Animal Sciences Commons^™

Blue Crab Reproductive Output And Phenology In A Changing Climate, Blaise Rohan

Master's Theses

Globally, ecosystems are experiencing rising temperatures due to climate change, with potential consequences for reproductive investment and timing in many species. Blue crabs, Callinectes sapidus, support valuable commercial fisheries throughout the U.S. Atlantic and Gulf coasts, and understanding variation in reproductive output has important management and conservation implications. This study examined two components of blue crab reproduction: (1) reproductive investment across populations spanning multiple latitudes (New York, New Jersey, North Carolina, Mississippi, and Texas), using a space-for-time substitution to assess the effects of varying thermal regimes on fecundity and egg quality, and (2) spawning phenology in North Carolina from …

Reel Into Fishing!: Providing A Recreational Fishing Education Program For Youth, Amelia Valente, Douglas R. Zemeckis, Lisa Morse, Gene Nigro

Journal of Extension

New Jersey is known as the Garden State, but with over 130 miles of Atlantic coastline, it also has very productive marine ecosystems that offer numerous opportunities for recreational marine fishing. The International Game Fish Association, a nonprofit organization committed to the conservation of game fish and the promotion of responsible, ethical angling practices, collaborated with Rutgers Cooperative Extension to host a youth educational program entitled Reel Into Fishing! The objective is to educate participants through hands-on engagement on ethical fishing practices and marine science to help develop the next generation of responsible anglers.

An Emergent Seafood Nationalism Takes Hold In The United States, Owen Temby

School of Earth, Environmental, & Marine Sciences Faculty Publications

This paper introduces the concept of ‘seafood nationalism’ to describe how, since 2024–2025, the United States increasingly uses tariffs, trade remedies, food safety enforcement and origin-based rules to favour American seafood over foreign products. Federal actions include Executive Order 14276, Restoring American Seafood Competitiveness, which directs agencies to address unfair trade practices, unsafe imports and to develop a coordinated seafood trade strategy. Additional measures include a tariff package imposing a 10% duty on nearly all seafood imports and 30% on seafood from China, as well as new anti-dumping and countervailing duty orders on warm-water shrimp. This paper presents Gulf …

Recreational Fishing Location Guide, Department Of Primary Industries And Regional Development, Western Australia

Fisheries Occasional Publications

Please note: this version (6th edition) published in 2026 replaces the version published in 2023.

This guide has been developed to help you identify the fishing locations that you may visit. The purpose of this guide is to enhance consistent and accurate identification of fishing locations and block numbers within each Bioregion. If you are unsure about a particular location, please discuss it with a representative of the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development, Western Australia.

Acute Effects Of The Psychoactive Pollutant Fluoxetine On The Antipredator Behavior Of The Gulf Killifish (Fundulus Grandis), Semyra Reus

Honors Theses

Pharmaceutical contaminants are increasingly prevalent in aquatic environments, yet their sublethal effects on ecologically relevant behaviors remain poorly understood, particularly in estuarine systems. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), such as fluoxetine, are of particular concern due to the conserved role of serotonin in regulating behavior across vertebrates. Here, we investigated how acute exposure to environmentally relevant concentrations of fluoxetine influences anti-predator behavior in Gulf killifish (Fundulus grandis), a key estuarine fish commonly found in saltmarsh habitats. Killifish were exposed to control (0 ng/L), low (17.8 ng/L), and high (596 ng/L) fluoxetine concentrations and subsequently tested in the presence …

Ecological Responses To Living Shoreline Restoration, Aaron S. Bland

Graduate Theses and Dissertations (2019 - present)

Coastal built communities and natural coastal ecosystems face similar and interrelated hazards: shoreline sediment erosion, shoreline retreat, and worsening storms, each of which is exacerbated by relative sea level rise. Living shorelines are coastal defense projects that incorporate natural habitats to provide more sustainable shoreline defense and improve the coastal ecosystem. Living shorelines have been widely adopted, but their performance has been highly variable, and the mechanisms of project success and failure are unclear. The overarching goal of this dissertation was to better understand the ecosystem responses to coastal restoration, focusing on the primary habitats of coastal salt marsh and …

Feeding Ecology In Coastal Systems, Randi L. Cannon

Graduate Theses and Dissertations (2019 - present)

Oysters (Crassostrea virginica) are critical foundation species in estuaries, providing numerous ecological and economic benefits. However, oyster populations have diminished worldwide. Effective oyster restoration and aquaculture require a mechanistic understanding of the physiological and environmental factors that govern oyster feeding, growth, and resilience under changing coastal conditions. We investigated how oyster ploidy and environmental conditions influenced oyster feeding and investigated how changes in abiotic conditions affected behavioral performance of oyster drills (Stramonita spp.), a key oyster predator. To better understand feeding responses and behaviors of both predator and prey we 1) used in-situ filter feeding assays to determine if feeding …

Ecological Insights And Management Implications Of The Global Migratory Connectivity Of Green Turtles, Jaime Restrepo, Dina Nisthar, Harris Wei-Khang Heng, Lily K. Bentley, Corrie Curtice, Sarah Deland, Ei Fujioka, Patrick N. Halpin, Sarah K. Poulin, Roldán A. Valverde

School of Earth, Environmental, & Marine Sciences Faculty Publications

Aim

Green turtles are a widely distributed and highly migratory species; despite extensive data on their movement, there is no species-specific global synthesis on the subject. Based on three decades of published literature and building on previous global analyses, we developed a global network model of migratory connectivity for green turtles to better understand their spatial biology.

Location

Global.

Time Period

1990–2022.

Major Taxa Studied

Green Sea Turtle (Chelonia mydas).

Methods

We conducted a structured literature review extracting georeferenced information on the movement of green turtles from 1990 to 2022, aggregating this information into a single connectivity model, …

Evaluating Elisa-Based Domoic Acid Detection Methods In Fetal And Maternal Samples Of California Sea Lions (Zalophus Californianus), Deanie Woodruff, Emily Lickiss, Samuel Gardiner, Mia Gastile, Elizabeth Sandoval, Florybeth La Valle

Seaver College Research And Scholarly Achievement Symposium

Harmful algal blooms produced by the diatom Pseudo-nitzschia regularly expose marine mammals along the California coast to domoic acid (DA), a neurotoxin that bioaccumulates in marine food webs. In California sea lions (Zalophus californianus), domoic acid exposure is associated with seizures, hippocampal injury, and maternal-fetal transfer of the toxin that can result in abortion. Bloom events have led to large numbers of stranded sea lions along the California coast. Although some clinical and neurological effects of domoic acid toxicosis have been documented, especially with regard to the hippocampus, there is limited understanding of how domoic acid concentrations fluctuate over the …

Ratfish (Chimaera Monstrosa) Chondocranium, Riley B. Glogowski, David W. Kerstetter

All Scans: Kerstetter Fisheries and Avian Ecology 3D Scan Series

No abstract provided.

Teeth That Tell Time: Elemental Analysis From Shark Teeth, Gisele-Elizabeth Perez, David Turner

Research Papers

Sharks (Chondrichthyes) have hunted in the oceans for over 400 million years, their teeth leaving history behind, constantly becoming a part of the fossilization process (Worm et al. 2013). Their survival throughout 5 major extinctions is due to their ability to adapt easily with slow metabolism, a wide range of diet, and an efficient physiology. Shark teeth are vital to the hunting and consumption of their prey, making it a point for scientists to study them. Their tooth minerals contain fluorapatite in their enameloid, and dentin in the “root” of the tooth, with extinct species containing dentin and hydroxyapatite in …

Fisheries Management Paper No.312: Discussion Paper On Management And Licensing Options For The Charter Industry - Statewide Strategic Review Of Western Australia’S Charter Fishing Sector, Department Of Primary Industries And Regional Development, Western Australia

Fisheries Management Papers

This consultation paper has been prepared to support the statewide strategic review of Western Australia’s (WA) charter fishing sector, which was initiated as a government commitment.

The paper details issues and proposals relating to the management and licensing framework, development opportunities and representation model for the charter fishing industry. The proposals have been developed in consultation with the Charter Review Working Group. The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) now seeks comment from relevant stakeholders on the issues and proposals outlined within this paper.

Comments provided will assist in providing advice and recommendations to the Minister for Fisheries …

Just Unmasking Knowledge? A Critical Interpretation Of Fluctuating Jellyfish Populations For A Mass Media Audience, Wrenne R. Grone

Undergraduate Honors Thesis Projects

While podcasts may not be the most popular form of mass media, they are growing in their accessibility and prevalence in educational discourse. My creative work, in the form of a podcast, unmasks scientific knowledge in an untraditional, mass-media form and will use podcast techniques, such as music transitions and storytelling techniques, to maintain engagement. Additionally, my podcast aims to transpose academic knowledge into a comprehensible, interesting form for a non-academic audience. Jellyfish have no brains, no heart, no blood, and no bones and yet, they have survived for millions of years. The goal of my podcast is to educate …

Fisheries Occasional Publication No. 151 - Response To 2025 External Review Of Integrated Stock Assessments For Key Wa Demersal Indicator Stocks, Brett Crisafulli, Emily A. Fisher, Matias Braccini, Rubie Evans-Powell, Fabian I. Trinnie, Ainslie Denham, S. A. Hesp

Fisheries Occasional Publications

Consistent with national trends, the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) is transitioning to the globally recognised Stock Synthesis (SS) platform to support more robust, transparent, and internationally aligned assessments. To ensure this transition remains scientifically sound, DPIRD commissioned an independent expert review in 2025, following a previous review in 2024. The 2025 review was conducted by Professor André Punt and focused on integrated models for three key WA fish stocks: red emperor in the Kimberley, WA dhufish in the southern West Coast Bioregion, and sandbar shark at the statewide level. This publication summarises the findings and recommendations …

Fenced And Feral: Farming And Spread Of Flowerhorn (Amphilophus Spp.) In Lake Sampaloc, Philippines, Janice A. Ragaza, Hannah Nicole Gasmen

Environmental Sustainability

This study examines the spread and ecological impact of invasive Flowerhorn cichlids (Amphilophus spp.) in Lake Sampaloc, Philippines, driven by both accidental release and intentional aquaculture practices. Field observations and literature reveal that these highly adaptable and aggressive fish outcompete native species, contributing to biodiversity decline amid increasing pollution, eutrophication, and microplastic contamination. Their phenotypic plasticity allows them to thrive in degraded environments, further exacerbating ecological imbalance. While local communities have begun utilizing Flowerhorns for ornamental trade and potential aquafeed production, such practices risk reinforcing their proliferation. The study highlights the need for integrated management strategies combining biosecurity, pollution control, …

Spiny Dogfish (Sqaulus Acanthias) Jaw, Courtney R. Schober, Sophia R. Oliveira, David W. Kerstetter

All Scans: Kerstetter Fisheries and Avian Ecology 3D Scan Series

No abstract provided.

Tiger Shark (Galeocerdo Cuvier) Jaw, Nicholas D. Burchett, Jade Mells, David W. Kerstetter

All Scans: Kerstetter Fisheries and Avian Ecology 3D Scan Series

No abstract provided.

Blue Shark (Prionace Glauca) Jaw, Nicholas D. Burchett, David W. Kerstetter

All Scans: Kerstetter Fisheries and Avian Ecology 3D Scan Series

No abstract provided.

Fisheries Occasional Publication No. 150 - Response To 2024 External Review Of Integrated Stock Assessments For Key Wa Demersal Indicator Stocks, Rubie Evans-Powell, S. A. Hesp, Ainslie Denham, Emily A. Fisher, Rachel Marks, Fabian I. Trinnie, Brett Crisafulli

Fisheries Occasional Publications

In Western Australia (WA), stock assessments for key demersal species, including snapper and red emperor, have traditionally used bespoke integrated models developed in-house by the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD). In line with other Australian jurisdictions, DPIRD is transitioning to Stock Synthesis (SS) as its primary platform for integrated stock assessments of WA finfish. To support this transition, DPIRD commissioned an independent expert review of recent integrated models applied to three demersal stocks. This publication responds to recommendations from Professor André Punt (University of Washington and CSIRO) in his 2024 review, which examined assessments for Pilbara red …

Atlantic Sharpnose (Rhizoprionodon Terraenovae) Chondocranium, Morgan Indyk, Sarah Hendricks, David W. Kerstetter

All Scans: Kerstetter Fisheries and Avian Ecology 3D Scan Series

No abstract provided.

Linking Local Ecological Knowledge And Management Perspectives On Oyster Predation In Mississippi And Alabama, Cynthia Lupton, Eric Sparks, Mark Woodrey, James M. Drymon, Nigel Temple, Steven Scyphers

Research Data

Eastern oysters (Crassostrea virginica) provide critical ecosystem services, yet populations along the northern Gulf Coast are declining due to environmental stressors, such as water quality issues and predation. To evaluate how threats to oysters are perceived across stakeholder groups, we surveyed oyster Farmers and Resource professionals in Mississippi and Alabama about predator impacts, seasonal patterns, and mitigation strategies. Survey responses (n = 21) were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Fisher’s Exact tests, Mann–Whitney U tests, and t-tests. Farmers and Resource professionals identified multiple predators as important sources of mortality, but their relative rankings differed across groups. Resource professionals consistently viewed southern …

Bull Shark (Carcharhinus Leucas) Jaw, Roman Devlin, Jade A. Mells, Rileigh Gonzalez, Nicholas D. Burchett, David W. Kerstetter

All Scans: Kerstetter Fisheries and Avian Ecology 3D Scan Series

No abstract provided.

Longfin Mako (Isurus Paucus) Jaw, Nicholas D. Burchett, David W. Kerstetter

All Scans: Kerstetter Fisheries and Avian Ecology 3D Scan Series

No abstract provided.

Male Great Hammerhead (Sphyrna Mokarran) Chondrocranium, Michelle W. Bassali, Nicholas D. Burchett, Samuel Escobar, Preston Rice, David W. Kerstetter

All Scans: Kerstetter Fisheries and Avian Ecology 3D Scan Series

Male ~10ft Great Hammerhead (Sphyrna mokarran) Chondrocranium

Assessing Localized Recovery And Synchrony Of An Endangered Wetland Species., Aiyana Reissman

Theses

The state and federally endangered light-footed Ridgway’s rail (LFRR; Rallus obsoletus levipes) is central to regional conservation, yet the drivers of its population fluctuations remain poorly understood. The fragmented nature of coastal wetlands in Southern California is threatening the existence of endemic species like the LFRR. Tidal inundation, severe storms, and overpredation threaten the survival of LFRR. This study addresses population fluctuations by analyzing the spatial and temporal drivers of LFRR populations to inform effective, site-specific management.

To do this, a 45-year (1980–2024) LFRR census data set across 16 wetlands throughout its range in California was synthesized. A multi-faceted …

Atlantic Goliath Grouper (Epinephelus Itajara) Neurocranium, Sierra Rafacz, Rileigh Gonzalez, Ema Nagel, Nicholas Burchett, David W. Kerstetter

All Scans: Kerstetter Fisheries and Avian Ecology 3D Scan Series

No abstract provided.

Vegetation Species And Bed Position May Drive Epifaunal But Not Nekton Habitat Use In Estuarine Submerged Vegetation In The Mobile-Tensaw River Delta, Alabama, Steven Vroljik, Kathryn O'Shaughnessy, Ashley Mcdonald, Zoey Hendrickson, Bethany Kiley, Anna Reimer, Sierra Robertson, Samantha Smith, Edward Sullivan, Charles Martin

Gulf and Caribbean Research

Submerged aquatic vegetation (SAV) supports nekton and epifaunal macroinvertebrates, sustaining food webs and ecosystem services in estuaries. Invasive SAV can alter these dynamics by displacing native vegetation and restructuring communities. In Alabama’s Mobile-Tensaw Delta (MTD), Eurasian milfoil (Myriophyllum spicatum) is rapidly expanding and outcompeting native wild celery (Vallisneria americana). This study compared nekton and epifaunal assemblages between M. spicatum and V. americana, focusing on edge versus interior positions. Nekton surveys identified 22 taxa (M. spicatum, n = 13; V. americana, n = 18), but assemblages did not differ significantly between vegetation types …

Fisheries Research Report No. 359: Metropolitan Monitoring Program 2025, Alissa Tate, Claire B. Smallwood, Karina L. Ryan, Troy Matthews

Fisheries Research Reports

Ongoing monitoring of recreational fisheries in the Perth Metropolitan zone is essential to ensure the sustainable use of fisheries resources. Surveys of shore- and boatbased recreational fishers within the Metropolitan zone of the West Coast bioregion provide information on human dimensions and catch-per-fisher as well as mean length and weight of key recreationally caught species. For shore-based fishers, estimates of fishing effort, catch and harvest are also presented for key nearshore species. This information is used to support ongoing assessments for key nearshore species and the development and evaluation of harvest strategies and other management actions, such as for Australian …

Retention Time Of Microplastics In The Purple Sea Urchin (Arbacia Punctulata), Alexandra Shore

Honors Theses and Capstones

Marine ecosystems around the world are facing the problem of plastic pollution. Large pieces of plastic eventually degrade into smaller microplastics that are suspended in the water column and sink to the seabed. Sea urchins are exposed to microplastics as they graze on the sea floor and can accidentally consume these pollutants. Sea urchins are ecologically important animals because they physically alter their ecosystem via grazing and are integral part of marine food webs. To better understand how sea urchins interact with microplastics, purple sea urchins were exposed to microfibers and microspheres in a laboratory setting, and the retention time …

The Depuration Of Microplastic Pollution In Aquacultured Indian River Lagoon Oysters, Lee Nguyen

Honors Undergraduate Theses

Plastics are widely used in consumer goods and industrial manufacturing, and their degradation into microplastics (MP, size < 5 mm) has created an emergent environmental pollutant. Plastics readily enter aquatic environments, where they accumulate additional contaminants and bioaccumulate in organisms. While MP contamination in marine ecosystems is well documented, less is known about MP presence in aquacultured shellfish. Depuration, the process of purging contaminants from shellfish, is conducted in sterile seawater without food, which may cause oyster starvation and death. To date, MP depuration has not been examined in the aquacultured eastern oyster (Crassostrea virginica) in published studies. This study had 3 goals: 1) evaluate the effects of algal feed on oyster survival during depuration, 2) determine the effect of algal feed on depuration effectiveness, and 3) investigate the effect of a ten-day depuration on MP concentration in aquacultured C. virginica soft tissue. MP were quantified in oyster tissues, biodeposits, and in industrial algal feed. Tissues were digested using alkaline solutions, manually examined via microscopy, and analyzed using Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) to investigate MP polymer …