LMRCSC Student
Participation in the NOAA Experiential Research and Training Opportunity
(NERTO)
Collaboration with NOAA scientists and coordination with the NOAA Science Centers are critical to maintain the relevance of LMRCSC research to NOAA needs, to strengthen partnerships with NOAA, and to introduce students to the structure and function of
NOAA. In order to facilitate such collaboration, graduate students supported by the LMRCSC are required to have a NOAA scientist serve on their advisory committees. Additionally, LMRCSC graduate students are required to participate in the NOAA Experiential
Research and Training Opportunity (NERTO) program, a 12 weeks internship at a NOAA lab/facility under the supervision of a NOAA mentor scientist.
From 2016-2020, twenty-nine (29) LMRCSC graduate students interned in 15 NOAA facilities as part of the NERTO program. Twelve (12) students did their NERTO in the Northeast Fisheries Science Center (2 in Milford Lab, CT; 3 in Woods Hole, MA; 5 in Cooperative
Oxford Lab, MD; 2 in J.J. Howard Lab, Sandy Hook, NJ; 1 in Chesapeake Bay Office, MD). Six students were interns in the Southeast Fisheries Science Center (2 in Panama City, FL; 3 in Galveston, TX; 1 in Beaufort, NC and 1 in Lafayette, LA). Three
LMRCSC students interned in the Northwest Fisheries Science Center (2 in Oregon; 1 in Washington), 3 in Alaska Fisheries Science Center (3 in Seattle, WA; 1 in Kodiak, AK), one in the Southwest Fisheries Science Center in La Jolla, CA, and one at
NOAA Headquarters, Silver Spring, MD. Through these internships, the students have enhanced their skills and competencies in NOAA Fisheries related disciplines while contributing significantly to research conducted at NOAA Science Centers.
LMRCSC NERTO Participants (2016 – 2020)
Adrianne Wilson, EPP
Intern | Email: adrianne.wilson@rsmas.miami.edu
CSC Affiliation: NOAA-Living Marine Resources Cooperative Science Center
Home Institution and Major: University
of Miami-RSMAS, Ph.D., Marine Biology and Ecology
CSC Academic Advisor: Dr. Elizabeth Babcock, Marine Biology and Ecology | Email: ebabcock@rsmas.miami.edu
NOAA Internship Mentor:
Dr. Robert Allman, NMFS, SEFSC, Panama City, FL | Email:
robert.allman@noaa.gov
Project Category: Healthy oceans
NERTO Title: Age and Growth of Lane Snapper in the Gulf of Mexico
Abstract: The sagittal otoliths for 499 Lane Snapper (Lutjanus synagris) were collected, processed and aged. Samples were collected from the Gulf of Mexico, ranging from the southwest tip of Florida to the eastern portion of Texas from January
2015 to October 2017. Otoliths were sectioned, mounted to a microscope slide and aged using a compound microscope. One reader counted annuli and sub-samples were read by a second reader to ensure consistent and accurate ageing. Fork length measurements
ranged from 202mm to 495mm. The oldest fish aged was 13 years. There was a significant difference in the growth parameter estimates between males and females so they were analyzed separately. The von Bertalanffy growth parameters were for males: growth
coefficient, K = 0.462, asymptotic length, L00 =378.17, and t0 = -0.868; and for females: growth coefficient, K =0.271, asymptotic length, L00 =383.42, and t0 = -2.08).
Amanda Lawrence, EPP
Intern | Email: alawrence@umces.edu
CSC Affiliation: NOAA-Living Marine Resources Cooperative Science Center
Home Institution and
Major: IMET - UMCES; M.S., Marine, Estuarine and Environmental Science Program
CSC Academic Advisor: Dr. J. Sook Chung, Marine & Environmental Technology | Email: chung@umces.edu
NOAA Internship Mentor:
Dr. Paul McElhany, NWFSC, Mukilteo Field Station, Ocean Acidification | Email: paul.mcelhany@noaa.gov
Project Category: Healthy Oceans
NERTO Title: Developing methods to detect the effect of CO2 on the physiology of Dungeness crab
Abstract: Atmospheric CO2 concentrations have increased from approximately 280 parts per million (ppm) to 387 ppm since the start of the industrial revolution (Feely and Doney et al., 2009). Current CO2 concentrations exceed
that of levels that have not been observed in over 800,000 years (Luthi et al., 2008). This increased abundance in atmospheric CO2 has resulted in the oceans absorbing approximately one-quarter of anthropogenic CO2 (Sabine and
Feely, 2007). This shift in oceanic conditions drives chemical changes that have the potential to leave ecosystems and a range of species at risk. Effects of projected seawater CO2 levels have been shown to alter olfactory-mediated behaviors
in the economically and environmentally important Coho salmon (Williams et al., 2019). Gill breathers regulate internal pH through the process of ion transport, which is a process directly influenced by the changing water chemistry. More specifically,
nearshore benthic ecosystems and calcareous species are predicted to experience some of the more severe impacts regarding a lowering pH (Wootton et al., 2008). Here we will utilize respiration rate to determine the energetic cost of maintaining internal
pH in future oceanic conditions, specifically throughout the development of the Dungeness crab, Cancer
magister.
Amanda Pappas, EPP
Intern | Email: akpappas09@students.desu.edu
CSC Affiliation: NOAA-Living Marine Resources Cooperative Science Center
Home Institution and
Major: Delaware State University, M.S. Natural Resources
CSC Academic Advisor: Dr. Gulnihal Ozbay, Marine Biology and Ecology | Email: gozbay@desu.edu
NOAA Internship Mentor:
Dr. Gary Wikfors, Northeast Fisheries Science Center Milford, CT | Email: gary.wikfors@noaa.gov
Project Category: Resilient Coastal Communities and Economies
NERTO Title: Change in Photosynthetic Efficiency and Chlorophyll Fluorescence over Time in Prey
Starved Dinophysis acuminata
Abstract: Dinophysis acuminata is an obligate mixotrophic dinoflagellate that is found in coastal marine water of the Atlantic and Pacific Ocean, brackish water tributaries, and bays. Dinophysis acuminata is known in many
cases to produce toxins of okadaic acid, Dinophysis toxins, and pectenotoxins. These toxins are associated with Diarrhetic Shellfish poisoning in humans. Dinophysis acuminata is emerging as a potential threat to the developing oyster aquaculture
industry in the Delaware Inland Bays. There are sites within the Delaware Inland Bays that D. acuminata has been present in high concentrations, but how close spring blooms of D. acuminata come to shellfish aquaculture sites is not
known. Little is known of the bloom dynamics of this harmful algae bloom species within the Delaware Inland Bays. The results of this study will aid in determining how long chloroplasts acquired by D. acuminata through kleptoplasty remain
functional under prey starved conditions. Nutrients, light, and prey availability are drivers of spring blooms. Understanding how long chloroplasts remain capable of photosynthesis in D. acuminata can inform questions on bloom dynamics and
overwintering strategies. Culture of Dinophysis acuminata was fed prey, Mesodinium rubrum and then starved. Results from a Fluorescence Induction and Relaxation System show a decline in the variable fluorescence (Fv/Fm) over time, indicating
that the maximum quantum yield of photochemical quenching in PSII is decreasing with time. Results at 25 days indicate a decrease from Fv/Fm of 0.56 to 0.48. Results of a linear regression analysis of the data show little variability between mean
data points and relation between Fv/Fm and time. Sampling and data analysis are still being performed.
Ammar Hanif, EPP
Intern | Email: hanif.ammar@gmail.com
CSC Affiliation: NOAA-Living Marine Resources Cooperative Science Center
Home Institution and
Major: IMET - UMCES; Ph.D., Marine, Estuarine and Environmental Science Program
CSC Academic Advisor: Dr. Rosemary Jagus , Marine & Environmental Technology | Email: jagus@umces.edu
NOAA Internship Mentors: Dr. Ed Johnson, NOAA Headquarters, Silver Spring, MD. | Email: ed.johnson@noaa.gov
Dr. Felipe Arzayus, NCCOS, Stressor Detection and Impacts Division, Monitoring & Assessment Branch, Silver Spring, MD, | Email: felipe.arzayus@noaa.gov
Project Category:
Healthy Oceans
NERTO Title: Temporal Study of Diet and Microbiome of Mussels Collected from Lake Michigan
Abstract:Two species of invasive dreissenid mussels (Dreissena polymorpha and Dreissena rostriformis bugensis) have successfully established across Europe and North America and have drastically changed resident ecosystems and food webs.
Most studies involving these mussels in the Laurentian Great Lakes have focused on organism physiology, distribution, ecological effects, and genetics. This study aims to characterize the microbiome of dreissenid mussel gills, for which limited information
is available. The microbiota of mussels is associated with their aquatic habitat and varies with factors such as salinity, bacterial load in the water, temperature and diet, and are likely to respond to environmental change. Limited data is available
regarding the dreissenid mussel microbiome. The recent development of high-throughput sequencing and metabarcoding has given deeper insights into microbial communities. Preliminary monitoring efforts by the Mussel Watch Program suggest that the dreissenid
mussel metabolome may change seasonally. This led to the initiation of a temporal study to address how environmental change affects the mussel gill microbiome and mussel metabolomics. We sampled the microbial community found within the gill tissue
of D. r. bugensis collected biweekly or monthly from a single site in Lake Michigan between May and November. The microbial community will be assessed using high-throughput sequencing and metabarcoding. These data will be used to determine whether
the mussel gill microbiome can be used as a biological indicator of water quality. This study is a collaboration between NOAA’s Mussel Watch program (Great Lakes region) and NOAA’s Great Lakes Environmental Research Laboratory that will augment ongoing
studies of mussel physiology and benthic ecology.
Andre Price, EPP
Intern | Email: alprice370@gmail.com
CSC Affiliation: NOAA-Living Marine Resources Cooperative Science Center
Home Institution and
Major: University of Maryland Eastern Shore; Marine, M.S., Estuarine and Environmental Science Program
CSC Academic Advisor: Dr. Bradley Stevens, Department of Natural Sciences | Email: bgstevens@umes.edu
NOAA Internship Mentors: Dr. Richard McBride, NOAA NEFSC, Woods Hole, MA | Email: richard.mcbride@noaa.gov
Project Category: Resilient Coastal Communities
and Economies
NERTO Title: Prey Identification and Quantification of Black
Sea Bass (Centropristis striata) Stomachs
Abstract: Food habits of black sea bass (BSB, Centropristis striata) have been studied from trawl surveys in the Mid-Atlantic Bight, but no studies have compared food choices between specific habitats or locations. We sampled BSB
at selected natural and artificial reefs near Ocean City, MD using hook-and-line angling to determine how habitat preferences influenced length frequencies, sex ratio, or dietary preferences. Stomach content analysis was used to determine whether
diets varied significantly between sampling locations. Preliminary results from 2016 indicate that crustaceans dominate diets of BSB by frequency of occurrence. This data will help to understand how BSB utilize different habitat types, and the contribution
of reef habitats to BSB populations in the Mid-Atlantic Bight.
Angie
Munguia, EPP Intern | Email: angelica.munguia@oregonstate.edu
CSC Affiliation: NOAA-Living Marine Resources Cooperative Science Center
Home Institution and
Major: Oregon State University; M.S., Fisheries & Wildlife - Fisheries Science
CSC Academic Advisor: Dr. Jessica Miller, Fisheries & Wildlife | Email: jessica.miller@oregonstate.edu
NOAA Internship Mentors: Dr. Laurie Weitkamp, NOAA Point Adams NWMFS Lab. | Email: laurie.weitkamp@noaa.gov
Project Category: Healthy Habitats
NERTO Title: Juvenile salmon long term-habitat monitoring and
field collections for action effective monitoring research (AEMR) in the Lower
Columbia River and Estuary
Benjamin Frey, EPP
Intern | Email: bfrey@umces.edu
CSC Affiliation: NOAA-Living Marine Resources Cooperative Science Center
Home Institution and Major: CBL – UMCES; M.S., Marine, Estuarine
and Environmental Science Program
CSC Academic Advisors: Dr. Rosemary Jagus, Marine & Environmental Technology | Email: jagus@umces.edu
Dr. Dave Secor, Chesapeake
Bay Laboratory | Email: secor@umces.edu
NOAA Internship Mentor: Dr. Anne Richards, NOAA NEFSC, Woods Hole, MA | Email:
anne.richards@noaa.gov
Project Category: Healthy Oceans
NERTO Title: Validation of age and growth estimates of New England and Mid-Atlantic demersal fishes
using microstructural analysis of hardparts
Abstract: Monkfish (Lophius americanus) supports high value fisheries in the Mid-Atlantic and Southern New England. Conservative fishing quotas were imposed owing to refutation of traditional ageing methods that resulted in uncertainties
in stock status. Without accurate age interpretation or validation, serious errors in the assessment and management of fish stocks can occur. This internship at the NMFS Northeast Fisheries Science Center (NEFSC) examined the current assessment processes
including fishery-independent methods, biological sampling, age determination methods for monkfish and other species (black sea bass, haddock, yellowtail flounder, red hake and silver hake) and age-dependent stock assessment models. I participated
in a 2-week leg of the Northeast Fall Bottom Trawl Survey. I trained with the NEFSC Age & Growth group reviewing ageing methods for these species. I met with the assessment leads for each species, reviewing how age-dependent assessments are used in
establishing biological reference points and evaluating stock status. My thesis research will continue to involve my NEFSC mentors as I develop novel approaches to age monkfish using trace element micro-constituent analysis of hardparts.
Brian Galvez, EPP
Intern | Email: briangalvez427@gmail.com
CSC Affiliation: NOAA-Living Marine Resources Cooperative Science Center
Home Institution and Major: Delaware State University,
M.S. Natural Resources
CSC Academic Advisor: Dr. Stacy Smith, Natural Resources | Email: slsmith@desu.edu
NOAA Internship Mentor: Dr. Howard Townsend, NOAA Chesapeake Bay Office, Cooperative Oxford Laboratory, Oxford, MD. | Email:
howard.townsend@noaa.gov
Project Category: Healthy Oceans
NERTO Title: Determining diet of Delaware Bay weakfish using stomach content and stable isotope analysis
Abstract: The weakfish (Cynoscion regalis) is a valuable commercial and recreational fish species that primarily occurs from North Carolina to New York. The fishery is depleted and has not rebounded due to unknown causes of elevated rates
of natural mortality. We applied stable isotope and stomach content analyses to examine the diet of weakfish throughout the Delaware Bay from late spring to early fall in 2017 (May through October). Using these methods, our goal was to answer questions
regarding the trophic ecology of weakfish including prey availability, prey preference, and prey origin. The bay was separated into three parts along the salinity gradient and weakfish were separated into three size classes representing ontogenetic
shifts in diet (small- 0-60, medium- 60-100, large- 100-137 mm SL). We found that mysid shrimp, amphipods, and unidentified fish dominated the diet of weakfish throughout the summer and early fall. Examining stomach content by season, the percent
frequency (%F) of mysid shrimp decreased significantly in the middle bay from late spring to summer (from 90 %F to ~60 %F) with a concurrent increase in amphipod consumption in the same period on the Delaware side of the bay (from ~15 %F to 90 %F).
The opposite relationship between amphipod and mysid shrimp consumption was recorded from summer to fall. Stable isotope data was analyzed using generalized linear models (GLMs) and generalized linear mixed models (GLMMs) for each isotope by each
size class weakfish with the variables of bay location, season, and state. The goal of the GLM and GLMM results was to inform the setup of future stable isotope mixing models in terms of spatiotemporal scales.
Cara
Schweitzer, EPP Intern | Email: cara.schweitzer42@gmail.com
CSC Affiliation: NOAA-Living Marine Resources Cooperative Science Center
Home Institution and Major:
University of Maryland Eastern Shore; Ph.D., Marine, Estuarine and Environmental Science Program
CSC Academic Advisor: Dr. Bradley Stevens, Department of Natural Sciences | Email: bgstevens@umes.edu
NOAA Internship Mentor: Dr. Michael L. Burton, NOAA Fisheries, Beaufort Lab, NC | Email: michael.burton@noaa.gov
Project Category: Healthy Oceans
NERTO Title: Evaluation of Southeast Reef Fish Survey (SERFS)
videos for Atlantic Sharks
Cristin Mayes, EPP
Intern | Email: cristin.mayes@gmail.com
CSC Affiliation: NOAA-Living Marine Resources Cooperative Science Center
Home Institution and Major: Hampton University;
M.S., Applied Mathematics
CSC Academic Advisor: Dr. Eric Lewallen, Biological Sciences | Email: eric.lewallen@hamptonu.edu
NOAA Internship Mentor: Dr. Michael Fogarty, NOAA NEFSC, Woods Hole, MA | Email:
michael.fogarty@noaa.gov
Project Category: Healthy Oceans
NERTO Title: Ecosystem Based Approaches to Modeling Fish
Species Distributions in the Chesapeake Bay
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Detbra Rosales, EPP
Intern | Email: drosales@umes.edu
CSC Affiliation: NOAA-Living Marine Resources Cooperative Science Center
Home Institution and Major: University of Maryland Eastern
Shore, Ph.D., Marine, Estuarine Environmental Science
CSC Academic Advisor: Dr. Joseph Pitula, Department of Natural Sciences | Email: jspitula@umes.edu
NOAA Internship Mentor: Dr. John Jacobs, NOAA/NCCOS/Oxford Lab. | Email:
john.jacobs@noaa.gov
Project Category: Seafood Safety
NERTO Title: The Influence of okadaic acid on gene expression
and bacterial susceptibility
Abstract: Diuretic shellfish poisoning (DSP) is a worldwide problem for bivalve aquaculture. Due to the presence of DSP toxins in oysters at concentrations that exceed set regulatory limits, there have been many closures to shellfish harvesting.
This can lead to significant economic loses in both commercial and recreational shellfish industries. The eastern oyster, Crassostrea virginica, can accumulate diuretic shellfish toxins (DST) when exposed to marine dinoflagellates that produce
DSTs. Dinophysis and
Prorocentrum are two dinoflagellate genera commonly found in Mid-Atlantic waters that are known to produce DSTs. Studies have shown that dinoflagellate toxins producers, such as Alexandrium catenella can increase oysters’ susceptibility
to bacterial infections. However studies on how okadaic acid affects oysters susceptibility is scarce. Our goal is to provide insight on the stress response of C. virginica after laboratory exposure to OA and the bacterial pathogen Vibrio parahaemolyticus, through the analysis of the expression of HSP70 (Heat shock protein 70) and CP450 (Cytochrome p450) stress genes.
Emily Griffin, EPP
Intern
CSC Affiliation: NOAA-Living Marine Resources Cooperative Science Center
Home Institution and Major: Savannah State University, M.S., Marine Science
CSC Academic Advisor: Dr. Tara Cox,
Department of Marine Science | Email: coxt@savannahstate.edu
NOAA Internship Mentor: Dr. Patricia Rosel, NOAA Lafayette, Louisiana. | Email:
patricia.rosel@noaa.gov
Project Category: Healthy Oceans
NERTO Title: Evaluation of the Southern Border of the
Northern Georgia/Southern South Carolina Estuarine System stock of Common
Bottlenose Dolphins (Tursiops truncatus)
through Genetic Analyses
Abstract: The goal of this research is to learn the proper techniques to identify the correct stock boundaries of bottlenose dolphins. Identifying proper stock boundaries is essential for the proper management of protected species such as the common
bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus). This project is looking at potential genetic differences in bottlenose dolphin stocks off the coast of Northern Georgia. Biopsy samples were collected from dolphins in this region and will be taken to
the Lafayette laboratory for further genetic analyses. The NGSSCES stock meets the Central Georgia Estuarine Stock at northern Ossabaw Sound just south of Savannah, Ga. However, recent research suggests this boundary needs to be re-evaluated. The
information obtained while working in this lab will inform us if the southern border of the NGGSCES stock is accurate. Through the genetic work we will also have the opportunity to determine the sex of these animals as is very difficult to do in the
field.
Enid C. Muñoz Ruiz, EPP
Intern | Email: ecmunoz@umes.edu
CSC Affiliation: NOAA-Living Marine Resources Cooperative Science Center
Home Institution and Major: University of Maryland Eastern Shore;
M.S., Aquatic Toxicology
CSC Academic Advisor: Dr. Ali Ishaque, Department of Natural Science | Email: abishaque@umes.edu
NOAA Internship Mentor: Dr. Ashok Deshpande, 732-872-3043, NEFSC, Sandy Hook, NJ. | Email:
ashok.deshpande@noaa.gov
Project Category: Healthy Habitats
NERTO Title: Method development of
Polybrominated Diphenyl Ethers (PBDEs) QUECHERS extraction in Scallops
Abstract: Plastic fragments, pellets, fibers and cosmetic beads less than 5 mm in size are termed as microplastics. These are emerging contaminants that in recent years have been found in tap water samples all over the world and a in a vast array
of aquatic organisms with the possibility of toxic effects in them. Multiple studies have implied that, polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), persistent bioaccumulative fire-retardant pollutants, in fish tissues display positive correlations with
geographic plastic debris densities. Examination of this linear relationship with respect to the benthic environment using sea scallops as model organism is the research main focus. Scallop and bottom water column samples were collected from multiple
regions across Georges Bank and Mid-Atlantic Bight. The optimum extraction method to yield the optimum quantification of hydrophobic bioaccumulative compounds in the Atlantic Sea Scallop, Placopecten
magellanicus, using modern solid phase extraction "quick, easy, cheap, effective, rugged, and safe” (QUECHERS) has been obtained. Sea scallops are important commercial organisms with fisheries dredging over 50 million pounds annually for seafood consumption;
our research directly contributes to NOAA’s goal to conserve and manage coastal and marine ecosystems and resources by providing the scientific foundation for understanding many future studies of the dangers microplastics can have on important ecological
commercial species.
Halie
O’Farrell, EPP Intern | Email: hofarrell@rsmas.miami.edu
CSC Affiliation: NOAA-Living Marine Resources Cooperative Science Center
Home Institution and Major: University
of Miami-RSMAS; Ph.D., Marine Biology and Fisheries
CSC Academic Advisor: Dr. Elizabeth Babcock, Marine Biology and Ecology | Email: ebabcock@rsmas.miami.edu
NOAA Internship Mentor: Dr. Enric Cortes, NOAA NMFS Panama City Field Laboratory, Panama City, Florida | Email:
enric.cortes@noaa.gov
Project Category: Healthy Oceans
NERTO Title: Comparing
shark harvest control rules to potential biological removals when determining
total allowable catches
Abstract: The Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act requires fisheries management councils to avoid overfishing by setting total allowable catch (TAC) limits. Currently, shark species’ TACs are set by estimating the relative
abundance and projecting forward 20 years under various catch levels while accounting for uncertainty. The TAC is the catch level at which there is a 70% probability that the stock is not overfished in the projection period. While the use of projections
is an established method used for many fish species, it is very complicated requiring a lot of information for several parameters and high computing time. In a climate where more stock assessments and management decisions are being requested in less
time with fewer resources, a simpler, more efficient method for determining TACs is needed. Management of protected marine mammals utilized the potential biological removals (PBR) approach to set limits. Calculation of a PBR requires little information
and they can be computed quickly. Because sharks have a similar life history to marine mammals we explore the possibility of using the PBR method as a more efficient method of establishing TACs. For the purposes of this exploratory work, shark species
were limited to those assessed and managed in the south east United States and by the International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas (ICCAT). TAC values were extracted from the latest stock assessments for each species, in addition
to the information required to calculate a PBR. TAC and PBR values are compared to determine the validity of using the PBR method. This method has showed promise, but is not yet adequately supported as a viable solution.
Jorge J. Rodriguez, EPP
Intern | Email: jjrodriguez@umes.edu
CSC Affiliation: NOAA-Living Marine Resources Cooperative Science Center
Home Institution and Major: University of Maryland Eastern
Shore, PhD., Marine Estuarine Environmental Sciences
CSC Academic Advisor: Dr. A. K. Nyame, Department of Natural Sciences | Email: aknyame@gmail.com
NOAA Internship Mentors: Dr. Gary Wikfors | Email: gary.wikfors@noaa.gov & Dr. April Croxton | Email: april.croxton@noaa.gov; NOAA Lab,
Milford, CT
Project Category: Cytology/Molecular Biology
NERTO Title: Use of density step gradient centrifugation and
differential lectin binding to characterize Mytilus
edulis hemocyte subpopulations by flow cytometry
Abstract: Mytilus edulis, commonly known as the blue mussel, relies on circulating hemocytes to eliminate invading pathogens. However, there is a lack of knowledge about other functions hemocytes may carry, as well as their life-cycle and
ontogeny. Currently, hemocyte subpopulations are classified by morphological differences observed through light microscopy. Here we report the elucidation of two hemocyte subpopulations based on density step-gradient centrifugation combined with the
differential binding of Fluorescein (FITC)-conjugated Aleuria aurantia lectin (AAL) and FITC-conjugated wheat germ agglutinin (WGA) to cell surface glycoproteins. Earlier lectin blot studies demonstrated that soluble hemocyte extracts from
M. edulis hemocytes express glycoconjugates with terminal fucose and N-acetylglucosamine carbohydrate moieties. Flow cytometry analysis of FITC-conjugated AAL and FITC-conjugated WGA stained hemocytes demonstrate the presence of terminal
fucose and N-acetylglucosamine carbohydrate moieties on M. edulis cell surface glycoconjugates. Additional studies reveal that the majority of these terminal carbohydrates are found on protein backbones that are susceptible to cleavage
with trypsin, a protease known to cleave the carboxyl side of peptides containing lysine or arginine. The expression of these terminal carbohydrate moieties is not evenly distributed among hemocytes. Here we report that approximately 30% of hemocytes
express glycoproteins with terminal N-acetylglucosamine, while 70% of hemocytes express glycoproteins with terminal fucose and N-acetylglucosamine. The expression of terminal fucose and N- acetylglucosamine increases as hemocytes
increase in size and level of granularity. Interestingly, smaller agranular hemocytes do not express terminal fucose. These results show the presence of two distinct M. edulis hemocyte subpopulations based on the differential expression of
cell surface glycoproteins with terminal N-acetylglucosamine only, or terminal fucose and N-acetylglucosamine.
Kasondra Rubalcava, EPP
Intern | Email: kdrubalcava@umes.edu
CSC Affiliation: NOAA-Living Marine Resources Cooperative Science Center
Home Institution and Major: University of Maryland Eastern
Shore, PhD., Marine, Estuarine Environmental Sciences
CSC Academic Advisor: Dr. Paulinus Chigbu, Department of Natural Sciences | Email: pchigbu@umes.edu
NOAA Internship Mentor: Dr. Howard Townsend, NOAA/NMFS/ST/Ecosystems, Cooperative Oxford Laboratory, Oxford, MD | Email: howard.townsend@noaa.gov
Project Category: Climate Adaptation and Mitigation
NERTO Title: Development
of a Maryland Coastal Bays Ecosystem Model to Assess the Influence of Climatic
Factors on Biomass Distributions of Fish and Macroinvertebrates, Food Web
Linkages and Community Structure
Abstract: The Maryland Coastal Bays (MCBs) are a system of shallow lagoons on the US East Coast connected to the Atlantic Ocean by two inlets. They are one of the most ecologically diverse estuaries on the east coast and serve as a nursery for
many commercially important species such as black sea bass, summer flounder and blue crabs. Due to their significant use by the public, MCBs are vulnerable to environmental and human pressures. Understanding how environmental parameters affect the
ecosystem can help in managing a changing ecosystem. We created a fisheries ecosystem model consisting of 22 functional groups and species from the MCBs using Ecopath with Ecosim (EwE) software to explore influence of environmental factors on biomass
distributions of key fish species including summer flounder, black sea bass, bay anchovy, weakfish, and blue crab. The biomass input data used for Ecopath was estimated from abundance index data through the Maryland Department of Natural Resources
(MDDNR) Coastal Bays Fisheries Investigation Trawl and Beach Seine Survey. Time series data imported from 1990-2017 through the MDDNR survey was used to fit the model. Climate change scenarios were run using changes in temperature and salinity to
analyze the effects they have on key species in the MCBs. The results of this study will aid in management of the MCBs as it is a nursery habitat for commercially important species.
LaTreese S. Denson, EPP
Intern | Email: ldenson@rsmas.miami.edu
CSC Affiliation: NOAA-Living Marine Resources Cooperative Science Center
Home Institution and Major: University of Miami
- RSMAS, PhD., Marine Biology and Ecology
CSC Academic Advisor: Dr. Elizabeth Babcock, Marine Biology and Ecology | Email: ebabcock@rsmas.miami.edu
NOAA Internship Mentor: Dr. James Thorson, NMFS, Alaska Fisheries Science Center, HEPR, Seattle, Washington | Email: james.thorson@noaa.gov
Project Category: Healthy Oceans
NERTO Title: Environmental influences on indices of abundance
for King Mackerel in the Gulf of Mexico examined through spatiotemporal
geostatistical models
Abstract: During the NERTO experience from September to December 2018, I developed skills in random effects modeling to understand spatial processes in fish population dynamics, here-in referred to as geostatistical modeling. These models were
tested using larval count data from the Southeast Area Monitoring and Assessment Program (SEAMAP) Fall Plankton Survey. Originally, a non-geostatistical model was fit to the data to derive an index of abundance for spawning stock biomass; however,
the original index did not explicitly account for the uncertainty in spatial variation on population density or catchability. Failing to account for this source of uncertainty in a model, underestimates the overall uncertainty of an index of abundance.
During the NERTO I began to explore the effect of spatial and spatiotemporal variability using a geostatistical model on King mackerel ichthyoplankton abundance indices and density distribution. I began with the use of delta-log normal models for
zero inflated data. As expected, considering spatial variability creates a better model according to the Akaike Information Criterion. Additionally, adding spatial and temporal variability to the original model only slightly increases the standard
deviation (uncertainty) of the index of abundance. Future research will include using Poisson-link models to better describe the error structure and variability in the data. I will also further investigate the individual contribution of the original
covariates when considering spatial structure as well as environmental covariates such as temperature and chlorophyll.
Laura
Almodóvar-Acevedo, EPP Intern | Email: lcalmodovaracevedo@umes.edu
CSC Affiliation: NOAA-Living Marine Resources Cooperative Science Center
Home Institution and Major: University
of Maryland Eastern Shore, PhD., Marine, Estuarine Environmental Sciences
CSC Academic Advisor: Dr. Bradley Stevens, Department of Natural Sciences | Email: bgstevens@umes.edu
NOAA Internship Mentor: Dr. Howard Townsend, NOAA/NMFS/ST/Ecosystems, Cooperative Oxford Laboratory, Oxford, MD | Email: howard.townsend@noaa.gov
Project Category: Healthy Habitats
NERTO Title: Temperature effects on juvenile black sea bass
respiration
Abstract: The objective of this study is to have empirical data about black sea bass respiration rates at different temperatures. This information will give us a better idea of black sea bass bioenergetics and will also be incorporated into a juvenile
black sea bass habitat suitability model for the Chesapeake Bay.
Matthew Ramirez, EPP
Intern | Email: matthew.ramirez@oregonstate.edu
CSC Affiliation: NOAA-Living Marine Resources Cooperative Science Center
Home Institution and Major: Oregon
State University, PhD., Fisheries Science
CSC Academic Advisor: Dr. Selina Heppell, Department of Fisheries and Wildlife | Email: selina.heppell@oregonstate.edu
NOAA Internship Mentor: Dr. Jeffrey E. Moore, CMAP Leader (California Current Marine Mammal Assessment Program), Marine Mammal and Turtle Division, NOAA Southwest Fisheries Science Center, La Jolla, CA | Email: jeff.e.moore@noaa.gov
Project Category: Healthy Oceans
NERTO Title: Integration of
habitat-specific growth variation into assessment models: a case study in the
Kemp’s ridley sea turtle
Abstract: Spatiotemporal variation in demographic parameters can strongly influence a species’ population dynamics but is generally not included in sea turtle population models due in part to lack of sufficient data. For example, Kemp’s ridley
sea turtles that inhabit the U.S. Atlantic Coast grow slower than conspecifics that inhabit the U.S. Gulf of Mexico (GoM) Coast, which may lead to differences in age at maturation for individuals or whole cohorts. To evaluate the influence of this
variation on Kemp’s ridley population dynamics, this NERTO experience focused on developing an improved age-structured population model for Kemp’s ridley sea turtles that incorporates habitat-specific vital rate estimates (growth, survival). Using
a ~30 year dataset of somatic growth rates obtained through skeletochronology, we developed habitat-specific (Atlantic, GoM) maturation schedules for this species. In addition, ongoing analyses are using 20 years of stranding length frequency data
collected through the Sea Turtle Stranding and Salvage Network to estimate habitat-specific survival rates that will be included in the model. Ongoing analyses will examine model sensitivity to changes in stage-and habitat-specific model parameters.
This project will help answer critical question about the contribution of somatic growth variation, habitat use, and Atlantic turtles, which have been excluded from all existing population models, to Kemp’s ridley population dynamics.
Nicole
Kleponis, EPP Intern | Email: nicolekleponis@gmail.com
CSC Affiliation: NOAA-Living Marine Resources Cooperative Science Center
Home Institution and Major: Delaware
State University, M.S., Natural Resources
CSC Academic Advisor: Dr. Christopher Heckscher, Agriculture and Natural Resources | Email: checkscher@desu.edu
NOAA Internship Mentor: Dr. Jeannette E. Zamon, NOAA-National Marine Fisheries Service, NWFSC, Point Adams Research Station, Hammond, OR | Email: jen.zamon@noaa.gov
Project Category: Healthy Oceans
NERTO Title: Seabird
Capture and Diet Analysis
Abstract: Seabird populations have been declining globally and there is little diet information for seabirds in the Colombia River Plume in Oregon. Sooty Shearwaters and Common Murres were captured to obtain stomach content for analysis. Soft tissue
analysis was first conducted and then the samples were digested to conduct hard part analysis. The majority of fish found in the 2013 samples analyzed were anchovies.
Rebecca Wenker, EPP
Intern | Email: rwenker@umes.edu
CSC Affiliation: NOAA-Living Marine Resources Cooperative Science Center
Home Institution and Major: University of Maryland Eastern Shore, M.S.,
Marine, Estuarine Environmental Sciences
CSC Academic Advisor: Dr. Bradley Stevens, Department of Natural Sciences | Email: bgstevens@umes.edu
NOAA Internship Mentor: Dr. Vincent Guida, NMFS NEFSC J.J. Howard Lab, Highlands, NJ. | Email: vincent.guida@noaa.gov
Project Category: Healthy Oceans
NERTO Title: Development of alternative search strategy for assessing
densities of clumped distribution species within a comprehensive image database
Abstract: The systematic search strategy currently used for photo evaluation of large image databases does not work well for species with clumped distributions. Therefore, we planned to develop an adaptive search strategy to better define the habitat
of and relationship between black sea bass (Centropristis striata) and sea whip coral (Leptogorgia virgulata), which could then be extrapolated to evaluating other species with a clumped distribution. Unprecedented delays and setbacks
prevented this study from being completed to the original extent desired. However, we were able to locate 92 images where at least one black sea bass was present, and 57 where at least one sea whip coral was present. The close proximity and overlap
of these images further supports the notion that there is a relationship between these two species.
Shadaesha
Green, EPP Intern | Email: sgreen@umces.edu
CSC Affiliation: NOAA-Living Marine Resources Cooperative Science Center
Home Institution and Major:
IMET - UMCES; PhD., Marine, Estuarine and Environmental Science Program
CSC Academic Advisor: Dr. J. Sook Chung, Marine & Environmental Technology | Email: chung@umces.edu
NOAA Internship Mentor: Mr. Bruce Vogt, NOAA Chesapeake Bay Office, MD | Email: bruce.vogt@noaa.gov
Project Category: Healthy Oceans
NERTO Title: Striped
Bass Habitat Indicator for Chesapeake Bay
Abstract: The Chesapeake Bay striped bass (Rockfish) is an iconic species. The Chesapeake Bay serves as the largest nursery habitat for Atlantic striped bass. The main objective of this study was to improve the understanding of nursery habitat
areas for juvenile striped bass that support survival and recruitment to the adult population. This project was two-fold: (1) develop a conceptual model indicating factors impacting juvenile striped bass nursery habitat and (2) prepare the Chesapeake
Bay striped bass nursery habitat assessment’ Request-for-Proposal (RFP) for submission to the Chesapeake Bay Trust. To complete these tasks interviews were conducted with a variety of scientists and fishery managers in the Chesapeake Bay region to
gather their insight on factors influencing nursery habitat for juvenile striped bass.
Shanelle Haughton, EPP
Intern | Email: sohaughon@umes.edu
CSC Affiliation: NOAA-Living Marine Resources Cooperative Science Center
Home Institution and Major: University of Maryland Eastern
Shore, PhD., Marine, Estuarine Environmental Sciences
CSC Academic Advisor: Dr. Joseph Pitula; Department of Natural Sciences | Email: jspitula@umes.edu
NOAA Internship Mentor: Dr. Pamela Jensen, NOAA Western Regional Center, Seattle, WA | Email: pam.jensen@noaa.gov
Project Category: Climate Adaptation and Mitigation
NERTO Title: Understanding Hematodinium sp. in Alaskan crabs: new hosts, improved detection
and health effects in a changing ocean
Abstract: Changes in environmental conditions due to climate change, including increases in sea water temperature, may be linked to increasing rates of pathogen infection in marine animals. One of the pathogens in which host selectivity and prevalence
could be influenced by factors like increasing water temperature is Hematodinium sp., an endoparasitic dinoflagellate that can cause significant mortality and economic loss in crustacean fisheries. Hematodinium sp. causes bitter crab
disease/syndrome in the economically important snow and Tanner crabs, a fatal infection characterized by lethargy and discoloration of host tissues and carapace due to massive numbers of parasites in host hemolymph and tissues. Work completed during
this internship will contribute to future research to better understand the influence of Hematodinium sp. infection on Tanner crab immunity and physiology. My work during this internship consisted of three major parts: 16s sequencing mini project,
Tanner crab (Chionoecetes bairdi) sample collection, and Tanner crab RNA extractions.
Shaneese Mackey, EPP
Intern | Email: shaneesemackey19@gmail.com
CSC Affiliation: NOAA-Living Marine Resources Cooperative Science Center
Home Institution and Major: Savannah State
University, M.S., Marine Science
CSC Academic Advisor: Dr. Dionne Hoskins-Brown, Department of Marine Science | Email: hoskins@savannahstate.edu
NOAA Internship Mentor: Dr. Ron Hill, NOAA SEFSC Galveston Lab, TX | Email: ron.hill@noaa.gov
Project Category: Healthy Oceans
NERTO Title: UAS Habitat Assessment Project
Abstract: Advancing technology like unmanned aircrafts (UA) can be used by scientists to collect information about the abundance or density of a species that would normally require human efforts. Usage of UAs increases field efficiency and decreases
the amount of effort while being less invasive to the environment. The purpose of this study was to determine the feasibility of using unmanned aerial system (UAS) to assess oyster reefs and wetland habitat. Images of oyster reefs were collected using
the APH-28 Hexa-copter during low tide. Images were stored on an external hard drive, uploaded to Drone2Map for stitching, then brought into ArcGIS 10.6 to perform spatial analysis using the Hogland method. Using the Hogland method on obtained UA
images would increase the estimation of potential fish habitat at a resolution of 1m. The findings of this project would help project managers be less invasive to the environment while obtaining data on the species and habitat.
Stephanie Martinez-Rivera, EPP
Intern | Email: smartinez@umes.edu
CSC Affiliation: NOAA-Living Marine Resources Cooperative Science Center
Home Institution and Major: University of Maryland Eastern
Shore, PhD., Marine, Estuarine Environmental Sciences
CSC Academic Advisor: Dr. Bradley Stevens, Department of Natural Sciences | Email: bgstevens@umes.edu
NOAA Internship Mentor: Dr. Chris Long, NOAA AFSC, Kodiak Lab, Alaska | Email: chris.long@noaa.gov
Project Category: Healthy Oceans
NERTO Title: Eastern Bering Sea Crab Survey training for CSC
graduate student
Wilmelie Cruz-Rivera, EPP
Intern | Email: wcruz-marrero@umes.edu
CSC Affiliation: NOAA-Living Marine Resources Cooperative Science Center
Home Institution and Major: University of Maryland
Eastern Shore, PhD., Marine, Estuarine Environmental Sciences
CSC Academic Advisor: Dr. Bradley Stevens, Department of Natural Sciences | Email: bgstevens@umes.edu
NOAA Internship Mentor: Dr. Jennifer Doerr, MS. NOAA Southeast Fisheries Science Center- Galveston Laboratory | Email: jennifer.doerr@noaa.gov
Project Category: Healthy Oceans
NERTO Title: Evaluation of fisheries parameters for a
commercially important marine mollusk: growth rates and habitat distribution
Abstract: Queen conch is a marine mollusk that inhabits the Caribbean. This species is one of the main economic resources for small-scale fishers of the area. This resource has been over harvested for decades due to poaching and the high demand
of both conch meat and shell. In 1992, queen conch was listed in Appendix II for commercially treated species in parts of the Caribbean. This initiative has promoted scientific investigations to improve the management of the species across the Caribbean.
In this study, we estimated queen conch growth rates using two different types of growth models. We used mark-and recapture data to calculate growth rates obtained in 2005-2009 in St. Croix, USVI. Queen conch growth was estimated using both
siphonial length and shell width. Population abundance was calculated using Schnabel method. Results of the research showed that growth patterns using siphonial length are higher in juveniles conchs whereas shell width growth is slower in juvenile
conchs and greater in adults. Schnabel abundance showed increase overtime with some seasonal variations. The information provided in this research, could improve the understanding of growth patterns of the species and may improve the management of
the species.
Brittany King, EPP
Intern | Email: brittany.king@oregonstate.edu
CSC Affiliation: NOAA-Living Marine Resources Cooperative Science Center
Home Institution and Major: Oregon State University, Ph.D., Fisheries Science
CSC Academic Advisor: Dr.
Kelly Biedenweg and Dr. Jessica Miller, Fisheries & Wildlife | Email: kelly.biedenweg@oregonstate.edu
NOAA Internship Mentor: Dr. Robert Fonner, NOAA NWFSC, Seattle, WA | Email: robby.fonner@noaa.gov
Project Category: Socio-economics
NERTO Title: Ecological,
Institutional and Social Influences on Habitat Restoration Efforts in the
Pacific Northwest
Abstract: TBA
Juan Carlo Cervera, EPP
Intern | Email: juan.cervera@rsmas.miami.edu
CSC Affiliation: NOAA-Living Marine Resources Cooperative Science Center
Home Institution and Major: University
of Miami-RSMAS; M.S., Fishing & Fisheries Sci & Mgmt
CSC Academic Advisor: Dr. David Die, Marine Biology and Ecology | Email: ddie@rsmas.miami.edu
NOAA Internship Mentor: Dr. Jennifer Leo, NOAA SEFSC Galveston Lab, Galveston, TX. | Email: jennifer.Leo@noaa.gov
Project Category: Resilient Coastal Communities and Economies
NERTO Title: Inland Essential Fishery Habitat Mapper Application
Abstract: Essential fishery habitats (EFH) are designated to preserve and maintain those sensitive ecosystems vital to managed fishery species for growth, survival, and reproduction. Impact assessments are performed allowing NOAA specialists to
consult with project managers, determine impacts, and recommend mitigation actions to protect those habitats. With many projects being developed in near shore areas, and little clear guidance regarding EFH designations in the Southeast Region, the
Habitat Conservation Division (HCD) receives numerous unnecessary consultation requests which can overwhelm their office. We developed an application that relays high-resolution spatial data needed for accurate determinations of EFH that is user-friendly
at all stakeholder levels, including developers, permitters, as well as HCD staff. Several iterations were considered before deciding on an HTML/JavaScript web application currently under testing with NOAA offices.
Sierra Hildebrandt, EPP
Intern | Email: sierra.hildebrandt@my.hamptonu.edu
CSC Affiliation: NOAA-Living Marine Resources Cooperative Science Center
Home Institution and Major: Hampton University; Biological Sciences-Marine Science, M.S., Marine, Estuarine Environmental Sciences
CSC Academic Advisor: Dr. Deidre Gibson, Marine & Environmental Science | Email: deidre.gibson@hamptonu.edu
NOAA Internship Mentors: Dr. Shawn McLaughlin, Jason Spires, and Stephanie Westby, NOAA Cooperative Oxford Lab, Oxford, MD. | Email: shawn.mclaughlin@noaa.gov; jason.spires@noaa.gov
Project Category: Healthy Oceans
NERTO Title: Investigating the Impacts of Adult Oyster Conditioned Water on Crassostrea virginica Larvae Setting
Efficiency Utilizing Direct Setting Techniques in the Hampton River, VA
Abstract: Direct
setting is an alternative technique to remote setting that utilizes pediveliger
stage oyster larvae to directly seed oyster reefs. This study investigated the
impact of varying concentrations of Adult-Oyster-Conditioned-Water (OCW) on Crassostrea virginica larval setting in
the laboratory and field. In the laboratory, oyster larvae were introduced to
setting chambers with varying concentrations of OCW and allowed 7 days to
settle. Field experiments were conducted in which oyster larvae were exposed to
either a low or high OCW treatment for 30 minutes and then directly set on
artificial oyster reefs. In the laboratory and field, setting efficiencies varied
among treatments. This research suggest that OCW may enhance setting
efficiencies in the field.