Abstract In order to demonstrate the need for process overhaul within closed systems, this paper discusses controlled process overhaul within the context of maintaining a nano-reef aquarium. Process overhauls can be systematic or intermittent, depending upon need, but the intended result of any process overhaul is improving the performance of the system or a subset that is dependent on the system.
From the Paper "Process assessment and overhaul are instrumental in maintaining systems (Schonberger & Knod, 2001). Indeed, the more specific the system, the greater the need for controlled forms of overhaul. Controlled overhaul differs dramatically from uncontrolled overhaul in that it selectively determines specific aspects of the process that are not functioning appropriately and works to change their functionality through overhaul. Process overhauls can be systematic or intermittent, depending upon need, but the intended result of any process overhaul is improving the performance of the system or a subset that is dependent on the system."
Abstract This paper discusses how although it is not known to what extent the use of aquaculture will assist in the preservation of coral reefs, it is certain that aquaculture will help promote the health and longevity of corals when kept in a personal fish tank. It looks at how the aquaculture process facilitates appropriate animal husbandry methods that are already widely used in facilitating and improving the health of other domesticated plants and animals.
Outline
Introduction
Coral Reefs and the Marine Aquarium Hobbyist
Applications of Aquaculture
Conclusion
From the Paper "To be sold as a piece of authentic aquacultured coral, the organism must have propagated a minimum of two times in captivity, suggesting that the size of the organism has reached a size sustainable for harvest two or more times since the original parent colony was harvested from the ocean (Pillay & Kutty, 2005). This process has been likened to that of houseplants, where a houseplant has grown large enough to divide a minimum of two times before the successive harvested generations are considered to be domesticated. "
Abstract This paper discusses how perhaps no other aquatic species contributes to oceanic ecology like the brine shrimp. It looks at how brine shrimp is a form of zooplankton, how it is versatile in its physical and chemical characteristics, and how its hardiness and survivability make it very special for preservation. It also looks at how it is mainly sold for home aquariums because of the almost chameleon-like range of colors it can adopt based on its food intake.
From the Paper "Environmental factors contribute greatly to the physical characteristics of brine shrimp. Under normal circumstances, they live almost entirely on the photosynthetic green algae, Dunaliella. The oxygen content in the water determines their physical appearance, which is a direct consequence of what they can consume (depending on oxygen content in the water). With a good oxygen supply, the artemia are a pale pink or yellow. In an abundant supply of green algae, they take on a greenish hue. If there is a low oxygen level in the water with large amounts of organic matter, or a high amount of salinity from evaporation, the artemia will feed on bacteria, detritus and yeast cells, but no algae. It is under these conditions that they produce hemoglobin and look red or orange in color."
Abstract This paper describes a study on the effects of ultraviolet radiation on the development of zebrafish and explains that the study was conducted in an effort to help determine when exposure to ultraviolet radiation can be helpful and when it can be harmful.
From the Paper "Background and Overview. While global warming represents a threat to humankind by virtue of a reduction in the ozone layer and an increased exposure to ultraviolet radiation in the future (Conscience, Cotton, Schlumpf et al. 2001), researchers have shown that moderate exposure to varying levels of ultraviolet radiation may have some beneficial effects for humans. For example, multiple sclerosis, type 1 diabetes, and, to a lesser degree, rheumatoid arthritis, in the Northern Hemisphere, especially in Western Europe and North America, display a latitudinal gradient in disease frequency, with the prevalence of these disorders increasing at higher latitudes (Lim et al. 2003). Furthermore, ultraviolet germicidal irradiation (UVGI) that occurs in the upper portion of air in a room has been cited as an environmental control measure that could economically reduce exposure to Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) droplet nuclei (Burge, First & Ko 2002)."
Abstract This paper explains that scientists have discovered in big-brained invertebrates-- octopuses and their cephalopod cousins, the cuttlefish and the squid--- cognitive, behavioral and affective traits, which were once considered exclusive to the higher vertebrates. The author points out that biologists claim that octopus in the Seattle Aquarium can recognize certain people if they encounter them on a regular basis thus demonstrating their intelligence. The paper relates that not only do octopuses act in ways that parallel other intelligent animals but also they entertaining themselves by playing with toys.
From the Paper "Unfortunately, octopuses only live for an average of 2 years and spend most of these years taking advantage of the learning experiences they face each and every day. With such a short life span, these underwater creatures do not have the opportunity to build on their knowledge and maintain a full capacity of their peculiarly large brains. An octopus's childhood can be closely compared to that of a runaway, with no one and nothing to rely on for support and learning. "The young octopus learns on its own with minimal contact with conspecifics and no influences of parental care or sibling rivalry." Developing on their own and learning everything required to survive by experience, the cognitive ability of these creatures is exceptional."
This paper discusses the bio-invasion of a noxious seaweed caulerpa taxifolia, "killer algae", continuing to spread along the coasts of Spain, France, Monaco, Italy, Croatia and Tunisia.
Abstract This paper explains that caulerpa taxifolia, which had been grown as an aquarium strain of caulerpa taxifolia bred for its pleasant appearance, rapid growth and tolerance for cold conditions, now is an accidentally introduced, invasive specie of algae, which has taken over the Mediterranean Sea. The author reports that the dense mono-cultures of the weed are smothering native plant and animal species, drastically reducing biodiversity, and, because of the toxic effects of the weed's caulerpenyne compounds, are making surviving fish, unsuitable for human consumption. The paper relates that some effective methods of eradication of caulerpa taxifolia are (1) covering and sealing by PVC tarpaulins, which were injected with chlorine, (2) applying coarse sea, (3) removing manually or using a sump-pump and (4) bio-control, which is the introduction of yet another non-native species that can combat caulerpa taxifolia.
From the Paper "Efforts have been made in attempt to eradicate Caulerpa taxifolia at high costs. Six million United States dollars have been spent in Southern California (another location of C. taxifolia invasion) as of 2004 to kill the weed. And in South Australia, yet another place the invasive algae have been introduced, six to eight million Australian dollars have been spent on killer algae extermination. The elimination of Caulerpa taxifolia, while very costly, is necessary."
Abstract This paper researches the depletion of coral reefs worldwide. The paper first examines how coral reefs are formed. Then the paper discusses the numerous factors that are depleting the reefs, which are: pollution, overfishing, blast fishing, cyanide fishing, temperature changes, sediment runoff, nutrient runoff, shrimp farming, trade in coral and aquarium fish, and clearing of mangrove forests.
