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Energy profiling of demersal fish: A case-study in wind farm artificial reefs
De Troch, M.; Reubens, J.T.; Heirman, E.; Degraer, S.; Vincx, M. (2013). Energy profiling of demersal fish: A case-study in wind farm artificial reefs. Mar. Environ. Res. 92: 224-233. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.marenvres.2013.10.001
In: Marine Environmental Research. Applied Science Publishers: Barking. ISSN 0141-1136; e-ISSN 1879-0291
Peer reviewed article  
Available in  Authors 
    Vlaams Instituut voor de Zee: Open Marine Archive 252216 [ download pdf ]
Keywords
    Acids > Organic compounds > Organic acids > Fatty acids
    Chemical compounds > Organic compounds > Proteins
    Gadus morhua Linnaeus, 1758 [WoRMS]
    Marine/Coastal
Author keywords
    Atlantic cod; Pouting; Energy profiling
Authors  Top 
  • De Troch, M.
  • Reubens, J.T.
  • Heirman, E.
  • Degraer, S.
  • Vincx, M.
Abstract
    The construction of wind farms introduces artificial hard substrates in sandy sediments. As Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua) and pouting (Trisopterus luscus) tend to aggregate in order to feed around these reefs, energy profiling and trophic markers were applied to study their feeding ecology in a wind farm in the Belgian part of the North Sea. The proximate composition (carbohydrates, proteins and lipids) differed significantly between liver and muscle tissue but not between fish species or between their potential prey species. Atlantic cod showed to consume more energy than pouting. The latter had a higher overall energy reserve and can theoretically survive twice as long on the available energy than cod. In autumn, both fish species could survive longer on their energy than in spring. Polyunsaturated fatty acids were found in high concentrations in fish liver. The prey species Jassa and Pisidia were both rich in EPA while Jassa had a higher DHA content than Pisidia.Energy profiling supported the statement that wind farm artificial reefs are suitable feeding ground for both fish species. Sufficient energy levels were recorded and there is no indication of competition.
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