Lyons, M. M., University of Connecticut, Groton, USA, mmmlyons@hotmail.com
Ward, J. E., University of Connecticut, Groton, USA, evan.ward@uconn.edu
Roberts, S. B., University of Washington, Seatlle, USA, sr320@u.washington.edu
Smolowitz, R. ., Marine Biological Laboratory, Wood Hole, USA, rsmol@mbl.edu
Vallino, J. ., Marine Biological Laboratory, Wood Hole, USA, jvallino@mbl.edu
Allam, B. ., Stony Brook University, , USA, bassem.allam@stonybrook.edu

GOT SNOW? TRACKING MARINE PATHOGENS IN AQUATIC ECOSYSTEMS

Marine aggregates (i.e., marine snow, flocs, and organic detritus) are ubiquitous in aquatic ecosystems and although many studies have focused on the composition, formation, distribution, and fate of aggregates, few have addressed their role in the ecology of aquatic diseases. This research focuses on diseases associated with suspension-feeding bivalves (e.g., clams and oysters), including bivalve pathogens and human pathogens acquired via consumption of contaminated bivalves. Marine aggregates were characterized using underwater video surveys coupled with direct collection in modified settling cones in order to explore differences in the characteristics of aggregates found in habitats populated by clams (Mercenaria mercenaria) and oysters (Crassostrea virginica). Microaggregate (< 500 m) concentrations were always greater than macroaggregate (> 500 m) concentrations, but peak concentrations of macroaggregates and microaggregates, mean size of particles, and volume fraction of aggregated material varied throughout the study. These results have important implications for the way in which aquatic pathogens are collected, monitored, and quantified for risk-based surveillance in shallow-water ecosystems.

Poster presentation

Presentation is given by student: Yes
Session #:120
Date: 03-03-2008
Time: 17:30 - 19:30