Attendance:
Andrew Applegate, Steve Boyd, Leo Byrnes, Sandy Campbell, Jim Fair, Harlyn Halvorson, Deirdre Kimball, Alan Kuzirian, Jack Pearce, and Richard Taylor

Greetings: Harlyn Halvorson and welcomed the group and thanked the Mass Maritime Academy for hosting the meeting. He also pointed out that we need to plan longer in the future for our SSWG meetings to allow interested parties to plan their attendance. To do this we need to form an executive committee to plan the agenda for the coming year. Volunteers are welcome.

Flounder bycatch excluder device with modified dredge - Richard Taylor
The fish excluder project is funded by the scallop research setaside TAC, with Ron Smolowitz author and PI, in conjunction with the New Bedford scallop vessels Generation and Westport.

Preliminary results from the comparison of the new experimental dredge on the second of two collection trips were encouraging. This excluder iteration consisted of rubber rollers hung on chain out in front of the cutting bar of the bale. Although F/V Westport was on a collection trip to generate funds for the new dredge and further comparison work, a decrease in both flounder and skate was evident. The necessity of this type of bycatch reduction was highlighted when the Southeast Part of Area II reopened for scallop fishing in 1999, when the allowable scallop catch was halted long before the quota was reached because of yellowtail flounder bycatch, resulting in a loss of scallop landings revenue of approximately 15M$. This year two other scallop growout areas, Hudson Canyon and Virginia Beach are scheduled to be reopened to the scallop fleet. Both areas are known to contain significant populations of summer flounder or fluke, a flounder species allocated with specific state by state commercial poundage quotas.

This work continues a long term focus on gear adjustments to achieve management objectives. Ring sizes were changed from 3" to 3 1/4" and to 3 1/2" starting in late 1994 to increase the age at entry into the fishery. Several trips with 4" rings were made in 2000 into reopened areas with good results. Similarly twine top mesh has been increased over time, first from 5 1/2" to 6" and later to 8" over the range of the fishery, with a 10" standard in the reopened areas. Other changes have included a slower towing speed and stopping the dredge both on bottom and/or while hauling back to allow flounder escapement. However, changes that attempt to modify normal fishing and rely on operator technique are more difficult to evaluate and enforce. Rigging changes are seen as a more effective alternative.

The next was to put video on the sledge to monitor what is working. Power on the sledge is impractical because of the rough terrain over which it travels. The area to be opened this spring has a lot of fluke. Steve Boyd asked if you had tried to use acoustics to drive off the fish caught by bycatch. Taylor replied no. Jim Fair reported that they are starting to work on that. Sound causes the scallop to jump up, thereby aiding their capture by the sledge. Steve Boyd recalled that there was a student at WHOI who was working on that several years ago. At lower Hertz frequencies one can defect the fish from the net by focusing the sound ahead of the dredge.

Richard Taylor added two other observations from the 8 day scallop collecting trip. First, in closed area one there are not many flounders. When there is a dense bed of scallop, there is a pressure wave built up ahead of the dredge that seems to push the fish away. When collecting in low-density areas, this wave does not exist and more fish are caught as a bycatch. Second, we are working on skates. As reported in the January Commercial Fisheries News, The Council staff has requested that two of the seven species of skate be removed from the Fishery Management Plan. One of them, clearnose skate, was said to have their northern limit is off New Jersey. However in our experience, we caught 100 of this species in one half hour of dredging. They are certainly here and appear quite able to survive being brought up and later discarded much better than flounder.

Developing a specific immunological assay for shellfish - Steve Boyd
described the methods that his company HYDROS used to identify specific species and specific diseases that affect them. The assays are based upon the use of antibodies, which are specific for antigen molecules. These molecules may be proteins, carbohydrates or lipids. One can use either purified antigens or specific sequences of amino acids, sugars or lipids to produce specific antibodies to them. In practice one needs about a milligram of antigen for this purpose. You sequence the protein and determine how it folds. By modeling the protein you determine its shape. The idea is to have an antigen, which is assessable. You then replicate this antigen in a secondary model to remove possible contaminating proteins. The desired antigens could either be important for diagnosis or detecting disease. Since all aquaculture is ultimately controlled by disease, simple detection kits are essential. Uncontrolled die-off can destroy an aquaculture venture. The list of diseases on shrimp is 3 or 4 pages long. For sea scallop it is relatively unexplored. From the experience in China, vibrio infections are likely to be very important. In response to a question from Jack Pearce, there is evidence of resistance to disease. In shrimp, attenuated viruses are sprayed in aquaculture farms to increase resistance by increasing the defense proteins (lectins). The alternative is to select resistant strains - however - the pathogen changes more rapidly than does the host. He further noted that for pea crab infections, loss of weight (often 50 %), rather than mortality, was the important fact. Steve Boyd commented that the mortality for shrimp might be 100 % and rapidly wipe out the industry - as in China. To deal with this you need a rapid assay - as the swab test now used in the Salmon industry.

Hydros developed a mini test for antigen. Specific antibodies were attached to micrfilaments. A syringe was constructed with a lower layer containing the test antibody, a middle layer without antibody and an upper layer with a control test antibody to another antigen. A sample is drawn up in the pipettes, which contains the sample. If the test antigen is present it will be bound to the specific antibody in the lower level. Following a wash, the syringe then draws up a sample of specific antibody with an attached enzyme recorder molecule. A final wash with substrate of the enzyme detects the presence of the specific antigen in the lower test sample (color change) and I the upper control panel. The rate of color change provides a measurement of the concentration. He demonstarated a plus/minus test which could be performed in 5 minuts. The result is a YES / NO LIMIT test. The results last for at least two years and can be retained for recrds.

Steve Boyd also reported that Norm Wainwright learned from Yonathon Zohar about detection and induction of gonadal hormones and enzymes in fish and bivalves. There are 2 papers (seebelow) that Zohar has suggested that we read that suggest that the detection of the target can be done with an immunoassay and that same test is likely to find a good correlation to gonad development. Zohar is doing this in commercial fish applications. Steve Boyd that the best way to determine spawning is measuring the gonad. Millions are discarded each week. A second use could be to determine when the spawning is about to occur. A third is the possibility that we could induce a mass wide spawning if we knew when gonadal tissue was ready to respond. A simple assay that could compliment the more complex problem being attempted by Scott Gallagher et al could be extremely helpful. In addition it would make for a good starting point on disease detection.

(1) An enzyme immunoassay for salmon gonadotropin-releasing hormone and its application to the study of the effects of diet on brain and pituitary GnRH in the sea bass, Dicentrarchus labrax.

Kah O, Zanuy S, Pradelles P, Cerda JL, Carrillo M Laboratoire de Neurocytochimie Fonctionnelle, URA CNRS, Talence, France. Gen Comp Endocrinol 1999 Jan;113(1):112-20

(2) Effects of five natural gonadotropin-releasing hormones on cell suspensions of marine bivalve gonad: stimulation of gonial DNA synthesis.

Pazos AJ, Mathieu M Laboratoire de Biologie et Biotechnologies Marines, Universite de Caen, URM 14, Esplanade de la Paix, Caen Cedex, 14032, France. Copyright 1999 Academic Press. PMID: 9882550, UI: 99102188

DNA analysis of shellfish diversity - Alan Kuzirian
began the presentation with photos of the project Hemant and he did for Sea Grant on bay scallops, Argopecten irradians. The project was directed towards using genetic fingerprinting techniques to assess the contribution of hatchery released scallops into natural scallop populations from several distinct sites on Nantucket. The initial project proved so successful that we are currently collaborating with Rick Karney and the Marthaís Vineyard Shellfish Group to do the same project except over two generations of scallops from a select brood stock population.

The method of DNA fingerprinting involves the extraction and isolation of DNA from individuals. They were able to obtain enough DNA from a very small piece of mantle tissue, thus the individuals sampled remain viable and can be used for brood stock. The phenol/chloroform extracted DNA is fingerprinted using Random Amplification of Polymorphic DNA, or RAPD-PCR technique. Specific primers of short lengths of base pairs (10) are chosen that are then annealed to the strands of DNA during the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technique. Next, the amplification products are isolated by gel electrophoresis and the individual banding patterns are computer analyzed for genetic homogeneity or heterogeneity using specialized pattern recognition software.

For bay scallops, the technique is specific enough to allow individuals to be recognized. The same technique can also be applied to species populations. When they did that, they discovered that the entire population of goosefish, Lophius americanus along the eastern seaboard is one genetically homogeneous population.

They are currently working with Scott Gallager to use the RADP-PCR technique to identify scallop larvae from other bivalve species occurring simultaneously in plankton samples being observed by his "polarized video plankton recorder" (pol-VPR). The birefringence patterns of bivalve shells are species specific. Thus once the birefringence pattern for sea scallops is confirmed against the DNA fingerprint, the pol-VPR can then be used to efficiently examine plankton in situ and will trigger the subsequent deployment of spat-collector bags for the collection of naturally spawned sea scallop larvae for stock enhancement in specific locations.

The DNA fingerprint patterns will be developed using adult sea scallops tissue. However, they have demonstrated with the sea slug, Hermissenda, that there is enough DNA present for analysis in an individual larva of approximately 150 microns in size. Thus, they will ultimately fingerprint individual larvae known to be from sea scallops, and use that data to confirm the analyses of the pol-VPR.

Review of larval scallop project - Richard Taylor (reported on behalf of Scott Gallager)
As reported previously, consortium funding has been obtained to identify the location of spat in the water column in Georgia's bank. He summarized the efforts to date to develop the prototype instrument which will be used to detect spat. They were able to obtain an inexpensive devise to concentrate the spat over 100 fold for the cells used for continuous monitoring. They are testing to see if this is a viable route to go in the future. The approach includes DNA analysis, GSI, spat collectors, in which the vessels will be engaged, and an area for larval identification. Next month the detectors will be attached to the vessel and we expect to have some serious results by May or June. In the meantime we have the reissuing of the RFP from the consortium. The funding was cut back from two years to one. We will have to develop a strategy on when to reapply for further funding.

Jack Pearce drew attention to the large yields of lobster. Also looking at pea crabs, which are never harvested for food, he has found extraordinary high population in the last several years. This means that the larvae have survived in much larger numbers than in the past. Surprisingly the off shore mussels are loaded with pea crab in sharp contrast to the past history. Something is happening to elevate the number of pea crab larvae. Scallops are another host, and are also heavily infested this year with pea crabs. This is an important model, which would also be aided by continuous collecting as the scallop larval project proposes.

To the suggestion that the prototype instrument, described above, be placed on commercial vessels, Richard Taylor noted that the real problem was collecting the data. Transmission costs are expensive. Better to download when the ship returns to port.

Steve Boyd thought that even greater volumes of water (hundreds of cubic meters) would have to be analyzed that was possible with the present instrumentation. Larger sample sizes are necessary, because of the low density of larvae, to detect the time of reproduction. He wondered if this data was not already available. Richard Taylor said no. In one of Gallagher's GLOBEC sampling he found spat in Georgia's Bank unexpectedly in the spring. This did not fit the historical records.

Steve Boyd suggested doing a gonad assessment of adults with an antibody against an enzyme or proteins that occur only when the animal is beginning to spawn. In some cases these enzymes are well defined. We do these test in cows and chickens. Alan Kuzirian and Jack Pearce agreed that such hormone responses have been reported in fish and shellfish.

Mass State Initiatives Report from Scott Soares
Massachusetts Aquaculture Grants Program- FY01 program support level: $40,000 The solicitation period for the grant program was extended from the original 01/05/01 to 01/12/01. Received 5 proposals requesting $80,635.00. Contract award date is anticipated to be no later than 2/25/01.

Recent meetings include Marine Aquaculture and the Environment (Harlyn, provided overview) and the Massachusetts Municipal Association Annual meeting 01/12-13/01. Participation with the later meeting was organized primarily by the Aquaculture Centers (thanks in large part to Bill Burt) and provided an excellent opportunity to disseminate information about aquaculture in Massachusetts to a very diverse audience of municipal leaders. As a result of the comprehensive regulatory authority of Commonwealth municipalities, the development of many aquaculture enterprises, particularly marine shellfish, it is important for municipal decision makers to be well informed about aquaculture and about information sources that can assist aquaculture development efforts. The MMA annual meeting provides the best opportunity to meet with many municipal leaders in one location.

We have begun work with the Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries to develop an artificial reef policy for the Commonwealth. Project is set to a 6 month time line for the development of a draft document that will then be distributed for comment to agencies (state/federal) that have regulatory jurisdiction associated with reef development activities.

Upcoming meetings/Events

World Aquaculture Society Annual Meeting - Orlando FL 01/21-25/01

Milford CT Annual Aquaculture Meeting - Milford, CT 02/26-28/01

International Boston Seafood Show - Hynes Conv. Center, Boston, MA 03/27-29/01

Massachusetts Ag Day - State House, Boston, MA 03/27/01

SEMAC The Board of Directors of the SouthEastern. Massachusetts Aquaculture Center authorized $62,000.00 this year for the mini-grant program, to promote the sustainable development of aquaculture within the region. The deadline for submitting proposals is 12:00 Noon on Friday January 26' 2001.

NOAA marine aquaculture initiatives NOAA is currently seeking pre-proposals and full proposals from prospective participants in innovative research, policy and regulatory analysis and development, and outreach and demonstration for the development of marine aquaculture. NOAA will hold an open competition for up to USD 5 million per year for two years (pending available funds), with individual projects up to USD 500,000 per year. The purpose is to develop a highly competitive, sustainable marine aquaculture industry that will meet growing consumer demand for aquatic foods and products that are of high quality, safe, competitively priced and are produced in an environmentally responsible manner.

Deadline for preliminary proposals is 20 February 2001, and full proposals 1 May 2001. Grant start dates will be 1 September 2001. For further details see http://www.whoi.edu/seagrant/whatsnew/aqua.pdf
or contact: James P. McVey, National Marine Aquaculture Initiative Coordinator, or Mary Robinson, Secretary, National Sea Grant Office, (301) 713-2451.

NOAA includes aquaculture in its Strategic Plan under the Build Sustainable Fisheries Initiatives as part of a three-part programme that integrates aquaculture; capture fisheries and coastal community development in order to maximise value from coastal resources. This initiative, in addition to a DOC Aquaculture Initiative, calls for NOAA and DOC to undertake research, demonstration, education/outreach, and regulatory and financial support activities in support of marine aquaculture.

This solicitation allows funding of proposals from institutions of higher education, other non-profits, commercial organizations, state, local and Indian tribal governments and Federal agencies. Matching funds are not required but proposals that combine resources from institutions such as universities; Federal and State agencies, private industry and foundations in a regional context will be looked on most favorably.

Areas of priority include aquaculture research can include husbandry; system engineering; genetics; disease prevention, diagnosis and control; nutrition; environmental studies; social sciences; marketing; product transport and product development; and other disciplines.

Boston Market - Sandy Campbell reported on the status of this project. The idea was to establish a project, like that in Portland, that could fund aquaculture projects and development, and provide year-around supply of agricultural and seafood products in a 40,000 sq. ft. facility. He carried out a study for the City of Boston who will, along with Fleet Bank and others, supply some money for it. An agro-development grant has bee submitted to come up with some matching money. This is about 2-3 years away.

Next Meeting There was no date set, as we will be forming an executive committee to plan topics and agenda for the next year. A schedule of meetings will be set for the next year.