Metabolic and physiological responses of a coastal fish in highly and lightly impacted habitats

Coastal and estuarine zones are used by fish as nursery, spawning and feeding grounds. However, these essential habitats are characterized by the presence of both natural and anthropogenic stressors that may represent potential threats for the wellbeing of aquatic organisms, particularly fish. The m...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of marine systems 2020-12, Vol.212, p.103423, Article 103423
Main Authors: Blasina, G.E., Ronda, A.C., Botté, S.E., Molina, J.M., Labudía, A.C., Marcovecchio, J.E., Lopez-Cazorla, A.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Biomarkers
Metal concentration
Oxidative stress
Somatic indexes
Trophic ecology
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Summary:Coastal and estuarine zones are used by fish as nursery, spawning and feeding grounds. However, these essential habitats are characterized by the presence of both natural and anthropogenic stressors that may represent potential threats for the wellbeing of aquatic organisms, particularly fish. The main objective of this study was to evaluate and understand the effects of environmental stressors, both natural and anthropogenic, on coastal fish species using Ramnogaster arcuata as bioindicator. Fish were captured in two zones with different human activity levels: a highly impacted zone in Bahía Blanca Estuary (BBE) and a lightly impacted zone in the adjacent coastal zone (ACZ). Various indicators were used to determine fish responses to environmental stress. Main differences found between fishes from the two zones were in the condition index, trophic ecology (including feeding activity and diet composition) and liver metabolic biomarkers (ALT/AST enzymes, protein levels and lipid peroxidation). On the other hand, metal concentration levels analyzed in muscle did not show important differences between both environments. Physiological responses of R. arcuata from both zones were strongly correlated with natural stressors. •Estuary studied is higher impacted than coastal zone by human activities.•Feeding activity and diet composition showed differences between areas studied.•Somatic indexes and enzymatic activity registered are associated with the diet composition.•Biologic responses of sentinel species are correlated with the natural environment stressors.
ISSN:0924-7963
1879-1573
DOI:10.1016/j.jmarsys.2020.103423