Thursday, 4:30 PM in BR D (RICC)
(subject to change)
Evidence suggests that coastal ecosystems worldwide are experiencing rising atmospheric temperatures. These physical changes, combined with urbanization, frequently trigger increases in invasive species that may contribute to the mortality of catadromous fish species using estuaries as juvenile habitat. During the first years of residency in northeastern U.S. estuaries, American eels (Anguilla rostrata) are exposed to the exotic swim bladder nematode Anguillicola crassus. Given the rapidly changing character of these ecosystems, updated information on infection rates of this parasite are needed, particularly for early stage eels. To address these issues, a pilot study was initiated using arrays of eel resettlement collectors to obtain eels < 200 mm TL along a polyhaline to freshwater gradient in two southern New Jersey watersheds. Sub-samples of eels were sacrificed to calculate prevalence and intensity of infection. Preliminary results indicate a higher infection rate (> 80%) than previously reported over a range of habitats. Surprisingly, individuals < 80 mm TL were infected, suggesting young-of-the-year eels may acquire the parasite in the months after first feeding. Given these above-average rates of infection in early stage resident eels, the potential negative impact of infection on eel biology and, by extension, recruitment is a cause for concern.
