WATERWORKS Newsletter of the SFRC-Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences Program January 2015

Florida Sea Grant stock photo and UF/IFAS photo

Inside this issue: Greetings from the Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences Program! By Mike Allen, PhD, Associate Director, Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences Program Greetings from the Fisheries 1 and Aquatic Sciences Program ! Molluscan Shellfish Aquaculture 2 “Many men go fishing their whole lives without This fall we have 36 degree-seeking graduate and Restoration Program knowing it is not the fish they are after.” students in our program who are taking courses Development of Research 3 HENRY DAVID THOREAU online. We have students from all over North Programs at the Tropical America, from Alaska to New Jersey to Aquaculture Laboratory: Meeting Fishing is indeed a sport that is not so much Hawaii! Pretty amazing given that we started the Needs of Florida’s Ornamen- about the capture of fish, but more about the the online program just a few short years ago. tal Aquaculture Industry pursuit of nature, solitude, and time with friends We expect continued growth in the future, with and family. In a state like Florida, we are The Wet Vet... 4 more FAS courses available online. blessed to have amazing aquatic resources. A Unique Opportunity in Apollo 5 If you are a professional who is interested in Beach Our FAS program is addressing fisheries and taking online courses, then please check out aquatic resource management issues from inland http://sfrc.ufl.edu/distance/onlinecourses for a Place-Based Fisheries Forums 6 to marine systems, and we are training students schedule of our classes. These courses can be Taking Off in Charlotte Harbor who become resource managers across the and Sarasota Bay taken one at a time as continuing education, or country. Our impact is getting bigger every as part of a degree-seeking program. The Sixth International Sympo- 7 year. sium on GIS/Spatial Analyses in All of our faculty join me in thanking Rhiannon Fishery and Aquatic Sciences In this issue of WaterWorks, check out all the Pollard and Sandra Houder for their hard Transgenic Fishes great happenings that are part of the work to develop and grow our online pro- 8 Aquaculture LBR (Legislative Budget Request). grams. They make the online course experience The New and Improved 8 Our four new faculty in aquaculture (photos so much better for faculty and for our students. Online Resource Guide for below) are all on board and off and running. It’s Florida Shellfish Aquaculture fun to see them developing classes and building Our WaterWorks newsletter list now has over 2,800 members! If you are an alumnus or friend The Austin Cary Learning Center 8 their programs. These new folks, along with our other professors in the aquaculture program, of our program, please submit information items Notes & News 9 are going to make a big impact here in Florida for future issues. This is a great avenue to share the accomplishments of our FAS family. Upcoming Events 9 and at national and international levels. Summer and Fall Graduates 10 Elsewhere, our online courses and graduate Thanks for subscribing to our newsletter, and we programs have grown at an amazing pace. hope you enjoy this issue of Waterworks! Recent Publications by Our 11 Faculty New Aquaculture Faculty

WaterWorks is a semi-annual publication of the Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences Program (FAS) in the School of Forest Resources and Conservation (SFRC) at the University of Florida/IFAS.

The purpose of the newsletter is to provide information to prospective students, alumni, stakeholders, partners, and colleagues. Past editions can be found at http://sfrc.ufl.edu/fish/about/waterworksnews/

This issue was designed by Nancy Montes and edited by Bob Swett and Roy Yanong. To contribute an article or Huiping Yang, PhD Matthew DiMaggio, PhD Joshua Patterson, PhD Mark Flint, PhD information for a future issue, contact Mike Allen ([email protected]). Assistant Professor FAS Assistant Professor FAS Assistant Professor FAS Research Assistant Scientist FAS WaterWorks - January 2015 Page 2

Molluscan Shellfish Aquaculture and Restoration Program

By Huiping Yang, PhD, Assistant Professor, Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences Program, Leslie Sturmer, MS, Statewide Shellfish Aquaculture Extension Agent IV, and Shirley Backer, PhD, Associate Professor, Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences Program Program goal and scope of work The scope of work for this program includes, but is not limited to, the following aspects: Molluscan shellfish farming in Florida occurs in 12 counties along both the Atlantic and Gulf coasts with a value of about  Selective breeding programs for clams, $20 million based on the newly released 2013 USDA census  Application of triploid-tetraploid technology on eastern of aquaculture.1 The primary species under culture is the hard oyster aquaculture, clam Mercenaria mercenaria with an $11.9 million farmgate  Cryopreservation of germplasm for hatchery use and sales value. Diversification is occurring with culture efforts breeding programs, being developed for the eastern oyster Crassostrea virginica, sunray venus clam Macrocallista nimbosa, blood ark Anadara  Aquaculture of new native species to diversify the indus- ovalis, and ponderous ark Noetia ponderosa. In addition, some try, and species, such as the eastern oyster and bay scallop Argopecten  Development of new aquaculture techniques for hatch- irradians, are cultured for restoration purposes. ery, nursery, and grow-out.

In July 2014, Dr. Huiping Yang joined the faculty in the Significance Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences Program. Dr. Yang received her PhD in 1997 from Ocean University of China, majoring in The clam aquaculture industry Aquaculture, and her Master’s degree in 1994 and Bachelor’s is completely reliant upon degree in 1987 from Dalian Ocean University. Her research hatchery-produced seed, thus has been primarily in aquaculture of molluscan shellfish and management of broodstock is fish including triploid-tetraploid technology, cytogenetics and needed to assure production reproduction, germplasm preservation, and related aquacul- of sufficient and high quality ture and hatchery techniques. Dr. Yang has worked on many molluscan species including oysters, clams, scallops, and seed. During the Cedar Key Aquaculture Association’s general abalones and has published 31 papers in peer-reviewed UF-IFAS Photo journals and 7 book chapters. membership meeting, quality seed was proposed as one of major needs for farmers. Currently, brood- Dr. Yang has experience in academic research, teaching, and stock used in most hatcheries are randomly collected from local mentoring of students, and has collaborated closely with farms. Observations show that seed produced from different aquaculture industry farmers for her research activities. Here broodstock have varying survival and growth characteristics. in IFAS, her focus is Molluscan Shellfish Aquaculture and Therefore, genetic analysis of broodstock background and Restoration, and the overall goal is to conduct research on selective breeding programs are warranted. molluscan shellfish aquaculture production, technologies, applications, ecology, and restoration, and to coordinate with Aquaculture of the sunray venus clam is still in the developmen- the extension team and industry organizations to produce tal stage. Basic research techniques for hatchery, nursery, and educational resources and demonstrations directly applicable grow out have been initiated. Currently, a demonstration to industry needs. project is allowing growers to evaluate the commercial potential of the sunray venus clam. Further investigation on refining To achieve these goals, a needs assessment was conducted by protocols for broodstock conditioning, gamete quality and ferti- surveying industry members in the Cedar Key area, Indian lization, and larvae culture and metamorphosis is needed to River area, and southwest Florida, together with reviewing the assure reliable seed production. current situation and future trends in this research field, and Continue on Page 12 coordinating with the existing aquaculture program in IFAS.

1http://www.agcensus.usda.gov/Publications/2012/

Florida Sea Grant stock photo and UF/IFAS photo WaterWorks - January 2015 Page 3 Development of Research Programs at the Tropical Aquaculture Laboratory: Meeting the Needs of Florida’s Ornamental Aquaculture Industry UF/IFAS photos By Matthew DiMaggio, PhD, Assistant Professor, Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences Program, University of Florida My name is Matt DiMaggio and I have been hired as the new Florida Tropical Fish Farms Association and regular communication Assistant Professor of Ornamental Aquaculture at the University of with local stakeholders. Optimization of current production Florida’s Tropical Aquaculture Laboratory in Ruskin. I completed protocols and diversification of cultured species are areas of my Master’s and Doctoral degrees at the University of Florida particular interest which have been recently identified by where my research predominantly focused on development of the producers. Consequently, research projects have been developed marine baitfish aquaculture industry in the southeastern United to address these issues for both the freshwater and marine States. During this time I was able to work with many species of ornamental industries. baitfish including Pinfish (Lagodon rhomboides), Pigfish (Orthopristis chrysoptera), Ballyhoo (Hemiramphus balao), and Fundulus sp. This Development of new species for the freshwater aquarium trade is research resulted in the development of protocols for the captive vital to the continued success of Florida growers within today’s spawning, larval rearing, and grow out of these valuable forage global ornamental markets. This innovation offers a competitive species. Subsequently, I spent two years at the University of New advantage for domestic producers and enhances their resiliency Hampshire as a postdoctoral research scientist investigating culture through enterprise diversification. Current research objectives methods and salinity tolerance of River Herring (Alosa aestivalis include development of volitional and hormone induced spawning and Alosa pseudoharengus) for bait and stock enhancement protocols for species such as the Glass Catfish (Kryptopterus purposes. The neuroendocrine control of sexual succession in the vitreolus), Bichir (Polypterus ornatipinnis), Roseline Barb (Sahyadria protogynous Black Sea Bass (Centropristis striata) was another denisonii), and Rainbow Shiner (Notropis chrosomus)(Figure 1); as research focus, as this species holds great value as a food fish in well as elucidation of larviculture methods that will lead to success- New England and further down the East Coast. Over the past ful commercialization. eight years I have developed a broad foundation in aquaculture, Feedback from industry partners and participation in the Rising one that will help me to address the unique and diverse issues Tide Conservation initiative have been instrumental in shaping the currently facing the ornamental aquaculture industry today. marine ornamental research program at the Tropical Aquaculture Laboratory. Alleviating collection pressure on wild populations and The ornamental fish industry is a valuable sector of global aqua- promoting conservation though commercial production are culture production with an estimated export value of $366 million principal goals which have served as the impetus for current in 2011 and global retail sales of $3 billion. Freshwater fishes research endeavors. Investigations with marine ornamental species account for >95% of the volume in the ornamental trade, with are presently focused on raising the larvae of Pacific Blue Tangs most of these species produced through captive means. ( Paracanthurus hepatus), Yellow Tangs (Zebrasoma flavescens), Conversely, the majority of marine species which enter the trade Milletseed Butterflyfish (Chaetodon miliaris), and Bartlett’s Anthias are collected from the wild, with annual sales estimates of 24 (Pseudanthias bartlettorum) (Figure 1). The transition from endoge- million marine fish representing 1,471 unique species. Historically, nous to exogenous nutrition in larval marine fishes is commonly Florida growers have led the nation in production of ornamental characterized by high mortality in the culture environment, as species. Recent estimates place the farm gate value of the industry required live prey items of the appropriate size and nutritional at $42 million dollars with over 140 producers statewide. profile are generally unknown for many species. Furthermore, However, rising production costs, increased competition with many marine fish have protracted larval periods (30 – 100 days) foreign imports, and vacillations in consumer purchasing habits which can further complicate propagation efforts. Experiments are continually threaten the growth and progression of this important currently underway to identify nutritional and environmental segment of Florida agriculture. My current research programs are impediments to the successful culture of these species. shaped by frequent interaction with the research committee of the Stakeholders often lack the necessary resources to devote to delineation of culture protocols for new species and rely on collaboration with academia to this end. Results of these research projects will provide crucial information regarding the feasibility of domestication and cultivation efforts for freshwater and marine ornamental species. I am excited to engage local stakeholders and witness firsthand the impacts of my research efforts. I look forward to working with the talented faculty, staff, and students at the Tropical Aquaculture Laboratory, the FAS program, and the SFRC. Finally, I hope to establish a research program that is responsive to Figure 1. A) Pacific Blue Tang (Paracanthurus hepatus), B) Milletseed Butterflyfish (Chaetodon industry needs and provides scientifically and economically sound miliaris), C) Glass Catfish (Kryptopterus vitreolus), D) Roseline Barb (Sahyadria denisonii), E) Rainbow Shiner (Notropis chrosomus), F) Bichir (Polypterus ornatipinnis). Larval stages are recommendations to promote innovation and growth of ornamental indicated by lower case letters. aquaculture in Florida. WaterWorks - January 2015 Page 4

THE WET VET... By Mark Flint, BVSc, BSc(Hons), MApplSc, MPhil, PhD, Research Assistant Scientist, Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences Program, University of Florida The early years… born Down Under way After my postdoc, we had a brief 16 month stint back when, the last child to foreign parents back in Australia where we launched two who sought The Lucky Country for a new life in its bouncing baby boys who were made northern sun kissed embrace. In retrospect, ‘lucky’ was in reference and partly assembled in the US using to the ability to survive to adulthood given all of the Australian genuine Australian and British parts. nature that may kill you if you chance upon it Two became four and we moved running between your house and the school back to Florida in November 2013 to bus. offer our style of conservation once again to UF, this time with me as a The dim distant past… Down Under and Research Assistant Scientist in Coastal a fair bit back I developed an affinity for and Marine Sciences and with my wife as the indoors and book learning after several a grad student in sea turtle biology. failed attempts to learn outdoor sports where the stick I picked up in readiness to hit the ball turned out to be The present… over here but down a bit from the mob for a nature that tried to bite, throttle and/or sting me. At around short time now, I settled in to The Florida Aquarium for the first 6 the same time I resigned myself that I would spend the remain- months where I could watch American wildlife through the safety der of my natural life indoors applying coats of snake and of 6” of polished acrylic, learning their behaviors and patterns shark repellant hourly, my parents moved to Tasmania to be in to protect myself once I started my field work. Armed with the an environment more like their mother country of England. A knowledge I could subdue almost any Floridian animal with the year later I found them, and over the following years developed flash of a camera or a pre-determined feeding time, I moved a love for the rain, snow and mountain endowed outdoors of down to The Florida Aquarium’s Center for Conservation site at southern Australia, graduating with honors in zoology and Apollo Beach, where a face-to-face encounter with a non- environmental geography. domesticated animal was imminent. My role here is as a UF Faculty in a position created by the Florida Aquarium and FWC, The recent past… still Down Under but just back a bit and where I serve as the Aquarium’s Director of Research and facing my demons, I returned to northern Australia at the age collaborate with FWC. I am housed by the of 22 and took a Faculty position in ecology where I’d be Tampa Electric Company on their 22 acre forced to handle the said same critters that had tortured my site donated for the growing Florida formative years. Only this time it would be in front of Conservation and Technology Center a 300 students each year who eagerly awaited seeing joint venture between FWC, Tampa their teacher with the funny accent get nailed by what Electric and the Aquarium to advance I had recently learned was not a stick to hit balls, but local conservation and community rather a highly venomous snake. After three years of awareness through education (FWC perfecting my predator avoidance skills, I returned to and Aquarium), manatee refuges school to become a veterinarian, first working in general (Tampa Electric) and research and practice on graduation and then emergency medicine extension (UF). Within a week of mov- and critical care, before becoming an epidemiologist ing, my training was called on as non- studying diseases in threatened marine animals (PhD at UQ domestic animals were encountered (two in sea turtles and then an internship in Aquatic Animal Health dumped kittens). My response: I did not get as my postdoc at FWRI in St Petersburg, UF-TAL, and the away quick enough and they came at me. My mis- Florida Aquarium through UF’s CVM under Ruth Francis-Floyd). take: my wife was with me. The outcome: those two kit- These opportunities allowed me to better understand how to tens now live with two toddlers to play with at my home. mitigate the environmental stressors threatening species Lesson learned for when I encounter a manatee. survivorship and introduced me to many of the people I work with every day now. I bring three graduate students (one looking at the effects of rehabilitation on sea turtle Adhering to the old veterinary adage that survivorship, another at the molecular you can’t know what is abnormal until you characteristics of and pathological effect know what is normal, I’ve spent time of spirorchiids on sea turtles, and a third since 2007 developing baseline indices working on the health and pathology of for health and pathology in several sea snakes). I am about to start aquatic species. I had the dubious honor advising a research Master’s of being able to use these bodies of student who will be examining work to determine the extent of impact the symbiosis of Diadema (the several environmental catastrophes — including long-spined sea urchin) and oil spills, hurricanes, flooding, and toxic leaks from industry — had corals, and I have a MFAS online on local wildlife populations when state and federal student. governments have brought me in to consult. Continue on Page 12 WaterWorks - January 2015 Page 5 A Unique Opportunity in Apollo Beach By Joshua Patterson, PhD, Assistant Professor in the Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences Program The Center for Conservation in Apollo Beach is part devoted to investigating aquaculture of Caribbean of a collaborative project for FAS, The Florida staghorn coral, one of two Caribbean acroporids which Aquarium (FLAQ), the Florida Fish and Wildlife were once spatially dominant on fore reef habitats in Conservation Commission (FWC), and Tampa the Florida Reef Tract. Now listed as threatened under Electric Company (TECO). The larger site, the the U.S. Endangered Species Act, these corals have seen Florida Conservation and Technology Center, precipitous declines in population since the late 1970s contains TECOs Manatee Viewing Center, miles of with natural populations now mostly relegated to nature trails, a wildlife viewing tower, outdoor isolated patch reef habitats. Loss of genetic diversity Apollo Beach, Florida pavilions, and mangrove trails for kayaking. FLAQ and physical distance between remaining colonies are is constructing research greenhouses as well as an major impediments to population recovery. An ability to animal rescue, rehabilitation, and holding facility. A reliably produce sexually propagated corals would boat ramp providing rapid access to Tampa Bay open important doors for future restoration efforts. has already launched University of Florida and FWC vessels. FWC is constructing a Florida Youth The Coral Restoration Foundation (CRF) is a not-for- Conservation Center to add a marine-based profit organization which has established and advanced educational facility to their network of Centers innovative technologies for nursery rearing and across the state and has plans to operate a saltwa- out-planting staghorn coral. CRF maintains a series of ter fish hatchery on the site as part of their Florida open-water nurseries in the Florida Keys containing Marine Fisheries Enhancement Initiative. The role of staghorn corals of over 100 distinct genotypes. These FAS faculty and students at the site is to apply colonies are asexually propagated through fragmenta- scientific methods to answer questions and help tion and grown on “coral trees” before being solve problems in aquatic restoration and conserva- out-planted to degraded reefs. FAS faculty and FLAQ staff partnered with CRF for the annual acroporid Dr. Josh Patterson tion. spawning event in August. For ex-situ spawning, we set My research will focus on improving the ability of up temporary laboratory space including recirculating aquaculture to function as a tool for habitat and systems in a CRF facility in Tavernier, Florida. Coral species restoration. In the past, I have employed colonies were transported from a CRF nursery (Figure 1) physiological techniques to gain new practical to the laboratory prior to natural spawning and information about aquaculture species. While returned to the nursery post-spawn. Corals from the working on my Master’s degree at Kentucky State nursery were also staged in-situ for gamete collection. University, I measured paddlefish metabolism Resulting staghorn coral larvae were brought to the across a range of body sizes and water tempera- University of Florida Tropical Aquaculture Lab in Ruskin tures. This ancient, filter-feeding sturgeon relative is for an experiment designed to examine substrate stocked into water supply reservoirs and harvested properties favoring settlement and metamorphosis for its valuable caviar. My data became part of a (Figure 2). We were also able to capture gametes from model designed to estimate zooplankton a single colony of elkhorn coral, the other threatened consumption by stocked paddlefish and predict Caribbean acroporid, and transfer them to investigators Figure 1. Casey Coy (foreground; food-web impacts in receiving waters. During with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administra- FLAQ), Josh Patterson (midground; tion for fertilization. FAS), and Kayla Ripple (background; doctoral studies at Louisiana State University, I CRF) transport staghorn corals from identified a low salinity threshold in culture of Gulf the CRF nursery to a UF research Efforts are currently underway on a number of exciting vessel. These colonies were held in a killifish, a popular marine baitfish native to Gulf of projects which will facilitate coral research at the Center recirculating system for spawning. Mexico and southeast Florida estuaries. To better for Conservation in Apollo Beach. The initial greenhouse Photo credit: Mark Flint. understand this threshold, I employed molecular is nearly completed, and a recirculating system is being biology to see how salinity tolerance genes were installed to house a living genetic archive of staghorn being regulated in the gills. Much of my work in coral genotypes currently being cultured in CRF nurse- Gulf killifish focused on reproduction. In this area, I ries. Replicated systems will be added to the green- investigated the impacts of maternal body size on house for hypothesis-driven experiments to investigate egg output and embryo development, tested how ex-situ culture parameters and techniques for sexual available dietary energy affected reproduction, and asexual propagation of Caribbean corals. Existing used biochemistry to examine movement of specific and planned facilities at the Center for Conservation fatty acids within spawning females, and measured will allow development and expansion of FAS programs the effects of different fat sources on egg produc- on a range of topics. The facility will also provide a tion and fitness of subsequent larvae. unique combination of education and recreation activities. Over 200,000 people annually visit the TECO My future work will continue to employ an under- Manatee Viewing Center and other established portions standing of physiology to improve aquaculture of the Florida Conservation and Technology Center. The practices. I have been based at the Center for Center will be fully connected and integrated within the Figure 2. Primary staghorn coral Conservation since June, and anticipate developing larger site and will provide a tremendous opportunity polyps settled on an experimental a program spanning a range of species and tile. Photo credit: Josh Patterson. for FAS faculty and students to conduct research and habitats. Much of my effort to this point has been outreach. WaterWorks - January 2015 Page 6

Place-Based Fisheries Forums Taking Off in Charlotte Harbor and Sarasota Bay By Juliane Struve, PhD, Assistant Research Professor, Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences Program, Chelsey Crandall, PhD Student (Kai Lorenzen and Martha Monroe, Advisors), Jynessa Dutka-Gianelli, Post-Doctoral Associate, Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences Program, Joy Hazell, Lee County Sea Grant Extension Agent, Betty Staugler, Charlotte County Sea Grant Extension Agent, Ken Leber, Associate Vice President for Fisheries and Aquaculture, Mote Marine Laboratory and Courtesy Professor, and Kai Lorenzen, Professor, Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences Program

Fisheries Forums, community-led initiatives to discuss local Outcomes of the initial meetings fisheries management and conservation issues and search for Participating stakeholders were excited about the potential sustainable solutions, are starting up in Charlotte Harbor and of the Forums. Many anglers already communicate with Sarasota Bay on the Florida Gulf coast. Inaugural meetings scientists and government officials, but agreed that their were held at Laishley Marina, Punta Gorda and at Mote insight, knowledge and creativity may be more powerful Marine Laboratory, Sarasota, in November 2014. The inaugu- when collected, sustained and focused around a particular ral meetings drew 45 recreational anglers, captains and marine location. Stakeholders identified a large number of issues that scientists in total to discuss the content, organization and logistics would be of interest to the Forums, ranging from the of the Forum and how it will operate in the future. The Fisheries adequacy of current fishing regulations to local conditions, to Forums have grown out of a series of initial stakeholder stock enhancement and habitat improvement, water quality workshops facilitated by FAS. The new initiatives aim to provide monitoring, dredging and real estate development, water opportunities for longer-term, effective engagement of stake- access and law enforcement. They also identified diverse holders in fisheries management and are supported by a stakeholders that should be involved in the Forums. partnership of FAS, Florida Sea Grant and Mote Marine Laboratory, with project funding from Florida Sea Grant. Next steps Forums will be meeting at monthly or bi-monthly intervals at Extension and research support the two locations. The next meetings will focus on working out The fledgling Fisheries Forums are supported through extension details of the structure and functioning of the forums. and research. Extension support is provided for the facilitation Subsequent meetings will become increasingly concerned with of meetings, the design of community-led initiatives, and ways priority management and conservation issues. Moving of providing consolidated input to decision-making processes. forward, the forums will seek to develop a mode of opera- Research support is provided in the form of tools and analyses tion that maintains continuity with fluctuating attendance at that allow stakeholders to assess the status of their local individual meetings and balance conflicting demands such as fisheries, based on scientific and stakeholder knowledge. the desire to engage a broad range of stakeholders yet Research support is also provided with regards to the operation identify and focus on a set of core management issues. Stay of the forums themselves. This research support builds on tuned and see how these exciting new initiatives develop! examples of successful place-based cooperative management for commercial fisheries along the central California coast that If you live or fish in the Charlotte Harbor or Sarasota Bay were pursued by the development of corresponding locally areas – consider participating in a Fisheries Forum or adapted modeling tools. Our goal is to provide the Fisheries attending a meeting just to see the new initiatives for Forums with new tools and assessment protocols that will allow yourself. Further information on the Forums can be found at: stakeholders to evaluate fisheries management alternatives that take into account local conditions. https://facebook.com/placebasedmanagement

Stakeholders discussing the setting up of a Fisheries Forum for Sarasota Bay. Photo credit: Talitha Ribeiro (FAS). WaterWorks - January 2015 Page 7 The Sixth International Symposium on GIS/Spatial Analyses in Fishery and Aquatic Sciences

Exciting New Developments, Conceptual Advances and New Opportunities to Incorporate GIS in Fisheries Science and Management. By Juliane Struve, PhD, Assistant Research Professor, Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences Program The recent International Symposium on GIS/Spatial Analyses in North Atlantic Right Whale and ship sightings provide co-occurrence Fishery and Aquatic Sciences in Tampa, attended by 80 scientists maps that help law enforcement to target critical areas. Habitat suita- from 5 different continents, showed that spatial analysis is not one bility maps derived from habitat predictor variables are used to scientific topic, but a complex challenge with many dimensions. Topics delineate marine protected areas. A cost-distance analysis combined ranged from generating dynamic maps of oceanographic data to with a sea cucumber density map can be used to identify areas that real-time by-catch monitoring and to the development of predictive need active catch restrictions to prevent the density falling below that species distribution models. With its many presentations, posters, required for recruitment. Maps of recreational fishing boat densities software demos, round table discussions and plenary summaries, the derived from flight observations can be translated to fishing and an- conference provided an exciting cross-section of new developments. choring density on reefs, and may eventually be used to motivate Many of them will play a role in emerging fisheries management anglers to provide the missing corresponding catch statistics. questions such as population distribution responses to climate change or diverging fisheries and aquatic resources management priorities With freshwater resources under increasing pressure due to demo- among stakeholders. graphic shifts and climate change, relationships between flows, seasonal floodplain extent, and viability of commercially exploited New developments in spatial data generation included the develop- and federally-endangered species are increasingly important in ment of new data bases, new methods of oceanographic monitoring, fisheries and conservation management. Increasing frequency of low image analysis and even real-time monitoring of bycatch. The Gulf flow scenarios, predicted by the Soil and Water Assessment Tool, of Mexico Coastal Ocean Observing System Regional Association threaten the viability of floodplain-dependent minnow populations of (GCOOS-RA) is an example of a portal for scientific information that the Rio Grande. Reduced catch-per-unit effort was predicted for makes available a large variety of Gulf-of-Mexico related common sardine and swordfish under the IPCC A2 emission scenario in resources ranging from real-time meteorological data and corre- another study. One of the biggest challenges in the use of spatial sponding mapping tools to invasive species tracking and to GOM data for predictions is likely to increase credibility by setting up related lesson plans. Real-time temperature monitoring systems for models over time periods that allow cross-validation using historic and temperature and other oceanographic variables can now be present data. deployed using fishing gear rather than research vessels and provide new opportunities to study the habitat preferences of fish. Spatial analysis in Fishery and Aquatic Sciences is a challenge that HABCAM (Habitat Mapping Camera System), developed to survey spans across the disciplines of oceanography, population ecology, scallop and ground fish resources is evidence of the increasing geography, and anthropology. The conference, managed by a dedi- importance of non-invasive surveying of marine resources, especially cated team of researchers from Japan and the UK and hosted by The in protected areas. A new real-time bycatch information system University of Florida’s Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences Program with allows subscribing scallop fishers to move away from areas of high support from Florida Sea Grant, provides an important platform bycatch. A very different example of the power of mapping is The for spatial research. Lively discussions about new methods and Information System on Small-Scale Fisheries, developed recently by approaches to increase the utility of GIS and remote sensing for Canadian researchers to increase the profile of these little known fisheries management emerged during the conference and are fisheries around the world. likely to continue among the participants and into the 7th symposi- um in 2017. Power point presentations of the symposium are Maps often provide direct inputs to marine resources management. available at: http://ocean-info.ddo.jp/Sympo/6th/powerpoint/.

Sixth International Symposium on GIS/Spatial Analyses in Fishery and Aquatic Sciences participants. WaterWorks - January 2015 Page 8

The New and Improved Transgenic Fishes Online Resource Guide for

By Jeffrey E. Hill, PhD, Associate Professor and Extension Specialist, Fisheries and Florida Shellfish Aquaculture Aquatic Sciences Program The University of Florida IFAS Shellfish Aquaculture Extension Electric Green ® Program just launched the new and improved Florida Shellfish Source:Glofish.com Aquaculture website. It’s been a year in the making!. Jeff Hill and Larry Lawson, who are based at the UF/IFAS Tropical Aquaculture Laboratory, along with a recently retired This site provides timely information about shellfish farming and colleague from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation related activities for the general public, growers, and others Commission (Scott Hardin), published the first risk screen for involved in the shellfish industry. The site also includes updates on transgenic fishes (Hill et al. 2014. Transactions of the American research and extension projects, presentations from industry Fisheries Society 143:817-829). workshops, suppliers’ lists, and pertinent publication. Galactic Purple ® Transgenic fishes are genet- Source:Glofish.com If you would like to visit the Florida Shellfish Aquaculture website ically modified organisms please go to: http://shellfish.ifas.ufl.edu. (GMOs) that have been manipulated to contain the DNA of other organisms to produce desirable characteris- tics such as increased growth or fluorescent colors. The Austin Cary Learning Center Similarly to GMO crops, some scientists and advocacy groups question the environmental safety of transgenic Like the Phoenix the Austin Cary Learning Center arose from the ashes fishes. No published risk assessments were available for of its predecessor The Austin Cary Forest Conference Center which was GMO fish despite these concerns and a growing scientific burned in 2011. literature recommending risk assessments. The new and improved Learning Center was designed considering The researchers used an internationally recognized risk screen- feedback from users, architects, and planners. Its restoration was only ing tool, the Fish Invasiveness Screening Kit (FISK) to assess the possible thanks to the University of Florida and IFAS, faculty, staff, alumni, potential risks of the three commercially available and community donors and volunteers. transgenic fluorescent ornamental fish (GloFish®). These three fish species, A variety of venues and options are available in the current facility: zebra danio, black tetra, and tiger The Conference Room is an ideal facility for lectures, symposia, barb, are the only transgenic retreats to award banquets, and even weddings. It includes access to the animals available to the public in the kitchen, gallery, library, porch, and impressive deck. The Classroom is a United States and are sold in pet stores venue well-suited for traditional classes, smaller meetings, and workshops. in all states except California. The results It seats 30 participants at forward-facing tables and is equipped with a Cosmic Blue ® Tetra which included no potential for hybridization Source:Glofish.com high-definition, wall-mounted monitor for your projection needs, as well as with native species, little history of invasiveness two adjacent wall-mounted whiteboards. The Education Building is an elsewhere, few traits that enhance persistence in the environ- ideal facility for smaller meetings or breakout groups. The two adjoining ment, and high vulnerability to predators showed that these meeting rooms seat 20 individuals each, centered around impressive brightly colored aquarium fish represent a low risk of invasive- wooden conference tables surrounded by artifacts highlighting the history ness to the United States. Moreover, no additional risks resulting of Florida forestry. The Teaching Pavilion is often used as an outdoor from their transgenic origin or expression of fluorescent proteins classroom for courses in natural resources or Extension workshops, it's were apparent. Risk screens such as FISK have high value for perfect for low-key events or as a lunch break area for meetings held in scientists and agencies by providing vital the Education Building. It includes picnic tables and benches to accommo- information for assessment and management date approximately 30-40 people. decisions with relatively small investments in time and funding. For more For more information about the Austin Cary Learning Center please go information contact Jeff to: http://sfrc.ufl.edu/forestcampus/ Hill, [email protected].

Source:Glofish.com WaterWorks - January 2015 Page 9

A few current and former FAS students are participating with other NOTES & NEWS American Fisheries Society Florida Student Chapter members in writing a Florida Fisheries Blog which has some pretty cool posts Faculty Updates (http://floridafisheriesscience.blogspot.com/).

Dr. Don Behringer was given tenure and promoted to Associate Professor and Dr. Roy Yanong was promoted The Students United in the Research of Fisheries (SURF) to Full Professor. conducted its annual Fish Fry in November 2014. They raised about $900.00 for FAS student travel grants - Thank you very much to all Sharon Fitz-Coy will be awarded an IFAS-level "Superior Accom- the people that participated in this activity and made a donation! plishment Award" in the Scientific/Technical category!

Sharon coordinates and personally teaches nearly 10,000 children We also have new T-shirts and hats on sale ($15.00) - All the pro- annually through our Fishing For Success program, is the UF coordina- ceeds go to FAS student travel grants. Please contact Zach Siders tor for Project WET, has worked with several graduate students over ([email protected]) to purchase your items. the past 20 years, teaches in many of our FAS courses. Sharon has received numerous awards and recognitions for her work, including one from the Secretary of the USDA.

Sharon does an outstanding job of representing our University, IFAS, the SFRC, and the Fishing for Success program! Front Back

We are happy to see her receive this recognition! UPCOMING EVENTS Students’ Spotlight

CALS Scholarship 2014-2015 - FAS Recipients: The 2015 National Working Waterfronts & Waterways Symposium will take place from November 16-19, 2015 in Tampa, Fl. William C. and Bertha M. Carnett Fellowship ($1,500): Abigail Clark and Lauren Pacholec (Graduate students) Oral & Poster Abstract Submission Deadline: Fred W. and Mabel H. Barber Scholarship ($1,000): April 15, 2015 Jennifer Glass, Jessica Hanson, Rachel Henriquez, Timothy Opens February 3, 2015 Lyons, Emily Morales (Undergraduate Students). You can sign up for email reminders using the link at the top of Fred W. and Mabel H. Barber Scholarship ($1,500): the front page of the website: Caitlin Beaver, Larissa Menke (Undergraduate Students) http://www.conference.ifas.ufl.edu/NWWWS/index.html Larissa Menke (IS-MAR student) won 2nd place in the UFIC Global Culture Photo Contest 2014. The Marine Resources Population Dynamics Summer The winning pictures can be accessed at: Program will take place on July 6 ‒18th, 2015 at the University of http://www.ufic.ufl.edu/pd/photocontest.html Florida and Keys Marine Lab.

Abigail Clark (PhD student) was awarded the Melnik This all-expense-paid opportunity for Scholarship, the James Davidson travel scholarship, qualified Masters and PhD students is and a CALS graduate student scholarship. a twelve-day workshop. Participants will work with an ecopath with Ecosim Chelsey Crandall (PhD Student) received a Florida model to explore management Outdoor Writers Association (FOWA) Scholarship. options for invasive lionfish populations. The tradition behind FOWA scholarships is to encou- Experience with population modeling or with lionfish populations is rage and support young men and women “. . . whose preferred but not essential. The workshop will be held at the University career goals are to communicate to the public a love and appre- of Florida and will include a trip to the Florida Keys. ciation for the outdoor experience.” More information can be This summer program is presented by the National Marine Fisheries found at: http://www.fowa.org/ Service, the University of Florida, Florida Sea Grant, and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. This summer the American Fisheries Society Florida Student Chapter was selected to receive the 2014 AFS Outstanding Interested individuals should visit the website: Subunit Award; many UF students are a part of this chapter http://sfrc.ufl.edu/fish/rtr/workshops or call (352) 294-0886 (along with students from other Florida Universities) (President: for more information or application materials. Ross Boucek of FIU, Vice President: Chelsey Crandall of UF, Secretary: Crystal Hartman of UF. Application Deadline: March 2, 2015 WaterWorks - January 2015 Page 10 Summer and Fall Graduates The UF School of Forest Resources and Conservation is pleased to acknowledge our Summer and Fall graduates with majors in Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences: Doctor of Philosophy

Edward Camp, An integrated evaluation Daniel Gwinn, Simulation models for Stephanie Shaw, Reproduction and of stock enhancement of recreational informing the conservation and recruitment of Florida bass Micropterus fisheries, applied to red drum in Florida. management of aquatic resources. floridanus. Chair: Mike Allen. Chair: Kai Lorenzen, Co-Chair: Sherry Chair: Mike Allen. Larkin.

Master of Science Nicholas Cole, Evaluating relationships Jon-Michael Degidio, Assessment of the between angler effort, catch rates, and milletseed butterflyfish, Chaetodon miliaris, as management options in Florida recreational a model species for ornamental aquaculture fisheries. Chair: Mike Allen. and an evaluation of early culture parameters. Chair: Roy Yanong.

Shannon Sully, Determining the likely future Michael Dickson, Population dynamics, spatial abundances of fish species due to ecology, and sociality of the peppermint climate change: a combined bioclimatic shrimp, Lysmata boggessi, on the west coast envelope and biotic interaction. Chair: James of Florida. Chair: Don Behringer. Berkson.

Jessica Sutt, Assessing perspectives of goliath grouper fishery stakeholders. Chair: Martha Monroe, Co-Chair: Kai Lorenzen.

Master of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences

Matthew Smukall, The effects of simulated catch-and-release on sockeye salmon egg viability. Chair: Don Behringer.

Marine Sciences Interdisciplinary Studies Major Larissa Menke is graduating from UF with a Bachelor of Science in Marine Sciences and a minor in Zoology. She has also completed the required pre-veterinary medicine courses and has applied to veterinary schools for the August 2015 entering class. She is interested in studying and researching marine medicine in the future and becoming involved with One Health programs. Larissa values the close friendships she has made in the marine science major and the strong relationships she has built with professors and advisers. Her favorite experience was studying abroad in Mo’orea, French Polynesia in June 2014. The life-changing trip gave her the opportunity to conduct research on coral reefs and learn about marine ecology directly from the field. For Larissa, the trip was a game changer. Her passion for marine science has never been stronger. Because of the diverse curriculum that the interdisciplinary marine science major provided, Larissa is confident that she has found her calling in marine science and can’t wait to begin her next journey! WaterWorks - January 2015 Page 11 Recent Publications By Our Faculty Bachmann, R.W., M.V. Hoyer and D.E. Canfield, Jr. 2014. Response to comment: Quantification of the extent of cultural eutrophication of natural lakes in the United States Limnol. Oceanogr. 59: 2231-2239. Refereed Badylak, S., E.J. Phlips and A.L. Mathews. 2014. Akashiwo sanguinea (Dinophyceae) blooms in a sub-tropical estuary: An alga for all seasons. Plank- ton and Benthos Research 9:1-9. Refereed Badylak, S., E.J. Phlips, A.L. Mathews and K. Kelley. 2014. Observations of Akashiwo sanguinea (Dinophyceae) extruding mucous from pores on the cell surface. Algae 29:1-5. Refereed Barbour, A.B., A.J. Adams, and K. Lorenzen. 2014. Emigration-corrected seasonal survival of a size-structured fish population in a nursery habitat. Marine Ecology Progress Series 514: 191-205. Refereed Barbour, A.B., A.J. Adams, and K. Lorenzen. 2014. Size-based, seasonal, and multidirectional migrations of an estuarine fish in a habitat mosaic. Marine Ecology Progress Series 507: 263-276. Refereed Chapman, P.A., T. Cribb, D. Blair, R. Traub, M. Kyaw-Tanner, M. Flint, and P.C. Mills. 2015. Molecular analysis of the genera Hapalotrema and Learedius (Digenea: Spirorchiidae) reveals potential cryptic species, with comments on the validity of the genus Learedius. Systemic Parasitology 90, 67-79. Camp, E.V., K. Lorenzen, R.N.M. Ahrens, and M.S. Allen. 2014. Stock enhancement to address multiple recreational fisheries objectives: an integrated model applied to red drum Sciaenops ocellatus in Florida. Journal of Fish Biology 85: 1868-1889. Refereed DiMaggio, M.A., J.S. Broach, and C.L. Ohs. 2014. Evaluation of Ovaprim and human chorionic gonadotropin doses on spawning induction and egg and larval quality of Pigfish, Orthopristis chrysoptera. Journal of the World Aquaculture Society 45:243-257. Refereed DiMaggio, M.A., C.L. Ohs, J.S. Broach, and T.D. Sink. 2014. Effect of stocking density on growth, survival, and stress physiology of Pigfish, Orthopristis chrysoptera. North American Journal of Aquaculture 76:201-210. Refereed Edwards, M.A., T.K. Frazer and C.A. Jacoby. 2014. Age and growth of invasive lionfish (Pterois spp.) in the Caribbean, with implications for management. Bulletin of Marine Science 90(4):953-966. Refereed Flint, M., P.A. Eden, C.J. Limpus, H. Owen, C. Gaus, and P.C. Mills. 2014. Clinical and pathological findings in green turtles (Chelonia mydas) from Gladstone, Queensland: investigations of a stranding epidemic. EcoHealth DOI: 10.1007/s10393-014-0972-5. Garlock, T.M., C.T. Monk, K. Lorenzen, M.D. Matthews, and C.M. St. Mary. 2014. Effects of hatchery rearing on Florida largemouth bass resource allocation and survival under semi-natural conditions. Journal of Fish Biology 85: 1830-1842. Refereed Gillett, A.K., M. Flint, and P.A. Mills. 2014. An antemortem guide for the assessment of stranded Australian sea snakes (Hydrophiinae). Journal of Zoo and Wildlife Medicine 45, 755-765. Hazlerigg, C.R.E., C.R. Tyler, and K. Lorenzen, J.R. Wheeler, and P. Thorbek. 2014. Population relevance of toxicant mediated changes in sex ratio in fish: an assessment using an individual-based zebrafish (Danio rerio) model. Ecological Modeling 280: 76-88. Refereed Liebowitz, D.M, M.J. Cohen, J.B. Heffernan, L.V. Korhnak and T.K. Frazer. 2014. Environmentally‐mediated consumer control of algal proliferation in Florida springs. Freshwater Biology 59:2009-2023 Refereed Lorenzen, K. 2014. Managing fisheries enhancements. In: Sass, G.G. and M.S. Allen. Foundations of Fisheries Science. Bethesda, MD: American Fisheries Soci- ety. pp. 649-657. Book Chapter Lorenzen, K. 2014. Understanding and managing enhancements: why fisheries scientists should care. Journal of Fish Biology 85: 1807-1829. Refereed Moyer, G.R., E. Diaz-Ferguson, J.E. Hill, and C. Shea. 2014. Assessing environmental DNA detection in controlled lentic systems. PLoS ONE 9 (7):e103767.doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0103767 Refereed Journal online only. Patterson, J.T. and C.C. Green. 2014. Diet induced fatty acid variation in critical tissues of a spawning estuarine fish and consequences for larval fitness. Physiological and Biochemical Zoology 87: 612-622. Sale, P.F., T. Agardy, C.H. Ainsworth, B.E. Feist, J.D. Bell, P. Christie, O. Hoegh-Guldberg, P.J. Mumby, D.H. Feary, M.I. Saunders, T.M. Daw, S.J. Foale, P.S. Levin, K.C. Lindeman, K. Lorenzen, R.S. Pomeroy, E.H. Allison, R.H. Bradbury, J. Corrin, A.J. Edwards, D.O. Oburat, T. Sadovy de Mitcheson, M.A. Samoilys, and C.R.C. Sheppard. 2014. Transforming management of tropical coastal seas to cope with challenges of the 21st century. Marine Pollution Bulletin 85: 8-23. Refereed Smith, G.H., D.J. Murie, and D.C. Parkyn. 2014. Nonlethal sex determination of the greater amberjack, with direct application to sex ratio analysis of the Gulf of Mexico stock. Marine and Coastal Fisheries: Dynamics, Management, and Ecosystem Science 6: 200-210. Refereed. Soto, E., A.E. Primus, D.B. Pouder, R.H. George, J. Trevor, S.E. Cassle, T. Johnson, S. Boyd, T. Handsel, and R.P.E. Yanong. 2014. Identification of Fran- cisella noatunensis in novel host species French grunt (Haemulon flavolineatum) and Caesar grunt (Haemulon carbonarium). 2014. Journal of Zoo and Wildlife Medicine. 45 (3): 727-731. Refereed Steckler N.K., R.P.E. Yanong, D.B. Pouder, A. Nyaoke, D.A. Sutton, J.R. Lindner, B.L. Wickes, S. Frasca, J.C. Wolf, and T.B. Waltzek. 2014. New disease rec- ords for hatchery-reared sturgeon. II. Phaeohyphomycosis due to Veronaea botryosa. Diseases of Aquatic Organisms 111(3):229-238. Refereed Swett, R.A., D.A. Fann, and E. Staugler. 2014. Maps of Charlotte County General Permit Trafficshed Channels and Secondary Channels. Florida Sea Grant College Program Extension Fact Sheet, SGEF-209. 33pp. University of Florida, UF/IFAS EDIS. http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/sg133. Whiting, S.D, M.L. Guinea, K. Fomiatti, M. Flint, and C.J. Limpus. 2014. Plasma biochemical and PCV ranges for healthy, wild, immature hawksbill (Eretmochelys imbricata) sea turtles. Veterinary Record.doi: 10.1136/vr.101396 Yang, H., Y. Wang, X. Guo, and T.R. Tiersch, Production of inbred larvae through self-fertilization using oocytes and cryopreserved sperm from the same individuals after sex reversal in eastern oyster Crassostrea virginica. Aquaculture Research, 2014, Doi:10.1111/are.12371 WaterWorks - January 2015 Page 12 Molluscan Shellfish Aquaculture and Restoration Program Continue from Page 2 The eastern oyster industry is primarily fisheries-based in Florida; 3) Creation of inbred lines by self-fertilization by using non-lethal however, recent fishery failures have spurred increased interest in sperm collection and cryopreservation because most bivalves aquaculture. Recently, triploid-tetraploid technology was intro- begin life as males and change sex to females as they age. duced to Florida because triploid oysters (having three set of chromosomes rather than the normal two sets) possess desirable 4) Preservation of sperm from tetraploid oysters for benefits, such production traits, such as superior growth, reproductive sterility, as extending the commercialization of triploid-tetraploid tech- and improved meat quality during the summer months. Commer- nology. cial production of triploids is often dependent on the successful development of tetraploids (having four set of chromosomes), 5) Assistance for mutant breeding programs by cryopreserving which can be used to produce 100% triploid offspring by mating identified mutant carrier for creation of mutant lines. with diploids. Currently, tetraploid oysters derived from Gulf of 6) Assistance in hatchery production of seeds with easy access to Mexico stocks are in development. gametes or larvae year around.

Germplasm preservation is a technique to cryopreserve genetic materials, including gametes, embryos, or larvae, in perpetuation. Outlook, Extension and Outreach For shellfish, this technology has been studied primarily for use in bivalves, including oysters, mussels, pearl oysters, scallops, and The long-term goal of this program is to develop a genetic stock resource clams (but not the hard clam or sunray venus clam). The applica- center for shellfish, with wild populations, aquaculture-selected popula- tions of this technology in shellfish aquaculture can be: tions, specific lines, tetraploids, inbred lines, and mutant lines. These repositories can be used for aquaculture breeding programs to benefit 1) Preservation of natural populations within a germplasm industry production and provide unique research materials to benefit repository for the continued adaptive genetic variation within scientific research. Graduate and undergraduate students will be natural populations and easy access to study materials. involved in the program. The research results from this program will be presented at scientific and industry meetings, and distributed to industry 2) Preservation of specific lines or species, such as disease- members by our extension efforts through workshops, manuals, or videos. resistant oysters, to assist of breeding programs.

The Wet Vet Continue from Page 4 The future… probably still here in a couple a few, I am partners at the Coral Restoration Foundation, and at our new developing two branches of research that will operate under facility in Apollo Beach for which the first greenhouse is due to the umbrella of One Health conservation- sea turtle biology come online (water and power) within the next few weeks. This and epidemiology, and coral and Diadema (the long-spined facility will also house the long spined sea urchins (Diadema) we sea urchin) restoration. So far we have found that sea turtles will be investigating as an aide to coral survivorship and as a are present in Tampa Bay, there is an issue with incidental restoration effort for this species in its own right, after it was catch of them at local piers and that we have a good oppor- nearly eliminated back in the 1980’s. Never able to look at any tunity to conduct health surveillance programs with them in the species without wondering what ails it, we will also be diagnos- Bay area. I am applying for permits and grants to start our in ing and describing any diseases we find along the way. -water program where we hope to catch turtles in Tampa Bay, do health assessments, and use them as one of several On a serious note, I have spent the last two decades working sentinel indicator species of environmental health; all by with some of the most amazing species in the world in an effort launching directly into the Bay from the private onsite Tampa to better understand their habitat use and health. This has Electric built boat ramp. allowed me to travel widely, serve my country (both the defense and research worlds), and gain a wide range of This last coral spawn event (in August) we went to the Florida experiences from driving trucks and boats to building labs to Keys to examine ways to induce coral spawn using several teaching through to developing research units, new gold different chemicals (figure standards and new techniques, sometimes planned and some- on right). By good luck and Eggs times on the go. I am genuinely happy to be back in Florida and good guessing, we found a have the opportunity to study some familiar and some new chemical that stimulates animals and bring my version of One Health One Medicine to Caribbean Acropora corals the local aquatic habitat. My work can only be done as part of to release their eggs - a a collegial effort, so even though I’m down in Apollo Beach and first. We are now building don’t get much face time with the rest of the school or broader on this work to answer how IFAS community, please let me know if there is anything I can do and why. This will be done to help or if I have any skillsets that may add to your projects/ Acropora coral releasing eggs due to both in the Keys with our chemical stimulation community needs.