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，Mnemiopsis leidyi， 出现在黑海。 这只栉水母之前曾被发现 只有在美洲东海岸，所以它可能是 通过船只的压舱水运往黑海。 以来 然后，它成倍增加，导致急剧下降， 几个重要的渔场。 一个可能的原因是， 在黑海的影响是栉水母没有天敌 因为鱼类的数量非常有限。 因此在 与俄罗斯和乌克兰科学家的合作，这个小 探索性研究项目补助金将制定研究计划 从美洲引进鱼类的可行性， 专门以拟记忆草为食 这些科学家知道 引进外来物种的危险，并认识到需要 一个普遍的协议，这样一个过程的可行性，从 该地区的所有国家。 然而，在此之前， 可以提出建议，关于喂养的基本信息 这些鱼类的行为和环境耐受性是必要的。 该项目代表了美国部分的第一步， 研究计划。 关于喂养偏好的基本信息 鱼将通过采访当地渔民沿着 在美洲东海岸， 喂养偏好。 将为大众开发方法 实验室培养拟记忆花。 哈比森博士还将 确定这些美洲以栉水母为食的鱼类 在黑人特有的环境条件下生存 海 这项研究将提供第一步， 生物污染的一个主要案例，并将作为一个模型， 国际合作对付其他形式的 引进的海洋物种。

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.