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• 1. [Article] Currents in Fishery Management

  This thesis provides an overview of fishery management policy types and attempts to determine best practices for biological sustainability in terms of species preservation and biomass recovery. Key concepts ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Currents in Fishery Management Author: DePuy, Genevieve Year: 2016 This thesis provides an overview of fishery management policy types and attempts to determine best practices for biological sustainability in terms of species preservation and biomass recovery. Key concepts include biological sustainability, regulatory forces, and fishery management and output trends. The research question investigated is: what are the best policy practices for regulating marine fishery health and biological stability? The research process of this paper included a review of prior literature in the field of marine policy and fishery management, as well as the use of United States data from the Pacific and Atlantic coasts to evaluate management strategies. Based on both the literature review and the results of the data from Pacific and Atlantic Fisheries, the best management structure appears to be the co-management approach while the best management methodologies involve ecosystem protections and quotas. Title: Currents in Fishery Management Author: DePuy, Genevieve Year: 2016 This thesis provides an overview of fishery management policy types and attempts to determine best practices for biological sustainability in terms of species preservation and biomass recovery. Key concepts include biological sustainability, regulatory forces, and fishery management and output trends. The research question investigated is: what are the best policy practices for regulating marine fishery health and biological stability? The research process of this paper included a review of prior literature in the field of marine policy and fishery management, as well as the use of United States data from the Pacific and Atlantic coasts to evaluate management strategies. Based on both the literature review and the results of the data from Pacific and Atlantic Fisheries, the best management structure appears to be the co-management approach while the best management methodologies involve ecosystem protections and quotas. Close

• 2. [Article] Neoliberal and Neo-Communal Herring Fisheries in Southeast Alaska: Reframing Sustainability in Marine Ecosystems

  The transformation of Pacific herring (Clupea pallasii) fisheries from communal to commons to neoliberal regulation has had significant impacts on the health and sustainability of marine ecosystems on ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Neoliberal and Neo-Communal Herring Fisheries in Southeast Alaska: Reframing Sustainability in Marine Ecosystems Author: Thornton, Thomas F., Hebert, Jamie Year: 2015 The transformation of Pacific herring (Clupea pallasii) fisheries from communal to commons to neoliberal regulation has had significant impacts on the health and sustainability of marine ecosystems on the Northwest Coast of North America. Due to their abundance, seasonality, and sensitivity in disturbance, herring were carefully cultivated and protected by coastal Tlingit, Haida, and Tsimshian communities. The early industrial fishing era undermined this communalist approach in favor of an unregulated commons for bait and reduction fisheries, attracting non-local fleets and leading to conflicts with local Natives and tragedy of the commons style overexploitation of herring stocks by the mid-twentieth century. Since the 1970s, a re-regulated neoliberal sac roe fishery for Japanese markets has provided new opportunities for limited commercial permit holders, but with further depredations on local spawning populations. This paper uses frame theory and historical and political ecology to show how this transformation was justified by three critical but dubious (re)framings of Southeast herring populations under modern scientific management: (1) a reductionist framing of single species productivity models, expressed as herring “biomass,” within space and time (baseline scale framing); (2) the selective framing and privileging of human industrial predation under maximum sustainable yield (MSY) within a dynamic ecosystem of multiple predator populations (actor relations framing); and (3) the strategic framing of spawning failure events and policy responses to those events by professional fisheries managers (event–response framing). Finally, the paper argues for a new social–ecological systems approach, based on aboriginal models of herring cultivation, to sustain a commercial, subsistence, and restoration economy for the fishery. Title: Neoliberal and Neo-Communal Herring Fisheries in Southeast Alaska: Reframing Sustainability in Marine Ecosystems Author: Thornton, Thomas F., Hebert, Jamie Year: 2015 The transformation of Pacific herring (Clupea pallasii) fisheries from communal to commons to neoliberal regulation has had significant impacts on the health and sustainability of marine ecosystems on the Northwest Coast of North America. Due to their abundance, seasonality, and sensitivity in disturbance, herring were carefully cultivated and protected by coastal Tlingit, Haida, and Tsimshian communities. The early industrial fishing era undermined this communalist approach in favor of an unregulated commons for bait and reduction fisheries, attracting non-local fleets and leading to conflicts with local Natives and tragedy of the commons style overexploitation of herring stocks by the mid-twentieth century. Since the 1970s, a re-regulated neoliberal sac roe fishery for Japanese markets has provided new opportunities for limited commercial permit holders, but with further depredations on local spawning populations. This paper uses frame theory and historical and political ecology to show how this transformation was justified by three critical but dubious (re)framings of Southeast herring populations under modern scientific management: (1) a reductionist framing of single species productivity models, expressed as herring “biomass,” within space and time (baseline scale framing); (2) the selective framing and privileging of human industrial predation under maximum sustainable yield (MSY) within a dynamic ecosystem of multiple predator populations (actor relations framing); and (3) the strategic framing of spawning failure events and policy responses to those events by professional fisheries managers (event–response framing). Finally, the paper argues for a new social–ecological systems approach, based on aboriginal models of herring cultivation, to sustain a commercial, subsistence, and restoration economy for the fishery. Close

• 3. [Article] Information Needs Assessment for Coastal and Marine Management and Policy: Ecosystem Services Under Changing Climatic, Land Use, and Demographic Conditions

  Changing climatic, demographic, and land use conditions are projected to alter the provisioning of ecosystem services in estuarine, coastal, and nearshore marine ecosystems, necessitating mitigation and ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Information Needs Assessment for Coastal and Marine Management and Policy: Ecosystem Services Under Changing Climatic, Land Use, and Demographic Conditions Author: Goldsmith, Kaitlin, Granek, Elise F., Lubitow, Amy Year: 2015 Changing climatic, demographic, and land use conditions are projected to alter the provisioning of ecosystem services in estuarine, coastal, and nearshore marine ecosystems, necessitating mitigation and adaptation policies and management. The current paradigm of research efforts occurring in parallel to, rather than in collaboration with, decision makers will be insufficient for the rapid responses required to adapt to and mitigate for projected changing conditions. Here, we suggest a different paradigm: one where research begins by engaging decision makers in the identification of priority data needs (biophysical, economic, and social). This paper uses synthesized interview data to provide insight into the varied demands for scientific research as described by decision makers working on coastal issues in Oregon, USA. The findings highlight the need to recognize (1) the differing framing of ecosystem services by decision makers versus scientists; and (2) the differing data priorities relevant to inland versus coastal decision makers. The findings further serve to highlight the need for decision makers, scientists, and funders to engage in increased communication. This research is an important first step in advancing efforts toward evidence-based decision making in Oregon and provides a template for further research across the US. Title: Information Needs Assessment for Coastal and Marine Management and Policy: Ecosystem Services Under Changing Climatic, Land Use, and Demographic Conditions Author: Goldsmith, Kaitlin, Granek, Elise F., Lubitow, Amy Year: 2015 Changing climatic, demographic, and land use conditions are projected to alter the provisioning of ecosystem services in estuarine, coastal, and nearshore marine ecosystems, necessitating mitigation and adaptation policies and management. The current paradigm of research efforts occurring in parallel to, rather than in collaboration with, decision makers will be insufficient for the rapid responses required to adapt to and mitigate for projected changing conditions. Here, we suggest a different paradigm: one where research begins by engaging decision makers in the identification of priority data needs (biophysical, economic, and social). This paper uses synthesized interview data to provide insight into the varied demands for scientific research as described by decision makers working on coastal issues in Oregon, USA. The findings highlight the need to recognize (1) the differing framing of ecosystem services by decision makers versus scientists; and (2) the differing data priorities relevant to inland versus coastal decision makers. The findings further serve to highlight the need for decision makers, scientists, and funders to engage in increased communication. This research is an important first step in advancing efforts toward evidence-based decision making in Oregon and provides a template for further research across the US. Close

• 4. [Article] Ultrasonic Bone Assessment in Tursiops Truncatus: A Proposed Means for Monitoring Marine Ecosystem Health

  In order to circumvent limitations in traditional radiographic bone density assessment, a custom quantitative ultrasound device and protocols were developed for assessment of live bottlenose dolphins, ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Ultrasonic Bone Assessment in Tursiops Truncatus: A Proposed Means for Monitoring Marine Ecosystem Health Author: Powell, James, Luo, Gangming, Kaufman, Jonathan J. Year: 2015 In order to circumvent limitations in traditional radiographic bone density assessment, a custom quantitative ultrasound device and protocols were developed for assessment of live bottlenose dolphins, Tursiops truncatus. In laboratory measurements on disarticulated pectoral flippers collected post-mortem, a strong correlation was established between bone mineral density (BMD) as measured with quantitative ultrasound and X-ray (r=0.93). A primary target skeletal site in the radius of the dolphin pectoral fin was comprehensively defined. BMD distribution patterns throughout the radius were characterized and a single region of interest (ROI) with a high correlation to the density of the overall bone (r=0.98) was selected. Statistical tests demonstrated no statistically significant differences in any subset based on sex, age, total body length, handedness, nutritional status, or geographical affinity, supporting inclusion of all specimens as a normative reference dataset for bone density in bottlenose dolphins. Initial trials to develop clinical protocols and establish ultrasound of bone as truly non-invasive were conducted on captive dolphins. Successful assessments were subsequently conducted to ultrasonically assess BMD in wild dolphins during capture-release health assessments. Title: Ultrasonic Bone Assessment in Tursiops Truncatus: A Proposed Means for Monitoring Marine Ecosystem Health Author: Powell, James, Luo, Gangming, Kaufman, Jonathan J. Year: 2015 In order to circumvent limitations in traditional radiographic bone density assessment, a custom quantitative ultrasound device and protocols were developed for assessment of live bottlenose dolphins, Tursiops truncatus. In laboratory measurements on disarticulated pectoral flippers collected post-mortem, a strong correlation was established between bone mineral density (BMD) as measured with quantitative ultrasound and X-ray (r=0.93). A primary target skeletal site in the radius of the dolphin pectoral fin was comprehensively defined. BMD distribution patterns throughout the radius were characterized and a single region of interest (ROI) with a high correlation to the density of the overall bone (r=0.98) was selected. Statistical tests demonstrated no statistically significant differences in any subset based on sex, age, total body length, handedness, nutritional status, or geographical affinity, supporting inclusion of all specimens as a normative reference dataset for bone density in bottlenose dolphins. Initial trials to develop clinical protocols and establish ultrasound of bone as truly non-invasive were conducted on captive dolphins. Successful assessments were subsequently conducted to ultrasonically assess BMD in wild dolphins during capture-release health assessments. Close

• 5. [Article] Long-Term Exposure to Fluoxetine Reduces Growth and Reproductive Potential in the Dominant Rocky Intertidal Mussel, Mytilus californianus

  Environmental stressors shape community composition and ecosystem functioning. Contaminants such as pharmaceuticals are of increasing concern as an environmental stressor due to their persistence in surface ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Long-Term Exposure to Fluoxetine Reduces Growth and Reproductive Potential in the Dominant Rocky Intertidal Mussel, Mytilus californianus Author: Peters, Joseph R., Granek, Elise F. Year: 2016 Environmental stressors shape community composition and ecosystem functioning. Contaminants such as pharmaceuticals are of increasing concern as an environmental stressor due to their persistence in surface waters worldwide. Limited attention has been paid to the effects of pharmaceuticals on marine life, despite widespread detection of these contaminants in the marine environment. Of the existing studies, the majority assess the negative effects of pharmaceuticals over an exposure period of 30 days or less and focus on cellular and subcellular biomarkers. Longer studies are required to determine if chronic contaminant exposure poses risks to marine life at environmentally relevant concentrations; and examination of whole organism effects are necessary to identify potential community-level consequences in estuarine and marine ecosystems. We conducted a long-term exposure study (107 days) with the anti-depressant pharmaceutical, fluoxetine (the active constituent in Prozac®) to determine whether minimal concentrations affected whole organism metrics in the California mussel, Mytilus californianus. We measured algal clearance rates, mussel growth, and the gonadosomatic index, a measure of reproductive health. We found that fluoxetine negatively affects all measured characteristics, however many effects were mediated by length of exposure. Our results fill an important data gap, highlighting organism-level effects of chronic exposure periods; such data more explicitly identify the overall impacts of pharmaceuticals and other contaminants on marine communities and ecosystems. Title: Long-Term Exposure to Fluoxetine Reduces Growth and Reproductive Potential in the Dominant Rocky Intertidal Mussel, Mytilus californianus Author: Peters, Joseph R., Granek, Elise F. Year: 2016 Environmental stressors shape community composition and ecosystem functioning. Contaminants such as pharmaceuticals are of increasing concern as an environmental stressor due to their persistence in surface waters worldwide. Limited attention has been paid to the effects of pharmaceuticals on marine life, despite widespread detection of these contaminants in the marine environment. Of the existing studies, the majority assess the negative effects of pharmaceuticals over an exposure period of 30 days or less and focus on cellular and subcellular biomarkers. Longer studies are required to determine if chronic contaminant exposure poses risks to marine life at environmentally relevant concentrations; and examination of whole organism effects are necessary to identify potential community-level consequences in estuarine and marine ecosystems. We conducted a long-term exposure study (107 days) with the anti-depressant pharmaceutical, fluoxetine (the active constituent in Prozac®) to determine whether minimal concentrations affected whole organism metrics in the California mussel, Mytilus californianus. We measured algal clearance rates, mussel growth, and the gonadosomatic index, a measure of reproductive health. We found that fluoxetine negatively affects all measured characteristics, however many effects were mediated by length of exposure. Our results fill an important data gap, highlighting organism-level effects of chronic exposure periods; such data more explicitly identify the overall impacts of pharmaceuticals and other contaminants on marine communities and ecosystems. Close

• 6. [Article] Effects of Environmentally-Relevant Antibiotic Mixtures on Marine Microalgal Growth

  As of 2008, approximately 48% of Americans use prescription drugs within any given 30-day period. Many pharmaceutical compounds are not fully metabolized by the human body, nor fully removed by wastewater ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Effects of Environmentally-Relevant Antibiotic Mixtures on Marine Microalgal Growth Author: Teixeira, Jaclyn R., Granek, Elise F. Year: 2017 As of 2008, approximately 48% of Americans use prescription drugs within any given 30-day period. Many pharmaceutical compounds are not fully metabolized by the human body, nor fully removed by wastewater treatment systems, before release into the environment. As a result, a vast array of pharmaceuticals has been detected in marine and freshwater organisms, sediments, and waters, with unintended effects on non-target organisms, and limited studies of environmental effects. The antibiotics sulfamethoxazole (SMX), and trimethoprim (TRI), often prescribed together to treat bacterial infections, have been detected worldwide in marine and estuarine environments at concentrations up to 765–870 ng/L each. Little research has examined sub-lethal effects of antibiotic mixtures at environmentally-relevant concentrations on marine organisms. We examined the effects of mixtures of these two antibiotics on three marine microalgal species with wide geographic ranges: Isochrysis galbana, Chaetoceros neogracile, and Nannochloropsis oculata. In separate simulations using a temperature/light-controlled set-up, we measured the growth response for each species to environmentally-relevant levels of SMX and TRI. N. oculata growth was significantly reduced by mixture treatments of both drugs (p < 0.05), by TRI (p < 0.001), and by SMX (p < 0.001), whereas only aggregated SMX levels significantly reduced growth for the other two species (p < 0.005). The exposure time at which growth rates were affected varied across species, with significant reduction in growth focused in the latter half of the experimental period for C. neogracile and N. oculata (Days 15 and 6 respectively), and midway through the experimental period for I. galbana (by Day 3). This study finds that important marine primary producers respond to the presence of SMX and TRI in the water, offering an understanding of environmental consequences of anthropogenic pharmaceuticals contaminants, and specifically the suite of antibiotics, that are released into marine ecosystems at an ever-growing rate, and highlighting potential cascading effects through trophic levels. Title: Effects of Environmentally-Relevant Antibiotic Mixtures on Marine Microalgal Growth Author: Teixeira, Jaclyn R., Granek, Elise F. Year: 2017 As of 2008, approximately 48% of Americans use prescription drugs within any given 30-day period. Many pharmaceutical compounds are not fully metabolized by the human body, nor fully removed by wastewater treatment systems, before release into the environment. As a result, a vast array of pharmaceuticals has been detected in marine and freshwater organisms, sediments, and waters, with unintended effects on non-target organisms, and limited studies of environmental effects. The antibiotics sulfamethoxazole (SMX), and trimethoprim (TRI), often prescribed together to treat bacterial infections, have been detected worldwide in marine and estuarine environments at concentrations up to 765–870 ng/L each. Little research has examined sub-lethal effects of antibiotic mixtures at environmentally-relevant concentrations on marine organisms. We examined the effects of mixtures of these two antibiotics on three marine microalgal species with wide geographic ranges: Isochrysis galbana, Chaetoceros neogracile, and Nannochloropsis oculata. In separate simulations using a temperature/light-controlled set-up, we measured the growth response for each species to environmentally-relevant levels of SMX and TRI. N. oculata growth was significantly reduced by mixture treatments of both drugs (p < 0.05), by TRI (p < 0.001), and by SMX (p < 0.001), whereas only aggregated SMX levels significantly reduced growth for the other two species (p < 0.005). The exposure time at which growth rates were affected varied across species, with significant reduction in growth focused in the latter half of the experimental period for C. neogracile and N. oculata (Days 15 and 6 respectively), and midway through the experimental period for I. galbana (by Day 3). This study finds that important marine primary producers respond to the presence of SMX and TRI in the water, offering an understanding of environmental consequences of anthropogenic pharmaceuticals contaminants, and specifically the suite of antibiotics, that are released into marine ecosystems at an ever-growing rate, and highlighting potential cascading effects through trophic levels. Close

• 7. [Article] Effects of Antibiotic Mixtures across Marine Intertidal Trophic Levels: Examining Environmentally-Relevant Contaminant Concentrations

  Approximately 48% of Americans use prescription drugs within each 30-day period, and there are signs this trend is increasing. Although many studies track pharmaceuticals’ fates in contaminating waterways, ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Effects of Antibiotic Mixtures across Marine Intertidal Trophic Levels: Examining Environmentally-Relevant Contaminant Concentrations Author: Teixeira, Jaclyn Rebecca Year: 2016 Approximately 48% of Americans use prescription drugs within each 30-day period, and there are signs this trend is increasing. Although many studies track pharmaceuticals’ fates in contaminating waterways, only fairly recent efforts have examined the potential impacts of these drugs on non-target organisms. The antibiotics sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim, often prescribed together to treat bacterial infections, have been detected worldwide in marine and estuarine environments at concentrations up to 700-800 ng/L each. Toxic effects of these drugs have been identified in freshwater organisms, with synergistic effects observed in short-term studies of mixtures of the two; however, little research has examined possible sub-lethal and longer-term effects of antibiotics in environmentally-relevant mixture concentrations on marine organisms. I examined the long-term effects of mixtures of these two antibiotics in species of a marine system: marine microalgal species, and marine mussels, to determine whether the levels currently present in waterways affect organism health and reproduction. Microalgal species may be among the most sensitive organisms to pharmaceutical contaminants based on ecotoxicity research. I exposed three species of marine microalgae (Isochrysis galbana, Chaetoceros neogracile, and Nannochloropsis oculata) to environmentally-relevant mixtures of sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim and examined their three-week growth rates. I found that for each species, the antibiotic treatments significantly suppressed algal growth. Specifically, I found that sulfamethoxazole was a driving factor in suppression of C. neogracile and I. galbana growth, while N. oculata responded more sensitively to a broader range of treatment mixture levels, which also included trimethoprim-only treatment groups and mixtures. These results on marine microalgae address critical data gaps, and identify the impacts of pharmaceuticals on marine primary producers, which could have direct ecosystem implications to higher trophic levels. Antibiotic pharmaceuticals can also affect marine mussel health, based on previous study of sub-cellular endpoints. I hypothesized that the important benthic foundational species, the Mytilus californianus mussel, would be significantly impacted by long-term 12-week exposure to environmentally-relevant concentrations and mixtures of sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim. Specifically, I measured growth rate, feeding rate, condition index, and gonando-somatic index as indicators of whole-organism and reproductive health. Sulfamethoxazole concentrations, in particular, and trimethoprim to a lesser extent, suppressed mussel growth and significantly affected condition index and gonandosomatic index over time. The results of this study offer an understanding of how an intertidal system responds to chronic presence of antibiotic mixtures in the water, and a more complete picture of the environmental consequences of pharmaceutical contaminants released into marine ecosystems at ever-growing rates. Title: Effects of Antibiotic Mixtures across Marine Intertidal Trophic Levels: Examining Environmentally-Relevant Contaminant Concentrations Author: Teixeira, Jaclyn Rebecca Year: 2016 Approximately 48% of Americans use prescription drugs within each 30-day period, and there are signs this trend is increasing. Although many studies track pharmaceuticals’ fates in contaminating waterways, only fairly recent efforts have examined the potential impacts of these drugs on non-target organisms. The antibiotics sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim, often prescribed together to treat bacterial infections, have been detected worldwide in marine and estuarine environments at concentrations up to 700-800 ng/L each. Toxic effects of these drugs have been identified in freshwater organisms, with synergistic effects observed in short-term studies of mixtures of the two; however, little research has examined possible sub-lethal and longer-term effects of antibiotics in environmentally-relevant mixture concentrations on marine organisms. I examined the long-term effects of mixtures of these two antibiotics in species of a marine system: marine microalgal species, and marine mussels, to determine whether the levels currently present in waterways affect organism health and reproduction. Microalgal species may be among the most sensitive organisms to pharmaceutical contaminants based on ecotoxicity research. I exposed three species of marine microalgae (Isochrysis galbana, Chaetoceros neogracile, and Nannochloropsis oculata) to environmentally-relevant mixtures of sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim and examined their three-week growth rates. I found that for each species, the antibiotic treatments significantly suppressed algal growth. Specifically, I found that sulfamethoxazole was a driving factor in suppression of C. neogracile and I. galbana growth, while N. oculata responded more sensitively to a broader range of treatment mixture levels, which also included trimethoprim-only treatment groups and mixtures. These results on marine microalgae address critical data gaps, and identify the impacts of pharmaceuticals on marine primary producers, which could have direct ecosystem implications to higher trophic levels. Antibiotic pharmaceuticals can also affect marine mussel health, based on previous study of sub-cellular endpoints. I hypothesized that the important benthic foundational species, the Mytilus californianus mussel, would be significantly impacted by long-term 12-week exposure to environmentally-relevant concentrations and mixtures of sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim. Specifically, I measured growth rate, feeding rate, condition index, and gonando-somatic index as indicators of whole-organism and reproductive health. Sulfamethoxazole concentrations, in particular, and trimethoprim to a lesser extent, suppressed mussel growth and significantly affected condition index and gonandosomatic index over time. The results of this study offer an understanding of how an intertidal system responds to chronic presence of antibiotic mixtures in the water, and a more complete picture of the environmental consequences of pharmaceutical contaminants released into marine ecosystems at ever-growing rates. Close

• 8. [Article] Spatial and Temporal Variability of Contaminants Within Estuarine Sediments and Native Olympia Oysters: A Contrast Between a Developed and an Undeveloped Estuary

  Chemical contaminants can be introduced into estuarine and marine ecosystems from a variety of sources including wastewater, agriculture and forestry practices, point and non-point discharges, runoff from ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Spatial and Temporal Variability of Contaminants Within Estuarine Sediments and Native Olympia Oysters: A Contrast Between a Developed and an Undeveloped Estuary Author: Granek, Elise F., Conn, Katherine E., Nilsen, Elena B., Pillsbury, Lori, Strecker, Angela L., Rumrill, Steven S., Fish, William Year: 2016 Chemical contaminants can be introduced into estuarine and marine ecosystems from a variety of sources including wastewater, agriculture and forestry practices, point and non-point discharges, runoff from industrial, municipal, and urban lands, accidental spills, and atmospheric deposition. The diversity of potential sources contributes to the likelihood of contaminated marine waters and sediments and increases the probability of uptake by marine organisms. Despite widespread recognition of direct and indirect pathways for contaminant deposition and organismal exposure in coastal systems, spatial and temporal variability in contaminant composition, deposition, and uptake patterns are still poorly known. We investigated these patterns for a suite of persistent legacy contaminants including polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) and chemicals of emerging concern including pharmaceuticals within two Oregon coastal estuaries (Coos and Netarts Bays). In the more urbanized Coos Bay, native Olympia oyster (Ostrea lurida) tissue had approximately twice the number of PCB congeners at over seven times the total concentration, yet fewer PBDEs at one-tenth the concentration as compared to the more rural Netarts Bay. Different pharmaceutical suites were detected during each sampling season. Variability in contaminant types and concentrations across seasons and between species and media (organisms versus sediment) indicates the limitation of using indicator species and/or sampling annually to determine contaminant loads at a site or for specific species. The results indicate the prevalence of legacy contaminants and CECs in relatively undeveloped coastal environments highlighting the need to improve policy and management actions to reduce contaminant releases into estuarine and marine waters and to deal with legacy compounds that remain long after prohibition of use. Our results point to the need for better understanding of the ecological and human health risks of exposure to the diverse cocktail of pollutants and harmful compounds that will continue to leach from estuarine sediments over time. Title: Spatial and Temporal Variability of Contaminants Within Estuarine Sediments and Native Olympia Oysters: A Contrast Between a Developed and an Undeveloped Estuary Author: Granek, Elise F., Conn, Katherine E., Nilsen, Elena B., Pillsbury, Lori, Strecker, Angela L., Rumrill, Steven S., Fish, William Year: 2016 Chemical contaminants can be introduced into estuarine and marine ecosystems from a variety of sources including wastewater, agriculture and forestry practices, point and non-point discharges, runoff from industrial, municipal, and urban lands, accidental spills, and atmospheric deposition. The diversity of potential sources contributes to the likelihood of contaminated marine waters and sediments and increases the probability of uptake by marine organisms. Despite widespread recognition of direct and indirect pathways for contaminant deposition and organismal exposure in coastal systems, spatial and temporal variability in contaminant composition, deposition, and uptake patterns are still poorly known. We investigated these patterns for a suite of persistent legacy contaminants including polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) and chemicals of emerging concern including pharmaceuticals within two Oregon coastal estuaries (Coos and Netarts Bays). In the more urbanized Coos Bay, native Olympia oyster (Ostrea lurida) tissue had approximately twice the number of PCB congeners at over seven times the total concentration, yet fewer PBDEs at one-tenth the concentration as compared to the more rural Netarts Bay. Different pharmaceutical suites were detected during each sampling season. Variability in contaminant types and concentrations across seasons and between species and media (organisms versus sediment) indicates the limitation of using indicator species and/or sampling annually to determine contaminant loads at a site or for specific species. The results indicate the prevalence of legacy contaminants and CECs in relatively undeveloped coastal environments highlighting the need to improve policy and management actions to reduce contaminant releases into estuarine and marine waters and to deal with legacy compounds that remain long after prohibition of use. Our results point to the need for better understanding of the ecological and human health risks of exposure to the diverse cocktail of pollutants and harmful compounds that will continue to leach from estuarine sediments over time. Close

• 9. [Article] Investigations of Larval Pacific Lamprey Entosphenus tridentatus Osmotic Stress Tolerance and Occurrence in a Tidally-Influenced Estuarine Stream

  Pacific lamprey is a culturally valuable species to indigenous people, and has significant ecological importance in freshwater and marine ecosystems. Over the past several decades, constrictions in range ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Investigations of Larval Pacific Lamprey Entosphenus tridentatus Osmotic Stress Tolerance and Occurrence in a Tidally-Influenced Estuarine Stream Author: Silver, Gregory Shell Year: 2015 Pacific lamprey is a culturally valuable species to indigenous people, and has significant ecological importance in freshwater and marine ecosystems. Over the past several decades, constrictions in range and reductions in Pacific lamprey abundance have been observed in Western North America, and may be indicators of range-wide declines. In the face of declining populations, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has partnered with tribal, state, federal, and local entities to implement a regional Pacific lamprey conservation agreement aimed at reducing threats to Pacific lamprey and improving their habitats and population status. Research needs identified in the conservation agreement include assessing larval Pacific lamprey occupancy and distribution, habitat requirements, and the limiting factors of larval distribution in the freshwater ecosystem. As part of the effort to address these knowledge gaps, we investigated the potential for larval lampreys to occur in tidally-influenced estuarine environments. Research of this type may be valuable for future conservation, management or recovery efforts of Pacific lamprey throughout its range. We employed a two-phased approach, consisting of laboratory and field components to address our aims. We first conducted a series of controlled laboratory experiments to evaluate osmotic stress tolerance and osmoregulatory status of larval Pacific lamprey exposed to a range of (1) fixed salinity in various dilutions of saltwater and (2) oscillating salinity treatments designed to simulate tidal activity. Tolerance was assessed by monitoring and comparing survival of larvae in various treatments through 96 h. Osmoregulatory status was assessed by quantifying and comparing total body water content, plasma osmolality, and plasma cation (i.e., sodium) concentrations among larvae surviving various treatments. In fixed salinity experiments, 100% survival was observed in 0‰, 6‰, 8‰ and 10‰ through 96 h, while 0% survival was observed through 48 h in 12‰, 30 h in 15‰, and 12 h in 25‰ and 35‰. In oscillating salinity experiments, on the other hand, a significant increase in survival (100%) was observed through 96 h in treatments that oscillated between 12‰ and 0‰ (freshwater) at about 6 h intervals versus fixed 12‰ salinity experiments. A significant increase in survival also occurred in oscillating 15‰ treatments (60%) versus fixed 15‰ through 96 h. Linear regression analysis indicated higher environmental salinity in laboratory experiments was significantly related to increases in plasma osmolality and plasma sodium (the most abundant osmotically active plasma cation) concentrations, and concurrent decreases in total body water content among larvae that survived various treatments. Tidal oscillations in salinity appeared to temper the desiccating effects of salinity, as changes in body water content and sodium ion concentration were less abrupt than fixed salinity treatments. These results suggest larvae cannot osmoregulate in hyperosmotic environments, but are able to tolerate some fixed and oscillating hyperosmotic salinity exposure. Consequently, larvae may be able to occur in certain areas of estuaries, such as oligohaline habitats that are characterized by low levels of salinity. Experimental results were used, in part, to guide larval sampling in a tidally-influenced habitat. Occurrence of larval Pacific lamprey and Lampetra spp. (western brook and river lampreys) was subsequently investigated across a gradient of salinity in Ellsworth Creek (Pacific County, Washington) by electrofishing. Larval Pacific and Lampetra spp. were detected within an approximately 300 m long tidally-influenced segment of the study area. Salinity monitoring was conducted in six tidally-influenced reaches where larvae were detected for up to 14 d following electrofishing. Maximum tidal cycle salinity exceeded 15 ppt during 52% to 80% of tidal cycles within tidally-influenced reaches where larvae were detected. These results suggest potential for larval lamprey to occur in certain portions of tidal estuaries. However, long-term residence of larvae in tidally-influenced habitats and whether larvae are able to subsequently survive, grow, transform, and out-migrate is not known and requires further study. Given the potential for tidally-influenced habitats to be occupied by larvae, assessments of larval occurrence in other areas, such as the lower Columbia River, may be warranted. Knowledge of larval lamprey distribution in estuarine environments may be valuable for habitat restoration, and mitigating potential impacts from dredging and other human disturbances. Title: Investigations of Larval Pacific Lamprey Entosphenus tridentatus Osmotic Stress Tolerance and Occurrence in a Tidally-Influenced Estuarine Stream Author: Silver, Gregory Shell Year: 2015 Pacific lamprey is a culturally valuable species to indigenous people, and has significant ecological importance in freshwater and marine ecosystems. Over the past several decades, constrictions in range and reductions in Pacific lamprey abundance have been observed in Western North America, and may be indicators of range-wide declines. In the face of declining populations, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has partnered with tribal, state, federal, and local entities to implement a regional Pacific lamprey conservation agreement aimed at reducing threats to Pacific lamprey and improving their habitats and population status. Research needs identified in the conservation agreement include assessing larval Pacific lamprey occupancy and distribution, habitat requirements, and the limiting factors of larval distribution in the freshwater ecosystem. As part of the effort to address these knowledge gaps, we investigated the potential for larval lampreys to occur in tidally-influenced estuarine environments. Research of this type may be valuable for future conservation, management or recovery efforts of Pacific lamprey throughout its range. We employed a two-phased approach, consisting of laboratory and field components to address our aims. We first conducted a series of controlled laboratory experiments to evaluate osmotic stress tolerance and osmoregulatory status of larval Pacific lamprey exposed to a range of (1) fixed salinity in various dilutions of saltwater and (2) oscillating salinity treatments designed to simulate tidal activity. Tolerance was assessed by monitoring and comparing survival of larvae in various treatments through 96 h. Osmoregulatory status was assessed by quantifying and comparing total body water content, plasma osmolality, and plasma cation (i.e., sodium) concentrations among larvae surviving various treatments. In fixed salinity experiments, 100% survival was observed in 0‰, 6‰, 8‰ and 10‰ through 96 h, while 0% survival was observed through 48 h in 12‰, 30 h in 15‰, and 12 h in 25‰ and 35‰. In oscillating salinity experiments, on the other hand, a significant increase in survival (100%) was observed through 96 h in treatments that oscillated between 12‰ and 0‰ (freshwater) at about 6 h intervals versus fixed 12‰ salinity experiments. A significant increase in survival also occurred in oscillating 15‰ treatments (60%) versus fixed 15‰ through 96 h. Linear regression analysis indicated higher environmental salinity in laboratory experiments was significantly related to increases in plasma osmolality and plasma sodium (the most abundant osmotically active plasma cation) concentrations, and concurrent decreases in total body water content among larvae that survived various treatments. Tidal oscillations in salinity appeared to temper the desiccating effects of salinity, as changes in body water content and sodium ion concentration were less abrupt than fixed salinity treatments. These results suggest larvae cannot osmoregulate in hyperosmotic environments, but are able to tolerate some fixed and oscillating hyperosmotic salinity exposure. Consequently, larvae may be able to occur in certain areas of estuaries, such as oligohaline habitats that are characterized by low levels of salinity. Experimental results were used, in part, to guide larval sampling in a tidally-influenced habitat. Occurrence of larval Pacific lamprey and Lampetra spp. (western brook and river lampreys) was subsequently investigated across a gradient of salinity in Ellsworth Creek (Pacific County, Washington) by electrofishing. Larval Pacific and Lampetra spp. were detected within an approximately 300 m long tidally-influenced segment of the study area. Salinity monitoring was conducted in six tidally-influenced reaches where larvae were detected for up to 14 d following electrofishing. Maximum tidal cycle salinity exceeded 15 ppt during 52% to 80% of tidal cycles within tidally-influenced reaches where larvae were detected. These results suggest potential for larval lamprey to occur in certain portions of tidal estuaries. However, long-term residence of larvae in tidally-influenced habitats and whether larvae are able to subsequently survive, grow, transform, and out-migrate is not known and requires further study. Given the potential for tidally-influenced habitats to be occupied by larvae, assessments of larval occurrence in other areas, such as the lower Columbia River, may be warranted. Knowledge of larval lamprey distribution in estuarine environments may be valuable for habitat restoration, and mitigating potential impacts from dredging and other human disturbances. Close

• 10. [Article] The Impact of a Large-Scale Climate Event on Antarctic Ecosystem Processes

  Extreme climate and weather events, such as a drought, hurricanes, or ice storms, can strongly imprint ecosystem processing and may alter ecosystem structure. Ecosystems in extreme environments are particularly ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: The Impact of a Large-Scale Climate Event on Antarctic Ecosystem Processes Author: Fountain, Andrew G., Saba, Grace, Adams, Byron, Doran, Peter, Fraser, William, Gooseff, Michael N., Obryk, Maciej K., Priscu, John Charles, Stammerjohn, Sharon, Virginia, Ross A. Year: 2016 Extreme climate and weather events, such as a drought, hurricanes, or ice storms, can strongly imprint ecosystem processing and may alter ecosystem structure. Ecosystems in extreme environments are particularly vulnerable because of their adaptation to severe limitations in energy, water, or nutrients. The vulnerability can be expressed as a relatively long-lasting ecosystem response to a small or brief change in environmental conditions. Such an event occurred in Antarctica and affected two vastly different ecosystems: a marine-dominated coastal system and a terrestrial polar desert. Both sites experienced winds that warmed air temperatures above the 0°C threshold, resulting in extensive snow and ice melt and triggering a series of cascading effects through the ecosystems that are continuing to play out more than a decade later. This highlights the sensitivity of Antarctic ecosystems to warming events, which should occur more frequently in the future with global climate warming. Title: The Impact of a Large-Scale Climate Event on Antarctic Ecosystem Processes Author: Fountain, Andrew G., Saba, Grace, Adams, Byron, Doran, Peter, Fraser, William, Gooseff, Michael N., Obryk, Maciej K., Priscu, John Charles, Stammerjohn, Sharon, Virginia, Ross A. Year: 2016 Extreme climate and weather events, such as a drought, hurricanes, or ice storms, can strongly imprint ecosystem processing and may alter ecosystem structure. Ecosystems in extreme environments are particularly vulnerable because of their adaptation to severe limitations in energy, water, or nutrients. The vulnerability can be expressed as a relatively long-lasting ecosystem response to a small or brief change in environmental conditions. Such an event occurred in Antarctica and affected two vastly different ecosystems: a marine-dominated coastal system and a terrestrial polar desert. Both sites experienced winds that warmed air temperatures above the 0°C threshold, resulting in extensive snow and ice melt and triggering a series of cascading effects through the ecosystems that are continuing to play out more than a decade later. This highlights the sensitivity of Antarctic ecosystems to warming events, which should occur more frequently in the future with global climate warming. Close