Model
Digital Document
Publisher
Florida Atlantic University
Description
The channelized Kissimmee River experiences seasonally low dissolved oxygen levels
which have changed the ecosystem to favor air-breathing species, while gamefish
populations have declined greatly. In 2001 , the central portion of the river (Pool C) was
physically restored.
To evaluate the usefulness of various stress markers and assess the success of the partial
restoration, the stress responses were analyzed (brain monoamines, heat shock proteins,
and plasma cortisol) of air-breathing fish (bowfin, Florida gar), versus gamefish
(largemouth bass and bluegill sunfish). Fish were collected from hypoxic and normoxic
water at three sites in the Kissimmee River. Statistical analysis (MANOV A) showed
overall significantly higher stress response in hypoxic gamefish than those in normoxia,
with higher hsp72 levels, DOPAC, and Dopamine turnover (DOPAC:DA). Hsp60 and
cortisol was significantly higher only in hypoxic bass while serotonin and 5-HIAA were
significantly higher in hypoxic bluegill sunfish. Air-breathers did not show higher stress
levels during hypoxia.
which have changed the ecosystem to favor air-breathing species, while gamefish
populations have declined greatly. In 2001 , the central portion of the river (Pool C) was
physically restored.
To evaluate the usefulness of various stress markers and assess the success of the partial
restoration, the stress responses were analyzed (brain monoamines, heat shock proteins,
and plasma cortisol) of air-breathing fish (bowfin, Florida gar), versus gamefish
(largemouth bass and bluegill sunfish). Fish were collected from hypoxic and normoxic
water at three sites in the Kissimmee River. Statistical analysis (MANOV A) showed
overall significantly higher stress response in hypoxic gamefish than those in normoxia,
with higher hsp72 levels, DOPAC, and Dopamine turnover (DOPAC:DA). Hsp60 and
cortisol was significantly higher only in hypoxic bass while serotonin and 5-HIAA were
significantly higher in hypoxic bluegill sunfish. Air-breathers did not show higher stress
levels during hypoxia.
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