Summer Field Program 2008
Piscine Pestilences – a Plethora of Perplexing Puzzles
Reg Blaylock
Finfishes are important nutritional and recreational resources for humans, and the production of fish through capture fisheries and aquaculture contributes significantly to economies around the world. Thus, sustainability is desirable. Disease is an inherent part of the life histories of all organisms and is the result of complex interactions among hosts, pathogens, and the environment. However, disease must be viewed as a continuum ranging from the mere occurrence of potentially disease-causing organisms to a devastating outbreak that can threaten sustainability. Studies of disease and disease-causing organisms, therefore, must elucidate characteristics of hosts, pathogens, and environments that facilitate a better understanding of the factors contributing to the sustainability of wild fisheries and aquaculture. Such studies can include relatively straight-forward descriptive work, investigations of patterns of occurrence, and complex analyses of ecosystems and management issues. This presentation will cover examples of studies at these different levels of complexity that I have conducted or in which I have participated. In addition, the presentation will describe an ongoing stock enhancement program that promotes sustainability by linking aquaculture, disease studies, and fisheries.
Presentation Slides
