BusinessEnvironmentResearchers Study Links Between Prey Fish, Predators and Algal...

Researchers Study Links Between Prey Fish, Predators and Algal Blooms

-

- Advertisment -sslate

For the most part, if you’re a fish, you’re either prey or predator, but Florida research is finding the symbiotic relationship is at risk after outbreaks of harmful algal blooms.

Dakota Lewis, a graduate student at the University of Central Florida (UCF) and a 2020 fellow in the Forage Fish Research Program, has studied algal blooms and fish kills in the Indian River Lagoon, which stretches along 40% of Florida’s East Coast.

Using data sets from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and a new computer-modeling framework, she found faster declines of forage fish, like mullet and anchovies, after an algal bloom, and years of decline for fish-eating species, like trout and redfish.

“And so, there’s a potential for a loss of that balance, due to that decoupling of those two communities that are so intertwined and, in the food web, related to one another,” Lewis outlined.

Researchers

Lewis thinks shifts in community dynamics for forage fish and sport fish could have harmful effects on popular recreational fisheries, now and in the long term. Lewis’ research is published in the journal Ecological Indicators.

Emily Farrell, another UCF graduate student, uses an emerging new genetic technique, known as environmental DNA or ‘eDNA,’ to help get a high-resolution snapshot of the marine ecosystem in the lagoon.

“The dust in our houses is mostly shed skin cells; that would be environmental DNA,” Farrell explained. “But in a fisheries context, it’s mucus or scales, or other things that fish are releasing into the water by swimming through it.”

Farrell’s method can account for even the smallest species, like forage fish, simply by collecting seawater samples along the lagoon. The eDNA analysis will help create a map of local biodiversity hotspots.

The Forage Fish Research Program is a public-private partnership between Florida Wildlife Research Institute, leading academics and a coalition led by the International Game Fish Association.

Sunshine Slate
Sunshine Slatehttps://www.sunshineslate.com
Sunshine Slate is your news, entertainment, music fashion website. We provide you with the latest breaking news and videos straight from the United States of America.

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

Latest news

Expert: People underestimate railroad collision risks

Safe Kids Worldwide has new resources and materials to help raise awareness for families to prevent railroad-related injuries and deaths involving children.

Educators preserve, shape future with ‘ALT NEW COLLEGE’

Liberal arts college in Florida is seeing some resistance from former students and faculty who've developed and launched Alt New College

Dissatisfaction spans the insurance industry as “Dark Age Pricing” dominates

A survey of US Commercial P&C insurers conducted by independent research firm Coleman Parkes for pricing decision intelligence leader

Charting a Path to a Safer Future: Preventing Sexual Abuse in Religious and Educational Settings

In this context, a new initiative is taking shape that promises to make a significant mark in the fight against sexual abuse in religious and educational environments.
- Advertisement -

How To Choose The Right Air Freight Service For Your Business

When it comes to shipping goods, air freight service is often the preferred choice for businesses due to its efficiency and speed.

Tips and Tricks For Maximising Business Productivity with Dynamics 365

As a result, let’s discuss leveraging Dynamics 365 to its fullest potential. We'll uncover tips and tricks that not only enhance your understanding of this dynamic solution but also amplify its impact on your business.
edealo.com
- Advertisement - Motel 6
transformerscon

Must read

Tips and Tricks For Maximising Business Productivity with Dynamics 365

As a result, let’s discuss leveraging Dynamics 365 to its fullest potential. We'll uncover tips and tricks that not only enhance your understanding of this dynamic solution but also amplify its impact on your business.

Best Apps and Games for your New Mobile Phone

We can install any app from the google play store very quickly. Let’s take a look at some most amazing apps for android mobile phones.
- Advertisement -
- Advertisement -sslate

You might also likeRELATED
Recommended to you