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The coastal area of the water and drought graft area and the common area of the performance of two ecosystems with separate characteristics are one another. Coastal environment is a natural evolutionary system that includes the most complex and, at the same time, the richest ecosystems on the planet. This region is a transitional and highly vulnerable region and is endangered by the accumulation of pollutants due to the acceptance of drought and marine pollutants. Marine pollution and the effects of drought activities that are the result of socioeconomic development on the coastline and its catchments are one of the most important issues in most of the world, which directly affects coastal habitats. According to research conducted in Iran on identifying areas and sensitive resources, these areas and resources are divided into two distinct groups: 1) The group of biologically sensitive resources: includes mangrove forests, coral reefs, marine turtles, aquatic birds, marine plants and marine mammals. 2) The group of sensitive physical resources: includes the physical building of beaches in the sub-sections of mud, sand, rocky and hydrographic forms of shores in aquatic, estuarine, clay and small bay. Iranian Fisheries Science Research Institute Published

The coastal area of the water and drought graft area and the common area of the performance of two ecosystems with separate characteristics are one another. Coastal environment is a natural evolutionary system that includes the most complex and, at the same time, the richest ecosystems on the planet. This region is a transitional and highly vulnerable region and is endangered by the accumulation of pollutants due to the acceptance of drought and marine pollutants. Marine pollution and the effects of drought activities that are the result of socioeconomic development on the coastline and its catchments are one of the most important issues in most of the world, which directly affects coastal habitats. According to research conducted in Iran on identifying areas and sensitive resources, these areas and resources are divided into two distinct groups: 1) The group of biologically sensitive resources: includes mangrove forests, coral reefs, marine turtles, aquatic birds, marine plants and marine mammals. 2) The group of sensitive physical resources: includes the physical building of beaches in the sub-sections of mud, sand, rocky and hydrographic forms of shores in aquatic, estuarine, clay and small bay. Iranian Fisheries Science Research Institute Published

The catastrophic event of red tide has happened in the Strait of Hormuz, the Persian Gulf and Gulf of Oman from late summer 2008 to spring 2009. With its devastating effects, the phenomenon shocked all the countries located in the margin of the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman and caused considerable losses to fishery industries, tourism, and tourist and trade economy of the region. In the maritime cruise carried out by the Persian Gulf and Gulf of Oman Ecological Research Institute, field data, including temperature, salinity, chlorophyll-a, dissolved oxygen were obtained for this research. Satellite information was received from MODIS and MERIS and SeaWiFS sensors. Temperature and surface chlorophyll images were obtained and compared with the field data and data of PROBE model. The results obtained from the present research indicated that with the occurrence of harmful algal blooms (HAB), the Chlorophyll-a and the dissolved oxygen contents increased in the surface water. Maximum algal density was seen in the northern coasts of the Strait of Hormuz. Less concentration of algal density was detected in deep and surface offshore water. Our results show that the occurred algal bloom was the result of seawater temperature drop, water circulation and the adverse environmental pollutions caused by industrial and urban sewages entering the coastal waters in this region of the Persian Gulf ,This red tide phenomenon was started in the Strait of Hormuz and eventually covered about 140,000 km2 of the Persian Gulf and total area of Strait of Hormuz and it survived for 10 months which is a record amongst the occurred algal blooms across the world. Temperature and chlorophyll satellite images were proportionate to the measured values obtained by the field method. This indicates that satellite measurements have acceptable precisions and they can be used in sea monitoring. Published

This research has been done in the marine waters of Bushehr province in Persian Gulf in the geographical district of 52° 06ʹ to 52° 34ʹ E to 27° 23ʹ to 27° 46ʹ N conducted from the far east south of Boushehr province (Nayband headland) to the western south of Kangan (Berkeh choopan) located in the Persian Gulf using local fiberglass floats in 16 stations in spring, summer, fall and winter in 2011. The present study seeks to protect/monitor environmental conditions stemming from the effect of “special economic region-pars energy” on the biological resources of Persian Gulf. This research follows the similar research which had been done before (in 2006) by the oil research institute. All the results which determine the progress have been compared with the results of the performed results by the oil research center. They were also compared with the national standards (organization of environmental protection) and global standards (global health organization and American environmental agency). Thus, physiochemical factors such as temperature, salinity, acidity, dissolved oxygen, tarnishing and chemical oxygen seeking were recorded and measured. Nutrient materials such as silicate, phosphate, nitrate, ammonia, sulfides and organic carbons were investigated. The environmental conditions of the investigated waters were reported normal compare to the whole region. Small variation was reported around the exhausting wastewaters. The deposition of the investigated regions has had sandy graining. The organic materials were also allowed. The concentration of Nitrite, nitrate, ammonia, phosphate, silicate and sulfide is sometimes lower than the allowed level. But, there had been observed large amount of increase of phosphate and sulfide compare to the previous studies. The issue of the increase of phosphate has been seen in other studies. (Izadpanahi et al, 2005, 2009) Other organic and mineral contaminants (heavy metals) were investigated as well. It can be concluded from the changes of the concentration per year that metals such as mercury, lead, cadmium, zinc, chromium, nickel were increasing through the year in water and precipitation phases. Other metals such as iron and copper have had experienced the same progress with steeper gradient. Comparing the measured values with the allowed limits in different regions of the region (non-industrial, industrial, inside the development region) indicate the comprehensive development in the whole region. The total concentration of oil hydrocarbons, aliphatic hydrocarbons and aromatic multi cyclic hydrocarbons were also investigated. The obtained results suggest that fortunately the investigated region is appropriate in normal circumstances from the pollution viewpoint. Aerobic and anaerobic bacteria, plankton, benthos were investigated as well. The concentration of aerobic bacteria had no significant differences with each other except in spring p=0.001 and summer p=0.041 Anaerobic bacteria had no significant relation with each other in water phase and sediment phases. (P=0.05) The concentration of phytoplankton and zooplanktons were similar in different seasons of the year. They were lower than the other studies. Comparisons of the abundance of benthos with other regional studies inside the Persian Gulf suggest that the habitat of such creatures was not destroyed due to the industrial activities so far. High difference or small differences of the measured values of many parameters (specially contaminants) shows the effectiveness of the mainstream of the water of Persian Gulf on developing contaminants inside the region (Siraf seaport to Kangan seaports). Iranian Fisheries Science Research Institute Published

In this research, the potential use of five hard parts (otolith, scale, eye lens, dorsal spine, vertebral bone) of Rutilus kutum for stocks discrimination and biomonitoring as well as their usability as biological archive in the southern Caspian Sea was investigated. Two soft tissues (muscle and liver) were also analyzed for assessment of the possible risk of consumption and use as biomonitoring tool, respectively. A total of 60 specimens were collected using beach seine from three sampling sites (adjacent to the estuaries of the rivers Sefidrud, Tajan and Grorganrud, respectively) in the Southern Caspian Sea in May 2016. In total, the levels of 13 major and trace elements in the samples (the seven soft and hard tissues) was measured using PIXE (Proton Induced X-ray Emission) and µ-PIXE methods. Generally, the pattern of elements occurrence in the eye lens was considerably different compared to the other hard parts. The orders of element occurrence in the two soft tissues were largely similar, but Sr was not detectable in muscle. Ca, Fe, S, Cl and K could be detected in all the selected tissues, while Br was detectable only in otolith. Minor similarities among the tissues were observed in the case of eye lens (for P, S and Zn) and liver (for Cl, Fe and K). Whereas, in the case of Sr and Ca, otolith shows the maximum distance. On the other side, in the case of K, the soft and hard parts could be categorized into two completely separate groups. Generally, vertebral bone and liver showed the highest and lowest number of the correlation pairs, respectively. In case of all the hard parts, very strong correlations were found between S and Cl. Among them, all the correlations, except for eye lens, were positive. There were no significant relationships between the elements and biological characteristics (weight, total length and standard length). Based on the results, it seems that all the studied hard parts, except for eye lens, may offer alternatives for biomonitoring of Ca, Cl, Fe, K and S in the southern Caspian Sea. The scales and spines represent a potential non-lethal alternative to the other hard parts. However, since fish physiology regulates the uptake and incorporation of some elements, it is not clear that levels of all of the mentioned elements reflect their variability in the environment. Considering Sr level in otolith, no significant differences could be found between the sampling sites 2 and 3. So it can be concluded that the specimens collected from the two sites are probably from the same population. Similar results were also obtained based on the results concerning K accumulation in scale. It can be concluded that scales may provide an alternative structure to otolith for stock discrimination of R. kutum in the southern Caspian Sea. Considering the µ-PIXE elemental distribution maps and their comparison with the annual growth increments on the five hard parts, no clear patterns could be detected. In other words, the used the method seems to be not sensitive enough to characterize of the elements concentrations based on the growth patterns. Therefore, the capability of other analytical methods (with higher resolution) in clear differentiation of the growth patterns should be evaluated in future investigations. Among the 10 elements that were detectable in the muscle using the PIXE method, only in the case of four of them (i.e. Zn, Cu, Fe and Mn) maximum allowable concentrations for human consumption have been defined, which in all the cases the mean concentrations in the present study were far below the recommended limits and accordingly it seems that in this regard there is no risk for human consumption of flesh of the fishes. Iranian Fisheries Science Research Institute Published

The purpose of this study was to evaluate Total petroleum hydrocarbons (TPHs) in surface sediments of Khamir, Laft, and Yekshabeh and Tiab esturies. For this purpose, sampling of surface sediments was carried out at 16 stations (four stations at each estury.In each sample, four points were taken from the beginning, the middle, the end and the junction point to the sea.The physicochemical properties of sediment such as grain size and total organic matter (TOM) were measured using standard methods. The concentration of total petroleum hydrocarbons was determined using Ultraviolet Fluorescence (UVF). Petroleum hydrocarbons showed limited variations from 53.11 to 2052.5 ng/g dry weight in the summer season and from 128.5 to.4392.5 ng/g in winter. The average detected concentrations for total hydrocarbons were lower than the environmental hazard (4000 ng/g). Most of their concentrations were observed at Yekshabeh estury in winter, possibly due to the pollution caused by the activity of ports and fishing vessels. Also, the assessment of environmental hazard caused by pollution of hydrocarbons for aquatic organisms by using SQSs and contamination coefficient (Cf) showed that the studied sediments except station 1 at Yekhshabeh estury in winter season (Cf = 0.91) has no adverse biological effects on aquatic organisms. Finally, the results of statistical analysis of the data showed that the physicochemical parameters of sediments (grain size and total organic matter (TOM)) and the total petroleum hydrocarbons were not correlated, which could indicate the existence of different sources for each studied parameters. Iranian Fisheries Science Research Institute Published

Echinoderm species are important members of benthic communities existing in subtropical to Polar Regions. They have an important role in nutrient cycles and other communications between organisms. This study investigated the distribution and abundance of brittle star Macrophiothrix cheneyi in the intertidal zone of Chabahar bay, the Oman Sea. Sampling was randomly done bimonthly using a square meter quadrate during one year, from November 2008 to September 2009, at 5 selected stations. According to the results of a Kruskal-Wallis analysis, the density of this species at different sampling times and stations revealed a significant difference (P

This project prepared and implemented during 2013-16 with emphasis on to provide the results of the fish larva projects (identification, abundance and distribution) in the Iranian waters of the Persian Gulf and Gulf of Oman which as well as had already been done by Iranian Fisheries Science Research Institute and affiliated research institutes and centers . Since each marine fish stocks management requires increased knowledge of the life cycle and be complete biological information, obviously implementation and increased field research is essential, on the other hand the results and the availability of data and information to operation and coordination with the scientific community at national and international levels is of particular importance. This is on condition that currently, due to the increasing trend researchers and students Aquatic Sciences and Fisheries, the availability of data resulting from studies and research projects and initiatives will be necessary. The site is currently only in view of identification and distribution of marine fish larva has been prepared in Farsi with photo gallery, and English language development and preparation of the site for the international operation there. It is worth mentioning in the same areas and the same site adjacent seas of fish larvae has not been prepared and is not available. So this site can also be considered as reference area. This site is available for researchers, scientist and students as address: http://ifl.ifro.ir/

The conservation of coral colonies is very vital for marine organisms and human. In Chabahar Bay, the coral reefs are in danger of destruction due to the development program of Shahid Beheshti Port. In this project, over 30,000 hard corals were transported to coast of Hotel Lipar an area at a distance of 3.5-4 kms far from Shahid Beheshti Port. Also, the new techniques were used for coral reattachment and transportation. The operation has done within expert divers and consultancy of Prof. Dr. Maikle Risk. Four methods performance as pailots. Since the corals are very sensitive to turbidity and suspended sediments from land reclamation and dredging projects, therefore appropriate measures should be conducted for conservation and recovery of them.37 patches in size 5×10 meters has built with concerete. Diffent sizes of corals were separated by mechanical tools and transported to new sites and reattachment on artificial sea bottom.Three monthes after the last reattachments monitored showed that %96.93 of corals were in good health. This success was the important achievement because of innovating coral carrier and mass coral relocation. At present, the coral relocation is suggested as a good method for recovery of coral reefs after a disturbance in condition of their native habitats.

The abundance and biomass of benthic macroinvertebrates were studied in the place of fish cage culture in southern coasts of Caspian sea (Mazandaran waters- kelarabad). The goal of this study was to consider of fish cage culture effects on the abundance and biomass of benthic macroinvertebrates. The sampling was carried out in 3 stations in depth of 20 meter of Kelarabad waters monthly. In this study 7 species were identified belonged to 5 genus of 4 family. Totally 23442 sample of benthic invertebrates were counted that the lowest and highest abundance were in station 1(23.4%) and station 2(46.8%) respectively. The results of stations study showed that the highest abundance and biomass were in stations 2 and 3 with the average of 646 ± 1230.4 n/m2 and 0.526 ± 1.001 gr/m2 respectively. This coulld be respectively dependant to not settling of cage (witness station) and appearance of Cerastoderma glaucum because of its large body in station 1. The difference of abundance and biomass between different stations was not significant (p ›0.05). The study on abundance and biomass in different seasons showed that the highest abundance in autumn with the avarage of 888.13 ± 1371.58 n/m2 belonged to Strblospio gynobranchiata and the highest biomass belonged to C. glaucum which was because of appearance of not native species of polychaeta and also the species with shell covering from bivalvia. The results showed that the specie of S. gynobranchiata from polychaeta including 93.3% of abundance was the dominant specie that could be related to appropriate ecological conditions for living and high adaptability.It was concluded that the abundance and biomass of benthic macroinvertebrates in station 1 was lower than other stations which was related to fish cage culture activity and its effects on benthic macroinvertebrates. So it is suggested that each mariculture activity in southern coasts of Caspian sea should be carried out with regarding to environmental considerations and performance of comparative evaluation project of environmental effects. Iranian Fisheries Science Research Institute Published

Marine aquacultures growth require good quality water is leading to high efficiency and low risk to human health. In other words, the water quality is a critical factor to success and failure of the aquaculture industry. The aim of this project is to study water quality and the trophic status at the different depths and layers in the southern Caspian Sea based on environmental parameters and nutrients during three periods (2008, 2009 and 2010-2011) in order the feasibility of fish cage. Results showed that water temperature, transparency, pH, dissolved oxygen were varied 5.50-32.60 ̊C, 3.50- 10.00 m, 7.15-8.80 and 3.18-12.00 mg/l at the different depths and layers, respectively. In addition, The values of NH4^+, NH3, NO^2-, NO3^- and PO4^-3 were 0.001-0.140 mg/l, 0.01-22.63 µg/l, 0.1-21.2 µg/l, 0.001-0.423 mg/l and 0.008-0.071 mg/l, respectively. Inorganic nitrogen (DIN/N), inorganic phosphorous (DIP/P) and total phosphorous (TP) were registerd 0.68-14.75, 0.07-0.68 and 0.01-2.67 µM, respectively. Thermal startification are more important for fish-breeding. Thermal stratification was occurred from depths greater than 20 m in late spring to early fall in the Caspian Sea. Optimum transparency for fish farming cage was considered less than 5 meter which in this study were recorded from 20 to 50 meter depths. The range of the standard of pH and dissolved oxygen for fish farming cage were 7.80-8.50 and >5 mg /l that in current study results of pH and dissolved oxygen were consistent.Various forms of nitrogen (ammonium, nitrite and nitrate ) at the different layers were acceptable and less than the threshold limit of Australia and New Zealand. But, phosphate value was more than threshold limit of Australia and New Zealand at some layers depth during years of 2009 and 2010- 2011. The results of the nutrients compared with data from the reference year (1996-1996 ) in the Caspian Sea was shown that this ecosystem passed oligotrophic status and shifted to mezotrophic and eutrophic condition. In addition, the values of NH4/N, NO3/N and DIP/P compared with eutrophic condition of reference year (2005) showed that Caspian ecosystem was not passed euotrophic condition and it still under mezotrophic status. As a conclusion, it seems that offshore of the Caspian Sea (depths between 20 to 50 meter) were suitable for different species of fish for cage culture. But, since 2000 decayds the Caspian Sea has experienced four times algal bloom (toxic and harmful species) and in recent years a number of other species also has reached to bloom potential and also mezotrophic condition of this ecosystem, it is appropriate that the establishment of fish farming cages carried out as a pilot to more precautionary approach which not lead to environmental disaster.

A coastal area is a confluence of land and marine ecosystems and includes the independent biological, ecological, and geological area. Increasing pressure on these areas can decrease the quality of marine habitats, and can even lead to the loss of sensitive habitats. In this regard, a “biotope” has been suggested as the most informative operational unit for research and management. These biotopes, however, have been specified by the dominant species; they depend on the seabed, they are stable, and sometimes are used synonymously with the word ecology. Habitat classifications are, therefore, most accurate and ecologically relevant at the biotope level because of the direct relationship between the biota and their environment. The Coastal Marine Ecological Classification Standard (CMECS) was developed with the input of over 40 coastal and 20 marine habitat experts and presents a universally accepted standard classification for coastal and marine habitats. ... We classified the eastern coast of Mazandaran Province (Babolsar to Amirabad Port) and then encoded this zone based on the CMECS model.

Accurate scientific and practical plan for achieving the goals of the Islamic Republic of Iran within the framework of Vision development 1404, is the infrastructure achieving sustainable development of the country. Order to achieve the above mentioned objectives and in order to the comprehensive development plans in the country, Iranian fisheries research organization adjust the fifth developing plan for support of executive related departments in country with mobilization a large number researchers consists of several working groups of ifro affiliated research centers. The fifth developing plan consist of three chapters for report of the forth developing plan and intrudction of research, construction plans and financial support (budjet) for period of 2011-2014 A.C.

The “Coastal and Marine Ecological Classification Standard” is one of the new and complete approaches to understand of marine habitats. We were applied Biotic Cover and Surface Geology as the two components of the classification to the northern intertidal stretch of Qeshm Island. Considering the extent and geomorphology of the area, 9 sites were designated. Density and temporal distribution of biotic community were determined using 0.5×0.5 m quadrate, and sediment was sampled up to 15 cm below the surface to determine its type and material. Totally 32 codes were determined for 40 habitats (biotopes), and their positions were displayed on map. Our result show that the biotope diversity decreases westward. Also, the highest and lowest numbers of species were observed in sandy and muddy-sand substrates, respectively. It seems that habitats distribution is mainly determined by the substrate type, but other factors can also affect this distribution.

In this survey, hydrology and hydrobiologycal studies in the northern part of the Oman Sea and Strait of Hormuz within the Iranian waters were conducted during 2007 and 2009.The project was implemented using Ferdous research vessel.The sampling area included the whole stretch of the Iranian waters along the northern part of the Oman Sea from the northeast of the Iranian marine border of 30 miles Bay of Chabahar to the mouth of the Hormuz Strait in Hormuzgan province. Along this stretch 10 equally distributed transects at a distance of 30 miles away from each other were designated, 4 main sampling stations at a distance of 10 miles from one another were fixed at each transect. Sampling was conducted twice a year (spring and autumn 2007 and 2009). According to achieved results; we can point out to the following outlines below: permanent thermocline exists annually in this body of water; where only the point of start, and the fracture width of thermocline layer; alter with alteration of seasons. Horizontal and vertical distribution of electrical conductivities, obey exactly from thermal degree structure.Level of salinity increase from east to west, but it decrease; from surface to deeper layers. In deeper regions, especially in the midway east of the Oman Sea; the level of salinity in the deeper waters from 150-300m, there is a considerable increase observed in salinity, due to very high salinity waters of The Persian Gulf; that are entering the Sea of Oman, via the Striate of Hormouz from the bottom; where they are having their effect following the whole length of the Sea of Oman; through their path. The level of water density from offshore to onshore, and from surface to deeper levels increase in such a way that. The level of Chlorophyll-a in surface waters, in the northeastern midway; is higher than the northwestern midway of the Sea of Oman, and it decreases from inshore to offshore waters, but its vertical distribution; has caused somehow in a way, that the highest distribution and concentration of chlorophyll-a; to be formed in deeper layers, between about 10-40m depths. Then by the increase in water depth, its concentration decreases drastically; reaching zero in magnitude. Concentration of dissolved oxygen is higher in spring in comparison to that of autumn, and the highest level is achieved in water layers located at 10-40m depth (where the level of chlorophyll-a is higher). In addition to which, that its vertical structure; shows the existence of a permanent oxycline layer at this region, in a way that; by seasonal alterations (similar to that of thermocline layer), only the point of start and that of the thickness of oxycline layer changes.pH level decreased from water surface, and its vertical alteration trend; obeyed to that of the same for temperature and chlorophyll-a vertical structure, especially for dissolved oxygen parameter, where the maximum decrease was recorded coinciding with formation of oxycline layer.Nutrient levels increased; at surface water layers from offshore to inshore, and from west to east, for the same body of water. In addition to that, concentration of nutrients in autumn (after monsoon); were more than that of, spring season (before monsoon), where; concentration of their vertical structure increase from water surface toward deeper sections. In this survey six phylum of phytoplankton including in Bacillariophyta (88) Pyrophyta (111), Cyanophyta (6), Chropmophyta (2), Euglenaphyta and silicoflagellate (1) were identified. A result showed that density decreased in most transects from inshore toward sea and maximum density was in photic layer (0-25m). Phytoplankton densities (without Cochlodinium density) in post-monsoon were recorded higher than pre-monsoon, furthermore phytoplankton density in 2009 was more than 2007(6073±1038) Species richness was indexed in the pre-monsoon and post-monsoon 2007 (0.337-0.519), (0.296-0.396) respectively and to (0.967-1.525), (1.407-1.531) for 2009. Zooplankton population in this study is characterized by eight phyla, eight classes, 15 orders, 35 families and 78 genus. In 2007, the pre-monsoon percentage of groups were frequently as following: Copepoda with stages of Nauplius and Copepeditide were 78%, Ciliphora 8%, Sarcomastigophora 4% and Hemichordata 6%. In post-monsoon order of frequency Copepoda 80%, Ciliophora 6%, Coelenterata 5%. Copepoda was the most abundant group of zooplankton.In 2009, The pre-monsoon Copepoda (82%), Cilillophora(9%), Sacromastigophora(4%) and Hemichordata (2%) in post-monsoon Copepoda(70%), Ciliophora (20%),Sarcomastigophora(4%) and Hemichordat (2%) dominante group were respectively. The static result showed significance betweendifferent transects and layers.We were recorded 31 ichthyoplankton families with different density and distribution during 2 years. Among benthic invertebrate polychaete with average 800 ind-2 and then amphipods and gastropods were the most abundance.Yearly density of macrobenthos showed polychaete with the average of 500 ind.-2 in 2007 and 1000 ind.-2 in 2009 was the most abundance . Macrobenthos density in postmonsoon was more than premonsoon.p0.05.There was a negative regression between macrobentos density and depth(p

This study was carried out in the North of Oman Sea in parts of Iranian waters during pre-monsoon and post monsoon seasons between 2007 and 2009. Number of 10 transects were chosen from coastal to maximum 50 meter depth. Cruise was done with Fredous ship and Rosette bottle multi watersampler was used for sampling. A phytoplankton community in the North of Oman Sea included in 204 species and divided in six taxonomic divisions: Bacillariophyceae (89 species), Dinophyceae (105species), Cyanophyceae (6species), Dicthyochophyceae (2species), Euglenaphyceae and silicoflagellate each (1species) respectively. Density decreased in most transects from inshore toward offshore waters and maximum density was in surface layear.Significant differences between each transects were found. Dinophyceae and Bacillariophyceae were dominant in pre-monsoon and post-monsoon respectively throughout two years. Important genuses of diatoms are Rhizosolenia, Chaetoceros, Pleurosigma, Coscinodiscus, Gyrosigma, Nitzscha, Navicula, and Leptocylindrus. And also there were Dinophyceae like: Scrippsiella, Pyrophacus, Gymnodinium, Pyrodinium, Prorocentrum, Cochlodinium, and Noctiluca. Phytoplankton density in the post-monsoon were recorded higher than pre-monsoon, furthermore phytoplankton density in 2009 was more than 2007. Cochlodinium polykrikoides density increased in 2009 especially in the pre-monsoon then dropped to post-monsoon season. Zooplankton population in this study is characterized by 8 phylum, 8 classes, 15 orders, 35 families and 78 genuses. Copepoda was the most abundant group of zooplankton and included in 4 orders of Cyclopoida, Calanoida, Poecilostomatoid and Harpacticoida. The static result showed significance among different transects layers and lines. In this study, 31 ichthyoplankton families with different density and distribution were recorded. In the pre-monsoon eight families was identified and Scainidaea family had the highest density and also in postmonsoon 6 families was classified in which scainidae was dominant family. In pre-monsoon 2009, we found 8 families that Pomacentridae family had higher density; Hemiramophidae was in the second position and followed by Clupeidae. In post-monsoon season density and diversity were increased and 23 families were recorded. Myctophidae family was the most abundant. The highest frequency there was other important families like Engraulidae, Synodontidae, Scainidae, and Leiognathidae in this period. Result of this study indicated that the monsoon was important and effect on abundance, distribution and species composition of plankton. Iranian Fisheries Science Research Institute Published

This study was carried out in the North of Oman Sea in parts of Iranian waters during pre-monsoon and post monsoon seasons between 2007 and 2009. Number of 10 transects were chosen from coastal to maximum 50 meter depth. Cruise was done with Fredous ship and Rosette bottle multi watersampler was used for sampling. A phytoplankton community in the North of Oman Sea included in 204 species and divided in six taxonomic divisions: Bacillariophyceae (89 species), Dinophyceae (105species), Cyanophyceae (6species), Dicthyochophyceae (2species), Euglenaphyceae and silicoflagellate each (1species) respectively. Density decreased in most transects from inshore toward offshore waters and maximum density was in surface layear.Significant differences between each transects were found. Dinophyceae and Bacillariophyceae were dominant in pre-monsoon and post-monsoon respectively throughout two years. Important genuses of diatoms are Rhizosolenia, Chaetoceros, Pleurosigma, Coscinodiscus, Gyrosigma, Nitzscha, Navicula, and Leptocylindrus. And also there were Dinophyceae like: Scrippsiella, Pyrophacus, Gymnodinium, Pyrodinium, Prorocentrum, Cochlodinium, and Noctiluca. Phytoplankton density in the post-monsoon were recorded higher than pre-monsoon, furthermore phytoplankton density in 2009 was more than 2007. Cochlodinium polykrikoides density increased in 2009 especially in the pre-monsoon then dropped to post-monsoon season. Zooplankton population in this study is characterized by 8 phylum, 8 classes, 15 orders, 35 families and 78 genuses. Copepoda was the most abundant group of zooplankton and included in 4 orders of Cyclopoida, Calanoida, Poecilostomatoid and Harpacticoida. The static result showed significance among different transects layers and lines. In this study, 31 ichthyoplankton families with different density and distribution were recorded. In the pre-monsoon eight families was identified and Scainidaea family had the highest density and also in postmonsoon 6 families was classified in which scainidae was dominant family. In pre-monsoon 2009, we found 8 families that Pomacentridae family had higher density; Hemiramophidae was in the second position and followed by Clupeidae. In post-monsoon season density and diversity were increased and 23 families were recorded. Myctophidae family was the most abundant. The highest frequency there was other important families like Engraulidae, Synodontidae, Scainidae, and Leiognathidae in this period. Result of this study indicated that the monsoon was important and effect on abundance, distribution and species composition of plankton.

This study focuses on Anguilliformes specimens revising which collected during 2006-08 in some Iranian museums. For this study, all museum samples from Iranian coastal waters of the Persian Gulf and Oman Sea were investigated. The results indicated that species diversity in the Iranian waters can be classified into six families of Anguilliformes (eels and morays fishes). A total of 11 species - consisting of six families have been identified, of these the highest species diversity belongs to the Muraenidae with five genus and eight species. Also, there were two endemic species Muraenesox cinereus (Muraenesocidae) and Gymnothorax undulatus (Muraenidae). More than ten rare species were the first report and record from Iranian territorial waters. There are Ichthyapus acuticeps, Synaphobranchus affinis, Strophidon sathete, Rhinomuraena quaesita, Gymnothorax johnsoni, G. kidako, Muraenesox bagio, Pseudoxenomystax albescens, Muraenesox talabonoides, and Conger cinereus cinereus.

In order to establish a complete list of the hermit crab species in the southern coast of Iran and also determine some of their biological characteristics in the intertidal zones of Hormuz Island, a seasonal sampling collection was conducted in 6 intertidal stations during the years 2010–2011. The 542 collected samples were found to be Clibanarius signatus, which identified in the island. Comparing the samples with the metatypical hermit crab samples in the Zoological Museum, University of Tehran, verified the species. The one ways ANOVA with LSD test showed a significant difference (p < 0.05) in the abundance of the species in some stations, but seasonal changes did not significantly affect the abundance. Male-female sex ratio was 1/52 male: 1 female. Seasonal study of sexes (male, non-ovigerous female, ovigerous female) confirmed that species did not have a particular spawning season, nevertheless the spawning increased in summer. The shell selection behaviors showed that the hermit crab uses the shells of 36 gastropod species (24 genera) for protecting its abdominal section.

In this study ichthyoplankton, phytoplankton, zooplankton, benthic and hydrochemistry parameters were studied. 9 out of 11 sampling stations were in the Gorgan Bay area and 2 of them were in the mouth of the Bay. Ichthyoplankton survey were carried out in 6 stations and the other surveys such as phytoplankton, etc were done in 11 stations in 2009. Gorgan Bay map and position of sampling sites are given at the end of material and methods section. Biomass and frequency of phytoplankton at different stations, months and seasons were calculated that are presented in Tables 1 to 3. Hydro-chemical parameters such as water temperature, air temperature, visibility, DO, BOD5, pH, Alkalinity (bicarbonate, carbonate and total), Hardness (calcium, magnesium), CL,EC, Salinity, N (nitrate, nitrite, NH_3), Phosphate were measured and results are shown Table 11. Biomass (mgr/m^3) and numbers (ind./m^3) of 47 genus of different phylum of phytoplanktons such as Cyanophyta, Chlorophyta, Pyrophyta, Chrysophyta and Euglenaphyta as well as different phylum of zooplanktons consist of Protozoa, Arthropoda, Rotifera and Cyliophora were estimated. Frequency of phytoplanktons (ind/m^3) was 131.2, 1.6, 65.3, 18.9 and 23.8 million respectively. Furthermore, their biomass was 308.4, 1.9, 1358.9, 295.1 and 124.7 mg/m^3, respectively. The maximum and minimum numbers were observed in Leptolingbaya belonged to Cyanophyta and Diatoms of Chrysophyta 84.3 and 0.025 million (ind/ m^3) respectively. The maximum and minimum biomass was observed in Gyrosigma (Chrysophyta) and Tetradron (Chloropyta), 12317.3 and 0.014 mg/m3 respectively. The average biomass of zooplankton was measured 531.74, 30.77, 225.07, and 96.26 mg/m^3 respectively and the total was attained 883.83 mg/m3 Table 5. The maximum and minimum biomass of all zooplanktons was estimated in November and July, 3446.23 and 6 mg/m^3 respectively. Furthermore, the maximum and minimum numbers of zooplanktons were found in September and July which were 48.4 and 0.002 millions respectively and the average number was 8.4 ind/m^3 Table 4. Also numbers and biomass (gr/m^2) of 11 families of benthos which inhabit Gorgan Bay such as Annelida, Mollusca and Arthropoda were investigated in separated stations and distinctive months. The maximum and minimum biomass of benthos was observed in January (42.91 gr/m^2) and March (0.6428 gr/m^2). The biomass was considerable in April, February, August and December (Tables: 4, 5 and 6).

This research aimed to study the process of long and location changes of sea star (Astropecten hemprichi) and sea urchin (Diadema setosum) in the coast of Chabahar Gulf in the Oman Sea, IR. during November 2008 to September 2009. The area of study was at the farthest end of south east of Iran in province of Sistan and Balouchestan. Sampling was done bimonthly during low tide from 5 stations, using 1m×1m quadrating randomly. 1885 samples of Echinodermata were collected and studied. Results showed that 32 of them(1.6%) belong to A.hemprichi species and 28(1.4%) samples belong to D. setosum species. The samples then were counted and identified. Then the samples’ abundance, distribution and stability were investigated. The results show that the maximum abundance of A. hemprichi was occurred in September 2009 (1/92±0/76ind.m^-2) and The maximum value for D. setosum was shown in November 2008 (3ind.m-2). Investigation of distribution and stability indicators may reveal that A. hemprichi and D. setosum were dispersed more randomly and they may be considered as the rare species.

This study was carried out for growth of organism’s survey on artificial reef from 2004-2006 after establishment in Hormozgan offshore waters (Bandar Lengeh area). Also during this study we were examined some biological factors including: phytoplankton, zooplankton, ichthyoplankton and benthos from spring 2006 to winter 2006. In this study 43 phytoplankton genus were identified, 28 Bacillariophyceae (Diatom), 11 Dinophycea, 3 Cyanophycea and 1 Euglenaphycea. Bacillariophycea were dominant, Cyanophycea were high density observed in summer and Euglenaphycea was only observed in winter. The most abundant genus of diatoms were: Rhizosolenia, Navicula, Nitzschia, Coscinodiscus. Ceratium, Prorocentrum and Protoperidinium belong to Dinophycea, Oscillatoria belong to Cyanophycea were more than other genus. Copepoda and Nauplius were the most zooplankton and other group were respectively: Oikopleura, Polychaeta and Chaetognatha. The highest density of zooplankton was seen in winter. The statical study between different stations didn't show any significant (p>0.05). 6 ichthyoplankton families were seen and identified. These families were Clupeidae, Gobbidae, Callionymidae, Sparidae, Engraulidae and Scianidae. The high density were respectively in summer and spring. The highest annual mean belong to Gobbidae family. Benthos groups were including: Crustacea, Mollusca, Polychaete, Nematoda, Nemertin, Foraminifera, Opiouridae and Echiura. Annual high density of Crustacea were observed in spring season, Polychaete and Mollusca were observed respectively in summer and winter. Organisms which growth on the artifical reef were consist of 12 group. These Organism were Barnacle belong to Crustacea with one genus (Megabalanus tintinnabulum), Sponga with 5 families and Tunicate. The highest density was in 2005. We were seen increasing in size in some organisms such as Crab, Polychaetes, Bivalvia and Fish Larvae. Statical study didn't show any significant between organisms in different parts of artificial reef (top, mid, bottom) and kind of artificial reef had no effect on growth of organisms but Barnacles had high density on mixed artificial reef.

Sabzkooh in Ardal and Gandoman region in Charmahal province with annual production of 1300 metric tons of rainbow trout, is one of the most important rivers in the province. The effects of fish farms effluent on the river water quality and the possibilities to develop or limit the existing ones were studied. Flora and fauna of the river including Phyto and zooplankton, macroinvertebrates and fishes were sampled and studied. Moreover some key physico-chemical water quality parameters, concentrations of stable pollutants (heavy metals: Zn, Cu, Fe, Pb, Cd and agricultural poisons (herbicides or pesticides: DDT, Lindane, Alderine and indosulfate) and Coliform contamination were also measured. All phytoplankton genus were of tow taxa, Cianophyta and Chrysophyta and zooplankton fauna belonged to Rotatoria, Protozoa and meroplanktonic chirinomids and nematodes. Four fish species from 3 families were identified of which rainbow trout had the highest relative frequency (94.6%).All the measured heavy metals including Zn, Cu, Fe, Pb, Cd and the agricultural poisons concentrations such as DDT, Lindane, Alderine and indosulfate were lower than the hazardous level suggested for the surface waters. According to the benthic macroinvertebrates populations study, stations at downstream (no. 6 and 7) which received the Chartakhteh and Rudarud farms effluent had least EPT richness and the hilsenhof family level biotic index at this locations was greater than 5.25, classifying them as having organic pollution. Even though measured key physico-chemical parameters such as nutrients (N and P compounds and BOD5) in the receiving stations and effluent water never exceed the maximum permitted range but in downstream stations these factors were very close to the range. One way analyze of variance (P 95%) for TN, TP, No_2, NH_4, BOD_5, pH, PO_4 and Ec revealed no significant differences between stations before and just after receiving the effluents, however these parameters in the effluents themselves significantly differ from upstream stations 1,2 and 3 proving relatively lower organic pollution and the potential for constructing new farms or expanding the existed ones in upstream region from Chartagh to Dehnoo. At downstream from Dehnoo to Rudarud and lower parts, dense trout farm effluents in addition with point and non point pollution (municipal, agricultural and other coming run off from the catchments area) had remarkable effects on the river water quality and as a result no farm construction or expansion is recommended. To avoid or reduce the existing farms effects on the river system there should be certainly some remediation actions carried out. Constructing sedimentation ponds before releasing the effluents, obeying the rule of water extracting, preventing fish escape, increasing feeding efficiency and controlling the lateral inlets from catchments area which are potentially pollutant, should be considered to improve the situation and prevent further environmental problems caused by fish farms effluent in these area.

This research was conducted during 2007-2008 with the main aim of classifying marine coastal habitats in Gwatr Bay located in Iran-Pakistan border, south east of Sistan-Blaluchetan Province. We used Coastal-Marine Ecological Standard Classification (CMECS) with three data layers covering water column, benthic cover classifier and geomorphology. Layers and habitats information were analyzed in a GIS environment and the indicator species were determined. WCC classification was done based on temperature, salinity and clarity classifiers for Ichthyoplankton communities. The result showed that two main seasonal habitats including spring habitat (spring, summer and winter) and fall habitat, affected by the monsoon season is present in the area. Also we considered particle size and total organic matter in sediment as classifiers for benthic habitats which indicated two different habitats based on distances from shore. Habitats were divided into unmixed macro-benthos community (polychaete) and mixed macro-benthos community including: Polychaete, Amphipoda and Gastropoda. The habitats were shown on digital GIS maps with their specific codes.

Sabzkooh in Ardal and Gandoman region in Charmahal province with annual production of 1300 metric tons of rainbow trout, is one of the most important rivers in the province. The effects of fish farms effluent on the river water quality and the possibilities to develop or limit the existing ones were studied. Flora and fauna of the river including Phyto and zooplankton, macroinvertebrates and fishes were sampled and studied. Moreover some key physico-chemical water quality parameters, concentrations of stable pollutants (heavy metals: Zn, Cu, Fe, Pb, Cd and agricultural poisons (herbicides or pesticides: DDT, Lindane, Alderine and indosulfate) and Coliform contamination were also measured. All phytoplankton genus were of tow taxa, Cianophyta and Chrysophyta and zooplankton fauna belonged to Rotatoria, Protozoa and meroplanktonic chirinomids and nematodes. Four fish species from 3 families were identified of which rainbow trout had the highest relative frequency (94.6%).All the measured heavy metals including Zn, Cu, Fe, Pb, Cd and the agricultural poisons concentrations such as DDT, Lindane, Alderine and indosulfate were lower than the hazardous level suggested for the surface waters. According to the benthic macroinvertebrates populations study, stations at downstream (no. 6 and 7) which received the Chartakhteh and Rudarud farms effluent had least EPT richness and the hilsenhof family level biotic index at this locations was greater than 5.25, classifying them as having organic pollution. Even though measured key physico-chemical parameters such as nutrients (N and P compounds and BOD5) in the receiving stations and effluent water never exceed the maximum permitted range but in downstream stations these factors were very close to the range. One way analyze of variance (P 95%) for TN, TP, No2, NH4, BOD5, pH, PO4 and Ec revealed no significant differences between stations before and just after receiving the effluents, however these parameters in the effluents themselves significantly differ from upstream stations 1,2 and 3 proving relatively lower organic pollution and the potential for constructing new farms or expanding the existed ones in upstream region from Chartagh to Dehnoo. At downstream from Dehnoo to Rudarud and lower parts, dense trout farm effluents in addition with point and non point pollution (municipal, agricultural and other coming run off from the catchments area) had remarkable effects on the river water quality and as a result no farm construction or expansion is recommended. To avoid or reduce the existing farms effects on the river system there should be certainly some remediation actions carried out. Constructing sedimentation ponds before releasing the effluents, obeying the rule of water extracting, preventing fish escape, increasing feeding efficiency and controlling the lateral inlets from catchments area which are potentially pollutant, should be considered to improve the situation and prevent further environmental problems caused by fish farms effluent in these area. Iranian Fisheries Science Research Institute Published

The present investigation was undertaken to identify fish larva and estimate their abundance, diversity and evenness indices. Twelve stations were sampled monthly during daytime hours by Bongonet in the kharg and khargoo regions of Persian Gulf from January 2005 through December 2006. Forty family of fish larva were identified, Families of Silaginidae, Clupeoidea, Blenidae and Athrinidae consisted of more than 61 percent of all specimen; The abundance of specimen were more during spring through fall months and least during winter. The number and abundance of identified families varied from cruise to cruise and station to station; the average amount of diversity, Species Richness and evenness in investigated region were computed 1.93, 12 and 0.68, respectively. Temperature and salinity of water during this study were between 16-34°C and 35-42 gr/lit. There weren’t any significant correlation between fish larva indices and above factors.

Macro benthic invertebrate distribution and abundance in northern creeks of Boushehr province were analyzed by seasonal sampling from autumn 2000 till summer 2001. Sampling was carried out of sediments from bottom of nine stations which located in creeks and one control station in the sea by using of Van Veen Grab sampler. In additional, eight groups of macro benthos were identified which the most abundant populations among them were Gastropoda (51%), Bivalvia and Polychaeta (17.4%) and Amphipoda (5.3%) respectively. The maximum density of macro benthos was 2378 ind/m2 in spring and the minimum was 1174 ind/m^2 in autumn and also maximum and minimum biomass was 79.06g/ m^2 in summer and 17.72g/ m^2 in winter. The average wet weight of macro fauna biomass was 49.95 (± 33.6) g/ m^2.

In recent years MPAs (Marine Protected Areas) have been known as a flexible tool to improve fishery management as well as to preserve biodiversity in valuable coastal waters habitats. This study was conducted to selecting the sensitive and high potential area that are impacted by several environmental stress and associated habitats are being damaged in Mahshahr creeks in Northwest of Persian Gulf. Study was done in eight creeks from October 2005 to September 2006. Different biotic parameters such as phytoplanktons, zooplankton, macro zooplankton, benthic animals and fishes (trawled species) communities and also physico-chemical parameters and sediments heavy metals were investigated. Different parameters were sampled monthly or seasonal from each creek. Water samples with bottle sampler and sediment were collected by Peterson grab. Several ecological and biological indices based on heavy metals and benthic communities were used. Concentrations of heavy metals were measured by using voltammetric plarography method (Methrom 797). The range and mean concentrations obtained in mg/kg were 35.16-15.03 (27.01) for Cu, 171.41-65.57 (102.672) for Ni, 20.06-4.63 (13.22) for Co, 0.78-0.093 (0.22) for Hg, 379-65.07 (113.7) for Zn, 1.00-0.27 (0.559) for Cd and 29.72-7.09 (14.66) for Pb. To evaluate the levels of sediment contaminations, the background values of the different heavy metals were calculated and contamination factor for each metals and degree of contamination for each creek determined as well. Measured concentrations were compared with International standards. Ultimately the heavy metals contamination factors (Cf) can be arranged as follows: Hg> Zn> Cu≥ Ni> Pb≥ Co > Cd and according to contamination degree (Cd), different creeks can be arranged as follows too: Ghannam> Ahmady≥ Zangy> Doragh≥ Darvish> ghazaleh> Patil> Bihad Regarding the results some elements such as Hg, Zn and Ni, are at risk level and all of the studied creeks are classified in moderate degree of pollution except Ghannam showing considerable degree of pollution. The benthic invertebrates are a well-established target in evaluations of environmental quality status. The AMBI (AZTI,s Marine Biotic Index) was developed to determine the impacts and the quality status in softbottom marine benthic communities. All creeks are characterized by muddy bottom. Macrobenthic animals, according to their sensitivity to an increasing stress gradient, classified in five ecological groups. In present study due to appearance of dominant species such as Capitella sp and nematodes (as opportunist species), diversity values was reduced. Two way ANOVAs showed only seasonal significant differences in mean abundance (P

In recent years MPAs (Marine Protected Areas) have been known as a flexible tool to improve fishery management as well as to preserve biodiversity in valuable coastal waters habitats. This study was conducted to selecting the sensitive and high potential area that are impacted by several environmental stress and associated habitats are being damaged in Mahshahr creeks in Northwest of Persian Gulf. Study was done in eight creeks from October 2005 to September 2006. Different biotic parameters such as phytoplanktons, zooplankton, macro zooplankton, benthic animals and fishes (trawled species) communities and also physico-chemical parameters and sediments heavy metals were investigated. Different parameters were sampled monthly or seasonal from each creek. Water samples with bottle sampler and sediment were collected by Peterson grab. Several ecological and biological indices based on heavy metals and benthic communities were used. Concentrations of heavy metals were measured by using voltammetric plarography method (Methrom 797). The range and mean concentrations obtained in mg/kg were 35.16-15.03 (27.01) for Cu, 171.41-65.57 (102.672) for Ni, 20.06-4.63 (13.22) for Co, 0.78-0.093 (0.22) for Hg, 379-65.07 (113.7) for Zn, 1.00-0.27 (0.559) for Cd and 29.72-7.09 (14.66) for Pb. To evaluate the levels of sediment contaminations, the background values of the different heavy metals were calculated and contamination factor for each metals and degree of contamination for each creek determined as well. Measured concentrations were compared with International standards. Ultimately the heavy metals contamination factors (Cf) can be arranged as follows: Hg> Zn> Cu≥ Ni> Pb≥ Co > Cd and according to contamination degree (Cd), different creeks can be arranged as follows too: Ghannam> Ahmady≥ Zangy> Doragh≥ Darvish> ghazaleh> Patil> Bihad Regarding the results some elements such as Hg, Zn and Ni, are at risk level and all of the studied creeks are classified in moderate degree of pollution except Ghannam showing considerable degree of pollution. The benthic invertebrates are a well-established target in evaluations of environmental quality status. The AMBI(AZTI,s Marine Biotic Index) was developed to determine the impacts and the quality status in softbottom marine benthic communities. All creeks are characterized by muddy bottom. Macrobenthic animals, according to their sensitivity to an increasing stress gradient, classified in five ecological groups. In present study due to appearance of dominant species such as Capitella sp and nematodes (as opportunist species), diversity values was reduced. Two way ANOVAs showed only seasonal significant differences in mean abundance (P

Ichthyoplanktons were identified and their abundance was determined in Gouater Creek &Bay, north-west of Oman Sea. Sampling was carried out from October 2005 to September 2006 and specimens were collected from six stations using single ring plankton net with 333k mesh size. Stations including: close to coastal waters (1, 2, 4), into creek (5 and 6) and close to Bahookalat creek out flowing waters (station 3). Measurement of the environmental factors showed that an average depth 4m, transparency was 75cm, salinity 37.08 g/l, pH 8.19, water temperature 27.3C for the study area. Totally, 585 specimens of diverse fish larval stages were collected in 20 sampling efforts with mean abundant of 11.682 numbers/10 m^(2). A total of 11 fish families were identified in the samples in which the dominant families larvae were Gobiidae, Clupeidae and Engraulidae with mean abundant of 6.875, 2.465 and 0.733 numbers/10 m^(2) respectively and the total abundance specimens of fish larvae were 86%. The most of the mean abundant fish larvae were observed in winter (27.712 numbers/10 m^(2)) and the least were recorded in autumn (3.724 numbers /10 m^(2)). The larval stage of the specimens was mostly Preflexion (87%) that shows the area is a nursery ground for the species. No correlation was found between abundance and temperature and salinity. Comparison of abundance showed a significant difference between stations 1, 3 and 5 with stations 2, 4 and 6 and also, winter by other seasons. The difference in diversity from pre monsoon and post monsoon periods was significant (P>0.05).

We present some results of the design and implementation of a research and study course for the Mathematics teacher trainees. The research is based on the Anthropological Theory of the Didactic. We analyze which gestures of the paradigm of the questioning and the research are identified in teacher trainees that study the question: how to teach mathematical knowledge. Nous présentons quelques résultats de la conception et de la mise en œuvre d'un programme d'étude et recherche pour la formation des enseignants en mathématiques, basé sur la Théorie Anthropologique du Didactique. On analyse les gestes du paradigme de la recherche et du questionnement du monde identifiés chez les étudiants quand ils étudient la question: comment enseigner des mathématiques? Fil: Corica, Ana Rosa. Universidad Nacional del Centro de la Provincia de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas. Núcleo de Investigación en Educacion Ciencia y Tecnologia; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Tandil; Argentina Fil: Otero, Maria Rita. Universidad Nacional del Centro de la Provincia de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas. Núcleo de Investigación en Educacion Ciencia y Tecnologia; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Tandil; Argentina

Pleuronectiforme fishes of the Persian Gulf coastlines along Khuzestan, Bushehr and Hormozgan provinces were morphometrically and meristically studied from April 2003 to September 2005, in order to identify species. In this experiment, 1551 fish samples were caught by trawl or collected from fish markets. The sampling was carried out in 27 regions seasonally. Thirty six traits and parameters including 18 morphometric, 11 meristic, and 7 phenotype characters were determined. Data obtained from morphometric parameters were analyzed and dendrograms were designed using cluster method. Comparison of the biometric data with the checklist identification index of species show that there are 6 main and dominant families including: Bothidae, Psettodidae, Citharidae, Soleidae, Cynoglossidae and Paralichthyidae in the area. In addition, the identification of above-mentioned families indicated that 25 species in Khuzestan area, 19 species in Bushehr area and 16 species in Hormozgan area inhabit the coastal waters of the Persian Gulf. Meanwhile, 13 species from 5 families in Persian Gulf that have not been reported so far are identified and reported in this research. According to these results and comparing with other studies, 30 species from 6 families were identified in coastal waters in the Persian Gulf on Khuzestan, Bushehr and Hormozgan areas which is the most complete study in Persian Gulf.

The “Coastal and Marine Ecological Classification Standard (CMECS)”, a new approach to ecological classification, was applied to 122 km of the southern intertidal zone of Qeshm Island located the Hormouz Strait - the Persian Gulf. Two components of this model, Surface Geology (SGC) and Biotic Cover (BCC) were used. Considering the extent and geomorphological alternations of the covered area, 12 sampling sites within 5 sub-regions were designated using by GPS. In total, 60 habitats (biotopes) with 47 codes were determined; this variety of biotopes is directly related to the diverse surface geology (substrate) of the covered area. Most of the biotopes and codes were recorded in the mid-eastern coastal zone, due to heterogeneity in substrate structure associated with numerous ecological niches in rocky shores. Crustacean species such as Eriphia smithi, Thalamita prymna, Molluscan species such as Clypeomorous bifisciatus, Cerithium caeruleum and echinoderm species such as Echinometra mathaei and Ophiactis sp. were characteristic of rocky shores, while Crustacea groups including Ocypode rotundata and Dotilla sp., and Umbonium vestiarium (Mollusca) were characteristic of sandy shores. Although the highest number of codes was recorded in Zeitun Park site (Eastern coast), it did not possess the expected specific species (such as Diadema setosum, Linckia multiflora and Ophiocoma scolopendrina), that were encountered in sites with similar surface geology. This could have been caused by tourist traffic at the Zeitun Park site.

Petrochemical industries can potentially impact the environment due to their activities and products. This case study has considered adverse effects of petrochemical industries that are located inside the PETZONE with respect to the presence of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and total petroleum hydrocarbon in wastewater effluents. The average concentrations of ∑PAHs group I and II were lower than the guideline values, thus the effluents of the study area can be considered unpolluted. Also, the average concentration of TPH was lower than the guideline value at all almost stations except the effluent outlets of the Razi and Imam Khomeini petrochemical (BI-PC) companies which are proximal to Khowr-e Musa Bay. Thus, they may have an adverse impact on the aquatic ecosystem of the Bay. Therefore, the concentration of TPH was monitored in the sediments of the Bay (around the PETZONE coastal area) which was relatively moderate compared in the study area. Also, the sum of Chronic Potency Ratio of PAHs in sediments showed that the chronic benchmark was not more than the guideline at all stations (it is exceeded when the sum exceeds 1.0) except in the vicinity of the Aromatic effluent outlet of BI-PC. Thus, the chronic benchmark at this station indicates that it has the potential to cause a chronic effect on sediment-residence organisms like crabs, clams and worms. Moreover, PAHs concentration level in this station approached the NOAA sediment quality guideline value (ERL) of 4000 (ng/g dry weight).