MA9 Hazard Assessments for Near Coastal Ecosystems
D137-140
8:00 AM - 12:00 PM, Monday
() Physiological Performance Measures and Tolerance Limits for Estuarine Indicator Species in South Florida.
Bachman, P1, Rand, G1, Perry, W2, 1 Florida International University, Miami, FL, USA2 Everglades National Park, Homstead, FL, USA
ABSTRACT- Salinity is a limiting factor in the physiology and distribution of estuarine species. Components of the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan (CERP) will act to restore more natural freshwater flows to northeastern Florida Bay, thus altering the present salinity regime in the area. A series of acute and subchronic physiological/behavioral toxicity studies were conducted to determine the effects of salinity changes on the life stages (embryo/larval, juvenile, adult) and fecundity of four native estuarine fish (Cyprinodon variegatus, Floridichthys carpio, Poecilia latipinna, and Gambusia holbrooki). Wild caught fish were bred in the laboratory using both artificial insemination (for livebearers) and artificial fertilization (for egglayers). Fish were exposed to six salinity concentrations (30, 15, 8, 4, 2, 0 ppt) based on salinity profiles in northeastern Florida Bay and adjacent Everglades areas. Growth (length, weight), abnormalities, survival and hematological endpoints (hematocrit, plasma osmolality) were measured after each salinity trial. Salinity trials included both rapid and gradual change events. Results show negative effects of acute, abrupt salinity changes on fish survival, development and reproductive success as a result of salinity stress. Our studies target reproduction and critical embryo-larval development as key areas for detecting long-term population effects of salinity change in Florida Bay.
Key words: florida bay, salinity, south florida, cerp