Dubuc, A., Rummer, J.L., Vigliola, L., and Lemonnier, H. (2024) Coping with environmental degradation: Physiological and morphological adjustments of wild mangrove fish to decades of aquaculture-induced nutrient enrichment. Marine Pollution Bulletin, 205. 116599.

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Abstract

The impact of eutrophication on wild fish individuals is rarely reported. We compared physiological and morphological traits of Siganus lineatus chronically exposed to aquaculture-induced eutrophication in the wild with individuals living at a control site. Eutrophication at the impacted site was confirmed by elevated organic matter (up to 150 % higher), phytoplankton (up to 7 times higher), and reduced oxygen (up to 60 % lower). Physiological and morphological traits of S. lineatus differed significantly between the two sites. Fish from the impacted site exhibited elevated hypoxia tolerance, increased gill surface area, shorter oxygen diffusion distances, and altered blood oxygen-carrying capacity. Elevated blood lactate and scope for anaerobic ATP production were observed, suggesting enhanced survival below critical oxygen levels. A significant 8.5 % increase in metabolic costs and altered allometric scaling, related to environmental degradation, were recorded. Our study underscores eutrophication's profound impact at the organism-level and the importance to mitigate it.

Item ID:	85590
Item Type:	Article (Research - C1)
ISSN:	1879-3363
Copyright Information:	© 2024 Elsevier Ltd. All rights are reserved, including those for text and data mining, AI training, and similar technologies.
Date Deposited:	22 May 2025 02:42
FoR Codes:	41 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES > 4105 Pollution and contamination > 410599 Pollution and contamination not elsewhere classified @ 50% 31 BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES > 3103 Ecology > 310305 Marine and estuarine ecology (incl. marine ichthyology) @ 50%
SEO Codes:	18 ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT > 1805 Marine systems and management > 180502 Assessment and management of pelagic marine ecosystems @ 100%
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