Successful transportation of wild stock of endangered "Thooli" (Labeo dussumieri) spawners without anaesthetics

Several problems are encountered during transportation of fishes from wild to captivity. The note describes successful transportation of wild caught endangered Labeo dussumieri spawners over distances below 100 km without anesthesia or sophisticated transporting devices which is of immense help in the gene banking programme of endangered species

Ecosystem Responses in the Distribution of Black Clam (Villorita cyprinoides) Beds in Vembanad Estuary during Environmental Changes Using GIS and RS

The biomass and distribution of black clam (Villorita cyprinoides) in Vembanad, a tropical estuary located along the southwest coast of India varied significantly. Sampling was done in freshwater-dominated zone in the south (distal) and brackish water zone in the north (proximal), during pre and post monsoon seasons. Clam biomass was estimated from samples, collected from different stations during the study period. Water transparency and temperature were measured at the sample sites. Water samples were collected and analysed for salinity, dissolved oxygen (DO), pH and hardness. There was a significant difference in the clam biomass during the two seasons in the distal zone, and those collected from the distal and proximal zones during premonsoon season. The data were further analysed to determine the factors affecting the clam biomass distribution in the two zones and seasons. Factor analyses, comparing the distal zone during two seasons and zonal variations were similar to earlier observations. Step wise regression analyses found that dissolved oxygen (adjusted R2 = 0.3) is the only variable affecting clam survival during pre-monsoon period in the distal and proximal zones. A geographic map of the region obtained from the Indian satellite sensor LISS (Linear Image Self Scanner) was used along with in situ data to map the results using inverse distance weightage model

Breeding of endemic catfish, Horabagrus brachysoma in captive conditions

Asian seabass or barramundi (Lates calcarifer) is an important food fish with commercial value and a wide geographic distribution. Though some reports based on molecular and/or morphological data exist, a comprehensive effort to establish species identity across its range is lacking. In order to address this issue and especially to ascertain whether the wide-spread distribution has resulted in bifurcation of the species, we collected Asian seabass samples from various locations representing the Western and Eastern Coastline of India, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Bangladesh and Australia. Samples from Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand and Singapore were collected as part of a previous study. DNA sequence variations, including cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (COI), 16S rDNA and the highly variable D-loop (or control region), were examined to establish species delineation. Data from all the sequences analyzed concordantly point to the existence of at least two distinct species—one representing the Indian subcontinent plus Myanmar, and a second, representing Southeast Asia (Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand and Indonesia) plus Northern Australia. These data are useful for conservation ecology, aquaculture management, for establishing the extent of genetic diversity in the Asian seabass and implementing selective breeding programs for members of this species complex

Low Genetic Differentiation in the Populations of the Malabar Carp Labeo dussumieri as revealed by Allozymes, Microsatellites and RAPD

The population structure of Labeo dussumieri, an endangered and endemic cyprinid from three riverine locations in the Western Ghats, India was investigated using allozyme, microsatellite and RAPD markers. L. dussumieri samples were obtained from Meenachil, Manimala and Pamba River basins, Kerala. Fourteen (46.7%) out of 30 allozyme loci, seven microsatellite loci and 12 RAPD Operon decamers gave polymorphic pattern. Six allozyme loci (AAT-2*, EST-4*, GLDH*, GPI-2*, G6PDH* and LDH-2*) and three microsatellite loci (LdussG1, MFW19 and Bgon22) exhibited consistent significant deviation from Hardy-Weinberg Equilibrium expectations in different populations after probability level (P<0.05) was adjusted for sequential Bonferroni correction. All the three marker types demonstrated concordant results and various estimates revealed genetic variability within the subpopulations but surprisingly low level (= 0.0034 to 0.0081) of genetic differentiation among L. dussumieri from different river samples. AMOVA analysis also indicated low differentiation among subpopulations. No evidence for a recent genetic bottleneck was observed in L. dussumieri populations based on allozyme and microsatellite data set analysis. Meenachil, Manimala and Pamba Rivers open in to the southern end of Vembanad Lake in Kerala and are connected to each other in the lower reaches through an extensive network of natural canals. Common ancestry in the prehistoric period; and possible mixing of fish populations resulting in high gene flow across the rivers through the lake and interconnecting canals could have been responsible for the lack of significant allelic heterogeneity among the L. dussumieri populations. The stocks from the three rivers do not require different management strategies and for propagation assisted river ranching programme of this species, large effective breeding population can be developed by mixing individuals from three river

LHC Magnet Tests: Operational Techniques and Empowerment for Successful Completion

The LHC magnet tests operation team developed various innovative techniques, particularly since early 2004, to complete the superconductor magnet tests by Feb. 2007. Overall and cryogenic priority handling, rapid on-bench thermal cycling, rule-based goodness evaluation on round-the-clock basis, multiple, mashed web systems are some of these techniques applied with rigour for successful tests completion in time. This paper highlights these operation empowerment tools which had a pivotal role for success. A priority handling method was put in place to enable maximum throughput from twelve test benches, having many different constraints. For the cryogenics infrastructure, it implied judicious allocation of limited resources to the benches. Rapid On-Bench Thermal Cycle was a key strategy to accelerate magnets tests throughput, saving time and simplifying logistics. First level magnet appraisal was developed for 24 hr decision making so as to prepare a magnet further for LHC or keep it on standby. Web based systems (Tests Management and E-Traveller) were other essential ideas to track & coordinate various stages of tests handled by different teams