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In 2009, the Board of Director’s are pleased to report that most of the Island Bounty Shellfish Research Group’s work focused on mitigation of invasive tunicate fouling on aquaculture gear.
Studies included the efficacy of new treatments such as ultrasound and perforation against invasive tunicates, optimization of timing and frequency of pressure washing treatments against colonial tunicates, survival of tunicate colony fragments created during pressure washing treatment and histopathological changes in tunicates caused by chemical treatments.
In addition to detection and treatment of tunicates, the Shellfish Research Groups also studies basic tunicate biology, ecology, life history and ecosystem interactions, including potential predator-prey relationships.
Four graduate students are also part of the Shellfish Research Group. Sarah Clark’s PhD work focused on developing molecular assays to aid in the monitoring of invasive tunicates in our estuaries.
These assays will be able to identify tunicates by species, by life stage, and determine viability. As part of his MSc work, Louis Ferguson is evaluating the potential spread of an invasive tunicate in BC via oyster aquaculture activities and how such spread could be prevented using air and freshwater exposure treatments. Denise Methe is studying farm management strategies to decrease the expression of disease in oysters. Thitiwan Patanasatienkul is beginning her PhD studying modeling methods in aquatic animal health.
For further information, please feel to contact:
Ross J. Beatty, Director
ross@islandbountyfoods.com
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