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- Title
- Effect of microalgae (species, processing) on Sunray Venus Clam (Macrocallista nimbosa) and Hard Clam (Mercenaria mercenaria) Production and Fatty Acid Content.
- Creator
- Perri, Edward, Laramore, Susan, Florida Atlantic University, Department of Marine Science and Oceanography, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science
- Abstract/Description
-
The sunray venus (SRV) clam (Macrocallista nimbosa), is an alternative shellfish aquaculture species to hard clams (Mercenaria mercenaria) for Florida. Production of high-quality hatchery seed is dependent on diet. This study was initiated to determine an optimal live microalgae diet and test the efficacy of commercially available microalgae concentrates as partial or complete replacements for live algae. Benefits were seen with multiple algal species combinations. Both clam species achieved...
Show moreThe sunray venus (SRV) clam (Macrocallista nimbosa), is an alternative shellfish aquaculture species to hard clams (Mercenaria mercenaria) for Florida. Production of high-quality hatchery seed is dependent on diet. This study was initiated to determine an optimal live microalgae diet and test the efficacy of commercially available microalgae concentrates as partial or complete replacements for live algae. Benefits were seen with multiple algal species combinations. Both clam species achieved highest growth and survival when fed a multi-species quad-algal live diet, although hard clams performed well when fed I. galbana and C. gracilis or I. galbana and P. lutheri. Neither species performed well with complete replacement diets, but showed good production with partial replacement diets. The fatty acid (FA) profile of clams reflected the FA profile of the fed diet. Clams fed multi-species diets of live algae had a well-balanced FA profile consisting of high n3/n6, EPA/DHA and EPA/ARA ratios.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2021
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00013781
- Subject Headings
- Macrocallista nimbosa, Mercenaria mercenaria, Aquaculture, Microalgae, Diet
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- THE BULL SHARK (CARCHARHINUS LEUCAS) AS A SENTINEL SPECIES FOR HARMFUL ALGAL BLOOM TOXINS IN THE INDIAN RIVER LAGOON, FLORIDA.
- Creator
- Edwards, Michelle L., Ajemian, Matt, Florida Atlantic University, Department of Marine Science and Oceanography, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science
- Abstract/Description
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This study explored spatiotemporal patterns in movement, diet, and baseline phycotoxin concentrations in immature bull sharks (Carcharhinus leucas) of the Indian River Lagoon (IRL), an estuary of national significance that has been considerably impacted by multiple toxic harmful algal blooms (HABs). Long-term spatial use of the system was assessed for 29 acoustically tagged sharks over a 4 year period (2017–2020). Tissue samples for diet and toxin analysis were collected from a separate...
Show moreThis study explored spatiotemporal patterns in movement, diet, and baseline phycotoxin concentrations in immature bull sharks (Carcharhinus leucas) of the Indian River Lagoon (IRL), an estuary of national significance that has been considerably impacted by multiple toxic harmful algal blooms (HABs). Long-term spatial use of the system was assessed for 29 acoustically tagged sharks over a 4 year period (2017–2020). Tissue samples for diet and toxin analysis were collected from a separate cohort of 50 individuals between 2018 and 2020. UPLC-MS/MS was used to screen tissues for 14 algal toxins. Young bull sharks were found to be mainly piscivorous and displayed high residency to the IRL as well as to specific regions of the IRL, with small activity spaces. Multiple phycotoxins were detected in screened tissues, indicating that young bull sharks in the IRL may be compromised by trophic transfer of HABs while they reside in this important nursery.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2021
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00013807
- Subject Headings
- Harmful Algal Bloom, Indian River (Fla. : Lagoon), Bull shark, Carcharhinus leucas, Sentinel Species
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- REDOX ENVIRONMENT CONTROLS ON THE DEGRADATION OF HARMFUL ORGANIC CONTAMINANTS IN MARINE SEDIMENT.
- Creator
- Quinan, Matthew P., Beckler, Jordon, Florida Atlantic University, Department of Marine Science and Oceanography, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science
- Abstract/Description
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Harmful organic contaminants, such as petroleum hydrocarbons, are ubiquitous in coastal marine ecosystems around the world, a problem that will only be exacerbated with rising sea level and increased inundation of coastal urban areas. Therefore, it is necessary to understand the fate of these contaminants following their deposition on marine sediment, where they can potentially persist for long periods of time. As organic carbon remineralization rates depend on the respiration process...
Show moreHarmful organic contaminants, such as petroleum hydrocarbons, are ubiquitous in coastal marine ecosystems around the world, a problem that will only be exacerbated with rising sea level and increased inundation of coastal urban areas. Therefore, it is necessary to understand the fate of these contaminants following their deposition on marine sediment, where they can potentially persist for long periods of time. As organic carbon remineralization rates depend on the respiration process employed by the bacteria in the sediment, it was the goal of this study to determine how the sediment redox environment, with an emphasis on Fe redox chemistry, affects the biodegradation of recalcitrant petroleum hydrocarbon compounds. While amendment of natural sediment with Fe minerals that are commonly transported to coastal areas following erosion from continental crust did successfully catalyze Fe reduction and inhibit sulfate reduction, the effect on the hydrocarbon biodegradation rate was negligible. However, inoculation of the sediment with Shewanella oneidensis, an exoelectrogenic, Fe reducing bacteria known to catalyze the degradation of hydrocarbon compounds found in crude oil, did significantly affect the redox environment and sediment microbial communities and alter the pattern of hydrocarbon loss in the sediment over time.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2021
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00013801
- Subject Headings
- Marine sediments, Coastal sediments, Organic compounds--Biodegradation, Oil spills
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- PSEUDO-NITZSCHIA IN THE INDIAN RIVER LAGOON: AN EMERGING THREAT FOR FLORIDA.
- Creator
- Schreiber, Stephanie, Sullivan, James, Florida Atlantic University, Department of Marine Science and Oceanography, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science
- Abstract/Description
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The Indian River Lagoon (IRL) spans approximately one-third of the east coast of Florida and faces numerous harmful algal blooms. The potentially toxic diatom, Pseudonitzschia, has been observed in many locations of the IRL. The goal of this study was to obtain a better understanding of the factors contributing to population dynamics of Pseudo-nitzschia in the southern IRL system. Bi-monthly surface water samples were collected for 18 months from five locations. Cell counts enumerated all...
Show moreThe Indian River Lagoon (IRL) spans approximately one-third of the east coast of Florida and faces numerous harmful algal blooms. The potentially toxic diatom, Pseudonitzschia, has been observed in many locations of the IRL. The goal of this study was to obtain a better understanding of the factors contributing to population dynamics of Pseudo-nitzschia in the southern IRL system. Bi-monthly surface water samples were collected for 18 months from five locations. Cell counts enumerated all microphytoplankton, and environmental data was collected at sampling sites throughout the study by the Indian River Lagoon Observatory Network. Six species of Pseudonitzschia were isolated and characterized through 18S Sanger sequencing and scanning electron microscopy, all showed toxicity. Surface water samples also showed domoic acid (DA) presence. We report the first known occurrence of Pseudo-nitzschia micropora in the IRL and the first known DA production from this taxon.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2021
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00013714
- Subject Headings
- Pseudo-nitzschia, Indian River (Fla. : Lagoon), Algal blooms, Phytoplankton
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- INTERACTIONS OF LARGE BENTHOPELAGIC MESOPREDATORS WITH SHELLFISH ENHANCEMENT ACTIVITIES IN FLORIDA COASTAL WATERS.
- Creator
- Cahill, Brianna Violet, Ajemian, Matthew, Florida Atlantic University, Department of Marine Science and Oceanography, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science
- Abstract/Description
-
Shellfish aquaculture “grow-out” sites for Northern Quahog (Mercenaria mercenaria) clams have substantially higher densities than the surrounding ambient environment and thus can attract local molluscivores to these areas. I used acoustic telemetry to examine potential interactions of two highly mobile ray species (cownose ray, whitespotted eagle ray) with two clam grow-out sites in the Indian River Lagoon near Sebastian, FL, where clammers have reported damaged grow-out gear. Visitation...
Show moreShellfish aquaculture “grow-out” sites for Northern Quahog (Mercenaria mercenaria) clams have substantially higher densities than the surrounding ambient environment and thus can attract local molluscivores to these areas. I used acoustic telemetry to examine potential interactions of two highly mobile ray species (cownose ray, whitespotted eagle ray) with two clam grow-out sites in the Indian River Lagoon near Sebastian, FL, where clammers have reported damaged grow-out gear. Visitation patterns of telemetered rays to these sites were compared to other reference sites in the region and modeled using local environmental data. While both species spent greater time elsewhere, I found many instances in which rays remained within range of clam grow-out sites for extended periods (>60 minutes). Mesocosm experiments with whitespotted eagle rays confirmed they were capable of interacting with and damaging clams housed within antipredator materials, although mortality was significantly reduced compared to controls and in particular by multi-layer netting.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2021
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00013840
- Subject Headings
- Shellfish fisheries--Florida, Northern quahog, Predators, Biotelemetry
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- EFFECTS OF FEED PELLETS FORM FACTOR IN CONJUNCTION WITH β-GLUCAN ON PRODUCTION CHARACTERISTICS OF FLORIDA POMPANO.
- Creator
- Bianchine, Tyler C., Wills, Paul S., Florida Atlantic University, Department of Marine Science and Oceanography, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science
- Abstract/Description
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Florida Pompano Trachinotus carolinus are molluscivorous, greater than 70% of their natural diet consists of hard-shelled gastropods and bivalves. A specialized feeding mechanism (pharyngeal jaw) forms a crushing surface used to grind prey. In aquaculture, extruded pellets are fed and this feeding apparatus results in pellets fracturing and loss of fragments through their gill rakers. The effect of pellet form (hard vs. soft) and size on fractured pellet waste (FPW) and production...
Show moreFlorida Pompano Trachinotus carolinus are molluscivorous, greater than 70% of their natural diet consists of hard-shelled gastropods and bivalves. A specialized feeding mechanism (pharyngeal jaw) forms a crushing surface used to grind prey. In aquaculture, extruded pellets are fed and this feeding apparatus results in pellets fracturing and loss of fragments through their gill rakers. The effect of pellet form (hard vs. soft) and size on fractured pellet waste (FPW) and production characteristics of Pompano reared in recirculating aquaculture systems was addressed. No difference in FPW between the standard pellet size and smaller pellet size treatments. However, a difference in FPW at first feeding of the day between the hard and soft pellet treatments was observed, with no difference in FPW present at the last feeding. Results suggest that pellet size does not reduce the amount of FPW produced, while the use of soft pellets reduces the amount of FPW.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2021
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00013839
- Subject Headings
- Florida pompano, Aquaculture, Trachinotus carolinus, Fishes--Feeding and feeds
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- CULTIVATION OF MICROBES ASSOCIATED WITH INDIAN RIVER LAGOON SPONGES.
- Creator
- Burton, Miranda Nicole, McCarthy, Peter, Florida Atlantic University, Department of Marine Science and Oceanography, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science
- Abstract/Description
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Cultivation of microbial populations is a necessity for the use of microbes within the biotechnological and pharmaceutical industries, however, approximately only 1% of bacteria have been successfully cultivated in the lab. Dilution to Extinction (DTE) is a technique which involves serially diluting a microbial suspension to single cell inoculum prior to inoculation in a liquid medium designed to replicate natural aquatic environments. This technique was used here for the cultivation of...
Show moreCultivation of microbial populations is a necessity for the use of microbes within the biotechnological and pharmaceutical industries, however, approximately only 1% of bacteria have been successfully cultivated in the lab. Dilution to Extinction (DTE) is a technique which involves serially diluting a microbial suspension to single cell inoculum prior to inoculation in a liquid medium designed to replicate natural aquatic environments. This technique was used here for the cultivation of diverse, potentially novel microbes from the marine sponge, Mycale microsigmatosa. One hundred thirty-six samples were successfully sequenced and identified with the majority belonging to the classes Alphaproteobacteria and Gammaproteobacteria. Furthermore, when combined with miniaturized fermentation, DTE allowed for the isolation and identification of marine natural products (3-Heptyl-3-hydroxy-2,4 (1H, 3H)-quinolinedione and 2-Heptyl-4-hydroxyquinoline) active against Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. These metabolites originated from Pseudomonas aeruginosa, an isolate obtained from Mycale microsigmatosa using this technique.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2021
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00013858
- Subject Headings
- Indian River (Fla. : Lagoon), Sponges--Microbiology, Marine natural products
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- INJURY ANALYSIS OF LEATHERBACK SEA TURTLES (DERMOCHELYS CORIACEA) NESTING ON NORTHERN PALM BEACH COUNTY, FLORIDA, USA BEACHES.
- Creator
- Klingshirn, Skyler, Page-Karjian, Annie, Florida Atlantic University, Department of Marine Science and Oceanography, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science
- Abstract/Description
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The leatherback sea turtle (Dermochelys coriacea) is facing global declines; however, the Florida stock is generally increasing. Various studies have identified threats to sea turtles, but there is a need to quantify population-level threats. I used external examination and blood analyses of leatherbacks nesting on northern Palm Beach County, Florida beaches to understand the impact(s) that physical injuries have on this population. Notable injuries were present on 118 of 167 (70.7%) turtles....
Show moreThe leatherback sea turtle (Dermochelys coriacea) is facing global declines; however, the Florida stock is generally increasing. Various studies have identified threats to sea turtles, but there is a need to quantify population-level threats. I used external examination and blood analyses of leatherbacks nesting on northern Palm Beach County, Florida beaches to understand the impact(s) that physical injuries have on this population. Notable injuries were present on 118 of 167 (70.7%) turtles. Fisheries injuries were more prevalent than other anthropogenic injuries; however, there was a higher overall prevalence of natural injuries. There were no notable findings from my blood analyses. My results suggest that while natural injuries are more common than anthropogenic injuries in the nesting population of Florida leatherbacks, anthropogenic injuries are more likely to result in severe traumatic wounds. Future investigation of overlap in leatherback migratory routes and foraging grounds with various threats could further protect this species.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2021
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00013743
- Subject Headings
- Dermochelys coriacea, Leatherback turtle--Florida, Injury
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- EVALUATION OF 3-D CULTURE METHODS FOR MARINE SPONGES.
- Creator
- Urban-Gedamke, Elizabeth, Pomponi, Shirley A., Florida Atlantic University, Department of Marine Science and Oceanography, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science
- Abstract/Description
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Marine sponges are economically and environmentally valuable, but restoration, commercial, and biomedical demands exceed what wild populations and aquaculture can provide. In vitro culture of sponge cells is a promising alternative, but has remained elusive until recent breakthroughs involving improved nutrient medium M1 in two-dimensional culture. The advantages of three-dimensional over two-dimensional cell culture have been increasingly recognized. Here we report the successful 21-day...
Show moreMarine sponges are economically and environmentally valuable, but restoration, commercial, and biomedical demands exceed what wild populations and aquaculture can provide. In vitro culture of sponge cells is a promising alternative, but has remained elusive until recent breakthroughs involving improved nutrient medium M1 in two-dimensional culture. The advantages of three-dimensional over two-dimensional cell culture have been increasingly recognized. Here we report the successful 21-day culture of cells from the marine sponge Geodia neptuni using multiple three-dimensional cell culture methods: FibraCel© disks, thin hydrogel layers, gel micro droplets, and spheroid cell culture. These methods performed comparably to two-dimensional control cultures, and each method offers advantages for restoration or in vitro applications using sponge cells. Further optimization of these methods may lead to the ability to culture fully functioning sponges from dissociated, cryopreserved cells, which will reduce the need for wild harvest of sponge tissues for commercial, restoration, and biomedical purposes.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2021
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00013726
- Subject Headings
- Sponges, Cell Culture--methods
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- EVALUATING ENVIRONMENTAL VARIABLES THAT INFLUENCE POND DISSOLVED OXYGEN TO INFORM PREDICTION MODEL DEVELOPMENT.
- Creator
- Weber, Ethan W., Wills, Paul S., Florida Atlantic University, Department of Marine Science and Oceanography, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science
- Abstract/Description
-
Pond aquaculture accounts 65% of global finfish production. A major factor limiting pond aquaculture productivity is fluctuating oxygen levels, which are heavily influenced by atmospheric conditions and primary productivity. Being able to predict DO concentrations by measuring environmental parameters would be beneficial to improving the industry’s efficiencies. The data collected included pond DO, water temperature, air temperature, atmospheric pressure, wind speed/direction, solar...
Show morePond aquaculture accounts 65% of global finfish production. A major factor limiting pond aquaculture productivity is fluctuating oxygen levels, which are heavily influenced by atmospheric conditions and primary productivity. Being able to predict DO concentrations by measuring environmental parameters would be beneficial to improving the industry’s efficiencies. The data collected included pond DO, water temperature, air temperature, atmospheric pressure, wind speed/direction, solar irradiance, rainfall, pond Chl-a concentrations as well as water color images. Pearson’s correlations and stepwise regressions were used to determine the variables’ connection to DO and their potential usefulness for a prediction model. It was determined that sunlight levels play a crucial role in DO fluctuations and crashes because of its influence on pond heating, primary productivity, and pond stratification. It was also found that image data did have correlations to certain weather variables and helped improve prediction strength.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2022
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00014012
- Subject Headings
- Pond aquaculture, Water--Dissolved oxygen, Algorithms
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- ESTABLISHING A SPONGE HYBRIDOMA FOR THE IN VITRO PRODUCTION OF A MARINE NATURAL PRODUCT.
- Creator
- Dougan, Cassady, Pomponi, Shirley A., Florida Atlantic University, Department of Marine Science and Oceanography, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science
- Abstract/Description
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Marine sponges are one of the most prolific sources of chemical compounds with pharmaceutical importance. To establish a supply of such compounds large enough for clinical development, in vitro production methodology was investigated. Since all sponge cells do not divide in culture, it was hypothesized that the fusion of rapidly dividing cells of a sponge that does not produce any compounds of interest with cells of a nondividing but compound-producing sponge would result in a hybridoma that...
Show moreMarine sponges are one of the most prolific sources of chemical compounds with pharmaceutical importance. To establish a supply of such compounds large enough for clinical development, in vitro production methodology was investigated. Since all sponge cells do not divide in culture, it was hypothesized that the fusion of rapidly dividing cells of a sponge that does not produce any compounds of interest with cells of a nondividing but compound-producing sponge would result in a hybridoma that produces the compound of interest. In this study, hybridomas have been produced with cells of two marine sponges, Axinella corrugata, which produces the antitumor compound stevensine, and Geodia neptuni, which divides rapidly in a nutrient medium optimized for sponge cell culture. Successful hybridization and subsequent cell division and in vitro stevensine production may unlock the potential for sustainable mass production of other sponge-derived compounds.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2022
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00014024
- Subject Headings
- Marine natural products, Sponges, Hybridomas, In vitro
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- RESOLVING HABITAT GAPS FOR BONEFISH CONSERVATION ACROSS FLORIDA AND THE BAHAMAS.
- Creator
- Lombardo, Steven Michael, Ajemian, Matthew J., Florida Atlantic University, Department of Marine Science and Oceanography, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science
- Abstract/Description
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Bonefish Albula vulpes are an economically important sport fish that has historically bolstered the recreational flats fisheries of the Florida Keys and The Bahamas; an industry with an annual economic impact of US$465 million and US$169 million, respectively. Analyses of fishing guide logbooks and guide interviews indicate that the population of bonefish in south Florida has declined. Due to the economic and cultural importance of these fisheries, protection of spawning and nursery habitats...
Show moreBonefish Albula vulpes are an economically important sport fish that has historically bolstered the recreational flats fisheries of the Florida Keys and The Bahamas; an industry with an annual economic impact of US$465 million and US$169 million, respectively. Analyses of fishing guide logbooks and guide interviews indicate that the population of bonefish in south Florida has declined. Due to the economic and cultural importance of these fisheries, protection of spawning and nursery habitats is integral to population recovery and stability. However, knowledge gaps persist in how abiotic and biotic habitat factors influence reproduction and recruitment. Without clear delineation of spawning and recruitment habitats, bonefish populations remain vulnerable to anthropogenic disturbances. Bonefish partake in a unique three-point spawning migration, migrating from shallow-water home flats to form nearshore pre-spawning aggregations (PSA) before moving offshore to spawn. Using active acoustic telemetry, sonar imagery, and CTD profiles, the first complete account of offshore spawning movements and novel deep diving behavior was accomplished. Bonefish reached depths of 137.9 m and spawned at 67.3 m, a depth associated with the pycnocline/thermocline. Previous efforts show spatiotemporal plasticity in spawning, a behavior counter to other aggregation forming fishes.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2022
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00013899
- Subject Headings
- Bonefish, Bonefish fisheries, Habitat conservation, Florida, Bahamas
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- ASSESSMENT OF NUTRIENT ENRICHMENT EFFECTS ON STONY CORAL TISSUE LOSS DISEASE.
- Creator
- Carreiro, Ashley M., Voss, Joshua D., Florida Atlantic University, Department of Marine Science and Oceanography, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science
- Abstract/Description
-
Florida’s coral reefs are facing a multi-year coral disease outbreak described as stony coral tissue loss disease (SCTLD), affecting at least 24 species of scleractinian corals. Potential anthropogenic and environmental drivers of SCTLD progression and severity are still poorly understood. This project was designed to determine the potential impacts of elevated nutrients on the progression and spread of SCTLD on reefs in Southeast Florida. We attempted to increase nutrient levels near coral...
Show moreFlorida’s coral reefs are facing a multi-year coral disease outbreak described as stony coral tissue loss disease (SCTLD), affecting at least 24 species of scleractinian corals. Potential anthropogenic and environmental drivers of SCTLD progression and severity are still poorly understood. This project was designed to determine the potential impacts of elevated nutrients on the progression and spread of SCTLD on reefs in Southeast Florida. We attempted to increase nutrient levels near coral colonies using fertilizer amendments to mimic the effects of agricultural and urban runoff. SCTLD lesion progression, coral tissue loss, and disease prevalence were tracked overtime. There were no significant differences in nutrient concentrations between nutrient-amended and control groups or SCTLD progressions or surrounding SCTLD prevalence. However, water temperature was positively correlated to SCTLD activity. These findings provide insight to reef managers seeking to limit and mitigate the prevalence and impacts of SCTLD.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2022
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00014091
- Subject Headings
- Scleractinia, Corals--Diseases, Eutrophication, Coral reef management
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- PORIFERA BIODIVERSITY IN THE INDIAN RIVER LAGOON: EVALUATING THE LATITUDINAL ECOTONE AND SIMILARITIES WITH SAINT LUCIE REEF.
- Creator
- Babbe, Greer, Chaves-Fonnegra, Andia, Florida Atlantic University, Department of Marine Science and Oceanography, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science
- Abstract/Description
-
Sponges (Phylum Porifera) are hardy organisms persisting and predicted to become more dominant world-wide under climate change scenarios. However, we lack baseline knowledge on sponge biodiversity in transitional areas (subtropical to warm-temperate) that are more susceptible to climate change such as The Indian River Lagoon (IRL) (estuary) and Saint Lucie Reef (northern most coral reef) ecosystems in south Florida. The aims of this master’s thesis are to 1) evaluate if sponge assemblages...
Show moreSponges (Phylum Porifera) are hardy organisms persisting and predicted to become more dominant world-wide under climate change scenarios. However, we lack baseline knowledge on sponge biodiversity in transitional areas (subtropical to warm-temperate) that are more susceptible to climate change such as The Indian River Lagoon (IRL) (estuary) and Saint Lucie Reef (northern most coral reef) ecosystems in south Florida. The aims of this master’s thesis are to 1) evaluate if sponge assemblages reflect the previously defined ecotone between subtropical and warm-temperate biomes in the IRL (Chapter one), 2) determine how porifera communities are associated to their respective environment (temperature, water velocity, photosynthetically active radiation, carbonate chemistry, and nutrients) in the IRL and St. Lucie Reef (Chapter two), and 3) establish a distribution baseline for future studies aiming to assess Porifera range shifts during climate change (Chapter one and two). Porifera biodiversity surveys across the IRL and Saint Lucie reef were carried out at different spatial and time scales. Environmental parameters (ocean acidification, temperature and eutrophication) were obtained and compared for sites in Fort Pierce Inlet and St Lucie Reef. Chapter one results show that sponge assemblages do not reflect the previously defined ecotone between subtropical and warm-temperate biomes in the IRL, instead they structure in relation to the inlets (distance from the inlet). The most diverse sponge assemblages are found in Sebastian, Fort Pierce, and Jupiter Inlets, and are significant different among habitats; oyster reefs host a unique assemblage of excavating sponges.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2023
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00014174
- Subject Headings
- Sponges--Ecology, Porifera, Indian River (Fla. : Lagoon), Saint Lucie Inlet (Fla.)
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- TROPHIC INTERACTIONS OF OCTOPUS VULGARIS AND THE IMPACTS OF PLASTIC LEACHATE OLEAMIDE.
- Creator
- Hair, Madelyn A., McCoy , Michael, Florida Atlantic University, Department of Marine Science and Oceanography, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science
- Abstract/Description
-
Octopus predation and species selection contribute to community structure in benthic habitats, where plastic pollution accumulates. This study investigated how the bioactive plastic additive oleamide alters trophic interactions and behaviors of the common octopus (Octopus vulgaris) and its prey. We quantified activity budgets and trophic interactions for octopuses and multiple prey types (hermit crabs, free-living crabs, bivalves, and gastropods) before and after exposure to oleamide. Our...
Show moreOctopus predation and species selection contribute to community structure in benthic habitats, where plastic pollution accumulates. This study investigated how the bioactive plastic additive oleamide alters trophic interactions and behaviors of the common octopus (Octopus vulgaris) and its prey. We quantified activity budgets and trophic interactions for octopuses and multiple prey types (hermit crabs, free-living crabs, bivalves, and gastropods) before and after exposure to oleamide. Our analysis suggested that some taxa (octopuses and hermit crabs) exhibit more active behaviors during oleamide exposure. Free living crabs responded primarily to the threat of octopus predation, while other taxa did not show clear behavioral responses. Exposure to oleamide increased trophic interactions and the probability of mobile prey taxa being observed on the same side of the aquarium as the octopus, thus increasing the opportunity for predation. Our results support previous research showing that plastic leachates can impair decision-making, making prey more susceptible to predation.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2023
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00014278
- Subject Headings
- Common octopus, Predation (Biology), Plastics--Environmental aspects
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- EVALUATING THE EFFECT OF THERMAL ANOMALIES ON CORAL REEF BENTHIC COMPETITIVE INTERACTIONS.
- Creator
- Spagnolia, Christopher T., Chaves-Fonnegra, Andia, Florida Atlantic University, Department of Marine Science and Oceanography, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science
- Abstract/Description
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Climate change has intensified thermal anomalies in coral reef ecosystems, contributing to coral bleaching and decline. As corals die, reef fragmentation increases, and species interactions in the benthos change. However, it is unclear which competitive interactions may prevail and structure future reef ecosystems. The aim of this thesis was to evaluate the effect of thermal anomalies on coral reef benthic competitive interactions. Photoquadrats in southeast Florida reef sites were assessed...
Show moreClimate change has intensified thermal anomalies in coral reef ecosystems, contributing to coral bleaching and decline. As corals die, reef fragmentation increases, and species interactions in the benthos change. However, it is unclear which competitive interactions may prevail and structure future reef ecosystems. The aim of this thesis was to evaluate the effect of thermal anomalies on coral reef benthic competitive interactions. Photoquadrats in southeast Florida reef sites were assessed over 15-years to generate interaction metrics and determine effects on hard coral survivorship. A state-transition model was created to predict the resultant community across 100 years with thermal scenarios concordant with the IPCC RCP 4.5 and 8.5. Interaction doubled across three thermal anomaly events and ended up mainly composed of pairwise examples between Dictyota, Halimeda, Niphates erecta, and Erythropodium caribaeorum. Century projections confirm that soft coral and sponge interactions will increase through thermal anomalies. The survival of hard corals was more successful when colonies were in permanent or intermittent interactions than when colonies were solitary (indirect interactions). Living hard corals were mostly found interacting with the macroalgae, Dictyota, and sponge Aplysina cauliformis, while corals that died were mainly in interactions with the soft coral E. caribaeorum, and sponges N. erecta, C. delitrix, D. anchorata, and Ircinia campana. Future reefs will be composed of more interactions between soft corals and sponges as thermal anomalies intensify, which will result in a patchier and flatter community.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2023
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00014257
- Subject Headings
- Coral reef ecology, Climate change, Benthic ecology
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- Vertical Ecology and Diversity of Melamphaes (Family Melamphaidae) in the Northern Gulf of Mexico Following the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill.
- Creator
- Howard, Natalie, Moore, Jon A., Florida Atlantic University, Department of Marine Science and Oceanography, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science
- Abstract/Description
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The Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill had widespread impacts that were seen across the surface of the ocean, deep-sea, and seafloor. To assess damages, NOAA and GoMRI established the Offshore Nekton Sampling and Analysis Program (ONSAP) and the Deep Pelagic Nekton Dynamics of the Gulf of Mexico (DEEPEND) projects. This response effort would create a vast dataset and collection of samples to aid in understanding the deep-sea of the northern Gulf of Mexico. Genus Melamphaes (Family Melamphaidae), are...
Show moreThe Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill had widespread impacts that were seen across the surface of the ocean, deep-sea, and seafloor. To assess damages, NOAA and GoMRI established the Offshore Nekton Sampling and Analysis Program (ONSAP) and the Deep Pelagic Nekton Dynamics of the Gulf of Mexico (DEEPEND) projects. This response effort would create a vast dataset and collection of samples to aid in understanding the deep-sea of the northern Gulf of Mexico. Genus Melamphaes (Family Melamphaidae), are a group of minimally characterized and understudied fish. This thesis will assess vertical ecology and migratory patterns, variations in specimen size and sampling gear, and introduce species that are newly identified to inhabit the area. The findings suggest that majority of Melamphaes participate in diel vertical migration and sampling equipment has significant impacts on specimen size. Four unreported species of Melamphaes have now been documented in this region, increasing previously reported diversity.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2023
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00014348
- Subject Headings
- BP Deepwater Horizon Explosion and Oil Spill, 2010, Mexico, Gulf of, Melamphaidae, Aquatic ecology
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- TIMELINE OF NUTRIENT INCORPORATION FROM BROODSTOCK DIET TO EGG IN CALIFORNIA YELLOWTAIL, SERIOLA DORSALIS.
- Creator
- Chin, Li Sun, Mejri, Sahar, Florida Atlantic University, Department of Marine Science and Oceanography, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science
- Abstract/Description
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Existing brood fish research has ascertained that eggs are heavily influenced by broodstock diet but there is no information regarding this timeline of nutritional incorporation. The objective of this study is to determine duration of nutritional incorporation from diet to eggs through fatty acids. Nine California Yellowtail (Seriola dorsalis) broodstock were fed alternating diets of commercial pellets (Vitalis PRIMA: Skretting) and cutbait. Biochemical and biometric data from spawns were...
Show moreExisting brood fish research has ascertained that eggs are heavily influenced by broodstock diet but there is no information regarding this timeline of nutritional incorporation. The objective of this study is to determine duration of nutritional incorporation from diet to eggs through fatty acids. Nine California Yellowtail (Seriola dorsalis) broodstock were fed alternating diets of commercial pellets (Vitalis PRIMA: Skretting) and cutbait. Biochemical and biometric data from spawns were collected and analyzed for differences and similarities throughout the alternating diets. Eggs were observed to selectively incorporate higher sources of linolenic and linoleic acid from the pelleted diet, and eicosapentaenoic acid from the cutbait diet. Interestingly, results showed overall fatty acids from both diets were fully incorporated by eggs within 9 days following the diet switch. These findings provided new insight towards the selective incorporation of nutrients and will open new doors for future broodstock nutrition research.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2023
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00014327
- Subject Headings
- Seriola dorsalis, Yellowtail, Aquaculture, Fishes—Feeding and feeds, Brood stock assessment
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- EXPOSURE TO ALGAL BIOTOXINS: EXPLORING HEALTH EFFECTS IN GREEN SEA TURTLES (CHELONIA MYDAS).
- Creator
- Brown, Hunter, Page, Annie, Florida Atlantic University, Department of Marine Science and Oceanography, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science
- Abstract/Description
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In the inter-coastal waters of Florida, green sea turtles (Chelonia mydas) are regularly exposed to regional blooms of harmful algae which produce biotoxins. A retrospective analysis was conducted on stranded green sea turtles along the Indian River Lagoon, FL, USA. Stranding, necropsy, and histopathology reports were analyzed for 40 juvenile turtles. Liver (N=40) and kidney (N=36) tissues were analyzed for a suite of 14 harmful algal bloom (HAB)-associated biotoxins. Thirty-four (85%)...
Show moreIn the inter-coastal waters of Florida, green sea turtles (Chelonia mydas) are regularly exposed to regional blooms of harmful algae which produce biotoxins. A retrospective analysis was conducted on stranded green sea turtles along the Indian River Lagoon, FL, USA. Stranding, necropsy, and histopathology reports were analyzed for 40 juvenile turtles. Liver (N=40) and kidney (N=36) tissues were analyzed for a suite of 14 harmful algal bloom (HAB)-associated biotoxins. Thirty-four (85%) turtles tested positive for at least one biotoxin, including 21(53%) liver and 22(61%) kidney tissues. Statistically significant relationships were identified between the presence of common histopathological abnormalities and biotoxins of: melanomacrophage/hyperplasia and brevetoxin-3 (P=0.03) in liver tissues, and renal fibrosis and nodularin (P = 0.04) and lymphocytosis and neosaxitoxin (P=0.03) in kidney tissues. These data demonstrate that wild turtles are commonly exposed to HAB-associated biotoxins with potential chronic health effects that contribute to strandings in the Indian River Lagoon.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2023
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00014363
- Subject Headings
- Chelonia mydas, Green sea turtles, Algal toxins, Indian River (Fla. : Lagoon)
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- THE BIOGEOCHEMICAL IMPORTANCE OF REACTIVE IRON IN FLORIDA BAY SEDIMENTS: BENTHIC-PELAGIC COUPLING AND SEASONAL SULFIDE DYNAMICS.
- Creator
- Thackston, Mason A., Beckler, Jordon, Florida Atlantic University, Department of Marine Science and Oceanography, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science
- Abstract/Description
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Iron and manganese redox chemistry are important drivers of sulfur cycling in marine sediments. Florida Bay sediments are extremely sulfidic, having been attributed to mass mortality of seagrass and oxygen depletion in the water column. This research used conventional sediment analyses and a diagenetic model to infer the overall capacity for Florida Bay sediments to eliminate hydrogen sulfide and prevent high rates of sediment dissolved oxygen consumption via hydrogen sulfide reoxidation....
Show moreIron and manganese redox chemistry are important drivers of sulfur cycling in marine sediments. Florida Bay sediments are extremely sulfidic, having been attributed to mass mortality of seagrass and oxygen depletion in the water column. This research used conventional sediment analyses and a diagenetic model to infer the overall capacity for Florida Bay sediments to eliminate hydrogen sulfide and prevent high rates of sediment dissolved oxygen consumption via hydrogen sulfide reoxidation. Previous studies have suggested that iron is important for buffering hydrogen sulfide in Florida Bay sediments, while the results of this project show for the first time that this phenomenon is relevant only in specific locations and times of the year. However, my research indicates that Fe has the potential to sequester sulfides and minimize hypoxia in the Everglades system. Thus, under a scenario that greater amounts of Fe are delivered to Florida Bay sediments from freshwater flows under Everglades restoration, Fe could be a component of ecosystem management.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2024
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00014421
- Subject Headings
- Marine sediments, Florida Bay (Fla.), Sulfur cycle, Biogeochemical cycles
- Format
- Document (PDF)