New paper in Royal Society Interface! Integrating kelp genomic analyses and geological data to reveal ancient earthquake impacts:
https://doi.org/10.1098/rsif.2023.0105
#geology #earthquake #algae #seaweed #kelp #genetics #genomics #marinesci #marinebio #evolution #ecology
New paper about heat stress and wasting disease on sea cucumbers by colleagues. Really good read, even if it's not your domain. Extra points for testing drooping!
https://peerj.com/articles/14548/
#science #heatstress #publication #marinesci #biology #cucumber
Oceanic heatwaves have significant impacts on disease dynamics in marine ecosystems. Following an extreme heatwave in Nanoose Bay, British Columbia, Canada, a severe sea cucumber wasting event occurred that resulted in the mass mortality of Apostichopus californicus. Here, we sought to determine if heat stress in isolation could trigger wasting symptoms in A. californicus. We exposed sea cucumbers to (i) a simulated marine heatwave (22 °C), (ii) an elevated temperature treatment (17 °C), or (iii) control conditions (12 °C). We measured the presence of skin lesions, mortality, posture maintenance, antipredator defences, spawning, and organ evisceration during the 79-hour thermal exposure, as well as 7-days post-exposure. Both the 22 °C and 17 °C treatments elicited stress responses where individuals exhibited a reduced ability to maintain posture and an increase in stress spawning. The 22 °C heatwave was particularly stressful, as it was the only treatment where mortality was observed. However, none of the treatments induced wasting symptoms as observed in the Nanoose Bay event. This study provides evidence that sea cucumber wasting may not be triggered by heat stress in isolation, leaving the cause of the mass mortality event observed in Nanoose unknown.
Focusing on Tang.ɢwan-ḥačxʷiqak-Tsig̱is marine protected area, this is a great overview of the risks, wants for resource extraction, efforts being taken to preserve, and management of marine habitats off the west coast of Vancouver Island. #aquaculture #biodiversity #conservation #ecology #environment #MarineNature #marinesci
https://thenarwhal.ca/largest-permanent-protected-area-canada/
Cool new study that quantifies sample cross-contamination, including laboratory mitigation methods: https://doi.org/10.1093/icesjms/fsad004
#genomics #genetics #GBS #RADseq #fisheries #tuna #fieldwork #marinesci #marinebio #ecology #conservation
Felix Zareie-Vaux
Mr . Dimensions (Pavel Dimens)
Pat Taylor