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，栉水母，leidyi记忆水母，首次出现在黑海。这种栉水母以前只在美洲东海岸被发现，所以它很可能是通过船只的压舱水被运送到黑海的。从那以后，它的数量急剧增加，导致一些重要渔业的急剧减少。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，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，这个探索性研究项目的小额赠款将制定一项计划，研究从美洲引进专门以记忆藻为食的鱼类的可行性。这些科学家意识到引进外来物种的危险，并认识到需要在该地区所有国家就这种做法的可行性达成普遍协议。然而，在提出任何此类建议之前，有必要了解这些鱼类的摄食行为和环境耐受性的基本信息。这个项目是这个研究计划美国部分的第一步。有关鱼类进食偏好的基本资料，将通过与美洲东部沿海的当地渔民面谈，以及对进食偏好进行实验室研究来获得。将开发在实验室中大量培养记忆藻的方法。哈比森博士还将确定这些以栉水母为食的美洲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，并将成为处理其他形式的引进海洋物种的国际合作的示范项目。

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.