Kenneth S. Norris Rancho Marino Reserve

08 Jul, 10 AM - 10 Jul, 07 AM

Successful ecosystem-based management requires an in depth understanding of functional roles that different organisms play within ecosystems. This is especially important for potential pathogens of keystone species such as abalones (abs). Currently, 5 of 8 California (CA) abalone species are either Species of Concern (pinto, green & pink) to endangered (white & black abs). Our overall research objectives are to understand the role of host-parasite relationships under varying environmental conditions. Our specific objectives include: 1. Identification of the new RLO using microbial and molecular methods; 2. Development of molecular tools to identify and quantify all RLOs known in California; 3. Determination of the geographic distribution of the RLOs by surveying wild abalone populations, farms and seawater; 4. Testing the pathogenic potential of the new RLO alone or in combination with other RLOs under varying thermal regimes via controlled laboratory and on-farm experiments. We have a 5th educational goal: to relay our findings to managers, scientists, students, NGOs and other interested parties through a workshop in year 3. We will test the following hypotheses to fulfill our objectives: Hypothesis 1: The new RLO is a previously undescribed rickettsial parasite. Hypothesis 2: The new RLO is distributed along the mainland and does not infect island populations. Hypothesis 3: The new RLO reduces losses associated with WS. Hypothesis 4: Transmission of the new RLO and subsequent development of infection are positively correlated with ambient temperature. Hypothesis 5: Susceptibility to infection by new RLO and subsequent disease development and varies among host species. We will use a multifaceted approach to understand the role RLOs play in abalone health. Given that RLOs are non-culturable, we will use a combination of morphologic, physiological, & molecular parameters to identify the new RLO. We will create diagnostic tools that will be applied to field surveys and used in laboratory trials.

Visit #21768 @Kenneth S. Norris Rancho Marino Reserve

Approved

Under Project # 21922 | Research

Geographic distribution of a bacterial parasite

faculty - University of Washington

Reservation Members(s)

Carolyn carolyn.s.friedman@g Jul 8 - 10, 2010 (3 days)
Group of 2 Other Jul 8 - 10, 2010 (3 days)
Carolyn carolyn.s.friedman@g Jul 8 - 10, 2010 (3 days)
Carolyn carolyn.s.friedman@g Jul 8 - 10, 2010 (3 days)
Carolyn carolyn.s.friedman@g Jul 8 - 10, 2010 (3 days)

Reserve Resources(s) | Create Invoice

Airstream travel trailer 6 Jul 8 - 10, 2010
Meeting area with kitchen 6 Jul 8 - 10, 2010
Housing - Bedroom 2 6 Jul 8 - 10, 2010