23Rd ANNUAL STUDENT RESEARCH COLLOQUIUM

Home , Lolliguncula brevis, Queen parrotfish

College of Charleston Graduate Program in Marine Biology

rd 23 ANNUAL STUDENT RESEARCH COLLOQUIUM 26 October 2019 Fort Johnson Marine Resources Center Marine Resources Research Institute Auditorium

PROGRAM & ABSTRACTS

PURPOSE AND HISTORY The Student Research Colloquium of the Graduate Program in Marine Biology (GPMB) was established in 1998, to increase awareness of research activities by students and faculty affiliated with GPMB; to provide graduate students with experience in making scientific presentations; and to promote interactions among faculty and students conducting research in marine biology. The Colloquium Committee looks forward to your comments regarding ways to improve and enhance this annual event, and thank you to all the sponsors for their support.

PREVIOUS KEYNOTE SPEAKERS 1999 Dr. Ken Tenore, Chesapeake Biological Laboratory, University of Maryland 2000 Dr. John Pearse, Institute of Marine Science, Univ. of California, Santa Cruz 2001 Dr. Lauren Mullineaux, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute 2002 Dr. Larry Crowder, Duke Marine Laboratory, Duke University 2003 Dr. Walter Boynton, Chesapeake Biological Laboratory, Univ. of Maryland 2004 Dr. Malcolm Shick, School of Marine Sciences, University of Maine 2005 Dr. Margaret McFall-Ngai, University of Wisconsin-Madison Medical School 2006 Dr. Jeffrey Levinton, State University of New York at Stony Brook 2007 Dr. Peter Wainwright, University of California, Davis 2008 Dr. James T. Carlton, Williams College & Williams-Mystic Program 2009 Dr. Steve Palumbi, Hopkins Marine Station & Stanford University 2009 Dr. Erik Sotka, CofC & Dr. Geoff Scott, Hollings Marine Laboratory 2010 Dr. Win Watson, University of New Hampshire 2011 Dr. John Bruno, University of North Carolina 2012 Dr. Thomas Near, Yale University 2013 Dr. Felicia Coleman, Florida State University & Coastal Marine Laboratory 2014 Dr. Dean Grubbs, Florida State University & Coastal Marine Laboratory 2015 Dr. Daniel Huber, University of Tampa 2016 Dr. David Hastings, Eckerd College 2017 Dr. Billie Swalla, University of Washington 2018 Dr. Sandra Brooke, Florida State University

SPONSORS OF THE STUDENT RESEARCH COLLOQUIUM Charleston Natural History Society College of Charleston, Department of Biology College of Charleston, Graduate Program in Marine Biology College of Charleston, Graduate School College of Charleston, Graduate Program in Environmental Studies College of Charleston, School of Science and Mathematics Grice Marine Laboratory Marine Biology Fund Sigma Xi: The Scientific Research Society – Charleston Chapter SC Department of Natural Resources, Marine Resources Division SC Sea Grant

STUDENT RESEARCH COLLOQUIUM PROGRAM

Oral and poster presentations will be held at the Marine Resources Research Institute, at Fort Johnson and the Lowcountry Boil will be at the outdoor classroom (adjacent to the Marshlands House). Posters will be on display prior to the poster session in the Marine Resources Research Institute hallway, beginning Friday, 10/25 at noon. Poster presenters will attend their posters in two shifts, from 10:30 am – 12:15 pm (odd-numbered posters) and from 3:00 pm – 4:30 pm (even-numbered posters).

SATURDAY, 26 OCTOBER

8:45 Introduction and Opening Remarks Dr. Daniel McGlinn, College of Charleston

SESSION 1 – ORAL PRESENTATIONS 9:00 1.1 DETERMINING REPRODUCTIVE SEASONALITY AND OTHER LIFE HISTORY TRAITS FOR DATA-DEFICIENT CARIBBEAN PARROTFISH SPECIES. Jones, D (GMPB, The University of Charleston, SC) 9:15 1.2 LINKING LAND USE TO PHYSICAL CHANGES IN CHARLESTON’S ESTUARIES AND TIDAL CREEKS. Hanson, B (GMPB, The University of Charleston, SC) 9:30 1.3 TURTLE TRACKING TROUBLE: THE INFLUENCE OF CARAPACE MORPHOLOGY AND COMPOSITION ON OBSERVED SATELLITE TRACK DURATIONS FOR HARD-SHELLED SEA TURTLES. Hoffman, K. (GMPB, The University of Charleston, SC) 1 9:45 1.4 H NMR METABOLOMIC ANALYSIS OF CORALS AT THE MAUG SHALLOW HYDROTHERMAL VENT, A PROXY FOR FUTURE OCEAN ACIDIFICATION CONDITIONS. Loewenstein, J (GMPB, The University of Charleston, SC) 10:00 1.5 WHITE SHRIMP (PENAEUS SETIFERUS) PARASITES AND HEALTH. Zuidema, S (GMPB, The University of Charleston, SC) 10:15 1.6 IMPOSEX INDUCTION IN THE EASTERN MUD SNAIL: INVESTIGATION OF ORGANOTINS AND OTHER RXR ENDOCRINE DISRUPTING CHEMICALS. Mathis, E. (GMPB, The University of Charleston, SC)

10:30 – 12:00 POSTER PRESENTATIONS. Presenters at odd-numbered posters.

12:00 – 1:15 LUNCH

SESSION 2 – ORAL PRESENTATIONS 1:30 2.1 COMPARING THE SURVIVAL, GROWTH, AND DEVELOPMENTAL IMPLICATIONS OF PHOTOENHANCED THIN OIL SHEENS ON NEWLY HATCHED AND ONE WEEK OLD SHEEPSHEAD MINNOWS (CYPRINODON VARIEGATUS), SPECKLED SEATROUT (CYNOSCION NEBULOSUS), AND RED DRUM (SCIAENOPS OCELLATUS). Beers, D. (GMPB, The University of Charleston, SC) 1:45 2.2 ZETAPROTEOBACTERIA BIOGEOGRAPHY OF STEEL COLONIZATION IN THREE CHARLESTON RIVERS. Enriquez, A. (GMPB, The University of Charleston, SC) 2:00 2.3 LONG-TERM PASSIVE ACOUSTICS AS A NOVEL APPROACH TO UNDERSTAND SPATIAL AND TEMPORAL PATTERNS OF ATLANTIC COMMON BOTTLENOSE DOLPHINS (TURSIOPS TRUNCATUS) IN THE MAY RIVER ESTUARY, SOUTH CAROLINA. Marian, A. (GMPB, The University of Charleston, SC) 2:15 2.4 MICROPLASTIC IN STRANDED ODONTOCETES, PRIMARILY BOTTLENOSE DOLPHINS (TURSIOPS TRUNCATUS) AND HARBOR PORPOISES (PHOCOENA PHOCOENA), IN THE UNITED STATES. Pfeifer, T. (GMPB, The University of Charleston, SC) 2:30 2.5 DETERMINING CORRELATES WITH GENTOO PENGUIN HEALTH USING CAPTIVE POPULATIONS. Karan, J. (GMPB, The University of Charleston, SC)

2:45 – 4:15 POSTER PRESENTATIONS. Presenters at even-numbered posters.

KEYNOTE PRESENTATION 4:15 Introduction of Keynote Speaker Dr. Melissa Hughes, College of Charleston

4:30 Keynote Address Dr. Sheila Patek, Duke University

5:30 Closing remarks and award presentation

6:15 Lowcountry Boil and introduction of new students, Outdoor Classroom

POSTER PRESENTATIONS

Poster #

1 THE EFFECT OF HEAD-STARTING ON MORPHOLOGY AND BITE FORCE IN DIAMONDBACK TERRAPIN (MALACLEMYS TERRAPIN). Reisenfeld, K. (GPMB, The University of Charleston, SC)

2 SCALING UP THE DIVERSITY STABILITY RELATIONSHIP USING FISHERIES-INDEPENDENT MONITORING DATA. Caughron, J. (GPMB, The University of Charleston, SC)

3 PHYSIOLOGICAL COSTS OF MUSCLE PARASITE LOAD IN THE SPOTTED SEATROUT (CYNOSCION NEBULOSUS). Daly, J. (GPMB, The University of Charleston, SC)

4 U.S. CARIBBEAN HOGFISH (LACHNOLAIMUS MAXIMUS) CONSERVATION AND MANAGEMENT: FILLING CRITICAL LIFE HISTORY GAPS. Drake, D. (GPMB, The University of Charleston, SC)

5 ONTOGENETIC CHANGES IN THE TROPHIC ECOLOGY OF THE ATLANTIC BRIEF SQUID, LOLLIGUNCULA BREVIS, IN THE CHARLESTON HARBOR ESTUARY, INVESTIGATED THROUGH THE APPLICATION OF STABLE ISOTOPE ANALYSES. Good, J. (GPMB, The University of Charleston, SC)

6 NUTRITIONAL PERFORMANCE AND METABOLOMICS OF VARIATIONS OF SQUID, FISH, AND SHRIMP DIETS FED TO JUVENILE RED DRUM, SCIAENOPS OCELLATUS. Klett, D. (GPMB, The University of Charleston, SC)

7 USING 3-D IMAGING TO EVALUATE PHYSICAL PROCESSES ON LIVING SHORELINES. Jones, J. (EVSS, The University of Charleston, SC)

8 LINKING EXTREME PRECIPITATION AND RUNOFF TO TRACE METALS IN NORTH AMERICAN RIVER OTTERS (LONTRA CANADENSIS) AND BOTTLENOSE DOLPHINS (TURSIOPS TRUNCATUS) TISSUES. Klingsick, J. (GPMB, The University of Charleston, SC)

9 COMMERCIAL FEASIBILITY OF INDOOR SEAWATER AGRICULTURE USING SALICORNIA EUROPAEA. Norton, S. (EVSS, The University of Charleston, SC)

10 ROADMAPS TO RESTORATION: OBSERVATIONS OF FERTILIZATION TRENDS FOR STONY CORALS. Parsons, E. (GPMB, The University of Charleston, SC)

11 EFFECT OF NANOBUBBLE OZONATION ON JUVENILE RED DRUM (SCIAENOPS OCELLATUS) IN AN AQUACULTURE POND ECOSYSTEM. Radchenko, A. (GPMB, The University of Charleston, SC)

12 DETERMINING THE EFFECTS OF NO. 6 FUEL OIL ON SALT MARSH PLANTS AND COMPARING REPLANTING TECHNIQUES AS AN OIL SPILL RESPONSE TACTIC IN SALT MARSH ECOSYSTEMS. Ramirez, J. (GPMB, The University of Charleston, SC)

13 GENETIC CHARACTERIZATION OF WHITE SEABASS (ATRACTOSCION NOBILIS) IN CAPTIVE BRED AND WILD POPULATIONS. Reiber, E. (GPMB, The University of Charleston, SC) 14 QUANTIFICATION AND IDENTIFICATION OF MICROPLASTICS IN EASTERN OYSTERS (CRASSOSTREA VIRGINICA) AND THEIR SURROUNDING ENVIRONMENT TO INFORM POTENTIAL HUMAN HEALTH CONCERNS. Blosser, B. (GPMB, The University of Charleston, SC) 15 REPRODUCTIVE THERMOTOLERANCE OF THE INVASIVE CRAB PETROLISTHES ARMATUS IN ITS NATIVE RANGE. Ventresca, J. (GPMB, The University of Charleston, SC) 16 UTILIZING TRACE ELEMENTS AND STABLE ISOTOPE ANALYSIS TO RECONSTRUCT DISTRIBUTION OF SCALLOPED AND CAROLINA HAMMERHEADS. Young, M. (GPMB, The University of Charleston, SC)

Keynote Speaker Sheila Patek, Ph.D. Department of Biology Duke University

Biography

Patek received her A.B. with honors in Biology from Harvard University followed by a Ph.D. in Biology from Duke University. She was then awarded a Miller Postdoctoral Fellowship at UC Berkeley. She has received several honors, including a Guggenheim Fellowship, the George A. Bartholomew Award for distinguished contributions to comparative physiology, a Radcliffe Fellowship, a NSF CAREER award, and the Brilliant 10 award from Popular Science magazine. Her research has been funded by the National Science Foundation, National Geographic Society, Hellman Family Foundation, Armstrong Fund for Science, Department of Defense, and others. Patek currently leads a Multidisciplinary University Research Initiative (MURI) funded by the Army Research Office. She serves as Monitoring Editor for the Journal of Experimental Biology and Associate Editor for the journal Evolution. She is Director of the Physical Biology of Organisms consortium. She also directs Muser, which is both a program at Duke and an open source software application that she and others developed to facilitate equitable and transparent access to research experience for students. Patek is past Chair of the Biomechanics Division at the Society for Integrative and Comparative Biology.

Keynote Address

ADVENTURES IN INTERDISCIPLINARY AND ACCESSIBLE RESEARCH: THE IMPACTS OF MANTIS SHRIMP STRIKES

Many mantis shrimp end their raptorial strikes with nanosecond-scale, imploding cavitation bubbles that emit heat equivalent to the surface of the sun. However, in order to get to that energetic feat, they begin their raptorial strike with a slow and forceful muscle contraction that lasts hundreds of milliseconds. Each stage of energy transformation – from muscle contraction to implosion – span durations equivalent to the order of magnitude difference between one year and one second. The extraordinary cascade of energy flow and control in mantis shrimp strikes has accompanied their evolutionary diversification to capture fish and crush snails, as well as their ritualized behaviors to ensure non-lethal fights. The biomechanical, behavioral, and evolutionary insights from these strikes have stimulated a vibrant interdisciplinary field of materials and robotics, as well as considerable interest from the public because of the dynamism of these animals. This talk will address the intersection of biological discovery with interdisciplinary and accessible research and foster general discussion about the impacts and adventures of discovery science.

PRESENTATION AWARDS Awards are given to two graduate students for the best oral presentation and the best poster presentation. Presentations will be judged on 1) scientific content based on the articulation of the problem, soundness of hypothesis testing, methodologies, and analyses; 2) oral and visual quality of the delivery; and 3) demonstration of confidence and depth of understanding of the material. A panel of judges will evaluate oral presentations and provide feedback to those participating after the colloquium. A second panel will judge poster presentations and also provide feedback after the colloquium. Audience members will be invited to provide feedback as well. Following the colloquium, the award for best oral presentation will be presented and the winner will receive a personalized certificate of recognition and a cash award sponsored by Sigma Xi, The Scientific Research Society. The award for best poster presentation will be presented next and the winner will receive a personalized certificate of recognition and a cash award sponsored by The Charleston Natural History Society.

Past Oral Presentation Award Winners

2018 Teresa Popp 2009 (Sept.) Melanie Hedgespeth 2017 Elizabeth Underwood 2009 (Feb.) Megan Kent 2016 Kevin Mack 2008 Tom Baird 2015 Robin Frede 2007 Courtney Arthur 2014 Alyssa Demko 2006 Deb Zdankiewicz 2013 David Coles 2005 Eric Pante 2012 Tim O’Donnell 2004 Stephanie Brunelle 2011 Kristin Stover 2003 David Couillard 2010 David Shiffmann 2002 Bob Grant

Past Poster Presentation Award Winners

2018 Sarah Zuidema 2012 Amanda Kelly 2017 Teresa Popp 2011 Tim O’Donnell 2016 Francesca Battaglia 2010 Cameron Doll 2015 Victoria Ruddle 2009 Ryan Joyce & Tessa Bricker 2014 Mark Lehtonen 2008 Lindsey Parent & Joy Gerhard 2013 Liz Duermit

ABSTRACTS

ORAL PRESENTATIONS

1.1 DETERMINING REPRODUCTIVE SEASONALITY AND OTHER LIFE HISTORY TRAITS FOR DATA-DEFICIENT CARIBBEAN PARROTFISH SPECIES. Jones, D (GMPB, The University of Charleston, SC)

Parrotfish are nearly ubiquitous throughout the world’s tropical corals reefs, serve as vital components in coral reef ecosystems, and demonstrate a reproductive strategy known as protogynous sequential hermaphroditism. As fishing pressure on Caribbean parrotfish has increased during the past several decades, the need for reliable life history data (including growth, reproductive seasonality, and size- and age-at-sexual maturity or transition) has expanded. Unfortunately for fishery management, little published literature exists for Caribbean parrotfish life history. The present study seeks to address life history information gaps for two parrotfish species, the princess parrotfish (Scarus taeniopterus) and queen parrotfish (Scarus vetula), in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, collectively known as the “U.S. Caribbean.” To-date, we have collected a total of 638 princess parrotfish and 358 queen parrotfish samples from U.S. Caribbean waters. Plotting female gonadosomatic index (GSI) by month and conducting histological examination of female gonads suggested a likely spawning season in April for princess parrotfish and a less-defined spawning in February/March for queen parrotfish. Males for both species showed strong patterns of spawning capability throughout the year. Sizes of both species at sexual maturity and transition have been summarized with logistic regression models. Age-determination work utilizing the sagittal otoliths of princess and queen parrotfish is currently in progress, with preliminary data suggesting maximum ages between 5-8 years.

1.2 LINKING LAND USE TO PHYSICAL CHANGES IN CHARLESTON’S ESTUARIES AND TIDAL CREEKS. Hanson, B (GMPB, The University of Charleston, SC)

As one of the ten fastest growing cities in the United States, Charleston, South Carolina is experiencing rapid rates of development along its coasts and waterways. These large-scale changes in land use lead to increased storm water input, threatening the integrity of ecologically and economically valuable estuarine ecosystems. The present study quantifies how storm water runoff alters the physical parameters of these sentinel waterways. Sixteen water quality sondes have been deployed in four select Charleston area tidal creeks to quantify hydrological responses to rain events along a gradient of coastal development. With salinity measurements used as the primary indicator of the volume of storm water entering the estuarine ecosystem, geospatial models are used to identify areas of tidal creeks that are most

sensitive to storm water input. As a supplement to the field study, sheepshead minnows (Cyprinodon variegatus) and grass shrimp (Palaemonetes pudio), local estuarine species, are exposed to a common pesticide, Bifenthrin, and acute drops in salinity both of which result from increased storm water runoff. Results from this will be shared with local municipalities to help focus management on the most hydrologically sensitive areas in the Charleston region.

1.3 TURTLE TRACKING TROUBLE: THE INFLUENCE OF CARAPACE MORPHOLOGY AND COMPOSITION ON OBSERVED SATELLITE TRACK DURATIONS FOR HARD-SHELLED SEA TURTLES. Hoffman, K. (GMPB, The University of Charleston, SC)

Data collection windows for satellite telemetry vary among sea turtle species, with shorter satellite track durations generally observed for Kemp’s ridley (Lepidochelys kempii) than loggerhead (Caretta caretta) sea turtles. Given similar spatial distributions and diving behavior among these species, potential interactions between carapace morphology and composition on transmitter adhesion to keratinized scutes were evaluated. Epoxy adhesion strength (Objective 1) was highly variable for C. caretta scute samples (n = 142, CV = 0.4), and, following cluster analysis, not correlated with any macroscopic scute parameters. Fatty acid profiles (FAP) via gas chromatography with flame ionization detection of loggerhead scutes (Objective 2) were obtained from 64 archived scute samples from five stranded C. caretta individuals. Forty fatty acids were identified, and overall scute total fat content was low (mean = 0.16%, maximum = 0.42%). Total fat percent did not strongly correlate with mean maximum break force (R-squared = 0.16). Principal component analysis revealed moderate grouping by individual turtle for percent FAP, with relatively long chain fatty acids driving separation. For the final objective, a field study will be conducted in fall 2019 to evaluate the effect of biofouling and submergence in saltwater on epoxy bond strength using surrogate transmitters affixed at 0° and 30° (simulating carapace slope) on two different materials (simulating carapace texture).

1 1.4 H NMR METABOLOMIC ANALYSIS OF CORALS AT THE MAUG SHALLOW HYDROTHERMAL VENT, A PROXY FOR FUTURE OCEAN ACIDIFICATION CONDITIONS. Loewenstein, J (GMPB, The University of Charleston, SC)

The Maug Shallow Hydrothermal Vent creates a gradient of potential near-future ocean acidification conditions due to acidic effluent; and since this vent located in tropical, shallow waters, a coral reef persists there. The metabolome is extremely sensitive to environmental disturbance and can be used to determine cellular changes driving phenotype, therefore, metabolomics is employed here to understand coral’s biochemical response to acidification. The metabolome was characterized for three coral species (Porites lobata, Porites rus, and Pocillopora eydouxi) at three pH conditions (Background- 8.04; Mid- 7.98; Low- 7.94). Coral

samples were collected via SCUBA and submerged in liquid nitrogen to preserve the metabolic state. Lyophilized tissue was removed from the skeleton by agitating the coral surface with a toothbrush. The tissue powder was extracted for polar metabolites using a modified Bligh and 1 Dyer extraction method and metabolites were measured via H NMR. Visual inspection of the 1 H spectra and PCA, show vastly different metabolic responses among the three species, even at the genus level. P. lobata exhibits the highest metabolic variation between all pH levels, particularly between background vs low and mid samples. Background and mid samples of P. rus are indistinguishable from each other, while the biochemistry of the low pH group is distinctive. All pH sample groups of P. eydouxi are metabolically similar. The preliminary results of this study suggest that research of coral reefs needs to be conducted at the species level to accurately detect sensitivities that may elucidate the persistence of coral reefs in future changing climates.

1.5 WHITE SHRIMP (PENAEUS SETIFERUS) PARASITES AND HEALTH. Zuidema, S (GMPB, The University of Charleston, SC)

The white shrimp Penaeus setiferus fishery constitutes one of the most valuable fisheries in South Carolina, earning an average of $4 million annually. Beginning in 1996, an increase in the prevalence of a condition known as black gill has occurred throughout the South Atlantic Bight. Black gill is an immune response in crustaceans generally caused by gill irritants, including fungus, bacteria, and heavy metals. This recent epidemic appears to be associated with an apostome ciliate and coincides with reduced physical condition of shrimp. It is unclear how the presence of other parasites relates to black gill and how these factors impact white shrimp health. The objectives of this study are to: 1) assess variation in white shrimp parasite communities across Charleston Harbor watershed and 2) evaluate the effects of parasite intensity and black gill on individual shrimp condition. Results confirm the presence of several parasite taxa, including a number of flatworm species, multiple protist species, and at least one species of roundworm, in addition to microsporidians in Charleston shrimp populations. ANCOVA shows that shrimp with black gill have higher body condition index than shrimp without black gill. These findings provide insight into the health of white shrimp populations in Charleston, SC and the relationship between black gill and shrimp condition. These data contribute to understanding how parasite infections coincide with shrimp life-stage and habitat, and consequently how they may impact the harvest of shrimp in SC.

1.6 IMPOSEX INDUCTION IN THE EASTERN MUD SNAIL: INVESTIGATION OF ORGANOTINS AND OTHER RXR ENDOCRINE DISRUPTING CHEMICALS. Mathis, E. (GMPB, The University of Charleston, SC)

Endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs), especially those that act as ligands that bind and signal through the retinoid X receptor (RXR), are a major concern throughout the food web because of their varied effects on development, reproduction, neurobiology and immunology. In gastropods, such EDCs can induce imposex. Imposex occurs when females express male characteristics such as a penis, vas deferens, or convolution of the oviduct. The eastern mud snail, Tritia (née Ilyanassa) obsoleta, is a dominant intertidal, benthic marine snail along the eastern United States coastline and prevalent within Charleston Harbor. Organotins, such as tributyltin (TBT), are well-studied EDCs that have been shown to act as ligands to RXR and induce imposex in gastropods. Mud snails can be considered a sentinel species and imposex a potential biomarker for EDC exposure to multiple organisms. Through qPCR, we seek to monitor RXR isoform expression and study how RXR isoform expression related to males, females and imposex adults in known contaminated and reference sites within the Charleston Harbor. By measuring isoform induction and field sampling, this study will establish baseline levels of imposex. Furthermore, a toxicological assay will provide timing and dosage data of TBT exposure and possibly similar patterns of RXR isoform expression in T. obsoleta. Such an assay could be used to monitor the molecular and physical expression of imposex and assess TBT (and other contaminant) contribution to the process. Thus, defining a time-course of RXR isoform induction related to imposex will allow for more streamlined contaminant testing in the future.

2.1 COMPARING THE SURVIVAL, GROWTH, AND DEVELOPMENTAL IMPLICATIONS OF PHOTOENHANCED THIN OIL SHEENS ON NEWLY HATCHED AND ONE WEEK OLD SHEEPSHEAD MINNOWS (CYPRINODON VARIEGATUS), SPECKLED SEATROUT (CYNOSCION NEBULOSUS), AND RED DRUM (SCIAENOPS OCELLATUS). Beers, D. (GMPB, The University of Charleston, SC)

Oil spills are a common occurrence in today’s world due to commercial and consumer endeavors and the widespread use of petroleum. Large oil spills, such as the 2011 Deepwater Horizon disaster and the 1989 Exxon Valdez spill, often gain the attention of national news but smaller scale spills and coastal marine contaminations occur more frequently and abundantly. Oil can enter coastal aquatic waterways on lesser scales through pipeline leakage, recreational boating, road runoff, port activity and atmospheric deposition. Petroleum, which is a naturally occurring substance, contains toxic chemicals called polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons or PAHs. In the presence of UV light, PAHs can be photomodified into more toxic compounds, leading to increased toxicity in aquatic organisms. PAHs cause a suite of physiological consequences particularly in the early stages of development due to increased vulnerability and less adapted methods of dealing with pollutants. Therefore, the goal of this study is to compare the potential impacts of the photoenhanced potency of oil slicks on the survival and growth of three

ecologically important larval coastal fish species at different developmental stages. After an acute 24-hour oil exposure and one of two light treatments (no UV or UV), fish were moved to clean seawater for a 7 to 30 day grow-out phase in which survival, latent mortality, growth metrics, and oxidative stress endpoints were examined. Significant results have been found among increasing oil concentrations in all three species with red drum demonstrating the greatest initial sensitivity to oil sheens and sheepshead minnows demonstrated the greatest resilience. Findings will be used to fill data gaps for NOAA’s Office of Response and Restoration to create more useful mitigation and restoration plans in the event of future oil spills.

2.2 ZETAPROTEOBACTERIA BIOGEOGRAPHY OF STEEL COLONIZATION IN THREE CHARLESTON RIVERS. Enriquez, A. (GMPB, The University of Charleston, SC)

The deep ocean hydrothermal vents are a source of high amounts of iron. Zetaproteobacteria are the only organisms known to oxidize iron in such an environment under nearly neutral pH conditions. Previous research identified their ability to grow on carbon steel and, recently, in estuarine environments such as Chesapeake Bay. Given these recent findings, it is possible that Zetaproteobacteria live in the Charleston Bay area. The goals of this proposed study are to identify areas in Charleston where Zetaproteobacteria grow and observe the impact of changing salinity gradients on their community composition in a coastal salt marsh environment. Sediment samples were collected at low tide across sites from the Stono, Ashley, Wando, and Cooper rivers of Charleston, South Carolina. Dissolved oxygen, temperature, and salinity measurements were obtained from the USGS water data. In addition, iron (II) and total iron were measured using a ferrozine assay. The preliminary PCR analysis suggests Zetaproteobacteria are present in Charleston and that there is a change in their presence through space and time, however exact abundances of these bacteria must be calculated using qPCR. Furthermore, sequencing will allow for delineation of specific OTUs present within the Zetaproteobacteria communities. Observing how these bacteria grow in the Charleston estuary and its salt marshes will allow for a better understanding of the impacts of biogeography on Zetaproteobacteria distribution and the contribution of these bacteria to the global iron cycle.

2.3 LONG-TERM PASSIVE ACOUSTICS AS A NOVEL APPROACH TO UNDERSTAND SPATIAL AND TEMPORAL PATTERNS OF ATLANTIC COMMON BOTTLENOSE DOLPHINS (TURSIOPS TRUNCATUS) IN THE MAY RIVER ESTUARY, SOUTH CAROLINA. Marian, A. (GMPB, The University of Charleston, SC)

Along the east coast of the United States, the Atlantic common bottlenose dolphin has a very complex distribution including multiple stocks with varying degrees of site fidelity. In

South Carolina, there are currently three bay, sound, and estuary (BSE) stocks (the Northern South Carolina Estuarine System Stock, the Charleston Estuarine System Stock, and the Northern Georgia/Southern South Carolina Estuarine System Stock) and two coastal stocks (the South Carolina/Georgia Coastal Stock and the Southern Migratory Coastal Stock) that have some degree of spatial and temporal overlap. However, spatial patterns and temporal movements of these coastal animals are not yet fully understood. Current sampling methods include aerial or vessel-based visual surveys and passive acoustics, both of which have advantages and disadvantages. Common bottlenose dolphins are quite vocal, producing a variety of signals (e.g. echolocation clicks, burst-pulses, and whistles) that can be detected using passive acoustics. The goal of the current study is to combine visual survey and passive acoustics methodologies to develop a novel and robust approach to better understand common bottlenose dolphin stock overlap in the May River estuary, South Carolina.

2.4 MICROPLASTIC IN STRANDED ODONTOCETES, PRIMARILY BOTTLENOSE DOLPHINS (TURSIOPS TRUNCATUS) AND HARBOR PORPOISES (PHOCOENA PHOCOENA), IN THE UNITED STATES. Pfeifer, T. (GMPB, The University of Charleston, SC)

Plastic pollution is a well-documented global environmental concern. Within the last decade, microplastics in marine ecosystems have emerged as a growing concern because they are easily ingested by a wide range of organisms with a multitude of feeding strategies. Ingestion of these small particles has been documented in lower trophic level organisms and filter feeders via direct consumption; however, little is known about the presence and trophic transfer of microplastics to apex predators feeding at higher trophic levels. This study will utilize gastrointestinal tracts from small odontocete cetaceans, primarily bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) and harbor porpoise (Phocoena phocoena), that have stranded along various locations of the United States coastlines. Microplastics from the gastrointestinal tracts will be characterized by amount, size, color, and shape. Additionally, trends between recovered cetaceans and common prey items will be documented. This study anticipates defining the pathways by which microplastics entered these organisms by comparing our findings with previous and ongoing studies which characterize microplastics in the common food items of these cetaceans.

2.5 DETERMINING CORRELATES WITH GENTOO PENGUIN HEALTH USING CAPTIVE POPULATIONS. Karan, J. (GMPB, The University of Charleston, SC)

As long-lived birds sensitive to environmental changes, penguins are often used as marine sentinels and many species are regularly monitored. Studies on gentoo penguins, Pygoscelis papua, have revealed significant differences in the health of several Antarctic colonies, but the

source(s) of these differences remains unknown. Sampling limitations and data deficiencies have made it difficult to establish correlations with gentoo health measurements in the wild. Captive populations therefore provide an invaluable tool for discovering more about animal biology, as they are easily accessible and detailed long-term records are maintained for each individual and its habitat. The aim of this study is to use captive populations to determine significant correlates with gentoo penguin corticosterone levels and ornamental coloration, both of which provide an index of health. These parameters are measured non-invasively through analyses of hormones in molted feathers and photos of carotenoid-based beak spots. Partnering with six zoos and aquariums across the United States has provided a wide range of potential correlates to consider, and significant health differences have been observed between institutions. Results from this study have given institutions a better opportunity to understand their animals, and may improve overall penguin husbandry practices and welfare. Ultimately, findings can be used to better inform research and conservation decisions for wild gentoo populations as well.

ABSTRACTS

POSTER PRESENTATIONS

1 THE EFFECT OF HEAD-STARTING ON MORPHOLOGY AND BITE FORCE IN DIAMONDBACK TERRAPIN (MALACLEMYS TERRAPIN). Reisenfeld, K. (GPMB, The University of Charleston, SC)

Head-starting is the captive rearing and care of animals through their juvenile life stage, followed by release into their native habitats. The goal of head-starting programs is to avoid high mortality of hatchlings and thus increase overall population size. Malaclemys terrapin populations are declining throughout their range due to increased nest predation, road mortality, habitat loss, commercial harvest for food, and bycatch in crab pots (Dorcas et al., 2007). A M. terrapin head-starting program in Chesapeake Bay suggest that survival of accelerated animals is lower than wild animals (Jenkins, 2018). Morphological performance may affect an individual’s ability to gain resources (Elnitsky and Claussen, 2006; Herrel et al., 2002), and therefore reduce survivorship. Bite force is one morphological performance measurement that is affected by diet and corresponding head and body morphometries (Herrel et al., 2018; Marshall et al., 2012). Head-started M. terrapin are fed a soft pellet diet, which may yield individuals with reduced bite force that are unable to forage on the hard-shelled prey accessible to them upon release. Bite force, head, and body morphometries were collected from M. terrapin across all ages on Poplar Island, MD. Bite forces will be correlated to body and head size to determine their effect across ontogeny. The force needed to crush prey items found in the Chesapeake Bay will be obtained to determine if head-started terrapins are able to forage post-release. We evaluate if bite force and morphometries are different in head-started M. terrapin and therefore explain the reduced survivorship of released individuals.

2 SCALING UP THE DIVERSITY STABILITY RELATIONSHIP USING FISHERIES-INDEPENDENT MONITORING DATA. Caughron, J. (GPMB, The University of Charleston, SC)

Globally, biodiversity is declining at an unprecedented rate. Decreased biodiversity is likely to result in decreased ecosystem services because high diversity systems may yield more biomass and are more stable over time due to a positive diversity stability relationship (DSR). This makes biodiversity a particularly important variable to consider in commodity production landscapes such as fisheries. Management that promotes biodiversity in fisheries may provide a means of developing more stable fish production in the face of greater uncertainty of how specific species will respond to future environmental and anthropogenic perturbation. This is contrary to the traditional approach that focuses on single or few species when considering

management action. There has been recent theoretical progress on the spatial scaling of the DSR, however these models have not been tested using real data and therefore it is unclear how well they can be used to scale-up the DSR to scales that are relevant for managers. Data from two fisheries independent monitoring programs spanning different sections of the US east coast will be used to test these theoretical models and examine mechanistic underpinnings of the DSR via interspecific species biomass interactions at varying spatial scales. It is expected that increasingly asynchronous interspecific dynamics will lead to decreased variability in biomass in a community through time. Additionally, that the stability scaling relationship (SSR) for an asynchronous community will exhibit a shape like that of the species area relationship. My research will have important implications for our understanding of fish communities and their management.

3 PHYSIOLOGICAL COSTS OF MUSCLE PARASITE LOAD IN THE SPOTTED SEATROUT (CYNOSCION NEBULOSUS). Daly, J. (GPMB, The University of Charleston, SC)

The spotted seatrout, Cynoscion nebulosus, is one of South Carolina’s most sought-after game fish. It is believed that upwards of 90% of the adult population in state waters is infected with spores of the myxozoan, Kudoa inornata. More than 90 distinct parasitic Kudoa species have been identified, many of which are associated with muscular tissue damage and postmortem myoliquifaction. In the case of K. inornata, however, not only are neither of these phenomena observed, but there is evidence that infection increases seatrout swimming performance. This relationship is highly abnormal and seems to contradict the formal definition of parasitism. The primary goal of this research is to investigate the physiological relationship between parasite load and swimming performance, with a focus on metabolism. We will take an integrative approach to this problem, examining everything from whole animals to cells. It is hypothesized that there is a bell-curve relationship between infection level and performance, with an “optimal” parasite load near center. We anticipate that there will be differences in metabolic parameters, including enzymes citrate synthase (CS) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) in fish with differing parasite loads. Analysis of CS and LDH may provide evidence of a switch in poise from aerobic to anaerobic metabolism, thus giving insights into physiological stress level. A better understanding of the fish-parasite relationship may provide insight on potential effects of infection, as well as elucidating how fish with differing parasite loads might deal with the high physiological costs of life-history events such as reproduction and overwintering.

4 U.S. CARIBBEAN HOGFISH (LACHNOLAIMUS MAXIMUS) CONSERVATION AND MANAGEMENT: FILLING CRITICAL LIFE HISTORY GAPS. Drake, D. (GPMB, The University of Charleston, SC)

Little to no research exists on basic life history parameters for hogfish (Lachnolaimus maximus)

that occur in the U.S. Caribbean. However, hogfish are considered to be important food fish for local communities so managing the stocks in such a way that people can continue to utilize this species for food and economic stability is critical. In collaboration with local fishers, Caribbean Fisheries Management Council, NMFS personnel, and Puerto Rican resource managers and scientists, we are in the process of sample collection for this species with the overall goal of providing life history information on an understudied fisheries species, specifically investigating age-at-size, age-at-maturity, and other life history parameters in U.S. Caribbean waters. Our objectives are to: 1. Characterize size, age, and sex structure of hogfish population among the three main regions of capture in Puerto Rico, and 2. Describe the reproductive biology of hogfish in PR including size and age at maturity and transition, spawning seasonality and frequency, and batch fecundity estimates. To-date, we have obtained and processed 663 hogfish for age, growth, and reproductive biology. Hogfish are monandric, protogynous hermaphrodites, exhibit strong site fidelity, and spawn in stable, site-specific harems, meaning they do not migrate long distances to form aggregations. In Florida, hogfish have an extended spawning season that lasts months (December-April), but spawning season duration may vary by region. In the U.S. Caribbean, our data indicate that hogfish spawn from December-September. Other differences in life history parameters between Florida and U.S. Caribbean populations have been documented through our work.

The Atlantic brief squid, Lolliguncula brevis, is a euryhaline cephalopod occupying coastal waters from the Chesapeake Bay to Argentina. Ontogenetic changes in habitat utilization and accompanying diet for different life stages of brief squid, however, require further study to 13 understand holistic estuary trophic ecology. The goal of this study is to use carbon (δ C) and 15 nitrogen (δ N) stable isotope analyses to determine the trophic position of different life stages of L. brevis. It is hypothesized that juvenile squid will occupy lower trophic levels in more estuarine waters compared to adult squid occupying higher trophic levels in marine waters. Brief squid will be collected every month in the year of 2019 in collaboration with the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources’ Crustacean Research and Monitoring Section at four sites representing the estuarine and marine habitats of the Charleston Harbor. Squid will be measured to determine size, sex, and sexual maturity. Squid buccal tissue samples will be 13 15 shipped to the UC Davis Stable Isotope Facility for δ C and δ N analysis. Furthermore, statoliths will be used to measure daily growth increments to determine individual squid ages. Results from these assessments will be used to determine life history, feeding habits, and

trophic level position of brief squid in the Charleston Harbor. Data collection and isotope analysis is currently ongoing with future directions to compare analyses of L. brevis of Charleston Harbor with other estuaries in South Carolina.

6 NUTRITIONAL PERFORMANCE AND METABOLOMICS OF VARIATIONS OF SQUID, FISH, AND SHRIMP DIETS FED TO JUVENILE RED DRUM, SCIAENOPS OCELLATUS. Klett, D. (GPMB, The University of Charleston, SC)

In aquaculture, natural diets outperform pelleted diets in growth performance. A 9-week feeding trial for Red Drum (Sciaenops ocellatus) testing the performance of variations of a natural diet (fish, squid, and shrimp) will be completed to help understand the underlying nutritional requirements needed for pelleted feed to perform as well as natural diets. Traditional aquaculture measurements such as growth, proximate composition, and nutritional performance will be used to determine an optimal diet for Red Drum. Liver tissue samples will be taken to be used for Nuclear Magnetic Resonance based metabolomics to produce a metabolic profile of each treatment to identify potential nutritional stressors or limitations associated with each feed type. The results from this study will provide valuable information that will lead to metabolite supplementation regimes for pelleted feed that improve performance in aquaculture.

7 USING 3-D IMAGING TO EVALUATE PHYSICAL PROCESSES ON LIVING SHORELINES. Jones, J. (EVSS, The University of Charleston, SC)

There is little quantifiable data on the effect living shorelines have on wave energy. Multiple studies have measured the long term effects over years but only a few have looked at how living shorelines affect individual waves. Wave lab facilities pose cost and logistical problems for evaluating living shorelines. This project will utilize stereoscopic video imaging techniques to evaluate the effect man-made oyster reef colonies in South Carolina have on wave height and energy. A pair of Raspberry Pi cameras offset from each other will be analyzed with structure from motion technologies to produce three-dimensional videos for waves that interact with oyster reefs. Additional pairs of cameras will monitor living shorelines with different construction methods and ages as well as a control site nearby. The 3-D images and datasets created from this process can determine wave heights for waves, producing a quantitative result on what effect the living shorelines have on actual wave height in situ. This project utilizes state of the art camera technology and analytical software to measure wave parameters in a cost effective way that does not disturb the restoration site.

Within the last century, annual precipitation and heavy precipitation events have increased across the United States, leading to increased runoff into coastal water systems. Bioindicators can be used to determine if these events have caused an increase in contaminant concentrations within these environments. Previous studies utilize sentinel species, which are usually long-lived species that are apex predators in their respective ecosystems, to evaluate and monitor the health of their environments. The present study will use both North American river otters and bottlenose dolphins, which live within coastal marsh and estuarine ecosystems, respectively, to monitor the concentrations of contaminants in South Carolina, USA. Samples will be collected from live otters using capture and release, deceased otters reported by the public, and deceased dolphins that have stranded. Tissues will be prepared for metals analysis by first being digested using nitric acid and hydrogen peroxide and then diluted using deionized water. Concentrations of metals will be determined using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry and direct mercury analysis. Water quality data accessed from USGS stations, along with precipitation and runoff data, will be used to assess correlations between contaminant concentrations and varying geographical locations. Results from this study will determine the impact of increased precipitation on concentrations of contaminants as well as providing a basis of long-term monitoring of these coastal ecosystems.

9 COMMERCIAL FEASIBILITY OF INDOOR SEAWATER AGRICULTURE USING SALICORNIA EUROPAEA. Norton, S. (EVSS, The University of Charleston, SC)

Earth’s freshwater supplies are decreasing while Earth’s saltwater supplies are increasing. These facts have built interest in the need for a new kind of agriculture that uses seawater irrigation. This nascent field of seawater agriculture has seen exponential growth in the years since 2000. Much of this research has centered on the salt tolerant genus Salicornia for its ability to produce food, fodder, fiber, and biofuels with irrigation water exceeding the average salinity of the ocean (35ppt). This study aims to develop an indoor cultivation method for the species Salicornia europaea that is commercially scalable. Plants were grown in a vertically oriented hydroponic system using light emitting diodes. The hypothesis is that costs of growing Salicornia europaea for the American specialty vegetable market will be less than the in-kind revenues.

10 ROADMAPS TO RESTORATION: OBSERVATIONS OF FERTILIZATION TRENDS FOR STONY CORALS. Parsons, E. (GPMB, The University of Charleston, SC)

Acropora cervicornis (Elkhorn coral) and Orbicella faveolata (mountainous star coral) are historically important reef building stony coral species in the Florida Keys and Caribbean. Populations of these corals in decline due to reproductive failures and recent disease outbreaks, which has resulted in listing these species as ‘threatened’ under the US Endangered Species Act. Many current efforts to restore these species to former levels of self-sustaining population abundance primarily focus on asexual coral nursery propagation and out-planting efforts that do not take into consideration sexual reproduction. Both A. cervicornis and O. faveolata are annual mass-broadcast spawners, introducing genetic diversity throughout their populations through sexual reproduction. Self-fertilization is reportedly uncommon for both species. Without sexual reproduction, these species will see a decrease in genetic diversity, which could lead to decreased resistance to disease and other stressors. For the coral recovery efforts that do consider sexual reproduction, assisted propagation is one technique used. However, there is evidence for incompatibility between certain genome pairs in the brook stock for these species, hindering the success of these efforts. The preliminary data shown here evaluates the results of bidirectional reciprocal crosses between field-collected individuals of A. cervicornis and O. faveolata to identify fertilization efficiency within each species. Using these data, this study will further compare the fertilization results of these crosses with parent phylogeny to assess whether the genetic relatedness of the individual genotypes plays a part in the gamete incompatibility observed in these species.

11 EFFECT OF NANOBUBBLE OZONATION ON JUVENILE RED DRUM (SCIAENOPS OCELLATUS) IN AN AQUACULTURE POND ECOSYSTEM. Radchenko, A. (GPMB, The University of Charleston, SC) Algal blooms are an increasing problem in marine and freshwater pond aquaculture. Nutrient input and fish waste can overstimulate phytoplankton blooms, leading to eutrophication of ponds, which can have negative effects on pond management, along with fish health and quality. Hypoxia due to dense blooms can lead to fish kills. In some instances, hazardous algal bloom (HAB) species occur in ponds, producing toxins which lead to off-flavor in fish fillets, lowering their market value, and significantly decreasing aquaculture profits. Due to its highly oxidative nature, ozone has been used in aquaculture systems to remove biological pathogens such as HABs. However, ozone degrades quickly due to its short half-life, limiting reaction time. With recent technological advancement, ozone can be infused into nanobubbles producing a new delivery mechanism. Nanobubble generators produce extremely small, neutrally buoyant

bubbles that can persist in solution for long periods of time. Ozone produces hydroxy radicals which have been shown to quickly oxidize toxins and algal cells, however, it is unclear what effect ozone nanobubbles will have on other organisms. This study will assess the effects of nanobubble ozonation on the aquaculture pond ecosystem. Aquaculture ponds will be exposed seasonally to ozone concentrations of 0, 1, and 4 ppm. Phytoplankton and zooplankton density will be assessed pre and post ozonation. Red drum, Sciaenops ocellatus, of various sizes based on seasonal growth, will be placed in cages within the pond. Red drum survival and gill histology will be assessed for ozone damage. These findings will be used to evaluate the efficacy of nanobubble ozonation in aquaculture pond production and provide a baseline for future studies.

In 2010, Deep Water Horizon became the largest marine oil spill in the United States. In 2002, the M/V Ever Reach released 12,500 gallons of IFO 380 into the Cooper River that feeds into Charleston Harbor. During these oil spills, several clean-up tactics were implemented but further research needs to be performed to create methods for replanting as an oil spill response tactic. These habitats are ecologically critical areas that provide ecosystem services. Salt marsh grasses like Spartina are foundation species that structure these communities. The purpose of this study is to determine the oiling level at which No. 6 fuel oil will have adverse effects and mortality on Spartina alterniflora and Spartina patens and then compare growth performance of local and nursery grown Spartina in response to No. 6 fuel oil. For the first experiment, Spartina toxicity experiments will be performed in greenhouse microcosms to measure growth and survival using stem height, stem density, aboveground biomass, belowground biomass, mortality, and chlorophyll content as endpoints. Then, the same endpoints will be measured with microcosms of locally collected and nursery grown Spartina exposed to No. 6 fuel oil treatments. The results of these experiments will help determine which cultivar of Spartina, local or nursery grown, will have greater survivorship and better growth performance for replanting after an oil spill in a salt marsh. Determining the toxic threshold of No. 6 fuel oil on Spartina, will lead to development of an effective replanting strategy for restoration after oil spills in salt marshes.

13 GENETIC CHARACTERIZATION OF WHITE SEABASS (ATRACTOSCION NOBILIS) IN CAPTIVE BRED AND WILD POPULATIONS. Reiber, E. (GPMB, The University of Charleston, SC)

White seabass (Atractoscion nobilis), a commercially and recreationally important Sciaenid species, has been historically overfished off the coast of California, with population decreases

seen since the early 1900s. To combat declining stocks, California legislature established the Ocean Resources Enhancement Program which collaborates with Hubbs Seaworld Research Institute to boost wild stocks of white seabass. In 1986 the first stocked A. nobilis were introduced off the coast of California and releases continue up to the present. Though genetic work has been conducted, this species lacks a comprehensive genetic assessment. In order to effectively implement a stocking program which follows the responsible approach to marine stock enhancement, a genetic component is needed to inform and evaluate the success of the hatchery as a whole. This study aims to develop a microsatellite marker panel for A. nobilis, develop a parentage-based genetic model to determine the contribution that stocked fish have on the wild population, and to characterize wild and hatchery populations. By developing these tools and establishing genetic evaluations of hatchery protocols, more information will be available to guide the responsible management of A. nobilis.

14 QUANTIFICATION AND IDENTIFICATION OF MICROPLASTICS IN EASTERN OYSTERS (CRASSOSTREA VIRGINICA) AND THEIR SURROUNDING ENVIRONMENT TO INFORM POTENTIAL HUMAN HEALTH CONCERNS. Blosser, B. (GPMB, The University of Charleston, SC)

Microplastics (<5 mm) are ubiquitous in coastal waters and abundances as high as thousands of 2 particles/m are present on shorelines worldwide. A previous survey of Charleston Harbor, 2 South Carolina (USA) reported an average of 414±77 microplastic particles/m in intertidal sediments (Gray et al. 2018). The objective of the present study was to characterize the abundance and distribution of microplastics in intertidal oysters (Crassostrea virginica) collected from state-managed, commercially harvested oyster grounds contributing substantially to annual landings statewide. To achieve this objective, ten locations were selected based on historic shellfish harvest landings, and three sites within each location were sampled during the fall and spring commercial shellfishing season. Springs samples were collected March through May of 2019 and fall samples will be collected October through December of 2019. Oysters, sediment, and surface water samples were collected at each site. In the laboratory, for each oyster sampled, gills were dissected from the other oyster tissues, and both were subsequently digested using 10% KOH solution. Microplastic particles from all three sample types were characterized based on shape, size, and color, and a subset of samples were analyzed using micro-Raman spectroscopy to identify polymer type. Data from the Folly River sites will be examined here. The ultimate utility of these results will be in providing the rationale for estimating human exposure levels to microplastics following the consumption of oysters. Furthermore, examining the microplastics at a temporal scale will provide insight into the seasonal concentrations and into the possible spatial patterns between sites.

15 REPRODUCTIVE THERMOTOLERANCE OF THE INVASIVE CRAB PETROLISTHES ARMATUS IN ITS NATIVE RANGE. Ventresca, J. (GPMB, The University of Charleston, SC)

As invasive species can have a significant influence on non-native habitats, studying their reproductive behavior is vital in understanding the factors that may contribute to further expansion. The green porcelain crab (Petrolisthes armatus) is an anomuran crab that in recent years has expanded its range on intertidal oyster reefs from Florida to as far north as North Carolina, USA. Little is known about how this range expansion is occurring, although cold winter temperatures are thought to limit range expansion, possibly through limits to reproductive ability. The reproductive biology of this species is relatively unknown, but is unique in its non-native range in that reproduction does not occur year-round. As such, I am establishing the lower limit of the green porcelain crab’s reproductive thermotolerance through a series of incubator experiments that examine hatching success, as well as through the study of egg development and larval temperature tolerances. These studies are being conducted in conjunction with bi-weekly, year-round sampling of resident crab assemblages on an intertidal oyster reef in Charleston, SC. This sampling allows for the documentation of ovigery rates with relation to temperature changes in the non-native environment. Results of this study are vital to forming more accurate predictions of the species’ further range expansion as climate change affects water temperatures.

16 UTILIZING TRACE ELEMENTS AND STABLE ISOTOPE ANALYSIS TO RECONSTRUCT DISTRIBUTION OF SCALLOPED AND CAROLINA HAMMERHEADS. Young, M. (GPMB, The University of Charleston, SC)

Trace elements and stable isotopes will be utilized to begin a reconstruction of the Scalloped (Sphyrna lewini) and Carolina (Sphyrna gilberti) hammerhead’s distribution. An evaluation was conducted to assess the North American Scalloped hammerhead populations. However, the evaluation was under the assumption of a single species. The cryptic species of Carolina hammerhead has only recently been identified, consequently little to no species-specific data exist for these species. To determine species-specific habitat utilization two methods will be used; laser ablation-inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS) of vertebrae as well as stable isotope analysis (SIA) of eye lenses. A transect along the corpus calcareum of the shark vertebrae using LA-ICP-MS will determine trace element concentrations. Eye lenses will be excised and sectioned for SIA to determine δ15N, δ13C, or δ34S values. Both methods will allow for habitat reconstruction and ontogenetic shifts of habitat utilization. The results will allow for more effective management of Scalloped and Carolina hammerhead populations.

This event was graciously sponsored by: