculture Conference. Journal of Coastal Research, Special Issue No. 86, pp. 164-169. Coconut Creek (Florida), ISSN 0749-0208.

Nacre, the inner iridescent layer of molluscan shells is an organic-inorganic composite material. The layered arrangement of platelet-shaped CaCO₃ crystals and organic matrix in a brick-and-mortar structure makes it a strong, resilient, and iridescent material. In-vitro nacre formation on shell bead by the mantle tissue of the pearl oyster, Pinctada fucata has already been reported. The current study details a microstructural investigation and comparison of in vitro nacre deposition by the mantle tissue of pearl oyster, P. fucata on shell bead and titanium plates. Nacre platelets were observed by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and its CaCO₃ composition was determined by Energy Dispersive X-Ray Spectroscopy (EDS) analysis on both shell bead and titanium plate. Nacre deposits displayed the typical lamellar brick and mortar” arrangement composed of aragonite platelets which form the “bricks” and organic matrix that forms the “mortar”. Details of the microstructure of in vitro nacre formed by the mantle tissue of pearl oyster were elucidated for the first time by Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM). Further, the deposition of nacre on titanium proves its potential application as a suitable biomaterial in dental and bone implants, due to its biocompatibility towards regeneration.

Vignesh, T.S.; Suja, C.P., and Geetha, S., 2019. Fabrication of tissue engineering scaffolds using marine bioactive materials for diverse applications. In: Jithendran, K.P.; Saraswathy, R.; Balasubramanian, C.P.; Kumaraguru Vasagam, K.P.; Jayasankar, V.; Raghavan, R.; Alavandi, S.V., and Vijayan, K.K. (eds.), BRAQCON 2019: World Brackishwater Aquaculture Conference. Journal of Coastal Research, Special Issue No. 86, pp. 170–176. Coconut Creek (Florida), ISSN 0749-0208.

Scaffolds are polymeric matrices employed in delivering cells and drugs into human body. The scaffold matrices can be fabricated using natural or chemical polymers. In the present study, natural polymers and biomineralized materials extracted from marine sources have been used in the fabrication of the scaffolds. Marine biomaterials are highly biocompatible and they have been used for medicinal purposes. Hence the study focuses on fabricating a novel molluscan nacre incorporated scaffold, using biomaterials like κ-carrageenan from Kappaphycus alvarezii, collagen from Sepia lycidas and chitosan from shrimp shell by freeze-drying method. Due to the osteogenic and dermal regeneration properties of nacre, this novel scaffold can be used for tissue engineering applications. The extracted natural polymers used in fabricating the scaffolds were analyzed by Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR). The FTIR analysis of the sulfated polysaccharide κ-carrageenan showed strong absorbance peaks along 926 cm^-1 and 1250 cm^-1 which correspond to 3,6 anhydro-d-galactose and sulphur bonds respectively whereas the deacetylated polysaccharide chitosan showed peaks along the 3428 cm^-1 and 1635 cm^-1 corresponding to OH groups and secondary amine groups. FTIR analysis of collagen exhibited characteristic peaks along 3432 cm^-1 and 1641 cm^-1 indicating the presence of the amine groups and hydrogen bonds. The structural morphology of the fabricated scaffold has been analyzed by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). These scaffolds have wide scope in diverse areas and will be a useful model of 3D cell culture for engineering edible meat, tissues and organs.

Kathyayani, S.A.; Muralidhar, M.; Sathish Kumar, T., and Alavandi, S.V., 2019. Stress quantification in Penaeus vannamei exposed to varying levels of turbidity. In: Jithendran, K.P.; Saraswathy, R.; Balasubramanian, C.P.; Kumaraguru Vasagam, K.P.; Jayasankar, V.; Raghavan, R.; Alavandi, S.V., and Vijayan, K.K. (eds.), BRAQCON 2019: World Brackishwater Aquaculture Conference. Journal of Coastal Research, Special Issue No. 86, pp. 177–183. Coconut Creek (Florida), ISSN 0749-0208.

Increased water turbidity in the intensive farming of Penaeus vannamei is one of the environmental stressors. Investigations were carried out on the effect of inorganic clay particle induced turbidity (NTU) levels (T1-30, T2-60 and T3-120) on survival, immunological response: total hemocyte count (THC), activity of phenoloxidase (PO) and superoxide dismutase (SOD), and stress metabolites: Osmolality (O), glucose (G) and lactate (L) in P. vannamei exposed to 21 days. T3 and T2 registered 20 and 10% mortality respectively compared to 5% in T1 and control. Shrimp in T1, T2, and T3 showed 1.1, 1.9 and 4 times more risk of dying compared to control. THC, PO, and SOD decreased significantly (p ≤0.05) from day-1 to 21 in all the treatments compared to control. T3 showed significantly low immunological activity (THC: 119±2.8 × 10⁵ cells ml^-1; PO: 0.369±0.001 U ml^-1; SOD: 0.230±0.001 U ml^-1) compared to control (THC: 167±13.4 × 10⁵ cells ml^-1; PO: 0.546±0.002 U ml^-1; SOD: 0.284±0.001 U ml^-1). Physiological stress metabolites increased significantly with exposure time in T3 (G: 85.2±0.071 mg ml^-1; L: 8.2±0.007 mg dl^-1) compared to control (G: 77.2.2±0.163 mg ml^-1; L: 7.1±0.16 mg dl^-1). Osmolality was high in T3 (961.7±148.6 mOsm kg^-1) compared to control (858.3±3.4 mOsm kg^-1). High turbidity of >60 NTU in the rearing medium caused the gills blockage apparently as a compensating reaction to the disruption of osmotic and ionic balance. Shrimps exposed to T3 treatment showed intracellular deposits of the clay particles within the filament and lamellar epithelium of gills in Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) images. The present study concluded that <30 NTU water turbidity as safe level for P. vannamei

Sajna, V.H.; Zacharia P.U.; Liya, V.B.; Rojith, G.; Somy, K.; Joseph, D., and Grinson, G., 2019. Effect of climatic variability on the fishery of Indian Oil sardine along Kerala coast. In: Jithendran, K.P.; Saraswathy, R.; Balasubramanian, C.P.; Kumaraguru Vasagam, K.P.; Jayasankar, V.; Raghavan, R.; Alavandi, S.V., and Vijayan, K.K. (eds.), BRAQCON 2019: World Brackishwater Aquaculture Conference. Journal of Coastal Research, Special Issue No. 86, pp. 184–192. Coconut Creek (Florida), ISSN 0749-0208.

Indian oil sardine (IOS), the commercially and ecologically important pelagic fish of the Kerala coast is susceptible to climatic variation. The study analyzes the impact of climate change on the catch of Sardinella longiceps along the Kerala coast and tries to predict the catch trend under the two RCP scenarios 4.5 and 6.0 for the period 2020-2100. Monthly catch of IOS by major gears for the period 1990-2016 was collected and Relative effort (Effort) and Weighted CPUE (cpue) were accordingly estimated. The climatic variables Sea Surface Temperature (SST), Precipitation (Pr), Chlorophyll a (SSC) and Salinity (SSS) were obtained from NOAA/NASA. The relationship of cpue and Effort of IOS to environmental variables were explored by Generalized Additive Model. The best fit model was selected using lowest Akaike information criterion (AIC) value, Deviance and F statistic. Predictions of cpue and Effort under RCP 4.5 and RCP 6.0 were done and the catch of IOS was estimated. The GAM model revealed the variations in the catch of IOS in relation to climate change. The SST, SSS and Pr showed a negative relation whereas SSC was found to be positively related to the catch of IOS. The results of the study indicate a decreasing trend of cpue and catch and an increasing trend of Effort towards 2100 under both climate change scenarios.

Ajith, S.; Rojith, G.; Zacharia, P.U.; Nikki, R.; Sajna, V.H.; Liya, V.B., and Grinson, G., 2019. Production, characterization and observation of higher carbon in Sargassum wightii biochar from Indian coastal waters. In: Jithendran, K.P.; Saraswathy, R.; Balasubramanian, C.P.; Kumaraguru Vasagam, K.P.; Jayasankar, V.; Raghavan, R.; Alavandi, S.V., and Vijayan, K.K. (eds.), BRAQCON 2019: World Brackishwater Aquaculture Conference. Journal of Coastal Research, Special Issue No. 86, pp. 193–197. Coconut Creek (Florida), ISSN 0749-0208.

Seaweed farming gains significance as a climate resilient strategy owing to significant carbon sequestration potential and research advances to valorize products from seaweed resources. Conversion of seaweeds to biochar enhances further carbon sequestration. In this study Sargassum wightii, belonging to brown algae has been converted into biochar under different conditions of pyrolysis for possible application in aquaculture sector. The prepared biochar was subjected to elemental (CHNS) analysis to assess the nutrient profile. Further, comparative analysis has been done on raw seaweed and biochar based on the structural characterization using SEM, XRD and FTIR spectra. Functional group changes were evidenced from FTIR and XRD spectra, whereas surface modifications were elucidated by SEM analysis. The optimum temperature for biochar pyrolysis of S. wightii to yield higher carbon content has been identified. A significant observation is that seaweeds in Indian coastal waters are capable of higher carbon sequestration than in other waters.

Akhiljith, P.J.; Liya, V.B.; Rojith, G.; Zacharia, P.U.; Grinson, G.; Ajith, S.; Lakshmi, P.M.; Sajna, V.H., and Sathianandan, T.V., 2019. Climatic projections of Indian ocean during 2030, 2050, 2080 with implications on fisheries sector. In: Jithendran, K.P.; Saraswathy, R.; Balasubramanian, C.P.; Kumaraguru Vasagam, K.P.; Jayasankar, V.; Raghavan, R.; Alavandi, S.V., and Vijayan, K.K. (eds.), BRAQCON 2019: World Brackishwater Aquaculture Conference. Journal of Coastal Research, Special Issue No. 86, pp. 198-208. Coconut Creek (Florida), ISSN 0749-0208.

Climatic projections are essential to frame resilient strategies towards futuristic impacts of climate changes on fish species and habitat. The present study projects the variations of climatic variables such as Sea Surface Temperature (SST), Sea Surface Salinity (SSS), Sea Level Rise (SLR), Precipitation (Pr), and pH along the Indian Ocean. Climate projections for 2030, 2050 and 2080 were obtained as MIROC-ESM-CHEM, CMIP5 model output for each Representative Concentration Pathways (RCP) scenarios. Each climatic variable was assessed for any change against the reference year of 2015. The RCP scenarios showed an increasing trend for SLR and SST while a decreasing trend for SSS and pH. The study focuses on assessing the impacts of projected variations on marine and aquaculture system. The climate model projections show that the SST during 2080 is likely to rise by 0.69°C for the lowest emissions scenario and 2.6°C for the highest emissions scenario. Elevated temperature disturbs the homeostasis of fish and subjects to physiological stress in the habitat resulting in mortality. These thermal limits can predict distributional changes of marine species in response to climate change. Projections showed no significant changes in the pattern of precipitation. Changes in sea level rise and sea surface salinity reduce water quality, spawning and seed availability, increased disease incidence and damage to freshwater aquaculture system by salinization of groundwater. The results show that variation in SST and pH have a potential impact on marine fisheries while SSS, SLR, Precipitation affects the aquaculture systems. The synergic effects of climatic variations are found to have negative implications on capture fisheries as well as aquaculture system and are elucidated through this work.

Vinod, K.; Asokan, P.K.; Zacharia, P.U.; Ansar, C.P.; Vijayan, G.; Anasukoya, A.; Kunhi Koya, V.A., and Nikhiljith, M.K., 2019. Assessment of biomass and carbon stocks in mangroves of Thalassery estuarine wetland of Kerala, south-west coast of India. In: Jithendran, K.P.; Saraswathy, R.; Balasubramanian, C.P.; Kumaraguru Vasagam, K.P.; Jayasankar, V.; Raghavan, R.; Alavandi, S.V., and Vijayan, K.K. (eds.), BRAQCON 2019: World Brackishwater Aquaculture Conference. Journal of Coastal Research, Special Issue No. 86, pp. 209-217. Coconut Creek (Florida), ISSN 0749-0208.

The mangrove ecosystems render many goods and services ranging from coastal protection to climate regulation. These ecosystems are also reservoirs of carbon stocks, due to their ability to sequester and store carbon in their biomass and the underlying sediment, and therefore significant in view of the climate change mitigation. The present study attempted to assess the biomass and carbon stock of mangroves of Thalassery estuarine wetland of Kerala, south-west coast of India. We assessed the carbon stocks of three carbon pools viz., above-ground, below-ground (root) and sediment. A total of eight species of mangroves were recorded from the Thalassery estuarine wetland, and of these, Avicennia officinalis was the dominant species with an average tree density of 729.37 individuals ha^-1 and contributed most (45.05±23.79 t ha^-1) to the total carbon. The overall mean above-ground biomass was 189.26±97.80 t ha^-1, while the overall mean root biomass was 83.06±40.48 t ha^-1. The estimated mean above-ground carbon was 94.63±48.90 t C ha^-1, while the mean carbon stock in root and sediment were 41.53±20.24 t C ha^-1 and 17.48±7.30 t C ha^-1, respectively. In the present study, the estimates of mean combined C-stocks in mangrove and sediment showed that the mangroves of Thalassery estuarine wetland stored 153.64 t C ha^-1 which was equivalent to 563.86 t CO₂ ha^-1. The mangroves of Thalassery wetland cover an area of approximately 5.8 ha and thus it can be assumed that this wetland has the potential to sequester and store 891.11 t C, equivalent to an estimated amount of 3270.37 t CO₂. The study reinforces the importance of mangrove forests as useful carbon sinks and the need for protection of these critical habitats in the light of climate change mitigation.

Shafeeque, M.; Shah, P.; Platt, T.; Sathyendranath, S.; Menon, N.N.; Balchand, A.N., and George, G., 2019. Effect of precipitation on Chlorophyll-a in an upwelling-dominated region along the west coast of India. In: Jithendran, K.P.; Saraswathy, R.; Balasubramanian, C.P.; Kumaraguru Vasagam, K.P.; Jayasankar, V.; Raghavan, R.; Alavandi, S.V., and Vijayan, K.K. (eds.), BRAQCON 2019: World Brackishwater Aquaculture Conference. Journal of Coastal Research, Special Issue No. 86, pp. 218–224. Coconut Creek (Florida), ISSN 0749-0208.

The South Eastern Arabian Sea (SEAS) is an upwelling-dominated region, where the seasonally-reversing winds and currents are the major physical forces driving primary production. The region is characterized by high primary productivity during the summer monsoon season (June to September), when the winds and currents favor upwelling. The coast is notable for the presence of monsoonal rivers. During summer monsoon, nutrient-rich riverine water is discharged in great quantity into coastal waters. The heavy inflow of turbid, nutrient-rich water into coastal regions during the summer monsoon facilitates primary production, augmenting phytoplankton biomass. In the present study, we investigated the relative roles of upwelling and precipitation that drive productivity along the south-west coast of India. The available remote sensing data sets for chlorophyll-a (Chl-a), precipitation, silicate and wind were used for the period 1998 to 2016. The Chl-a anomaly showed positive correlation with upwelling index and precipitation except during 2003 and 2012. During these years, negative anomalies for Chl-a and precipitation were observed even though the upwelling index showed positive anomalies. So the enhancement in Chl-a was nominal during those specific years even when the upwelling was very strong. This indicates the role of riverine nutrients from heavy precipitation during summer monsoon that contributes significantly to coastal productivity apart from upwelling in SEAS.

Najmudeen, T.M.; Febna, M.A.A.; Rojith, G., and Zacharia, P.U., 2019. Characterisation of biochar from water hyacinth Eichhornia crassipes and the effects of biochar on the growth of fish and paddy in integrated culture systems. In: Jithendran, K.P.; Saraswathy, R.; Balasubramanian, C.P.; Kumaraguru Vasagam, K.P.; Jayasankar, V.; Raghavan, R.; Alavandi, S.V., and Vijayan, K.K. (eds.), BRAQCON 2019: World Brackishwater Aquaculture Conference. Journal of Coastal Research, Special Issue No. 86, pp. 225–234. Coconut Creek (Florida), ISSN 0749-0208.

Conversion of water hyacinth into useful products is a sustainable way to address the menaces created by them, along with an exploration of beneficial applications. The present study focused on the conversion of water hyacinth into a climate-resilient product ‘biochar’ and its applications in integrated paddy and fish culture systems. The integrated culture of fish with a saline tolerant variety of paddy Pokkali is characterised by low productivity as a traditional culture method. Biochar was produced by pyrolysis technique with water hyacinth, Eichhornia crassipes as substrate. The elemental composition and structural characterization of biochar were done using CHNS analyser, FTIR, XRD, and SEM, respectively. Optimum pyrolysis conditions were finalized and pyrolysis at 300°C for 30 minutes was used for the production of sufficient quantities of biochar for further experiments. Biochar was incorporated into the feed of tilapia, Oreochromis mossambicus in the ratio of 0.5 and 1% and was fed to the fishes grown in tanks for 6 weeks. Weight and length of the fish were found to be enhanced significantly in biochar mixed feed, and the highest growth rate was recorded for the fishes fed with 1% of biochar mixed feed. Biochar amendment to the soil in the culture system at 1% concentration enhanced the specific growth rate of O. mossambicus. Varying proportions of biochar were mixed to soil @ 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5% and the effect of biochar-amended soil on the growth of pokkali was studied for the parameters, root length, shoot length and plant height. Highest growth performances were observed in 4% biochar-soil mixture in comparison to the control. The results of water hyacinth biochar experimentation on fish and paddy growth have been promising, and the work could be considered as a milestone towards further optimization and field level trials to enhance the productivity of integrated culture systems.

Bhendekar, S.N.; Mhatre, V.D.; Sasikumar, G.; Mohamed, K.S., and Chellappan, A., 2019. Bivalve fishery of Sindhudurg and Ratnagiri coast, Maharashtra, India. In: Jithendran, K.P.; Saraswathy, R.; Balasubramanian, C.P.; Kumaraguru Vasagam, K.P.; Jayasankar, V.; Raghavan, R.; Alavandi, S.V., and Vijayan, K.K. (eds.), BRAQCON 2019: World Brackishwater Aquaculture Conference. Journal of Coastal Research, Special Issue No. 86, pp. 255–257. Coconut Creek (Florida), ISSN 0749-0208.

Estimated bivalve landing of Maharashtra was 1,237 t in 2017. Oysters dominated the fishery (79%) followed by clams (17%) and mussel (4%). The Indian rock oyster, Saccostrea cucullata locally known as ‘Kalva’ contributed 90% to the oyster catch. The fishery was observed mainly in Sindhudurg and Ratnagiri Districts. Clam landing comprised of Meretrix meretrix (44%), M. casta (30%), Paphia malabarica (18%), Katelysia opima (7%) and Polymedosa erosa (1%). Green mussels (Perna viridis) were harvested along the coastal waters of Ratnagiri. Meretrix meretrix showed dominance in all month followed by M. casta and P. malabarica. Catch per unit efforts for clams and oyster were highest during June and July month. There was good demand for bivalves in local markets during the mechanised fishing ban period. Mostly women were handpicking the clams during low tide. There was good demand for bivalves in local markets during the mechanised fishing ban period (June-July). The correlation matrix shows condition index and percentage edibility correlated with the water temperature in the creek.

Arulraj, J.S.; Pandurengan, P.; Arasan, S.; Gopalrajan, S., and Paulraj, J., 2019. Acute toxicity of Lamda-Cyhalothrin and the histopathological changes of gill and liver tissues of tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus). In: Jithendran, K.P.; Saraswathy, R.; Balasubramanian, C.P.; Kumaraguru Vasagam, K.P.; Jayasankar, V.; Raghavan, R.; Alavandi, S.V., and Vijayan, K.K. (eds.), BRAQCON 2019: World Brackishwater Aquaculture Conference. Journal of Coastal Research, Special Issue No. 86, pp. 235-238. Coconut Creek (Florida), ISSN 0749-0208.

Cyhalothrin is one of the synthetic pyrethroid pesticides commonly used to kill pests in agriculture fields. Fishes have a poor ability to metabolize and eliminate such xenobiotics. Hence, to investigate the acute toxicity of the pesticide, lambda-cyhalothrin on tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus), 96 hours lethal concentration 50 (96 h LC₅₀) was determined, and histological changes in gill and liver tissues were also examined. The fishes were exposed to different concentrations such as 0, 0.75, 1.5, 3, 6 and 12 ppb, and the mortality rate of fishes in each concentration was determined. The results showed that maximum mortality was observed in higher concentrations (6 and 12 ppb) whereas the minimum was found at 0.75 ppb level of cyhalothrin. The LC₅₀ value for the cyhalothrin pesticide on tilapia was found at 2.26 ppb. The histological changes such as gill lesions, necrosis, curling of secondary gill lamellae, hyperplasia and clubbed tips of secondary gill lamellae were observed in gill tissues. In the liver tissues, the irregular shape of the nucleus, melanomacrophage aggregation, hepatolysis and vacuole formation were observed. This toxicity study revealed that cyhalothrin pesticide is highly toxic to tilapia even at a minimum concentration (2.26 ppb), and the responsible use of lambda-cyhalothrin in the agriculture field is recommended.

Joseph, D.; Liya, V.B.; Rojith, G.; Zacharia, P.U., and Grinson, G., 2019. Time series analysis of CMIP5 model and observed sea surface temperature anomaly along Indian coastal zones. In: Jithendran, K.P.; Saraswathy, R.; Balasubramanian, C.P.; Kumaraguru Vasagam, K.P.; Jayasankar, V.; Raghavan, R.; Alavandi, S.V., and Vijayan, K.K. (eds.), BRAQCON 2019: World Brackishwater Aquaculture Conference. Journal of Coastal Research, Special Issue No. 86, pp. 239–247. Coconut Creek (Florida), ISSN 0749-0208.

Analysis of the time series Sea Surface Temperature (SST) variations is a key element in understanding the climate change impacts on the phenology, trophodynamics, distribution, and catch of commercial marine fish species. As SST projections are mostly model dependent, the discrepancy in the model and observed values needs to be elucidated so as to derive accurate interpretations and conclusions. In this paper, the decadal and seasonal variations of SST anomaly over the four coastal zones of India were analysed. The selected period of the study is from 1968 to 2017 and the data obtained from the International Comprehensive Ocean Atmosphere Data Sets (ICOADS) and Max Planck Institute Earth System Model (MPI-ESM) was used. The Coupled Model Intercomparison Project 5 (CMIP5) model data were used for comparison with the observed value. The linear trend of observed and modelled values was inferred using the least square method for four seasons. The seasonal variation of SST anomaly of observed data in four coastal zones of India reveals that Northeast zone exhibits the least trend of warming in all seasons, whereas Northwest zone shows the highest trend of warming. SST anomaly of the first decade in all zones exhibited negative values in all seasons, while last decade shows positive value, indicating warming trend. In other decades, no uniform SST trend for all seasons was observed. However, the Northeast zone is exceptional with negative anomaly during all decades. The warming trend was observed in all coasts for both model and observed values. The model and observed SST anomaly follows an almost similar trend, but with noticeable differences in values among both. Owing to the differences in the model and observed values, it could be emphasised that error corrections needs to be applied in futuristic SST projections and related studies of Indian fisheries.

Sarkar, S.; Rekha, P.N.; Balasubramanian, C.P., and Ambasankar, K., 2019. Bioremediation potential of the brackishwater macroalga Gracilaria tenuistipitata (Rhodophyta) co-cultured with Pacific white shrimp Penaeus vannamei (Boone). In: Jithendran, K.P.; Saraswathy, R.; Balasubramanian, C.P.; Kumaraguru Vasagam, K.P.; Jayasankar, V.; Raghavan, R.; Alavandi, S.V., and Vijayan, K.K. (eds.), BRAQCON 2019: World Brackishwater Aquaculture Conference. Journal of Coastal Research, Special Issue No. 86, pp. 248–254. Coconut Creek (Florida), ISSN 0749-0208.

The rapid development of intensive shrimp culture has aroused increased concerns about its impact on coastal waters. Practicing propensity of a balanced ecosystem based culture approach is the best way towards sustainability. In this context, seaweed based co-culture finds significance but evaluation of its symbiotic nature needs to be ascertained. Accordingly, an outdoor trial was conducted to arrive at the effective biomass intensity of seaweed Gracilaria tenuistipitata for efficient bioremediation as well as growth and survival of Penaeus vannamei. An experiment with five treatments (different biomass intensity, (0, 0.5, 1.5, 2.5 and 3.5 g L^-1) revealed that at a biomass intensity of 3.5 g L^-1, NH₄ – N and PO₄ – P significantly (p <0.05) reduced by 95.71% and 95.74%, respectively in three weeks. It was also observed that turbidity was significantly lowest (0.94 NTU) and specific growth rate was significantly higher (2.86% d^-1) at the same biomass intensity (3.5 g L^-1). Average body weight and specific growth rate of P. vannamei were not significantly increased but survival (99.17%) was significantly (p <0.05) higher. Total bacterial count was also significantly (p <0.05) reduced. This study revealed that seaweed (3.5 g L^-1) – shrimp when co–cultured, improves the water quality and has bioremedial benefits in the culture system.

Sarkar, S.; Rekha, P.N.; Biswas, G.; Ghoshal, T.K.; Ambasankar, K., and Balasubramanian, C.P., 2019. Culture potential of the seaweed, Gracilaria tenuistipitata (Rhodophyta) in brackishwater tide-fed pond system of Sundarban, India. In: Jithendran, K.P.; Saraswathy, R.; Balasubramanian, C.P.; Kumaraguru Vasagam, K.P.; Jayasankar, V.; Raghavan, R.; Alavandi, S.V., and Vijayan, K.K. (eds.), BRAQCON 2019: World Brackishwater Aquaculture Conference. Journal of Coastal Research, Special Issue No. 86, pp. 258-262. Coconut Creek (Florida), ISSN 0749-0208.

Seaweeds are marine macro-algae exploited for the production of commercially important phyco-colloids, such as agar, algin and carrageenan. Natural seaweed stocks are inadequate to meet today's industrial requirements; hence, cultivation of these important resources has become necessary. Seaweed culture in brackishwater environment requires a suitable species, which is adaptable, and accordingly Gracilaria tenuistipitata was identified due to its euryhaline nature, proliferation capacity in turbid waters and bioremediation potential. However, the package of practices for its culture has not been standardized and an attempt was made in the present study to address this issue. Cultivation of the G. tenuistipitata was carried out in a 600-m² brackishwater tide-fed pond at Kakdwip, West Bengal from September 2017 to February 2018 in low salinity (7-8 ppt) condition with the main objective of investigating the effect of depth and initial stocking intensity on the growth of the seaweed. The study revealed an increasing trend for biomass growth at a water depth between 0–0.3 m and after which the growth rate decreased as time progressed. It was also found that specific growth rate was significantly higher at a depth of 0–0.3 m compared to 0.3-0.6 m and 0.6-1.2 m. The concentration of dissolved inorganic nutrients (NH4-N, NO2-N, NO3-N and PO4-P) below 0.05 mg L^-1 appeared sufficient to enable the seaweed to maintain a daily growth rate of more than 2% d^-1 at a water depth between 0–0.3 m. The initial stocking density of 25-50 g/m² with a culture period of one month was found to be optimum for extensive culture of this seaweed in pond system filled with natural estuarine brackishwater throughout the year.

Sivaramakrishnan, T.; Swain, S.; Saravanan, K.; Rajendran, K.S., and Dam Roy, S., 2019. In vitro antioxidant, free radical scavenging activity and chemometric approach to reveal variability in different solvent extracts from selected mangroves of Andaman and Nicobar Islands, India. In: Jithendran, K.P.; Saraswathy, R.; Balasubramanian, C.P.; Kumaraguru Vasagam, K.P.; Jayasankar, V.; Raghavan, R.; Alavandi, S.V., and Vijayan, K.K. (eds.), BRAQCON 2019: World Brackishwater Aquaculture Conference. Journal of Coastal Research, Special Issue No. 86, pp. 263–269. Coconut Creek (Florida), ISSN 0749-0208.

Presence of various secondary metabolites is helpful for mangroves to tolerate biotic and abiotic stressors. In the recent years, the quest for more natural possibilities has led researchers to focus on secondary metabolites produced by plants such as alkaloids, phenolic compounds, terpenoids, flavonoids, glycosides, saponins, tannins, etc. which are reported to possess anti-oxidative, anti-microbial, anti-viral and anti-cancer properties. The present study was aimed to determine the antioxidant activity of mangrove leaf extracts obtained from two species, Rhizophora apiculata and R. mucronata. Four different solvent extracts, methanol, acetone, chloroform and aqueous of two different mangrove species, R. apiculata and R. mucronata were evaluated for their total phenol, flavonoid and antioxidant content such as total antioxidant activity (TAA), DPPH (1, 1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl) radical scavenging activity, ABTS (2, 2-azinobiz-3-ethylbenthiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) radical cation scavenging activity and reducing power (RP). Results revealed that the methanolic extract of R. apiculata exhibited the maximum phenol (168.1±0.96 mg GAE/g) and flavonoid content (117.92±0.51 mg RE/g). Higher total antioxidant activity (103.22±4.17 mg ascorbic acid/g), DPPH (90.16±0.44%), ABTS (99.45±0.14%), radical scavenging activity and reducing power (36.51±0.33 mg/g) were observed in the methanolic extract of R. apiculata. Overall, the methanolic extract of R. apiculata showed better results among the two species, revealing higher antioxidant activity of R. apiculate, and also unravelling the strength of methanol in extracting the active compound.

Vijayan, K.K., 2019. Domestication and genetic improvement of Indian white shrimp, Penaeus indicus: A complimentary native option to exotic Penaeus vannamei. In: Jithendran, K.P.; Saraswathy, R.; Balasubramanian, C.P.; Kumaraguru Vasagam, K.P.; Jayasankar, V.; Raghavan, R.; Alavandi, S.V., and Vijayan, K.K. (eds.), BRAQCON 2019: World Brackishwater Aquaculture Conference. Journal of Coastal Research, Special Issue No. 86, pp. 270–276. Coconut Creek (Florida), ISSN 0749-0208.

Shrimp farming is the economic engine of Indian aquaculture, where the annual production touched 0.7 million tons in 2017-18, valued over ₹30,000 crores. However, the sustainability of shrimp farming and production raises serious questions due to its single species focus, where 90% of the production is of the exotic Pacific white shrimp. Of late, several issues of shrimp aquaculture in India with special reference to Penaeus vannamei farming have been reported and are being discussed. Although the introduction of P. vannamei revolutionized shrimp aquaculture in India since 2010, recently aquaculture of P. vannamei has shown several problems owing to multiple reasons viz., a decline in the productivity, emerging pathogens and increasing trend in production cost. In this context, the potential of development of native penaeid shrimp, the Indian white shrimp, P. indicus was critically evaluated. Present and past research work carried out in India towards the domestication of P. indicus indicate comparative advantages of domestication of the Indian white shrimp. The use of native species has many physiological advantages while avoiding many risks related to environmental issues and the introduction of exotic pathogens. High genetic diversity of P. indicus improves the effectiveness of selective breeding programs and provides one more option for the shrimp farmers towards sustainable shrimp farming.