A meeting of the IUCN/SSC Polar Bear Specialist Group (PBSG) was held at SAFS on 10-14 June 2024, co-chaired by Professor Kristin Laidre, together with Nick Lunn from Canada. Some of the key outcomes of the 20th working meeting of this group were:
Recognition of a new subpopulation of polar bears – the Southeast Greenland subpopulation – which has been recently identified as the most isolated and genetically distinct in the world.
Updating of the status of four other subpopulations based on new information. The listing of polar bears as Vulnerable under the IUCN Red List will be reviewed in 2025.
Discussion about the new harvest management system in Nunavut, Canada, which affects two-thirds of the global population of polar bears, and is a potentially unsustainable management practice.
Discussion of the impact of loss of sea ice on polar bears, which is their primary threat, and the scientific need for polar bear location data, only attainable by capture and deployment of tracking devices, to support conservation efforts.
You can read the full press release from the working meeting of the IUCN/SSC Polar Bear Specialist Group, published on June 18, 2024, on their website.
Kristin Laidre
The loss of sea ice is the primary threat to polar bears.
Over the last two decades, there has been huge growth in the availability of different ‘omics methods used to study marine mammals. From elusive beaked whales and near extinct vaquitas to more common dolphins and sea lions, understanding the ecology, evolution, and health of marine mammal populations around the globe is critical for conservation efforts. A new paper published in Marine Mammal Science, involving 19 scientists from around the globe, has laid out best practices for collecting and preserving marine mammal biological samples in the ‘omics era.
The branches of science known informally as omics are various disciplines in biology whose names end in the suffix -omics, such as genomics, proteomics, metabolomics, metagenomics, phenomics and transcriptomics.
Marine mammal scientists are working on different species, in different locations, and asking different questions, using tissue samples collected from wild marine mammals. Those tissue samples give scientists access to vast amounts of information, allowing them to answer questions ranging from a population’s recent foraging habits, health status, or contaminant load to its deeper evolutionary history or its resilience in the face of climate change. They provide scientists, and us, a window into the secret lives of these elusive animals and hints about how we can be better stewards of their ecosystems, but they come at a price – literally.
NOAA (permit # 21348)
NOAA scientists collect data near a pod of Bigg’s killer whales.
Most marine mammals live far from shore, and spend the majority of their lives underwater. To collect tissue samples from these animals, large teams of scientists will venture out onto the ocean for months at a time. Many marine mammal species have huge home ranges, such as the 9,000 mile migration range of humpback whales; simply finding them is a monumental task. Adding to the challenge, collecting samples from marine mammals is inherently invasive and scientists work under strict permits to minimize both the number of times samples need to be taken, and the impact on the animal during collection.
Arial Brewer (permit # 21348)
Jeff Hogan (Killer Whale Tales/NOAA) presents a freshly collected fecal sample from a Southern Resident killer whale.
Phillip Morin from NOAA Southwest Fisheries Science Center, who has been working in genetics for over 35 years, understands all too well the difficulty in getting quality samples for genomics. “A good illustration is the sample used for the vaquita reference genome, which is one of only two live-cell samples ever obtained from this species. The vaquita, a member of the porpoise family, is the most endangered marine mammal in the world,” he shared. “A conservation project in 2017 took two years of extensive planning with over 90 experts from nine countries, and 11 days at sea, to try to capture vaquita for captive management. As part of that project, we worked to get the appropriate samples collected, transported quickly to the cell culture lab across the international border, and cultured to preserve live cells for DNA and RNA extraction.”
Because of all of these challenges, each tissue sample could represent an investment of tens of thousands of dollars. Caring for those samples and preserving them in a way that will allow them to be used by many generations of future scientists, and with many generations of emerging techniques, is a priority that is always at the forefront of a marine mammal scientists’ mind. “For some populations or species, decades of sampling effort have resulted in only 10s of samples, highlighting how critical it is to figure out the best collection and preservation techniques,” says Amy Van Cise, Assistant Professor at the University of Washington School of Aquatic and Fishery Sciences (SAFS).
NOAA (permit # 21348)
NOAA scientists collect a fecal sample from the water using a pole net.
What are some of the best practices for collecting and preserving marine mammal samples that research teams have gone through such effort to collect? This is the overarching question bringing together a team spanning 11 different institutions, including Van Cise, with the goal of creating a unifying set of guidelines that will ensure these samples can be shared among labs, analyzed with a variety of new and emerging technologies, and used for years to come. “What’s impressive about this study is that it brings together scientists examining different types of questions,” shared Amy Apprill from Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI). Apprill’s particular focus is on microbiome analysis, which sheds insight into the health of marine mammals as a result of changing oceans and human impact.
Microbiome analysis is a great example of an emerging technology that’s revolutionizing how we study marine mammal health. Unlike humans, it’s difficult to assess the health of wild animals, and nearly impossible when those animals live in the ocean. “Wherever you are in the world, a doctor can sample and test your blood and those results are understandable and comparable around the globe,” Apprill said. Marine mammals don’t schedule regular doctor’s appointments, but emerging ‘omics technologies are making it possible to determine whether an individual is sick or healthy using tissue samples. Apprill is one of the scientists at the forefront of the effort to characterize the microbiomes of healthy and diseased individuals. “As we obtain samples from different animal health states, we’re gaining valuable data that builds a type of health metric,” Apprill said. This type of work can only be successful if researchers can examine samples collected by many scientists around the world. Similar to the way hospitals have standardized the way they test for diseases and assess human health, Apprill said that, “as scientists in marine mammal research, we need a similar system of guidelines, best practices, and protocols to follow, so that our samples have the maximum use.”
Kim Parsons (NOAA/ NMFS/ NWFSC) processes cetacean tissue biopsies in a makeshift lab onboard a survey vessel in Southeast Alaska.
Images courtesy of NOAA Fisheries, Marine Mammal Laboratory.
The gold standard for sample preservation is collecting it quickly from the animal, either when alive or recently dead before the cells start degrading, and freezing it to -80°C or colder immediately. However if this isn’t possible in the field, then what is the best alternative? The answer depends on the anticipated research needs, availability and transportability of preservatives, and time until samples reach a permanent storage site. While there is no single solution for all situations, some methods provide broader preservation characteristics, allow international transport, and/or greater stability prior to freezing.
“In science, there are a thousand ways you could conduct each step,” Apprill shared. “But you don’t want to spend valuable time, effort, and resources figuring out those steps if someone else already has the best method and protocol laid out.”
Arial Brewer (permit # 21348)
NOAA scientists approach a pod of Southern Resident killer whales for data collection.
The ways we can use ‘omics techniques are rapidly expanding every year, adding another layer of importance to the need for high-quality, well-preserved samples. “Just like forensics held on to human samples from crime scenes while the world was waiting for DNA capabilities to expand, marine mammal science works the same way. As technological advancement expands really quickly, it’s imperative to preserve samples in a way that the wealth of information contained in them can be uncovered in the future,” Morin said.
Each year, hundreds of students apply for the competitive NOAA Ernest F. Hollings Undergraduate Scholarship. This scholarship recognizes outstanding students studying in NOAA mission fields, such as aquatic and marine science, with scholars receiving funds to support their studies, as well as paid summer internship opportunities at NOAA facilities across the US. We caught up with Michael Han, a SAFS undergrad, who along with three other students from the UW College of the Environment, was chosen as 2024 Hollings Scholars. Check out our Q&A with him to find out more about his orientation experience at NOAA’s headquarters near Washington DC in May.
What did orientation for NOAA Hollings Scholars involve?
Michael Han
A trip to DC for NOAA Hollings orientation
Orientation involved a three-day session at NOAA headquarters near Washington DC, with the Monday and Friday of that week spent traveling, with all these expenses covered as part of the scholarship award.
On Tuesday, all the scholars for this year gathered for the first time outside the NOAA auditorium. We had introductions from various members of the NOAA administration and senior leadership, where they talked about their hopes for us and gave general advice and motivation for succeeding in the Hollings program.
In the afternoon, presentations from the line offices (departments) began. These offices included NMFS (fisheries), NWS (weather), and NOS (ocean). Each line office had one or two representatives who explained the purpose of their work, several current projects currently being undertaken, and afterward a period for questions. After the official program concluded on Tuesday, there was a networking dinner session at a nearby theater which allowed us to meet, talk, and network with other scholars.
Wednesday started similarly, with presentations from NESDIS (satellites), and OMAO (aviation and NOAA corp). this was followed by a career internship fair, where all the presenters we had previously heard from, plus additional NOAA employees, were there at individual tables separated by office. This gave us the opportunity to ask them specific questions and career advice for succeeding in our chosen paths. At the fisheries table, I was able to ask about NOAA’s work with anadromous fishes and learn more about the pathway to becoming a fisheries biologist.
On Friday, tours were conducted to destinations that we had chosen earlier, including NESDIS, the National Aquarium, and wetlands kayaking.
What was a particular highlight for you in attending the orientation?
The tour I decided to take was the NMFS National Systematics Laboratory, and it was definitely the highlight of my trip. The Systematics Lab is located inside the Smithsonian’s Museum Support Center, a small grouping of buildings around half an hour from the Natural History Museum. The director, Dr. Collins, gave us a quick presentation on the importance of systematics and taxonomy before leading us through hallways, which were filled with working spaces and labs. Inside the labs there were many complicated machines that I don’t remember the names of, but the cryogenic freezers were probably the coolest. There were around 8-10 of these massive 10ft tall aluminum tanks filled with nitrogen, and inside these animal matter can be kept indefinitely allowing scientists in the future to work on the same samples as they are now.
We then walked through the collections, which included massive tortoises, crocodiles, antlers, horns, and even an entire giraffe that Teddy Roosevelt shot. The invertebrate and fish collections had also amassed huge numbers of specimens in jars. Looking at the rows and rows of preserved organisms, and then realizing it’s just a tiny proportion of all the creatures on the planet, makes you wonder what’s still out there undiscovered.
A visit to the Smithsonian which houses the NMFS National Systematics Laboratory.
Specimen collections inside the Smithsonian.
Top tip for other students applying for NOAA Hollings Scholarship?
Michael Han
Presentations during orientation
The best advice I could give is to participate in activities that align with NOAA’s mission of learning more about the ocean and atmosphere and to show that in your essays as well. This could mean explaining what your career goals are, how you’re currently working towards them, how Hollings can help you achieve them, and what you’d get out of your internship. I’d also say that a strong letter of recommendation is really important, so make sure to find someone who can write a good, knowledgeable letter.
Finally, I’d recommend checking out the Hollings Prep Program, which is an opportunity designed for freshmen to later become more competitive in Hollings, plus it’s a great chance to make professional connections. It also comes with a stipend and an internship at a NOAA location!
What are next steps for you in this journey as a NOAA Hollings Scholar?
On October 1, the internship database will open which lists all the possible projects an intern can apply for. It should come with a general project description and working location for each project. I’m able to apply for multiple projects, and each one has different requirements, but they may require interviews like applying for a job.
Once the mentor has settled on an intern and both are in agreement, a 3-day site visit will be arranged before next summer. This allows us to visit the location we’ll be working on, learn more about the project, and meet the people doing the science. All travel and housing costs are covered by NOAA. A 10-week internship will then be conducted over the summer of 2025, and at the end we’ll return to DC for a symposium to present our findings and learn about what other scholars have been working on!
UW College of the Environment 2024 NOAA Hollings Scholars: Michael Han (SAFS), Minda Chen (Environmental Engineering), Megan Cosand (Marine Biology), Hannah Tucker (Marine Biology)
We’re happy to announce this year’s Faculty Merit Award winners, given annually to graduating students at all ranks in recognition of exceptional achievement and contributions to the School of Aquatic and Fishery Sciences. This is by far the most prestigious of the many awards conferred by the School to students, where the nominations come directly from SAFS faculty.
Bachelor of Science
Kat Rogers
Working on their capstone project involving the systematics and taxonomy of a genus of damselfishes from the Caribbean, Kat Rogers also spends a lot of time working in the UW Fish Collection. From data entry and specimen organization to participating in outreach events with the Burke Museum, Kat Rogers has been described by their award nominator as a “one-of-a-kind student, an academic superstar, and an absolute gem to have around SAFS”. We look forward to hearing all about their experience as a Fisheries Observer with NOAA this summer.
Master’s Program
Nicole Doran
Defending her master’s thesis in March 2024, Nicole Doran’s work was a novel avenue for graduate research in SAFS. Described as a rising leader and a creative, independent researcher, Nicole is also active in the wider SAFS community, authoring an Indigenous Terminology Guide and organizing a community building event for grads and undergrads to discuss research opportunities and mentoring relationships. Active in both the DEIJ space and the IBIS program, we’re excited to have Nicole continue her academic journey at SAFS with the start of her PhD studies this summer.
Jezella Peraza
Recognized as a contributor to the field of marine renewable energy, and having presented her project results at international conferences, Jezella Peraza has a strong quantitative background that continues to develop through her master’s work at SAFS. Active in the SAFS community, Jezella has been a representative on the Equity and Inclusion Committee, lead initiatives to provide peer mentoring for undergrads and grads and is an active participant in the CESL and Environmental BIPOC Affinity groups. We recognize Jezella’s academic growth and her efforts to advocate for greater STEM access for underrepresented groups at SAFS.
PhD Program
Jeremy Axworthy
Described as an exceptional student and researcher, Jeremy Axworthy has presented his research on microplastics and corals at national and international conferences, including winning Best Presentation award at the SAFS graduate symposium. Beyond research, he actively works in community building and outreach initiatives, from collaborating with schoolteachers on K-12 curriculum activities to inspiring underserved high school students to pursue marine conservation.
Marta Gomez-Buckley
Returning to academia after raising her daughter and working as a high school teacher, Marta Gomez-Buckley earned her master’s from SAFS and is now conducting her PhD research on the diversity and evolution of cryptobenthic fishes. Through this work, Marta has contributed to the UW Fish Collection with thousands of specimens that will be foundational for systematic research in the future. A vital member of the SAFS community, Marta is active in FINS, the Grad Student Symposium, DEI Committee, outreach events at SAFS and the Burke Museum, plus mentoring undergrads and leading the PAC-ISLEs America Samoa Study Abroad program.
Marie Zahn
Highly collaborative and involved in many interagency projects during her time at SAFS, Marie Zahn’s work is focused on oceanography, climate change, and ecology in high-latitude polar regions. Writing four peer-reviewed manuscripts with colleagues during four years of graduate school, Marie has been described by her mentor as having intellectual curiosity, productivity, perseverance and research aptitude. As well as her academic pursuits, Marie actively supports women and minority group in STEM initiatives, including through her work with SEAS.
We congratulate these outstanding scholars and members of the SAFS community, and we look forward to supporting their future endeavors.
Swimming around tropical coral reefs in a colorful array are an ever-changing multitude of fishes, some in schools of hundreds, others in pairs, and ones that prefer their own company. These are the fishes divers see on a heathy coral reef, but they are often only half of the diversity found in the reef’s fishes. The “hidden half” are the cryptobenthic fishes. So-called for their habit of camouflaging and hiding away in reefs and on the seafloor, cryptobenthic fishes, such as gobies, blennies, and cardinalfishes, are a fundamental part of thriving coral reef ecosystems around the globe. The gobies in this group are the focus of Marta Gómez-Buckley’s PhD research at SAFS.
Ray Buckley
Cryptobenthic fishes collected from Afo Island, in Vava’u, Tonga. The number on the jar helps keep track of the specific sampling station where the specimens were collected.
“Cryptobenthic fishes are very small and are normally overlooked whenever surveys are done on coral reefs,” Marta shared. And most are so small that you could fit hundreds in your hands. “These fishes are often only as big as 2cm when adults, so they’re extremely tiny compared to most fishes, but they play a big role as a prey resource. In the first chapter of my dissertation, I investigated new techniques to collect such small specimens.” Marta is conducting her work in the Vava’u Archipelago, Kingdom of Tonga, a collection 41 islands in the more than 170 islands in the Tongan Group in Polynesia. Marta studied and collected cryptobenthic reef fishes in several areas around Vava’u which is the northern-most island group in Tonga.
Working with her advisor, Luke Tornabene in the Fish Systematics and Biodiversity Lab, Marta collects her samples – both fishes and water for environmental DNA (eDNA) – from the seafloor and coral heads when on her research trips. Marta has now visited Tonga four times, building on work she started in the region prior to joining SAFS. Re-entering academia after being a high school teacher for eight years, Marta completed her master’s at SAFS in 2000.
Photo-box picture using a macro-lens of a fresh dwarfgoby, Eviota cf sigillata, specimen. (Credit: Marta Gómez-Buckley)
In-situ picture of a dwarfgoby, Eviota cf sigillata (new species from Vava’u, Tonga), posing on a dead shell and waiting patiently to be formally described, and given a name. (Credit: Marta Gómez-Buckley)
Part of the impetus for Marta’s work in Tonga is collecting specimens for the UW/Burke Museum’s Fish Collection, one of the largest collections of its kind in the world. “I saw so many fishes when diving in these coral reef areas. I have made now four trips to Tonga, and one to American Samoa. While on these trips, I was able to collect a lot of fish species never housed in the Fish Collection.” Home to more than 12 million preserved fish specimens from around the globe, the Fish Collection is a critical resource for some of the research of SAFS scientists, students and other researchers in the broader community in the fields of genetics, fish biology, taxonomy, and parasite ecology, to name a few. It is also a very popular destination for outreach education, with Fish Collection tours being hosted throughout the year for UW students and members of the wider community.
During the 2019 fieldwork in Tonga, which was partially supported by the Hall Conservation Genetics Research Fund from the College of the Environment, Marta collected samples underwater using two different techniques. “I wanted to see if I could detect the same number species (or maybe more) from water samples (eDNA) collected within the interstices of live coral or coral rubble and compare the results with the physically collected specimens in those same habitats.” The result was that physically collecting the fishes is by far the best method, as documented by Marta in a publication in Coral Reefs in 2023. “One of the unexpected things I noticed is that even in and around a dead coral rock full of crevices, there is so much life hiding away, especially cryptobenthic fishes. From one of these ‘dead coral’ rocks the size of a football, I collected 100 ’cryptos’ of several different species!” Marta shared.
Recording measurements with the help of the stereo microscope at the UW Fish Collection Lab. Measuring by hand with a ruler or a caliper would not be accurate enough with these minute fishes. (Credit: Ray Buckley)
Cryptobenthic fishes in photo box. Euakafa Island, Vava’u, Tonga. (Credit: Marta Gómez-Buckley)
How many species comprise the populations of a specific cryptobenthic reef fish that is found around Tonga’s coral reefs and other Indo-Pacific locations? “This is the main question in Chapter 2 of my dissertation,” Marta shared. “We know in the specific genus I’m looking at – the Eviota– there are 132 described species so far. This is a highly diverse genus.” Marta looked specifically into the shortest-lived fish (and vertebrate), the Eviota sigillata, also known as the adorned dwarfgoby, which has a lifespan of 59 days. “They are reproducing fast and evolving rapidly because of this short lifespan. These fishes spend about half of their lives or more in the planktonic stage before recruiting back to their settling reef and starting to reproduce. To me, this is an incredible ‘life circus’ act!” Marta added.
After doing in depth morphological and genetic analyses of the specimens available at the Burke Museum from previous collections, specimens borrowed from other museums around the world, and her own collections in Tonga, the conclusion of her Chapter 2 is that there are at least seven undescribed species within the adorned dwarfgobies clade. The other approximately 20 clades within the genus have many species waiting to be formally confirmed using similar genome-wide techniques as Marta has pioneered in her Chapter 2. “We suspect that the number of species for this genus may double the ones described so far. We are going to need a lot of new taxonomists to work on these descriptions!”
Luke Tornabene
Photographing cryptos after a dive. Using a macro-lens and fish photo-box.
In her Chapter 3, Marta is taking this work a step further to look at the whole Eviota phylogenetic tree. “The easy part of my research is the field work, even with the exhausting long hours spent underwater and then the processing and photographing of each specimen collected each day. The hardest, longest part is the time spent back at the lab using a microscope and a camera to measure and record morphological features, preparing genetic material for DNA sequencing, and the complex bioinformatic analysis of the data that requires the use of the UW high performance computer system. One of the main questions I answer in my third chapter using genome-wide data is to determine if all the Eviota species groups share a close common ancestor, or if they must be split into different genera. To answer this question, I must look for genetic clues in about 200 specimens that are part of the described Eviota, and include other related species that are also gobies, to use as a frame of reference,” Marta shared.
Plankton collection training for staff members from the Vava’u Environmental Protection Association NGO in Vava’u, Tonga, learning environmental monitoring techniques. (Credit: Karen Stone)
Marta Gómez-Buckley and Ray Buckley collecting cryptobenthic fishes in Utungake, Vava’u, Tonga. After collecting eDNA samples, an anesthetic is used to sedate the fishes, and to facilitate collection using a suction device. The circle mesh helps retain the fishes while collecting. (Credit: Troy Buckley)
Using specific genome-wide techniques and comparing specific morphological features across these 200 tiny specimens, Marta hopes to answer this question. “I get asked many times why it is important to know how many and what species are part of a particular ecosystem, and why unveiling the hidden diversity of cryptobenthic reef fishes is important. My answer is, how can you study relevant ecological questions about coral reef ecosystems if you don’t know about half of the fish species that inhabit them?”
Marta is finishing her PhD this summer and she is the proud recipient of a 2024 SAFS Faculty Merit Award for the SAFS PhD program. Marta plans to continue working on cryptobenthic reef fishes after her PhD completion. She wants to complete taxonomic descriptions of new undescribed species she collected from Tonga. In 2025, Marta plans to return to Tonga where she will again be diving alongside her husband, SAFS Affiliate Faculty Ray Buckley, collecting more ‘cryptos’, and working with local community groups and NGOs.
We are pleased to announce the recipients of the 2024 SAFS DEIJ and Community Service Recognition Award: Julia Indivero and Claire Vaage.
Julia Indivero (PhD)
Julia was nominated for contribution to this year’s DEIJ activities and her attention to fellow graduate student’s concerns and needs. As a member of the SAFS DEI Committee, she led the third annual Undergraduate Community Building Event, which created a space for undergraduate students in aquatic sciences to meet with graduate students and postdocs in SAFS. As one of the FINS treasurers, she ensures funds for research communication and conference attendance are distributed to students in an equitable manner. Additionally, she frequently takes initiative in participating in department events, encouraging other students along the way and fostering a sense of community. Beyond SAFS, Julia is also an active committee member for UW’s Sustainability Fund, whose mission is to create an environmentally and socially engaged campus by funding student led projects.
Claire Vaage (MS)
Claire was also nominated for her leadership and demonstrated commitment to equity and inclusion for students at every level. As the FINS Social Chair, she has created many quarterly events that are accessible and reproducible for years to come. She has also been instrumental in reigniting the Student Chapter of the American Fisheries Society here at UW, and through this renewed student chapter, she has facilitated educational workshops for professional development. Her support of undergraduate students also includes empowering them to participate in regional AFS meetings and volunteering for events like the Hollings Scholar Workshops. Beyond SAFS, Claire’s position on the SEAS board has allowed her to work with fellow students on improving, creating, and sharing lesson plans for students in the Seattle area who have been historically excluded from STEM fields.
The work that these awardees have done increases access, equity, and inclusion in aquatic sciences by giving opportunities, resources, and mentorship to students who may not have it. We are delighted to honor Julia and Claire for their hard work and dedication to making SAFS a more equitable and inclusive institution. The DEI Committee would also like to thank everyone who has contributed excellent and important work to advancing diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice at SAFS.
I see the sea…or at least the science relating to it! The number of people diving into aquatic sciences during our Open House more than doubled this year, with 1,200 visitors of all ages joining us for a day of hands-on activities.
Hosted by UW student-led outreach program SEAS – Students Explore Aquatic Sciences – guests were treated to displays from the entire breadth of science relating to water. From peering at tiny organisms under a microscope and watching demos of remotely operated underwater vehicles, to dressing up as a narwhal and exploring Arctic waters, 30 booths were present from across the University of Washington and partner research organizations.
“Open Houses like this are really important, one for the University to highlight what we’re doing in the area, but also for engaging the next generation of scientists,” said Corey Garza, SAFS Professor and Associate Dean for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at the UW College of the Environment. “It’s been really great seeing how many young kids are here taking an active interest in science, along with their families.”
All new this year and a big crowd pleaser were a face painting booth and raffle, sponsored by the education research organization foundry10. At the face painting booth, kids could choose from a variety of marine species designs such as whales, dolphins and octopuses. Raffle prizes included microscopes, waterproof cameras, tidepooling guides, and a children’s book written by SAFS professor, Jackie Padilla-Gamiño. Opening up their vessel at midday, the R/V Rachel Carson hosted tours of their deck, galley and research stations, to demonstrate what life is like on board as a UW scientist.
“Young folks are often not aware of the wide array of jobs within specific industries,” said Handa, Yoh, Career Connected Learning and Life Skills Team Lead at foundry10. “The Open House is an energizing and engaging environment that paints a broader picture of career pathways and specializations through first-hand demos and displays run by industry professionals, which helps demystify large industries like aquatic sciences.”
Peeking at the world’s oldest fish at the UW Fish Collection table, seeing in real-time how water temperature affects the color of coral, and witnessing the movement of ocean currents with the use of dye, were just some of the fantastic displays of science this year. One visitor commented that “the variety of topics was expansive yet not redundant, and the activities were fun and engaging. The students and staff were great with the children and knew how to speak at their level.”
Discovering parasites
As always, one of the main drivers of the Open House is to make aquatic science accessible to local communities and show how important research is in tackling environmental issues both here in Washington and further afield. Opening up science and making it engaging, fun, and inspiring, goes a long way to demonstrate to the youngsters of Seattle and surrounding areas that there are fulfilling, impactful, and successful careers to be had in aquatic science.
From the deepest depths of the ocean to soaring seabirds, each year the Open House event brings to life how diverse and far-reaching the science relating to water really is.
What brings a biology student into the Roberts Lab at SAFS? Eric Essington, a senior in the UW Biology program, has been working on his independent research project in the Roberts Lab for the past year, looking into a familiar hard-shelled mollusk: the oyster. Why? To simulate temperature changes associated with climate change and explore the impact on oysters.
A group of Pacific oysters used for Eric’s experiment.
Looking specifically at the Pacific oyster, a commercially important species in Washington where the majority are farmed, one of the big issues facing the aquaculture sector are large summer die-offs due to warmer temperatures and other environmental stressors. Reaching up to 10 inches in length, Pacific oysters are also key filter feeders, meaning they clean the water as they eat.
Conducting his research at the Jamestown Point Whitney Shellfish Hatchery, which lies on the shores of Dabob Bay and Hood Canal on the eastern side of the Olympic Peninsula, Eric’s experiment started off with the arrival of more than 200 adult oysters, along 120 each of juvenile (one year old oysters), seed (young oysters large enough to be transplanted) and spat (at the life stage when the oyster has permanently attached to a surface).
The group of researchers preparing to simulate the acute thermal stress event, where the oysters were immersed in 32ºC water.
With the oysters divided into two groups, the experiment consisted of one group living in a tank mirroring their natural aquatic environment at 17ºC, and the other in a tank designed to simulate erratic and harsh heat stress associated with climate change. With an increase in temperature of 2ºC every hour until the water hits a stress-inducing 26ºC, this was maintained for six hours each day for seven weeks. A secondary, mechanical stress event was also implemented for adults and juveniles, designed to mimic the physical disturbance of tumbling in currents and encounters with predators and debris that oysters may face in their natural habitats.
The final stage of Eric’s experiment simulated an acute thermal stress event, where the oysters were immersed in 32ºC water for 30 minutes, following by the mechanical stress simulation, followed by tissue sampling for RNA and DNA analysis. The aim? To gauge the physiological response of oysters to compounded stressors.
Conducting this experiment with oysters at different life stages, Eric found that heat stress at the spat stage resulted in tolerance to a secondary stress that corresponds to increased growth. The energy trade-off from developing a resistance to temperature changes during stress events means they have more energy available for growth later on. This result could have real-world application for hatcheries, who could harden young oysters in a similar way before releasing them to grow, so that they provide improved yields during the summer months.
Recently presenting his research at the Mary Gates Research Symposium, Eric shares that next steps in this experiment would be to explore why increased growth and decreased transcription was only significant in the youngest life stage of an oyster.
