Conservation & Research Abstracts
|
Advancements in the Management of Sea Star Wasting Syndrome in Aquaria Melissa Bishop, Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium Watch Video (Login required) Full Abstract
In the State of Washington, Sea Star Wasting Syndrome (SSWS) was first observed during the summer of 2013. It has now spread to sea star populations all along the West Coast of North America. SSWS events have occurred in the past, but the range and severity of the current outbreak is unprecedented. The Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium (PDZA) is geographically located on Puget Sound, and has been significantly impacted by SSWS with the loss of over 80% of exhibit sea stars. Success in halting, and in some cases reversing the syndrome has been observed in PDZA’s sea star collection with the use of Sulfamethoxazole Trimethoprim immersion baths. This presentation will briefly review what is presently known about SSWS, give an overview of the SSWS research program at PDZA, and offer recommendations for moving forward in successfully managing SSWS in closed and open sea water aquariums. |
A Cuttlefish of a Different Color:
Investigating Body Patterning in Metasepia pfefferi Amber Thomas, The Seas, Walt Disney World Watch Video (Login required) Full Abstract
Cuttlefish are known for their ability to quickly alter their appearance to camouflage or to communicate information to predators, prey and conspecifics. Like any form of communication, a visual communication system is limited by the number of signals that are recognizable between individuals. To better understand the behavior of these animals, their signaling systems and thus their body patterns have been extensively studied in some species of cuttlefish. Unfortunately, they have never been thoroughly investigated in the Flamboyant cuttlefish (Metasepia pfefferi) and thus all behavioral and communicatory inferences are based on studies of other species. This study aimed to identify all of the components of M. pfefferi body patterns that are visible to the human eye and to determine the most probable number of patterns used by this species. It was determined that aquarium-raised M. pfefferi generated 89 chromatic, 10 textural, 16 postural and 8 locomotor components which were combined to create 11 distinct patterns. Unlike other species of cuttlefish, none of the 11 most probable patterns appeared to be useful for camouflage in their current environment, suggesting that this species used its appearance-altering abilities to communicate more frequently than to camouflage. Similarly, 8 of the 11 identified patterns contained at least one “moving” component in which the colors on the skin appeared to travel on the animal’s mantle. In other species, these “moving” components were generally only seen during feeding or aggression, but M. pfefferi utilizes them frequently in a variety of contexts. These findings indicate the necessity to study the body patterns and communication methods in various species of cuttlefish to better understand their species specific behavior. |
The Role of Aquariums in the recovery of Australian Grey Nurse Shark Populations Mark Smith, Dr. Rob Jones, New England Aquarium Watch Video (Login required) Full Abstract
The grey nurse shark, Carcharias taurus, referred to as the sand tiger in the USA and ragged-toothed shark in South Africa, is an iconic species in Australia. Once abundant, the Australian East Coast population is now listed as critically endangered under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act, with population estimates ranging from 1,000 to 2,000 individuals. Primary threats to the species were, historically, recreational spear fishers and commercial fishers. Threats now constitute recreational fishers, commercial fishers and habitat degradation. It is now common to see specimens with fishing gear trailing from their mouth and anecdotal estimates place this incidence as high as 50% of the population. In 2002 the Federal Government released a DRAFT Recovery Plan listing six primary anthropogenic threats to grey nurse sharks, including “collection for aquaria”. The report recommended a moratorium on the take of grey nurse for public aquaria, which has been in effect since 2002. In 2013, a group of concerned stakeholders convened a meeting to discuss measures to mitigate and reverse the population decline of East Coast grey nurse. During this meeting regulators acknowledged that existing measures had not reversed the population decline, and further, that partnering with public aquaria was crucial to successfully addressing this troubling trend. With teams of skilled personnel, and a visitor-ship exceeding 10% of the Australian population, the aquarium community can provide a critical support role for the implementation of the Recovery Plan in three primary areas: (1) research and research support, (2) intervention / rescue, and (3) advocacy and education. |
|
Seahorse Roundup: Establishing a Genetic Baseline for the Lined Seahorse, Hippocampus erectus
Nancy Pham Ho & Steven Yong, Florida Institute of Technology Vero Beach Marine Laboratory & Seattle Aquarium Watch Video (Login required) Full Abstract
Seahorses are consistently listed as one of the most popular exhibit animals at public aquariums. However, they're not just another pretty face. Seahorses are often considered an indicator species for healthy coral reefs and sea grass beds. Their popularity makes them an excellent topic for conservation, research, and outreach, which are high on the list of priorities for our institutions and Species Survival Plans®. This presentation will review a wild population genetics research project led by Vero Beach Marine Lab researchers and the lined seahorse SSP. We will report on preliminary results, challenges, how this data will be used, and possible future opportunities. We will also discuss how this project involved collaboration not only between public aquariums and a marine lab; but also incorporated participation from government agencies, aquaculture facilities, and citizen scientists. |
Spawn induction of Acroporia cervicornius John Than, The Florida Aquarium Watch Video (Login required) Full Abstract
No abstract |
Around the World and Back to Save Nautiluses Gregory Jeff Barord, CUNY Graduate Center and Brooklyn College Central Campus High School Watch Video (Login required) Full Abstract
Nautiloids have survived all five mass extinction events in Earth's history on their own. However, without human intervention and help, nautiloids may not survive the current extinction event taking place. While unregulated fisheries appear to be the most significant factor of nautilus population decline, the effects of climate change may also affect nautiluses and are even less understood. Thus, nautilus conservation research has become vital to providing effective regulation and management of the remaining nautilus populations. But what is nautilus conservation research? Well, with an organism largely unknown to the world and with little information on its biology and behavior, nautilus conservation research is many, many things. It means grant writing and airline traveling and trap setting and video watching and genetic testing and maze running and teaching, to name a few. Over the last few years, our research team has traveled near and far to collect data and create awareness for nautilus conservation efforts. As we get closer and closer to our goal of saving nautiluses, our research expands further and further. Recently, our research has expanded to Central Campus High School in Des Moines, Iowa. Yeah, that’s right, I said Iowa. Having recently taken over the Marine Biology program at Central Campus, one goal for this program is to connect high school students to the 500 million year old nautiloids and provide opportunities for these students to conduct their own research to help save nautiluses. Here, I will provide updates on our research efforts in the field (most recently from Vanuatu and Philippines), current laboratory work at Central Campus, and our future plans to continue engaging the next generation in nautilus conservation and the importance of our oceans in general. |
|
It's all about HEAD Pressure and
Pump Efficiency: Building Energy Efficient LSS Andrew L. Rhyne, Roger Williams University Watch Video (Login required) Full Abstract
When budgeting and planning for renovations where does energy consumption fit? What are the most important energy inputs and where can savings be maximized? Here we demonstrate the importance of placing energy consumption as the top priority during a complete renovation at the Audubon Society of Rhode Island, Environmental Education Center’s aquarium. We designed life support systems for exhibits of 600 to 2000 gallons that consumed 50% less power, require less consumables (water and filter bags), produced less system heat, and reduced noise by 90%. This was accomplished by using low head efficient pumps, installing insulated sumps, insulating tanks, and engineering life support systems away from the outdated high-energy consumption sand-filter. |
LED lights and corals: Truth is all in the photos.....and data! Grant Anderson, Marine Cove at Sertoma Butterfly House Watch Video (Login required) Full Abstract
As more aquarists are making the leap from traditional metal halide lit coral ecosystems to LEDs more data is needed. Over the past 18 months we have been continuing to gather data and evaluate LED lights for consistency in PAR output, color spectrum, spread, operational costs, and reliability. For this study we have continued to measure PAR values to show the amount of PAR concentrations and losses over the course of 18 months. We have also been monitoring the spectrum consistency to see which LED lights stayed in the correct color needed for coral health and growth. In doing the following two measurements we have also determined the spread value loss for such LED lights. These three very important measurements are what keep our corals healthy and growing nicely. When any of these parameters change, coral health concerns emerge. LEDS are not changed yearly like the metal halide counter parts; this leads to making sure the above parameters stay within a strict coral growth and health guideline. When evaluating which LED light is correct for a certain application you need to make sure it is also reliable. With 18 months under moist, warm, and salty conditions which lights stood up to the harsh environments coral exhibits lights are kept in? We also evaluate the significant cost savings in chillers, maintenance, AC costs, and general electrical consumption our facility achieved. By adding yet another new manufacturer to our testing grounds we feel we have finally broke into the 1000 watt equivalent LED. Not being a cannon style we were very skeptical, however the truth is all in the data. The photos taking over the 18 month study will conclude corals grow exceptional well while also maintaining health so as long as the LEDs maintain a consistent output in above parameters. |