Greta Jimenez
Oncorhynchus gorbuscha, also known as pink salmon or humpback salmon, is a species of euryhaline ray-finned fish in the Salmonidae family. It is native to the North Pacific but has been introduced to the Atlantic regions of Maine and Newfoundland. As one of the most abundant salmon species, it has become an invasive species in Fennoscandian rivers, causing concern for its impact on native salmonids and river ecosystems. Studies have found that Oncorhynchus gorbuscha is susceptible to diseases and infections, and there are concerns about the presence of toxic heavy metals in their bodies. The presence of pollutants in Oncorhynchus gorbuscha raises questions about the health risks associated with consuming this fish species and the potential impact on the environment.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Species | Pink salmon, humpback salmon |
| Genus | Oncorhynchus |
| Common name | Gorbuscha, gorbúša, humpie |
| Description | Bright silver fish when in the ocean; pale grey with a yellowish-white belly after returning to spawning streams (some turn dull green) |
| Other physical characteristics | White mouth with black gums, no teeth on the tongue, large oval-shaped black spots on the back, a v-shaped tail, and an anal fin with 13-17 soft rays |
| Sensitivity to pollutants | Pink salmon are the saltwater organisms that are the most sensitive to toluene |
| Pollution from waste food and salmon feces | Sea cucumbers exposed to these pollutants developed thicker body walls and muscle bands |
| Pollution from heavy metals | A study found that the contents of toxic elements, Cd, Pb, As, and Hg, in the salmon meet human-health consumption guidelines for seafood by the sanitary standards and regulations of the Russian Federation |
| Disease transmission | There is a concern that Oncorhynchus gorbuscha may transmit pathogens to native salmonid species |
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What You'll Learn
- Oncorhynchus gorbuscha, also known as pink salmon, is susceptible to infection by the viral hemorrhagic septicemia virus (VHSV)
- Pink salmon is an invasive species in the Fennoscandian rivers, which may negatively impact native salmonid populations
- The salmon is susceptible to vibriosis in seawater, which can cause severe anaemia and low oxygen stress
- Pink salmon is susceptible to toxic trace elements such as Hg, As, Pb, Cd, Zn, and Cu, which can accumulate in their tissues
- The potential impact of runoffs, industrial waste, and agricultural wastewater discharges on Oncorhynchus gorbuscha
Oncorhynchus gorbuscha, also known as pink salmon, is susceptible to infection by the viral hemorrhagic septicemia virus (VHSV)
Oncorhynchus gorbuscha, commonly known as pink salmon, is a species of euryhaline ray-finned fish in the Salmonidae family. It is the smallest and most abundant of the seven officially recognized salmon species. Native to the Pacific Ocean, pink salmon have also been observed in the Fennoscandian rivers of northern Norway and Finland, where they are considered an invasive species.
Pink salmon are susceptible to infection by the viral hemorrhagic septicemia virus (VHSV). VHSV is a negative-sense single-stranded RNA virus of the order Mononegavirales, family Rhabdoviridae, and genus Novirhabdovirus. The disease was first discovered in the US in 1988 among salmon returning from the Pacific to rivers in Washington State. It has since been found in marine fish in the northeastern Pacific Ocean, the North Sea, and the Baltic Sea, and the Norwegian coastal line. VHSV can infect a broad range of freshwater and marine species, including salmonids, trout, herring, flounder, turbot, and pike.
In 2021, a study examined pink salmon during their spawning migration in the Rivers Tana and Neiden in northern Norway and Finland. While no viral diseases or infections were detected, 23% of the fish were found to be infected with a parasitic roundworm, Hysterothylacium aduncum. This study highlights the potential impact of pink salmon on native salmonid species and river ecosystems in Fennoscandia.
The transmission of VHSV primarily occurs through horizontal transmission in contaminated water or through direct contact with infected fish. The virus can enter the host through the gills or wounds on the skin. VHSV has been associated with massive die-offs among freshwater species in the Great Lakes region of North America since 2005. In response, new policies have been implemented to regulate the transfer of live species, fish and eggs, the use of live bait, and water transfer to prevent the further spread of the virus.
Overall, Oncorhynchus gorbuscha, or pink salmon, is susceptible to VHSV, which can have significant impacts on fish populations and the fishing industry. Understanding the transmission and prevention of this virus is crucial to mitigate its effects on ecosystems and fisheries.
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Pink salmon is an invasive species in the Fennoscandian rivers, which may negatively impact native salmonid populations
Pink salmon, or humpback salmon (Oncorhynchus gorbuscha), is a species of euryhaline ray-finned fish in the Salmonidae family. It is the smallest and most abundant of the seven officially recognized salmon species. In the ocean, pink salmon are bright silver fish. After returning to their spawning streams, their colouring changes to pale grey on the back with a yellowish-white belly.
Pink salmon is an invasive alien species in the Fennoscandian rivers, with growing populations that may negatively impact native salmonid populations and river ecosystems. One of the primary concerns is the transmission of fish diseases and pathogens to native salmonid species. While studies in 2021 found no viral diseases or infections, 23% of the fish were infected with a parasitic roundworm, Hysterothylacium aduncum. Additionally, external anomalies such as hemorrhages or lesions were observed in 35% of the fish, indicating the potential for parasitic and pathogen spread between fish species as the number of migrating pink salmon increases.
The high abundance of pink salmon in rivers may also negatively affect angling experiences for those seeking to catch native salmonids like Atlantic salmon and large seatrout. Pink salmon have a smaller body size and their spawning period often overlaps with the legal angling season, resulting in caught fish of inferior quality. Furthermore, the presence of aggressive pink salmon on native salmonid spawning grounds may lead to disrupted or failed spawning for the native species. The abundance of pink salmon fry feeding in rivers can also reduce the availability of space and suitable zoobenthos for other salmonids.
Management strategies, such as traps, have been employed to mitigate the potential negative impacts of pink salmon on native species and ecosystems. However, the effectiveness of these measures is still under evaluation, and there are concerns about their direct and indirect effects on the migration behaviour of native fish populations. As pink salmon continue to expand their range, further research and management actions are necessary to understand and minimize their potential ecological impacts.
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The salmon is susceptible to vibriosis in seawater, which can cause severe anaemia and low oxygen stress
Oncorhynchus gorbuscha, commonly known as pink salmon or humpback salmon, is a species of Pacific salmon native to the Gulf of Alaska. It is the smallest and most abundant of the seven officially recognized salmon species.
Pink salmon are susceptible to a specific infection characterized by cytoplasmic inclusion bodies within their erythrocytes, which can cause severe anemia. This infection can lead to low oxygen stress, making the fish more susceptible to other diseases, particularly vibriosis in seawater. Vibriosis is caused by the Vibrio vulnificus bacteria, which thrive in warm, mildly salty water where freshwater meets the sea.
Vibriosis is a serious illness that can quickly lead to sepsis, shock, and large, spreading blisters that destroy tissue. It is typically contracted by consuming raw or undercooked shellfish, particularly oysters, or when seawater enters an open wound. The incubation period is short, with the bacteria spreading from the gut to the blood and other organs within a few hours.
In the context of aquaculture, vibriosis outbreaks in farmed fish have been associated with various factors such as transport stress, sudden temperature changes, low oxygen levels, and handling procedures. Additionally, seawater exposed to higher levels of anthropogenic pollution has been found to display higher frequencies of Vibrio species, emphasizing the importance of good hygiene practices to prevent and control fish vibriosis.
To prevent and manage vibriosis in Oncorhynchus gorbuscha, it is crucial to avoid close cohabitation between infected and non-infected fish stocks and to inactivate the virus in water before disposal. Antibiotics can effectively treat Vibrio vulnificus infections if caught early, and other treatments are available to address complications such as shock and tissue damage.
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Pink salmon is susceptible to toxic trace elements such as Hg, As, Pb, Cd, Zn, and Cu, which can accumulate in their tissues
Pink salmon, or humpback salmon (Oncorhynchus gorbuscha), is a species of euryhaline ray-finned fish native to the Pacific Ocean. It is the smallest and most abundant of the seven officially recognized salmon species.
Pink salmon is susceptible to toxic trace elements such as Hg (mercury), As (arsenic), Pb (lead), Cd (cadmium), Zn (zinc), and Cu (copper). These elements can accumulate in the tissues of the fish, particularly in the liver, gonads, and muscles. While the levels of these toxic elements in pink salmon are generally within human-health consumption guidelines, there have been cases where the maximum permissible levels for seafood have been exceeded, particularly for lead and cadmium.
Studies have found varying concentrations of these toxic trace elements in pink salmon depending on their geographic location. For example, pink salmon caught in the Kuril Islands had higher levels of toxic elements compared to those from the Sea of Japan, with lead concentrations being one and a half times higher. Similarly, pink salmon from the geochemically extreme Kuril area had higher levels of all metals except zinc compared to those from the Sea of Japan.
The accumulation of these toxic trace elements in pink salmon is influenced by environmental factors such as anthropogenic impact and natural factors like volcanism and upwelling. For example, farmed Atlantic salmon, which are exposed to anthropogenic influences, tend to have higher levels of zinc and copper, while wild salmon influenced by natural factors like volcanism tend to have higher levels of lead.
The presence of toxic trace elements in pink salmon can have implications for both human consumption and the ecosystem. While the levels may meet human-health consumption guidelines, continuous monitoring is necessary to ensure the safety of seafood for human consumption, especially in commercial marine organisms.
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The potential impact of runoffs, industrial waste, and agricultural wastewater discharges on Oncorhynchus gorbuscha
Oncorhynchus gorbuscha, or pink salmon, is susceptible to various environmental pollutants, including those from runoff, industrial waste, and agricultural wastewater discharges. These pollutants can have detrimental effects on the species and the aquatic ecosystems they inhabit.
Runoff from storms and agricultural land can introduce excess nutrients, such as nitrogen and phosphorus, into water bodies. While nutrients may facilitate increased crop growth on farms, they can have a detrimental effect on aquatic ecosystems. Excess nutrients in the water can lead to rapid and uncontrolled algae growth, resulting in algal blooms. Some types of algae produced in these blooms are toxic and can harm fish populations, including Oncorhynchus gorbuscha.
Industrial waste and agricultural wastewater discharges can introduce various contaminants into water bodies. These contaminants can include toxic substances and pathogens that pose risks to the health of aquatic organisms, including fish. For example, Oncorhynchus gorbuscha is sensitive to toluene, an industrial chemical, and can be affected by diseases such as piscirickettsiosis.
The accumulation of waste in the ocean is also a significant concern. The global increase in fisheries and aquaculture production has resulted in a substantial rise in fish waste, with approximately two-thirds of the total catch being discarded as waste. This waste contributes to environmental problems and can impact the health of fish species, including Oncorhynchus gorbuscha, by increasing their susceptibility to diseases and other contaminants.
To mitigate these potential impacts, proper waste management and treatment practices are essential. Additionally, the circular economy concept can be applied to fish waste, where underutilized or discarded marine materials are transformed into valuable resources, contributing to economic growth and reducing environmental issues associated with waste.
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Frequently asked questions
Oncorhynchus gorbuscha, also known as pink salmon or humpback salmon, is a species of euryhaline ray-finned fish in the Salmonidae family.
Oncorhynchus gorbuscha, or pink salmon, has been found to contain trace amounts of toxic heavy metals such as Cd, Pb, As, and Hg. These pollutants are likely a result of anthropogenic sources such as runoffs, industrial and agricultural wastewater discharges, waste incineration, and atmospheric deposition. However, it is important to note that the levels of these toxic metals in the salmon meet human-health consumption guidelines for seafood according to the sanitary standards and regulations of the Russian Federation.
The presence of toxic heavy metals in Oncorhynchus gorbuscha can pose health risks to humans if consumed in significant quantities. These non-essential elements can accumulate in the body and have been linked to various health issues, including neurological damage, reproductive problems, and cardiovascular disease.
A study conducted in the Kuril Islands and the Sea of Japan found that the levels of heavy metals in Oncorhynchus gorbuscha from the Sea of Japan were lower than those from the geochemically extreme Kuril area. Therefore, it can be suggested that the Oncorhynchus gorbuscha population in the Sea of Japan may be less polluted compared to other regions.
