Effect of oceanic turbulence on the survival of yellowfin tuna larvae
S.
Kimura, H. Nakata, D. Margulies, A.M. Sutter, S.L. Hunt-2004
Nippon
Suisan Gakkaishi, 70(2): 175-178
Abstract:
Tank
experiments were conducted to study the effect of oceanic turbulence on the
survival of first feeding larvae of yellowfin tuna. Several levels of
turbulence intensity were provided by changing the amount of air bubbles
released from air−stones in the tanks containing yellowfin tuna
larvae. The results showed that there is an optimal turbulence intensity
which enhances larval survival. This turbulence intensity was equivalent to
approximately 1−2×10−8 m−2s−3
as an energy dissipation rate, suggesting that the surface mixed layer of
equatorial oceans used for spawning by the yellowfin tuna is a suitable
environment for the survivals of larvae.
(Ocean
Research Institute, University of Tokyo, Nakano, Tokyo 164-8639, Japan)