Abstract: Broodmare imminence of ovulation and reproductive competence may be determined by collecting blood, serum or plasma samples from a mare over two or more days in such mare's estrous cycle; obtaining a set of concentration measurements of one or more peptide hormones of the TGF-? superfamily in such samples over such two or more days; detecting an onset of a change in the relative magnitude or slope of successive concentration measurements of such one or more peptide hormones during such cycle; and coordinating live cover or artificial insemination of such mare to occur no later than three days after such onset. The disclosed method may be performed using an associated system that measures, processes and stores the measurements. The system may detect and optionally provide notification of the onset of such change.

Abstract: Velvet disease infestation is detected using rmAbs that are cross-reactive with one or more A. ocellatum or P. pillulare antigens. The analysis may be performed shipboard, dockside, in an aquaculture or aquarium setting, otherwise in situ at the point of sample collection or elsewhere. The results may be used to monitor health and disease of captured or cultured fish species or the safety of water to be introduced into an aquaculture facility.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a software system that incorporates a digital learning engine comprised of machine learning algorithms that efficiently speeds up and expands the extraction of practically useful information from massively large data sets of observations and measurements of coastal aquatic environmental and human health conditions for the purpose of planning and implementing sustainable, preventative or mitigation actions by commercial, consumer, citizen, government, and research organizations.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a machine learning based software system that helps aquaculture facility operators optimize the productivity of their aquatic farming operations.

Abstract: Fish sexual characteristics are determined by measuring the concentration in fish serum, plasma or whole blood of one or more peptide hormones of the transforming growth factor-beta superfamily (TGF-? superfamily). The disclosed method and an accompanying field test kit may be used in sturgeon aquaculture to cull out young male fish so that increased time and resources may be devoted to the further rearing of female fish for caviar production. The method and test kit may also be used for wild fish life history studies.

Abstract: Fish sexual characteristics are determined by measuring the concentration in fish serum, plasma or whole blood of one or more peptide hormones of the transforming growth factor-beta superfamily (TGF-? superfamily). The disclosed method and an accompanying field test kit may be used in sturgeon aquaculture to cull out young male fish so that increased time and resources may be devoted to the further rearing of female fish for caviar production. The method and test kit may also be used for wild fish life history studies.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a floating media moving bed portable biofilter and degasser and methods of using same useful for the biological treatment of aqueous nitrogenous waste. Provided herein are enhanced biofilter systems and methods for removing nitrogenous wastes from bodies of water. The portable biofilters described herein remedy the deficiencies of existing biofilters described above due to their enhanced nitrogen removing efficiency coupled with their simple and robust design, relative inexpensiveness, portability, ease of cleaning and maintenance, minimized trapping of aqueous solids, minimization of off-flavors in aquacultured fish, and immediate functionality when transferred to different sources of water. These advantages render the portable biofilters of the present invention suitable for commercial applications for aqueous nitrogenous waste removal.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and apparatuses for in situ chemical analysis of liquid sample for the collection, identification, and measurement of chemical moieties, such as, biotoxins, organic compounds, or chemical contaminants, in aquatic environments. The apparatuses of the present invention relate to an automated in situ sampler for chemical stressors that adversely impact biological systems in aquatic environments. The apparatuses of the present invention are designed as a means to automatically collect liquid (e.g., water) samples and analyze them for the presence of chemical moieties. The apparatuses of the present invention are designed to automatically collect multiple liquid samples, extract and separate chemical moieties contained within the samples, and analyze the chemical moieties to determine the composition and concentration of the chemical moieties over time and space.

Abstract: Fish sexual characteristics are determined by measuring the concentration in fish serum, plasma or whole blood of one or more peptide hormones of the transforming growth factor-beta superfamily (TGF-? superfamily). The disclosed method and an accompanying field test kit may be used in sturgeon aquaculture to cull out young male fish so that increased time and resources may be devoted to the further rearing of female fish for caviar production. The method and test kit may also be used for wild fish life history studies.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for making quantitative measurements of the amounts of optical brighteners in water samples using fluorescence measurements at multiple wavelengths. First and second emission wavelength raw measurements are corrected for sample absorption to provide absorption-corrected first emission wavelength and second emission wavelength fluorescence emission values. The absorption-corrected first emission wavelength value is compared to the absorption-corrected second emission wavelength value and to similarly-determined and similarly absorption-corrected emission wavelength values or a ratio thereof obtained from a comparison water sample in which optical brighteners are not present or are only minimally present, to provide a quantitative optical brightener measurement. The apparatus and method may be field-based or laboratory-based, and may operate on a flow-through basis or on discrete samples.

Abstract: The present invention provides apparatuses for in situ chemical analysis of liquid samples.

Abstract: A fishing buoy for reducing injury or premature mortality in target fish species and endangered or protected bycatch includes: a multi-axis swivel having first and second attachment points arrayed along a central first axis and a third attachment point arrayed along a distinct second axis; an anchor or other underwater restraining device; a ballast, float and a transmitter having a transmission state; a leader and at least one baitable hook; a fish strike trigger connected to the transmitter and temporarily coupled to the leader, or connected to the leader and temporarily coupled to the transmitter. After a fish or bycatch strike the trigger changes the transmitter state to provide an indication that a strike has occurred, the leader and transmitter are decoupled, and the leader is free to rotate around the central axis without entangling the anchor or other underwater restraining device.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel arrangement of denitrification reactors for removal of nitrate compounds in a recirculating aquaculture system. The novel arrangement of an aquaculture system of the present invention includes positioning one or more anaerobic denitrification reactors upstream of aerobic nitrification and degassing processes. One aspect of the present invention includes a flow of aqueous medium from aquatic species rearing tanks towards one or more denitrification reactors. Another aspect of the present invention includes flow of aqueous medium from aquatic species rearing tanks to a solids removing filter or mechanical filtration means for removal of solid waste matter or biomass prior to flow of aqueous medium towards one or more denitrification reactors.

Abstract: Human observers stationed on or near beaches gather subjective observations of one or more observable beach conditions associated with respiratory distress. Subjectively determined observations such as dead fish and audible coughing provide a better indication of the likelihood of respiratory distress than measurements made using scientific instruments. The observations may be sent to a remote central database using handheld communication devices. A beach status evaluation is determined based on stored observations, and may be provided to beachgoers through Internet web pages or by telephone or text-message to enable beachgoers to choose an alternative beach or alternative activity when respiratory distress is likely.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel arrangement of denitrification reactors for removal of nitrate compounds in a recirculating aquaculture system. The novel arrangement of an aquaculture system of the present invention includes positioning one or more anaerobic denitrification reactors upstream of aerobic nitrification and degassing processes. One aspect of the present invention includes a flow of aqueous medium from aquatic species rearing tanks towards one or more denitrification reactors. Another aspect of the present invention includes flow of aqueous medium from aquatic species rearing tanks to a solids removing filter or mechanical filtration means for removal of solid waste matter or biomass prior to flow of aqueous medium towards one or more denitrification reactors.

Abstract: Conditioned media compositions having valuable biological activity are obtained from cultures of immune cells from elasmobranch fishes. A method is provided for producing the conditioned media compositions. Conditioned media obtained using epigonal cells from bonnethead sharks (Sphyrna tiburo) and lemon sharks (Negaprion brevirostris) demonstrate strong anti-tumor activities. The conditioned media compositions can be used for treating tumor proliferation.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for analyzing liquid samples employs first and second bidirectional ports that permit liquids to be introduced to first and second liquid waveguide capillary cells at the same time. The direction of liquid flow through the apparatus and roles of components may be reversed to prevent or overcome obstruction by particulates and other debris. The apparatus and method can detect and map colored dissolved organic matter and can detect, discriminate and map algal species or algal blooms including red tide in an automated, unattended manner within large aquatic systems.

Abstract: The present invention includes a horizontal foam fractionation protein skimmer for removing organic waste material (dissolved organic compounds) from organic loaded water. The protein skimmer includes a horizontal reaction chamber connected to a foam collection chamber in which protein-loaded foam containing organic waste material is collected. The reaction chamber is comprised of a series of horizontally-directed, nested, concentric tubes for increasing the number and decreasing the size of bubbles to facilitate efficient removal of dissolved organic compounds. Each horizontal tube has either one or several small openings that are offset from the openings on the adjacent tube at a small angle, typically 10°. The openings are formed by either a single slit that runs along the length of each tube, or by a series of holes that runs along the length of each tube. Organic-loaded water is pumped through tubing into the reaction chamber. As water moves through the tubing, gas (e.g.

Abstract: The present invention describes a method for controlling growth of harmful algal blooms generated by the red tide organism, Karenia brevis, and other harmful algal species. The method includes the steps of applying seawater containing low levels of dissolved ozone directly onto or under the surface of water containing harmful algal blooms. Since only low levels of ozone are required for this method to be effective and since the application of ozonated seawater is directed to the bloom itself, release of excess ozone into the atmosphere and/or surrounding water is minimal, which is advantageous since it greatly reduces adverse effects of ozone on the environment, marine life, and human health. The low concentration of ozone utilized in this method is sufficient to destroy the red tide organism, but leave surrounding marine life unharmed.

Abstract: Conditioned media compositions having valuable biological activity are obtained from cultures of immune cells from elasmobranch fishes. A method is provided for producing the conditioned media compositions. Conditioned media obtained using epigonal cells from bonnethead sharks (Sphyrna tiburo) and lemon sharks (Negaprion brevirostris) demonstrate strong anti-tumor activities. The conditioned media compositions can be used for treating tumor proliferation.