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Full-Text Articles in Marine Biology
Temporal Variability Of Microbial Response To Crude Oil Exposure In The Northern Gulf Of Mexico, Melissa L. Brock, Rachel Richardson, Melissa Ederington-Hagy, Lisa Nigro, Richard A. Snyder, Wade H. Jeffrey
Temporal Variability Of Microbial Response To Crude Oil Exposure In The Northern Gulf Of Mexico, Melissa L. Brock, Rachel Richardson, Melissa Ederington-Hagy, Lisa Nigro, Richard A. Snyder, Wade H. Jeffrey
VIMS Articles
Oil spills are common occurrences in the United States and can result in extensive ecological damage. The 2010 Deepwater Horizon oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico was the largest accidental spill recorded. Many studies were performed in deep water habitats to understand the microbial response to the released crude oil. However, much less is known about how planktonic coastal communities respond to oil spills and whether that response might vary over the course of the year. Understanding this temporal variability would lend additional insight into how coastal Florida habitats may have responded to the Deepwater Horizon oil spill. To …
Ciliate Microzooplankton From The Northeastern Gulf Of Mexico, Richard A. Snyder, Joseph A. Moss, Luciana Santoferrara, Marie Head, Wade H. Jeffrey
Ciliate Microzooplankton From The Northeastern Gulf Of Mexico, Richard A. Snyder, Joseph A. Moss, Luciana Santoferrara, Marie Head, Wade H. Jeffrey
VIMS Articles
Microzooplankton mediate a critical juncture of autotrophic and heterotrophic microbial production in the water column. Taxonomic and ecological work on this group has been substantial, yet few reports exist for the offshore waters of the Gulf of Mexico (GOM). This report focuses on protists in the phylum Ciliophora collected at stations spanning the continental shelf in the northeastern GOM. We hypothesized that patterns of spatial distribution across the region would be west–east along the coast, rather than north–south coastal to offshore, reflecting major freshwater sources. Samples were obtained by 10 µm plankton net for microscopy and by filtration of seawater …
A Subtropical Nudibranch, Polycera Hummi (Abbott 1952), Described For The First Time From Virginia, Wissan A. Jawad, Stacy A. Kruger-Hadfield, Paige G. Ross
A Subtropical Nudibranch, Polycera Hummi (Abbott 1952), Described For The First Time From Virginia, Wissan A. Jawad, Stacy A. Kruger-Hadfield, Paige G. Ross
VIMS Articles
We collected an individual Polycera hummi, a subtropical nudibranch, in association with a green macroalga Ulva sp. from an intertidal oyster reef in Burtons Bay, Wachapreague, VA. The established range of P. hummi is based solely on a handful of records from Mississippi and Florida in the Gulf of Mexico and the Carolinas in the Atlantic Ocean. This finding marks the highest latitude that this species has been found, 350 km north of its previously established range from Mississippi to Beaufort, NC. We observed the individual actively navigate the Ulva thallus which had encrusting bryozoans (unidentified genus) and arborescent …
Climate Drives The Geography Of Marine Consumption By Changing Predator Communities, M. A. Whalen, R.D. B. Whippo, J. J. Stachowicz, (...), Paige G. Ross, Et Al
Climate Drives The Geography Of Marine Consumption By Changing Predator Communities, M. A. Whalen, R.D. B. Whippo, J. J. Stachowicz, (...), Paige G. Ross, Et Al
VIMS Articles
The global distribution of primary production and consumption by humans (fisheries) is well-documented, but we have no map linking the central ecological process of consumption within food webs to temperature and other ecological drivers. Using standardized assays that span 105° of latitude on four continents, we show that rates of bait consumption by generalist predators in shallow marine ecosystems are tightly linked to both temperature and the composition of consumer assemblages. Unexpectedly, rates of consumption peaked at midlatitudes (25 to 35°) in both Northern and Southern Hemispheres across both seagrass and unvegetated sediment habitats. This pattern contrasts with terrestrial systems, …
Restoration Of Seagrass Habitat Leads To Rapid Recovery Of Coastal Ecosystem Services, Robert J. Orth, Jonathan S. Lefcheck, Karen S. Mcglathery, Lillian Aoki, Mark Luckenbach, Kenneth A. Moore, Matthew P.J. Oreska, Richard A. Snyder, David J. Wilcox, Bo Lusk
Restoration Of Seagrass Habitat Leads To Rapid Recovery Of Coastal Ecosystem Services, Robert J. Orth, Jonathan S. Lefcheck, Karen S. Mcglathery, Lillian Aoki, Mark Luckenbach, Kenneth A. Moore, Matthew P.J. Oreska, Richard A. Snyder, David J. Wilcox, Bo Lusk
VIMS Articles
There have been increasing attempts to reverse habitat degradation through active restoration, but few largescale successes are reported to guide these efforts. Here, we report outcomes from a unique and very successful seagrass restoration project: Since 1999, over 70 million seeds of a marine angiosperm, eelgrass (Zostera marina), have been broadcast into mid-western Atlantic coastal lagoons, leading to recovery of 3612 ha of seagrass. Well-developed meadows now foster productive and diverse animal communities, sequester substantial stocks of carbon and nitrogen, and have prompted a parallel restoration for bay scallops (Argopecten irradians). Restored ecosystem services are approaching historic levels, but we …
Scanning Electron Microscopic Aids For Identification Of Larval And Post-Larval Bivalves, Ra Lutz, Et Al., Michael Castagna, Roger L. Mann
Scanning Electron Microscopic Aids For Identification Of Larval And Post-Larval Bivalves, Ra Lutz, Et Al., Michael Castagna, Roger L. Mann
VIMS Articles
The identification of bivalve larvae and early postlarvae in plankton and benthic samples has long been a challenge, hampering both basic and applied research efforts in marine, estuarine, and freshwater environments. The usefulness of published optical micrographs of the early life-history stages of bivalves is limited because of the great morphological similarity of the imaged articulated shells, particularly at the early (straight-hinge) developmental stages. While a number of techniques have been refined in recent years and show promise for use in routine identifications of larval and post-larval bivalves (e.g., single-step nested multiplex polymerase chain reaction; in situ hybridization protocols through …
Experimental Assessment Of Lionfish Removals To Mitigate Reef Fish Community Shifts On Northern Gulf Of Mexico Artificial Reefs, Kristen A. Dahl, William F. Patterson, Richard A. Snyder
Experimental Assessment Of Lionfish Removals To Mitigate Reef Fish Community Shifts On Northern Gulf Of Mexico Artificial Reefs, Kristen A. Dahl, William F. Patterson, Richard A. Snyder
VIMS Articles
Substantial declines in reef fishes were observed at northern Gulf of Mexico artificial reef sites between 2009-2010 and 2011-2012, a period that bracketed the appearance of invasive lionfish in this ecosystem. Small demersal reef fishes, the predominant prey of lionfish in other systems, displayed the greatest declines. However, a confounding factor during this time was the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill (DWH) in summer 2010. In some areas, targeted lionfish removals have been demonstrated to mitigate negative effects on native fishes. Therefore, we conducted a 2 yr experiment to examine the effectiveness and ecological benefits of targeted lionfish removals at artificial …
Lessons Learned From Efforts To Restore Oyster Populations In Maryland And Virginia, 1990 To 2007, Vs Kennedy, Dl Breitburg, Mc Christman, Mark Luckenbach, Kennedy Paynter, J Kramer, Kevin Sellner, J Dew-Baxter, C Keller, Roger L. Mann
Lessons Learned From Efforts To Restore Oyster Populations In Maryland And Virginia, 1990 To 2007, Vs Kennedy, Dl Breitburg, Mc Christman, Mark Luckenbach, Kennedy Paynter, J Kramer, Kevin Sellner, J Dew-Baxter, C Keller, Roger L. Mann
VIMS Articles
A century-long decline of the fishery for the Eastern oyster Crassostrea virginica (Gmelin, 1791) in Maryland and Virginia stimulated numerous efforts by federal, state, and nongovernmental agencies to restore oyster populations, with limited success. To learn from recent efforts, we analyzed records of restoration and monitoring activities undertaken between 1990 and 2007 by 12 such agencies. Of the 1,037 oyster bars (reefs, beds, or grounds) for which we obtained data, 43% experienced both restoration and monitoring, with the remaining experiencing either restoration or monitoring only. Restoration activities involved adding substrate (shell), transplanting hatchery or wild seed (juvenile oysters), bar cleaning, …
Survival And Growth Of Triploid Crassostrea Virginica (Gmelin, 1791) And C-Ariakensis (Fujita, 1913) In Bottom Environments Of Chesapeake Bay: Implications For An Introduction, Pr Kingsley-Smith, Hd Harwell, M. Lisa Kellogg, Standish K. Allen Jr., Donald W. Meritt, Kennedy Paynter, Mark Luckenbach
Survival And Growth Of Triploid Crassostrea Virginica (Gmelin, 1791) And C-Ariakensis (Fujita, 1913) In Bottom Environments Of Chesapeake Bay: Implications For An Introduction, Pr Kingsley-Smith, Hd Harwell, M. Lisa Kellogg, Standish K. Allen Jr., Donald W. Meritt, Kennedy Paynter, Mark Luckenbach
VIMS Articles
Survival and growth of triploid Crassostrea virginica and triploid C. ariakensis were investigated at four sites Surrounding Chesapeake Bay, United States, that varied tried in salinity, tidal regime, water depth, predation intensity and disease pressure. Four experimental treatments were established at each site: C. virginica; C. ariakensis; 50:50 of C. virginica: C. ariakensis: and shell only. Oysters were deployed at mean shell heights of 12.80 min and 13.85 mm (C. virginica and C. ariakensis, respectively), at an overall density of 347.5 oysters m(-2). Oyster survival and growth varied significantly, with site and species. Survival was significantly higher in C. virginica …
Predation Of Cockles (Cerastoderma Edule) By The Whelk (Buccinum Undatum) Under Laboratory Conditions, Jws Scolding, Ca Richardson, Mw Luckenbach
Predation Of Cockles (Cerastoderma Edule) By The Whelk (Buccinum Undatum) Under Laboratory Conditions, Jws Scolding, Ca Richardson, Mw Luckenbach
VIMS Articles
The feeding rate and behaviour of whelks (Buccinum undatum) offered cockles (Cerastoderma edule) in laboratory experiments were examined. When presented with cockles in a range of sizes (10–40 mm), 14 B. undatum (34.6–88.3 mm), held individually in aquaria, consumed a wide size range of cockles. Small whelks (<40 >mm) consumed cockles (<23 >mm), whereas large whelks, (>60 mm) ate a greater number of larger cockles (>30 mm) and a wider size range of cockles (12–40 mm) than smaller whelks. The majority (90%) of the shells of the predated cockles were undamaged and the few …
New In Situ Method For Measuring Seston Uptake By Suspension-Feeding Bivalve Molluscs, Re Grizzle, Jk Greene, Mark Luckenbach, Ld Coen
New In Situ Method For Measuring Seston Uptake By Suspension-Feeding Bivalve Molluscs, Re Grizzle, Jk Greene, Mark Luckenbach, Ld Coen
VIMS Articles
The most commonly used methods for measuring the amount of seston removed from the water column (uptake) by populations of suspension-feeding bivalve molluscs involve taking discrete water samples followed by laboratory analyses. Here we describe a new method based on in situ fluorometry that provides rapid measurement of seston removal rates. The new system is comprised of two identical units, each consisting of an in situ fluorometer, data logger and peristaltic pump with plastic tube attached to a deployment device. The deployment device allows precise placement of the fluorometer probe and intake end of the plastic tube so that in …
Organisms Associated With Oysters Cultured In Floating Systems In Virginia, Usa, Fx O'Beirn, Paige G. Ross, Mark Luckenbach
Organisms Associated With Oysters Cultured In Floating Systems In Virginia, Usa, Fx O'Beirn, Paige G. Ross, Mark Luckenbach
VIMS Articles
The number and abundance of macro-faunal taxa was estimated from six floating structures (floats) used to culture the Eastern oyster (Crassostrea virginica) near Chincoteague Island. Virginia, USA. After a 10-mo grow-out period, all organisms found among and attached to the cultured oysters were counted. The final mean size of oysters was 80.5 (14.7 SD) mm. Overall, 45 species of macrofauna were recorded with the number of species in the floats ranging from 24 to 36. There was no relationship between the number of taxa and the density of oysters in the floats. Total abundances of associated organisms were estimated at …
Oyster Reef Restoration: Convergence Of Harvest And Conservation Strategies, Dl Breitburg, Ld Coen, Mark Luckenbach, Roger L. Mann, M Posey, J. A. Wesson
Oyster Reef Restoration: Convergence Of Harvest And Conservation Strategies, Dl Breitburg, Ld Coen, Mark Luckenbach, Roger L. Mann, M Posey, J. A. Wesson
VIMS Articles
Oyster reef restoration, protection, and construction are important to meeting harvest, water quality, and fish habitat goals. However, the strategies needed to achieve harvest and conservation goals have often been considered to be at odds. We argue that these goals are. in fact, compatible and that the same strategies will promote a sustainable harvest of the resource, increased filtration of estuarine waters, and increased provision of structured habitat for finfish, crabs, and other organisms that utilize oyster reefs or receive benefit indirectly from them. Creation or designations of unharvested sites (refuge sites) are key components of these strategies. Unharvested reefs …
Toward Design Criteria In Constructed Oyster Reefs: Oyster Recruitment As A Function Of Substrate Type And Tidal Height, Fx O'Beirn, Mark Luckenbach, Ja Nestlerode, Gm Coates
Toward Design Criteria In Constructed Oyster Reefs: Oyster Recruitment As A Function Of Substrate Type And Tidal Height, Fx O'Beirn, Mark Luckenbach, Ja Nestlerode, Gm Coates
VIMS Articles
Restoration of degraded oyster reef habitat generally begins with the addition of substrate that serves as a reef base and site for oyster spat attachment. Remarkably, little is known about how substrate type and reef morphology affect the development of oyster populations on restored reefs. Three-dimensional, intertidal reefs were constructed near Fisherman's Island, Virginia: two reefs in 1995 using surfclam (Spisula solidissima) shell and six reefs in 1996 using surfclam shell, oyster shell, and stabilized coal ash. We have monitored oyster recruitment and growth quarterly at three tidal heights (intertidal, mean low water, and subtidal) on each reef type since …
Eastern Shore Laboratory, Virginia Institute Of Marine Science, College Of William And Mary, Mark Luckenbach
Eastern Shore Laboratory, Virginia Institute Of Marine Science, College Of William And Mary, Mark Luckenbach
VIMS Articles
The Virginia Institute of Marine Science (VIMS) Eastern Shore Laboratory (ESL) is located in the coastal village of Wachapreague, Virginia, on the landward margin of a mid-Atlantic barrier island-salt marsh-la goon system. The facility serves as both a field station in support of re search and teaching activities and as a site for resident research in coastal ecology and aquaculture. By virtue of its access to the unique coastal habi tats, excellent water quality, and an extensive seawater laboratory, the fa cility affords educational and re search opportunities not available elsewhere within the region.
Settlement Of Oyster (Crassostrea-Virginica) Larvae - Effects Of Water-Flow And A Water-Soluble Chemical Cue, Ej Turner, Rk Zimmerfaust, Ma Palmer, M Luckenbach, Nd Pentcheff
Settlement Of Oyster (Crassostrea-Virginica) Larvae - Effects Of Water-Flow And A Water-Soluble Chemical Cue, Ej Turner, Rk Zimmerfaust, Ma Palmer, M Luckenbach, Nd Pentcheff
VIMS Articles
Although previous evidence indicates that larvae of benthic marine invertebrates can respond to waterborne cues in still water, the importance of waterborne cues in mediating natural settlement out of flowing water has been questioned. Here, we summarize the results of flume experiments demonstrating enhanced settlement of oyster larvae in small target wells (circles of 7-cm diam) with the release of a waterborne settlement cue compared to identical substrates without the cue. In concurrent still-water experiments, more oyster larvae settled in solutions of waterborne cue than in seawater controls. Velocity and electrochemical measurements of a conservative tracer verified that at low …
Age, Growth Rate, Sexual Dimorphism And Fecundity Of Knobbed Whelk Busycon Carica (Gmelin, 1791) In A Western Mid-Atlantic Lagoon System, Virginia, Micheal Castagna, John H. Kraeuter
Age, Growth Rate, Sexual Dimorphism And Fecundity Of Knobbed Whelk Busycon Carica (Gmelin, 1791) In A Western Mid-Atlantic Lagoon System, Virginia, Micheal Castagna, John H. Kraeuter
VIMS Articles
Growth, onset of sexual maturity, and sexual reversal in laboratory-reared Busycon carica have been examined. Animals first matured at 9 years of age. The first sign of maturity in all animals we reared was the presence of the penis. At 12.4 years of age, one of the animals laid an egg case that did not contain embryos. This animal, and all others, still retained a penis. At 13.5 years, three egg cases were laid and over half the animals had undergone sex reversal (loss of the penis). Field studies have shown that egg strings are laid in the fall on …
Index Of Papers Published In The Journal Of Shellfish Research Volumes 1-10 (1981-1991), Michael Castagna, Nancy Lewis, Charles Mcfadden, Mary Gibbons
Index Of Papers Published In The Journal Of Shellfish Research Volumes 1-10 (1981-1991), Michael Castagna, Nancy Lewis, Charles Mcfadden, Mary Gibbons
VIMS Articles
No abstract provided.
Biological Control Of Crab Predation On Hard Clams Mercenaria Mercenaria (Linnaeus, 1758) By The Toadfish Opsanus Tau (Linnaeus) In Tray Cultures, Robert Bisker, Michael Castagna
Biological Control Of Crab Predation On Hard Clams Mercenaria Mercenaria (Linnaeus, 1758) By The Toadfish Opsanus Tau (Linnaeus) In Tray Cultures, Robert Bisker, Michael Castagna
VIMS Articles
Oyster toadfish Opsanus tau (Linne) were tested as biological controls of crab predation on juvenile hard clams Mercenaria mercenaria (Linne) in trays with crushed stone aggregate. Clam survival after 34 weeks was 69.5% in the presence of toadfish and 2.3% in trays without toadfish. Toadfish reduced the total number of crabs (mud crabs and blue crabs). Crabs in trays with toadfish present had smaller carapace widths.
Predation By The Oyster Toadfish Opsanus Tau (Linnaeus) On Blue Crabs And Mud Crabs, Predators Of The Hard Clam Mercenaria Mercenaria (Linnaeus, 1758), Robert Bisker, Mary Gibbons, Michael Castagna
Predation By The Oyster Toadfish Opsanus Tau (Linnaeus) On Blue Crabs And Mud Crabs, Predators Of The Hard Clam Mercenaria Mercenaria (Linnaeus, 1758), Robert Bisker, Mary Gibbons, Michael Castagna
VIMS Articles
The oyster toadfish, Opsanus tau (Linne), reduces predation by xanthid and portunid crabs on juvenile hard clams, Mercenaria mercenaria (Linne), in field cultures. This study examined the influence of size and species on the predator-prey relationship between toadfish and crabs. The mud crabs Eurypanopeus depressus (Smith), Neopanope sayi (Smith), and Panopeus herbstii Milne Edwards of 5-40 mm carapace width and blue crabs Callinectes sapidus Rathbun of 77-105 mm carapace width were offered to toadfish of 70-322 mm total length. Toadfish predation rates on mud crabs were higher with increasing toadfish size and lower with increasing crab size. Toadfish injured or …
Fishery And Culture Of Selected Bivalves In Mexico: Past, Present And Future, Erik Baqueiro, Michael Castagna
Fishery And Culture Of Selected Bivalves In Mexico: Past, Present And Future, Erik Baqueiro, Michael Castagna
VIMS Articles
This paper reviews the culture of selected bivalves of Mexico. Most species are utilized locally, but there is potential for some exports. The culture and fisheries of bivalves are often hampered by lack of information and restrictive regulations. Pinctada mazatlanica was grown for pearls and pearl shell production in the early 1900s. The methods used for its culture are reviewed. The culture of a few commercial species has shown encouraging results. Over 10,000 kilometers of coastal area with more than 1.5 million hectares of coastal lagoons and bays, plus a subtropical climate, give Mexico a great potential for the development …
The Effects Of Seed Size, Shell Bags, Crab Traps, And Netting On The Survival Of The Northern Hard Clam Mercenaria Mercenaria (Linne), John N. Kraeuter, Michael Castagna
The Effects Of Seed Size, Shell Bags, Crab Traps, And Netting On The Survival Of The Northern Hard Clam Mercenaria Mercenaria (Linne), John N. Kraeuter, Michael Castagna
VIMS Articles
Seed size at planting is the dominant factor affecting hard clam survival to marketable size when field grow-out techniques are used. The use of plastic mesh nets, crab traps, and wire mesh bags (filled with oyster shells) alone or in combination can be used to increase survival of hard clams of ~ 6 to 8-mm shell height. These techniques do not provide sufficient protection for 2-mm seed. The combination of net + crab trap + shell bag was nearly twice as effective as the net alone when 10 to 14-mm seed was used and over five times as effective as …
Larval Development Of The Coquina Clam, Donax Variabilis Say, With A Discussion Of The Structure Of The Larval Hinge On The Tellinacea, Paul Chanley
VIMS Articles
Adult specimens of Donax variabilis were spawned in the laboratory and the larvae reared to metamorphosis. Larval length increases from 70 p. to 340 p. during pelagic stages. Height is originally 10 p. to 15 μ. less than length. Height increases less rapidly than length and may be 50 μ. less than length at metamorphosis. Depth is originally 50 μ. less than length. It also increases more slowly than length and may be 150 p. to 170 μ. less than length at metamorphosis. Length of the hinge line is 50 μ. to 60 p.. Round umbos form when larvae are …