8 



Transport of Fishes 



THE TRANSPORT of fishes involves a complex of 

 considerations. When fishes are excessively stimu- 

 lated as in the case of handling and transport, their 

 metaboHc rate rises to its probable maximum which 

 is four to five times as great as their minimal metabolic 

 rate. The increase in metabohc rate creates a greater 

 oxygen demand and increases the output of metabolic 

 waste. During a period of excitement fishes develop 

 an oxygen debt that may require several hours to re- 

 pay. Excited fishes may also mechanically damage 

 themselves. For reasons of weight economy it is neces- 

 sary to greatly crowd fishes during transport. Crowd- 

 ing results in a rapid depletion of dissolved oxygen 

 and an increase in carbon dioxide and ammonia. In 

 addition, the water becomes fouled from regurgitated 

 food, feces, and mucus. 



Temperature 



Although some fishes are sensitive to low tem- 

 peratures, many can be handled and transported 



