Life Sciences Commons^™

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 …

A Manual For The Analysis Of Butyltins In Environmental Samples, Michael A. Unger

Reports

The Virginia Institute of Marine Science (VIMS) has developed methods for the analysis of tributyltin (TBT) in environmental samples. These methods have been published in the scientific literature where they are freely available to the public. When used by skilled analysts and supported by appropriate quality assurance and quality control procedures (QA/QC), we believe these methods, as well as other published analytical methods for TBT, can provide accurate and precise results. As in any environmental analysis, method performance is a function of the sample type, available instrumentation and skill and care taken by laboratory workers. The suitability of the data …

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 …

Tupelo, Water Tupelo Nyssa Aquatica L., Gene Silberhorn

Reports

The Wetland Flora Technical Report series provides concise information regarding the identification, growth habits, distribution, habitat, ecology and wetland indicator status for the title species. Illustrations are also included to aid in specimen ident

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 …

Research Needs For The Risk Assessment Of Health And Environmental Effects Of Endocrine Disruptors: A Report Of The Us Epa-Sponsored Workshop, Rj Kavlock, Gp Daston, C Derosa, P Fennercrisp, Le Gray, S Kaattari, Et Al

VIMS Articles

The hypothesis has been put forward that humans and wildlife species have suffered adverse health effects after exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals. Reported adverse effects include declines in populations, increases in cancers, and reduced reproductive function. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency sponsored a workshop in April 1995 to bring together interested parties in an effort to identify research gaps related to this hypothesis and to establish priorities for future research activities. Approximately 90 invited participants were organized into work groups developed around the principal reported health effects-carcinogenesis, reproductive toxicity, neurotoxicity, and immunotoxicity--as well as along the risk assessment paradigm--hazard identification, dose-response …

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 …

Simulation Of Annual Plankton Productivity Cycle In The Black Sea By A One-Dimensional Physical-Biological Model, Temel Oguz, Hugh Ducklow, Paola Malanotte-Rizzoli, Nikolai P. Nezlin, Umit Unluata

VIMS Articles

The annual cycle of the plankton dynamics in the central Black Sea is studied by a one-dimensional vertically resolved physical-biological upper ocean model, coupled with the Mellor-Yamada level 2.5 turbulence closure scheme. The biological model involves interactions between the inorganic nitrogen (nitrate, ammonium), phytoplankton and herbivorous zooplankton biomasses, and detritus. Given a knowledge of physical forcing, the model simulates main observed seasonal and vertical characteristic features, in particular, formation of the cold intermediate water mass and yearly evolution of the upper layer stratification, the annual cycle of production with the fall and the spring blooms, and the subsurface phytoplankton maximum …

Cane Arundinaria Gigantea (Walt.) Muhl., Gene Silberhorn

Reports

The Wetland Flora Technical Report series provides concise information regarding the identification, growth habits, distribution, habitat, ecology and wetland indicator status for the title species. Illustrations are also included to aid in specimen ident

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 …

Identification Of Pollutant Sources Contributing To Degraded Sanitary Water Quality Intaskinas Creek National Estuarine Research Reserve, Virginia, Howard Kator, Martha Rhodes

Reports

No abstract provided.

Concentrations And Uptake Of Neutral Monosaccharides Along 14°W In The Equatorial Pacific: Contribution Of Glucose To Heterotrophic Bacterial Activity And The Dom Flux, James Rich, Hugh Ducklow, David L. Kirchman

VIMS Articles

We examined concentrations and uptake of dissolved neutral monosaccharides (DNMS) in order to determine the contribution of DNMS to heterotrophic bacterial production and to the flux of dissolved organic matler (DOM) in the equatorial Pacific. DNMS concentrations were greater during El Niño‐affected months of February–April 1992 than during August–October 1992; in contrast, glucose turnover was the opposite— turnover was faster in August–October than in February–April. The variation in sugar concentrations and turnover probably resulted from El Niño‐induced changes in primary production; as El Niño waned primary production increased, which appeared to stimulate bacterial activity, especially glucose turnover, that in turn …

Modeling The Lower Chesapeake Bay Littoral Zone & Fringing Wetlands: Modeling The Lower Chesapeake Bay Littoral Zone & Fringing Wetlands: Ecosystem Processes And Habitat Linkages.Ii. Model Sensitivity Analysis, Validation, And Estimates Of Ecosystem Processes, Christopher P. Buzzelli, Richard L. Wetzel

Reports

No abstract provided.

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 …

Beneficial Uses Of Dredged Material From The Waterway On The Coast Of Virginia (Wcv), Walter I. Priest Iii, Christopher W. Frye, Janet Nestlerode, Robert J. Byrne

Reports

No abstract provided.

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 …

Effects Of Sunlight On Bacteriophage Viability And Structure, Ke Wommack, Rt Hill, Ta Muller, Rr Colwell

VIMS Articles

Current estimates of viral abundance in natural waters rely on direct counts of virus-like particles (VLPs), using either transmission or epifluorescence microscopy. Direct counts of VLPs, while useful in studies of viral ecology, do not indicate whether the observed VLPs are capable of infection and/or replication. Rapid decay in bacteriophage viability under environmental conditions has been observed. However, it has not been firmly established whether there is a corresponding degradation of the virus particles, To address this question, viable and direct counts were carried out employing two Chesapeake Bay bacteriophages in experimental microcosms incubated for 56 h at two depths …

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

Reports

No abstract provided.

Black Willow Salix Nigra Marsh., Gene Silberhorn

Reports

The Wetland Flora Technical Report series provides concise information regarding the identification, growth habits, distribution, habitat, ecology and wetland indicator status for the title species. Illustrations are also included to aid in specimen ident

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 …

Abundance And Distribution Of Sea Turtles Off North Carolina, J. A. Keinath, J. A. Musick, D. E. Bernard

Reports

No abstract provided.

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.

In Situ Grazing On Plankton <10 Mu M By The Boreal Sponge Mycale Lingua, Aj Pile, Mr Patterson, Jd Witman

VIMS Articles

Ultraplankton, heterotrophic and autotrophic plankton < 5 mu m, are the most abundant food source in the world's oceans, yet their role as a food source for macroinvertebrates is largely unexamined. We quantified in situ feeding on heterotrophic and autotrophic plankton < 10 mu m by the boreal sponge Mycale lingua using measurements that quantified sponge feeding efficiencies, pumping rates, and abundance to determine the contribution of plankton < 10 mu m to sponge carbon intake. Using dual-beam now cytometry we identified 5 populations of plankton < 10 mu m: heterotrophic bacteria, Prochlorococcus, Synechococcus-type cyanobacteria, autotrophic eucaryotes < 3 mu m, and autotrophic eucaryotes 3 to 10 mu m Mycale lingua nonselectively grazed on all types of plankton < 10 mu m. Prochlorococcus was filtered with the highest efficiency (93%), followed by Synechococcus-type cyanobacteria (89%), autotrophic eucaryotes 3 to 10 mu m (86%), heterotrophic bacteria (74%), and autotrophic eucaryotes < 3 mu m (72%). We conservatively estimate that M. lingua al naturally occurring densities can obtain 29 mg C d(-1) m(-2) feeding on plankton < 10 mu m, with 74% resulting from ultraplankton, suggesting that ultraplankton are an important overlooked component of benthic-pelagic coupling.