The Effects of Water Temperature and Simulated Angling on the Physiological Stress Response of Largemouth Bass – Colin Dinken, Lead Author
The Largemouth Bass Micropterus salmoides, a popular sport fish, are subjected to multiple sublethal stressors during angling, including high water temperature, exercise, handling, live-well retention, and weigh-in procedures. Combined effects of ambient and live-well temperatures on the stress response and recovery from angling-induced exercise have not been tested in conditions similar to those encountered in tournaments. Therefore, we assessed the effects of ambient temperature (17, 25, and 33°C) and live-well temperature differential (−4, 0, and +4°C) on the physiological stress response of Largemouth Bass (mean length = 331 mm) at rest, following a simulated angling stressor, and throughout 8 h of recovery in live wells. Stress variables were measured in whole blood (hematocrit, hemoglobin, pH, partial pressure of oxygen [pO2], partial pressure of carbon dioxide [pCO2], Na+, K+, Ca2+, Cl−, and leukocytes) and plasma (cortisol, glucose, lactate, and osmolality). Fish acclimated to 17°C showed the greatest cortisol response.
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Transactions of the American Fisheries Society, published continuously since 1872, is AFS’s most recognized scientific journal. It seeks to publish scientific articles that appeal broadly, have high influence within fisheries science, and that is novel or represent seminal scientific results. Transactions features results of basic and applied research in genetics, physiology, biology, ecology, population dynamics, economics, health, culture, and other topics germane to marine and freshwater finfish and shellfish and their respective fisheries and environments.