Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences Virtual Graduate Student Symposium
University of Florida - Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences
The Graduate Student Symposium (GSS) is a department-funded, student-run event that has occurred annually since 1998. The GSS is designed to provide a supportive environment where students in the Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences program (FAS) can hone their communication skills and receive feedback on their research from peers, staff, and faculty.
There will be a live poster session on Friday, February 26th, from 3:20-4:00pm. During this time each poster presenter will available for questions by using the Zoom Link associated with their poster.
More info: http://sfrc.ufl.edu/fasgss/
Filter displayed posters (42 keywords)
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AA-CSIA (1)
Algae (1)
Aquaculture (1)
BMAA (1)
Coastal Spring-fed River (1)
Common Snook (1)
Community Dynamics (1)
Coral Reefs (1)
Cryopreservation (1)
Cryopreservation Protocols (1)
Ecosystem Monitoring (1)
Mangroves (1)
Microalgae (1)
Microalgae Stock Cultures (1)
Oil Spill (1)
Remote Sensing (1)
Species Interactions (1)
Stable isotopes (1)
amino acid derivatization (1)
anatoxin (1)
baited remote underwater video systems (1)
cold tolerance (1)
cyanobacteria (1)
disease ecology (1)
drone (1)
habitat degradation (1)
harmful algal blooms (1)
index of abundance (1)
intertidal (1)
latitudinal gradient (1)
marine invertebrate ecology (1)
multi-scale (1)
neurodegenerative (1)
oysters (1)
range expansion (1)
saxitoxin (1)
simulation (1)
species distribution model (1)
stock assessment (1)
survey design (1)
toxicology (1)
toxins (1)
Show Posters:
A proposal for monitoring Mauritius’ coastal ecosystems using remote sensing following the MV Wakashio oil spill
Alison Atchia and Vincent Lecours
Abstract
On July 25th of 2020, the Japanese bulk carrier MV Wakashio crashed on the coral reefs of Mauritius, an African island in the Indian Ocean. In the weeks following the crash, the ship began to leak oil that spread into Mauritius’ diverse coastal ecosystems. The toxic chemicals found in the oil threatens critical coastal ecosystems in the area, particularly mangrove forests and coral reefs. Given the cultural and economic importance of mangrove and coral ecosystems in Mauritius, there is a critical need to monitor the impacts of the oil spill on these coastal environments.
For this project, we will be analyzing satellite imagery, which is a relatively inexpensive and effective way of monitoring coastal environments over time; satellite imagery analysis is commonly used to monitor mangroves and corals. Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI), a widely used vegetation index sensitive to vegetation activity, will be produced from Copernicus Senitinel-2 satellite images to assess changes in mangrove growth and health. Baseline images will be compared to images from six months following the spill. A Geographic Object-Based Image Analysis will also be used to evaluate live coral cover in the area during the same time period. A space-for-time substitution analysis will be used to compare sites that are ecologically similar to the areas affected by the spill, in order to isolate the effects of the oil pollution. This project will provide valuable information for the management, restoration, and protection of Mauritius’ coastal ecosystems.
Presented by
Alison Atchia
Institution
University of Florida, Gainesville
Keywords
Mangroves, Coral Reefs, Remote Sensing, Ecosystem Monitoring, Oil Spill
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Available February 26, 3:20-4:00 pm
Cold Tolerance of Common Snook Centrompomus undecimalis along a latitudinal gradient from the Gulf of Mexico in Florida.
Brittany J. Scharf, Jeffrey E. Hill, Quenton M. Tuckett, Joshua T. Patterson, and Philip W. Stevens
Abstract
The Common Snook, Centropomus undecimalis is one of Florida's most popular sport fish in coastal marine, estuarine, and coastal riverine systems of the peninsula. This species supports high-effort, intensely managed recreational fisheries involving the angling public as well as professional guides. Common Snook is sensitive to cold temperatures, experiencing lethargy and death when water temperatures drop below 10˚C. Although known from the northeast and northern Gulf of Mexico (GOM), cold winter temperatures were thought to limit the primary range of Common Snook in eastern GOM to waters south of the Anclote River, Florida. Cyclical cold and warm periods have occurred throughout Florida's history, influencing the northern primary range limit of this species. Recent population expansion into the waters of Cedar Key through the lower Suwannee River raises numerous questions regarding the influence of climate on distribution, habitat use, and population dynamics of Common Snook. Chronic and acute thermal minima as modified by acclimation temperature and salinity will be determined for Common Snook collected across the GOM coast of Florida, including populations in the historic winter range (Tampa Bay), the historic transition zone (Anclote River to Chassahowitzka River), and recent expansion zone (Cedar Key to Suwannee River) using controlled tank experiments. Better understanding of thermal effects on Common Snook will have important implications for this fishery's future management.
Presented by
Brittany Scharf
<bhallscharf@ufl.edu>
Institution
University of Florida, Tropical Aquaculture Laboratory
Keywords
Common Snook, cold tolerance, range expansion, latitudinal gradient
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Available February 26, 3:20-4:00 pm
Algae toxicology: distribution of algae species and corresponding toxins in North Florida
Chris McTurnan
Abstract
The goals of my research are to; a) identify the composition and biomass of cyanobacteria in the bloom prone lakes identified in hot spots associated with human health issues, b) quantitatively determine the type and concentration of toxins associated with blooms of cyanobacteria in the selected lakes, and c) examine the relationships between toxin characteristics and dominant cyanobacteria taxa in targeted water samples. The integration of the ‘hot spot’ analysis generated by the College of Medicine (Dr. Yi Guo, PI, UF College of Medicine) and the data generated in my dissertation research (Dr. Edward Phlips, PI, SFRC) will be an important step in the broader goal of defining potential causal links between algal toxins and related human health conditions.
Presented by
Christopher McTurnan
Institution
University of Florida
Keywords
Algae,toxins, toxicology, neurodegenerative, cyanobacteria, saxitoxin, anatoxin, BMAA
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Available February 26, 3:20-4:00pm
Development of Cryopreservation Protocols for Microalgae – Tetraselmis striata
Jayme Yee, Huiping Yang
Abstract
Microalgae is an essential source of nutrients and lipids for aquaculture of molluscan shellfish, and the industry is dependent on reliable stocks of culture. Over time, microalgae cultures are at risk for contamination, degradation, and mutation. Tetraselmis striata is commonly used species in aquaculture due to its biochemical composition of high levels of EPA, ARA, and 24-meth sterols, and starches. Cryopreservation of cells at ultra-low temperatures (-196°C) using liquid nitrogen has become a standard for many agriculture and aquaculture species for long-term storage.
The goal of this study is to develop a cryopreservation protocol for Tetraselmis striata through systematic evaluations of factors at each cryopreservation procedure. Objectives are to: 1) Identify optimum staining concentration and time of neutral red to label alive cells for accurate determination of cell survival. 2) Estimate the acute toxicity of DMSO, PG, EG, Methanol, and Glycerol as cryoprotectants at concentrations up to 25%, after incubation with fresh cells for up to 2 hours at culture temperature of 22°C on post-thaw survival. 3) Evaluate the effect of varying cooling rates in °C per minute from culture temperature to -40°C in 2-ml cryovials and 0.5-ml straws. 4) Evaluate effects of different thawing temperatures on post-thaw survival. 5) Verify cryopreservation protocol by cryopreserving multiple cultures of from different stocks.
This project is in progress, it is expected this study will find optimal factors throughout the cryopreservation process for Tetraselmis striata. The results from this study will be useful for the aquaculture production and beyond.
Presented by
Jayme Yee
<jayme.yee@ufl.edu>
Institution
University of Florida, GNV, Millhopper
Other Affiliations
Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences
Keywords
Aquaculture, Microalgae, Cryopreservation, Cryopreservation Protocols, Microalgae Stock Cultures
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Available February 26, 3:20-4:00pm EST
Development of amino acid derivatization procedures for compound-specific stable isotope analyses
Justin P. Lewis and William F. Patterson III
Abstract
Stable isotope analysis (SIA) has emerged as a powerful tool capable of addressing a variety of trophic-related question in aquatic systems. It offers numerous advantages over traditional methods used to characterize consumer-resource relations and trophic structure but also has notable drawbacks that limit its utility. For example, differences in carbon isotope values (δ13C) of primary producers can be influenced by environmental factors (e.g., light availability and growth conditions). Baseline nitrogen values (δ15N) also vary as a function of on the inorganic nitrogen source used by primary producers. A novel alternative is to employ amino acid compound specific isotope analysis (AA-CSIA). The advantages of AA-CSIA are that δ13C signatures of essential amino acids are unique among groups of primary producers, the trophic fractionation of δ13C and δ15N for essential AAs is negligible, and values of non-essential AAs increase predictably with each trophic level. A major hurdle with AA-CSIA is that sample preparation is more involved; individual AAs must be isolated from other organic compounds and then derivatized so AAs can be separated with gas chromatography. This is further complicated by the fact multiple derivatization procedures are available, each with their own strengths and weaknesses. The objectives of this presentation are to outline two derivatization procedures under development, the current stage of development, and highlight future applications.
Presented by
Justin Lewis
Institution
University of Florida, Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences Program
Keywords
Stable isotopes, AA-CSIA, amino acid derivatization
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Available February 26, 3:20-4:00 pm
A workflow for determining the most appropriate UAS imagery resolution for coastal habitat classification
Michael Espriella, Vincent Lecours
Abstract
Unoccupied aircraft systems (UASs) provide a relatively cheap platform to collect high-resolution imagery rapidly. Given the challenges with accessing many coastal and intertidal habitats, as well as the potential damage to habitats such as oyster reefs through direct sampling, UASs serve as a valuable tool to map, monitor, and contribute to the understanding of these ecosystems. Although they have inherent advantages, it is still necessary to identify best practices for collecting UAS imagery, given the novelty of the field. This study uses traditional RGB (Red, Green, Blue) imagery captured in Florida’s Big Bend to determine the ideal spatial resolution for intertidal habitat classification. While finer spatial resolutions produce more details, they may also introduce “noise” into classification workflows, especially in spectrally similar environments such as those found in the Big Bend. We used the UAS imagery to produce 11 orthomosaics at spatial resolutions ranging from 5 to 25 cm. Each orthomosaic was then used as input for a geographic object-based image analysis. This type of analysis first segments the orthomosaic into meaningful objects before classifying them based on statistical and spatial attributes. An optimization process was developed to segment the orthomosaics for each resolution, and classifications were performed using a random forest classifier in R. Performance metrics were calculated to highlight which spatial resolutions allowed the most accurate classifications. These results can improve monitoring efforts by identifying the most efficient resolution at which to capture imagery, contributing to more efficient and adequate data collection and processing time.
Presented by
Michael Espriella
Institution
University of Florida
Keywords
intertidal, drone, oysters, multi-scale
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Available February 26, 3:20-4:00 pm
Using Closed-Loop Simulation to Optimize and Test Survey Designs of Baited Remote Underwater Video Systems
Shanae Allen, Dave Chagaris, Will Patterson, Theodore Switzer, Robert Ahrens
Abstract
Underwater video surveys are an important tool for monitoring reef fish populations as these methods are non-extractive, theoretically nonselective, and can be deployed on reef and rocky habitats even beyond safe SCUBA diving depths. Valuable analytical products of these surveys are indices of relative abundance that serve as critical inputs to stock assessment models. There are three surveys in the Gulf of Mexico (GOM) that use baited remote underwater video systems (S-BRUV) to assess relative changes in abundance of reef fishes: NMFS Pascagoula, NMFS Panama City, and Florida Fish and Wildlife Research Institute. In the past, these surveys have employed different survey designs, however as of 2016, survey efforts on the West Florida Shelf have been integrated under a new, unified sampling design. For my research I plan to use closed-loop simulation to optimize allocation of annual sampling effort and test various survey designs, as well as evaluate analytical techniques to estimate indices of abundance of several key reef fish taxa. This work will entail the development of a simulation model of fine scale species distributions, followed by a comparison of multiple sampling designs and methods to estimate relative abundance. This work will also explore the ability to track distributional shifts and relative abundance of key reef species during episodic mortality events (e.g., red tide), as well as the utility of incorporating fixed-station auxiliary information.
Presented by
Shanae Allen
<shanae.allen@ufl.edu>
Institution
University of Florida
Other Affiliations
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission
Keywords
baited remote underwater video systems, survey design, index of abundance, species distribution model, simulation, stock assessment
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Available February 26, 3:20-4:00 pm
Investigating Drivers of Seasonal Change in Fish Abundance in the Homosassa River System
Taylor Dluzniewski, Mike Allen
Abstract
In the southeastern U.S., some subtropical marine fishes use thermal refugia during winter at the northern limits of their range. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) recently completed the Springs Coast Fish Community Assessment Project which found marine species abundance (dominated by Common Snook and Grey Snapper) increased in several spring-fed rivers during winter, consistent with use of the warm springs as thermal refugia. The Homosassa River, located centrally among several spring-fed rivers in north-central Florida, was chosen to investigate: 1) seasonal water quality parameters (temperature, salinity) and their influence on the timing of marine species immigration, 2) the timing of the winter influx and subsequent interactions between marine (Common Snook, Grey Snapper) and freshwater fishes (Largemouth Bass, Redear Sunfish), and 3) fish movement and habitat associations by marine and freshwater fish species in the mainstem and backwater habitats of the river system. The Homosassa project uses acoustic telemetry, electrofishing, mark-recapture, habitat assessment and abiotic measurements to investigate species interactions, distribution and movement in the Homosassa River system. The Homosassa project used an ecosystem-based approach to better understand and protect the species that depend on this unique freshwater environment. Data provided in this study can assist resource managers with enhancing aquatic habitat for resident freshwater fish species, while providing important refugia for migratory marine species. Additional work, using the methods outlined in this study, can be adapted to benefit other coastal spring-fed rivers similar in ecological nature.
Presented by
Taylor Dluzniewski
Institution
University of Florida, Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences, School of Forest Resources and Conservation
Other Affiliations
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission
Keywords
Species Interactions, Coastal Spring-fed River, Community Dynamics
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Available February 26th 3:20-4:30pm
Establishment of Immunological Assays of Hemocytes in Northern Quahogs Mercenaria mercenaria by using Flow cytometry
Yangqing Zeng, Huiping Yang
Abstract
The Northern quahog, Mercenaria mercenaria, is an important aquaculture species with a $65 million production along the U.S. east coast. Challenges for northern quahog aquaculture include environmental stresses, such as the hot summers in Florida and harmful algal bloom. Northern quahogs are poikilothermic with open circulatory system, hemocytes can function as multiple-purpose defense cells through immune responses to protect host against natural environmental stresses, diseases, and toxins.
The goal of this study was to establish standardized methodologies for immunoassays of hemocytes in northern quahogs by using flow cytometry. We have collected preliminary results of 1) the hemocyte morphology through microscopic observation and cell count of different types using flow cytometer; 2) methodologies for hemocyte immunoassays including cell viability, phagocytosis, and reactive oxygen species (ROS); 3) develop non-lethal methodologies for hemocyte collection for these immunoassays. Market-sized northern quahogs at 12-14-month-old were used in this study. Hemocytes will be collected from the adduct muscle by using a 21-g needle attached to 3-ml syringe after dissection or through hinge ligaments. Hemocyte morphology was observed after Giemsa staining; PI and SYBR Green I was used to dye hemoyctes for cell viability; fluorescence beads were used as marker of phagocytosis rate. The results show flow cytometry can be used as a method to determine northern quahogs hemocytes response to stresses. It is expected that the methodologies to be established in current study will be applied to further investigation.
Presented by
Yangqing Zeng
Institution
School of Forest Resources & Conservation, University of Florida
Keywords
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Available February 26, 3:20-4:00 pm
Cyanobacteria blooms alter benthic communities and parasite transmission in Florida Bay
Elizabeth Duermit-Moreau, Donald Behringer, and Jamie Bojko
Abstract
Shallow, hard-bottom habitat covers ~30% of Florida Bay and is designated as an Essential Fish Habitat for commercially fished teleosts and invertebrates. It is dominated by a diversity of sponges, which give structural complexity to the otherwise low-relief habitat. This habitat and its many ecosystem functions can become severely impaired after periodic cyanobacterial blooms. The direct and indirect effects of these blooms on the commercially important Florida stone crab Menippe mercenaria and Caribbean spiny lobster Panulirus argus, and their diseases, remain broadly unknown. These species are affected directly by habitat loss (sponge die-off), but indirect effects due to potential lack of prey and upon their local epidemiology remain understudied. In the summer of 2019, we surveyed three healthy sites and three degraded sites (sites hit by blooms) in Florida Bay. We used transects to quantify the structural differences across the habitats and collected benthic fauna by suction sampling to explore changes in biodiversity. Up to 30 M. mercenaria and P. argus were hand collected from each site and were screened to discern their individual pathogen profiles. The results include the detection of ‘Panulirus argus Mininucleovirus’ in P. argus and a trophically transmitted gregarine in M. mercenaria that may use local fauna to transmit. This study increases our understanding of the ongoing changes in Florida Bay from epidemiological and biodiversity perspectives in response to cyanobacterial blooms.
Presented by
Elizabeth (Liz) Duermit-Moreau
<duermite@ufl.edu>
Institution
University of Florida, Gainesville Campus
Other Affiliations
Teesside University
Keywords
harmful algal blooms, disease ecology, habitat degradation, marine invertebrate ecology
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Available February 26, 3:20-4:00 pm