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Fishery Independent Standing Stock Surveys Of Oyster Populations In Virginia 1996, Roger L. Mann, James Wesson

Reports

Extensive description of the Virginia oyster resource and history of its utilization has been given by Haven, Hargis and Kendall (1981), and more recently reviewed by Hargis and Haven (1988). These contributions, among many others, describe a state of continuing decline. The James River, Virginia has served as the focal point for the Virginia oyster industry for over a century, being the source of the majority of seed oysters that were transplanted for grow-out to locations within the Virginia portion of the Chesapeake Bay and much further afield in the Middle Atlantic states (Haven et al, 1981 ). The Rappahannock …

Juvenile Fish And Blue Crab Stock Assessment Program Bottom Trawl Survey Annual Data Summary Report Volume 1995, Patrick J. Geer, Herbert M. Austin

Reports

The Virginia Institute of Marine Science (VIMS) has conducted a trawl survey dating back to 1955. Over the years methods and objectives have varied according to funding sources and state and/or federal mandates. The present thrust of the program is to provide juvenile indices of relative abundance for recreationally, commercially, and ecologically· important fish and invertebrates. These measures of juvenile abundance are widely used as a key element in the management of the Atlantic States' coastal fishery resources. Estimates of juveniles (age-0) have proven to be a reliable and early indicator of future year-class strength. A review of previously available …

Juvenile Finfish And Blue Crab Stock Assessment Program York River Random Stratified Bottom Trawl Survey Data Summary Report Volume R1989-1990, Michael F. Land, Patrick J. Geer, Christopher F. Bonzek, Herbert M. Austin

Reports

The Virginia Institute of Marine Science (VIMS) has conducted a bottom trawl survey of some fashion since 1955. Historically, sampling has occurred as mid-channel transects at fixed locations spaced at approximately five mile intervals. In the early 1970's, work was performed on the Mobjack Bay and Piankatank River using the standard 30 ft. fishing gear from a large research platform, with a 16 ft. gear towed from an outboard skiff or Chesapeake deadrise at shallow stations (:$; 12 ft.). Linda Pushee Mercer initiated the first random survey of the York River in 1971-72, as part of the results of a …

Estimation Of Relative Abundance Of Recreationally Important Finfish In The Virginia Portion Of The Chesapeake Bay : Annual Progress Report July 1995 - June 1996, Patrick J. Geer, Herbert M. Austin

Reports

Measures of juvenile abundance are presently in wide use as a key element in the management of the Atlantic States' coastal fishery resources. Estimates of the relative interannual abundance of early juveniles (age-0) generated from scientific survey programs have been found to provide a reliable and early estimator of future year class strength (Goodyear 1985, Lipcius and Van Engel 1990). After a review of previously available indices of juvenile abundance for important fishery resource species in the Chesapeake Bay, the Chesapeake Bay Stock Assessment Committee (CBSAC), a federal/state committee sponsored and funded by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), …

Density-Dependent Settler-Recruit-Juvenile Relationships In Blue Crabs, Aj Pile, R Lipcius, J Van Montfrans, R J. Orth

VIMS Articles

Current theory on the population dynamics of marine species with complex life history patterns posits that a suite of physical and biotic forces (e.g., habitat structure and density-dependent predation or emigration) control survival and abundance in early life history, particularly after settlement. We have conducted a long-term sampling effort accompanied by a series of field and laboratory experiments examining the joint effects of habitat type, body size, and population density upon abundance and survival of early juveniles of the blue crab, Callinectes sapidus. In addition, the chance occurrence of a tropical storm during one set of experiments provided an opportunity …

Juvenile Finfish And Blue Crab Stock Assessment Program York River Random Stratified Bottom Trawl Survey Data Summary Report Volume R1991-1994, Micheal F. Land, Patrick J. Geer, Christopher F. Bonzek, Herbert M. Austin

Reports

The Virginia Institute of Marine Science (VIMS) has conducted a bottom trawl survey of some fashion since 1955. Historically, sampling has occurred as mid-channel transects at fixed locations spaced at approximately five mile intervals. During the 1970's, the need for a random stratified survey of the main stem Bay and tributaries was realized and subsequently implemented. This program had a very large spatial coverage in various depth strata, but was very limited in its temporal component. Sampling occurred on a semi-annual basis primarily in January and February, and again in July (Wojcik and Van Engel, 1988a.) Based on previous results …

Histopathology Of The Thymus Of Coho Salmon Oncorhynchus Kisutch Experimentally Infected With Renibacterium Salmoninarum, E Flano, Sl Kaattari, B Razquin, Aj Villena

VIMS Articles

We report on the histopathological changes occurring in the thymus of coho salmon Oncorhynchus kisutch experimentally infected with Renibacterium salmoninarum. Coho salmon were intraperitoneally infected, and the thymi were collected weekly from 1 to 7 wk post-infection, and processed for ultrastructural study. The thymus appeared to be infected only in fish collected at 6 and 7 wk post-infection. The first stage of the infection was characterized by the presence of a low number of bacteria scattered in the connective tissue of the capsule. Further progression of the thymic infection was characterized by the rupture of the capsular-thymic barrier, and by …

Site Selection For Shellfish Aquaculture, Michael J. Oesterling

Reports

No abstract provided.

An Unidentified Haplosporidian Parasite Of Bay Scallop Argopecten Irradians Cultured In The Shandong And Liaoning Provinces Of China, Fle Chu, Em Burreson, F Zhang, K Chew

VIMS Articles

Since 1988 growers of bay scallop Argopecten irradians in China have been experiencing mortality in their cultured stocks. Although poorly documented, mortality apparently began near Qingdao and has since spread to other areas of Shandong and Liaoning provinces. Samples of cultured scallops were collected from several growing areas in these provinces and analyzed by histological methods for pathogens. An unidentified haplosporidian parasite was observed in a high proportion of scallops from two of the stocks examined. Most infections were of low intensity, but one heavy infection was also observed. Only plasmodia stages were observed; they occurred intercellularly in connective tissues …

Population Structure Of The Arkshell Clams Noetia Ponderosa And Anadara Ovalis In The Oceanside Lagoons And Tidal Creeks Of Virginia And Implications For Fisheries Management, Kay A. Mcgraw, Michael Castagna, Sally D. Dennis

Reports

Two species of arkshell (blood) clams, Noetia ponderosa and Anadara ovalis, have · recently been targeted by watermen on the Eastern Shore of Virginia for sale to east coast markets. Until 1991 fishermen caught both species in conjunction with the harvest of oysters and hard clams and considered them of little value. Very little is known about either species, and preliminary data from our pilot study in 1993 indicated that blood clams were being overfished. In September, 1994 we conducted a survey in the oceanside lagoon system along the Eastern Shore and collected data on density, abundance, habitat preference, and …

Enhanced Immunogenicity Of Renibacterium Salmoninarum In Chinook Salmon After Removal Of The Bacterial Cell Surface-Associated 57 Kda Protein, Pa Wood, Sl Kaattari

VIMS Articles

A study was conducted to determine the effect of endogenous serine protease activity on the immunogenicity of Renibacterium salmoninarum cells in chinook salmon Oncorhynchus tshawytscha. Salmon were immunized with either R. salmoninarum cells possessing p57 (p57(+)) or substantially depleted of p57 (p57(-)). The resultant antisera were examined by whole cell ELISA and immunoblot procedures using p57(+), p57(-), proteinase-K-treated, and periodate-treated whole cells. These analyses revealed that the removal of p57 by the endogenous serine protease significantly enhanced the immunogenicity of the cell, resulting in a 20-fold increase in detectable antibody titers. The bulk of this antibody activity was directed at …

Natural And Ex-Vessel Moisture Content Of Sea Scallops (Placopecten Magellanicus), William D. Dupaul, Robert A. Fisher, James E. Kirkley

Reports

No abstract provided.

Intertidal Oyster Reefs As A Tool For Estuarine Rehabilitation And Rejuvenation Of The Virginia Oyster Fishery, Virginia Institute Of Marine Science, Virginia Marine Resources Commission.

Reports

Contents:

• Small-scale patterns of recruitment on a constructed intertidal reef: the role of spatial refugia / Ian K. Bartol & Roger Mann --
• Small-scale settlement patterns of the oyster Crassostrea virginica on a constructed intertidal reef / Ian K. Bartol and Roger Mann --
• The importance of small-scale spatial and temporal variation in C. virginica growth and mortality on constructed intertidal reefs / Ian K. Bartol and Roger Mann --
• Temporal and spatial patterns of growth and mortality on a constructed intertidal reef : results from a year-long study / Ian K. Bartol and Roger Mann --
• Progression of diseases …

Histopathology Of The Renal And Splenic Haemopoietic Tissues Of Coho Salmon Oncorhynchus Kisutch Experimentally Infected With Renibacterium Salmoninarum, E Flano, P Lopez-Fierro, B Razquin, S Kaattari, A Villena

VIMS Articles

We report the histopathological changes occurring in the renal and splenic haemopoietic tissues of coho salmon Oncorhynchus kisutch experimentally infected with renibacterium salmoninarum. In both tissues we were able by light microscopy to distinguish 3 different grades in the progression of the infection. The grades of infection were characterized according to the location of the bacteria and the tissue injuries. Ultrastructural observation revealed sinusoidal cells, macrophages, reticular and barrier cells to be infected by the pathogen, and necrosis of the tissue to be general in advanced stages of the infection. Despite destruction of the haemopoietic tissue, plasmacytopoietic foci were frequently …

Marine Finfish Aquaculture In Virginia Species Profiles: Summer Flounder (Paralichthys Dentatus) Black Sea Bass ( Centropristis Striata) Tautog (Tautoga Onitis) Northern Puffer ( Sphoeroides Maculatus) Cobia (Rachycentron Canadum), William D. Dupaul, Michael J. Oesterling, Laura A. Rose

Reports

No abstract provided.

A Vims Celebration : Dedication Of Fisheries Science Laboratory, Virginia Institute Of Marine Science

Miscellaneous

Dedication: June 21, 1996. Program of events celebrating the dedication of the Fisheries Science Laboratory and honoring retiring faculty and staff: Henry Aceto, Jr., Robert Byrne, George Hayes and Paul Koehly. Building layout included.

Virginia Game Fish Tagging Program Annual Report 1995, Cm Bain Iii, John A. Lucy

Reports

The Virginia Came Fish tagging Program (VGFTP) was established in 1995 as an ongoing, cooperative project of the Virginia Marine Resources Commission and the Virginia Institute of Marine Science of the College of William and Mary The project is funded with revenues generated by Virginia's marine recreational fishing license.

Mitochondrial Dna Diversity And Divergence Among Sharpnose Sharks, Rhizoprionodon Terraenovae, From The Gulf Of Mexico And Mid-Atlantic Bight, Edward J. Heist, John Musick, John Graves

VIMS Articles

The Atlantic sharpnose shark, Rhizoprionodon terraenovae, is a small coastal shark that is harvested in both directed and nondirected fisheries throughout its range. Because pups of this species are found both along the southeastern U.S. Atlantic coast and the Gulf of Mexico, it is possible that multiple isolated breeding stocks exist. Restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis of mitochondrial DNA was used to test the hypothesis that Atlantic sharpnose sharks from the U.S. Atlantic coast and the western Gulf of Mexico have identical mitochondrial haplotype frequencies and therefore no apparent genetic stock structure. Seven mitochondrial haplotypes were detected among 52 individuals. …

Effects Of The June 1995 Freshet On The Main Virginia Tributaries To The Chesapeake Bay, Herbert M. Austin, Christopher F. Bonzek

VIMS Articles

Environmental conditions in the Virginian waters of the Chesapeake Bay area during the summerof 1995 have been characterized as a severe drought. This drought was punctuated on 27 June with a headwater (James and Rappahannock River) rain storm that produced a "freshet". Although it did not rain in the Tidewater area of Virginia, surface salinities were depressed by the run-off, and main-stem bottom ox}'gen levels dropped to z.ero in the James and Rappahannock rivers. The effects of the reduced oxygen were apparent on the James River oyster stock, particularly the reduction in spatfall, and to a lesser degree on the …

Shell Disease In The Gold Lip Pearl Oyster, Pinctada Maxima And The Eastern Oyster, Crassostrea Virginica, Frank O. Perkins

VIMS Articles

A description is provided of the anomalous conchiolin deposits which are formed by Pinctada maxima and which are associated with unusual morta]jties. Comparisons are made with brown ring disease found in Ruditapes philippinarum and juvenile Crassostrea virg inica. In P. maxima, the deposits are not organized into a ring but rather a.re broad-based and result in retraction of the mantle with the deposits lying outside the edge of the mantle. Vibrio sp. have been implicated in causing the di seases of P. max ima and R. philippinarum whereas the etiological agent of the disease in C. virginica is unknown. It …

Demographic Analysis Of The Sandbar Shark, Carcharhinus Plumbeus In The Western North Atlantic, Tr Sminkey, Ja Musick

VIMS Articles

The sandbar shark, Carcharhinus plumbeus, is the most common large coastal shark in Virginia waters and is an important component of recreational and commercial fisheries along the east coast of the United States. Sandbar shark demographic analyses, using known and estimated life history parameters, including fishing mortality (F) at ages and levels estimated in a recent stock assessment, were used to estimate potential population growth and exploitation. Life history tables were constructed by using best estimates of natural mortality (M) of O.11 or 0.07 for maximum ages of 30 or 60 yr, respectively. Natality was fixed at 2.1 female pups/yr. …

Oyster Diseases Of The Chesapeake Bay - Dermo And Msx Fact Sheet, Virginia Institute Of Marine Science

Reports

Nomenclature, geographic distribution, history, biology and epizootiology, environmental influences, control measures, diagnostic method.

Evaluation Of Dredge Fishing Activity On The Seaside Of Virginia's Eastern Shore, December 1994 - November 1995, Mark W. Luckenbach, James E. Wesson

Reports

Dredging has a long history in Virginia's commercial fisheries. In general, dredges are scraping or digging apparatuses that harvest as they are towed behind boats under power. Mechanical dredges have been used with sail power to harvest oysters since the mid- l 800's. Crabs have been harvested by power dredges since at least 1900, while dredge fishing of clams, which reside deeper in the substrate, began somewhat later. Individual crab dredges in Virginia can be a maximum of 8 ft wide and are usually pulled in pairs for a maximum total width of 16 ft. The dredge has a scraping …

The Status Of Virginia's Public Oyster Fishery 1995, Reinaldo Alonzo-Morales, Roger L. Mann

Reports

This report summarizes data collected during 1995 in the Virginia portion of the Chesapeake Bay. The report is composed of two parts, part one, oyster recruitment (shell string) in Virginia and part two, dredge survey of selected oyster bars in Virginia.

Potomac River Pound-Net Survey Summer 1996: 1996 Annual Report, Herbert M. Austin, Kevin Hovel, William Connelly

Reports

This survey had the following goals: (1) collect length and weight data on fishes captured in pound nets in the Potomac River; (2) collect length data of fish captured and released or discarded at-sea; and (3) establish length weight relations in summary statistics to provide baseline data.

Status Of The Major Oyster Diseases In Virginia 1995 A Summary Of The Annual Monitoring Program, Lisa M. Ragone Calvo, Eugene M. Burreson

Reports

No abstract provided.

Development Of Age Determination Methods, Life History/Population Dynamics Information, And Yield-Per-Recruit Simulation Modeling To Evaluate The Potential For Growth And Recruitment Overfishing Of Weakfish, Cynoscion Regali, In The Chesapeake Bay, Mark E. Chittenden, Susan Lowerre-Barbieri, Cynthia M. Jones

Reports

The weakfish, Cynoscion regalis, supports large recreational fisheries in the Chesapeake Bay region, where it has historically shown large fluctuations in abundance. Although many studies have been conducted on this species in this region over the last 50 years or more, directed studies commencing at least as early as Nesbit (1954) and Massmann et al. (1958), little information has existed to support yield modeling and wise management. The present study was undertaken to provide basic life history/population dynamics information and yield modeling needed to wisely manage this species in the Chesapeake Bay region, and to evaluate the role that fishing …

Estimation Of Juvenile Striped Bass Relative Abundance In The Virginia Portion Of Chesapeake Bay, January 1995-December 1995 : Annual Progress Report, Herbert M. Austin, A. Dean Estes, Donald M. Seaver

Reports

The Virginia Institute of Marine Science (VIMS) has conducted a juvenile striped bass seine survey from 1967 through 1973 and from 1980 through the present. The primary objective has been the monitoring of the relative annual recruitment success of juvenile striped bass in the spawning and to the nursery areas of Lower Chesapeake Bay. Initially (1967-1973), the survey was funded by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and when reinstated in 1980 with funding from the National Marine Fisheries Service under the Emergency Striped Bass Study program. Commencing with the 1988 annual survey, support of the program has been jointly …