Preface

Chapter 7 **Marine Snails of the Genus Phorcus: Biology and Ecology of**

Chapter 8 **Freshwater Crustaceans Decadpos: An Important Resource of**

Chapter 9 **Assessment of Proximate and Bioactive Lipid Composition of**

Chapter 10 **Biological and Medicinal Importance of Sponge 201** Musarat Amina and Nawal M. Al Musayeib

Chapter 11 **Chemical Ecology of Biocompounds in Molluscs 231**

**Section 2 Conservation and Sustainable Management 247**

Chapter 12 **Genetic Applications in the Conservation of Neotropical**

Chapter 13 **Status of the Important Bioresources of Girwa River with**

Hari Singh and Sandeep Kumar Behera

**and Prawn Farming in Indonesia 297**

Vito Antonio Mastrochirico Filho, Milena V. Freitas, Raquel B. Ariede, Lieschen V.G. Lira, Natália J. Mendes and Diogo T.

**Special Reference to Ganges River Dolphin (Platanista**

Chapter 14 **Closed Aquaculture System: Zero Water Discharge for Shrimp**

**gangetica gangetica) in Katerniaghat Wildlife Sanctuary, Uttar**

Gede Suantika, Magdalena Lenny Situmorang, Pingkan Aditiawati, Dea Indriani Astuti, Fahma Fiqhiyyah Nur Azizah and Harish

Paulo Henriques

**VI** Contents

**Guatemala 169**

Frausto-Martínez

Nooshin Sadjadi

**Freshwater Fish 249**

**Pradesh, India 285**

Hashimoto

Muhammad

**Sentinel Species for Human Impacts on the Rocky Shores 141** Ricardo Sousa, João Delgado, José A. González, Mafalda Freitas and

Juan Carlos Tejeda-Mazariegos, Luis Manuel Mejía Ortíz, Marilú López-Mejía, Keith A. Crandall, Marcos Pérez-Losada and Oscar

**Black Sea Mussels (M. galloprovincialis) from Bulgaria 181** Albena Merdzhanova, Diana A. Dobreva and Veselina Panayotova

Growth of human civilisation, from time immemorial, depended largely on biological re‐ sources. Ancient humans understood the significance of biological resources needed for their survival and perpetuation. Hunter-gatherer mode of life of many primitive societies relied on forest and river resources for alleviation of hunger. They derived nutrition from such sources that are thought to influence their general biological traits like physical and mental development, reproduction, migration and immunity. Problem related to its steady and uni‐ form availability pushed these societies towards farming, agriculture and fishery. The earli‐ est form of fishery dealt with hunting and trapping of aquatic species with or without tools and fishing devices. This primitive form of capture fishery was later developed into a sys‐ tematic culture of aquatic species ensuring larger and definitive harvestation. The practice of primitive fishing technologies and gears among some of the primitive tribes indicates their traditional dependence over aquatic bioresource. Archaeologists unearthed an oyster shell mound among debris near the banks of a river at modern-day Maryland, which is thought to be an early human settlement in the USA. Shellfish like oysters were important dietary re‐ source in the early riverside settlement. Biological resources of water, which include fish, oyster, mussel, crab, prawn, octopus, sponge and plant species among others, bear dietary, nutritional, pharmaceutical, ecological and economical significance and prospect. Many of the biological resources of water are either edible or act as a source of ethnomedicine and contribute greatly on global economics related to aquaculture. However, the basics of biolo‐ gy, ecology and taxonomy of many aquatic species are yet to be investigated thoroughly. Deterioration of air and water quality associated with habitat destruction has been identified as a major ecological threat for the aquatic flora and fauna with resource potential. This sit‐ uation has been worsened in recent years under the backdrop of climate change.

Issues related to rational utilisation, conservation and access to the aquatic bioresources are linked with sustainable resource management and honouring the common natural property right of the masses of many underdeveloped and developing countries. In this book, with two sections, issues concerning biology, ecology, physiology, genetic characterisation, con‐ servation and management of the aquatic bioresources have been discussed with supportive scientific data. It will provide a holistic view of the past and present status of the important biological resources of high ecological and economic values. In Section 1, entitled "Biology, Ecology and Physiological Chemistry", the authors discuss the pivotal issues related to biol‐ ogy, diversity and molecular physiology of the established biological resources of water. Molecular physiology of egg-laying in cuttlefish, an important biological resource of marine ecosystem, is discussed. The authors highlight the significance of chemical communication in the process of egg aggregation. Molecular orchestration of neuropeptides involved in en‐ vironmental cue integration, ovarian regulatory peptides and sex pheromones is explained.

Composition and developmental characteristics of egg case formation are elucidated. Molec‐ ular events ensuring the successful reproduction of cuttlefish would provide a better under‐ standing of the reproductive physiology and management of this resource in its natural habitat. Endocrine-disrupting chemical compounds are posing serious ecophysiological threats to many aquatic organisms with high resource potential in recent years. Freshwater pond snails are established as unique indicators of aquatic contamination. Various repro‐ ductive parameters like fecundity, oocyte and egg mass production, egg mass quality, time window of cell division in the offspring and metabolite content of zygote are experimentally evaluated for reproductive markers of aquatic contamination of steroids in snail. The pros‐ pect of pond snail as a model of environmental risk assessment is discussed from a novel viewpoint. A polymarker approach involving the physiological and behavioural parameters related to snail reproduction is considered for risk assessment of steroid contamination of water. Genetic characteristics of brook trout populations are discussed at the zone of contact from the viewpoint of evolution, distribution and management of this bioresource. Ecologi‐ cal implication of invasion of alien species of fish is mentioned. In another chapter, the au‐ thors explain the mosaic-like complexity of Ice Age environment, which influenced the evolution of mollusc at the regional and local scale.

Sponge as a source of antifouling and antibiofilm compounds is reported. The chemical ecol‐ ogy of aquatic molluscs is discussed with reference to the dynamics of multiple water quali‐ ty parameters like temperature, salinity, pH and related food sources. The authors indicate these parameters as influencing agents of various natural compounds as well as the biologi‐

In Section 2, entitled "Conservation and Sustainable Management", the authors discuss the status of conservation and eco-friendly management of different live resources of water, both nonchordate and chordate. It describes the importance of genetic application in conser‐ vation of neotropical freshwater fish. Important regulatory aspects of fishery management are also highlighted. Conservation status of various organisms including the dolphin and gharial of Girwa river of India is presented by the scientists of the field. The authors also mention the avifaunal diversity of Girwa river. Construction of dam, unavailability of food species and unrestricted netting and killing are also reported as the major concerns for the conservation of river dolphin, a unique bioresource of India. The prospect of shrimp and prawn farming in Indonesia is reported with reference to "zero water discharge" technolo‐ gy. This novel method of crustacean culture is prescribed as an efficient methodology alter‐ native to the conventional one. Detailed methodologies including the designing of construction system for microbial culture, conditioning of system and microbial manipula‐ tion are discussed for culture of this bioresource. An increase of 10–20% of survivability of culturable species indicates the technical and economic prospects of the technology. This edited volume comprises informative chapters dealing with the basic and applied aspects of bioresource research. Important issues related to biology, ecology, diversity status, pharma‐ ceutics, threat factors and innovative technologies for sustainable management of different phyletic forms of aquatic bioresource are addressed. This book will also provide the future

I thankfully acknowledge Ms. Dajana Pemac of IntechOpen for her sincere cooperation that I received during every step of editing of this book. I accepted the technical assistance from my doctoral research students Santanu, Abhisek and Arunodaya of Aquatic Toxicology Lab‐ oratory of the Department of Zoology of the Calcutta University. My special thanks go to my wife Dr. Mitali Ray, daughters Shubhalakshmi and Bishnupriya and my son-in-law Ar‐

> **Sajal Ray, PhD** Professor of Zoology University of Calcutta

> > India

Preface IX

cal traits like male-female ratio, reproduction and breeding cycle of molluscs.

direction of research in this field.

ka for their cheerful encouragement.

Conclusion is drawn on the basis of paleontological evidence of Ice Age gastropod refugia of the Carpathian basin of Central Europe. Biodiversity status of many aquatic bioresources has been exhibiting structural and functional alteration primarily in recent years due to cli‐ mate change and human activities. Thus, the need for routine examination of the resource diversity is stressed upon. The diversity, distribution and abundance of malacological re‐ source are estimated in the southeastern Gulf of California, Mexico, an important biodiversi‐ ty zone. The authors report the current biodiversity status of molluscs collected from the nonsimilar ecological zones of Mexico.

Fishery, pollution and climate change are reported to affect the distribution, habitat, behav‐ iour and life history traits of marine snail (*Phorcus* sp.) of Portugal. Anatomy, taxonomy, distribution, ecology, feeding habit, growth rate and reproductive status of these marine molluscs are discussed with reference to their resource potential. Monitoring potential of water toxicity of these keystone species is discussed too. Guatemala, a megadiverse country, supports a wide range of natural food resource in the form of crustacean organisms to its human inhabitants. Freshwater prawns, crabs and crayfish constitute a traditional source of diet for many of its local populations. The species richness of major decapod crustaceans with resource potential is reported. The authors mention the roles of constructing dam and agricultural activities as detrimental factors for declining the population density of these na‐ tive species in rivers and aquatic reservoirs. This section also includes chapters contributed on the physiological and biochemical significance of biological resources of water. Black sea mussel of Bulgarian Black Sea Coast is an edible variety of marine mollusc with high com‐ mercial and nutritional values. The seasonal dynamics of fatty acids, cholesterol, fat-soluble vitamins and carotenoids of this species are discussed. The commercial and nutritional pros‐ pects of black sea mussel of this region are reported with reference to the relative availabili‐ ty of important bioactive molecules traced in them. These mussels, with high prospect in aquaculture, are reported as a source of many therapeutic compounds. Sponges are the ear‐ liest evolved Metazoa distributed both in marine and freshwater ecosystems. They are the potential sources of drugs against cancer, bacteria and fungus infections. The authors in this chapter review the sources of these drugs and other pharmacoactive compounds in sponges.

Sponge as a source of antifouling and antibiofilm compounds is reported. The chemical ecol‐ ogy of aquatic molluscs is discussed with reference to the dynamics of multiple water quali‐ ty parameters like temperature, salinity, pH and related food sources. The authors indicate these parameters as influencing agents of various natural compounds as well as the biologi‐ cal traits like male-female ratio, reproduction and breeding cycle of molluscs.

Composition and developmental characteristics of egg case formation are elucidated. Molec‐ ular events ensuring the successful reproduction of cuttlefish would provide a better under‐ standing of the reproductive physiology and management of this resource in its natural habitat. Endocrine-disrupting chemical compounds are posing serious ecophysiological threats to many aquatic organisms with high resource potential in recent years. Freshwater pond snails are established as unique indicators of aquatic contamination. Various repro‐ ductive parameters like fecundity, oocyte and egg mass production, egg mass quality, time window of cell division in the offspring and metabolite content of zygote are experimentally evaluated for reproductive markers of aquatic contamination of steroids in snail. The pros‐ pect of pond snail as a model of environmental risk assessment is discussed from a novel viewpoint. A polymarker approach involving the physiological and behavioural parameters related to snail reproduction is considered for risk assessment of steroid contamination of water. Genetic characteristics of brook trout populations are discussed at the zone of contact from the viewpoint of evolution, distribution and management of this bioresource. Ecologi‐ cal implication of invasion of alien species of fish is mentioned. In another chapter, the au‐ thors explain the mosaic-like complexity of Ice Age environment, which influenced the

Conclusion is drawn on the basis of paleontological evidence of Ice Age gastropod refugia of the Carpathian basin of Central Europe. Biodiversity status of many aquatic bioresources has been exhibiting structural and functional alteration primarily in recent years due to cli‐ mate change and human activities. Thus, the need for routine examination of the resource diversity is stressed upon. The diversity, distribution and abundance of malacological re‐ source are estimated in the southeastern Gulf of California, Mexico, an important biodiversi‐ ty zone. The authors report the current biodiversity status of molluscs collected from the

Fishery, pollution and climate change are reported to affect the distribution, habitat, behav‐ iour and life history traits of marine snail (*Phorcus* sp.) of Portugal. Anatomy, taxonomy, distribution, ecology, feeding habit, growth rate and reproductive status of these marine molluscs are discussed with reference to their resource potential. Monitoring potential of water toxicity of these keystone species is discussed too. Guatemala, a megadiverse country, supports a wide range of natural food resource in the form of crustacean organisms to its human inhabitants. Freshwater prawns, crabs and crayfish constitute a traditional source of diet for many of its local populations. The species richness of major decapod crustaceans with resource potential is reported. The authors mention the roles of constructing dam and agricultural activities as detrimental factors for declining the population density of these na‐ tive species in rivers and aquatic reservoirs. This section also includes chapters contributed on the physiological and biochemical significance of biological resources of water. Black sea mussel of Bulgarian Black Sea Coast is an edible variety of marine mollusc with high com‐ mercial and nutritional values. The seasonal dynamics of fatty acids, cholesterol, fat-soluble vitamins and carotenoids of this species are discussed. The commercial and nutritional pros‐ pects of black sea mussel of this region are reported with reference to the relative availabili‐ ty of important bioactive molecules traced in them. These mussels, with high prospect in aquaculture, are reported as a source of many therapeutic compounds. Sponges are the ear‐ liest evolved Metazoa distributed both in marine and freshwater ecosystems. They are the potential sources of drugs against cancer, bacteria and fungus infections. The authors in this chapter review the sources of these drugs and other pharmacoactive compounds in sponges.

evolution of mollusc at the regional and local scale.

nonsimilar ecological zones of Mexico.

VIII Preface

In Section 2, entitled "Conservation and Sustainable Management", the authors discuss the status of conservation and eco-friendly management of different live resources of water, both nonchordate and chordate. It describes the importance of genetic application in conser‐ vation of neotropical freshwater fish. Important regulatory aspects of fishery management are also highlighted. Conservation status of various organisms including the dolphin and gharial of Girwa river of India is presented by the scientists of the field. The authors also mention the avifaunal diversity of Girwa river. Construction of dam, unavailability of food species and unrestricted netting and killing are also reported as the major concerns for the conservation of river dolphin, a unique bioresource of India. The prospect of shrimp and prawn farming in Indonesia is reported with reference to "zero water discharge" technolo‐ gy. This novel method of crustacean culture is prescribed as an efficient methodology alter‐ native to the conventional one. Detailed methodologies including the designing of construction system for microbial culture, conditioning of system and microbial manipula‐ tion are discussed for culture of this bioresource. An increase of 10–20% of survivability of culturable species indicates the technical and economic prospects of the technology. This edited volume comprises informative chapters dealing with the basic and applied aspects of bioresource research. Important issues related to biology, ecology, diversity status, pharma‐ ceutics, threat factors and innovative technologies for sustainable management of different phyletic forms of aquatic bioresource are addressed. This book will also provide the future direction of research in this field.

I thankfully acknowledge Ms. Dajana Pemac of IntechOpen for her sincere cooperation that I received during every step of editing of this book. I accepted the technical assistance from my doctoral research students Santanu, Abhisek and Arunodaya of Aquatic Toxicology Lab‐ oratory of the Department of Zoology of the Calcutta University. My special thanks go to my wife Dr. Mitali Ray, daughters Shubhalakshmi and Bishnupriya and my son-in-law Ar‐ ka for their cheerful encouragement.

> **Sajal Ray, PhD** Professor of Zoology University of Calcutta India

**Section 1**

**Biology, Ecology and Physiological Chemistry**

**Biology, Ecology and Physiological Chemistry**

**Chapter 1**

**Provisional chapter**

**Egg-Laying in the Cuttlefish** *Sepia officinalis*

**Egg-Laying in the Cuttlefish Sepia officinalis**

DOI: 10.5772/intechopen.71915

This chapter reviews studies about egg-laying in the cuttlefish Sepia officinalis. Egg masses are spawned in specific mating and spawning coastal areas where mates aggregate between April and June in the English Channel and all year long in the Mediterranean Sea. Environmental cues are clearly involved in the aggregation process, but chemical communication also plays a determining role in these complex mechanisms. The successive steps of egg-laying are orchestrated by three classes of regulatory peptides: (1) neuropeptides that integrate environmental cues, (2) ovarian regulatory peptides that modulate the activity of the genital tract, and (3) sex pheromones expressed and released by the oviduct gland. After egg-laying, embryo protection is ensured for 8-10 weeks by a multilayer capsule secreted by the accessory sex glands. The oviduct gland secretes the inner layer of the egg case. The main nidamental gland secretes the main polysaccharides and glycoproteins, such as Sepia Egg Case Proteins, involved in capsule formation and in embryo protection. The accessory nidamental gland expresses specific proteins inherent in the structural organization of the gland, and hosts symbiotic bacteria. Similarly to salivary glands, this gland secretes immune factors possibly associated with gamete and/or embryo

> © 2016 The Author(s). Licensee InTech. This chapter is distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution,

© 2018 The Author(s). Licensee IntechOpen. This chapter is distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), which permits unrestricted use,

distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.

and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.

Phylogenetically, anatomically, and physiologically speaking, cephalopods are indeed mollusks. Yet, they possess special characteristics that distinguish them from other molluscan

classes, especially the other two major classes, gastropods and bivalves.

**Keywords:** reproduction, egg-laying, neuropeptides, ovarian peptides, egg-case,

Céline Zatylny-Gaudin and Joël Henry

Céline Zatylny-Gaudin and Joël Henry

http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.71915

**Abstract**

protection.

**1. Introduction**

common cuttlefish

Additional information is available at the end of the chapter

Additional information is available at the end of the chapter
