Agricultural Research,Education and Extension Organization Iranian Journal of Fisheries Sciences 1562-2916 25 4 2026 07 01 Dietary effect of chitosan on immunity, antioxidant status, and immune-related gene expression in juvenile starry sturgeon (Acipenser stellatus) 587 606 135497 10.22092/ijfs.2026.135497 EN D. Zakeri Department of Animal Sciences and Marine Biology, Faculty of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, Iran J. Pazooki Department of Animal Sciences and Marine Biology, Faculty of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, Iran M. Mohseni International Sturgeon Research Institute, Iranian Fisheries Science Research Institute (IFSRI), Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization (AREEO), Rasht, Iran S. Jamshidi International Sturgeon Research Institute, Iranian Fisheries Science Research Institute (IFSRI), Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization (AREEO), Rasht, Iran Journal Article 2026 05 16 This study investigated the effects of the dietary supplement chitosan (CH) on various parameters including hematological indices, immune response, liver enzyme levels, antioxidant capacity, and the expression of immune-related genes in juvenile starry sturgeon (Acipenser stellatus). 180 juvenile starry sturgeons with an average weight of 31.90 ± 0.73 g were divided into five feeding groups for 60 days includes: control (CTR), 1.5 g (CH1.5), 3.0 g (CH3.0), 4.5 g (CH4.5), and 6.0 g (CH6.0) of CH powder per kg of a basal diet. Blood analyses conducted after the dietary trial demonstrated that CH significantly increased total red blood cells, white blood cells, hematocrit, and hemoglobin levels, with the highest values recorded in the CH6.0 group. CH enhanced immune responses as evidenced by elevated levels of total protein, albumin, globulin, lysozyme activity, and immunoglobulin, particularly in the CH6.0 group. Additionally, dietary CH reduced serum lipid levels, and the lowest liver enzyme activities were observed in the CH4.5 and CH6.0 groups. CH also stimulated the activity of antioxidant enzymes, with the most pronounced antioxidant activity noted in the CH6.0 group. Moreover, CH improved the regulation of the relative expression of interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β) and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) genes in liver, intestine, spleen, and head kidney tissues, with the highest expression levels for both genes recorded in the CH6.0 group. These findings suggest that the inclusion of 6 g kg-1 CH in the diet of starry sturgeon enhances hematological and biochemical parameters, boosts antioxidant capacity and immune response, and supports immune-related gene expression

https://jifro.areeo.ac.ir/article_135497_bb53fca9d2eba47e164cb0ed73f7b889.pdf

Agricultural Research,Education and Extension Organization Iranian Journal of Fisheries Sciences 1562-2916 25 4 2026 07 01 Nutritional evaluation of plant-based diets containing corn and soy protein sources on growth performance and survival rate of Litopenaeus vannamei 607 616 135813 10.22092/ijfs.2026.135813 EN A. Dashtiannasab Shrimp Research Center, Iranian Fisheries Sciences Research Institute (IFSRI), Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization (AREEO), Bushehr 75169-89177, Iran M. Sharifinia Shrimp Research Center, Iranian Fisheries Sciences Research Institute (IFSRI), Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization (AREEO), Bushehr 75169-89177, Iran M. Hafezieh Iranian Fisheries Science Research Institute (IFSRI), Agricultural Research Education and Extension Organization (AREEO), Tehran, Iran Journal Article 2026 07 14 The aquaculture industry faces increasing challenges in developing sustainable and cost-effective feeding strategies. Plant-based protein sources, such as soybean meal and corn gluten, present promising alternatives to traditional fishmeal in shrimp diets. This study aimed to investigate the effects of varying levels of plant protein substitution on the growth performance, survival rate, and economic feasibility of Pacific white shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei), while also determining the optimal level of plant protein replacement in shrimp feed. Six experimental diets were formulated with plant protein replacement levels of 0% (T0), 20% (T20), 40% (T40), 60% (T60), 80% (T80), and 100% (T100) relative to fishmeal. A 60-day culture period was implemented to evaluate the impact of these dietary treatments on growth indices, survival rates, and nutritional parameters. Additionally, cost analyses were conducted for each treatment group. The results indicated that growth indices, including weight gain and specific growth rate, did not significantly differ from the control group at replacement levels up to 60% (p≤0.05). However, substituting plant protein at levels of 80% and 100% resulted in significant negative effects on growth performance (p≤0.05). Survival rates remained stable across all dietary treatments throughout the culture period (p>0.05). The nutritional indices, such as feed conversion ratio and protein efficiency ratio, were significantly higher in the T0 and T60 groups compared to those with greater plant protein inclusion (p≤0.05). This study concludes that partial substitution of fishmeal with plant proteins (up to 60%) is both nutritionally effective and economically advantageous. However, complete replacement at 80% and 100% levels significantly impairs growth performance in L. vannamei. The consistent survival rates across all dietary treatments suggest that the substitution of the plant-based proteins does not compromise shrimp health.

https://jifro.areeo.ac.ir/article_135813_cc5768237169cacf70fcbe147bc3a500.pdf

Agricultural Research,Education and Extension Organization Iranian Journal of Fisheries Sciences 1562-2916 25 4 2026 07 01 Anti-Alzheimer and antioxidant activities of bacteria isolated from the Persian Gulf sponges 617 635 135842 10.22092/ijfs.2026.135842 EN F. Bahadori Department of Microbiology, Jahrom Branch, Islamic Azad University, Jahrom, Iran F. Kafilzadeh Department of Microbiology, Jahrom Branch, Islamic Azad University, Jahrom, Iran S. Tamadoni Jahromi Persian Gulf and Oman Sea Ecology Research Center, Iranian Fisheries Science Research Institute (IFSRI), Agricultural Research Education and Extension Organization (AREEO), Bandar Abbas, Iran M. Kargar Department of Microbiology, Jahrom Branch, Islamic Azad University, Jahrom, Iran M. Gozari Persian Gulf and Oman Sea Ecology Research Center, Iranian Fisheries Science Research Institute (IFSRI), Agricultural Research Education and Extension Organization (AREEO), Bandar Abbas, Iran Journal Article 2026 07 19 Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitors are vital in the management of Alzheimer’s disease. This study aimed to identify bacteria isolated from sponge samples collected near Hengam Island and evaluate their acetylcholinesterase inhibitory activity. Sponge samples of Halicona sp. and Axinella sp. were collected by scuba diving. A total of 131 bacterial strains were isolated using Marine Zobell agar medium. Bacillus and Vibrio species were the most frequently identified bacteria from the sponge samples. Analysis of the extracted metabolites revealed that four isolates could inhibit acetylcholinesterase activity, with IC50 values between 203.60 and 385.62 μg/ml. According to the MTT cell proliferation assay, HH 151 extract exhibited cytotoxic effects on the HUVEC cell line. The AChE inhibitory extracts also showed DPPH radical scavenging activity between 78.12 μg/mL and 237.54 μg/mL. The 16S rRNA sequence analysis showed about 99 to 100% homology between HH 127, HH 151, HA 315, and HA 338 strains with Vibrio azureus, Streptomyces nigrescens, Bacillus pumilus, and Bacillus subtilis species. These findings provided new candidates of the acetylcholinesterase inhibitors from sponge-associated bacteria for in vivo studies.

https://jifro.areeo.ac.ir/article_135842_1d5e5ab8297bc6ea9c4d56c605b1ef84.pdf

Agricultural Research,Education and Extension Organization Iranian Journal of Fisheries Sciences 1562-2916 25 4 2026 07 01 Coincident use of fish taxonomy with sagitta and asteriscus otoliths to improve the identification of ponyfishes (Family: Leiognathidae) 637 661 135843 10.22092/ijfs.2026.135843 EN I. Kashani Centre of Excellence in Marine Biology, University of Karachi, Sindh, Pakistan S.K. Panhwar Centre of Excellence in Marine Biology, University of Karachi, Sindh, Pakistan Z. Kui Department of Key Laboratory of Open-Sea Fishery, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, South China Sea Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Guangzhou 510300, P.R. China A. Ali Muhammad Department of Fisheries and Coastal Development, Government of Balochistan, Balochistan, Pakistan N. Qamar National Institute of Maritime Affairs, Bahria University Karachi, Sindh, Pakistan Journal Article 2026 07 19 Despite their small size, ponyfishes play a significant role in fisheries, both as catches and bycatches. However, their diversity remains poorly understood due to their similar appearances and limited knowledge. This study evaluates integrating body morphometrics with quantitative and morphological analysis of both sagittal and asteriscus otolith can provide reproducible diagnostic traits that resolve species-level ambiguities and clarify generic placement. Using discriminant function analysis (DFA) of truss network landmarks and otolith shape parameters, we examined 556 specimens representing 15 species from the northern Arabian Sea, including five new regional records. Furthermore, the statistical analysis of DFA revealed strong discriminatory power among genera, with the first four discriminant functions explaining 62.3%, 11.4%, 8.9%, and 6.1% of the variance (eigenvalues 33.85, 6.20, 4.84, and 3.29, respectively). Moreover, morphometrical study of otoliths showed the genera formed distinct clusters, and otolith characters provided consistent, complementary support: Aurigequula equula exhibited the largest sagittal otoliths (mean length 69.29 mm) with pronounced rostra (~15.5 mm) and deep notches (~16.6 mm), whereas members of Deveximentum had the smallest otoliths (2.51–4.15 mm) with markedly shorter rostra and shallower notches. Sagittal and asteriscus otoliths provided complementary diagnostic features, with asteriscus morphology offering novel resolution at species level. Collectively, these results indicate that three species from genus Leiognathus reassigned to their original generic placements under current nomenclatural standards. These findings demonstrate that otolith-based morphometrics, when combined with traditional taxonomy, can strengthen systematic frameworks, improve reproducibility in species identification, and contribute to ecological and evolutionary studies of Leiognathidae.

https://jifro.areeo.ac.ir/article_135843_e5dd69ac1a831d4fe34d39280a08a67c.pdf

Agricultural Research,Education and Extension Organization Iranian Journal of Fisheries Sciences 1562-2916 25 4 2026 07 01 Antibacterial properties of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) pro-hepcidin as a new approach against bacterial disease in fish 663 674 135846 10.22092/ijfs.2026.135846 EN S. Mohammadzadeh Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Amol University of Special Modern Technologies, Amol, Iran R. Khoshbakht Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Amol University of Special Modern Technologies, Amol, Iran P. Shohreh Department of Clinical Science, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Amol University of Special Modern Technologies, Amol, Iran M. Ranjbar Department of Microbial Biotechnology, Faculty of Biotechnology, Amol University of Special Modern Technologies, Amol, Iran F. Moradian Department of Basic Sciences, Sari Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources University, Sari, Iran E. Ahmadifar Department of Fisheries, Faculty of Natural Resources, University of Zabol, Zabol, Iran Journal Article 2026 07 20 This study aimed to produce and evaluate the antibacterial activity of recombinant rainbow trout pro-hepcidin (rpro-RtHep). The gene sequence encoding rainbow trout pro-hepcidin was synthesized and cloned into the pET28a+ expression vector. The recombinant vector pET28a+/pro-RtHep was transformed into Escherichia coli BL21 (DE3) Rosetta for protein expression. The recombinant bacteria were cultured at 37°C and induced with 0.5 mM Isopropyl β-D-1-thiogalactopyranoside (IPTG). The presence of a 10 kDa band on SDS-PAGE confirmed successful peptide expression; subsequently, purification was carried out using affinity chromatography, and the single 10 kDa band was verified by SDS-PAGE. The biological activity of purified rpro-RtHep was evaluated by examining its inhibitory effects on the growth of selected Aeromonas hydrophila, Streptococcus iniae and Yersinia ruckeri. The results showed that rpro-RtHep effectively inhibited the growth of these bacterial species. Additionally, the survival rate of zebrafish (Danio rerio) and with the rpro-RtHep (25 µg g-1) was assessed and the results revealed that survival rate was significantly higher compared to that of the control group exposed to A. hydrophila. Immune factors, including lysozyme levels, ACH50, total protein, and total immunoglobulin demonstrated significant increases in fish injected with rpro-RtHep compared to the control group (p<0.05). The study demonstrated that rpro-RtHep protects zebrafish against A. hydrophila infection via regulating of immune factors.

https://jifro.areeo.ac.ir/article_135846_6caec4d9b128c10302c81c7a4239fa14.pdf

Agricultural Research,Education and Extension Organization Iranian Journal of Fisheries Sciences 1562-2916 25 4 2026 07 01 A comparison of growth performance and digestive enzyme responses in common carp (Cyprinus carpio) across different culture phases 675 690 135849 10.22092/ijfs.2026.135849 EN T. Mohammadiam Department of Livestock, Poultry and Aquatic animal Health, Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz, Ahvaz, Iran A. Valipour Department of Mechanical Engineering, Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz M.R. Mokhtari Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz, Ahvaz, Iran M. Mesbah Department of Livestock, Poultry and Aquatic animal Health, Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz, Ahvaz, Iran M. Alishahi Department of Livestock, Poultry and Aquatic animal Health, Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz, Ahvaz, Iran B. Dixson Department of Biology, University of Waterloo S. Samiee Department of Chemistry, Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz Journal Article 2026 07 20 This study evaluated the effects of biofloc technology (BFT) on growth performance and digestive enzyme activity in common carp (Cyprinus carpio) across two consecutive culture phases: a 90-day nursery phase (250-L tanks) followed by a 120-day grow-out phase (100 m³ ponds). Three treatments were compared: a semi-closed recirculating system (control), a biofloc-recirculating system with indigenous Bacillus spp. (BFT+P), and a biofloc system without probiotics (BFT). Key growth parameters (i.e. specific growth rate, relative growth rate, feed conversion ratio (FCR), protein efficiency ratio, and daily weight gain) and intestinal digestive enzymes (i.e. trypsin, chymotrypsin, amylase, lipase, total protease, and alkaline phosphatase) were monitored. Results showed that BFT+P significantly improved growth and feed utilization. By day 90, FCR was lowest in BFT+P (1.10±0.10) versus control (1.36±0.20). Digestive enzyme activities were significantly higher in biofloc treatments (p<0.05), with total protease peaking at 215.53±4.31 U mg⁻¹ in BFT+P at day 90. During the grow-out phase, BFT+P yielded the highest final average weight (1.4 kg), the highest harvested biomass (1228±123 kg), and the lowest FCR (1.27±0.24). Survival rate remained 100% across all treatments. Enzyme activities increased time-dependently under biofloc conditions, with the most stable and elevated responses in BFT+P. In conclusion, biofloc system, particularly when combined with indigenous probiotic supplementation, enhances digestive physiology and growth performance of common carp throughout sequential culture phases. These findings offer practical strategies for improving intensive carp aquaculture efficiency.

https://jifro.areeo.ac.ir/article_135849_ffd14bf3370f4e3f9b5131bda65db93d.pdf

Agricultural Research,Education and Extension Organization Iranian Journal of Fisheries Sciences 1562-2916 25 4 2026 07 01 Sustainability of fishmeal and fish oil production: Balancing aquaculture demand with food security and marine biodiversity 691 727 135850 10.22092/ijfs.2026.135850 EN M. Sharifinia Shrimp Research Center, Iranian Fisheries Sciences Research Institute (IFSRI), Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization (AREEO), Bushehr, Iran M.H. Khanjani Department of Fisheries Sciences and Engineering, Faculty of Natural Resources, University of Jiroft, Jiroft, Kerman, Iran T. Valinassab Iranian Fisheries Sciences Research Institute (IFSRI), Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization (AREEO), Tehran, Iran Journal Article 2026 07 20 This review provides a comprehensive analysis of the challenges and opportunities associated with optimizing fish meal and fish oil (FMFO) production for sustainable food security and biodiversity conservation. FMFO is an important source of omega-3 fatty acids, but its production has negative environmental and social impacts. The article reviews various technological, market, and consumer trends that could shape the future of FMFO production, such as alternative protein sources, precision feeding technologies, circular economy models, and integrated multi-trophic aquaculture (IMTA) systems. The article emphasizes the need to balance food security and biodiversity conservation, highlighting the detrimental effects of overfishing wild fish stocks for FMFO production. To address this issue, the article advocates for informed consumer choices and sustainable sourcing practices, stressing the importance of transparency and traceability in the FMFO supply chain. A multi-stakeholder approach is necessary to optimize FMFO production for sustainability and conservation, taking into account the perspectives and needs of all stakeholders involved. By embracing sustainable practices and innovative technologies, FMFO production can become more efficient and environmentally friendly while meeting the growing demand for this essential source of omega-3 fatty acids.

https://jifro.areeo.ac.ir/article_135850_6e1331e02e6afee55f6eaa95f16bd65f.pdf

Agricultural Research,Education and Extension Organization Iranian Journal of Fisheries Sciences 1562-2916 25 4 2026 07 01 Barriers and facilitators of fish and seafood consumption in Iran: A qualitative study of consumers and stakeholders 729 748 135855 10.22092/ijfs.2026.135855 EN H. Farzaneh Department of Community Nutrition, National Nutrition and Food Technology Research Institute, Faculty of Nutrition Sciences and Food Technology, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran A. Rezazadeh Department of Community Nutrition, National Nutrition and Food Technology Research Institute, Faculty of Nutrition Sciences and Food Technology, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran L. Shams Workplace Health Promotion Research Center, Research Institute for Health Sciences and Environment, Department of Health Policy and Management, School of Public Health and Safety, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences H. Eini-Zinab Department of Community Nutrition, National Nutrition and Food Technology Research Institute, Faculty of Nutrition Sciences and Food Technology, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran D. Ghodsi Department of Nutrition Research, National Nutrition and Food Technology Research Institute, Faculty of Nutrition Sciences and Food Technology, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran Z. Lalehzadeh Nutrition Research Center, Department of Biochemistry and Diet Therapy, Faculty of Nutrition and Food Sciences, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran Journal Article 2026 07 21 The study aimed to explore the perceived barriers and facilitators of seafood consumption from both community members and institutional stakeholders in Iran. A qualitative approach was employed through eight focus group discussions and seventeen semi-structured interviews conducted between May and November 2024. Convenience sampling was used for selecting participants in the focus group discussions, while purposive and snowball sampling methods were applied for the semi-structured interviews to ensure diversity and depth. The thematic content analysis identified multiple interrelated barriers, including policy and economic constraints, access and affordability, product diversity and processing, public awareness and promotion, cultural, religious and sensory factors, and safety concerns. In contrast, the facilitators comprised macro-level policymaking, improvement of infrastructure and supply chains, economic and physical access, safety and health considerations, and cultural and social promotion to enhance aquatic product consumption. Addressing these barriers requires coordinated actions to improve the affordability and physical accessibility of aquatic foods, strengthen supply chains and product diversity, enhance public awareness, and increase consumer confidence in seafood quality and safety. Localized and culturally appropriate interventions, supported by multisectoral collaboration, may help increase seafood consumption and contribute to improved nutrition and public health outcomes.

https://jifro.areeo.ac.ir/article_135855_604ebc0ce086bf15a0f682e9db7a0542.pdf

Agricultural Research,Education and Extension Organization Iranian Journal of Fisheries Sciences 1562-2916 25 4 2026 07 01 Response of phytoplankton communities to environmental parameters in the rivers of the Khersan Sub-Basin in Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari Province 749 770 135919 10.22092/ijfs.2026.135919 EN H. Fazli Caspian Sea Ecology Research Center, Iranian Fisheries Science Research Institute (IFSRI), Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization (AREEO), Sari, Iran R. Rahmati Caspian Sea Ecology Research Center, Iranian Fisheries Science Research Institute (IFSRI), Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization (AREEO), Sari, Iran H. Nasrollahzadeh Saravi Caspian Sea Ecology Research Center, Iranian Fisheries Science Research Institute (IFSRI), Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization (AREEO), Sari, Iran B. Rahnama Caspian Sea Ecology Research Center, Iranian Fisheries Science Research Institute (IFSRI), Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization (AREEO), Sari, Iran N. Alishah Caspian Sea Ecology Research Center, Iranian Fisheries Science Research Institute (IFSRI), Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization (AREEO), Sari, Iran T. Eskandari Caspian Sea Ecology Research Center, Iranian Fisheries Science Research Institute (IFSRI), Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization (AREEO), Sari, Iran Journal Article 2026 08 01 Understanding the influence of abiotic factors on the phytoplankton communities is essential for the effective management of aquatic ecosystems. This study was conducted in the Khersan sub-asin, encompassing the Marbareh, Bashar, and Khersan rivers. Seasonal sampling was carried out at five selected stations to assess physicochemical variables and phytoplankton community composition with the aim of evaluating the effects of abiotic parameters on these communities. A total of 55 phytoplankton taxa belonging to four phyla were identified, with Bacillariophyta representing 74.6%. of the total taxa. Non-metric multidimensional scaling (nMDS) revealed that phytoplankton community structure was primarily driven by seasonal variation, with samples clustering distinctly by season, whereas spatial differences among sampling stations had a comparatively minor influence. PERMANOVA confirmed a significant seasonal effect on phytoplankton composition (p<0.001). SIMPER analysis indicated that phytoplankton assemblages were more stable during the colder seasons, exhibiting higher within-season similarity in autumn (67.8%) and winter (51.8%) than in the more variable spring (34.7%) and summer (31.7%) communities. Diversity indices did not differ significantly among sampling stations, whereas species richness varied significantly across seasons (p<0.001). DistLM marginal tests identified six environmental variables that individually had a significant relationship with phytoplankton community structure (p<0.05), with pH showing the strongest individual effect and explaining 17.4% of the variation in the resemblance matrix. The optimal model, selected using the Akaike Information Criterion (AIC), included seven variables water temperature, dissolved oxygen, NH₃, NO₂-, pH, total organic matter, and discharge, which together explained 71.0% of the total variation. Overall, the findings indicate that phytoplankton community structure in the Khersan sub-basin is jointly regulated by hydrological conditions, seasonal dynamics, and trophic status. The predominance of diatoms throughout most of the study period suggests a relatively stable ecosystem with no evidence of severe eutrophication. These findings provide a valuable baseline for future ecological monitoring, conservation planning, and sustainable management of the Khersan sub-basin.

https://jifro.areeo.ac.ir/article_135919_87db83fa77a88d55e9f48dd7b7c816e7.pdf