سید محمدرضا فاطمی

In this study, the density and species diversity of sea cucumber in the Pozm bay in the north of the Oman Sea and adjacent to the Chabahar bay of Iran in three seasons of spring, autumn and winter were studied. Sampling was done by diving method in an area of 314 square meters in Pozm bay in five stations with different substrates. The samples were identified after transfer to the laboratory with the help of valid identification keys and the species Holothuria leucospilota, H. arenicola, H. atra and Stichopus variegatus were identified and H. leucospilota was identified as the dominant species in the region. Shannon, Margalf, Simpson and Pilo indices were used to study the species diversity of sea cucumber. The results showed that the highest density was recorded in winter 94 with an average of 4.64 73 0.73 in 314 square meters and the lowest in spring with an average of 0.419. 1.8 in 314 square meters. Also Shannon (0.12 ± 0.97, 0.25 ± 1.16, 0.23 ± 1.16), Margalof (0.11 ± 1.46, 0.09 ± 1.69, 0.21 ± 1.61), Simpson (0.04 ± 0.356, 0.07 ± 0.164, 0.01 ± 0.245) and Pilo ( 0.11 ± 0.112, 0.08 ± 0.837, 0.18 ± 0.91) showed different values in winter, spring and autumn, respectively. Therefore, different species of sea cucumbers in the Pozm bay were identified with species richness and low density that if proper conservation and exploitation measures are not taken, the current stocks of sea cucumber in this ecosystem will be severely reduced.

Genetic analysis of fish populations is essential for conserving biodiversity and increasing knowledge about the survival of species, and finding the factors threatening or contributing to the survival of these populations. The present study is aimed at investigating phylogenetic relationship of Yellowtail Scad in the northern Persian Gulf and Oman Sea by sequencing mitochondrial Cytochrome Oxidase I gene. Ninety yellow tail Scad have been collected from Bandar Abbas, Bushehr, and Chabahar port. Genomic DNA was extracted using Ammonium acetate method. After electrophoresis on 1% agarose gel, Cytochrome Oxidase I (COI) gene was amplified by Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR), using pair of primers. After sequencing of PCR product, the phylogenetic tree was drawn by MEGA7 software with different methods (Maximum Likelihood, Maximum Parsimony, and Bayesian) using (Esox lucius) as an extraspecific group. All samples from Bandar Abbas, Bushehr, and three samples from Chabahar port were located in the same clade. Chabahar sample with a little more distance was located in separate clade and due to high supportive degree (bootstrap) showed sister group relationship. Moreover, these two clades were located with more evolutionary distance from extraspecific group. Consequently, COI gene sequencing was an appropriate and reliable method for phylogenetic relationship of Yellowtail Scad, providing useful information about protection and management of this valuable species.

Asteroidae, or starfish, have about 1900 extant species as one of the classes of phylum Echinodermata. Thirty specimens of starfishes were collected from the northern islands of the Persian Gulf for morphological identification, molecular analysis and phylogeny. The first starfish samples were distinguished morphologically then they were identified after DNA extraction by CTAB and Chelex 5% and its amplification based on 16S rRNA gene in molecular analysis. The phylogenetic relationships of asteroids were analyzed using maximum likelihood, maximum parsimony and Bayesian methods. The morphological and molecular identifications displayed 6 species of Luidia hardwicki, Astropecten indicus, Aquilonastra watersi, Aquilonastra iranica, Linckia laevigata and Pentaceraster mammillatus belonging to 5 genera and 2 families. Our results showed Luidia hardwicki and Astropecten indicus species were grouped with sequences of the same species from GenBank in separate clades. As Aquilonastra watersi and Pentaceraster mammillatus in 16S rRNA gene are reported for the first time so their sequences were placed in sister groups with Aquilonastra yairi and Pentaceraster cumingi, respectively. Since the species of Linckia laevigata species (orange-green morph) have been identified based on molecular analysis, this technique along with morphological studies can provide more complete results for Asteroids. The results of Asteroidae classifications at the genus and family levels indicated phylogenetic tree of mt 16S rRNA gene based on Bayesian method is consistent with previous phylogenetic results.

This study was conducted to feeding behavior of the Malabar trevally (Carangoides malabaricusin( in the Persian Gulf and Oman Sea. This study was conducted on the diet of the Malabar trevally (C. malabaricus) in the Persian Gulf and Oman Sea (Hormozgan province) for 12 months from December 2016 to November 2016. Sampling was done with trawl nets and expected nets. 438 specimens of the Malabar trevall (C. malabaricus) were selected for dietary examination. Results of descriptive bioassay data indicated that the maximum total length was 365 mm (in May) and the minimum total length was 140 mm (in September) and the maximum weight was 534.5 g and minimum was 57.8 g. During the study period, the mean total fish length was 261 ± 18.41 mm and the mean fish weight was 191.78 25 25.35 g. The GASI index showed a peak feeding in June. Gastric emptying index (CV) for this species was 62.33% during the study, which can be said to be a relatively small fish. In terms of the type of food eaten, due to the volume of digested fish, Leognathus. Sp,Encrasicholina punctifer fish is considered to be the staple food for the Malabar trevall. Shrimp can be eaten as a side dish, and other varieties eaten as squid and crab can be considered as a random meal.

Similarity of the pattern distribution of macrofauna in the intertidal zone was studied at two cobble stations in Bushehr province, during winter and summer 2014, and spring 2015. In this study, 1495 individuals (N/m2) were collected. These are classified by similar biological, nutritional or reproductive characteristics into 12 groups and are arranged in the following taxa-groups dominancy: [Mollusks > Peracarid > Balanus > Xanthoid crabs > Echinoderms > other crabs > Alpheus > Porcellanidae crabs > Anemone-Sponge > Portunidae crabs > Grapsidae crabs] The highest frequency of macrozoobenthos was in winter and the least in the spring. The mollusks are abundant in two stations and three seasons. These are aggregated on cobble surfaces during winter for foraging and breeding. The wave action in the rainy months and the time in which these are out of water, also behavioral variations have influences on the spatial patterns in gastropods. The lower tidal zone showed more taxonomic similarity by habitats for distribution of macrozoobenthos, especially gastropods. The pattern of mollusks distribution increased from the upper tidal zone to the lower tidal zone. The distribution of other taxa-groups was more density in the middle zone. Golestan and Rostami stations were similar by the cobble coverage substrate so presented close abundances and structure of macrofauna. In order to values of Shannon's diversity index, were calculated in the stations (H'=0.6 Golestan and H'= 0.7 Rostami).

In the past, morphological traits were used to classify organisms, but because of the problems encountered in classification using this method, the use of molecular markers was due to its advantages. Mitochondrial markers are one of the best options for the study of phylogenetic relationships. In this study, 10 specimens of green sea turtle were collected from three areas of Chabahar, Govater and Konarak in Sistan and Baluchestan province. After DNA extraction, the samples were sequenced. Sequences were studied using MEGA, BioEdit and Arlequin software. The results showed that based on the phylogenetic analysis of the studied population, all of the samples were placed in three populations. The average distance of the population with the help of P-distance was 0.18. The results of the Clustal W show that the greatest difference between the sequences is at the beginning and the end of the sequence. The amount of haploid variety was zero, and the number of polymorphic sites was zero, which indicates that the difference was not such as to make the species derivative. No recombination has taken place in sequences that are consistent with the nature of the area under study. The results of this study, can be used to study the genetic diversity of marine turtles in different geographical conditions. It can also help to manage this population and prevent extinction. It can also be a good solution to provide a suitable Gene bank for the identification of this species through molecular techniques, especially in cases where only the eggs or meat of this animal is present.

Bryozoans are known as one of the coral-associated and cryptic fauna that plays an important role in sediment stabilization and contributes to framework-building species same as corals. However, little is known about bryozoan species occurring in the coral communities of Iranian islands. During a coral survey in Abu-Musa and Sirri Islands, Celleporaria pigmentaria was observed on some dead parts of Porites harrisoni and coralline red algae at depth of 3-8m. After sampling, specimens were bleached and were examined under a stereomicroscope and SEM. Specimens were identified to the species level based on skeleton and morphological traits according to available taxonomic guide. This species is one of the common and successful coral-associated bryozoan that belongs to Cheilostomatida. The C. pigmentaria easily recognized with black encrusting colonies, white blotches scattered over the colony surface as well as the non-uniform arrangement of its zooecia. This case study is the first report of C. pigmentaria in coral communities of Iran.

Given the importance of coastal-marine areas and their high sensitivity, integrated coastal zone management plans for the sustainable management and use of these resources, have been globally defined and restricted. The criteria for selecting these areas in Iran need to be revised to develop a specific guideline, based on the current situation. In the present study, the results of the hitherto researches, determining priorities of being representative by AHP method and sensitivity by ANP method, were combined and the final priorities of being representative were obtained. Then, according to the established ecoregions in hitherto researches, habitat priorities were determined based on ecoregions. Then the protection status of the final codes was gained in the whole region and in each ecoregion. The results showed that the entire study area has been protected completely. The Hormuz Strait ecoregion with the most diverse habitat, has the greatest tension and it is in the best protection status. Sensitivity analysis of the models showed no sensitivity to any of the criteria. Since, some parts of the Northern Persian Gulf and Makran ecoregions are not located in Hormozgan province, a final judgement was impossible to be made for them. Finally, potential land uses were defined at the provincial level and a decision-making algorithm was developed for coastal-marine areas of southern Iran.

In recent years, there is an increasing attention to homogenous representative areas to develop a network of coastal-marine protected areas. One of the current common systems is an ecoregion approach. The aim of this study was to determine ecoregions of southern coasts of Iran as a basis and prerequisite to develop coastal-marine protected areas according to global new procedures.

A survey to recognize the ecoregions of southern coastlines of Iran in Persian Gulf, strait of Hormoz and Oman Sea was done according to international valid and common criteria. Criteria used in this study were determined in the field of biogeography according to the related literatures in this field, and three criteria of surface sea temperature, depth and surface currents were set as the base criteria. The maps of determined criteria were overlapped with the help of ArcGIS. After that, identified areas were controlled with country divisions, and then final boundaries and limitations of southern coast’s ecoregions were separated.

Results showed that, in Iran’s southern coast, five ecoregions can be recognized.

This classification, which is the first one in Iran, can be a basis and a step to select coastal-marine protected areas and a model for ecological surveys.

This study was conducted to evaluate the Yellowtail scad feeding (Atule mate) in the Persian Gulf and  Oman Sea (Hormozgan province) by gill net fishing from Dec.2016 to Nov.2017 monthly and seasonally.  Gastro-somatic index (GASI), CV , food preference index (FP), and frequency of food items were determined  from 447 specimens. The maximum point of GaSI index was shown in June. The CV index for this species during the study was 65.32% . According to the volume of fish digested, Encrasicholina punctifer and Sardinella sp were the basic and secondary foods , respectively. Squid and crustaceans could be considered as the incidental foods. Regarding to the species diversity of Carangidae family and importance of relation between food items, it is recommended that comprehensive feeding study of all species of this family should be carried out .

In this study, the ecological status of Gorgan Bay is classified by using the results of biological indicators and diversity index. For this aim, data on macrobenthose and  the sedimentation characteristics were recorded at 22 sampling points during 2011 to 2012. According to the changes in the depth of the bay in different parts, the stations were classified into four groups of depth less than 1 meter, 1-2 meters, 2-3 meters and more than 3 meters. The total Range of organic matter, gravel, silt and clay in the Bay was recorded in (1.3-4.7), (47.1-57.7), (37.6-51.7) and (6.2-8.4) percent. The positive relationship between the total organic matter and the texture of bed indicates the accumulation of organic matter in the depths of the bay. By using multivariate tests the classified and distinct high depth from low depth of the bay, based on environmental conditions and parameters. The amplitudes change of Shannon index, BO2A and M-AMBI in the Bay were, calculated in range of (0.1-96.69), (0.02- 0.06) and (0.6- 0.8). Overall, according to the average of the calculated indices, Shannon weakened the whole ecological status of the bay and BO2A and M-AMBI indices the desired results were obtained. On the other hand, evaluation of the indicators showed that the condition of the shallow western part is better than the deep eastern part. This is can because of the region's hydrodynamic conditions and the adverse conditions for different benthic species due to the proximity to the River and other entrance around the bay.

Coral reefs are one of the most important marine ecosystems and their health and resilience have been threatened by several biotic and abiotic factors. The presence of organisms that are capable of overgrowth on living corals is known as one of the destructive biotic factor. Clathria sp. is an encrusting sponge that can overgrow on living coral colonies and it has been suggested that Clathria sp. can lead to death of corals by producing toxin substances. However, there is a lack of information about the occurrence of this sponge in the Persian Gulf. The purpose of this study is to investigate its presence in the coral communities of Kish Island. Regarding the aim, four sites were selected in the eastern and southeastern parts of the Kish Island and at each site, 20 meters long transect was laid down and coral colonies were examined directly along the transect. Based on the result, Clathria sp. was observed on 18% (9 ±) of the colonies of Porites sp. in the coral carpet of Kish Island.

Morphometric characters are essential and important to estimate the population of fish species. This study be done to examine length-weight relationshipin four species including Netuma thalassina (Rüppell, 1837), Plicofollis dussumieri (Valenciennes, 1840), Netuma bilineata (Valenciennes, 1840) and Plicofollis layardi (Günther, 1866)from Persian Gulf coasts. The sampling be done during spring 2016 to winter 2017, monthly, through the fixed coastal Moshta and Trawl tours. In total, 495 fishes were collected including 212 P. dussumieri, 151 N. thalassina, 120 P. layardi, and 12 N. bilineata. The significant differences were observed in total length and total weight between four catfish species. The comparison of total length and total weight showed the significant differences between four seasons. The autumn and summer included the highest (42.80%) and the lowest (16%) of species percentage. The maximum of total length was observed in P. dussumieri during summer (Mean 45.24±0.70) and the minimum in P. layardi during autumn (Mean 15.08±3.83). The maximum of total weight was for P. dussumieri during autumn (Mean 1135.80±360.86) and the minimum in P. layardi during autumn (Mean 40.20±3.39). In total, the different morphometric relationships in four species represent the strong correlation between total length and total weight. Among catfishes, N. thalassina (R2=0.98, P<0.05), P. dussumieri (R2=0.97, P<0.05), and P. layardi (R2=0.99, P<0.05)showed the isometric growth, whereas, the allometric growth was observed in N. bilineata (R2=0.98, P>0.05).

This study evaluated the possibility of VNN occurrence and the effects of Chlorella vulgaris on immune parameters before and after exposure to Viral Nervous Necrosis virus in Caspian Sea salmon (Salmo trutta caspius). Fish were divided into 4 treatments with three replicates. Treatments included one control group and three experimental groups (T1, T2 and T3). Fish in control group, T1, T2 and T3 were fed by diet supplemented with 0, 1×108, 2×107 and 3×106 Cell/ml chlorella/450 g food respectively, for 8 weeks. Blood samples were collected to calculate immune parameters (IgM, C3, C4, Total protein, respiratory burst, Albumin and Lysozyme). In addition, NNV supernatant was used for virus challenge in Caspian Sea in all treatments. Fish were monitored for 14 days to examine the supernatant pathogenesis and measure the changes in immune parameters after challenge with virus. RT-PCR, nested-PCR, IFAT, IHC tests, cell culture and histopathology examinations were also carried out. Results showed that S. trutta caspius fingerlings were resistant against NNV, so that no virus was observed in fish brain and eye tissues in all treatments. Moreover,Ch. vulgaris stimulated the immune system of S. trutta caspius probably due to the compositions such as carotenoid pigment and different kind of vitamins in this microalga.