AkvaVis - dynamic GIS-tool for siting of fish farms for new aquaculture species : environmental quality requirements for new aquaculture species and Atlantic salmon

AkvaVis is a dynamic GIS tool for siting fish farms, and this report describes a prototype version for mussel farms. AkvaVis combines mappable characteristics such as depth, currents and distance from other objects, and it enables objects to communicate their properties to one another in order to determine the best locations for farms. AkvaVis also calculates the carrying capacity of individual sites by means of mathematical simulation models. The prototype has been developed for the Hardangerfjord, and the report provides a survey of the topography, hydrography and currents of this fjord. With the further development of the system in mind, it also provides an overview of the environmental requirements for new farmed species, as well as for salmon

Geographic information systems (GIS) as tools for better integrated coastal zone planning and management (ICZP/M)

Geographic information systems (GIS) has practical applications in many areas, one of them being integrated coastal zone planning and management (ICZP/M). GIS can help combine several types of data from different sectors and may provide an overview over the various uses of the coastal zone. However, if full benefit is to be gained from GIS there are a number of problems and considerations that must be addressed. Some of the most important ones are briefly described in the paper and include lack of standardisation on various levels, problems when choosing the themes to be analysed and lack of data quality assurance. As an example of the application of GIS in coastal zone management we have chosen the identification of suitable areas for marine fish farming

The effect of low temperatures and photoperiods on growth in Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar)

This thesis examines the growth response of Atlantic salmon post-smolt (Salmo salar) in a factorial experiment with three temperatures and two light regimes. The aim of this study was to investigate under laboratory conditions the interaction between photoperiod and temperature in order to make recommendations on the use of additional cage light under low temperatures in Northern Norway. The experimental part of the study was conducted at the High Technology Centre in Bergen in the period from October 15th 2013 until March 17th 2014. 1140 post-smolt (96 g SE ± 3.1) were distributed in six groups, and exposed to 4.3 (4), 6.5 (6) and 9.3 (9) °C, and either natural light regime of Tromsø (LDN, N 69° 40`) or LDN 24:0. Each group consisted of two replicate tanks for a total of 12 tanks. Subsets of 20 fish in each replicate, approximately 240 fish in total, were individually tagged to follow individual growth responses. Growth was measured as increase in weight and fork length from the start of the experiment to four time points including the end of the experiment at day 145. Feed intake was monitored during the last 4 weeks of the trial period. Blood glucose, Na+, HCO3-, CO2 partial pressure, dorsal fin area, heart weight, liver weight and gill tissue were also sampled or measured in order to identify physiological and welfare effects of photoperiod and temperature treatments. Samples for measurement of filet quality were also taken (by Dr. Bjørn Roth, NOFIMA Stavanger) and are partly presented in this thesis. The fish exposed to low temperature and natural light regime (4LDN) had a significantly lower growth (26 % less in overall SGR) than the 4LL group, corresponding to the effect of approx. 1.2 °C temperature increase. Fish in the 6 °C and 9 °C groups did not show any significant growth benifit of continuous light (LL). Compared to the 4LDN group, the 4LL group showed overall higher condition factor, higher total feed conversion efficiency, lower levels of blood Na+ and lower hepato-somatic and cardio-somatic indexes. A negative correlation between growth rate and filet hardness was observed, but no direct correlation between temperature and light was shown

Mathematical Modelling of Nitric Oxide/Cyclic GMP/Cyclic AMP Signalling in Platelets

Platelet activation contributes to normal haemostasis but also to pathologic conditions like stroke and cardiac infarction. Signalling by cGMP and cAMP inhibit platelet activation and are therefore attractive targets for thrombosis prevention. However, extensive cross-talk between the cGMP and cAMP signalling pathways in multiple tissues complicates the selective targeting of their activities. We have used mathematical modelling based on experimental data from the literature to quantify the steady state behaviour of nitric oxide (NO)/cGMP/cAMP signalling in platelets. The analysis provides an assessment of NO-induced cGMP synthesis and PKG activation as well as cGMP-mediated cAMP and PKA activation though modulation of phosphodiesterase (PDE2 and 3) activities. Both one- and two-compartment models of platelet cyclic nucleotide signalling are presented. The models provide new insight for understanding how NO signalling to cGMP and indirectly cAMP, can inhibit platelet shape-change, the initial step of platelet activation. Only the two-compartment models could account for the experimental observation that NO-mediated PKA activation can occur when the bulk platelet cAMP level is unchanged. The models revealed also a potential for hierarchical interplay between the different platelet phosphodiesterases. Specifically, the models predict, unexpectedly, a strong effect of pharmacological inhibitors of cGMP-specific PDE5 on the cGMP/cAMP cross-talk. This may explain the successful use of weak PDE5-inhibitors, such as dipyridamole, in anti-platelet therapy. In conclusion, increased NO signalling or PDE5 inhibition are attractive ways of increasing cGMP-cAMP cross-talk selectively in platelets

AkvaVis - dynamisk GIS-verktøy for lokalisering av oppdrettsanlegg for nye oppdrettsarter : miljøkrav for nye oppdrettsarter og laks

AkvaVis is a dynamic GIS tool for siting fish farms, and this report describes a prototype version for mussel farms. AkvaVis combines mappable characteristics such as depth, currents and distance from other objects, and it enables objects to communicate their properties to one another in order to determine the best locations for farms. AkvaVis also calculates the carrying capacity of individual sites by means of mathematical simulation models. The prototype has been developed for the Hardangerfjord, and the report provides a survey of the topography, hydrography and currents of this fjord. With the further development of the system in mind, it also provides an overview of the environmental requirements for new farmed species, as well as for salmon

Flesh quality of Atlantic salmon smolts reared at different temperatures and photoperiods

Possible interactive effects of temperature and photoperiod on flesh quality in Atlantic salmon post‐smolts were studied. Juvenile (initial mean weight 96.0 g ± 3.1 SEM ) Atlantic salmon were reared at six different combinations of temperatures (4.3, 6.5 or 9.3°C) and photoperiods (continuous light or simulated natural photoperiod). At termination of the trial, the fish were slaughtered and flesh samples taken to investigate quality and textural properties in the different experimental groups. Final weight in the six experimental groups varied between 174 and 345 g. Softer texture was seen in the fast growing groups. Photoperiod has only minor effect on flesh quality and textural properties, whereas temperature had significant impact on most of the measured variables. Although positive for growth, higher temperatures might be less favourable in relation to softer muscle tissue

Flesh quality of Atlantic salmon smolts reared at different temperatures and photoperiods

Possible interactive effects of temperature and photoperiod on flesh quality in Atlantic salmon post‐smolts were studied. Juvenile (initial mean weight 96.0 g ± 3.1 SEM) Atlantic salmon were reared at six different combinations of temperatures (4.3, 6.5 or 9.3°C) and photoperiods (continuous light or simulated natural photoperiod). At termination of the trial, the fish were slaughtered and flesh samples taken to investigate quality and textural properties in the different experimental groups. Final weight in the six experimental groups varied between 174 and 345 g. Softer texture was seen in the fast growing groups. Photoperiod has only minor effect on flesh quality and textural properties, whereas temperature had significant impact on most of the measured variables. Although positive for growth, higher temperatures might be less favourable in relation to softer muscle tissue

Flesh quality of Atlantic salmon smolts reared at different temperatures and photoperiods

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