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The Strait of Gibraltar is an important habitat for seven regularly occurring cetacean species. These waters are heavily used for fishing and therefore experience extraordinary levels of shipping traffic. Photography provides a valuable and non-invasive tool to monitor the health of cetacean populations, where external injuries may indicate specific anthropogenic impacts, such as vessel strikes or fishery interactions. We manually screened 27,866 photos taken during whale-watching operations between 2016-20 for human-induced injuries. Injuries of potential anthropogenic origin were detected in 228 cases. The severity of these injuries ranged from superficial linear marks to severe traumas that may affect survival and fitness. Severe injuries included a gunshot wound, vessel-related traumata and abrasions, signs of previous severe entanglements and deep lacerations which could stem from recreational fishery activities or propellor cuts and occasionally served as an entry point for dermal infections. In 2007, Spanish legislation introduced regulations on how to approach cetaceans by boat, but recreational fishery vessels have been commonly observed to disregard this law. We therefore urge stricter control and enforcement of existing laws and collaboration between the Spanish and Moroccan authorities to mitigate the human impact on cetaceans in this region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cetacean populations in the Strait of Gibraltar are heavily impacted by human activities. Photographs are a valuable tool to monitor the external health of cetaceans. We visually screened 27,866 pictures taken during whale watching operations in the years 2016-2020 for abnormal conditions, such as emaciation, dermal diseases and epizoic infestations. Prevalence levels could not be calculated as data were obtained opportunistically. Dermal diseases were detected in 566 sightings and occurred in all species. Bottlenose dolphins were most strongly affected (n = 192). Hypopigmented skin lesions were most common in all species (n = 291). Tattoo skin disease‐like lesions affected 16 animals (T. truncatus: n = 12; G. melas: n = 3; D. delphis: n = 1). Other observed conditions include expansive annular lesions in three juvenile pilot whales. Furthermore, we report the presence of open wounds in 28 animals (G. melas: n = 23; T. truncatus: n = 2; P. macrocephalus: n = 3). In three pilot whales, these wounds did not heal over a period of several years. Epizoic and ectoparasitic infestations include the observation of Xenobalanus spp. and Pennella balaenopterae. Multiple fin whales were sighted with very high numbers of Pennella balaenopterae, ranging up to 84 parasites per host. Emaciation was mainly detected in bottlenose dolphins (n = 36) and seemed to affect these animals more severely during specific years, potentially indicating fluctuations in prey availability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Colonization events, range expansions and species invasions leave genetic signatures in the genomes of invasive organisms and produce intricate special patterns. Predictions have been made as to how those patterns arise, but only very rarely, genetic processes can be monitored in real time during range expansions. In an attempt to change that, we track a very recently established invasive population of a fish species, the bighead goby Ponticola kessleri, with high temporal and spatial resolution through 2 years to identify patterns over time. We then compare Swiss and German samples of bighead goby along the river Rhine using microsatellites, mitochondrial D-loop sequences and geometric morphometrics to investigate geographic patterns. We detect weak temporal and strong geographic patterns in the data, which are inconsistent with isolation by distance and indicate long range transport. In search of an explanation for our observations, we analyse the vector properties and travel patterns of commercial vessels on the river Rhine. We present evidence that freshwater cargo ships and tankers are plausible vectors for larvae of invasive goby species. We also present indications that cargo ships and tankers act as differential vectors for this species. In summary, we present genetic data at unique temporal resolution from a vertebrate invasion front and substantiate the paramount role of commercial shipping in freshwater fish translocations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Understanding the factors that determine successful salmonid embryo incubation in the many structurally modified river systems of the Northern Hemisphere is crucial for maintaining healthy salmonid populations. In this context, the joint impact of fine sediment accumulation together with anthropogenic river modifications on salmonid embryo survival has been rarely investigated., We investigated brown trout embryo survival to hatch ( STH) together with ten physicochemical, hydraulic and morphological parameters in artificial brown trout redds in a heavily modified stream (i.e. channelized, artificial log steps) in central Switzerland. We were interested to understand whether (i) STH is more sensitive to the timing and duration of low oxygen rather than a mean oxygen concentration, (ii) STH was negatively affected by increased fine sediment deposition decreasing redd gravel permeability, (iii) higher water levels, causing fine sediment resuspension, benefit STH, (iv) STH was negatively affected by organic content in the redds and especially (v) hydraulic gradients related to redd scale bed-form and/or the artificial step structure benefit embryo STH, and hence could mitigate the negative impact of fine sediment and/or organic content., Up to 50%, brown trout embryos survived with interstitial oxygen exceeding 3 mg L−1. Embryos endured up to 6 days ≤ 1 mg L−1 but were more sensitive to oxygen depletion close to hatch. Therefore, timing and duration of low oxygen were important for embryo STH, and hence, oxygen dynamics need to be considered when assessing in redd conditions for salmonid STH., Partial least squares regression identified the horizontal hydraulic gradient, Fredle index, distance to artificial log steps upstream and amount of accumulated fine sediment as influential predictors for embryo STH. The water level above the redd and total organic carbon content in the redd were not influential. Among the identified influential predictors, 70.9% of the variation in STH could be explained by a logistic regression model containing redd distance to the next upstream step (26.4%, P = 0.004), Fredle index (27.2%, P = 0.003) and horizontal hydraulic gradient (10.1%, P = 0.04). In the logistic regression, the amount of accumulated fine sediment ( P = 0.75), field seasons ( P = 0.93) and field sites ( P = 0.66) was non-significant., In summary, brown trout STH was sensitive to redd gravel permeability, which was measured as Fredle index and affected by fine sediment deposition. At the same time, hydraulic gradients related to artificial log steps, which enhanced hyporheic exchange, benefited embryo STH, and hence mitigated fine sediment impact. This result can be probably transferred to other surface water-dominated river systems with good hyporheic water quality. To what extent it can be transferred to river systems with other hydraulic boundary conditions remains to be evaluated. Altogether, our results clearly indicate that the impact of fine sediment on salmonid incubation success needs to be understood in the hydrological and morphological context of the particular river system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A range of chemicals found in the aquatic environment have the potential to influence endocrine function and affect sexual development by mimicking or antagonizing the effects of hormones, or by altering the synthesis and metabolism of hormones. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether the effects of chemicals interfering with sex hormone synthesis may affect the regulation of early ovarian development via the modulation of sex steroid and insulin-like growth factor (IGF) systems. To this end, ex vivo ovary cultures of juvenile brown trout ( Salmo trutta fario) were exposed for 2 days to either 1,4,6-androstatriene-3,17-dione (ATD, a specific aromatase inhibitor), prochloraz (an imidazole fungicide), or tributyltin (TBT, a persistent organic pollutant). Further, juvenile female brown trout were exposed in vivo for 2 days to prochloraz or TBT. The ex vivo and in vivo ovarian gene expression of the aromatase (CYP19), responsible for estrogen production, and of IGF1 and 2 were compared. Moreover, 17β-estradiol (E2) and testosterone (T) production from ex vivo ovary cultures was assessed. Ex vivo exposure to ATD inhibited ovarian E2 synthesis, while T levels accumulated. However, ATD did not affect ex vivo expression of cyp19, igf1, or igf2. Ex vivo exposure to prochloraz inhibited ovarian E2 production, but did not affect T levels. Further prochloraz up-regulated igf1 expression in both ex vivo and in vivo exposures. TBT exposure did not modify ex vivo synthesis of either E2 or T. However, in vivo exposure to TBT down-regulated igf2 expression. The results indicate that ovarian inhibition of E2 production in juvenile brown trout might not directly affect cyp19 and igf gene expression. Thus, we suggest that the test chemicals may interfere with both sex steroid and IGF systems in an independent manner, and based on published literature, potentially lead to endocrine dysfunction and altered sexual development. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol 29: 199-206, 2014. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Empirical measurements on fine sediment dynamics and fine sediment infiltration and accumulation have been conducted worldwide, but it is difficult to compare the results because the applied methods differ widely. We compared common methods to capture temporal and spatial dynamics of suspended sediment (SS), fine sediment infiltration and accumulation and tested them for their suitability in a small, canalized river of the Swiss Plateau. Measurement suitability was assessed by data comparison, relation to hydrological data and in the context of previously published data. SS concentration and load were assessed by optical backscatter (OBS) sensors and SS samplers. The former exhibit a better temporal resolution, but were associated with calibration problems. Due to the relatively low cost and easy mounting of SS samplers, they can provide a higher spatial distribution in the river's cross section. The latter resulted in a better correlation between sediment infiltration and SS load assessed by SS samplers than SS concentrations measured with OBS sensors. Sediment infiltration baskets and bedload traps capture the temporal and spatial distribution of fine sediment infiltration. Data obtained by both methods were positively correlated with water level and SS. In contrast, accumulation baskets do not assess the temporal behaviour of fine sediment, but the net accumulation over a certain time period. Less fine sediment accumulated in upwelling zones and within areas of higher mean water level due to scouring of fine sediments. Even though SS and sediment infiltration assessed with the bedload traps increased from up- to downstream, less fine sediment accumulated downstream. This is probably also attributable to more scouring downstream. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Empirical measurements on fine sediment dynamics, infiltration and accumulation have been conducted worldwide, but it is difficult to compare the results because the applied methods differ widely. We compared established methods to capture temporal and spatial dynamics of suspended sediment (SS), fine sediment infiltration and accumulation and tested them for their suitability in small, canalized rivers of the Swiss Plateau. Suitability was assessed by data comparison, relation to hydrological data and in the context of previously published data. SS were assessed by optical backscatter (OBS) sensors and SS samplers. The former exhibit a better temporal resolution but were associated with calibration problems. Due to the relatively low cost and easy mounting of SS samplers, they can provide a higher spatial distribution in the cross section. This results in a better correlation between sediment infiltration and SS assessed by SS samplers than with OBS sensors. Sediment infiltration baskets and bedload traps were able to resolve the temporal and spatial distribution of fine sediment infiltration. Data obtained by both methods were positively correlated with water level and SS. In contrast, accumulation baskets can not assess the temporal behavior of fine sediment but the accumulation over a certain time period. Results indicate that less fine sediment accumulated in upwelling zones and within areas of higher mean water level due to scouring of fine sediment. Even though there was an increase of SS and sediment assessed with the bedload traps from up- to downstream, less fine sediment accumulated downstream. This is probably also due to more scouring downstream. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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The incidence of intersex in feral populations of brown trout Salmo trutta in Switzerland is reported. The affected brown trout showed spermatogenic activity in ovarian tissue. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An active monitoring (caging experiment) and a passive monitoring (sampling of wild fish) were performed to investigate the effects of effluent from a sewage treatment works (STW) on brown trout (Salmo trutta) by histopathological examinations of the skin, gill, liver and kidney. Histopathological lesions were evaluated according to a standardised assessment tool, which allows calculation of indices for every organ. According to the results of both monitorings, trout exposed to river water supplemented with treated waste water from the STW Lyss showed higher histopathological indices than trout caught upstream of the discharge point of the STW or kept in river water only. These results indicate a negative effect of treated waste water from the STW on the histopathological status of the examined organs of brown trout. Both monitoring approaches revealed the liver to be the most affected organ compared with reference fish. However, data from the two monitoring approaches were not completely consistent: histologically the gills were the most sensitive organ to the effects of treated waste water in the active monitoring, but were not affected in the passive monitoring. The data provide relevant information about both the comparability and the pros and cons of the two monitoring approaches to assess effects of pollution on histopathological alterations in fish. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract This study presents an overview of the distribution of proliferative kidney disease (PKD) in wild and farmed fish in Switzerland based on two sources: (1) the results of routine diagnostic work at the National Fish Disease Laboratory, and (2) the results of a country-wide survey for PKD. The first case of PKD in Switzerland was diagnosed in 1979 and since 1981, a few cases have been found every year. Affected species were rainbow trout, brown trout and grayling from rivers and fish farms. Most of the diseased fish were found in the lower altitude regions of the country (Swiss midlands). A seasonal distribution of the cases was evident: PKD-positive fish occurred only from June to November withprominent peaks in August and September. Among infected fish all length classes were present, but the highest numbers of affected fish were found in the length classes <10 cm and 16–20 cm. The evaluation of the samples from a survey of the occurrence of PKD in 2000/2001 revealed a much broader geographical distribution of the infection than expected from routine diagnostic observations. Fish from 56 of 139 rivers analysed by histological examination were positive for parasites. Fish from 131 of these sites were examined macroscopically. Of these, trout from 45 sites showed gross alterations indicative for PKD. Most of the positive fish were found in the Swiss midlands north of the Alps. Fish from six of 65 fish farms investigated were found to be PKD-positive by histopathological analysis, and in four of these cases fish could be identified as infected on the basis of gross examination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The detection of vitellogenin, a yolk precursor protein, may serve as a biomarker for exposure to environmental oestrogens as its induction by xenobiotic oestrogens in the immature and male fish has been reported repeatedly. In the present work, juvenile brown trout were injected with oestradiol (5 μg g−1 body weight oestradiol benzoate) in order to assess the induction and organ distribution of vitellogenin by means of immunohistochemistry. In addition, brown trout collected from Swiss rivers were analysed. Vitellogenin was detected in the oestradiol-injected juvenile trout but not in uninjected controls. The presence of vitellogenin was also demonstrated in a male and an immature feral brown trout from one of two locations downstream of three sewage treatment plants. In contrast, no positive staining was found in livers of trout upstream of the respective plants. The results demonstrate the suitability of immunohistochemistry for monitoring feral fish fo r the presence of vitellogenin production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This is the first report on a primary culture of dispersed skin epidermal cells of rainbow trout Oncorhynchus mykiss Walbaum. These primary cells revealed a low seeding efficiency after 3 days (11.6 ± 4.6%), whereas subcultured cells had a higher seeding efficiency at the same time point (75.5 ± 34.0%) and increased in cell number (150 – 200% of seeded cells after 20 to 30 days). The cells were characterized applying histological, immunocytochemical and ultrastructural methods. The culture consisted of undifferentiated keratinocytes. Mucous cells as well as differentiated epithelial cells were absent. To date the cells were cultured for maximally 9 passages and 402 days and therefore provide the possibility for long-term studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Discusses the studies conducted on proliferative kidney disease in Swiss fish. Establishment of the Fishnet project to investigate declining fish yield; Factors affecting the health of aquatic resources; Background on the diseases.

Ultrastructural alterations in liver and gills of embryonic and larval zebrafish (Danio rerio) following prolonged exposure to waterborne0.05, 0.5, and 5 mg/L 4-chloroaniline for up to 31 days as well as after a 14-day regeneration period were investigated by means of lightand electron microscopy. Acute toxicity was also tested at 25 and 50mg/L. Survival of zebrafish embryos and larvae was only impaired from 25 mg/L 4-chloroaniline, but -- after a transient stimulation following exposure to 0.5 mg/L -- 4-chloroaniline hatching was retarded after exposure to =/> 5 mg/L, and fish displayed increasing rates of abnormal development and pigmentation. In contrast, hepatocytes displayed a time- and dose-dependent response from 0.05 mg/L 4-chloroaniline, including changes in nuclei, mitochondria, peroxisomes, endoplasmicreticulum, Golgi fields, lysosomes, and hepatic glycogen and lipid stores, as well as invasion of macrophages. In gills, dose-dependent effects were evident from 0.5 mg/L 4-chloroaniline and included deformation of secondary lamellae due to vacuolization and desquamation of respiratory epithelial cells in conjunction with dilation of intercellular spaces. Respiratory epithelial cells displayed progressive mitochondrial changes, induction of cytoplasmic myelinated structures, augmentation of lysosomes, and modifications of Golgi fields. Erythrocytes were severely deformed. A 14-day regeneration period was sufficient for almost complete recovery of pathological symptoms in both liver and gills. Only minor volumetric changes in hepatocellular organelles and a limited number of myelinated bodies, lysosomes, and cytoplasmic vacuoles were reminiscent of prior 4-chloroaniline exposure. In both qualitative and quantitative terms, most effects in hepatocytes after exposure of embryonic and larval zebrafish to waterborne 4-chloroaniline are comparable to the reaction of hepatocytes in adult zebrafish liver after prolonged sublethal exposure as well as in larval zebraf [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Water pollution induces pathological changes in fish. As an indicator of exposure to contaminants, histology represents a useful tool to assess the degree of pollution, particularly for sub-lethal and chronic effects. However, a standardized method for the description and assessment of histological changes, mainly for use in freshwater fish, is still lacking. In this paper, the present authors propose a standardized tool for the assessment of histological findings which can be applied to different organs. The methodology is based on two factors: (1) the extension of a pathological change is rated with a ‘score value’; and (2) the pathological importance of this alteration is defined as an ‘importance factor’. The sum of the multiplied score values and importance factors of all diagnosed changes results in different indices. With these indices, statistical analysis can be carried out. Assessment methods for the gills, liver, kidney and skin are described. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]