Research & Projects

Swimming performance and endurance in Shiner Perch (Cymatogaster aggregata)

This project was carried out during an intensive summer course on fish swimming, behaviour, and environmental physiology at Friday Harbor Laboratories. The study examined how sustained swimming effort influences escape performance in shiner perch (Cymatogaster aggregata). Fish were exposed to controlled swimming conditions, followed by behavioural tests to assess changes in escape responses. 

Preliminary findings indicate that fish exposed to sustained swimming showed reduced escape responsiveness, suggesting a performance trade-off between endurance and rapid burst movements. These observations support the endurance–exhaustion hypothesis and highlight how prolonged activity can shape behavioural outcomes relevant to survival. The study demonstrates the value of swimming performance assays for linking physiology and behaviour under ecological stress. 

Environmental stress in coastal mussels: Evidence from polluted and clean habitats

This study examined how environmental pollution affects the health of blue mussels by comparing individuals from a highly impacted saltmarsh with those from a cleaner coastal bay. Mussels from the polluted site showed clear signs of stress, including damage to gills, digestive tissues, and reproductive organs, suggesting reduced feeding efficiency, impaired digestion, and compromised reproduction. In contrast, mussels from the cleaner site displayed fewer and milder tissue changes and generally better condition.

Overall, the findings highlight how chronic exposure to environmental contaminants, including microplastics, can affect key biological functions in coastal organisms. The study underscores the value of mussels as bioindicators and supports the need for stronger protection and monitoring of vulnerable coastal habitats.

MSc Thesis at Atlantic Technological University, Ireland

Microplastics enter the environment through various sources, including sewage treatment plants. These treatment plants play a crucial role in microplastics transportation and distribution, as many plastic debris such as microbeads and artificial fibers find their way into them. This study has shown that untreated wastewater releases are a significant contributor to the prevalence of microbeads and microfibers. Microbeads are primary microplastic particles derived from cosmetics, whereas microfibers come from textile finishing industries and domestic wastewater according in this study. 

Polyvinyl chloride was the dominant polymer and is commonly used in water-resistant clothing. It is increasingly evident that rivers are the primary source of microplastics in the oceans.

MSc Dissertation at The University of Manchester, UK

Aquaculture has supplemented capture fisheries for 6 decades, sustaining demand for aquatic products through improved techniques, including optimizing fish nutrition. Aquaculture's contribution to global fish production has steadily increased from 7% in 1974 to 44.1% in 2014, and reached a record high of 57% in 2020, according to FAO's 2022 report on world fisheries and aquaculture. Feed accounts for over 50% of aquaculture inputs, especially in intensive farming. 

The study results suggest that feeding Clarias gariepinus fingerlings with commercial feed is recommended due to its higher growth performance, nutrient utilization, profit index, and lower incidence cost.

BSc Thesis at The University of Uyo, Nigeria