Tag: Program in Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences

Oyster-Predator Dynamics and Climate Change

Figure 3. The oyster bed is photographed at low tide when the animals are exposed to the air. These are called inter-tidal oyster beds. In some places in Florida, where the water is deeper in the estuary, the oysters always are underwater. These are called sub-tidal oyster beds. Credit: UF/IFAS photo

Oysters are one of the most important natural resources found in coastal and estuarine areas of Florida, but some Florida oyster populations appear to be declining. One possible driver of oyster population decline is increased mortality from oyster predators, including marine snails. But other environmental factors, such as changes in temperature or salinity, may also affect oysters. This 5-page fact sheet written by Gabrielle Love, Shirley Baker, and Edward V. Camp and published by the UF/IFAS School of Forest Resources and Conservation, Program in Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences describes how a changing climate may affect oysters directly but also indirectly by affecting their predators.
https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fa228

A Beginner’s Guide to Water Management—Common Aquatic Birds Using Florida Lakes

Green-backed heron.

Florida LAKEWATCH is a citizen scientist program that monitors Florida's lakes. Since it was established in 1991, Florida LAKEWATCH has worked with thousands of volunteers to collect water quality data on more than 2,700 aquatic systems in Florida. It is the most comprehensive and longest-running water quality data source in the United States, if not the world. This 18-page circular written by Mark V. Hoyer and published by the UF/IFAS Program in Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences of the School of Forest Resources and Conservation describes Florida LAKEWATCH's volunteer aquatic bird-monitoring program. Citizen volunteers can provide a comprehensive and intimate understanding of birds and their interactions with Florida lake systems, helping to detect the changes in the types and numbers of birds using lakes that may indicate important natural or human-caused environmental trends. Whether you want to identify birds you’ve spotted or take an active role in the management and conservation of Florida's natural resources, this circular can help you learn the basics.
https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fa229

The American Horseshoe Crab (Limulus polyphemus)

A photo of a horseshoe crab on the beach partially covered by a shallow wave with seaweed around it and clinging to it and sunshine gleaming on its shell.

American horseshoe crabs (Limulus polyphemus) look prehistoric and in fact really have not changed very much in the 200 million years they have been around. This 3-page fact sheet written by Savanna Barry, Holly Abeels, and Shelly Krueger and published by the UF/IFAS Program in Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences, School of Forest Resources and Conservation tells the story of these interesting and valuable “living fossils,” including their importance both to ecology and human medicine. It provides tips on how to find horseshoe crabs and a few ways you can help them.
https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/sg190

Concepts, History, Principles, and Application of Germplasm Cryopreservation Technology

A photo showing a person wearing a lab coat and nitrile gloves inserting a sample into a cryogenic storage container.
Germplasm refers to the living genetic resource of such biological materials as seeds, pollen, animal sperm, eggs, embryos, and larvae. Cryopreservation maintains these materials at extremely low temperatures. The technology is used in medicine as well as to maintain biological diversity, preserve genetic resources, support breeding programs, and conserve endangered species. This 10-page fact sheet written by Huiping Yang and Terrence R. Tiersch and published by the UF/IFAS School of Forest Resources and Conservation Program in Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences introduces the basic concepts, history, principles, and applications of germplasm cryopreservation technology.
https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fa223

Ocean Acidification: pH Variability across Space and Time

Ocean, horizon, and clouds over the Gulf of Mexico.

The absorption of atmospheric carbon dioxide by the oceans has changed the chemical properties of seawater and made it more acidic all over the world. Florida, with an extensive coastline and deep cultural and economic ties to marine resources, will be directly affected. This 4-page fact sheet written by Lisa Krimsky, Joseph Henry, and Joshua Patterson and published by the UF/IFAS Program in Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences, School of Forest Resources and Conservation focuses on the spatial and temporal variability in oceanic pH and provide an overview of pH variability in Florida's coastal waters.
https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fa227

Aquaculture applications of the Family Blenniidae

Close-up of a Smith's blenny.

Marine ornamental fish production is still in its infancy compared with its freshwater counterpart. About 1,800 wild-caught fish species are imported into the United States each year, clear proof of the need for the expansion of marine ornamental production to include new species and families of fish. Distinct behavior and a wide range of colors makes fish from the Blenniidae family, called blennies, a popular choice in the aquarium hobby. These hardy fish are small and rarely aggressive to other reef species and they eat algae and clean tank substrate. This 6-page fact sheet written by Jesse Von Linden, Joshua T. Patterson, Cortney L. Ohs, and Matthew A. DiMaggio and published by the UF/IFAS Program in Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences, School of Forest Resources and Conservation provides a brief overview of the family including description and taxonomy, natural history, culture techniques, a bit about disease challenges, and advice on marketing for ornamental Blennids.
https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fa225

Aquaculture Applications of the Family Gobiidae

A close-up photo of an orange mottled Stonogobiops yasha fish hovering over its tiny eggs

Marine ornamental fish production is still in its infancy compared with its freshwater counterpart. About 1,800 wild-caught fish species are imported into the United States each year, clear proof of the need for the expansion of marine ornamental production to include new species and families of fish. The family Gobiidae is the fourth most imported family of marine ornamental fish. Gobies can be easily housed with a variety of other species of fish. Several have qualities that lend themselves to aquarium life. Some clean other fish and others sift the sand bed. Many naturally perch on the rockscape or corals, spending their time beautifying their surroundings with their bright colors and intriguing behavior. This 7-page fact sheet written by Jesse Von Linden, Joshua T. Patterson, Cortney L. Ohs, and Matthew A. DiMaggio and published by the UF/IFAS Program in Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences, School of Forest Resources and Conservation provides a brief overview of the family including description and taxonomy, natural history, culture techniques, a bit about disease challenges, and advice on marketing for ornamental Gobids.
https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fa226

Florida Fishing Guide Requirements Checklist

Photo of two life-jacketed people standing in a boat

Guides and captains maintaining vessels used for recreational fishing are an important part of coastal economies, but regulations affecting them can be complicated and may differ depending on several factors, including targeted species, number of customers, vessel size, etc. These regulations are often described in multiple locations, since for-hire guides operate at the intersection of multiple state and federal jurisdictions. This 3-page fact sheet written by Elizabeth A. Staugler, Ralph Allen, and Edward V. Camp and published by the UF/IFAS School of Forest Resources and Conservation, Program in Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences summarizes the relevant regulations and requirements.
https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fa218

Overview of Commonly Cultured Marine Ornamental Fish

A close-up photo of a rainbow-colored fish, predominantly green but with orange, red, teal, and yellow stripes and blotches. It's about 2.5 inches long and lying on one side in a man's palm.

The production of freshwater ornamental fish dominates the ornamental aquaculture industry, yet the small marine ornamentals sector has grown substantially in recent years. This 7-page fact sheet written by Elizabeth M. Groover, Matthew A. DiMaggio, and Eric J. Cassiano and published by the UF/IFAS Program in Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences, School of Forest Resources and Conservation briefly reviews the more common groups of marine ornamental fishes cultured in the United States. As we learn more about marine ornamentals and as aquaculture protocols for marine ornamentals develop and improve, it is possible that more species may become economically feasible to produce and more cultured marine fish may begin to supplement wild-caught stocks in the marine aquarium trade.
https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fa224

Opportunities and Obstacles to Aquaculture in Florida

Photo of a large, barnlike structure from the inside. Rows of gray, barrel-like tanks and white pvc piping, dim, blue light from the ceiling panels, and a large fan set in the wall at the end of the barn, through which daylight shines.

Aquaculture is growing in Florida as it is worldwide, but in Florida aquaculture has not yet reached its substantial potential. To understand why this might be, the University of Florida's Institute of Sustainable Food Systems organized and convened a meeting between small-agency, industry, and academic stakeholders to discuss the opportunities and obstacles to aquaculture in Florida. This 6-page fact sheet written by Edward Camp, Taryn Garlock, and James Anderson and published by the UF/IFAS School of Forest Resources and Conservation, Program in Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences, describes the proceedings of this meeting in the context of the broader scientific literature explaining why aquaculture ventures do and sometimes do not succeed.
https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fa221

Fish Population Recruitment: What Recruitment Means and Why It Matters

Florida bass guarding fry
Recruitment, the process by which small fish transition to older, larger life stages, is probably the most important process that regulates populations of fish, but it is complicated to understand. This 6-page fact sheet written by Edward V. Camp, Robert N. M. Ahrens, Angela B. Collins, and Kai Lorenzen and published by the UF/IFAS Program in Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences, School of Forest Resources and Conservation explains the recruitment process in fish populations and why recruitment is so important to fisheries science and management.
https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fa222

Ocean Acidification: Calcifying Marine Organisms

Raw oysters on ice. Oyster, shellfish, seafood, food safety. 2009 Annual Research Report photo by Tyler Jones

Rising atmospheric carbon dioxide concentration leads to ocean acidification and threatens coastal and marine ecosystems and organisms. This 4-page fact sheet written by Joseph Henry, Joshua Patterson, and Lisa Krimsky and published by the UF/IFAS School of Forest Resources and Conservation, Program in Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences explores the impacts of ocean acidification on calcification, the process corals, bivalves, echinoderms, and planktonic organisms use to build their shells and skeletons. Understanding how ocean acidification affects calcification is important for scientists seeking to determine the real-world implications and impacts of ocean acidification on some of the most important species in the marine environment.
https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fa220

Overview of Urban Aquaculture

This 6-page fact sheet written by Emily H. Roan, Laura Tiu, Roy P.E. Yanong, Matthew A. DiMaggio, and Joshua T. Patterson and published by the UF/IFAS Program in Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences, School of Forest Resources and Conservation provides introductory information for people interested in engaging in commercial or hobby-scale aquaculture in urban or suburban areas. It introduces three common types of urban aquaculture systems, describes the resources and challenges unique to urban aquaculture, and includes a handy “getting started” section.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fa217

Tetraploid Induction and Establishment of Breeding Stocks for All-Triploid Seed Production

Raw oysters on ice. Oyster, shellfish, seafood, food safety. 2009 Annual Research Report photo by Tyler Jones.

Triploid-tetraploid breeding technology has been applied to commercial oyster aquaculture worldwide. Triploid oysters are becoming the preferred aquaculture product because of their fast growth, better meat quality, and year-round harvest. Tetraploids are essential for triploid oyster aquaculture because commercial production of all-triploid seed depends on the availability of tetraploids for reproductive materials. This 8-page fact sheet written by Huiping Yang, Ximing Guo, and John Scarpa and published by the UF/IFAS School of Forest Resources and Conservation, Program in Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences, conveys basic knowledge about tetraploid induction and breeding to commercial shellfish culturists and the general public.

http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fa215

Microworm Culture for Use in Freshwater Ornamental Aquaculture

Microscopic image of adult microworms on a 1 mm grid. Under the microscope, their white, unsegmented, elongated bodies can be easily seen in constant motion.
A small nematode worm commonly referred to as a “microworm” has been a staple live feed used in the ornamental aquaculture industry for over 50 years. These worms are small enough to be ingested by the larvae of many commonly cultured ornamental species, and their production methods are simple and reliable. Microworms have the potential to provide appropriate nutrition in a live feed organism that is cultured entirely in-house and involves less labor and cost than newly hatched Artemia. In this 4-page fact sheet published by the UF/IFAS School of Forest Resources and Conservation, Program in Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences, authors Shane W. Ramee, Taylor N. Lipscomb, and Matthew A. DiMaggio discuss the biology, environmental requirements, and culture techniques for microworms and explain their importance for the larval culture of freshwater fish species.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fa214

Evolution, culture, and care for Betta splendens

male betta in a small aquarium; photo by Sandy Moore

The commercial betta, or Siamese fighting fish (Betta splendens), is one of a group of fishes that live in fresh water in Africa and southern Asia. Today’s commercial bettas are selected for bright colors as well as elaborate fins because the ornamental hobby is the main market for this species. This 5-page fact sheet written by Craig Watson, Matthew DiMaggio, Jeffrey Hill, Quenton Tuckett, and Roy Yanong and published by School of Forest Resources and Conservation, Program in Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences explains how to grow and care for these beautiful and fascinating fishes.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fa212

Ocean Acidification: An Introduction

Ocean, horizon, and clouds over the Gulf of Mexico.

Ocean acidification is the ongoing decrease in ocean pH caused primarily by the ocean’s taking up excess carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. Other impacts related to climate change (increased sea level rise, coastal flooding and extreme weather events) often receive more attention, but the acidification of the Earth’s oceans is well documented and is a major concern for the marine science community. This 4-page fact sheet written by Joshua Patterson and Lisa Krimsky and published by the UF/IFAS Program in Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences, School of Forest Resources and Conservation is the first in a series that addresses ocean acidification in Florida. It specifically explains the changes that are occurring to the chemistry of our coastal and oceanic waters because of elevated carbon dioxide levels. Additional publications address potential environmental, economic, and social implications for Florida.

http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fa206

Bed Fishing for Florida Bass

Florida bass guarding fry

Florida bass, Micropterus floridanus, is the most popular freshwater sport fish in the state of Florida. Florida bass guard their nests for up to 2 weeks, and many anglers target the prized sport fish during this period using a procedure called bed fishing. This 7-page fact sheet written by John S. Hargrove and James D. Austin and published by the UF/IFAS School of Forest Resources and Conservation, Program in Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences, outlines the reproductive biology of Florida bass, the known consequences of bed fishing, and practices to minimize its impacts.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fa204

How Ornamental Fishes Get Their Color

clownfish UF/IFAS

Color in fish is mostly genetically determined, but they are unable to produce red, orange, yellow, green, and some blue colors themselves.They get these colors from their food. Fish raised in aquariums or recirculating water systems without pigment supplementation in their diet will fade and lose their vibrant hues. Even in ponds, dietary pigment supplementation can make fishes brighter and more variably colored, just like their wild counterparts. This 6-page fact sheet written by F. A. Chapman and R. D. Miles and published by the UF/IFAS School of Forest Resources and Conservation, Program in Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences, addresses how ornamental fish get their colors and provides a list of ingredient sources for diets that can be used to enhance and intensify fish colors.

http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fa192

Storage of Decapsulated Artemia (Brine Shrimp)

Picture of brine shrimp nauplius (nauplii are the first life stage after hatching). Cortny Ohs, UF/IFAS

Artemia (brine shrimp) are good food for larval fish, but they have to be removed from their shells before many species can eat them. The process can be time- and labor-intensive, especially since it is often performed every day. Fortunately, this 3-page fact sheet written by Jason Broach, Cortney Ohs, and Isaac Lee and published by the UF/IFAS School of Forest Resources and Conservation, Program in Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences describes a method for storing a 7-day supply of the brine shrimp that will allow the task to be done just once a week.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fa203