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Summer 2002

The Crest, Summer 2002

Virginia Institute of Marine Science

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Recommended Citation Virginia Institute of Marine Science. (2002) The Crest, Summer 2002. Virginia Institute of Marine Science, College of William and Mary. http://dx.doi.org/doi:10.21220/m2-trbf-hp71

This Newsletter is brought to you for free and open access by W&M ScholarWorks. It has been accepted for inclusion in Reports by an authorized administrator of W&M ScholarWorks. For more information, please contact [email protected]. WMILLIAM& ARY Volume 4, No. 2 Summer 2002 www.vims.edu VIIRGINIA NSTITUTE OF MS ARINE CIENCE SMSCHOOL OF ARINE CIENCE The

Current IssuesCrest in Coastal Ocean and Estuarine Science To B or Not to B: Pair Use Trout to Study Kidney’s Role in Nurturing Fish Immune Cells Dave Malmquist mice, whereas Steve has focused on differentiate further—into When humans are exposed to fish.” plasma and memory cells. infectious bacteria or other foreign B cells are frontline scouts of the Plasma cells quickly flood invaders, our immune system fights immune system. They recognize infected tissues with antibodies. back using an incredibly diverse host of bacteria, viruses, parasites, and fungi, The longer-lived memory cells cells and molecules—B cells, T cells, then produce antibodies to help the provide a means to recognize macrophages, cytokines, and antibodies, body rid itself of these and other and rebuke an invader if it among many others. foreign antigens. In fish, B cells are returns—whether tomorrow or As fellow vertebrates, fish produce thought to arise in the anterior kidney, years hence. From right to left: Dr. Steve Kaattari, with Erin and use the very same cells and though this has yet to be proven. They The intricacy of this Bromage and Ilsa Kaattari. molecules to confer immunity. But develop from stem cells via a complex process makes its occurrence amazingly, fish generate their immune pathway whose many twists and turns within completely different organs in Kaattari notes that activation of B cells in a completely different organ are controlled by the presence or mammals and fish truly remarkable, cells to produce antibodies is a particu- than do humans. In fish, immune cells absence of growth-regulating chemi- says Zwollo. By studying basic immu- larly promising area for this type of are thought to arise in the kidney. In cals. Bathe stem-cell progeny in one nological processes in trout, Kaattari comparative immunological research. humans and other mammals, it’s the chemical and they differentiate into and Zwollo believe they can ultimately “In trout, we have some evidence that bone marrow. mature B cells. Bathe them in another, shed light on how B cells differentiate mature B cells from the anterior kidney This paradox intrigues VIMS and they grow into T cells. Encounters in bone marrow and are activated to may continue to produce antibodies immunologist Dr. Steve Kaattari. with antigens cause mature B cells to fight diseases in humans. “What’s fascinating about fish is that Continued on page 4 they don’t have bone marrow,” says Kaattari, “yet their immune system Virginia Institute of Marine Science Non Profit Organization looks very similar to that of mammals. School of Marine Science U.S. Postage Paid The same types of cells work in the College of William and Mary Glou. Point, VA 23062 same sort of way. So now we’re P.O. Box 1346 Permit Number 6 asking, does the anterior kidney func- Gloucester Point, Virginia 23062 tion in developing a mature immune system for the fish? How might it ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED actually work?” To help answer these questions, Kaattari has teamed with Dr. Patty Zwollo of the Biology Department at William and Mary. The pair recently submitted a 4-year proposal to the National Institutes of Health to continue their research into the genesis and activation of B cells in rainbow trout. Zwollo notes that the collaboration provides “a great opportunity” to build on their shared interests and individual expertise. “We’re both B-cell immu- nologists,” says Zwollo, “but my focus has been on B-cell development in 2 The Crest Cobia Anyone? By Sally Mills The Crest Berret’s Restaurant and Raw Bar Vol. 4 No. 2 Summer 2002 in Williamsburg took on an air of excitement and drama on May 21st when 50 of its patrons ordered the cobia special for dinner. These particu- lar cobia entrees were unique indeed. They represented the first cobia spawned and raised completely in Dr. L. Donelson Wright captivity in the United States and Dean and Director served in a commercial setting. Virginia Institute of Marine Science Cobia grow fast and perform well School of Marine Science in captivity, making them an excellent species for culturing. Historically, cobia VIMS’ cobia aquaculture project has attracted worldwide attention. Editorial Board have migrated into to Dr. Eugene Burreson spend summer months in the estuary Grant. And the verdict? A very strong, future. This was music to the ears of Director of Research and before returning to more southern positive response from 91 percent of marine specialist Mike Oesterling, Advisory Services waters. The fish are keenly sought by the recipients. In fact, the majority of whose staff have been caretakers of Dr. William DuPaul recreational fishermen, who enjoy the taste testers rated the fish as firmly the fish since their spawning 11 months Associate Director for challenge of their notorious fighting textured with a pleasant flavor. Some ago. Advisory Services nature. But wild cobia are seen in 23 respondents considered it better The Virginia Institute of Marine fewer numbers today and recreational tasting than flounder, and 35 rated it Science continues to collaborate with Dr. William Reay pressure has intensified in recent better tasting than bluefish. other research institutions throughout Manager, CBNERRVA years. Restaurant owner Tom Austin was the southeast to develop cobia culture Page Hayhurst As part of their participation in this pleased with the turnout and the protocols, with the ultimate aim of Director for Development tasting event, Berret customers rated positive reaction, and promised to moving this technology into the private the cultured fish afterward in a brief include cultured cobia on the regular sector. Science Writer survey conducted by Virginia Sea menu if it becomes available in the Dr. David Malmquist Managing Editor Wanda W. Cohen Summer Intern Program By Susan Polk seminars that include topics on every- around for the first few days showed Wet shoes and muddy shorts are thing from “The Secret Social Life of me the grant proposal and management Virginia Sea Grant part of “the color of fun” in summer. Shrimp” to “How to Apply to Graduate aspects of research that I wasn’t Sally Mills But if you’ve been around VIMS lately, School: Tips from the Faculty Who aware of before.” Intern Joel Tom Murray you’ve seen the same browns and Read the Files.” Field trips on kayaks Nuebauer said that he was enjoying greens in “the color of experience.” and research vessels to freshwater “actually using the equipment” he had Contributor A select group of undergraduate systems, the Bay, and the Atlantic learned about in his undergraduate Susan Polk students are happily getting experience shoreface of the Delmarva Peninsula courses at W&M. “I’m having a “up to their knees” through the VIMS are a fun and important part of the blast,” said Justin Zabrecky, from Summer Intern Program. This interdis- program. Spring Hill College in Mobile, Alabama, Art Director ciplinary program focuses on processes The students you’ve seen this “I love the hands-on work and working Susan Stein in local estuarine environments and summer are experiencing first hand with the scientists. It’s what I want to offers students hands-on research what to expect as graduate students, do.” experience. Former intern James and ultimately as scientists. Stephanie The Summer Intern Program Douglass said, “When I found out I had Bolton, a student intern from Wake receives substantial NSF funding via a been accepted in the program and Forest, currently working with Fu-Lin Research Experience for Undergradu- would be working with Emmett Duffy, Chu shared, “Following my mentor ate (REU) site program along with it was great. I had heard about his support from VIMS, W&M, and grants Waterfront News biodiversity work in class and was obtained by individual mentors. In- Vol. 9, No. 2 really excited to get to work with him.” creased participation from under- This work is the result of research supported Approximately twelve interns are represented groups in marine science in part by NOAA Office of Sea Grant, U.S. Department of Commerce, under grant chosen each year from 120-150 is a program objective. Associate No. NA56RG-0141 to the Virginia Graduate applicants from all over the continental professor Linda Schaffner heads Marine Science Consortium and the U.S., Hawaii, and Puerto Rico. VIMS’ program, which is now in its Virginia Sea Grant College Program. The intern program provides fourteenth year. “Most of the interns individual research experiences for I have worked with are like sponges, Chesapeake Bay students as well as group activities. anxious to learn, enthusiastic and National Estuarine The interns work closely with a mentor curious, looking for opportunities to Research Reserve in developing a project that they will experience as much as they can during in Virginia research in the laboratory and/or field. the summer,” Schaffner comments, a fair Bay Spring The students present their results in a “I love it when interns from 5 or 10 Vol. 12, No. 2 program that is open to the VIMS VIMS summer intern “digging in” on the years ago tell me that the internship community. Interns also attend weekly Eastern Shore. made a big difference in their life.” The Crest 3 New Findings Surprise Researchers By Wanda Cohen like related parasites. But it turned out Although VIMS researchers have that Perkinsus has a major distinction. studied the pathogen, Perkinsus While other parasitic pathogens could marinus for years, scientists say produce simple fatty acids, Perkinsus they’ve reached a new stage in the is able to make the more complex work. Recently, Drs. Fu-Lin Chu and arachidonic acid. That is significant Eric Lund determined that Perkinsus because it may help explain why the marinus is able to synthesize arachi- pathogen is so virulent in . donic acid, an essential fatty acid that Based on these findings, the animals and humans need. Arachidonic National Science Foundation recently acid is important in making hormones renewed funding to enable the re- and in cell communication – or “cell searchers to expand their work. “We signaling.” The parasite needs the fatty have several important questions we acid for energy and to produce new plan to address in this phase of the cell membranes as it multiplies to study,” said Chu. The team hopes to spread through its host. In 1998, when find out if the process of synthesizing the scientists turned their attention to the fatty acid takes place when the how the parasite acquires and uses parasite is inside the oyster or when it fats, they expected the organism to be is in the water column or both. For this

Drs. Fu-Lin Chu and Eric Lund led recent Perkinsus study.

portion of the study, molecular biologist, Perkinsus doesn’t appear to have a Dr. Kimberly Reece will work with carrier, and scientists believe it floats in Chu and Lund to identify the genes that the water until finding oysters to infect. are involved in the process of making Perkinsus can survive outside the host arachidonic acid. If it turns out that for some time, but it does not multiply inside the oyster the parasite loses its during this phase of its life cycle. ability to make arachidonic acid, then Perkinsus marinus, which causes the scientists will need to identify the Dermo disease in oysters, is one of the underlying mechanisms that trigger the diseases that had devastated the native genes to turn “on” and “off.” “Either oyster populations in the Chesapeake way this turns out, we will know a Bay and along the east coast and Gulf great deal more about this pathogen,” coasts of the United States. In the past said Chu. few decades, there has been a world- By understanding this aspect of the wide increase in the frequency and parasites physiology, scientists hope intensity of diseases that affect eco- they can ultimately develop strategies nomically and ecologically important that would interfere with the pathogens marine organisms. Several parasitic ability to multiply in the oyster and thus species from the genus Perkinsus This photo shows a healthy oyster on the left, and a diseased oyster on the right. interrupt the disease process. have been associated with the outbreak Some parasites, like Plasmodium of diseases and subsequent mortality in that causes malaria, need carriers — many cultivated and wild populations of Annual Fund Biotechnology like the mosquito—to spread. But shellfish. Board Initiative At its June 5th meeting, the VIMS VIMS Director Don Wright was What is Dermo? Annual Fund Board honored outgoing named to serve on the Governor’s Dermo was first documented in the Gulf of Mexico in the 1940s where Chairman John Dayton for his numer- Advisory Board for the Virginia it was associated with extensive oyster mortalities. The disease was found ous contributions over the past several Biotechnology Initiative, a panel in Chesapeake Bay in 1949 and has been present in the Bay since that years and named Peter Clay from charged with developing a comprehen- time. By the mid-1950s, Dermo had spread to Delaware Bay and since Richmond as its new Chairman. The sive and coordinated statewide strategy that time has been found in Connecticut, New York, Massachusetts, and Board assists the institute in fundraising to attract additional biotechnology Maine. The parasite thrives in warm water temperatures with high salinity. and community outreach activities. investment in the Commonwealth. The In June 2001, the Office International des Epizooties (OIE), designated Annual Fund Board member Carrie Governor has instructed the Board to VIMS as the world reference laboratory for Perkinsus and Garland chaired the VIMS Auction in produce specific recommendations and Haplosporidium. These two pathogens cause disease in shellfish world- April to benefit the Hargis Library actions for making Virginia a leader in wide. (See CREST, Vol.3 No.2 Fall 2001.) Over the past fifty years, the Endowment. President-elect Clay said, the biotechnology industry by Novem- institute has been a world leader in research on these pathogens. Today, “I look forward to continuing in the ber 15, 2002. most laboratories use techniques developed at VIMS for identifying the path of John Dayton’s fine leadership parasites. VIMS continues to lead the way in shellfish disease research over the past two years and supporting that has economic impacts worldwide. the mission of VIMS.” 4 The Crest VIMS Researchers Use Sonar To Study Impact of Poundnets on Sea Turtles By Dave Malmquist seagrass blades, and assorted flotsam Musick and Mansfield’s sonar Preliminary work with a sonar in regions where Bay currents are project is funded by the National system that allows VIMS researchers strong. The number of large-mesh Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), as to peer beneath the murky waters of leaders in the Bay has declined signifi- part of its larger effort to assess the Chesapeake Bay suggests that en- cantly since the 1980s, both through impact of commercial fisheries on sea tanglement of sea turtles in poundnet voluntary removals by concerned turtles in the Chesapeake Bay. All sea “leaders” may occur less often than pound netters and an overall decline in turtles in U.S. waters are classified as commonly thought. the poundnet . either threatened or endangered under A leader is a long, fence-like Musick’s team and other local sea the Endangered Species Act, and thus drapery of mesh used by commercial turtle researchers have traditionally NMFS is legally bound to protect them anglers to steer herring, menhaden, and relied on observations from boats, from intentional or incidental harm due other fish into a net-floored impound- airplanes, and the shore because the to poundnet , gill netting, dredg- ment. turbid waters of Chesapeake Bay ing, blasting, boating, or any other A program of surface observations obscure what might be happening in human activities. begun in the mid 1980s by VIMS’ Dr. deeper water. If turtles tangle there, Each year, tens to hundreds of sea Jack Musick and his graduate students beneath the view of surface observers, turtles wash up dead on Virginia’s showed that poundnet leaders with the number of sea turtle mortalities beaches. Most of these stranded turtles large mesh and vertical “stringers” can may be underestimated. are juvenile loggerheads. Because pose a threat to sea turtles. These “That’s why sonar is important,” many are severely decomposed, it is leader types provide openings large says Kate Mansfield, a Ph.D. student often impossible to determine their enough to snare a turtle’s flippers or in Musick’s lab. “Some poundnet cause of death through autopsy. NMFS Sonar image of western Chesapeake head. Ensnared turtles can then leaders reach depths of 30 feet, but we considers poundnet entanglement the Bay poundnet. succumb due to drowning or exhaus- can only see a few feet into the murky logical cause for many of the beached ers, the possibility of additional en- tion. water. Sonar allows us to see what’s carcasses, citing Musick’s mid-1980’s tanglements under water, and a lack of Poundnetters use large-mesh going on beneath the surface” (see observations of surface entanglement other explanations. leaders to reduce clogging by jellyfish, sidebar on page 8). in leaders with large mesh and string- Continued on page 8

To B or Not to B.... The pair’s B-cell research builds ensure that fish in aquaria have the infected with mycobacteriosis, a continued from page 1 on Kaattari’s previous advances in cold, clean water they need. chronic disease whose characteristic developing the rainbow trout as an But the trout’s big advantage is lesions first showed up in Bay stripers long after their initial exposure to an alternative to mice as experimental that it provides researchers with a in 1994. The prevalence of this disease antigen. We’re really interested in why animals. Researchers have historically model animal that is agriculturally in the Bay’s striper population has that is. There are some elements that relied on mammalian models—the important. Trout, and their near rela- raised numerous questions concerning seem very reminiscent of bone mar- proverbial “lab rat”—to explore tives the salmon, “are about the most its origin and transmission. row.” biomedical questions. “In our lab,” says important species in aquaculture,” says To help answer these questions, Recent studies with mammals Kaattari, “we’re refining trout as Kaattari. “They are cultured around Kaattari and fellow VIMS researchers show that bone marrow sometimes another model of biomedical research, the world. In Virginia alone, there are are developing a suite of genetic tests holds long-lived plasma cells that particularly in immunology.” at least 12 trout hatcheries.” to determine if a striper is infected with constantly trickle antibodies targeted at Several traits favor fish, trout in Use of a trout model to increase or has developed immunity to myco- previously encountered invaders. particular, as biomedical models. For basic understanding of the fish immune bacteriosis. The tests will require only Traditional thinking holds that plasma one, researchers can manipulate fish system thus promises significant a small sample of blood, which could cells are short-lived, dying off as soon reproduction to quickly produce large economic return, particularly since be taken by VIMS’ Juvenile Trawl as an invader is vanquished, and that numbers of identical offspring. farmed fish are crowded and therefore Survey team during their monthly memory cells in the spleen provide the Whereas it took hundreds of genera- more prone to disease than their wild catch-and-release sampling of Chesa- long-term protection. But memory cells tions to produce genetically identical kin. Coupled with its basic scientific peake Bay fish and invertebrates. The must be activated before they can mice, collaborators at Washington State merits, the potential economic value of Trawl Survey and other population and respond. Retention of active plasma University created strains of identical Kaattari’s research makes it attractive tagging studies provide a comprehen- cells could thus help the immune trout in only two generations. Use of to a wide range of funding agencies. sive view of the Bay’s striper popula- system react more quickly to future genetically identical animals ensures a To date, five different agencies have tion. Correlating the blood-test results invasions. “You save time doing it this consistent, statistically meaningful funded his trout work, including the with abundance and distribution data way,” says Zwollo. response to immunological challenges. National Oceanic and Atmospheric from these surveys will “allow us to If Kaattari and Zwollo’s research Young trout are also small enough that Administration, the US Fish and look at the dynamics of disease and its shows that the anterior kidney is indeed thousands can be reared in a normal- Wildlife Service, the US Department of impact within a wild population, and the reservoir for long-lived plasma cells sized laboratory, yet they grow large Agriculture, the National Institutes of that’s virtually never been done in trout, it would support the idea that enough (10-15 pounds) for easy Health, and the Department of Energy. before,” says Kaattari. this organ is where fish develop B manipulation and use in long-term In addition to trout, Kaattari is For further information on fish cells. “That’s the way it works in experiments. With mice, juveniles and studying the immune response within immunity research at VIMS (including mammals,” says Zwollo, “long-lived adults vary little in size. Finally, trout another commercially important fish video clips from Steve Kaattari’s plasma cells reside in bone marrow, the care is relatively easy, particularly now species—the striped bass. laboratory), visit the VIMS web site at same organ that nurtures young B that high-tech biofilters and chillers In Chesapeake Bay, around 70% http://www.vims.edu/env/research/ cells.” of these popular game fish are now immune.html The Crest 5 Scientists from VIMS and Wales Initiate New Study of Turbulence and Sediment Movement in Chesapeake Bay Tributary By Wanda Cohen on the flood tide than during the ebb determines where A team of five scientists from the flow. This suggests that more particles anything in the University of Wales, Bangor is working are suspended on flood than ebb tides water will go – with a team of VIMS scientists on a thereby moving more sediment up- sediment, pollut- project to measure turbulence in the stream during the flood tide. The team ants, eggs, larvae, York River estuary during a full spring of scientists from Wales and VIMS and pathogens that neap-tide cycle. The concept for the now wants to test this hypothesis in the may be in the project was conceived several years York River estuary. water. ago when Dr. John Simpson, Head of Turbulence affects the rates at The scientists the School of Ocean Science, Univer- which adjacent layers of water mix will deploy auto- sity of Wales Bangor, was visiting with each other and exchange momen- mated instruments VIMS. tum. In the water column, turbulence for 15 days to Using an acoustic doppler current involves movement in all directions and observe and record profiler, (ADCP), researchers mea- also affects the ability of water to pick the full spring - sured currents and turbulence through- up and transport sediment from the neap tide cycle. Research teams worked around the clock aboard the R/V Langley. out the water column using reflected bed. This is very important because it Samples of water acoustic signals. and sediment will also be collected. Drapers Company of London provides Basically, sound “Basically, we will measure everything support for the exchange program, waves are emitted that moves,” explains Simpson. Infor- including the costs of the present visit from the ADCP mation gathered from experiments to VIMS by the Wales team. and reflected back such as this provides a new dimension This latest experiment is closely creating a pulsating of data to strengthen dynamic models related to a four-year National Science signal that scien- of movement in marine environments. Foundation grant awarded in 1999 to tists can analyze. This collaboration is part of a Carl Friedrichs entitled “Sediment The ADCP tech- formal agreement between VIMS and dynamics of a microtidal partially- nology enables the University of Wales, Bangor mixed estuary,” which also focuses on researchers to established in 1998 to promote joint ebb-flood asymmetries in turbulence measure both research and exchange programs for and sediment suspension. Friedrichs’ currents and students and scientists. Over the past NSF grant supported vessel operations, turbulence simulta- four years there have been various VIMS technical staff and field supplies neously throughout collaborations among scientists as well for the collaborative experiment with the water column. as a field course for VIMS students on the University of Wales. Friedrichs’ Initial experiments the Bangor campus. During the proposal on this topic resulted in his in the Irish Sea summer of 2001, five students from receiving the Presidential Early Career revealed that more Professor Colin Jago from Wales processing samples on the Wales spent several weeks on the Award for Scientists and Engineers turbulence occurs R/V Langley. VIMS campus doing research. The from Bill Clinton in 2000. New Dean of Graduate Studies More Than 200 Attend VIMS Dr. Iris Anderson, Professor of “The School of Marine Science Marine Science, Dept. of Biological attracts the best and brightest students Auction Sciences has been named Dean of from across the nation,” said Anderson, The 4th Annual Graduate Studies. Anderson, who “My immediate goals are to find VIMS Auction joined the VIMS additional funding attracted over 200 faculty in 1993, sources for our stu- people to bid on items received her B.S. dents and to enhance ranging from dinners from Colby College; teaching opportunities at fine restaurants to her graduate work for VIMS faculty and oriental rugs to a was completed at students.” Anderson week on the French MIT and the Medical has served on the SMS Riviera. The event College of Virginia, admissions committee raised over $28,000 VCU. Her primary for 8 years and chair or to support the Hargis research focuses on co-chair for 3 of those Library Endowment nitrogen and carbon years. “Twenty-nine at VIMS. Annual Attendees placing silent auction bids in the VIMS Library. cycling, primarily in students will enter in Fund Board member shallow subtidal and the fall of 2002,” said Carrie Garland chaired the event with The VIMS community is very grateful intertidal systems. Dr. Iris Anderson Anderson,” I am very help from more than 30 volunteers, for the Auction committee and all who Anderson has worked excited about having VIMS faculty, students and staff. The support the library that is vital to the extensively in Chesapeake Bay as well the opportunity to work with these Auction Committee wishes to thank all quality of work by faculty, students and as in systems in Africa, Brazil and the students and our faculty to continue to the businesses and individuals who staff at the institute. Czech Republic. broaden the opportunities for students donated items for the auction. at VIMS.” 6 The Crest Kauffman Aquaculture Center Groundbreaking On May 18, 2002 VIMS broke James E. Rogers, Campaign Chair, ground for the Kauffman Aquaculture Kauffman Aquaculture Center; and L. Center, the first building located at the Donelson Wright, Dean, School of future VIMS’ campus in Topping, Marine Science and Director, Virginia Virginia. This new facility will include Institute of Marine Science, provided brood stock and quarantine laboratories remarks during the ground breaking. as well as space to provide the capabil- In April, 2001, VIMS launched a ity for scientists to conserve important capital campaign to match a gift from genetic material from oyster species Mr. and Mrs. Jack Kauffman to from around the world for breeding construct the Kauffman Aquaculture research. The Honorable W. Tayloe Center. Under the guidance of Cam- Murphy, Jr., Secretary of Natural paign Chair, James E. Rogers, the Resources, Commonwealth of Virginia, campaign met its goal in less than six along with Timothy J. Sullivan, Presi- months. dent, The College of William & Mary; Left to Right: W&M President Timothy Sullivan, Jack Kauffman, Boots Kauffman, Dean/Director Don Wright, Campaign Chair Jim Rogers, and Secretary of Natural Resources The Honorable Tayloe Murphy.

Growth in Saltwater and Virginia’s Recreational Saltwater Boating in Virginia, 1994-2001 1.4 Fishing Economy Continues to Expand 1.2 By Tom Murray from which to benchmark expenditure estimated that 1 As we all know, the decade of the and impact estimates using more saltwater anglers in 0.8

1990s represented a period of amazing current participation and expenditure Virginia incurred 0.6

growth in many areas of the state’s data released periodically by the fishing trip expendi- (1993=base) economy. In terms of increased use of NOAA Fisheries Service. tures2 of $180.3 0.4 Virginia’s marine resources, growth in In addition to angler effort data for million in 1994. The 0.2

saltwater recreational activity the years following the VIMS study 1998 MRFSS survey Index of boat and license numbers 0 led the way. (1994-2001), NOAA published a work estimated that 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 It is interesting to review two “Marine Angler Expenditure Survey in anglers in Virginia Years benchmark studies on sport fishing Northeast Region, 1998,” which spent $334.8 million Saltwater Fishing Licenses Recreational Boat Licenses conducted during the period that includes information on saltwater on the same “trip chronicle this rapid growth. By linking fishing expenditures similar to that expenditures.”3 estimated. Multiplying the average those data collection efforts on recre- collected by VIMS in 1994. As seen Saltwater Angling Leads to expenditure by the estimated number ational fishing and boating activity in below, the aggregate level of fishing Economic Growth of saltwater angling trips of 4,128,242 Virginia, a general index for estimating activity has risen an estimated 57% In addition to angler expenditures, (MRFSS 2001), $421.1 million are current expenditures and economic since 1994 according to the National the 1994 study also estimated the total estimated to have been spent on fishing impacts associated with these activities Marine Fisheries Service’s Marine economic impact arising from recre- trips during 2001. can be developed. In 1994, a study by Recreational Fisheries Statistics Survey ational angling activity in Virginia. The VIMS study also found that VIMS economist Dr. Jim Kirkley, (MRFSS). The most recent MRFSS Using total (“trip” and “annual”) fishing such trip expenses were 59% of the “Saltwater Angling and Its Economic results estimate that over 4.1 million expenditures, a “direct impact” on the total expenditures made by recreational Importance to Virginia,” utilized survey saltwater fishing trips from all fishing state of $191.5 million was estimated to saltwater fishermen during 1994. data to document angling expenditures “modes” (i.e., shore, private/rental initiate a total economic impact of Assuming the same relationship, it is as a basis for estimating an economic boats, and party charter) were con- $477.2 million during 1994. Adjusting estimated that $708 million was spent impact model for the recreational ducted in Virginia during 2001. for general price increases, that would on recreational saltwater angling in fishery. That cornerstone study is still Over the same time period, the represent $579 million in 2002 dollars. Virginia last year. Finally, by using the useful today because it provides a base number of licensed recreational When also accounting for the in- VIMS ’94 survey-derived economic saltwater fisher- creased recreational saltwater fishing impact assessment and the most recent Growth in Saltwater Recreational Fishing Trips, men has increased activity reflected by the indicators fishing effort data, the overall eco- 1994-2001 21% and the above, particularly the number of nomic impact from saltwater angling 4,500,000 number of recre- angler trips taken, total economic during 2001 is estimated at just

4,000,000 ational watercraft activity associated with the fishery has over one billion dollars. registered has likely grown significantly, and a reason- 3,500,000 1 grown by 15%.1 able estimate can be made. Virginia Department of Game & Inland Fisheries. 3,000,000 Fishing license numbers are through November 2001; Along with such Comparing the results of the two boat registration numbers were through December 2001. 2,500,000 2 growth in the studies, the average expenditure per Trip expenditures include transportation, food, 2,000,000 lodging, boat fuel, fees, equipment rental, bait, ice, etc. number of anglers fishing trip in 1994 was $68, while in but exclude costs for equipment and gear purchases and Fishing Tripls 1,500,000 and fishing activity, 1998 – according to the MRFSS – it the “annual costs” such as boat ownership, insurance, 1,000,000 taxes, etc. The total including those costs in 1994 was overall economic was estimated at $113. By adjusting for estimated to be $303.5 million and is estimated to be 500,000 activity associated inflation over these periods and averag- $605 million in the 1998 MRFSS survey. When

Number of Saltwater Recreational adjusting for inflation over the time period, the 1998 0 with saltwater ing the two estimates of trip expendi- figure would be $555 million, or an increase of 82%. 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 angling has grown. tures in 2001 dollars, an average 3 $183 million were expenditures by non-residents, Number of Fishing Trips compared to $151 million spent on fishing trips by Years The VIMS study expenditure per fishing trip of $102 is Virginia anglers. The Crest 7 Chesapeake Workboat Races Part of Hampton Roads Heritage Jon Lucy captains, marine businesses, civic boats typically range from new to Workboat captains have always leaders, and Norfolk’s FestEvents team over 75 years old with more raced. The tradition is part of a daily has helped keep VIMS in touch with fiberglass boats joining the competition to get to the dock first, not the practical workings of the water- workboat fleet each year. “But only with the freshest product, but also front.” for real excitement, nothing beats to get the top market price. If the truth Over the years Harborfest events seeing the captains competing be known, however, pride in one’s boat, (always the second weekend in June) against each other during the since often more time is spent there have expanded to include a workboat docking and racing events,” Lucy than at home, and how much speed parade (decorated boats process along explains. “And hearing the events can be coaxed from its engine is what the waterfront), and most recently, a skillfully narrated by co-coordina- really drives the racing tradition. It’s all docking contest. “There is no better tor Sonny Insley (from a Capt. Todd Smith, from Gwynns Island, on for bragging rights, whether racing for showplace than Harborfest for people Poquoson waterman family) is a Bay Lady as he powers to first place. fun or during organized events as part to see close up boat design features treat unto itself!” of waterfront celebrations (bigger key to working under all weather-sea At Norfolk’s Harborfest June 7-9, July for next year) and Poquoson (set bragging rights!). conditions imaginable, but also how 2002, nearly 70 workboats rafted up at for October 13), help remind all of us Jon Lucy, VIMS Sea Grant Marine designs and materials have changed Nauticus, representing perhaps one of about the technical skills associated Advisory Program has helped coordi- over the years. In Nauticus harbor, the the largest gatherings of workboats in with while under- nate workboat races in recent years from Chesapeake Bay scoring the importance of the Tidewater for the past ports. The wood and fiberglass boats, and maritime industries to the Com- twenty-one years. Norfolk’s coming from as far as Tangier Island, monwealth. Harborfest Committee ranged in size from crab skiffs (16-18 Workboats daily harvesting sea- approached Lucy in 1981 to feet) to conch, gill net, and clam boats food from the waters of Chesapeake assist in diversifying their up to 47 feet long, the latter capable of Bay are a mainstay of Virginia’s maritime heritage festival by working both Bay and ocean waters. A seafood industry. Indicative of the helping to organize workboat record eighteen races were run plus importance of these traditional vessels races. “It has been a terrific several runoff challenge races (for to Virginia’s maritime heritage, in 1988 experience for me and what are called “Top Eliminator the Chesapeake Bay deadrise was VIMS,” says Lucy. “The Workboat” bragging rights). The designated by the Virginia General Capt. Timmy Lindsay, from Poquoson, on Kristen Marie opportunity to get to know workboat events at Harborfest, like Assembly as the “Official Boat of the racing for the finish line. and work with such great those in Yorktown (changed to late Commonwealth.” Recent Faculty and Student Awards Faculty Science Advisory Committee to EPA Joel Hoffman, Ph.D. student, Dept. John Zeigler Award: Janet Dr. John (Jack) A. Musick, Depart- Administrator Christie Todd Whitman. of , received a Nestlerode, supported by friends and ment of Fisheries Science, was Only 100 scientists nationwide are National Science Foundation Graduate family of the late Dean of Graduate awarded the 2002 American Fisheries appointed to serve in this capacity. Research Fellowship Award. studies John Zeigler Society Excellence in Fisheries Educa- Dr. Morris Roberts, Dept. of Envir- Todd Gedamke, Ph.D. student, Dean’s Prize for Advancement of tion Award. onmental and Aquatic Animal Health, received the Thurlow C. Nelson Women in Science: Elizabeth Dr. Carl Hershner, Director, Center was named 2001 Science Advisor of Award at the 2001 National Shellfish- Hinchey the Year by Elizabeth River Project. eries Association annual meeting in for Coastal Resources Management, Hargis Award: Kristen France, Mystic, CT. The Nelson Award is was recently elected Chair of the Gov. Warner recently appointed Dr. supported by friends and family of given to a graduate student of research Scientific and Technical Advisory Kirk Havens Assistant Director of former VIMS Dean and Director, Dr. for the outstanding oral presentation Committee to the Chesapeake Bay the Center for Coastal Resources William J. Hargis, Jr. representing a distinctive and valuable Program. His term will begin in 2003. Management. contribution to shellfisheries science. Dr. Deborah Steinberg, Dept. of Classified and Faculty Awards Biological Sciences, has been elected Student Annual Awards Ceremony Research and Advisory Service: Tom Ihde, Ph.D. student, Dept. of Vicky Clark, Marine Education Spe- Secretary of the Ocean Sciences Annual VIMS Awards Ceremony Fisheries Science was awarded a cialist section of the American Geophysical was held May 10, 2001 to recognize NOAA NMFS Stock Assessment Union (AGU). Ocean Sciences is the outstanding student and employee Faculty Advisory Service: Romuald Fellowship. Previously, Tom received largest section of AGU and includes performance for the year 2000-2001. Lipcius, Dept. Fisheries Science about 20% of the 40,000 scientists in funding from the Wildlife Conservation AGU. Society for his work in Belize. Student Awards Classified Trades: Danny Gouge: Craig Smith Fellowship: Ph.D. Dive Master Dave Gauthier, Ph. D. student, Dept. Dr. Linda Schaffner, Dept. of Biologi- student Chris Earnhart, supported by of Environmental Sciences, won best Safety: Paul Nichols, Safety Office, cal Sciences, will begin serving a term friends and family of late VIMS faculty student presentation at the Annual Tom Grose: Safety Office as president of the Estuarine Research Craig Smith Federation (ERF) in 2003. ERF is an Meeting of the American Fisheries Technical Support: Mike Seebo, international organization representing Society Fish Health Section and 42nd Mathew Fontaine Maury Award: Dept. Fisheries Science estuarine and coastal ocean scientists Western Fish Disease Workshop held Ph.D. student Art Trembanis, support- and has a membership of about 1500. June 26-29, 2001 in Victoria, Canada. ed by Captain Maury Werth and family Administrative Support: Patricia Hall, Information Technology and Dr. Michael Newman, Dept. of Kate Mansfield, Ph.D. student, Dept. Kelley Watson Fellowship: John Networking Services Environmental and Aquatic Animal of Fisheries Science, was awarded an Pohlman in honor of VIMS student Health, was recently appointed to the EPA STAR Fellowship for three years. Kelley Watson 8 The Crest Calendar of Events —August 2002— —September 2002— —October 2002— 02 Public Tour 02 Labor Day – Closed 01 TOGA Board Meeting 09 Public Tour 06 Public Tour 04 Public Tour 14-16 Wetland Plants ID Course 13 Public Tour 04-05 Mid Atlantic Marine Education 16 Public Tour Pat Donahue Concert Association (MAMEA) Conference 23 Public Tour 17-20 Wetlands Delineation Workshop 10 Garden Clubs of Virginia 26-27 Fall Semester Orientation 19 VA Native Plant Society Presidents Meeting 28 Fall Semester Classes Begin 20 Public Tour 11 Public Tour 30 Public Tour 27 Public Tour 14 Chef Symposium 27-28 VIMS Council 18 Public Tour For more information call 25 Homecoming Weekend, Tour @ 2pm 804/684-7101 or 804/684-7011. 25 Public Tour 26 Donor Day Visit our website at www.vims.edu

VIMS Researchers Use Sonar To Mansfield would like to monitor the mortality or instead pose a diminishing leaders with large mesh and stringers Study Impact of Pound Nets on nets more frequently, and throughout threat due to their decreasing numbers, from the Virginia poundnet fishery Sea Turtles the sea turtle residency season, which Mansfield’s work can help the National from early May to the end of June. continued from page 4 continues in the Bay until autumn Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) For additional information on the cooling. Surface entanglements and refine its regulations concerning human VIMS Sea Turtle Stranding Program, To date, Mansfield’s research does strandings are much less common after interactions with Chesapeake Bay sea visit http://www.fisheries.vims.edu/ not support this view. She has so far the migratory peak ends in late June. turtles. A recent NMFS ruling banned turtletracking/stsp.html seen no evidence that poundnet leaders “There’s some evidence,” says are trapping live turtles at depth, Mansfield, “that turtles are more likely Passing sailors may have thought Some of the resulting images are regardless of leader type. “We’ve seen to become entangled when they first them a nautical apparition, two so detailed and crisp, says Mansfield, a few turtles in the nets,” says migrate into the Bay because their pirates sending a pair of shrouded that using them to calculate the Mansfield, “but these are severely energy reserves are low and they’re shipmates to Davy Jones’ locker. dimensions of a scanned carapace decomposed and may have floated in unable to avoid or escape the leaders in But the “pirates” are really gives values within inches of physical with the tide after death.” areas where currents are strong and VIMS researchers Kate Mansfield measurements of the actual shells. To help explain these results, the leader mesh size large. Some of the and Bob Gammisch, their “- Scanning of the frozen carcasses Mansfield notes that the 1980s study loggerheads have migrated to the mates” the frozen bodies of a is a necessary first step in developing took place when there were more than Chesapeake from as far away as the loggerhead and Kemp’s ridley sea techniques for quick and accurate 300 pound nets in the Bay, over half of Florida Keys and the Gulf of Mexico.” turtle. The burial shroud is a length of sonic identification of leader-en- which were large mesh. “Now,” she The decline in entanglements , and the pirate ship is the tangled turtles. Even with the latest in says, “there are far fewer nets being during the remaining warm-weather VIMS R/V Coot. high-tech gear, recognizing a turtle in fished, and less than 20 are considered months may occur because turtles Mansfield and Gammisch are a sonar image still requires a prac- large mesh.” The Chesapeake’s main have had a chance to regain strength using the preserved turtle specimens ticed eye. The reflected sound waves stem currently holds from 50-75 active by feeding in Bay waters and to as models, snapping sonar images of that create the sonar image also echo leaders. Of these, 10-15 feature large establish regular feeding grounds. their net-bound carcasses to help back from the leader netting, fish, mesh, vertical “stringers,” or both. By helping to determine if pound better envision how a living or newly suspended sediments, and assorted Mansfield’s grant allows her to nets are a hidden source of turtle dead turtle would look on sonar if flotsam. monitor sea turtle interac- tangled in a poundnet “leader.” Mansfield and Gammisch have tions with active leaders in Certain types of leader nets have also developed a catalog that contains Virginia’s Chesapeake Bay been implicated in sea turtle mortality a sonar image of each active leader waters from May to June, and strandings in Chesapeake Bay when turtle-free. These provide a when sea turtle strandings in (see accompanying article). baseline to help identify any entangled Chesapeake Bay tradition- By scanning submerged car- turtles on subsequent surveys of the ally peak. This is when casses of a loggerhead and Kemp’s same net. turtles begin to migrate into ridley (on loan from Dr. Jack If a sonar image shows a shape warming Bay waters to start Musick’s specimen collection), that resembles their search images, feeding on a summertime Mansfield and Gammisch are able to Mansfield lowers a video camera to bounty of blue crabs, develop a “search image” of each confirm that it is indeed an entangled horseshoe crabs, and fish. species’ characteristic shape, size, sea turtle, and not a clump of flotsam If the weather allows, and capacity for reflecting sound or seaweed. Use of video obviates Mansfield visits and scans waves. Most entangled turtles are the need to send a diver into the each active leader every juvenile loggerheads. water, a risky enterprise given that week or so. To corroborate many poundnet leaders are located in and extend her findings, Juvenile Kemps Ridley turtle. areas with strong currents.