Organic Matter Sources Supporting Communities of an Arid Riverine System: the Lower Rio Grande Drainage

s (Alphabetically by First Author) ............................................. 2-300 Author Index ..............................................................................................300-308 book of abstracts ASLO 2011 ASLO Aquatic Sciences Meeting 2 (~) represents Tutorial presentations Aarbakke, O. N., University of Tromsø, Tromsø, Norway, [email protected] Norrbin, F., University of Tromsø, Tromsø, Norway PHYLOGENETIC RELATIONSHIPS BETWEEN TWO KNOWN AND ONE RECENTLY DISCOVERED POPULATION OF PSEUDOCALANUS MOULTONI Copepods of the genus Pseudocalanus are very abundant and present in all marine environments throughout the northern hemisphere where they constitute an important link between primary production and higher trophic levels. Due to their cryptic nature and co-occurrence with one or several sibling species, species level identification of Pseudocalanus species is time consuming and difficult. Consequently, knowledge of species specific differences in habitat, life history and environmental preferences within this genus is scarce. Through barcoding Pseudocalanus moultoni (Frost 1989), which is considered native of Puget Sound and the Gulf of Maine, was recently found in samples collected in Svalbard and North Norwegian fjords. Through sequencing of mitochondrial genes in individuals of P. moultoni from the Gulf of Maine, Puget Sound and the newly discovered East Atlantic populations, we present phylogenetic relationships between the three and suggest the origin of the Norwegian and Svalbard populations. Abuzeineh, A. A., Texas State University, San Marcos, USA, [email protected] Nowlin, W. H., Texas State University, San Marcos, USA, [email protected] Smith, A., Texas State University, San Marcos, USA Bonner, T. H., Texas State University, San Marcos, USA, [email protected] ORGANIC MATTER SOURCES SUPPORTING COMMUNITIES OF AN ARID RIVERINE SYSTEM: THE LOWER RIO GRANDE DRAINAGE Determining sources of organic matter (OM) to aquatic communities has been a central focus of aquatic ecology. In riverine ecosystems, spatial resource subsidies can occur among habitats within a river and between riverine and terrestrial ecosystems. This study examines OM sources in an arid river ecosystem, the Rio Grande/ Rio Bravo del Norte (Texas). Fish, periphyton, and invertebrates were collected from 6 main stem and 6 tributary sites and analyzed for stable isotopes of nitrogen (N) and carbon (C). We utilized Bayesian mixing models (SIAR) to determine the percent contribution of C sources to consumers in food webs. Results show that C sources supporting fish communities at mainstem sites were primarily from allochthonous (terrestrial) sources (percent allochthonous 49-79%). However, tributary sites exhibited a greater influence of autochthonous C (percent autochthonous 4384%), but this influence varied. Differences in allochthonous versus autochthonous C sources in mainstem and tributary sites may be driven by higher turbidity in the mainstem sites. This study also suggests that, contrary to predictions, some arid river ecosystems may be supported by allochthonous C sources. Acharya, P., Wayne State University, Detroit, USA, [email protected] Kashian, D., Wayne State University, Detroit, USA, [email protected] Ram, J., Wayne State University, Detroit, USA, [email protected] ALGAL REGULATION OF SPAWNING IN THE FRESHWATER INVASIVE MUSSEL, DREISSENA BUGENSIS Dreissenid mussels, such as the quagga mussel (Dreissena bugensis) and zebra mussel (D. polymorpha) are invasive biological pest species that have spread beyond their natural range due to their prolific reproductive capability and ability to attach to objects such as boats. Initially, zebra mussels spread faster and farther; however, quagga mussels have recently displaced zebra mussels in many areas of the North American Great Lakes. To understand regulators of reproduction and factors mediating quagga mussel displacement of zebra mussels, we investigated the hypothesis that allomones from algae can initiate or inhibit the onset of spawning. Preliminary studies indicate that filtrate from Chlorella algae stimulates spawning, while from the toxic algae, Microcystis, inhibits spawning of D. bugensis. D. bugensis spawns earlier in the Detroit River than D. polymorpha (the zebra mussel). Pulses of veligers seen in field collections could be due to the stimulatory effect of specific algal activators; whereas, toxic algal blooms may have opposite effects. Understanding the regulation of their spawning behavior may facilitate developing new control methods or ways to prevent the spread of these pest species. Acheampong, E., University of Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany, [email protected] St. John, M. A., University of Hamburg, Grosse Elbestrasse 133, Germany, michael. [email protected] DOES CARBON OR NITROGEN LIMIT THE PRODUCTION OF MARINE ZOOPLANKTON? Zooplankton rely on the efficient uptake of protein from their environment in order to mitigate the high cost of protein biosynthesis during growth. This increases the metabolic availability of dietary nitrogen as it predominantly occurs in protein. Conversely, the metabolic availability of carbon is dependent on the dietary composition of diverse molecules. Using a new model and Acartia tonsa as a test case, we investigated the impact of the macromolecular constituents of prey on limitation of production by marine zooplankton. Our model incorporates the stage-specific structural demand for chemical substances by animals, discriminates among the required molecular forms of C, and considers food quality dependent regulation of feeding and metabolism. It realistically predicts growth as well as carbonand nitrogenspecific gross growth efficiencies of Acartia in response to changes in algal carbon:nitrogen. The results suggest carbon limitation of zooplankton production due to lipid limitation and the low metabolic availability of carbon associated with algal carbohydrates. This finding contradicts the assumption that C is a non-limiting resource for zooplankton production Ackerman, J. D., University of Guelph, Guelph, Canada, [email protected] Quinn, N. P., University of Guelph, Guelph, Canada, [email protected] THE ROLE OF BOTTOM ROUGHNESS HEIGHT AND SPACING ON SCALAR TRANSPORT IN NEAR-BED FLOWS. Bottom roughness spacing (λ) and height (k) influence near-bed flow regimes, which include: (1) skimming flow (λ/k < 8); (2) wake interference flow (λ/k ~ 8); and (3) isolated roughness flow (λ/k > 8). COMSOL was used to determine the accuracy of λ/k in predicting the flow regime for 2D square, rounded, and triangular geometries, and a continuously released scalar was used to determine how scalar is transported under these conditions. The model flow regimes fit closely with square and triangle geometries, but the rounded geometry required a lower λ/k than predicted for skimming flow. The relative transport of scalar (RT) matched these expectations, and significant differences in RT were observed among flow regimes at each geometry, as well as significantly lower RT for skimming flow in the rounded geometry. λ/k provides an accurate means of classifying roughness flow regimes, and predicting the transport of scalars in near-bed flows. These results indicate that the spatial configuration of bottom roughness is an important determinant of scalar transport in terms of whether the scalar will be retained locally or transported downstream. Acosta, V., CUNY Queens College, Flushing, New York, USA, [email protected] Stewart, G. M., CUNY Queens College, Flushing, New York, USA, gstewart@ qc.cuny.edu CONCENTRATION OF HEAVY METALS IN THE FOOD WEB OF AN URBAN LAKE After preliminary investigation found high concentrations of copper, lead and zinc in the sediments of Meadow Lake, Flushing, NY, concentrations of heavy metals were examined in the food web components of this urban water body. Meadow Lake has been cut-off from the local tidal straight, receives run-off from three major highways, and has suffered the recent invasion of Asian snakeheads. The concentrations of Cd, Cr, Cu, Pb and Zn were determined via ICP-OES in various tissues of snakeheads, American eel, bullhead catfish, white perch, gizzard shad, Menidia beryllina, and grass shrimp in order to examine accumulation and trophic transfer dynamics in this impacted system. The data and implications of this study will be presented and discussed within the context of ecosystem dynamics and potential human exposure. Adam, T. C., University of California, Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, USA, adam@ lifesci.ucsb.edu Bernardi, G., University of California, Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, USA, bernardi@ biology.ucsc.edu Brooks, A. J., University of California, Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, USA, brooks@ msi.ucsb.edu Carpenter, R. C., California State University, Northridge, Northridge, USA, robert. [email protected] Edmunds, P. J., California State University, Northridge, Northridge, USA, peter. [email protected] Holbrook, S. J., University of California, Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, USA, [email protected] Schmitt, R. J., University of California, Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, USA, schmitt@ lifesci.ucsb.edu DISTURBANCE AND RECOVERY OF CORAL REEFS IN MOOREA, FRENCH POLYNESIA Nearshore marine environments are experiencing disturbances with increasing frequency, making it a priority to understand processes that confer resilience to these ecoASLO Book of Abstracts 3 * represents Invited presentations systems. Coral reefs are particularly vulnerable to disturbances and may undergo phase shifts to algae-dominated states following significant loss of coral. Reefs on Moorea, French Polynesia have experienced repeated disturbances over the past three decades including multiple cyclones, Acanthaster outbreaks, and bleaching events. They have recovered from these disturbances with coral cover returning to pre-disturbance levels over decadal time scales. The most recent series of disturbances, an Acanthaster outbreak (2007-2009) followed by a cyclone (2010), together resulted in loss of most coral cover on large portions of the outer reefs while having little impact on lagoon reefs. The dramatic loss of coral on outer reefs was followed by large increases in herbivorous fish and only a modest increase in algae, suggesting the rapid population response of herbivores prevented a phase shift to an algae-dominated state. This response was facilitated by the presence of lagoon reef nursery habitat for herbivorous fishes, underscoring the importance of habitat diversity for reef resilience. Adamack, A. T., University of Michigan Cooperative Institute for Limnology and Ecosystems Research, Ann Arbor, USA, [email protected] Clouse, M. A., Old Dominion University Earth and Atmospheric Sciences, Norfolk, USA, [email protected] Ludsin, S. A., Ohio State University Aquatic Ecology Laboratory, Columbus, USA, [email protected] Mason, D. M., NOAA Great Lakes Environmental Research Laboratory, Ann Arbor, USA, [email protected] Brandt, S. B., Oregon State University Oregon Sea Grant Program, Corvallis, USA Zhang, H., University of Michigan Cooperative Institute for Limnology and Ecosystems Research, Ann Arbor, USA, [email protected] EFFECTS OF HYPOXIA ON FISH DIETS IN THE NORTHERN GULF OF MEXICO Extensive hypoxic areas form each summer in the northern Gulf of Mexico. To assess hypoxia’s impact on trophic interactions in the northern Gulf, we sampled fish inside and outside of hypoxic areas during late-July and early August in 2006, 2007, and 2008. Fish were collected using bottom and midwater trawls with CTD casts being made before each trawl to determine temperature, DO, salinity, and depth. 5,100 fish diets from 73 species were examined. Non-metric multidimensional scaling analysis was conducted on individuals with non-empty stomachs and species with n > 15 individuals with non-empty stomach, and was used to identify general patterns in diets in relation to biotic and abiotic factors, including hypoxia. Diets of individuals within a species were generally more similar within than among species. Within species, individual diet differences were primarily influenced by fish size and then by DO. Additional work will be done to determine whether the effects of DO increase or decrease individual consumption rates, and will attempt to resolve the mechanism for these effects. Adams, H. E., Montana State University, Bozeman, USA, [email protected] Priscu, J. C., Montana State University, Bozeman, USA, [email protected] BACTERIAL ACTIVITY IN METHANE-RICH, ICY HABITATS Thermokarst lakes near Barrow, Alaska were sampled during late season ice cover (April) to assess their role of geogenic methane on microbial metabolism. Ten sites in nine lakes were selected which varied in physical and chemical characteristics. Dissolved methane in the liquid water column varied by four orders of magnitude (0.02 to 1682 uM). Dissolved organic carbon (DOC) also varied in concentration among the lakes but DOC fluorescence excitation-emission matrices indicated that the carbon is of similar quality. Rates of methane oxidation were not dependant on methane concentration, suggesting that dissolved methane was at saturation levels. C:N molar ratios of DOC to TDN ranged from 6.9 to 14.8; the highest ratios occurred in the lakes with the highest methane concentrations. Q10 values for leucine uptake between 1 and 25 °C ranged from 1.5 to 1.9, less than those reported in the summer for other lakes on the North Slope of Alaska. Our results indicate that geogenic methane in the Barrow lakes can be rapidly oxidized beneath the seasonal ice cover by bacteria that are adapted to cold temperatures. Adebayo, A. A., University of Windsor, Windsor, Canada, [email protected] Bailey, S. A., Great Lakes Laboratory for Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Burlington, Canada, [email protected] MacIsaac, H. J., University of Windsor, Windsor, Canada, [email protected] DOMESTIC VESSELS AS A POTENTIAL PATHWAY OF NONINDIGENOUS SPECIES IN THE GREAT LAKES – ST. LAWRENCE RIVER Transoceanic ballast water is recognized globally as a dominant dispersal vector for nonindigenous species (NIS) while domestic ballast is generally considered to be lower risk. The Great Lakes receives approximately equal amounts of foreign and domestic (St. Lawrence River-SLR) ballast. The SLR could donate NIS to the Great Lakes if native SLR taxa are NIS to Great Lakes ports, or if NIS established at SLR ports are not in the Great Lakes. Because all discharged transoceanic ballast must be managed by ballast water exchange while domestic discharges are unmanaged, the relative importance of SLR ballast as a dispersal vector may have increased. We assess the invasion risk of SLR ballast to the Great Lakes by examining invertebrate community similarity between source and recipient ports. We conducted biological surveys at 16 SLR ports and sampled ballast water of over 25 transits originating from these ports. Sample analysis is underway; to date, 1 NIS (Microsetella norvegica) found in samples has not been reported from the Great Lakes. Species level identifications will inform future risk assessments that elucidate potential vs. effective propagule pressure. Adjou, M., Center for Macroecology, Evolution and Climate, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark, [email protected] Bendtsen, J., VitusLab, Symbion Science Park, Copenhagen, Denmark, [email protected] Richardson, K., Center for Macroecology, Evolution and Climate, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark, [email protected] MODELING THE INFLUENCE FROM OCEAN TRANSPORT, MIXING AND GRAZING PRESSURE ON PHYTOPLANKTON DIVERSITY We have developed a simple model for analyzing the potential impact of transport by ocean currents and turbulent mixing, nutrient input into the euphotic zone and grazing pressure on phytoplankton diversity. Phytoplankton species are defined by their growth kinetics within 5 functional groups; cyanobacteria, coccolithophorids, diatoms, green algae and dinoflagellates. Mortality is determined from selective grazing pressure. The model sensitivity was analyzed in relation to changes in nutrient input and physical transports of biomasses and related to realistic values of new production and ocean currents, respectively. We show that phytoplankton diversity is sensitive to selective grazing. Model solutions imply that low nutrient inputs (oligotrophic conditions) are associated with relatively low diversity, and, correspondingly, relatively high nutrient inputs (mesotrophic – eutrophic conditions) are characterized by a relatively high diversity. The results of the model are in general accordance with observed patterns of global phytoplankton diversity. In a sensitivity study, we show that contributions of phytoplankton biomasses from relatively small physical transports by ocean currents or turbulent mixing increase diversity in the model significantly. These model results suggest a significant influence from ocean transports and mixing on phytoplankton diversity implying a higher diversity in dynamic areas. Adu, T., Department Of Chemistry, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand, [email protected] Frew, R. D., Department Of Chemistry, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand, [email protected] Hunter, K. A., Department of Chemistry, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand, [email protected] INFLUENCE OF BIOACTIVE TRACE METALS ON CADMIUM/PHOSPHATE RATIO AND PRIMARY PRODUCTIVITY IN WATER MASSES AROUND SUBTROPICAL FRONT, SOUTHEAST NEW ZEALAND Primary productivity within the ocean plays a key role in determining atmospheric CO2 levels and hence climate conditions. Proper understanding of the relationship between Cd and PO4 in the modern ocean is imperative for reconstruction of past oceanic phosphate concentrations using the Cd Paleo–nutrient proxy. This article focus on a field based explanation for the seasonal variation in Cd/PO4 ratio and estimates the partitioning of Cd between surface seawater and particulate matter in water masses around the Subtropical Front, Southeast, of NZ. Current measurements have shown that dissolved Zn is very low in these waters (< 0.15 nmol kg-1 and hence, may limit productivity). We believe the drawdown in dissolved Cd observed in summer is as a result of seasonal input of dissolved Fe that triggers productivity especially for microplanktons who may have over the years adapted to the use of Cd in place of Zn. Afonso Souza, C., The University of Texas at Austin, Port Aransas, USA, souza@ mail.utexas.edu Wayne Gardner, S., The University of Texas at Austin, Port Aransas, USA Tamara Pease, K., University of Texas at Brownsvill, Brownsville, USA ROLE OF LEUCINE-AMINOPEPTIDASE ON AMMONIUM (NH4 +) REGENERATION IN MARINE SEDIMENTS Benthic NH4 + regeneration in coastal marine sediments has a fundamental role in N-cycling and on the supply of N to primary producers. To evaluate the direct role of aminopeptidase on NH4 + production, NH4+ evolution as a function of enzyme ASLO 2011 ASLO Aquatic Sciences Meeting 4 (~) represents Tutorial presentations activity was monitored in controlled sediment slurries containing casein and tannic acid an enzyme inhibitor in sediment samples from Aransas Bay, TX. Casein additions increased NH4 + concentration from 19 ± 0.3 mu; M in 120h, a final concentration 4.3 fold&mu; M to 737 ± 150 & higher than that of control samples and 2.9 fold higher than that of samples with casein and tannic added together. The lower NH4 + concentration in samples with tannic acid showed that the inhibition of aminopeptidase caused a reduction in NH4 + production rates. Linear relationships showed that NH4 + concentration was directly proportional to aminopeptidase activity in controls (r = 0.80, P < 0.01), casein-enriched (r = 0.96, P < 0.01), and casein plus polyphenol treatments (r = 0.97, P < 0.01) over the first 72 hours. The results provide insights about the mechanisms of enzyme hydrolysis to nitrogen fluxes in estuarine sediments. AGUADO-GIMÉNEZ, F., IMIDA, SAN PEDRO DEL PINATAR, Spain, felipe. [email protected] PIEDECAUSA, M. A., IMIDA, SAN PEDRO DEL PINATAR, Spain, [email protected] SPANIER, E., Recanati Institute of Maritime Studies. University of Haifa, HAIFA, Israel, [email protected] ANGEL, D. L., Recanati Institute of Maritime Studies. University of Haifa, HAIFA, Israel, [email protected] MARINE CAGE AQUACULTURE AND ARTIFICIAL REEFS: EXPERIENCES IN ISRAEL AND SPAIN. It has been amply shown that marine net cage fish farms alter the benthic habitat beneath them; strongly reducing the natural biological diversity. One strategy to counter this impact involves an increase in structural habitat complexity in the vicinity of the cage farms to enhance the reuse and exploitation of farm derived wastes. This mitigation measure (deploying artificial reefs) has been tested in the Red Sea (Israel) and in the Mediterranean Sea (Spain) by deploying artificial structures on the seafloor and monitoring the communities that developed therein. In both locations there was not a clear improvement of sediment quality around the artificial reefs, even one year after their deployment. However, the reefs lead to a remarkable aggregation of natural macrobenthic organisms and ichthyofauna. The benthos in the artificial structures retained fish farm derived wastes, albeit at low efficiency but contributed toward increased habitat complexity, biodiversity and trophic interactions among the biota. Application of artificial reef technology to marine finfish cage aquaculture could provide additional beneficial outlets, such as recreational (diving) and commercial (fish and invertebrate nurseries) purposes. Aguilar, C., University of Wisconsin Milwaukee Center for Great Lakes Studies, Milwaukee, USA, [email protected] Cuhel, R. L., University of Wisconsin Milwaukee Center for Great Lakes Studies, Milwaukee, USA, [email protected] ALTERNATING YEARS OF UNICELLULAR CYANOBACTERIA DOMINANCE BETWEEN EPISODIC CLIMATE EVENTS IN LAKE MICHIGAN The invasive quagga mussel (QM) has had a profound influence on Lake Michigan’s biogeochemistry, exemplified by severely dampened seasonal cycling of silicate indicating a basin-wide reduction of diatom production. Concurrently unicellular cyanobacteria became dominant in deep chlorophyll maximum zones (DCM) both numerically and as chlorophyll biomass. Phytoplankton communities in Lake Michigan shifted from diatom and large cell dominated to small cell picocyanobacteria dominated phytoplankton. QM were first observed in 2002 and have taken advantage of bathymetry-induced circulation to scour larger phytoplankton from the water column, establishing communities reaching 40,000 /m2 or higher. In the DCM, Synechococcus reached populations of 210,000 cells/ml. DCM chlorophyll a remained similar (3-4μg/l) but late summer species composition changed dramatically to mostly <3μm cells. After the June 2008 Midwest floods, river discharge to Lake Michigan was 30X normal for nearly a month. The depth of 1% PAR shifted upwards by 10m, providing less radiance to the DCM. Chlorophyll a concentrations increased several-fold in surface waters during a rare resurgence of diatom biomass. Synechococcus populations in the DCM were only 25% of the previous years. Aguilar, C., University of Wisconsin Milwaukee Center for Great Lakes Studies, Milwaukee, USA, [email protected] Cuhel, R. L., University of Wisconsin Milwaukee Center for Great Lakes Studies, Milwaukee, USA, [email protected] SCIENTIST-TEACHERS AND TEACHER-SCIENTISTS: TRANSMITTING THE THRILL OF DISCOVERY THROUGH HANDS-ON HYPOTHESIS-TESTING EXPERIENTIAL RESEARCH: A COSEE SUPPLEMENT Our hands-on, hypothesis-testing programs bring scientists and educators together on Lake Michigan. Teacher Aquanauts begin a week of immersion activity with discussion about physical, chemical, geological, optical, and biological processes in freshwater systems followed by a research-based half-day cruise on Lake Michigan. The educators themselves use the equipment required for sampling to test their hypotheses. Laboratory sample processing the next day is sufficient to test the biological and chemical concepts, with ensuing discussion of regional and national standards addressed. A more detailed full-day cruise on the third day expands to sampling a local shipwreck habitat or offshore depth gradients, including directed use of Remotely Operated Vehicle slurpgun collections. Laboratory analysis of the new samples is accompanied by benchtop demonstration activities related to the hypotheses and suitable for cklassroom use. On the last day, summaries, evaluations, and resource availability discussions are lively. The scientists are side-by-side with the Teacher Aquanauts 8-10 hours a day for the whole week. Recently, lab-toclassroom telepresence has been a school-year enhancement, and ship-to-classroom telepresence will occur soon. Independent formal evaluations have been positive. Agustí, S., Instituto Mediterráneo de Estudios Avanzados (IMEDEA), CSIC-UIB, Esporles, Spain, [email protected] Regaudie-de-Gioux, A. Arrieta, J. M., IMEDEA(UIB-CSIC), Esporles, Spain, [email protected] Duarte, C. M., Instituto Mediterráneo de Estudios Avanzados (IMEDEA), CSICUIB, Esporles, Spain, [email protected] EFFECTS OF UV RADIATION ON THE NET METABOLISM OF PELAGIC COMMUNITIES Changes in the ocean as a consequence of climate warming will occur under a scenario of multiple stresses for organisms, since present global change is including increased intensity of other vectors. Surface pelagic communities in the ocean are exposed now and will be exposed to increased ultraviolet radiation levels for decades, since the recovery of the ozone layer, expected to occur around 2050, is now under revision. A scenario of increased ocean’s stratification due to increased warming may imply an overexposure to UVR of pelagic communities. However, we still lack much information on the effects of UVR for the oceanic ecosystems. For example, incubations for the measurement of plankton community metabolism are usually performed using glass winkler bottles that may eliminate the UVB and UVA bands of the solar radiation, and, since natural communities are exposed to the full spectra of solar radiation, we could not evaluate properly the effect of UVR on the net metabolismo of pelagic communities. Ahmadia, N., Texas A&M University Corpus Christi, Corpus Christi, USA, [email protected] RESPONSE OF CRYTOBENTHIC FISH COMMUNITY STRUCTURE TO A DECLINE IN REEF HABITAT QUALITY IN THE WAKATOBI MARINE NATIONAL PARK, INDONESIA Cryptobenthic fishes occur in high densities on coral reefs, though due to their small size and cryptic nature they are often overlooked when quantifying reef biodiversity. This study examines their distribution on shallow reefs in a region within the CoralTriangle and assesses their response to habitat degradation. Cryptic fishes were observed on intact microhabitat types (hard coral, rubble/sand, soft coral) within healthy and degraded reefs. Traditional metrics showed few differences between healthy and degraded reefs, though further investigations revealed differences occurred in community composition. Additional analyses of individual species demonstrated that reef degradation can have positive or negative effects on populations depending on type and strength of habitat associations. In summary, larger spatial scale factors associated with the decline of reefs are altering habitat use of cryptic fishes on a much smaller microhabitat scale and will likely have repercussions on overall coral reef dynamics. Ahmed, S., Optical Remote Sensing Labporatory, City College, New York, USA, [email protected] Tonizzo, A., Optical Remote Sensing Labporatory,City College, New York, USA, tonizzo@ccny,cuny.edu Ibrahim, A., Optical Remote Sensing Labporatory, City College, New York, USA, [email protected] Gilerson, A., Optical Remote Sensing Labporatory, City College, New York, USA, [email protected] Gross, B., Optical Remote Sensing Labporatory, City College, New York, Gross@ ccny.cuny.edu ASLO Book of Abstracts 5 * represents Invited presentations Moshary, F., Optical Remote Sensing Labporatory, City College, New York, USA, [email protected] ALGAL FLUORESCENCE : ANALYSIS OF ITS IMPACT AND POTENTIAL FOR RETRIEVAL FROM FIELD MEASUREMENTS AND SIMULATIONS OF THE UNDERWATER POLARIZED LIGHT FIELD The impact of the unpolarized nature of sunlight induced Chlorophyll a fluorescence on the underwater hyperspectral polarized underwater light field, and the potential for its retrieval was examined by us in several cruise campaigns in primarily eutropic waters with Chlorophyll a concentrations of up to approximately 57 μg/L. The measurements, in the Chesapeake/Virginia area and New York Harbor/Hudson River areas were carried out using our recently developed multiangular, hyperspectral Stokes Vector polarimeter, complemented by comprehensive hyperspectral measurements of IOPs, obtained using a WETLabs AC – s. The measured degree of polarization (DOP) of the total underwater radiance, containing both the unpolarized fluorescence and partially polarized elastic particulate scattering, which shows a dip of DOP in the 650-700 nm fluorescence spectral region, is then compared with adding – doubling polarized radiative transfer simulations of elastic scattering reflectance using measured IOPs as input, and which therefore do not include fluorescence in the total radiance. Analyses of the comparisons permit separation of the impact of fluorescence component on total radiance, and potential for estimating its magnitude. Alexandra S. Marcano Rivas, A. M., Institute for Tropical Ecosystem Studies, University of Puerto Rico, San Juan, Puerto Rico, [email protected] Jorge R. Ortiz Zayas, J. O., Institute for Tropical Ecosystem Studies, University of Puerto Rico, San Juan, Puerto Rico, [email protected] THE QUALITY OF DISSOLVED ORGANIC CARBON ALONG A TROPICAL URBAN GRADIENT Dissolved organic carbon (DOC) is considered the most important source of energy of river ecosystems, including tropical rivers. We hypothesized that the quality or the biodegradability of the organic matter that is imported to the river is determined by its source either natural or of anthropogenic origin. This research investigates the quantity and quality of DOC along an altitudinal and land use gradients in a tropical setting. We predict that rivers located in the upper forested regions of the watersheds will have more labile DOC, which diminish through the altitudinal gradient. Because headwater sections are closer to the source of production of organic matter, presumably forest litterfall, the DOC present in the water will be more labile. The study sites of the investigation are located in Northeastern Puerto Rico: Río Mameyes, Río Canóvanas, and Río Piedras watersheds. Each watershed differs in terms of land use and human influences. We conducted synoptic samplings in each watershed and analyzed samples for TOC, DOC, SUVA, and BOD5. A land use analysis was done to determine the potential sources of the organic matter. The data collected suggest that BOD5 and DOC increase downstream in all three watersheds. In the SUVA analysis, the sampled rivers did not show a significant difference through the longitudinal gradient. The land use analysis showed that the sources of organic matter differ in every watershed, depending in the level of urbanization. Alexandririds, K., Center for Marine and Environmental Studies (CMES), University of the Virgin Islands, St. Thomas, VI, USA, [email protected] DeFreitas, D., Australian National Centre for Ocean Resources & Security, University of Wollongong, QLD, Australia PERCEPTIONS AND FALLACIES IN SPATIAL PLANNING & DECISIONMAKING: INTEGRATING ENVIRONMENTAL, SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC REALITIES TO MARINE ECOSYSTEM-BASED MANAGEMENT This paper will address how the multiplicity of perceptions, different ranges of attitudes, expectations, and aspirations from diverse community and stakeholder groups, as well as key fallacies, misconceptions and paradoxes that found their way decision making (and decision-makers) are critically affecting our ability to address marine and spatial planning challenges. They also prevent us from generating opportunities for a new and integrated ecosystem-based approach to addressing the complexity of interactions across spatial, social, and temporal scales. We will use a case study in the Great Barrier Reef in Australia’s North Queensland’s coast to look at community and stakeholder (fisher’s) perceptions towards marine conservation zones and planning efficiency in general. We will demonstrate how perceptions of adequate consultation are as likely to affect community and stakeholder adoption of marine spatial planning protected zones, than other important conservation or environmental factors, across a range of spatially explicit zones. We finally will provide a set of inferences and recommendations for directions and challenges on promoting a decision-theoretic, ecosystem-based, coupled systems approach to marine and spatial planning/ decision-making. Allee, Ph.D., R. J., NOAA Gulf Coast Services Center, Stennis Space Center, USA, [email protected] Carollo, Ph.D., C., Florida Institute of Oceanography, St Petersburg, USA, cristina. [email protected] Sutter, F. C., NOAA, National Marine Fisheries Service, St Petersburg, USA, buck. [email protected] ECOSYSTEM ASSESSMENT ACTIVITIES IN THE GULF OF MEXICO: INTEGRATING SCIENCE WITH MANAGEMENT NEEDS The Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Reauthorization Act called on the Secretary of Commerce to complete a study assessing the state of science to integrate ecosystem considerations into fisheries management. In response, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) devised a strategy to support this mandate and the NOAA vision to ‘protect, restore, and manage the use of coastal, ocean, and Great Lakes resources through an ecosystem approach to management’ which initiated the implementation of regional Integrated Ecosystem Assessments (IEA). NOAA defines an IEA as ‘A synthesis and quantitative analysis of information ... in relation to specified ecosystem management objectives.’ In parallel with the NOAA efforts, the Gulf of Mexico (GOM) Alliance Ecosystem Integration and Assessment Team has begun assessing data needs and gaps and will be developing recommendations to fill these gaps. NOAA staff and the Alliance team are working together to further implement an IEA in the GOM. This presentation will discuss how researchers will begin assessing the overall health of the GOM and how resource managers will utilize the outcomes to identify regional priorities for conservation. Allen, A. E., J. Craig Venter Institute, San Diego, USA, [email protected] Badger, J. H., J. Craig Venter Institute, San Diego, USA, [email protected] Brussaard, C. P., Royal Netherlands Institute for Sea Research, Texel, Netherlands, [email protected] Hopkinson, B., University of Georgia, Athens, USA, [email protected] Frischer, M. E., Skidaway Institute of Oceanography, Savannah, USA, Marc. [email protected] Verity, P. G., Skidaway Institute of Oceanography, Savannah, USA COMPARATIVE GENOMICS OF PHAEOCYSTIS GLOBOSA TRANSCRIPT PROFILES DURING VIRAL INFECTION, COLONY FORMATION, AND OTHER DEFINED CONDITIONS* Although I did not work on Phaeocystis with Peter during my time with him as a PhD student, his passion for Phaeocystis research was infectious. Peter’s enthusiasm and interest in Phaeocystsis was something that I never forgot and many years after leaving his lab it was the major motivating factor behind initiation of Phaeocystis genome and transcript sequencing projects. The chlorophyll-c containing haptophye algal genus Phaeocystis, found world-wide from the Arctic to the Antarctic, is a major player in the ecology and biogeochemistry of pelagic environments. In concert with an ongoing whole genome sequencing project, we have performed a variety of transcript sequencing (i.e., global gene expression) experiments under various conditions. Conditions include colony formation, viral infection, CO2 enrichment and limitation, and nitrogen limitation. Results from infecting P. globosa with a nucleocytoplasmic large DNA virus (NCLDV) indicate significant up regulation (compared to control) of light harvesting proteins in the early stages of infection as well other dramatic shifts in patterns of global gene expression. Transcript profiles have been comparatively analyzed between conditions and in relations to other phytoplankton and bacteria. Allen, J. T., National Oceanography Centre, Southampton, United Kingdom, jta@ noc.soton.ac.uk Martin, A. P., National Oceanography Centre, Southampton, United Kingdom, [email protected] BAROCLINIC INSTABILITY: THE PHYSICAL TRANSPORT ROUTE THROUGH STRATIFICATION Baroclinic instability is the open ocean mechanism through which available potential energy is released. It can be broken down into quasi-geostrophic flow along sloping density surfaces at the mesoscale, ageostrophic filamentary flow at the sub-mesoscale and turbulent diapycnal mixing transforming water masses and re-stratifying the water column. All these components and thus baroclinic instability as a whole can be viewed as a mechanism responsible for transporting biogeochemical material vertically through the oceanic stratification. High resolution modelling studies have indicated that dynamic small scale flows associated with oceanic fronts and eddies are a dominant component of this mechanism for the observed patchiness of marine algae (phytoplankton) blooms. High resolution observations have shown that subASLO 2011 ASLO Aquatic Sciences Meeting 6 (~) represents Tutorial presentations mesoscale flows (~5-20 km scale) may provide both the fertilisation mechanism for nutrient depleted surface waters and a subduction mechanism for the rapid export of phytoplankton biomass to the deep ocean. We present multidisciplinary analyses of the data from examples of these studies in which we have the first direct observations of the sub-mesoscale transport of phytoplankton and nutrients. These data confirm this transport is constrained by the requirement to conserve angular momentum, expressed in a stratified water column as the conservation of potential vorticity. Aller, J. Y., Stony Brook University/School of Marine and Atmospheric Sciences, Stony Brook, NY, USA, [email protected] Chistoserdov, A. Y., University of Louisiana at Lafayette/Department of Biology, Lafayette, LA, USA, [email protected] Kemp, P. F., University of Hawaii/C-MORE, School of Ocean and Earth Science, Honolulu,HI, USA, [email protected] HIGH BACTERIAL PHYLOGENETIC DIVERSITY AND FUNCTIONAL REDUNDANCY ALLOW FLUIDIZED MUDS TO OPERATE AS EFFICIENT BIOGEOCHEMICAL REACTORS~ Fluidized and reworked muds dominated by microbes characterize energetic coastlines downdrift of tropical rivers like the Amazon. These sedimentary systems are temporally rather than spatially structured, with repeated cycling of redox conditions and successive stages of microbial metabolic processes. Intense reworking of the fluidized bed entrains organic matter and bacteria from varied habitats including overlying water and inshore mangrove-rooted deposits. High bacterial phylogenetic diversity revealed through pyrotag sequencing, facilitates differential responses to perturbations thereby reducing temporal variability in ecosystem biogeochemical functions with parallel processing of available substrates and physiological redundancy. The result is optimized metabolic efficiency which promotes continual oxidation of virtually all refractory and labile organic material of terrestrial or marine origin. Aller, R. C., School of Marine & Atmospheric Sciences, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, USA, [email protected] BIOGENIC STRUCTURE AND REDOX REACTION COUPLING IN SEDIMENTARY DEPOSITS* How do the spatial and temporal properties of biogenic sedimentary structures relate to biogeochemical functioning of the soft seabed, the adaptations of benthic communities, and the preserved properties of deposits? The developments of specific wavelength LEDs, planar sensors, digital imaging, molecular biological techniques, and numerical models provide unprecedented opportunities to quantitatively address such questions. Imaging optical sensors are now available to reveal high resolution, time dependent 2 and 3-D patterns of selected biogeochemically important solutes including O2, pH, pCO2, H2S, and Fe 2+, and exoenzyme activities. These measurements can be combined with traditional radiographic and visual imaging to provide a basis for mechanistic transport – reaction models. One example, developed here, is the relation between time-dependent redox reaction geometry and S cycling in bioturbated deposits. Isotopic patterns of reduced S in particular are highly sensitive to coupling between oxic and anoxic zones having scalings typical of biogenic microenvironments. The tendency in the geologic record for storage of isotopically lighter S following the rise of bioturbation ~550 my ago is an expected consequence of biogenic diffusion – reaction patterns. Allison, J., Alabama A&M University, Huntsville, USA, [email protected] USING PIXE TO DETECT TRACE ELEMENTS FOUND IN WATER AND SEDIMENT SAMPLES TAKEN FROM THE EMORY RIVER In December 2008 Kingston Tennessee suffered one of the most unfortunate environmental disasters of the decade. Approximately 1 billion gallons of coal ash spilled into the Emory River destroying nearby lands, homes, roads, railways, and utilities, as well as contaminating drinking water for thousands of people living in the Kingston county area. This presentation will discuss the analysis of heavy metals as trace elements found in soil and water as a result of the ash spill. The samples were analyzed using the nuclear physics technique Particle Induced X-ray Emission (PIXE). PIXE is a well renowned scientific technique, used by prominent universities and laboratories because of its ability to easily detect trace elements in air, sediment, water, and vegetation; in this case I am focusing specifically on trace elements found in river water and sediments. Twelve samples were taken form various locations along the Emory River, 6 water samples and 6 sediment samples, which were irradiated by PIXE using a 1MeV proton beam located at Alabama A&M University. Allison, M. D., Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, Woods Hole, USA, [email protected] Chandler, C. L., Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, Woods Hole, USA, [email protected] Groman, R. C., Woods Hole Oceanographic Instution, Woods Hole, USA, [email protected] Wiebe, P. H., Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, Woods Hole, USA, pweibe@ whoi.edu Gegg, S. R., Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, Woods Hole, USA, [email protected] Glover, D. M., Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, Woods Hole, USA, dglover@ whoi.edu MANAGEMENT OF PLANKTON DISTRIBUTION AND ABUNDANCE DATA Plankton distribution, abundance, and rate process data have been collected systematically since the Challenger Expedition, but unfortunately these and many other kinds of data have been lost. This fact highlights the importance of managing the ecological, biogeochemical and physical data we have in hand now or will be collecting in the future and making them easily discoverable, accessible, and re-usable. To facilitate this, in 2006 the US National Science Foundation funded the Biological and Chemical Oceanography Data Management Office (BCO-DMO) to serve the data management requirements of investigators funded by the NSF’s Biological and Chemical Oceanography Sections. BCO-DMO staff members collaborate closely with investigators ensuring that data are documented, stored, disseminated, and protected long after the research is completed. Highlighting global plankton distribution data and the availability of concurrent environmental data, we describe the capabilities of the BCO-DMO data management system including geospatial and temporal data discovery and access systems; recent enhancements to data search tools; data export and download utilities; and strategic use of controlled vocabularies to facilitate data integration and improve interoperability. Allyson Fauver, A. M., The Institute for Broadening Participation, Damariscotta, USA, [email protected] Ashanti Johnson, ., The Institute for Broadening Participation, Damariscotta, USA, [email protected] Sandra Thomas, ., The Institute for Broadening Participation, Damariscotta, USA, [email protected] Susie Valaitis, ., The Institute for Broadening Participation, Damariscotta, USA, [email protected] Liv Detrick, ., The Institute for Broadening Participation, Damariscotta, USA, [email protected] Dana Saywell, ., The Institute for Broadening Participation, Damariscotta, USA, [email protected] PATHWAYS TO OCEAN SCIENCES: BUILDING PARTNERSHIPS TO SUPPORT DIVERSITY IN THE OCEAN SCIENCES REU COMMUNITY In agreement with the US Commission on Ocean Policy’s stance that, beyond the matter of equity, “human diversity has the power to enrich and invigorate the ocean community with a range of perspectives critical to the overall capabilities of the ocean workforce” (2004), the Pathways to Ocean Science initiative seeks to make careers in ocean sciences more accessible and attainable for underrepresented students. The initiative focuses on fostering interaction among REU programs to promote the sharing and adoption of successful recruitment strategies; outreach to potential participants about Ocean Sciences REU opportunities; helping REU participants identify further STEM resources such as graduate school funding, mentoring opportunities, and professional skills development; the creation of an Ocean Sciences web portal; and the development of virtual communications and social media to support virtual community. The Institute for Broadening Participation (IBP), project implementer, has been supporting diversity by fostering an on-going exchange of ideas and resources between students, faculty and administrators since 2002. IBP’s extensive web portal, www.pathwaystoscience.org, helps individuals access the many resources that support successful careers in the STEM fields. Almodóvar Acevedo, L., University of Puerto Rico, Mayagüez Campus, Mayagüez, Puerto Rico, [email protected] Romero, A., University of Puerto Rico, Mayagüez, Puerto Rico, [email protected] Detres, Y., University of Puerto Rico, Mayagüez Campus, Mayagüez, Puerto Rico, [email protected] DETERMINATION OF SOIL CHARACTERISTICS IN NATURAL UNDISTURBED SALT FLATS IN SOUTHERN PUERTO RICO ASLO Book of Abstracts 7 * represents Invited presentations Anthropogenic activities such as agriculture result in increased sediment and nutrient input into coastal areas. Vegetation buffers are helpful in preventing damage to coral reefs due to their capacity to filter nutrients, sediments and other contaminants generated by agricultural activities. The implementation of these mitigation strategies by conservation agencies require information regarding the adequate salt flats plant species, their associated plant attributes and soil characteristics. This work reports data obtained from the analysis of soil samples associated to dominant salt flat vegetation species in four undisturbed salt flat areas in southern Puerto Rico. Sediment cores were collected from areas with homogenous plant species growth. Samples were prepared and further analyzed for pH, conductivity, primary nutrients (nitrate, phosphorus, potassium) and micronutrients (calcium magnesium) using a HACH SIW-1 Soil and Irrigation Water Kit. Values for pH and conductivity ranged from 8.36 to 9.04 and 8.96 to 18.11 mS/cm, respectively. The variability observed in nutrient values will be presented. Findings of this project will be used to supplement existing USDA – NRCS conservation programs. Alonso, A., University of the Basque Country, Leioa, Spain, [email protected] Orive, E., University of the Basque Country, Leioa, Spain, [email protected] Laza-Martinez, A., University of the Basque Country, Leioa, Spain, [email protected] Seoane, S., University of the Basque Country, Leioa, Spain, [email protected] PICOPLANKTON DETECTION IN ESTUARINE WATERS Picoplankton is a major component of the phytoplankton in many marine areas, especially in those of oligotrophic character, where this size fraction dominates most if not all the year. The contribution of the picoplankton to total phytoplankton is, however, highly variable in estuarine waters, where its relative importance changes at small spatial and temporal scales. To gain insight into the abundance and taxonomic composition of these small organisms, optical (flow cytometry, epifluorescence microscopy), chemical (pigment analysis of cultured isolates) and molecular (Fluorescent In Situ Hybridization, FISH) methods have been applied to samples taken during three years in the marine extreme of the Nervion River estuary (Bay of Biscay, Northern Spain). FISH analysis revealed that the prasinophycean Micromonas was the dominant taxa among chlorophytes, which were, in turn, the dominant group among eukaryotes. Percentage contribution of the different algal groups to total picoplankton both prokaryotes and eukaryotes is discussed as assessed by the different methods used. Alonso, C., Instituto de Investigaciones Biologicas Clemente Estable, Montevideo, Uruguay, [email protected] Piccini, C., Instituto de Investigaciones Biologicas Clemente Estable, Montevideo, Uruguay MICROBIAL ECOLOGY OF COASTAL TRANSITIONAL ENVIRONMENTS IN URUGUAY Coastal environments are of key significance to human populations due to the disproportionate amount of ecosystem services they provide. Often, these systems are characterized by strong physicochemical gradients and anthropogenic stress, establishing a unique scenario to analyze the dynamics of microbial communities at very different environmental settings, in a relatively small area. Understanding how microbial communities react to sharp habitat alterations is fundamental for modelling the response of aquatic ecosystems under global change challenges. In this talk, results will be presented on different aspects of microbial ecology in coastal transitional systems of Uruguay, focusing on changes in bacterial diversity and activity along environmental gradients. We aim to summarize 5 years of work giving as examples the characterization of unusual massive losses of bacterial diversity in a coastal lagoon, the analysis of changes in metabolic processes of betaproteobacterial populations going through a natural boundary, an auto-ecological study of an invasive cyanobacterial species, and the differences in the degree of coupling between bacteria and grazers along the Río de la Plata-Atlantic Ocean transition Altieri, K. E., Princeton University, Princeton, USA, [email protected] Hastings, M. G., Brown University, Providence, USA, [email protected] Peters, A., Bermuda Institute of Ocean Sciences, Hamilton, Bermuda, andrew. [email protected] Sigman, D. M., Princeton University, Princeton, USA, [email protected] THE CHEMICAL COMPOSITION OF ORGANIC NITROGEN IN MARINE RAINWATER AND AEROSOLS Organic N appears to be a ubiquitous and significant component of marine atmospheric deposition, (i.e., 20-80% of total N). The sources (anthropogenic vs. terrestrial vs. marine), composition (reduced or oxidized N), potential connections to inorganic N, and spatio-temporal variability of organic N are largely unknown. Rainwater and aerosol samples were collected on or near the island of Bermuda which is located in the western North Atlantic and experiences both anthropogenically and marine influenced air masses. Samples were analyzed by positive-ion ultra-high resolution electrospray ionization Fourier-transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry to chemically characterize the organic N. We found ~800 N containing compounds in 8 compound classes. The CHON+ compounds dominate in number, have reduced N functionality, and are amino acid like, which suggests they would be bioavailable. No organosulfates or nitrooxy-organosulfates were detected in the marine samples, both of which are known secondary anthropogenic compounds. Other areas of investigation include the influence of air mass origin on the sources of organic N and the potential inter-relationships of inorganic and organic N using nitrogen and oxygen isotopic ratios of nitrate. Amacher, J. A., Arizona State University, Tempe, USA, [email protected] Neuer, S., Arizona State University, Tempe, USA, [email protected] Baysinger, C. W., Arizona State University, Tempe, USA, [email protected] Lomas, M. W., Bermuda Institute of Ocean Sciences, St. George, Bermuda, michael. [email protected] MOLECULAR TIME-SERIES OF PHYTOPLANKTON EXPORT FROM THE UPPER WATER COLUMN AT THE BERMUDA ATLANTIC TIME-SERIES STUDY (BATS) The importance of small phytoplankton cells for downward particle flux has been postulated in numerous studies, but there are hardly any direct observations because cells contained in particle trap material are difficult to identify with traditional methods. Denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) and clone libraries of small subunit ribosomal RNA genes allow us to determine the relative contributions of different eukaryotic and cyanobacterial taxa to particle flux and to monitor changes over time. We present results from a two year molecular time series at the Bermuda Atlantic Timeseries Study (BATS). Our results indicate that both small eukaryotes and cyanobacteria contribute to downward flux. We will focus on the 2009 and 2010 winter bloom period; these years were quite different hydrographically, with higher storm activity and the passing of a cyclonic eddy in 2010. These differences are reflected in our results so far indicating changes in the sinking patterns and a higher diversity of eukaryotes in the traps in 2010 compared with 2009. Clone library data will enable us to compare the community contribution to the particle flux in both years. Amann, T., Institute for Biogeochemistry and Marine Chemistry, KlimaCampus, University of Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany, [email protected] Weiss, A., Institute for Biogeochemistry and Marine Chemistry, KlimaCampus, University of Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany, [email protected] Hartmann, J., Institute for Biogeochemistry and Marine Chemistry, KlimaCampus, University of Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany, [email protected] DECADAL TRENDS OF BIOGEOCHEMICAL MATTER LAND-OCEAN FLUXES THROUGH A TIDAL ESTUARY CONSIDERING UPSTREAM CATCHMENT CHANGES (ELBE, GERMANY) In the tidal Elbe estuary the improvement of water quality in the upper catchment area leads to a change of organic carbon processing in the oxygen minimum zone (OMZ) during the summer months. The decline of labile DOC concentrations and rising oxygen concentrations increased the significance of POC mineralization in this zone. Between 1985-1989 only 8.3% of POC entering the OMZ was mineralized during transition. After 1997 this value rose to more than 50%. Restoration of the water quality not only shifted the internal organic carbon processing from DOC to POC, but also revealed that the OMZ buffers the downstream transfer of oxygen. After 1993 oxygen saturation in the OMZ stayed constant at 75% while increasing upstream to 110%. The time series analysis also revealed that overall pCO2 values of the OMZ decreased by more than 50% of the values in 1985. Results have implications for the assessment of global or regional land-ocean biogeochemical matter fluxes through estuaries, as studies in general omit the tidal freshwater part in their analysis. Amirbahman, A., University of Maine, Orono, USA, [email protected] Lake, B. A., University of Maine, Orono, USA, [email protected] SEASONAL PHOSPHORUS DYNAMICS IN THE SURFICIAL SEDIMENT OF SHALLOW TEMPERATE LAKES: A COMBINED DET AND 31P-NMR STUDY Lake sediments are a source of phosphorus (P) to the water column when lake hypolimnion becomes anoxic. To understand and quantify hypolimnetic P release, we studied several lakes across the trophic gradient in Maine, USA, by diffusive ASLO 2011 ASLO Aquatic Sciences Meeting 8 (~) represents Tutorial presentations equilibrium in thin film (DET) and 31P-NMR. The DET showed that during oxic periods, solubilization processes deeper in sediment supply the oxycline near the sediment-water interface (SWI) with a large reservoir of inorganic P. These processes are controlled by Fe(III) reducing bacteria, organic P mineralization, and P desorption from sediment. In eutrophic lakes, P solubilization occurs closer to SWI and the zones of P mobilization are larger due to increased sedimentation. Once hypolimnion becomes sufficiently anoxic, accumulated P at SWI releases into water column with a large initial efflux that steadily declines as P accumulates in the hypolimnion. 31P-NMR provided evidence that part of this sedimentary efflux is a result of decomposition of organic P, but compared to the dissolution of Fe hydroxides, this mechanism is minor. Combined, these techniques allow us to understand and quantify the dynamics of lake sedimentary P release. Amundsen, T., Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway, [email protected] Dupont, S., University of Gothenburg, SLC-Kristinberg, Fiskebäckskil, Sweden, sam. [email protected] Jutfelt, F., University of Gothenburg, Göteborg, Sweden, [email protected] Forsgren, E., Norwegian Institute for Nature Research, Trondheim, Norway, elisabet. [email protected] OCEAN ACIDIFICATION INCREASES ACTIVITY IN FISH LARVAE According to IPCC predictions, oceanic pH may by 2100 have been reduced by 0.4 units compared to pre-industrial levels (a doubling in oceanic CO2). Ocean acidification can have dramatic effects on calcifying organisms. Little is known about consequences for fishes, the commercially most important group of marine organisms, but early life stages may potentially be highly vulnerable. We tested the effect of simulated ocean acidification on fertilization, embryos and newly hatched larvae of the marine goby Gobiusculus flavescens. This was done by letting 28 pairs of fish spawn, rear their eggs, and hatch their larvae in individual aquaria with reduced (7.6) or control (8.1) pH water. Reduced pH resulted in a higher proportion of developmental malformations, increased respiration of newly hatched larvae, and a strong increase in larval phototactic response. Further studies are required to evaluate fitness consequences of increased respiration and activity, and to reveal if similar responses to low pH are common among fishes. As newly hatched fish larvae are subject to very high mortality, effects on respiration and activity could have profound consequences for recruitment. Anantharaman, K., University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, USA, [email protected] Breier, J. A., Woodshole Oceanographic Institution, Woodshole, USA, [email protected] Toner, B. M., University of Minnesota, Twin Cities, USA, [email protected] Sylvan, J. B., University of Southern California, Los Angeles, USA, [email protected] Edwards, K. J., University of Southern California, Los Angeles, USA, [email protected] Dick, G. J., University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, USA, [email protected] MICROBIAL COMMUNITY STRUCTURE OF HYDROTHERMAL PLUMES Biogeochemical processes in deep-sea hydrothermal plumes mediate the fate of hydrothermal inputs into the deep ocean. Although past studies have shown enhanced biochemical activity in hydrothermal plumes, little is known about the microorganisms inhabiting hydrothermal plumes. Here we describe recent work characterizing the microbiology of hydrothermal plumes along the Eastern Lau Spreading Center (ELSC). The ELSC has unique geological and geochemical characteristics that provide novel opportunities to study the co-evolution of hydrothermal plume geochemistry with geomicrobiology. 80 microbial samples were collected along a gradient of geochemistry and are currently being analyzed by Automated rRNA intergenic spacer analysis (ARISA), clone libraries and high-throughput pyrosequencing of 16s rRNA genes. Integration of this data with geochemical and mineralogical analysis will provide insights into the evolution of the geomicrobiology of hydrothermal plumes. Comparison of this data with ~2.5 million rRNA genes from our studies from Guaymas Basin will also provide a window into differences in microbial community structure between diverse hydrothermal vent sites. Overall, our results will seek to highlight the microorganisms present in hydrothermal plumes and determine their roles in plume biogeochemistry. Anas, M., University of Regina, Regina, Canada, [email protected] Scott, K., Ministry of Environment, Saskatchewan, Regina, Canada, [email protected] Wissel, B., University of Regina, Regina, Canada, [email protected] IMPORTANCE OF SPATIAL EFFECTS ON ENVIRONMENT-ZOOPLANKTON RELATIONSHIPS IN PRISTINE BOREAL LAKES THREATENED BY ACIDIFICATION Increasing SOx-emissions from tar-sand operations in Alberta in combination with future climate change are expected to impact zooplankton communities in downwind boreal lakes of western Canada. Present relationships between zooplankton and environmental parameters can be used to predict the vulnerability of these systems to future threats. To evaluate pre-impact conditions, 262 pristine lakes in north-west Saskatchewan were surveyed for environmental parameters and zooplankton from 2007 to 2009. Three distinct clusters of lakes were identified based on zooplankton compositions, and this distinction was partly explained by environmental parameters including TP, PN, conductivity and %-wetland in the catchment. Yet, a large fraction of this variability in species composition explained by environmental factors was confounded by spatial parameters. Such environmentalspatial interactions were also detected for individual key species (i.e., Daphnia pulex, Leptodiaptomus minutus and Aglodiaptomus leptopus), as the relationships between environmental parameters and zooplankton abundances varied among regions. We anticipate that due to increased industrialization and climate change, environmental controls of zooplankton in this area will shift to pH and temperature-regime, while spatial controls will be more strongly associated with emission point-sources. Anderson, C., University of California, Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, USA, [email protected] Kudela, R., University of California, Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, USA, [email protected] Benitez-Nelson, C., University of South Carolina, Columbia, USA, [email protected] Lane, J., University of California, Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, USA, [email protected] Hayashi, K., University of California, Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, USA, [email protected] Sekula-Wood, E., University of South Carolina, Columbia, USA, [email protected] Burrel, C., University of South Carolina, Columbia, USA, [email protected] Siegel, D., University of California, Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, USA, [email protected] Goodman, J., University of California, Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, USA, [email protected] Brzezinski, M., University of California, Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, USA, [email protected] IS THERE A LINK BETWEEN THE 2009-2010 CENTRAL PACIFIC ENSO EVENT AND PROLONGED HARMFUL ALGAL BLOOMS IN CENTRAL CALIFORNIA? Warm SST anomalies appeared in central California in June 2009 following the spring transition to El Niño conditions in the equatorial Pacific. As the El Niño reached peak strength in Fall 2009, large toxic diatom blooms (Pseudo-nitzschia spp.) occurred in the Santa Barbara Channel (SBC) and Monterey Bay (MB) regions in conjunction with cool (rather than warm) surface temperature excursions from either advection or local upwelling pulses and lasted until late December. These rare fall blooms were predicted by regional HAB models and are consistent with the observed association between toxic diatom blooms and upwelling signatures but are perhaps inconsistent with assumed El Niño effects in California. With the La Niña transition in May 2010, cold SST anomalies coincided with unusually prolonged toxic Pseudo-nitzschia blooms in the SBC and MB from June to September, punctuated by nearshore dinoflagellate blooms of Lingulodinium and Prorocentrum. Shellfish toxins reached very high levels (70 ppm) along with a dramatic rise in marine mammal strandings. It is hypothesized that strengthened upwelling associated with La Niña conditions fueled this prolonged Pseudo-nitzschia response on the California coast. Anderson, D. M., Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, Woods Hole, USA, [email protected] McGillicuddy, Jr., D. J., Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, Woods Hole, USA, [email protected] Keafer, B. A., Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, Woods Hole, USA, bkeafer@ whoi.edu He, R., North Carolina State University, Raleigh, USA, [email protected] Townsend, D. W., University of Maine, Orono, USA, [email protected] BLOOM DYNAMICS OF THE RED TIDE DINOFLAGELLATE ALEXANDRIUM FUNDYENSE IN THE GULF OF MAINE: A SYNTHESIS AND PROGRESS TOWARDS A FORECASTING CAPABILITY* Blooms of the toxic dinoflagellate Alexandrium fundyense, commonly called “red tides” have been a serious problem in the Gulf of Maine since 1972. The blooms are associated with the accumulation of potent neurotoxins in shellfish and some fish species, leading to paralytic shellfish poisoning (PSP) in human consumers – a potentially fatal poisoning syndrome. This talk will summarize more than a decade of large-scale field and modeling activities in the nearshore waters of the region, leading to a conceptual model of bloom dynamics that is consistent with cruise observations and with patASLO Book of Abstracts 9 * represents Invited presentations terns of shellfish toxicity, and to numerical models that are being used for weekly and seasonal forecasts. The long-term implications of the blooms and their deposition of dormant cysts will also be discussed, as we hypothesize that the western Gulf of Maine region will experience more frequent and more intense PSP outbreaks in the coming years, compared to the last decade. The challenges and potential for an operational red tide forecasting system in the Gulf of Maine will also be discussed. Anderson, D., University of Puerto Rico at Mayaguez, Mayaguez, Puerto Rico, [email protected] Smith, M., University of Puerto Rico at Mayaguez, Mayaguez, Puerto Rico, matthew. [email protected] Weil, E., University of Puerto Rico at Mayaguez, Mayaguez, Puerto Rico, [email protected] HOLOBIONT TRANSCRIPTOME REGULATION IN MONTASTRAEA FAVEOLATA AFFECTED BY YELLOW BAND DISEASE: FROM MICROBIAL COMMUNITY SHIFTS TO CORAL INNATE IMMUNITY Caribbean yellow band disease (YBD) has contributed to significant declines in coral cover throughout the Caribbean. While a Vibrio spp. complex has been suggested to cause yellow band disease, the microbial communities of coral holobionts affected by YBD are not well characterized. Coral innate immune responses to disease have been investigated for their role in coral disease etiology, but the transcriptional regulation of the coral innate immune system remains poorly understood. In the present study, we characterized shifts in prokaryotic communities and coral immunity-related differential gene expression in healthy and yellow band-diseased tissue of Montastraea faveolata collected in La Parguera, Puerto Rico. 454 sequencing of 16S Ribosomal RNA sequences present in diseased in healthy tissue samples was conducted to identify prokaryotic holobionts. Real-time qPCR gene expression analyses were conducted using 26 primer sets developed from putative innate immunity genes available in public coral EST databases. Results acquired to date suggest differences in relative gene expression of coral innate immunity targets, whose putative homologues have functions related to regulation of apoptosis, oxidoreductase, and pathogen recognition. Anderson, M. R., Fisheries and Oceans Canada, St. John’s, Canada, [email protected] Rivkin, R. B., Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John’s, Canada, rrivkin@ mun.ca POTENTIAL IMPACTS OF WIDESPREAD HYDROCARBON CONTAMINATION ON THE BACTERIAL COMMUNITY OF A LARGE COASTAL BAY In coastal marine systems without large freshwater inputs, organic carbon supply is usually dominated by primary production. This balance between autotrophic and heterotrophic production may be altered by human activity. Placentia Bay, Newfoundland, Canada, is a large (7000 km2) productive bay and the site of increasing shipping, oil transportation and refining. It is quantifiably affected by the chronic release of hydrocarbons. Sources include small ship or land-based spills, urban runoff and release of effluent from cargo ships. Placentia Bay receives > 10,000 barrels of oil/year, equivalent to 0.2 0.8 gC/m2/yr (up to 13% of the organic carbon produced by photosynthesis). Bacterioplankton abundances are up to 10-fold higher than in other Newfoundland coastal bays. At low temperature (<0oC) Placentia Bay bacteria grow faster when supplemented with organic carbon, than bacteria from an adjacent un-impacted bay, suggesting that their environment is organically enriched. Thus hydrocarbon release in coastal systems may contribute significantly to heterotrophic production particularly in systems where naturally occurring substrates limit bacterial production at low temperatures. In consequence, these anthropogenic inputs may modify carbon flow through the food web. Anderson, R., Leibniz Institute for Baltic Sea Research Warnemünde, Rostock, Germany, [email protected] Weber, F., Leibniz Institute for Baltic Sea Research Warnemünde, Rostock, Germany, [email protected] Wylezich, C., Leibniz Institute for Baltic Sea Research Warnemuende, Rostock, Germany, [email protected] Foissner, W., Universtiy of Salzburg, Salzburg, Austria, [email protected] Mylnikov, A. P., Institute for Biology of Inland Waters, Russian Academy of Sciences, Borok, Russian Federation, [email protected] Jürgens, K., Leibniz Institute for Baltic Sea Research Warnemünde, Rostock, Germany, [email protected] PROTIST DIVERSITY, DISTRIBUTION AND BACTERIVORY IN BALTIC SEA PELAGIC REDOXCLINES Barrier zones between oxic and anoxic water masses, also termed redoxclines, host highly active bacterial communities that mediate important biochemical transformations (e.g., within N and S cycle). However, little is known to date on the protist communities that graze upon them, despite their acknowledged importance as top-down regulators. In the present study, we characterized and compared protist communities in the redoxclines of two Baltic Sea deep basins, and determined their grazing impact along the physico-chemical gradients. Our results show 1) changes in the protist community composition throughout the oxygen gradient, with a clear abundance peak at the oxic/anoxic interface; 2) the appearance of novel, hitherto uncultivated lineages; 3) high grazing rates in interface and suboxic zones, accounting for the removal of up to 50–80% of bacterial standing stocks per day; but low rates in anoxic/sulphidic waters; and 4) ciliates and not heterotrophic nanoflagellates appear to be the main bacterivores. These results demonstrate the potential importance of protists as top-down regulators in suboxic and interface zones, and highlight the constraints of deeper anoxic / sulphidic waters for protist communities. Andersson, A. J., Bermuda Institute of Ocean Sciences, St George’s, Bermuda, [email protected] de Putron, S., Bermuda Institute of Ocean Sciences, St George’s, Bermuda, [email protected] Bates, N. R., Bermuda Institute of Ocean Sciences, St George’s, Bermuda, nick. [email protected] Collins, A., Bermuda Institute of Ocean Sciences, St George’s, Bermuda, andrew. [email protected] Garley, R., Bermuda Institute of Ocean Sciences, St George’s, Bermuda, rebecca. [email protected] Noyes, T., Bermuda Institute of Ocean Sciences, St George’s, Bermuda, tim.noyes@ bios.edu Dexter, E., Portland State University, Portland, OR, USA, [email protected] BERMUDA OCEAN ACIDFICATION AND CORAL REEF INVESTIGATION: TEMPORAL AND SPATIAL VARIATIONS IN SEAWATER CARBONATE CHEMISTRY AND CALCIFICATION Rising CO2 and decreasing pH in surface seawater owing to human activities could have detrimental consequences to corals and coral reefs. It is likely that rates of calcification will decrease and dissolution of CaCO3 sediments and structures will increase in response to these changes. The objective of Bermuda ocean acidification and coral reef investigation is to characterize calcification and CaCO3 production at different scales including individual coral colonies, local reef communities, and regional coral reef ecosystems exposed to different seawater carbonate saturation state (Ω) and pH over time and space in the natural environment. Here we present data on variations in seawater carbonate chemistry, calcification rates of individual colonies of Diploria labyrinthiformis and Porites astreoides, and net ecosystem calcification as a function of time and space on the Bermuda coral reef platform. Andersson, A., Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden, [email protected] INFLUENCE OF RIVER INFLOW ON THE PRODUCTIVITY AND BIODIVERSITY IN COASTAL AREA OF THE NORTHERN BALTIC SEA The northern Baltic Sea is exposed to high river inflow, which is rich of humic substances and has a high CNP stoichiometry. Climate change has been predicted to cause increased precipitation in northern Europe, which will lead to increased river inflow to the northern parts of the Baltic Sea. To elucidate how variations in river inflow influence production and biodiversity of phytoplankton and bacteria, we performed a field study in the Öre river estuary, northern Baltic Sea. We hypothesized that coastal phytoplankton would be disfavored by river discharge, while bacteria would benefit or be unaffected. 19 stations were sampled 9 times during the springsummer 2010. Secchi depth varied from 0.3 to 6 m and DOC from 4 to 10 mg l-1. Primary and bacterial production as well as plankton diversity showed large variations that could be attributed to river inflow. We suggest that increased precipitation and river inflow, for example due to climate change, will have major influence on the food web structure and the productivity in seas like the Baltic Sea. Angel, D., University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel, [email protected] Krost, P., Coastal Research and Management, Kiel, Germany, [email protected] DYNAMICS IN SEDIMENT BIOGEOCHEMISTRY FOLLOWING THE REMOVAL OF NET-CAGE FISH FARMS IN THE NORTHERN GULF OF AQABA Whereas many studies have examined the ecological and biogeochemical changes related to farm development and expansion, few have looked at the environmental ASLO 2011 ASLO Aquatic Sciences Meeting 10 (~) represents Tutorial presentations response when the point-source of enrichment is removed. We had an opportunity to examine this process when the Israeli fish farms, Ardag and Dagsuf were removed from the northern Gulf of Aqaba in summer 2008, after close to 20 years of activity in this area. We found that sediments close to the former fish cages recovered more slowly than the sediments at stations 20m or 40m away, even 18 months after cessation of fish-farming. It is likely that this residual material is mostly refractory organic matter since the sediments showed clear signs of bioturbation and oxidized conditions, and supported healthy populations of the local seagrass which had not been observed in these sediments since 1993. Moreover, the sediment oxygen demand in the enriched sediments dropped considerably, with time, in comparison to the oxygen demand measured there in the first months following removal of the cages. Anselmi-Molina, C. M., University of Puerto Rico at Mayagüez / CaRA-CariCOOS, Mayagüez, Puerto Rico, [email protected] Aponte-Bermúdez, L. D., University of Puerto Rico at Mayagüez / CaRA-CariCOOS, Mayagüez, Puerto Rico, [email protected] González-López, J. O., University of Puerto Rico at Mayagüez / CaRA-CariCOOS, Mayagüez, Puerto Rico, [email protected] Canals-Silander, M. F., University of Puerto Rico at Mayagüez / CaRA-CariCOOS, Mayagüez, Puerto Rico, [email protected] Capella, J. E., CaRA-CariCOOS, Mayagüez, Puerto Rico, [email protected] Morell, J., University of Puerto Rico at Mayagüez / CaRA-CariCOOS, Mayagüez, Puerto Rico, [email protected] Corredor, J., University of Puerto Rico at Mayagüez / CaRA-CariCOOS, Mayagüez, Puerto Rico, [email protected] Mercado-Irizarry, A., University of Puerto Rico at Mayagüez / CaRA-CariCOOS / Coastal Hazards Center of UPRM, Mayagüez, [email protected] CARICOOS COASTAL AND MARINE SPATIAL PLANNING FRAMEWORK Lack of extended oceanic data records around the Caribbean islands limits the capability for informed Coastal and Marine Spatial Planning (CMSP). The Caribbean Coastal Ocean Observing System (CariCOOS) is filling this void by providing a wealth of environmental measurements and numerical models of prioritary variables identified by local stakeholders including wind, waves, currents, water quality and coastal inundation. We here report on progress in developing data products for application to CMSP of waters of Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands. We measure coastal waves with two buoys, one off the Atlantic coast and one off the Caribbean coast, and simulate coastal wave conditions using the SWAN wave model. We measure coastal currents with the two buoys and simulate coastal currents conditions using the single layer ADCIRC model. In addition coastal winds are measured with a network of 12 hurricane-hardened meteorological stations and simulate coastal winds using the WRF model. CariCOOS data and data products thus acquired will serve in CMSP implementation in the US Caribbean region by providing GIS layers for these key environmental variables. Aponte, V. E., Interamerican University of Puerto Rico, San German, Puerto Rico, [email protected] Toro, A., Interamerican University of Puerto Rico, San German, Puerto Rico, arlin@ sg.inter.edu Quintero, H., Interamerican University of Puerto Rico, San German, Puerto Rico, [email protected] Ergas, S., University of South Florida, Tampa, USA, [email protected] ANTIBIOTIC RESISTANCE OBSERVED IN ISOLATED ESCHERICHIA COLI FROM RIVERS IN THE WEST REGION OF PUERTO RICO In the twentieth century, the major caused of death were infectious diseases. The discovery of antibiotics allowed the control of bacterial diseases. In the United States over 50 million pounds of antibiotics are produce annually. After the consumption of these therapeutic drugs, some fractions of the active ingredient are eliminated from the body without further degradation. Studies have been demonstrated that wastewater treatment only removes a fraction and a significant portion remains in the effluents getting into surface water. The presence of these products at environmental concentration could contribute to bacterial antibiotic resistance in the aquatic system. People expose to these resistant microbes could fail to respond to treatment, resulting in the prolongation of the illness. The aim of the study is to determine if isolated Escherichia coli from the selected rivers present resistance to different antibiotics. The study will evaluate the presence of E. coli by membrane filtration method stipulated by the US Environmental Protection Agency (Method: 11103.1). Subsequently the isolated E. coli will be analyzed by the Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion method to determine susceptibility to antibiotics. Appeldoorn, R. S., Department of Marine Sciences, University of Puerto Rico, Mayaguez, Puerto Rico, [email protected] Bejarano, I., Department of Marine Sciences, University of Puerto Rico, Mayaguez, Puerto Rico, [email protected] Nemeth, M., Department of Marine Sciences, University of Puerto Rico, Mayaguez, Puerto Rico, [email protected]> Pagan, F. E., Department of Marine Sciences, University of Puerto Rico, Mayaguez, Puerto Rico, [email protected] Ruiz, H., Department of Marine Sciences, University of Puerto Rico, Mayaguez, Puerto Rico, [email protected] Sherman, C., Department of Marine Sciences, University of Puerto Rico, Mayaguez, Puerto Rico, [email protected] GROSS PATTERNS OF MESOPHOTIC CORAL ECOSYSTEM DEVELOPMENT ALONG INSULAR SLOPE ENVIRONMENTS IN THE US CARIBBEAN The development and distribution of mesophotic coral ecosystems (MCEs) along insular slopes are thought to be dependent upon factors such as geomorphology, slope, wave exposure, and sedimentation/bedload transport. Using observations from ROV and mixed-gas rebreather dives and high-resolution bathymetry, we compared MCEs below 50-m depth along a 350-km longitudinal transect to determine patterns of MCE formation relative to the above factors. Sites were clustered into 6 main areas: Mona Island, La Parguera, Ponce, Vieques, St. Thomas and St. Croix. The following patterns emerged: (1) Severe sediment stress led to no deep MCE development unless (2) the slope was high and there were promontories and channels that raised areas of benthic community development and constrain bedload transport to specific pathways, respectively. (3) Vertical walls showed poor MCE development regardless of other site characteristics. (4) Low slope and moderate bedload stress led to diverse MCE communities. (5) Moderate slope with promontories and channels led to the highest MCE development, often with large colonies of Agaricia. (6) Low bedload stress coupled with unstable substratum (rhodoliths) restricted MCE development to deeper depths (80 m). Apprill, A., Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, Woods Hole, USA, apprill@ whoi.edu Hughen, K., Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, Woods Hole, USA, khughen@ whoi.edu Mincer, T., Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, Woods Hole, USA, tmincer@ whoi.edu BACTERIAL COMMUNITIES ASSOCIATED WITH HEALTHY AND DISEASED CORALS IN COMPARISON TO REEF WATER BIOGEOCHEMISTRY Yellow band disease affects diverse species of coral from Caribbean, Indo-Pacific and Red Sea reefs. Cultivation-based studies attribute a consortium of Vibrio spp. to play a major role in this disease state. Here we take a cultivation-independent, deepsequencing approach to compare and contrast the bacterial communities associated with healthy and lesioned corals displaying signs of yellow band disease, and explore the biogeochemistry of the surrounding reef environment. Diseased and healthy Fungiidae corals (Herpolitha limax and Ctenactis crassa), as well as the surrounding bacterioplankton community, were compared from eight diverse reef environments in the Red Sea. The hypervariable V1-V3 regions of the SSU rRNA genes were deeply sequenced using 454 Life Sciences pyrosequencing with GS FLX Titanium Series chemistry. The identity and relative abundances of coral-associated bacterial community members will be discussed in relation to metadata about the reef water biogeochemistry, bacterioplankton community composition, and prevalence of coral disease. The longevity of corals is threatened by a number of environmental and climate-related phenomena, and this comparative research will advance our understanding about a disease associated with worldwide reefs and diverse species of corals. Arache, A. V., Universidad de Puerto Rico, Rio Piedras, Puerto Rico, [email protected] Ortíz, J., Universidad de Puerto Rico, Rio Piedras, Puerto Rico, [email protected] RESTORATION OF RIPARIAN FOREST IN CAPETILLO, PUERTO RICO: OPTIMIZATION OF WATER QUALITY AND ECOSYSTEM’S FUNCTIONS IN A TROPICAL URBAN SETTING. In some urban centers, water bodies tend to be neglected, becoming waste disposal sites. Urban forests receive runoff from streets, roofs, and leaks from water distribution systems. Knowledge in ecology and sense of stewardship are important qualities in citizens that demonstrate capacity to manage riparian zones. I will investigate the effect of conducting a research educational project, within the “Isla Del Diablo” Urban Forest. A monitoring program will be conducted trough educational activities ASLO Book of Abstracts 11 * represents Invited presentations involving the community in all the scientific techniques of water quality, soil testing, and wild life census for habitat restoration. Analysis, including optimization techniques to evaluate possibilities, implementation and monitoring of the management plan, and publication of scientific literature, will be developed by the community as active participants in collaboration with professionals from multiple disciplines. Sense of stewardship, partnership, and transferred scientific skills, will work together with natural forces to optimize water quality and ecosystem functions. Aragon, S. J., Eastern New Mexico University, Portales, USA, [email protected] Doherty, M., University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science/Horn Point Laboratory, Cambridge, USA, [email protected] Crump, B. C., University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science/Horn Point Laboratory, Cambridge, USA, [email protected] MICROBIAL COMMUNITY DYNAMICS IN SEASONALLY ANOXIC WATERS OF THE CHESAPEAKE BAY. Aerobic respiration by bacteria causes seasonal anoxia in bottom waters of stratified estuaries, which forces these bacteria to use alternate lower-energy respiratory metabolisms and to grow with reduced efficiency. In Chesapeake Bay, estuarine circulation creates a gradient of redox conditions in bottom waters that extend from newly hypoxic waters in the south to older sulfidic waters in the north. We measured bacterial cell abundance, carbon production, and phylogenetic community composition across this gradient. When all depth were considered, bacterial abundance and production peaked in surface waters and correlated with temperature, dissolved oxygen and chlorophyll-a. In bottom waters, abundance was similar under hypoxic and sulfidic conditions, but was reduced under intermediate suboxic conditions (no oxygen, no sulfides). In contrast, production was highest under suboxic conditions, and was negatively correlated with abundance. These results indicate that the loss of oxygen alters both growth and grazing rates in microbial communities, but does not drive a change in species composition. However, as anoxic waters age and alternate electron acceptors are used up, the bacterial community changes composition and begins using low-energy sulfate respiration. Aranda Lastra, M., King Abdullah Unversity of Science and Technology, Thuwal, Saudi Arabia, [email protected] Banaszak, A. T., Instituto de Ciencias del Mar y Limnología, Universidad Nacional A, Puerto morelos, Mexico, [email protected] Bayer, T., Abdullah Unversity of Science and Technology, Thuwal, Saudi Arabia, till. [email protected] Medina, M., School of Natural Sciences, University of California Merced, Merced, USA, [email protected] Voolstra, C. R., Abdullah Unversity of Science and Technology, Thuwal, Saudi Arabia, [email protected] DIFFERENTIAL SENSITIVITY OF CORAL LARVAE TO NATURAL LEVELS OF ULTRAVIOLET RADIATION (UVR) DURING DEVELOPMENT Scleractinian corals are the major builders of the complex structure of coral reef ecosystems. They live in tropical waters around the globe where they are frequently exposed to potentially harmful ultraviolet radiation (UVR). The most sensitive life history stages of corals are probably the eggs and embryos, many of which develop in the shallow waters of coral reefs. We assayed transcriptional changes of coral larvae of Montastraea faveolata exposed to natural levels of UVR at different developmental stages using large density cDNA microarrays (>10,000 genes). We found that larvae exhibit low sensitivity to natural levels of UVR during most time points analyzed. However, we identified a time window of high UVR sensitivity that coincides with the motile planula stage and the acquirement of larval competence. UVR affects the expression of developmental and in particular neurogenesis-related genes that can be linked to swimming and settlement behavior and might compromise larval competence at later stages. Our results might allow a better prediction of settlement and recruitment rates after coral spawning events based on UVR climate data. Aranguren-Gassis, M., Universidad de Vigo, Vigo, Spain, [email protected] Serret, P., Universidad de Vigo, Vigo, Spain Fernández, E., Universidad de Vigo, Vigo, Spain Herrera, J. L., Universidad de Vigo, Vigo, Spain Dominguez, J. F., IEO-Centro Oceanográfico de Canarias, Tenerife, Spain Pérez, V., Centro de Investigación e Información Ambiental CINAM de Lourizán, Lourizán, Spain Escánez, J., IEO-Centro Oceanográfico de Canarias, Tenerife, Spain LAGRANGIAN OBSERVATIONS OF BALANCED PLANKTON METABOLISM IN THE OLIGOTROPHIC NORTH ATLANTIC SUBTROPICAL GYRE The prevalence of net heterotrophic metabolism in the Open Ocean and factors controlling the net community metabolism in low productive systems are subjects still under debate. Controversy has been in part attributed to differences in the scale of variation of plankton photosynthesis and respiration, and the derived difficulties to characterize their coupling through standard snapshot measurements of plankton metabolism. Here we present daily plankton metabolism data from two 1-week lagrangian experiments carried out on October-November 2006 in the eastern North Atlantic subtropical Gyre, where previous snapshot observations suggest the prevalence of net heterotrophy and the control of community metabolism by the magnitude of primary production. Gross primary production and community respiration were simultaneously measured every day in the euphotic zone from in vitro changes in dissolved oxygen after 24h in situ incubations. Net community production was balanced during 86% of the daily observations and net heterotrophy was related with changes in both primary production and community respiration. Archer, S. D., Plymouth Marine Laboratory, Plymouth, United Kingdom, stda@pml. ac.uk Stephens, J. A., Plymouth Marine Laboratory, Plymouth, United Kingdom, [email protected] Stefels, J., University of Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands, [email protected] Hopkins, F. J., Plymouth Marine Laboratory, Plymouth, United Kingdom, [email protected] Kimmance, S. A., Plymouth Marine Laboratory, Plymouth, United Kingdom, [email protected] EXPLANATION OF THE TEMPORAL PROGRESSION OF DMS FLUX FROM A COASTAL UPWELLING SYSTEM If DMS concentrations are elevated in coastal upwelling waters, the offshore trajectory of air masses that receive the flux may represent a significant source of DMS to the remote marine atmosphere. As part of the NERC UK SOLAS programme we aimed to determine the temporal evolution of DMS flux in the Mauritanian upwelling system as water is driven offshore and alters in physicochemical and biological characteristics. We employed two successive SF6-labelled water masses to provide lagrangian frameworks within an upwelled filament. Concentrations of DMS and its precursor DMSP were monitored and a stable isotope incorporation method used to determine specific DMSP synthesis, loss and turnover rates. We show that differing temporal trends in DMS concentrations in the two water masses could be explained by altering DMSP synthesis rates and turnover of the DMSP pool. We explore the environmental forcing that changes the DMSP synthesis rates and why the balance between DMSP production and loss varies between the two water masses. We use this information to estimate DMS flux from the upwelling system and compare this to observed atmospheric concentrations. Ardon, M., Duke University, Durham, USA, [email protected] Duff, J. H., US Geological Survey, Menlo Park, USA, [email protected] Ramirez, A., University of Puerto Rico, San Juan, USA, [email protected] Small, G. E., University of Minnesota, Saint Paul, USA, [email protected] Jackman, A. P., US Geological Survey, Menlo Park, USA, [email protected] Triska, F. J., US Geological Survey, Menlo Park, USA, [email protected] Pringle, C. M., University of Georgia, Athens, USA, [email protected] EXPERIMENTAL ACIDIFICATION OF TWO NEOTROPICAL STREAMS ILLUSTRATES THE SENSITIVITY OF INVERTEBRATE ASSEMBLAGES AND IMPORTANCE OF BICARBONATE BUFFERING Seasonal and episodic acidification of neotropical streams has been linked to increased dissolved inorganic carbon. Effects of episodic acidification have been well studied in temperate streams, but not in tropical streams. We experimentally examined consequences of short-term acidification in a low-solute, poorly buffered and a high-solute, well buffered stream in La Selva Biological Station, Costa Rica. We hypothesized that: 1) protonation of bicarbonate (HCO3 -) would buffer most of the acid added in the high-solute stream, while base cation release from the sediments would be the most important buffering mechanism in the low-solute stream; 2) pH declines would mobilize inorganic Al from sediments in both streams; and 3) pH declines would increase macroinvertebrate drift in both streams. In both streams we found that protonation of HCO3 was the most important buffering mechanism and we did not observe significant increases in Al. Macroinvertebrate drift increased in both streams in response to acidification and was dominated by Ephemeroptera and Chironomidae. Increased DIC could alter both the buffering capacity and acidity of neotropical streams, with potential harmful effects on biota. ASLO 2011 ASLO Aquatic Sciences Meeting 12 (~) represents Tutorial presentations Arellano, A. R., University of South Florida, St. Petersburg, USA, [email protected] Coble, P. G., University of South Florida, St. Petersburg, USA, [email protected] Conmy, R. N., EPA, Gulf Breeze, [email protected] INVESTIGATION OF CARBON, NUTRIENTS, AND GROUNDWATER INPUTS IN COASTAL FLORIDA USING COLORED DISSOLVED ORGANIC MATTER Few studies of the exchange of water between aquifers and the ocean have been conducted along the Florida coast. Progression of residential and agricultural development in coastal areas is leading to increased nutrients from fertilizers and wastewaters to groundwater. Nutrient and carbon inputs through groundwater in certain areas may play an important role in cycling and primary productivity in the coastal ocean. King’s Bay is a spring-fed watershed located on the West Florida Shelf. Over the past 25 years, springs supplying groundwater to King’s Bay have shown a three-fold increase in nitrate concentration and increased invasion of nuisance algae. It has been challenging to track sources of both nutrients and other water quality parameters because there are multiple water supplies to King’s Bay. The goal of this project is to improve the estimate of water, nutrients, and carbon from groundwater discharge into the coastal zone. This paper will present preliminary results of high resolution fluorescence spectroscopy analyses of the various source water types in the King’s Bay watershed, including deep and shallow aquifers, wells, springs, and surface water sources. Arevalo, P. A., Brown University, Providence, USA, [email protected] Rich, J. J., Brown University, Providence, USA, [email protected] MICRODIVERSITY OF ANAMMOX BACTERIA ALONG ENVIRONMENTAL GRADIENTS IN PERU MARGIN SEDIMENTS Anammox bacteria play a fundamental role in the global nitrogen cycle. These bacteria contribute to the functioning of global nitrogen sinks such as the Peru margin. However, the composition of the anammox community in Peru margin sediments has been little-studied. Using DNA extracted from seven different sites along the Peru margin ranging in depth from 100 m-3240 m, we sequenced clone libraries for the anammox-specific gene hydrazine oxidoreductase (hzo) and 16S rRNA. A total of 82 sequences from the 16S rRNA library formed 19 OTUs at the 98% similarity level and 112 nucleotide sequences from the hzo library formed 22 OTUs at the 96% similarity level. In comparison, hzo amino acid sequences formed eight OTUs at the 99% similarity level indicating that synonymous mutations comprise much of hzo nucleotide diversity. Maximum-likelihood phylogenetic trees for both libraries revealed that all OTUs grouped with sequences from the candidate anammox genus Scalindua. However, values of Yue and Clayton’s theta, an estimator of community structure similarity, and the Sorenson similarity index were sufficiently low to suggest differences between the shelf and non-shelf anammox community. Arif, C., King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, Thuwal, Saudi Arabia, [email protected] Ferrier-Pagés, C., Centre Scientifique de Monaco, Monaco, Monaco, ferrier@ centrescientifique.mc Bayer, T., King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, Thuwal, Saudi Arabia, [email protected] Aranda, M., King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, Thuwal, Saudi Arabia, [email protected] Zoccola, D., Centre Scientifique de Monaco, Monaco, Monaco, [email protected] Voolstra, C. R., King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, Thuwal, Saudi Arabia, [email protected] TOWARDS MICROBIAL COMMUNITY PROFILING OF SOFTCORALS Most scleractinian corals have been found to live together with not only their dinoflagellate symbionts, but also a characteristic and highly diverse and complex community of bacteria. In contrast, only few studies have looked at the microbial assemblage of the closely related softcorals (Octocorallia, Alcyonacea). This group is particularly interesting as it consists of species that live symbiotically and asymbiotically with zooxanthellae. Here we investigate the bacterial community of the nonsymbiotic species Eunicella cavolini at three depths (24m, 30m, 41m) by sequencing of 16S small ribosomal subunit amplicons. We generated ~270.000 sequences, a dataset which allows comparisons of the bacterial assemblage in the same species along a depth gradient, and thus in ecologically distinct areas. In the future we plan to compare our data to the bacterial community from the symbiotic gorgonian species Eunicella singularis. We anticipate highlighting bacterial species that are connected to a symbiotic lifestyle. In a second step, we plan to compare the microbiomes of asymbiotic and symbiotic softcorals to that of scleractinian (hard) corals in order to delineate the ecology and evolution of Anthozoan-associated bacteria. Armstrong, R. A., University of Puerto Rico, Mayaguez, Puerto Rico, roy.armstrong@ upr.edu Cedeño-Maldonado, D. J., Interamerican University of Puerto Rico, Ponce, Puerto Rico, [email protected] FIELD AND AIRBORNE RADIOMETRY DETECTION OF THE HARMFUL DINOFLAGELLATE COCHLODINIUM POLYKRIKOIDES IN SOUTHWESTERN PUERTO RICO The dinoflagellate Cochlodinium polykrikoides is responsible for harmful algal bloom occurrences that can result in massive fish mortalities. During the last 50 years blooms of C. polykrikoides have been recurrently observed in Bahía Fosforescente, a bioluminescent bay in southwestern Puerto Rico. Since phytoplankton strongly influences the optical properties of natural waters, field and airborne (AVIRIS) hyperspectral data were used to detect and possibly quantify C. polykrikoides populations under bloom conditions. Remote sensing reflectance (Rrs) curves showed the general spectral response of optically complex coastal waters. However, substantial deviations in the Rrs curves corresponding to dense accumulations of dinoflagellates clearly indicated that the occurrence of these blooms in Bahía Fosforescente can be detected from hyperspectral data. Moreover, Rrs data can also be used to differentiate the blooms of C. polykrikoides from that of some other bloom-forming species present in Bahía Fosforescente. Field hyperspectral radiometer data proved suitable for quantitative estimations of C. polykrikoides cell abundance under bloom conditions, through the application of chlorophyll based semi-empirical algorithms. Armstrong, R. A., Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, USA, rarmstrong@notes. cc.sunysb.edu Schartau, M., GKSS Forschungszentrum Geestacht, Geestacht, Germany Landry, M. R., Scripps Institution of Oceanography, University of California San Diego, San Diego, USA A MODEL FRAMEWORK WITH SUFFICIENT DIVERSITY TO ALLOW BOTH EXTENSION BLOOMS AND IRRUPTIVE BLOOMS OF PHYTOPLANKTON In 1992, Chisholm observed that the “extra” chlorophyll in eutrophied phytoplankton communities is often due to addition of larger phytoplankton species, not to increases in the biomasses of smaller species typical of less eutrophic ecosystems. In reanalyzing data from the IronEx II experiment, we (Schartau et al. 2010) found that phytoplankton biovolume followed this same pattern during the bloom: systematic addition of larger size classes and little response among smaller size classes. Many taxa were involved, with most taxa increasing but a few declining; the relatively smooth response in total chlorophyll was the sum of idiosyncratic responses of individual taxa. Here we describe the empirical pattern in IronEx II, which we term an “extension bloom,” and contrast it to earlier interpretations of the IronEx bloom as addition of a single phytoplankton species (an “irruptive bloom”). We then present a model framework capable of maintaining sufficient phytoplankton diversity to allow its use in interpreting and modeling phytoplankton communities with a variety of dynamical responses. Finally we plead for the gathering of data that is high-resolution in both size and taxonomic identity. Arocho-Montes, A. I., University of Puerto Rico-Rio Piedras, San Juan, Puerto Rico, [email protected] Sabat, A., University of Puerto Rico-Rio Piedras, San Juan, Puerto Rico, amsabat@ gmail.com HOW FISH STOCKS HAVE CHANGED IN PUERTO RICO: IS OVERFISHING THE OVERRIDING FACTOR? Fish stocks in Puerto Rico have decreased as a result of multiple factors, including the loss and degradation of habitats, overfishing, and climate change. This study is focused on documenting and interpreting the current status of fish stocks in some landing areas used by commercial fishermen in Puerto Rico. Existing fishery statistics information for the selected areas will be used to address these specific goals: (1) analyze landing statistics published by the Department of Natural and Environmental Resources; (2) relate the landing statistics with data from the SEAMAP Project; and (3) construct new comprehensive maps of the fishery zones with the information provided by fishermen. Arrieta, J. M., IMEDEA (CSIC-UIB), Esporles, Spain, [email protected]