SGER: Predation by Fishes on Species of Mnemiopsis in the Coastal Waters of the Americas, and its Potential Utility asA Means of Population Control in the Black Sea

大约十年前，这种线虫首次出现在黑海。这种浮游生物以前只在美洲的东海岸被发现，所以它很可能是在船只的压舱水中被运送到黑海的。从那时起，它的数量急剧增加，导致几个重要渔业的急剧下降。它在黑海产生深远影响的一个可能原因是，由于鱼类动物群极其有限，鞭毛虫在那里没有捕食者。因此，在与俄罗斯和乌克兰科学家的合作下，这一探索性研究小额赠款项目将制定一项计划，研究从美洲引进专门以Mnymopsis为食的鱼类的可行性。这些科学家意识到引入外来物种的危险，并认识到该地区所有国家都需要就引入外来物种的可取性达成普遍一致。然而，在提出任何此类建议之前，必须提供有关此类鱼类的摄食行为和环境耐受性的基本信息。该项目是该研究项目美国部分的第一步。有关鱼类摄食喜好的基本资料，将透过与美洲东海岸的当地渔民的面谈，以及有关摄食喜好的实验室研究而获得。将建立在实验室中大规模培养毛霉的方法。哈比森博士还将确定这些以鞭毛虫为食的美国鱼类在黑海特殊环境条件下的生存能力。这项研究将为试图解决一个重大的生物污染案件提供第一步，并将作为国际合作处理其他形式的引进海洋物种的示范计划。

About ten years ago, the ctenophore, Mnemiopsis leidyi, first appeared in the Black Sea. This ctenophore was previously found only on the eastern seaboard of the Americas, so it was probably transported to the Black Sea in the ballast water of ships. Since then, it has multiplied enormously, causing a drastic decline of several important fisheries. One possible reason for its profound impact in the Black Sea is that the ctenophore has no predators there, since the fish fauna is extremely limited. Therefore, in collaboration with Russian and Ukrainian scientists, this Small Grant for Exploratory Research project will develop a plan to study the feasibility of introducing fishes from the Americas that specifically feed on Mnemiopsis. These scientists are ware of the dangers of introducing exotic species, and recognize the need for a general agreement as to the advisability of such a course from all of the nations in the region. However, before any such proposals can be put forward, basic information on the feeding behavior and environmental tolerances of such fishes is necessary. This project represent the first step in the American part of this research program. Basic information on feeding preferences of fishes will be obtained by interviews with local fishermen along the eastern seaboard of the Americas, and with laboratory studies on feeding preference. Methods will be developed for the mass culture of Mnemiopsis in the laboratory. Dr. Harbison will also determine the ability of these American ctenophore-eating fishes to survive in the specialized environmental conditions of the Black Sea. This research will provide the first step in trying to solve a major case of biological pollution, and will serve as a model program for international cooperation in dealing with other forms of introduced marine species.