40 Annual Albert L. Tester Memorial Symposium
th 40 Annual Albert L. Tester Memorial Symposium April 8 - 10, 2015 “Coral reefs against the Ko'olaus” by Mireille Steck Thanks to our many volunteers! Aurora Kagawa-Viviani Beth Lenz Caroline Dong Chelsie Counsell Danny Coffey Donna Brown Eileen Nalley Emilie Richards Erika Johnston Flo La Valle Jake Buehler James Anderson Jamie Sziklay Jonatha Giddens Julie Zill Kaleonani Hurley Keisha Bahr Lindsay Root Mark Royer Mary Donovan Melissa Van Kleeck Molly Timmers Rachel Dacks Raphael Ritson-Williams Robyn Screen Tayler Massey Tori Sindorf Van Wishingrad Yvonne Barkley Special thanks to our Speaker Judges: Peter Marko Nyssa Silbiger Poster Judges: James Anderson Keisha Bahr Danny Coffey Kaleonani Hurley Raphael Ritson-Williams Artwork by Claire Lager Session Chairs: Megan Donahue Kassi Cole Gert de Couet Rob Cowie Amy Moran Megan Porter Floyd Reed Bob Thomson Rob Toonen Les Watling Amber Wright Masato Yoshizawa 2 Special contributions from: 2015 Tester Organizing Committee John Burns Maegen Walker Christie Wilcox & Kevin Bennett Robert Thomson We also acknowledge the office staff of the Department of Biology for logistical assistance: Shelley Deakins Matthew Lim Audrey Shintani "Bandit angelfish" by Mark Royer 3 40th Annual Albert L. Tester Memorial Symposium Sponsors The Department of Biology gratefully acknowledges financial support provided by: Department of Anthropology Pacific Biosciences Research Center Department of Oceanography Hawai'inuiākea School of Hawaiian Knowledge Department of Botany Sea Grant College Program Marine Biology Graduate Program Joint Institute for Marine and Atmospheric Research Student Activity and Program Fee Board Stern Foundation Dr. Sheila Conant Dr. Cynthia Hunter Dr. Steve Robinow Dr. John Stimson Dr. Andy Taylor Dr. Bob Thomson Dr. Masato Yoshizawa 4 Past Symposia Invited Speakers 1976 A. A. Myrberg, Jr., University of Miami 1977 R. Glenn Northcutt, University of Michigan 1978 Karel F. Liem, Harvard University 1979 Edmund S. Hobson, SW Fisheries Center, Tiburon Laboratory 1980 Gareth Nelson, American Museum of Natural History 1981 Stephen Jay Gould, Harvard University 1982 Howard A. Bern, University of California, Berkeley 1983 Robert T. Paine, University of Washington, Seattle 1984 Joseph Connell, University of California, Santa Barbara 1985 George W. Barlow, University of California, Berkeley 1986 Jared Diamond, University of California, Los Angeles 1987 Lynn Margulis, Boston University 1988 Eric Davidson, California Institute of Technology 1989 Jonathan Roughgarden, Stanford University 1990 Corey S. Goodman, University of California, Berkeley 1991 John Maynard Smith, Univeristy of Sussex 1992 Robert Warner, University of California, Santa Barbara 1993 Stephen Hubbell, Princeton University 1994 Nancy Knowlton, Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute 1995 Mimi A.R. Koehl, University of California, Berkeley 1996 George L. Gabor Miklos, The Neurosciences Institute 1997 Stephen A. Wainwright, Duke University 1998 Kenneth B. Storey, Carleton University 1999 Robert E. Ricklefs, University of Missouri-St. Louis 2000 John A. Endler, University of California, Santa Barbara 2001 Steve Jones, University College, London 2002 Marc Mangel, University of California, Santa Cruz 2003 William G. Eberhard, Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute 2004 Phillip J. Motta, University of South Florida 2005 Stephen R. Palumbi, Stanford University 2006 Scott F. Gilbert, Swarthmore College 2007 Paul Dayton, University of California, San Diego 2008 Tyrone B. Hayes, University of California, Berkeley 2009 Daniel Pauly, University of British Columbia 2010 Alex Badyaev, University of Arizona 2011 Monica Turner, University of Wisconsin 2012 Terry Hughes, ARC Center of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies 2013 Fiorenza Micheli, Stanford University 2014 Sylvia Earle, National Geographic explorer-in-residence 5 Introduction The Albert L. Tester Memorial Symposium is held in honor of Professor Albert Tester who, at the time of his death in 1974, was Senior Professor of Zoology at the University of Hawai'i. The faculty and students of the Department of Zoology proposed an annual symposium to honor Dr. Tester's encouragement of student research in marine biology. Today the Tester Memorial Symposium welcomes research from any scientific field. Papers reporting original research on any aspect of science are solicited from students at the University and are presented at the Symposium. Contributions to the Albert L. Tester Memorial Fund of the University of Hawai'i Foundation are used to provide prizes for the three best papers, judged on quality, originality, research significance, and quality of public presentation. Judges include faculty members and the previous year's student award winners. Further, a distinguished scholar from another university or research institution is invited to participate in the Symposium as a judge and to present the major Symposium address. “Black Triggerfish (Melichthys niger) in the Kealakekua Bay, Big Island Hawaii” by Keisha Bahr 6 40th Annual Albert L. Tester Memorial Symposium April 8-10, 2015 2015 Invited Speaker Dr. Jeremy Jackson Wednesday, April 8th, 4:00 – 5:00 PM: Distinguished Visitor’s Address Campus Center Ballroom "Long-term Drivers of Caribbean Coral Reef Degradation and Their Implications for Management " Friday, April 10th, 4:00 – 5:00 PM: Keynote Lecture Campus Center Ballroom "Ocean Apocalypse Now” 7 Jeremy Jackson Dr. Jeremy Jackson is Director of Center for Marine Biodiversity and Conservation at Scripps Institution of Oceanography, the William E. and Mary B. Ritter Professor of Oceanography at Scripps Institution of Oceanography, and a Senior Scientist at the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute in the Republic of Panama. He is affectionately referred to as “Dr. Doom” for his outspoken commentary on the negative effects of anthropogenic activities on the ocean and its inhabitants. Dr. Jackson is the author of over one hundred scientific publications and several books. His TED talk on ‘How we wrecked the ocean” (which has over 500,000 views!) tells the grim story of how human activities affect marine ecosystems, the focus of his current research. Dr. Jackson studies Sandy Huffaker for The New York Times the long-term impacts of human activities on the oceans, including overfishing, habitat destruction, and global climate change, which have led to “the rise of slime.” He also studies the ecological and evolutionary consequences of the gradual formation of the Isthmus of Panama. Dr. Jackson received his Ph.D. in Geology from Yale University in 1971. Prior to his work at Scripps, he was Professor of Ecology at the Johns Hopkins University. In 1986, he cofounded the Panama Paleontology Project, an international group of about 30 scientists. In addition to all of that, Dr. Jackson is a Fellow of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences and the American Association for the Advancement of Science. He received the Secretary's Gold Medal for Exceptional Service of the Smithsonian Institution in 1997 and the UCSD Chancellor's Award for Excellence in Science and Engineering in 2002. His work on overfishing was chosen by Discover magazine as the outstanding environmental achievement of 2001. He has served on committees and boards of the World Wildlife Fund US, the National Research Council, the National Center for Ecological Analysis and Synthesis, and the Science Commission of the Smithsonian Institution. Sources: http://cmbc.ucsd.edu/People/Faculty_and_Researchers/jackson/ https://www.ted.com/speakers/jeremy_jackson 8 Annual Albert L. Tester Memorial Symposium Albert L. Tester Senior Professor of Zoology This Symposium is dedicated to Dr. Albert Lewis Tester, scholar and teacher, who died on November 27, 1974 in Honolulu, Hawai'i. He had an international reputation in several aspects of marine biology, and as an outstanding teacher. Dr. Tester was a delightful friend, a meticulous worker, and a valued colleague. A native of Toronto, Canada, Dr. Tester received his doctorate from the University of Toronto in 1936. In 1931 he joined the Pacific Biological Station of the Biological Board of Canada. In 1948 Dr. Tester joined the Department of Zoology at the University of Hawai'i where he remained until his death. From 1955 to 1958, he was director of the Pacific Oceanic Fisheries Investigations of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in Honolulu. In 1957 he served as chief of the Service's Division of Biological Research in Washington, D.C. and returned to the University of Hawai'i as Senior Professor of Zoology in 1958. Dr. Tester studied the life history of tuna baitfish for a program designed to improve tuna fishing in the Pacific. Dr. Tester served on the Governor's Task Force on Hawai'i and the Sea, the Marine Resources Committee of the Pacific Islands Development Commission, and as chairman of the Department of Zoology. Dr. Tester's most valuable work was in the field of elasmobranch biology and included studies in ecology, behavior, sensory biology of sharks, and aspects of shark attack and control. His major research interest in shark sensory systems resulted in significant morphological and behavioral studies of olfaction, vision, and the chemical senses. Dr. Tester intensively studied the acoustico-lateralis system (e.g., innervation and morphology of neuromasts and the cupula structure in the lateral line), and the inner ear (e.g., carcharinid sharks). From 1967 to 1969, Dr. Tester directed the Cooperative Shark Research and Control Program of the State of Hawai'i and was appointed to the Shark Research Panel of the American Institute of Biology Sciences in 1967. 9 Dr. Tester authored more than 100 publications and the excellence of his work was acknowledged by the University of Hawai'i Research Medal in 1974. While his scientific contributions are highly significant, many remember Dr. Tester best as warm and congenial, a dedicated teacher, active and respected participant in the university community, organist, hula dancer, and singer: the complete man. By Arthur N. Popper, Claire Gilbert, and Perry W. Gilbert, modified from a tribute to Dr. Tester from American Zoologist, 1977, 17:289-291. 10 Selected Bibliography Tester, A. L. 1935. The herring fishery of British Columbia--past and present. Bulletin of the Biological Board of Canada. 47:l-37. Tester, A. L. and G. J. Nelson. 1967. Free neuromasts (pit organs) in sharks. In: (P.W. Gilbert, R.F. Mathewson, and D.P. Rall, eds.), Sharks, Skates, and Rays, p. 503-531, The Johns Hopkins Press, Baltimore, Maryland. Tester, A. L. 1968. Olfaction, gestation, and the common chemical sense in sharks. In: (P.W. Gilbert, ed.) Sharks and Survival, p. 255-282, D.C. Heath, Boston. Tester, A. L. and J. I. Kendall. 1968. Cupulae in shark neuromasts: Composition, origin, generation. Science 160:772-774. Katsuki, Y., K. Yanagisawa, A. L. Tester and J. I. Kendall. 1969. Shark pit organs: Response to chemicals. Science 163:405-407 10 Past Symposia Best Paper Awards 1976 Tina Weatherby Dennis Gorlick Paul Atkins 1987 Amy Ringwood Joyce Rundhaug Jeff Burgett 1991 Vanessa Gauger Gary Jahn Andrew Martin 1977 Charles van Riper Craig MacDonald Bruce Thompson 1988 Teresa Telecky Randall Kosaki Jay Jones 1992 Greta Aeby Robert Feldman J. Koji Lum 1978 Jon Hayashi James Wyban 1989 Rachel Behnke Catherine Hurlbut Edward Metz 1993 Kazue Asoh Deborah J. Gochfeld Andrea Fleig 1990 Carol Reeb Bailey Kessing Kevin Hill 1994 Kevin Beach Susan Murphy-Walker Richard L. Pyle 1979 Gerald Heslinga Frank Perron 1980 Stephen C. Kempf Clyde S. Tamaru 1981 Carol N. Hopper Michael Walker 1982 Ronaldo Ferraris Evelyn Cox 1983 Thomas L. Smalley Sharon Hendrix 1984 Janice Bell Joan Canfield Cynthia Hunter Cedar Kehoe 1985 Karla McDermid Hing-Chung Lee Timothy Tricas 1986 James Howard Charles Madenjian Tom Hourigan “Confocal microscopy image of a fragment of rice coral (Montipora capitata) under 2.5x resolution” by Jamie Caldwell 11 1995 Eric Vanderwerf Christopher Lowe Gwen Lowe Kabi Raj Neupane 1996 Scott Larned Patrick Hart Patricia Lee 1997 Angel Yanagihara Aaron Bush Ilsa Kuffner 1998 Elizabeth Nemeth Jessica Garb Jamie Foster 1999 Wendy Kuntz Lisa Privitera James Leary 2005 Andreas J. Andersson Anuschka Faucci David Q. Matus 2010 Christine Ambrosino Kira Krend Jacqueline Padilla-Gamiño 2006 William C. Koeppen Alison K. Stimpert Lindsay C. Young 2011 Timothy DuBuc Cawa Tran Tamara Wong 2007 Todd A. Bianco David T. Lin Joseph M. O’Malley 2012 Jennifer Bufford Mary Donovan Emi Yamaguchi 2008 Christopher Bochicchio Michael Boyle Matthew Pitts 2013 Matthew Iacchei Nyssa Silbiger Jonathan Whitney 2009 Toby Daly-Engel Adam Dewan Heather Marlow 2014 John Burns Maegen Walker Christie Wilcox 2000 Kelly Benoit-Bird Timothy D. Male Jennifer Smith Jill Zamzow 2001 Buffy Cushman Timothy Fitzgerald Carl Meyer 2002 Matthew Parry David Phillips Amy Baco-Taylor 2003 Brittany Graham Karen Maruska Donovan Studo 2004 Sarah McTee Sheldon Plentovich Heather Spalding “Memory of a Land Passed” by Melissa Van Kleeck 12 40th Annual Albert L. Tester Memorial Symposium Rapid-fire Student Seminar Session Wednesday, April 8th Campus Center Ballroom Session I Chaired by Dr. Megan Donahue 1:00 Introduction to Symposium 1:05 Albert L. Tester Introduction – Dr. Cindy Hunter 1:20 Temporal trends in the relationship between terrestrial and marine health Claire Lager 1:25 Direct Plate Count and Culture of Molasses-Impacted Sediments in Honolulu Harbor Siobhan Burns 1:30 Reproductive biology of female striped marlin Kajikia audax in the western Pacific Ocean Hsiao-Yun Chang 1:35 Global population connectivity of the silky shark, Carcharhinus falciformis Derek Kraft 1:40 Predicting hazard resilience in an ecosystem engineer: Decadal connectivity patterns and the determination of thermally resilient populations of Pocillopora meandrina across the Main Hawaiian Islands Erika Johnston 1:45 What’s in a whistle?: Identifying overlapping false killer whale populations in the Hawaiian Islands using passive acoustic data Yvonne Barkley 1:50 Climate Monitoring Network on Mauna Kea – Master Station at Summit and Lower Satellite Stations Marie McKenzie 1:55 Proposed research: Moray eels inconspicuously dominate overfished reefs Julie Zill 13 Wednesday, April 8th Campus Center Ballroom 2:00 Can we control invasive algal abundances with a native herbivore, in mixed stands of native/invasive algae? Lauren Van Heukelem 2:05 Detecting Acute and Chronic Stress Responses in Corals Exposed to Algal Chemicals – Towards a Better Understanding of Coral-Algae Interactions on the Reef Victoria Sindorf 2:10 BREAK - Chair for remaining talks: Dr. Gert de Couet 2:25 Coral reef connectivity in Palau: A population genetics approach to coral reef management in warming seas Annick Cros 2:30 Examining the Deep Reef Refugia Hypothesis: Using FARTs to assess the connectivity of fish populations between Mesophotic (30m-100msw) and shallow reefs (<30m) of Southern Japan Garrett Johnson 2:35 Invasive lionfish learn to avoid a “spicy” prey fish Lillian Tuttle 2:40 Simulating the Effects of Spatial Fisheries Management in the Hawaiian Archipelago Under a Changing Climate Maia Kapur 2:45 Where are all the species?: predicting species richness using higher taxa richness Joseph Sanchez 2:50 Identifying what is essential about Essential Fish Habitat: A case study of Hawaiian Coral Reef Fish Morgan Winston 2:55 Seychelles’ Sea Cucumber Stock Status and Their Distribution Haruko Koike 3:00 BREAK 14 Wednesday, April 8th Campus Center Ballroom 4:00 – 5:00 Distinguished Visitor’s Address Dr. Jeremy Jackson Long-term Drivers of Caribbean Coral Reef Degradation and Their Implications for Management “Through the eyes of a diver” by Keisha Bahr He puko`a kani `aina. Translation: A coral reef (hardens/strengthens/sounds out) into land. Explanation: In their travels around the Pacific, the Hawaiians would pass by many coral heads which the the navigators would mark in their memories and pass on to their apprentices. Eventually they would notice these small coral heads would grow into full islands and so comes the advice that we can't expect to be full-blown successes right away, often we start small and over time, like a coral head, we will mature and be successful. 15 Student Seminar Sessions Thursday, April 9th Campus Center Ballroom Session 2 Chaired by Dr. Masato Yoshizawa 8:25 Introduction and Announcements 8:30 Identifying pockets of genomic divergence in a globally distributed metapopulation Áki Láruson 8:45 De novo assembly and characterization of the first whole transcriptome for goby fishes (Teleostei: Gobiiformes) Kirill Vinnikov 9:00 Deep sea organism densities estimation with a Dual Frequency Identification Sonar (DIDSON) Giacomo Giorli 9:15 Spatial Tracking and Performance Analysis of Herbicide Ballistic Technology Roberto Rodriguez 9:30 Jump Around: Using Gibbs Sampling to Predict Scleractinian Coral Presence in the Mesophotic Zone Lindsay Veazey 9:45 COFFEE BREAK Artworks by Claire Lager 16 Thursday, April 9th Campus Center Ballroom Session 3 Chaired by Dr. Floyd Reed 10:00 Describing the role of HetN as a Paracrine Signal in Anabaena sp. Strain PCC 7120 Orion Rivers 10:15 Gelatinous Tissue in Deep-Sea Fishes – Insights from a Robotic Snailfish Mackenzie Gerringer 10:30 Holy grail or needle in a haystack? The quest to find the shark magnetoreceptor James Anderson 10:45 Melanin as an oto-protective pigment in two fish species: Poecilia latipinna and Cyprinus carpio Bethany Coffey 11:00 Thermoregulation strategies of the Scalloped Hammerhead shark Mark Royer 11:15 COFFEE BREAK "Mano Kihikihi" by Mark Royer 17 Thursday, April 9th Campus Center Ballroom Session 4 Chaired by Dr. Megan Porter 11:30 The effect of ocean warming on the coral communities of Ka'ohao (Lanikai) Tayler Massey 11:45 Reefs at risk: Relative susceptibility of Hawaiian coral species in a changing ocean climate Keisha Bahr 12:00 Evidence that elevated pCO2 perturbs protein metabolism in two juvenile stages of a tropical reef coral Christopher Wall 12:15 The effects of elevated temperature on the growth and photosynthetic rate of the green alga Microdictyon setchellianum Nicole Yamase 12:30 - 1:30 LUNCH BREAK “A Marine Biologist's Cubical” by Keisha Bahr 18 Thursday, April 9th Campus Center Ballroom Session 5 Chaired by Dr. Les Watling 1:30 Morphological and molecular assessment of the invasive mudweed Avrainvillea sp. in the Hawaiian Islands Rachael Wade 1:45 Tilapia: A model for osmoregulation Kelsey Pavlosky 2:00 Plasticity, adaptation, and their implications for prey-associated headsize variation in an invasive lizard Melissa Van Kleeck 2:15 Impacts and controls of an introduced marine predatory grouper, Roi (Cephalopholis argus) in west Hawaii through the lens of a SocialEcological Systems framework Jonatha Giddens 2:30 COFFEE BREAK “Faces in the Reef” by Mark Royer 19 Thursday, April 9th Campus Center Ballroom Session 6 Chaired by Dr. Bob Thomson 2:45 Investigating the effects of Submarine Groundwater Discharge on the water chemistry and carbonate dynamics of two shallow reef flats in Maunalua Bay, Oahu Katie Lubarsky 3:00 Dissolved Organic Phosphorus (DOP) in Aquatic Systems: Insights into DOP Molecular Weight Distribution and Bioavailability in Hawaiian Waters Danielle Hull 3:15 Identification of Vibrio coralliilyticus strain OCN014 as the etiological agent of disease for an outbreak of Acropora white syndrome at Palmyra Atoll Blake Ushijima 3:30 Sensitivity of Arctic Permafrost Peatland Carbon in the Mackenzie River Basin in a Substrate Addition and Incubation Experiment Alexandra Hedgpeth 3:45 In situ measurements of dissolved oxygen from a vertically migrating deepwater shark, the bluntnose sixgill (Hexanchus griseus) Daniel Coffey 4:00 Functional Characterization of Drosophila PRAF Proteins Janna Zoll "Mano" by Mark Royer 20 Thursday, April 9th Campus Center Ballroom Poster Session 4:15 - 5:00 Chantell Balaan The effect of maternal obesity in the context of assisted reproduction on offspring autism-like behavior in a mouse model Matthew Bond Intraspecific medicinal plant selection in Solomon Islands Andrew Burger Beneficial Bacteria Can Protect The Coral Montipora Capitata From Infection By The Pathogen Vibrio Coraliilyticus Strain OCN008 Melissa Clark-Johnson The affect of Antarctic fur seal Arctocephalus gazella disturbance on soil organic carbon cycling on a maritime Antarctic Island Katharine Clukey Assessment of Plastic Ingestion and Associated Organic Pollutants in Sea Turtles across the Pacific Ocean Jean Fantle-Lepczyk Evaluation of potential Puaiohi management activities via population viability analysis Samantha Flounders Can we restore Limu Kala to Waikiki? Christian Macaspac Establishing the housing system of blind cavefish, Astyanax mexicanus, and the live-imaging of its enhanced mechanosensory lateral line Christina Runyon Black Band Disease of Kaua‘i Mary Tardona Response of peat-forming ecosystems of the Western Antarctic Peninsula to recent climate change Nyssah Walker Self-assembled magnetic structures as a model of emergent properties in biology Michael Wallstrom Invasive algal mats of the island of O’ahu and the unique sponge communities that inhabit them 21 40th Annual Albert L. Tester Memorial Symposium Student Seminar Sessions Friday, April 10th Campus Center Ballroom Session 7 Chaired by Dr. Amy Moran 8:25 Introduction and Announcements 8:30 Ecotypic variation along precipitation gradients early in ontogeny for Metrosideros polymorpha Casey Jones 8:45 Predicting age frequency distributions for Antipathes griggi in the Hawaiian Islands Anthony Montgomery 9:00 The effect of the harmful dinoflagellate Alexandrium fundyense on the fitness of the calanoid copepod Calanus finmarchicus Vittoria Roncalli 9:15 Sources of Montipora White Syndrome Pathogens in Kāne‘ohe Bay Amanda Shore-Maggio 9:30 Coral contagion: seascape dynamics of a coral disease outbreak Jamie Caldwell 9:45 COFFEE BREAK "Sandbar Sharks" by Mark Royer 22 Friday, April 10th Campus Center Ballroom Session 8 Chaired by Dr. Rob Cowie 10:00 Origins of softshell turtles in Hawaii with considerations for conservation Caroline Dong 10:15 Got Gonads? Engaging fishermen in the monitoring and management of Hawaii’s nearshore fisheries Eva Schemmel 10:30 Movement patterns of Apex Predators in the Molokini Shoals Marine Life Conservation District Alex Filous 10:45 Mapping ecosystem goods and services to inform coral reef ecosystembased management in Maui Nui, Hawaii Jade Delevaux 11:00 Comparison of two oceanographic circulation products on modeled population connectivity in the Hawaiian Archipelago Johanna Wren 11:15 COFFEE BREAK Session 9 Chaired by Dr. Kassi Cole 11:30 Mesophotic coral reefs fail to provide depth refuge for brachyuran crab communities in Hawai'i Kaleonani Hurley 11:45 Phylogeography of Stenopus hispidus (Crustacea:Decapoda) from the Indo-Pacific and Western Atlantic Ocean Alealani Dudoit 12:00 Spatial Patterns in Biodiversity: A Look at the Semi-Cryptic Reef Communities Living within Pocillopora Corals around Hawai'i Chelsie Counsell 12:15 A Tale of Two Oceans: Systematics and biogeography of bamboo corals in the deep sea off Tasmania Abby Lapointe 12:30 – 1:30 LUNCH BREAK 23 Friday, April 10th Campus Center Ballroom Session 10 Chaired by Dr. Rob Toonen 1:30 Long-term persistence in octocoral communities in St. John, USVI Elizabeth Lenz 1:45 Investigating social drivers of ecological resilience in Fijian coral reef systems Rachel Dacks 2:00 Impacts of Bleaching and Disease on Coral Species Composition Alessandra Shea 2:15 Patterns of Coral Bleaching and Recovery in Kaneohe Bay, October 2014 Raphael Ritson-Williams 2:30 COFFEE BREAK "Muhe'e” (upper left) "Into the depths for science" (upper right), “Weke' ula" (lower left) and "Hawaiian monk seals of French Frigate Shoals" (lower right), all by Mark Royer 24 Friday, April 10th Campus Center Ballroom Session 11 Chaired by Dr. Amber Wright 2:45 Plant-herbivore interactions between two Lepidopteran sister species, Vanessa tameamea and V. atalanta, and their host nettle plants Kari Bogner 3:00 The Future of Native Hawaiian Vegetation: Assessing Restoration Success and Youth Engagement at Limahuli Preserve, Kaua'i Nadia Stanis 3:15 Identification of genes involved in the phenylpropanoid pathway in Acacia koa Kazue Ishihara 3:30 Pseudoalteromonas sp. strain OCN003 acts as a secondary pathogen in infections of the coral Montipora capitata Silvia Beurmann 3:45 COFFEE BREAK 4:00 – 5:00 Keynote Lecture Dr. Jeremy Jackson Ocean Apocalypse Now "Puhi ‘ōni‘o" by Mark Royer 25 40th Annual Albert L. Tester Memorial Symposium Banquet and Ceremony Graciously hosted by the Waikīkī Aquarium Friday, April 10th, 6:00 - 9:30 PM Buy Tickets in Biology Office (Edmonson Hall 216) 8 AM - 3 PM 6:00 PM 6:45 PM 7:30 PM 9:30 PM Drop off alcohol with ID label in Biology Office (Edm 216) Happy hour; enjoy Waikīkī Aquarium Awards and Presentations Dinner (catered by Da Spot) Clean up Kokua Spanakopita Egyptian Baked Bhicken Indian Dal Macaroba bishamelle Thai Coconut Vegetable Curry Yellow Saffron Rice Green Salad Dessert: Coconut Pudding & Chocolate Brownies BYOB (by prior arrangement) 26 Index of Contributing Authors First Name Last Name Department Advisor Class Present Day Time Pg James Anderson Zoology Holland Graduate 15 Min Thurs 10:30 30 Keisha Bahr Jokiel Graduate 15 Min Thurs 11:45 30 Chantell Balaan Ward Undergraduate Poster Thurs 4:15 31 Yvonne Barkley Zoology Anatomy, Biochemistry & Physiology Marine Biology Franklin Graduate Rapid Fire Wed 1:45 32 Silvia Beurmann Microbioloy Callahan Graduate 15 Min Fri 3:30 32 Kari Matthew Bogner Bond Botany Botany Barton Gaoue Graduate Graduate 15 Min Poster Fri Thurs 2:45 4:15 33 34 Andrew Burger MBBE Callahan Graduate Poster Thurs 4:15 34 Siobhan Jamie Burns Caldwell Marine Biology HIMB Donachie Donahue Graduate Graduate Rapid Fire 15 Min Wed Fri 1:25 9:30 35 36 Hsiao-Yun Chang Franklin Graduate Rapid Fire Wed 1:30 36 Melissa Clark-Johnson Beilman Undergraduate Poster Thurs 4:15 37 Katharine Bethany Clukey Coffey Marine Biology Interdisciplinary Studies NREM Marine Biology Lepczyk Tricas Graduate Graduate Poster 15 Min Thurs Thurs 4:15 10:45 38 38 Daniel Coffey Marine Biology Holland Graduate 15 Min Thurs 3:45 39 Chelsie Annick Counsell Cros Marine Biology Zoology Donahue Karl Graduate Graduate 15 Min Rapid Fire Fri Wed 12:00 2:25 40 41 Rachel Dacks Biology Hunter Graduate 15 Min Fri 1:45 41 Jade Delevaux NREM Graduate 15 Min Fri 10:45 42 Caroline Dong Zoology Graduate 15 Min Fri 10:00 42 Alealani Biology Graduate 15 Min Fri 11:45 43 Graduate Poster Thurs 4:15 44 Alex Samantha Dudoit FantleLepczyk Filous Flounders Zoology Botany Oleson Robert Thomson Toonen Conant/ Duffy Friedlander Smith Graduate Undergraduate Fri Thurs 10:30 4:15 44 45 Mackenzie Gerringer Marine Biology Drazen Graduate 15 Min Poster 15 Min Thurs 10:15 46 Jonatha Giacomo Giddens Giorli Biology Oceanography Friedlander Au Graduate Graduate 15 Min Thurs Thurs 2:15 9:00 46 47 Alexandra Hedgpeth Geography Beilman Graduate Thurs 3:30 48 Danielle Kaleonani Hull Hurley Oceanography Biology Ruttenberg Toonen Graduate Graduate 3:00 11:30 48 49 Kazue Ishihara MBBE Borthakur Graduate 15 Min 15 Min Thurs Fri Fri 3:15 50 Garrett Erika Johnson Johnston Marine BIology HIMB Bowen Toonen Graduate Graduate Rapid Fire Rapid Fire Wed Wed 2:30 1:40 50 51 Casey Jones Botany Barton Graduate 15 Min Fri 8:30 51 Maia Haruko Kapur Koike HIMB Zoology Franklin Friedlander Graduate Graduate Rapid Fire Rapid Fire Wed Wed 2:40 2:55 52 53 Derek Kraft Marine Biology Bowen Graduate Rapid Fire Wed 1:35 53 Claire Abby Lager Lapointe Marine Biology Biology Jokiel Watling Graduate Graduate Wed Fri 1:20 12:15 54 54 Áki Láruson Biology Reed Graduate Rapid Fire 15 Min 15 Min Thurs 8:30 55 Jean Zoology 15 Min 15 Min 15 Min 27 First Name Last Name Department Advisor Class Elizabeth Lenz HIMB Graduate Katie Lubarsky Marine Biology Christian Macaspac Biology Gates Donahue/ Franklin Yoshizawa Present 15 Min 15 Min Day Time Pg Fri 1:30 55 Thurs 2:45 56 Undergraduate Poster Thurs 4:15 57 Tayler Massey Marine Biology Hunter Graduate 15 Min Thurs 11:30 57 Marie Anthony McKenzie Montgomery Geography HIMB Giambelluca Toonen Graduate Graduate Rapid Fire 15 Min Wed Fri 1:50 8:45 58 59 Kelsey MBBE Seale Graduate 15 Min Thurs 1:45 59 Fri 2:15 60 Orion Roberto Pavlosky RitsonWilliams Rivers Rodriguez Thurs Thurs 10:00 9:15 60 61 Vittoria Roncalli Zoology Fri 9:00 62 Mark Royer Christina Joseph Raphael Graduate 15 Min Biology Gates Graduate Microbiology MBBE Graduate Graduate Biology Callahan Jenkins Hartline/ Lenz Holland Graduate 15 Min Thurs 11:00 62 Runyon Sanchez Microbiology Geography Callahan Mora Graduate Graduate Poster 15 Min Thurs Wed 4:15 2:45 63 64 Eva Schemmel Biology Friedlander Graduate 15 Min Fri 10:15 64 Alessandra Amanda Shea Shore-Maggio Geography Microbiology Mora Callahan Graduate Graduate 15 Min 15 Min Fri Fri 2:00 9:15 65 65 Victoria Sindorf Marine Biology Richmond Graduate Rapid Fire Wed 2:05 66 Nadia Mary Stanis Tardona Botany Geography Gaoue Beilman Graduate Graduate 15 Min Poster Fri Thurs 3:00 4:15 67 67 Lillian Tuttle Biology Hixon Graduate Rapid Fire Wed 2:35 68 Blake Microbiology Callahan Graduate 15 Min Thurs 3:15 69 Marine Biology Smith Graduate Rapid Fire Wed 2:00 69 Melissa Ushijima Van Heukelem Van Kleeck Zoology Holland Graduate 15 Min Thurs 2:00 70 Lindsay Kirill Veazey Vinnikov Zoology Biology Toonen Cole Graduate Graduate 15 Min 9:30 8:45 71 71 Rachael Wade Botany Sherwood Graduate 15 Min 15 Min Thurs Thurs Thurs 1:30 72 Nyssah Walker Bennett Undergraduate Poster Thurs 4:15 73 Christopher Wall Gates Graduate 15 Min Thurs 12:00 73 MIchael Wallstrom Biology SOEST/ Marine Biology Biology Reed Undergraduate Poster Thurs 4:15 74 Morgan Winston Marine Biology Franklin Graduate Wed 2:50 74 Johanna Nicole Wren Yamase Toonen Smith Graduate Graduate 15 Min Fri Thurs 11:00 12:15 75 76 Julie Zill Donahue Graduate Rapid Fire Wed 1:55 76 Janna Zoll Oceanography Marine Biology Marine Biology Program Biology Rapid Fire 15 Min de Couet Graduate 15 Min Thurs 4:00 77 Lauren Graduate 15 Min 15 Min 15 Min 28 40th Annual Albert L. Tester Memorial Symposium Abstracts Contributed Talks and Posters 29 James Anderson Zoology – Advisor: Kim Holland Holy grail or needle in a haystack? The quest to find the shark magnetoreceptor Authors: James Anderson, Kim Holland Abstract: The physical basis of magnetic field perception in both vertebrates and invertebrates has been the subject of debate for some time, with three hypotheses prevailing above others. The elasmobranch fishes (sharks, skates and rays) are the only class hypothesized to use their electrosensory capability in the perception of geo-magnetic stimuli. Other taxa argued to orient to or via the geomagnetic field have been hypothesized or demonstrated to use alternative mechanism. One such theory is the magnetite hypothesis, whereby intracellular crystals of the iron oxide magnetite (Fe3O4) are coupled to mechanosensitive channels that give rise to neuronal activity in specialized sensory cells. Efforts to find these primary sensory structures have failed to convincingly describe receptor locations, illustrating the need to develop new methods to test the magnetite hypothesis of magnetoreception. Here we describe an ongoing study that aims to identify and describe suitable candidate sensory cells in both the olfactory and vestibular organs of the Scalloped Hammerhead shark (Sphryna lewini). We report upon the efficacy of a novel approach to identify candidate cells, and in turn report efforts to both quantify and qualify cells with magnetic properties that could function in the perception of magnetic stimuli. Keisha Bahr Zoology – Advisor: Paul Jokiel Reefs at risk: Relative susceptibility of Hawaiian coral species in a changing ocean climate Authors: Keisha D. Bahr, Kuʻulei S. Rodgers, Paul L. Jokiel Abstract: Global degradation of coral reefs is occurring rapidly due to anthropogenic climate change. The chief detrimental factors that influence coral decline are increased sea surface temperatures and ocean acidification (OA). The purpose of this study was to evaluate the direct and indirect effect of multiple climate change stressors (i.e. increased temperatures, OA) on the biological response of Hawaiian corals. Manipulative experiments were performed using five species of common Hawaiian corals in continuous flow mesocosm systems under natural sunlight conditions. Corals were placed under treatments of high temperatures (2°C above normal maximum summer temperature), OA (twice present day pCO2 conditions), and with both factors acting in unison. Control corals were kept under present day conditions. Differences in response were 30 observed between species. Increased temperature was the major factor influencing the reduction of growth among experimental corals. Mortality was also mainly driven by high temperature, but a negative synergistic effect on the survivorship of Porites compressa was observed when combined with OA. High temperature and OA operating independently suppressed growth rates in Porites compressa however synergistic effects were not detected when both acted in unison. Interaction between high temperature and OA ameliorated the negative temperature effect on the growth rates of Pocillopora damicornis, Fungia scutaria, and Leptastrea purpurea. The growth rate of Montipora capitata was suppressed by high temperature but was not influenced by OA. These species-specific responses suggest an ecological advantage of some coral species to climate change scenarios, which may lead to a species composition shift on future reefs Chantell Balaan Anatomy, Biochemistry & Physiology – Advisor: Monika A. Ward The effect of maternal obesity in the context of assisted reproduction on offspring autism-like behavior in a mouse model Authors: Chantell Balaan, Michael J. Corley, Yasuhiro Yamauchi, Kaahukane Leite-ahyo, Alika Maunakea, Monika A. Ward Abstract: Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ART) may be associated with increased risk of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). The most common ART is in vitro fertilization (IVF). In IVF gametes are co-incubated in vitro to achieve fertilization and resulting embryos are transplanted into mom's reproductive track. In mice, different females provide oocytes for IVF (oocyte donors) and for carrying out pregnancy (surrogates). We investigated whether effects of high-fat diet on communicative ASD-relevant behavioral phenotype in IVF offspring are mediated via gamete or via environment during pregnancy. Oocyte donors (GAM) and surrogates (SUR) were maintained on high-fat (HFD) or control (CON) diet. To test for gamete effect, embryos after IVF with oocytes from GAM-HFD and GAM-CON females were transplanted into standard chow fed surrogates. To test for maternal environment effect, embryos after IVF with oocytes from standard chow fed females were transplanted into SUR-HFD and SUR-CON surrogates. On postnatal day (PND) 8, 10, and 12, individual pups were isolated from mother, placed in a sound-reduced chamber, and number of ultrasonic vocalization (USV) calls and call duration were recorded. The number and duration of USV calls was similar for HFD and CON groups under GAM and SUR conditions at all timepoints. However, GAM-HFD males called more frequently than other pups at PND8 while SUR-HFD males called similarly across development, both representing a deviation from the expected pattern. The data suggest that maternal high-fat diet effects relating to atypical pup communication appear both 31 when imposed on gametes and on maternal environment, and seem to be sexspecific. Yvonne Barkley Marine Biology – Advisor: Erik Franklin What’s in a whistle? : Identifying overlapping false killer whale populations in the Hawaiian Islands using passive acoustic data Authors: Yvonne Barkley, Erin Oleson, Julie Oswald, and Patrick Rex Abstract: Three distinct populations of Pseudorca crassidens reside in the Hawaiian Archipelago: two insular populations within the main Hawaiian Islands and Northwestern Hawaiian Islands and a pelagic population with a broad, overlapping distribution with the two insular groups. The main Hawaiian Island population contains approximately 150 individuals and is listed under the Endangered Species Act. While each population is genetically distinct, the mechanisms driving this separation are unknown. False killer whales produce frequency modulated tones known as whistles, which can be measured and identified to species with a high level of confidence using a classification algorithm, ROCCA. Population-level differences in false killer whale whistles were examined using ROCCA to provide a framework for classifying whistles to a specific false killer whale population and provide insight to the differences in their distribution and ecology. A total of 750 whistles from 15 main Hawaiian Island acoustic detections, 550 whistles from 11 Northwestern Hawaiian Island acoustic detections, and 400 whistles from 8 pelagic acoustic detections were included in the analysis. Forty-eight whistle characteristics were incorporated into ROCCA to optimally capture the variability among the whistles for each population. Preliminary results suggest that differences between whistles of each population exist, but further analysis is necessary to understand the magnitude of these differences and their influence on successful classification. Using passive acoustic data to identify individual false killer whale populations will open up new monitoring approaches for this species in Hawaii, where a variety of anthropogenic factors impacts the three populations to varying degrees. Silvia Beurmann Microbiolgoy – Advisor: Sean Callahan Pseudoalteromonas sp. strain OCN003 acts as a secondary pathogen in infections of the coral Montipora capitata Authors: Silvia Beurmann, Ashley Smith, Blake Ushijima, Christina Runyon, Patrick Videau, Sean Callahan, Greta Aeby 32 Abstract: Widespread mortality among populations of reef-building corals caused by coral diseases contributes to the declining health of reefs, an emerging global threat. Environmental stressors are thought to contribute to the decline of reef health and disease. Two tissue loss diseases affecting Montipora capitata, one of the major reef-building coral species in Kaneohe Bay, have been documented: a progressive infection termed chronic Montipora white syndrome, and a faster manifestation termed acute Montipora white syndrome (cMWS and aMWS, respectively). Colonies exhibiting cMWS are observed at consistent levels throughout the year, while aMWS is more sporadic. In 2010 and 2012, outbreaks of aMWS resulted in significant coral mortality. Here, we show that Pseudoalteromonas strain OCN003, which was isolated from diseased M. capitata, is a potential etiological agent of aMWS. Healthy coral exposed to OCN003 was infected at a rate of 20%, and lesions resembling aMWS were observed an average of 22 days post-inoculation. When corals exhibiting cMWS were exposed to OCN003, infection levels increased to 60% after an average of 4 days, suggesting that OCN003 is more effective as a secondary pathogen in laboratory infections. Strains similar to OCN003 were isolated from diseased coral collected during the 2010 outbreak and displayed similar infection patterns. In the field, infection by OCN003 may occur primarily when coral health is compromised. Infection trials that investigate the influence of environmental stressors that accompanied the 2010 and 2012 outbreaks are currently underway. This study will help determine factors that facilitate sudden outbreaks of aMWS. Kari Bogner Botany – Advisor: Dr. Kasey Barton Plant-herbivore interactions between two Lepidopteran sister species, Vanessa tameamea and V. atalanta, and their host nettle plants Authors: Kari K. Bogner, Kasey E. Barton, Ph.D., William P. Haines, Ph.D. Abstract: The Kamehameha butterfly (Vanessa tameamea) and the Red Admiral butterfly (V. atalanta), form a monophyletic group that diverged from a common ancestor around 8 million years ago. As caterpillars, each species is a specialist herbivore, consuming the leaves of species only found in the Urticaceae (nettle) family. Whereas V. tameamea is one of only two endemic butterflies in the Hawaiian Archipelago, V. atalanta is a widespread continental sister taxon that maintains a permanent residence on Hawaii Island. In field observations, V. tameamea has been found to exclusively feed on native Urticaceae representatives, but V. atalanta has been found consuming both native and nonnative Urticaceae species. Because of their shared evolutionary history, we predict that V. tameamea will perform better on native nettle host species while the native plants will in turn have greater tolerance for herbivory by V. tameamea than the relatively novel herbivore V. atalanta. Caterpillar performance and plant 33 responses to herbivory will be examined using greenhouse experiments assessing pair-wise interactions between the 2 Vanessa species and 6 nettle species. Moreover, we will quantify relationships between plant traits (leaf toughness, nutrient concentrations, trichome density, phenolic content) and caterpillar performance to identify key traits mediating the interactions. This research will examine a unique island plant-herbivore system currently interacting with several non-native species recently established in Hawaii, providing new insights into coevolution on islands, which may also enhance conservation of these endemic taxa. Matthew Bond Botany – Advisor: Orou Gaoue Intraspecific medicinal plant selection in Solomon Islands Authors: Matthew Bond and Dr. Orou Gaoue Abstract: Why are certain plants or plant organs are used for medicine more frequently than others? Chemistry of plants with medicinal potential is thought to have evolved as an anti-herbivore defense which can vary based on growing conditions. However, ethnobotanical tests of this theory have been limited primarily to selection among species (interspecific) and failed to elucidate the rationale for widespread within species (intraspecific) selection patterns. My research project will analyze if and how within-species selection of medicinal plants and plant parts seeks to optimize medicinal efficacy. I will test local harvesting practices in Solomon Islands such as the use of different plant parts, collection times, and collection locations. To compare the efficacy of traditional and contrasting harvesting techniques, I will measure chemical content and bioactivity using field and lab bioassays. I predict that local medicinal plant harvesting practices based on temporal or ecological factors, such as UV exposure, ontogeny, and habitat type, exploit intraspecific variation in biochemistry that optimizes medicinal preparations. This research will assess what patterns exist in harvesting practices within and among Solomon Islands communities. Ultimately, this project will identify generalizable principles of medicinal plant selection both within and among species. Understanding ways in which local people select plants for medicinal use will expand our knowledge of humanecological relationships. These interactions serve as models for predicting, understanding, and responding to present and future environmental changes and health concerns. The findings of this study will be novel and are likely to improve the efficiency of drug discovery. Andrew Burger MBBE – Advisor: Sean Callahan 34 Beneficial Bacteria Can Protect The Coral Montipora Capitata From Infection By The Pathogen Vibrio Coraliilyticus Strain OCN008 Authors: Andrew H Burger, Blake Ushijima, Silvia Beurmann, Greta S Aeby, Sean M Callahan Abstract: Incidences of coral disease caused by bacteria have been on the rise worldwide, driving the development of practical ways in which ecosystem managers can monitor and address the health of reef ecosystems. The microorganisms associated with the mucus layer of the coral animal have long been thought to play a central role in coral health and resilience. While the mechanisms underlying this phenomenon are unknown, one theory is that changing microbial communities allow the coral holobiont to adapt to changing environmental conditions and ultimately protect the coral from disease. One possible mechanism by which commensal "probiotic" bacteria could protect the coral animal is via the production of compounds that prevent potential pathogens from ever establishing viable populations. In a search for potential probiotic bacterial strains, isolates cultured from healthy Montipora capitata were screened for their ability to inhibit the growth of the known pathogen Vibrio coraliilyticus strain OCN008. Three pigmented strains of Pseudoalteramonas spp. capable of inhibiting the growth of the pathogens OCN008 and Vibrio owensii strain OCN002 were isolated: P. luteoviolacea strain OCN094, P. rubra strain OCN096, and P. citrea strain OCN110. All isolates colonize the coral M. capitata under laboratory conditions and inhibit the growth of pathogens. In addition, strains OCN094 and OCN096 prevent infection of Montipora capitata by strain OCN008 in laboratory infection trails. Taken together, these data represent the most direct evidence that microbial members of the coral holobiont can protect the coral animal from a known pathogen and contribute to overall coral health. Siobhan Burns Marine Biology – Advisor: Stuart Donachie Direct Plate Count and Culture of Molasses-Impacted Sediments in Honolulu Harbor Authors: Siobhan L. Burns, Solomon J. Champion Abstract: In September 2013, an undetected leak in a corroded pipeline allowed over 1200 tons of molasses to spill into Honolulu Harbor. Unlike an oil spill that could be skimmed from the surface, the viscous molasses pooled on the harbor floor; to further complicate response efforts, there was no emergency plan because molasses is a non-hazardous substance. In the following days, bleached corals were observed and thousands of dead fish and other marine life were pulled from Keʻehi Lagoon. Remediation efforts were limited to “let nature take its course”, and it was assumed that natural tidal flushing would remove much of the 35 spilled molasses. Traditional water quality assessment is focused on detection of indicator bacteria related to fecal contamination, but as this spill was not sewagerelated, the standard methods would fail to assess the impact of this type of spill on the microbial community. Presented here is preliminary data on the culturable fraction of sediment samples collected over a one-year period from within the impact zone at Keʻehi Lagoon and near Honolulu Harbor. Thus far, the data suggests that molasses spill caused a temporary shift in the microbial community, while additional analysis using metagenomic data would further elucidate the effects of the spill on benthic microbial community composition and abundance. Jamie Caldwell HIMB – Advisor: Megan Donahue Coral contagion: seascape dynamics of a coral disease outbreak Authors: Jamie Caldwell, Megan Donahue Abstract: When trying to understand patterns of disease transmission, it is essential to estimate the rate at which individuals become infected. Over the past five years, there has been three coral disease outbreaks of acute Montipora white syndrome in Kaneohe Bay, Oahu, resulting in localized mass mortality of the host coral species (Montipora capitata). Acute Montipora white syndrome is a progressive tissue loss disease in which coral tissue disassociates with the coral skeleton, usually resulting in total colony mortality. During the most recent outbreak (winter 2015) we designed a natural experiment to estimate force of infection in the field, and determine whether benthic characteristics of the coral seascape (size of host, distance from host to infected neighbors, coral community composition) increased or decreased the probability of survival. Force of infection is key to understanding epidemiology and ultimately allows one to model potential intervention strategies. We plan to use this information to better understand disease dynamics for tissue loss diseases in coral and to identify putative vectors of acute Montipora white syndrome disease transmission. Hsiao-Yun Chang Marine Biology – Advisor: Erik Franklin Reproductive biology of female striped marlin Kajikia audax in the western Pacific Ocean Authors: Hsiao-Yun Chang, Chi-Lu Sun, Su-Zan Yeh Abstract: This study is aimed to determine the stage of ovarian maturation, spawning seasonality, size-at-maturity, fecundity, and spawning frequency of K. audax in the western Pacific Ocean. These goals were calculated to provide the necessary biological input parameters for age and size structured models that are 36 required for the regional stock assessment of K. audax. Length and mass data for 1,260 (536 females, 683 males, 41 sex unknown) K. audax were collected at the fish markets of Tungkang, Singkang, and Nanfangao during July 2004 to September 2010. Reproductive activity of 236 females was assessed using a gonadosomatic index, external appearance of the gonads, and histological analyses and results indicated that the spawning season occurred from April to August with the peak occurring in June to July. Based on histological sections and the distribution of oocyte diameters, K. audax are multiple spawners and their oocytes develop asynchronously. The estimated length-at-50% maturity was ~181 cm for females. The proportion of reproductively active females in the spawning season with ovaries containing postovulatory follicles indicated that they spawned every ~3.7 days on average. Average batch fecundity was estimated at 4.4 ± 1.7 (mean ± S.E.) million oocytes by the hydrated oocyte method; average relative fecundity was 53.6 ± 13.9 oocytes g-1 of body mass; and the average annual fecundity was 181.3 ± 48.3 million oocytes. Information from this study will serve as useful benchmarks when examining the possible effects and perturbations of global climate change on the population dynamics and adaptive variability of this species. Melissa Clark-Johnson Interdisciplinary Studies - David Beilman The affect of Antarctic fur seal Arctocephalus gazella disturbance on soil organic carbon cycling on a maritime Antarctic Island Authors: Melissa A. Clark-Johnson, Mary L. Tardona, Alexandra L. Hedgpeth, Olivia K. Marohnic, and David W. Beilman Abstract: Rising Antarctic fur seal populations have caused significant alterations to Antarctica’s terrestrial ecosystems following the 1964 dissolution of the commercial sealing industry. Litchfield Island, an Antarctic Specially Protected Area because of plant biodiversity, has become a preferred molting spot for juvenile males that trample vegetation. This study has three objectives: 1) determine the precedence of seal disturbance using hair counts in a sedimentary profile; 2) identify changes in carbon and nutrient input using stable isotope measurements of soil organic matter; and 3) explore how changes in soil respiration might be affected by animal inputs by conducting a substrate addition and incubation experiment. Hair counts in 3-5 cm3 samples revealed abundant seal hairs at the soil surface with 984-2600 hairs per gram soil and no hairs below 5 cm, indicating unprecedented fur seal disturbance over the last ~100 years. Soil profile δ13C values are consistent with several other Antarctic sites showing an increase in discrimination over recent decades, whereas soil δ15N show highly enriched values (maximum of 12.5 ‰) at 10 cm depth, suggesting nutrient inputs from animal disturbance are mobile, affecting microbial processes in deeper soil 37 layers. A substrate-addition and incubation experiment using undisturbed soil from nearby islands will determine if unprecedented inputs from fur seals might result in carbon losses greater than would be expected from the disturbance alone. Animal disturbance, which has caused vegetation destruction, organic matter compaction, decreasing albedo, and increasing soil temperatures, potentially creates increased respiration and Antarctic soil carbon loss. Katharine Clukey NREM – Advisor: Christopher Lepczyk Assessment of Plastic Ingestion and Associated Organic Pollutants in Sea Turtles across the Pacific Ocean Authors: Katharine E. Clukey, Christopher Lepczyk, George Balazs, Thierry Work, Jennifer M. Lynch Abstract: Plastic marine debris is a growing concern. The risk of toxic exposure through plastic ingestion is potentially dangerous to an organism’s health. One particular concern is that persistent organic pollutants (POPs) can adhere to hydrophobic plastic fragments from the surrounding water. In this study, we assess if plastic debris is a potential source of POP exposure in threatened Pacific sea turtles incidentally captured in longline fisheries. The gastrointestinal (GI) tracts from 21 turtles were assessed for plastics. Adipose samples from each turtle were analyzed by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry for 83 polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), 20 organochlorine pesticides, 32 brominated flame-retardants and by liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry for hexabromocyclododecane (HBCD). Plastic ranged from no plastic to 10.6% total gut contents wet mass. Respective total wet mass concentrations (ng/g) for total DDTs, PCBs, chlordanes, and PBDEs were 14.7, 4.25, 1.26, and 0.156. The only detected HBCD isomer was α-HBCD with a mean wet mass concentration of 0.440 ng/g. Percent plastics in the GI were not correlated with total DDTs, PCBs, chlordanes, or PBDEs, but was significantly and positively correlated with α-HBCD (r^2 = 0.557, p = 0.0001). Four additional turtle samples will be added to these preliminary results. Contaminant profiles will be used to estimate the source of POPs exposure in sea turtles (plastic vs. food). A risk assessment will attempt to predict toxic effects of the detected POPs to these species. Plastic ingestion is extremely common in sea turtles and effects of toxic chemicals could have detrimental effects on their health and survival. Bethany Coffey Marine Biology - Advisor: Tim Tricas Melanin as an oto-protective pigment in two fish species: Poecilia latipinna and Cyprinus carpio 38 Authors: Bethany N. Coffey, Michael E. Smith Abstract: Melanin is the dark pigment that gives color to the skin, hair, feathers, and eyes of vertebrates. Melanin is known to be in the stria vascularis of the mammalian cochlea, and previous studies indicate that melanin may protect the mammalian ear from hearing loss. Whether melanin plays a similar role in other vertebrates such as fishes is unknown. In this study, the melanin levels in the inner ears of different color morphs of two fish species (Poecilia latipinna and Cyprinus carpio) and the potential protective role of melanin from acoustical stress were examined. To identify the relationship between color morph and inner ear melanin, a spectrophotometric melanin assay and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) were used. For each morph and species, hearing thresholds were quantified before and after sound exposure (150 Hz tone at 165 dB re 1 µPa for 48 h) by measuring auditory evoked potentials (AEPs). Melanin levels were associated with scale color; black morphs had more inner ear melanin than white or golden morphs. TEM imaging showed that black P. latipinna morphs had larger melanosomes than white morphs. Hearing thresholds did not differ significantly among color morphs before sound exposure in either species. However, black morphs were found to have significantly lower post-sound exposure thresholds than other morphs. This suggests that melanin plays a protective role in the teleost inner ear, similar to what researchers have found in mammalian models. Teleost fishes may be a more efficient model for testing melanin's function in the inner ear. Daniel Coffey Marine Biology Graduate Program – Advisor: Kim Holland In situ measurements of dissolved oxygen from a vertically migrating deepwater shark, the bluntnose sixgill (Hexanchus griseus) Authors: Daniel M. Coffey and Kim N. Holland Abstract: Advances in biologging technology have revolutionized our understanding of the ecology of marine animals and have been fundamental to identifying how contemporary oceanographic conditions drive patterns in their distribution and behavior. In particular, the impact of dissolved oxygen on the vertical distribution of marine animals is becoming increasingly recognized. Insights into the impact of oxygen on vertical movements would be advanced by in situ measurements of ambient oxygen by animal-borne sensors instead of relying on model-derived, climatological data. Here we demonstrate the capabilities of a novel dissolved oxygen pop-up satellite archival tag (DO-PAT) by presenting the results from calibration experiments and trial deployments on bluntnose sixgill sharks (Hexanchus griseus). The DO-PATs provided fast, accurate, and stable 39 measurements in calibration trials and initial deployments on H. griseus effectively captured the oceanography of the region when compared with conductivitytemperature-depth (CTD) recorder measurements and World Ocean Database values. This is the first study to demonstrate the use of an animal-borne device for measuring in situ dissolved oxygen saturation. The information returned from DOPATs is relevant not only to the study of the ecology of the tagged species but will also become a useful new tool for investigating the physical structure of the oceans. Chelsie Counsell Marine Biology – Advisor: Megan Donahue Spatial Patterns in Biodiversity: A Look at the Semi-Cryptic Reef Communities Living within Pocillopora Corals around Hawai'i Authors: Chelsie W.W. Counsell, Megan J. Donahue, Erik C. Franklin, Mark A. Hixon Abstract: Ecosystem function and resilience are fundamentally connected to patterns in community composition and biodiversity. To properly manage and conserve communities, we need an understanding of the dynamics driving patterns in biodiversity. The three main goals of this study were to document and analyze spatial patterns in reef community composition over different scales (from between coral colonies to between islands), to determine correlations between environmental variables and community composition, and to investigate trends in species co-occurrence. Our work focused on semi-cryptic reef fish and invertebrates that are closely-associated with Pocillopora meandrina (POME), a common branching coral on Hawaiian reefs. We surveyed communities within ~1200 coral colonies spread across 34 sites around four Hawaiian Islands. We identified 100 different species that were closely-associated with POMEs. Most species were rarely observed; only 24 species were observed on ≥2% of corals. Environmental variables specific to the coral colony (e.g. coral size, percent live coral tissue) were highly correlated with community composition. At a larger spatial scale, survey site and coral cover were significant predictor variables for community composition. Species co-occurrence analysis identified 106 positive and 37 negative species pairs. Our results suggest POME community composition is strongly driven by the quality of the coral colony habitat. Survey site was also important for explaining patterns in community composition; this is likely driven by differences in substrate cover and wave energy. This study and continued investigation into factors driving reef community composition can help inform spatially appropriate conservation efforts that protect ecosystem function and resilience. 40 Annick Cros Zoology – Advisor: Stephen Karl Coral reef connectivity in Palau: A population genetics approach to coral reef management in warming seas Authors: Annick Cros, Stephen A. Karl Abstract: Coral reefs are under increasing threats from climate change and human impacts. In response, scientists and managers are designing and implementing resilient marine protected area (MPA) networks to increase the chances of reef recovery following disturbance. One of the key attributes in the design, but also one of the most difficult to measure, is connectivity. In the marine environment, population genetics is becoming a promising tool to measure the relatedness of individuals and determine the connectivity of MPA networks. In this work, we use Palau’s barrier reef as a case study to explore coral connectivity. Fifty colonies of Acropora hyacinthus were sampled at each of 25 sites around Palau’s reef. We amplified 12 microsatellites with forward primers designed with an individual index for each colony (n=50). Samples were then pooled by site and given a site index using the Illumina TruSeq kit, creating a site ID. Once the colony and site indices were attached, all 25 sites were sequenced using Illumina MiSeq genome sequencer. A bioinformatics pipeline was created to assign each colony a genotype based on the 12 distinct microsatellites from which we could analyze nucleotide variants such as SNPs. The sequences were be analyzed and preliminary results will be presented providing an insight on the relatedness of the colonies of Acropora hyacinthus. Rachel Dacks Biology - Cindy Hunter Investigating social drivers of ecological resilience in Fijian coral reef systems Authors: Rachel Dacks, Tamara Ticktin, Stacy Jupiter Abstract: Efforts to build resilience in coral reef social-ecological systems have become of great focus in recent years as the world experiences increasing environmental, social, and economic change. Human and natural systems, however, are linked in complex ways that must be better understood in order to enhance resilience. This research aims to understand drivers of resilience in coastal communities by addressing: 1) What is the state of coral reef ecological resilience in Fiji? 2) What are the main drivers that link human communities to ecological indicators of coral reef resilience?; and 3) How are drivers affected by external factors, including markets? Data were gathered across 20 villages in five provinces of Fiji using: 1) household and key informant surveys, 2) fisher 41 interviews and catch logs, 3) focus group discussions, and 4) coral reef ecological surveys. Livelihood assemblages and diversity, fishing practices, and local marine management varied across villages. Structural equation models will be used to identify social and economic drivers of reef resilience. Findings are useful across the Pacific for enhancing adaptive capacity and conservation planning in the face of climate change and increasing exploitation of reef resources. Jade Delevaux NREM – Advisor: Kirsten Oleson Mapping ecosystem goods and services to inform coral reef ecosystembased management in Maui Nui, Hawaii Authors: Jade M. S. Delevaux, Kostanitinos A. Stamoulis, Mary K. Donovan, Alan M. Friedlander, Susan H. Yee, Jack N. Kittinger, Anders Knudby, Robert Toonen, Gregory Guannel, Susan E. Crow, Kirsten L. L. Oleson Abstract: Human activities and climate change threaten coral reefs worldwide and jeopardize the benefits reefs provide to society. Understanding the distribution and linkages between seascape properties, ecosystem service providers, and the ecosystem goods and services they supply could ensure more holistic, costeffective, and equitable management of these resources. We used spatiallypredictive modeling techniques to map ecological properties and paired these with ecological production functions to derive patterns of ecosystem services delivery around Maui Nui. Preliminary results identified the ecosystem service providers that make up 3 important reef services: reef health, seafood supply, and biocultural resources. These ranged from ecological metrics, such as fish richness or standing resource fish biomass, to biomass of specific species which were sources of food and culturally important in the region. Maps revealed that ecosystem service hotspots were generally concentrated around Molokai and windward Maui. Services delivery was higher along reef edges and away from urban centers. Our results will inform a shift towards spatial planning and ecosystem-based management of reefs by identifying areas to focus management, and locations where potential conflicts may arise. Next steps will link this work to a dynamic ecological coral reef model to enable simulations of land and marine management scenarios. Visualization of reef services trade-offs can bridge gaps between management and resource users as well as improve community buy-in, resulting in better compliance. Caroline Dong Zoology - Advisor: Robert Thomson Origins of softshell turtles in Hawaii with considerations for conservation 42 Authors: Caroline M. Dong, Tag N. Engstrom, Robert C. Thomson Abstract: Non-native species have the potential to induce large-scale ecological changes that threaten native ecosystem biodiversity, particularly on islands. However, aside from strongly invasive species, the majority of non-natives receive relatively little scientific attention making it difficult to predict the severity of their impact. In addition to ecological and natural history data, genetic approaches can help address the status of non-natives, particularly for introductions that involve multiple sympatric and morphologically cryptic species to clarify their taxonomic identities and geographic origins. We used these approaches to investigate softshell turtles (family: Trionychidae) introduced to the Hawaiian Islands in the late 1800s: Palea steindachneri and Pelodiscus sinensis. In light of the extended importation and inter-island dispersal, revised understanding of diversity and taxonomy in the previously monotypic P. sinensis, and native range conservation concerns, we comprehensively characterized the populations of Hawaii. Extensive surveying efforts reveal a present distribution markedly different from the historical one with the current ranges of P. steindachneri limited to Kauai whereas Pelodiscus is limited to Oahu. Analysis of the 12S rRNA, ND4, and Cyt b gene regions revealed two species of the Pelodiscus complex (P. sinensis sensu stricto and P. maackii) and low genetic diversity in P. steindachneri. This work suggests continued research efforts to assess their impacts on Hawaiian species with the aim of developing management policies to either protect them as ‘assurance colonies’ for the declining native populations or alternatively support the eradication of this introduced aquatic predator that may threaten native fauna. Ale'alani Dudoit Biology - Advisor: Robert Toonen Origins of softshell turtles in Hawaii with considerations for conservation Authors: Ale'alani Dudoit, Michelle Gaither, Richard Coleman, William Browne, Brian Bowen, and Robert Toonen Abstract: The banded coral shrimp, Stenopus hispidus (Crustacea: Decapoda: Stenopodidea) is a popular marine ornamental shrimp that has a pantropical distribution. The planktonic larval stage lasts ~17-30 weeks, which provides the potential to disperse over great distances. Previous studies with marine fishes have shown population structure between the Red Sea, Indian and Pacific Oceans, but no similar study exists to examine the population structure of a marine invertebrate. We investigated the population structure of S. hispidus at 10 locations across the Indo-Pacific and the Western Atlantic, using mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) gene. Molecular analyses indicate that S. hispidus has two distinct mitochondrial COI lineages that are 2% divergent: a restricted population in the Western Atlantic and a widely distributed Indo-Pacific 43 population. Genetic diversity was highest in the Western Atlantic lineage with h = 0.929 and π = 0.004, than in the Indo-Pacific lineage h = 0.105 and π = 0.000. A lack of shared haplotypes and recent coalescence of the Indo-Pacific lineage suggests colonization from the Atlantic around South Africa into the Indian Ocean. Jean Fantle-Lepczyk Zoology – Advisors: Sheila Conant/David Duffy Evaluation of potential Puaiohi management activities via population viability analysis Authors: Jean Fantle-Lepczyk, Andrew Taylor, David Duffy, Lisa H. Crampton, and Sheila Conant Abstract: The Hawaiian Islands house a unique avian assemblage comprised of some of the world’s rarest bird species, though many are now highly endangered or have gone extinct. Despite numerous and potentially increasing threats and great effort aimed at saving endemic birds, we lack some of the basic science necessary for understanding species of concern.. For instance, population models and viability analyses (PVA) have not been conducted for 66% of Hawai‘i’s endangered avifauna. One species lacking any PVA is the federally Endangered Puaiohi (Myadestes palmeri). At present 75% of the Puaiohi’s breeding population of about 500 birds occurs in just 10 km2 of the Alaka‘i Wilderness Preserve. To develop Puaiohi models, we collected demographic data from 20072012, supplemented by data from published sources. Using Vortex and RAMAS, we developed stochastic population models to represent Puaiohi populations under current and potential management scenarios to determine their potential efficacy in aiding in the recovery of the species. Scenarios modeled included rat control, supplemental feeding, general survival facilitation, and provision of nest boxes. Both Vortex and RAMAS produced similar results, reflecting a current decline in population. Female and juvenile mortality/survival appeared to be the most influential parameters in the model, suggesting any proposed management incorporate increasing female and juvenile Puaiohi survival. Rat control, even at more conservative levels, appeared to be the most effective method of increasing Puaiohi abundance. Our results indicate that real world, attainable management activities have potential to increase Puaiohi numbers and bring the species back from the brink of extinction. Alex Filous Zoology – Advisor: Dr. Alan Friedlander Movement patterns of Apex Predators in the Molokini Shoals Marine Life Conservation District Authors: Alex Filous, Alan Friedlander, Kostantinos Stamoulis, Hal Koike 44 Abstract: Apex predators play an important role in maintaining the balance of marine ecosystems and are a critical component of Hawaii’s recreational and commercial fisheries. The study of apex predator movements in marine protected areas (MPAs) has become a research priority in the main Hawaiian Islands as an understanding of these movements can provide insight into the design and effectiveness of these areas in conserving these species. The Molokini Marine Life Conservation District in Maui, HI is an ideal location to examine the movements of apex predators as it is the second oldest marine protected area in the state and maintains one of the highest concentrations of apex predators in the main Hawaiian Islands. In this study we installed an array of seven acoustic receivers within this MPA and used passive acoustic telemetry to study the long-term movements of several apex predator species (Triaenodon obesus, Carcharhinus amblyrhynchos, Caranx ignobilis, Caranx melampygus and Aprion virscens). At present 54 individual fish have been tagged with V13 acoustic transmitters and in this presentation we will discuss the movement and behavior of these predators including their diel behavior, spatial use of the MPA, residency patterns, and long distance movements. These results can help determine if this MPA is effective in protecting these highly mobile and valuable species and inform the design of new marine protected areas in the state. Samantha Flounders Botany – Advisor: Dr. Celia Smith Can we restore Limu Kala to Waikiki? Authors: Samantha Flounders, Nicole Yamase, David Spafford Abstract: Prior to the introduction of Gracilaria salicornia, 70% of the total biomass of macroalgae on the Waikiki reefs was composed of the native Sargassum polyphyllum, also known as Limu Kala. G salicornia has not only caused a decrease in algal diversity but also has led to a trophic imbalance due a subsequent decrease in native fish populations. Current efforts to combat the monoculture of macroalgae consist of manual algae cleanups followed by the deployment of urchin generalist grazers (Tripneustes gratilla). To supplement current reef restorative methods the cultivation of Sargassum spp. began with harvesting and hanging of fertile Sargassum spp in a 500L tank of filtered seawater. External fertilization was able to occur and within 2 weeks the 500 2X2 limestone tiles lining the bottom of the tank were seeded with juvenile Sargassum spp. germlings. Limu Kala. is found in high-energy environments, to emulate this a surge simulator was constructed to vigorously splash germlings. Once of viable stage, ~5mm, germlings were moved from seeding tank to surge tank. When of transplantable stage, ~2cm, the juveniles will be moved to the Waikiki reefs. Their presence is expected to increase the abundance of already present Limu Kala 45 along with creating a direct interaction with invasive algae and the potential recruitment of other native species. Mackenzie Gerringer Marine Biology – Advisor: Jeff Drazen Gelatinous Tissue in Deep-Sea Fishes – Insights from a Robotic Snailfish Authors: Gerringer M, Yancey P, Drazen J, Jamieson A, Linley T and Summers A Abstract: Some deep-dwelling fishes have a gelatinous layer either below the skin or around the spine in the caudal region. This study investigated the composition, potential function, and taxonomic distribution of this gelatinous tissue. Gel samples from eight deep-water species were analyzed for water content (96.53 ± 1.78%), ionic composition, and osmolality. These, with bulk protein (0.39 ± 0.23%), lipid (0.69 ± 0.56%), and carbohydrate (0.61 ± 0.28%) assay results, suggest that the gel is mostly extracellular fluid. These analyses do not support the hypotheses that this tissue functions as nutrient storage as an adaptation to the food-limited deep sea. Based on ionic composition, density, and float tests, the gel may aid in buoyancy in some species. We propose that the gelatinous tissue may also act as an energetically inexpensive method to increase swimming efficiency by reducing drag, fairing the transition from head to tail. The gelatinous layer is prominent in the hadal snailfish Notoliparis kermadecensis, one of the planet’s deepest-living fishes, making it an interesting organism in which to investigate gel function. A robotic snailfish model was used to analyze the potential role of the gelatinous layer in locomotory performance. The model swam faster with a water layer, representing gel, around the silicone tail than with the silicone tail alone. Under pressure and at low temperatures, the gel would presumably be stiffer creating an even stronger effect. Data from these analyses suggest that, in some species, the gelatinous layer may aid locomotion with a very low energetic cost. Jonatha Giddens Biology – Advisor: Alan Friedlander Impacts and controls of an introduced marine predatory grouper, Roi (Cephalopholis argus) in west Hawaii through the lens of a Social-Ecological Systems framework Authors: Jonatha Giddens, Alan Friedlander, Chad Wiggins, Kosta Stamoulis, Mary Donovan, Eric Conklin Abstract: Understanding the ecological impacts and population controls of the introduced grouper, roi (Cephalopholis argus), in Hawaiʻi is critical to furthering our knowledge of marine predatory fish invasion ecology and informing invasive 46 species management. Likewise, the social attributes that underpin successful Community-Based Management (CBM) of coral reef ecosystems must be understood in order to support participatory management plans that require ongoing investment, such as those outlined in ecosystem-based and adaptive management initiatives. This study examines the ecology of roi in Hawaiʻi through (1) a predator removal experiment to assess the impacts of roi on the native reef fish assemblage and (2) a fisheries assessment in west Hawaiʻi to determine the impact of roi fishing tournaments on populations of roi. Experimental data show a significant increase in prey species18-months after roi removal, during a peak recruitment season, suggesting that assemblage-level impacts are seasonally dependent. Fisheries assessments of roi tournament data indicate low natural (M) and fishing (F) population mortality rates, and provide a baseline for further CBM to track bio reference point changes over time in relation to management efforts. Ecological and fisheries data were mapped to a general Social-Ecological Systems (SES) framework for analyzing the sustainability of complex systems. A linked SES view of roi tournaments suggest that fishers shift fishing targets away from heavily exploited species, and modify fishing behavior from individualfocused towards ocean stewardship. Given the integral role of fishers in SES in Hawaii, we suggest that the general SES framework is adapted to better support CBM in island ecosystems. Giacomo Giorli Oceanography – Advisor: Whitlow Au Deep sea organism densities estimation with a Dual Frequency Identification Sonar (DIDSON) Authors: Giacomo Giorli & Whitlow Au Abstract: Estimating the density of organism living in deep sea scatting layers is of key importance for understanding the biomass in the mesopelagic layers. Scientific echosounders are routinely used for this task, however, new imaging sonar technologies pose the opportunity for estimating density of organism, as well as identification at smaller scales. During the 2013 NOAA KONA Integrated Ecosystem, a Dual Frequency Identification Sonar (DIDSON) (SoundMetrics Inc) was used to estimate the density, length of organisms in the deep sea scattering layers during nighttime and daytime along the KONA coast of the island of Hawaii. At each station, an EK60 38kHz echosounder was used to find the depth of the deep sea scattering layers, and the DIDSON was lower into the layer (or layers if two were present)(about 500 and 600 m), and underneath the deeper layer (about 800m). A total of 4621 organisms were counted and sized. We estimated densities ranging from 6 to 1 organism/m3. Density shows some variation between locations and depth and organism as big as 3 meter were sighted. 47 Alexandra Hedgpeth Geography – Advisor: David Beilman Sensitivity of Arctic Permafrost Peatland Carbon in the Mackenzie River Basin in a Substrate Addition and Incubation Experiment Authors: Alexandra L. Hedgpeth, David W. Beilman, and Susan E. Crow Abstract: Rising Arctic temperatures are expected to thaw permafrost exposing soil organic matter (SOM) to microbial decomposition, and introduce labile substrates below ground. Increased availability of carbon within permafrost soil ecosystems can further stimulate mineralization of thawed SOM, a phenomenon known as the priming effect. To evaluate the potential for priming, we conducted a substrate-addition and incubation experiment using soils from three carbon-rich permafrost peatland sites along a north-south transect, between 52° and 69° N, in the Mackenzie River Basin. These soils were incubated at 10°C, and amended with glucose (0.2 µg g-1Soil-C). Although SOM decomposition was stimulated by substrate addition, sites responded differently. The northern and middle site showed the most dynamic response with an initial large pulse in respiration rate following glucose addition. A smaller, less pronounced increase in respiration rate was seen in the southern site. Extra carbon was respired above baseline that cannot be attributed to substrate carbon added in soils from the middle site, indicating that some but not all sites were susceptible to priming. This extra respiration resulted in 119% increase in lost soil carbon from the surface layers, however a larger calculated loss was seen in deeper permafrost soils with 133% increase in carbon utilization. This study showed the deeper permafrost soils being the most reactive and susceptible to apparent priming following substrate addition. The geographic pattern of vulnerability suggests that the response to substrate addition is controlled by something other that latitude, and more sitespecific characteristics, such as substrate quality, should be examined. Danielle Hull Oceanography – Advisor: Kathleen C. Ruttenberg Dissolved Organic Phosphorus (DOP) in Aquatic Systems: Insights into DOP Molecular Weight Distribution and Bioavailability in Hawaiian Waters Authors: Danielle K. Hull, Kathleen C. Ruttenberg Abstract: Phosphorus (P) is an essential nutrient that can be growth limiting in aquatic systems. Dissolved organic phosphorus (DOP) is often more abundant than soluble reactive phosphorus (SRP) in surface waters, and to the extent that it is bioavailable, DOP can satisfy organismal P-demand. However, the composition and bioavailability of DOP remain poorly constrained. In order to gain insight into the molecular weight distribution of DOP, and to evaluate whether molecular 48 weight can be a factor in DOP bioavailability, DOP from a range of marine environments was segregated into four different molecular weight size classes via sequential ultrafiltration. Molecular weight segregates were then exposed to phosphohydrolytic enzymes (alkaline phosphatase and phosphodiesterase) and the potential bioavailability of DOP in each size class was assayed by monitoring build-up of soluble reactive phosphorus (SRP), the end-product of DOP hydrolysis. Specifically, samples were collected along a transect in Kaneohe Bay (Oahu) and throughout a vertical depth profile at Station ALOHA (Hawaii Ocean Time-Series). Between 90-100% of total DOP was recovered in segregates, and clear differences in DOP molecular weight distribution were observed between coastal and open ocean marine environments, and at different depth horizons in the open ocean. The fraction of bioavailable DOP in segregates was distinct at different depths. Results thus far provide valuable insights on how DOP molecular characteristics translate into P-bioavailability to marine microorganisms. Such information is a prerequisite to building ecosystem models that will capture the influence of P biogeochemistry on oceanic carbon cycling. Kaleonani Hurley Biology – Advisor: Robert Toonen Mesophotic coral reefs fail to provide depth refuge for brachyuran crab communities in Hawai'i Authors: Kaleonani KC Hurley, Molly A Timmers, Joshua M Copus, Scott Godwin, Derek J Skillings, Robert J Toonen Abstract: Mesophotic coral reef ecosystems (MCEs) are hypothesized to play a critical role in maintaining biodiversity. According to the deep reef refugia hypothesis (DRRH), these deeper reef systems act as a reproductive source from which shallow reefs may be repopulated following a natural or anthropogenic disturbance. Shallow coral reefs are extensively studied, and although scleractinian corals have been recorded to 165 m in Hawaiʻ©, little is known about other mesophotic reef inhabitants. Brachyuran crabs fill many ecological and trophic niches on reefs, making them ideal candidates for evaluating species composition within MCEs and the DRRH. Here we deployed Autonomous Reef Monitoring Structures (ARMS) along a depth gradient (12, 30, 60, and 90 m) on the south shore of Oahu for a two-year duration to sample and assess brachyuran crab communities. 69 morphospecies (representing 16 families) were found across the depth gradient. Community composition was not significantly different among shallow sites separated by 20 km, but was highly stratified by depth. For brachyuran crab communities in this area, the DRRH is not supported. Crabs from deeper reefs cannot be expected to repopulate shallow reefs if they are wiped out after major disturbances. 49 Kazue Ishihara Molecular Biosciences and Bioengineering – Advisor: Dulal Borthakur Identification of genes involved in the phenylpropanoid pathway in Acacia koa Authors: Kazue Ishihara*, Eric Lee, Dulal Borthakur Abstract: Acacia koa (koa) is a leguminous timber tree endemic to the Hawaiian Islands. Koa forests are suffering from a devastating wilt disease caused by the fungal pathogen Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. koae. To protect koa forests from the disease, it is crucial to identify genetic and environmental factors affecting disease susceptibility and resistance. The objectives of this study were to identify genes involved in the phenylpropanoid pathway, which is known to be associated with disease resistance, and to identify environmental factors that influence expression of those genes. In this study, Illumina-based transcriptome sequencing and Trinity de novo assembly yielded 85,533 unigenes. Using the KEGG database, we identified complete coding sequences of 13 genes involved in the phenylpropanoid pathway. To investigate links between those genes and disease resistance, we are currently performing nCounter and qPCR analyses to confirm if the genes are induced by the fungal infection and if there are any differential gene expressions among resistant and susceptible koa. Also, we are testing if those genes are upregulated in response to mechanical stress since our results show that stressed seedlings are more resistant to F. oxysporum than unstressed seedlings with the survival rates of 47% and 18%, respectively. Exposure to wind during early development may induce resistance. The isolated genes may also be used as potential molecular markers for selecting disease resistant koa, which will contribute to genetic improvement programs for koa. This research is supported by the McIntire-Stennis Cooperative Forestry Program and a Monsanto Graduate Fellowship. Garrett Johnson Marine Biology – Advisor: Brian Bowen Examining the Deep Reef Refugia Hypothesis: Using FARTs to assess the connectivity of fish populations between Mesophotic (30m-100msw) and shallow reefs (<30m) of Southern Japan Authors: Johnson, Garrett Blake Abstract: Mesophotic coral ecosystem’s (MCEs) are tropical light-dependent communities that extend from approximately 30m to the bottom of the photic zone (~165m) and account for two-thirds of zooxanthellate coral community habitat, and yet remain almost entirely unexplored. MCEs in Japan were first described off the coast of Okinawa in 1972, though little information on their occurrence and 50 abundance has been documented since. As a testament to such a scarcity of information, as recently as 2011, a previously unknown MCE habitat was discovered off Okinawa’s coast at depths of 25-45m of primarily nearly 100% Pachyseris foliosa cover, a coral species previously unrecorded in Japan. The objectives of this study are to utilize Fish traps with Automated Recovery Timer to (FARTs) to examine the Deep Reef Refugia Hypothesis, to assess the role of MCEs in providing larval fish recruits to shallow and deep reefs, and secondly determine the overall extent of vertical gene flow. Light and settlement traps will be deployed at each of three depths (100m, 45m and 18m). FARTs are a device I have developed specifically for instrument recovery from MCEs. " Erika Johnston Hawai‘i Institute of Marine Biology – Advisor: Rob Toonen Predicting hazard resilience in an ecosystem engineer: Decadal connectivity patterns and the determination of thermally resilient populations of Pocillopora meandrina across the Main Hawaiian Islands Authors: Erika Johnston, Tayler Massey, Cynthia Hunter, Rob Toonen Abstract: It is important to know where the next generation of corals is coming from to inform resource management in the State, but to date connectivity data has been collected for only two coral species across the Hawaiian Islands. These two studies reveal very different patterns: Porites lobata appears to have exchange among neighboring islands to establish an isolation-by-distance pattern, whereas Montipora capitata is essentially self-seeding for each island. With such divergent results, we can make no generalizations about coral population connectivity or the resilience or response of different genera to hazards such as disease or massive bleaching. We therefore propose to examine populations of a major reef building coral, Pocillopora meandrina, across the Main Hawaiian Islands to examine population genetic structure across the State from collections made in 2005 and compare the results to new collections in 2016 to determine where genetic breaks exist and whether these breaks remain the same a decade later following a major bleaching event. We will also use genome scans (ezRAD) of P. meandrina colonies that bleached and died, bleached and recovered, and those that never bleached to determine if there are specific genotypes of this coral that are more thermally resilient. Casey Jones Botany – Advisor: Kasey Barton Ecotypic variation along precipitation gradients early in ontogeny for Metrosideros polymorpha Authors: Casey Jones and Kasey Barton 51 Abstract: ‘Ōhi'a lehua, (Metrosideros polymorpha, Myrtaceae), is a terrestrial foundation species tree in rainforests across the Hawaiian Islands. Populations of ‘ōhi'a lehua are found in habitats that span wet and dry precipitation gradients. ‘Ōhi'a lehua is abundant as an adult yet seedling recruitment is lacking across its native range. In order to determine the role of ecotypic variation in germination and seedling survival, we have initiated a large-scale reciprocal transplant field experiment on Oahu. Seeds were collected from populations at 27 sites, 9 from dry, mesic, and wet habitats. Seeds from all of the populations were then each planted at all of the sites. Biweekly census data was collected to provide measurements of germination, survival and growth rates. The frequency and intensity of precipitation was recorded daily using data from rain gauges near each study site. Preliminary data show patterns of ecotypic variation for germination and survival based on precipitation. The results of this study will contribute new insights into the population regeneration of ‘ōhi'a lehua and provide crucial information for the conservation of Hawaiian ecosystems. Maia Kapur HIMB – Advisor: Erik Franklin Simulating the Effects of Spatial Fisheries Management in the Hawaiian Archipelago Under a Changing Climate Authors: Maia Kapur Abstract: Uncertainty regarding the response of coral reef ecosystems to climate chang e is a major concern for fisheries management in tropical island societies. One of the primary challenges to investigate the dynamics of reef ecosystems under climate change is adequately representing the complex interactions of physical drivers, biological components, and anthropogenic activities. To explore the dynamics of these complex systems, we utilize a set of models to describe dominant physical forcing functions (e.g., seawater temperature anomalies, wave energy, nearshore run-off), biological interactions (e.g., larval connectivity, herbivory, piscivory), and fishery harvest on reef ecosystems across the main Hawaiian Islands under two future climate scenarios, IPCC Fifth Assessment Report Representative Concentration Pathway (RCP) 4.5 and RCP 8.5. This project utilizes CORSET (Coral Reef Scenario Evaluation Tool), a tool applied previously on Caribbean and Indo-Pacific reefs, to evaluate how different environmental scenarios and anthropogenic actions may affect food web and community structures on Hawaiian reefs. This talk will describe methodologies and preliminary results that aim to illustrate how spatially varying fishing effort may affect the community composition and other ecological characteristics of coral reefs and their associated fisheries over the next century. 52 Haruko Koike Zoology (Biology) - Advisor: Alan Friedlander Seychelles’ Sea Cucumber Stock Status and Their Distribution Authors: Haruko Koike, Calvin Gerry, Alan Friedlander Abstract: Processed sea cucumbers (Beche-de-Mer) are highly sought after as Chinese delicacy, and are known to sell for up to $385/kg. Because of high price, some popular species are now overfished and has been listed as endangered by IUCN. Ecologically, sea cucumbers are known to bioturbate and oxygenate the sea floor. There are concerns that decline of these species could have negative ecological impacts. Furthermore, most species of sea cucumber are understudied and their life history traits such as growth rate, preferred habitat, density, and mortality rate has been unclear, complicating the conservation effort. Seychelles has been fishing sea cucumbers since the late 1990s, and government has been interested in sustainably managing this lucrative fishery. The objective of this study was to: 1) assess current stock status; 2) define preferred habitat and map the distribution of targeted sea cucumbers, and 3) estimate sustainable catch limit through stock assessment. We compared GLM models with various habitat, depth, and fishing intensity data to estimate the current population density and preferred habitat for each targeted species in Seychelles. Total estimated population size showed that the current landing are 25% of the entire stock, which is not likely to be sustainable. " Derek Kraft Marine Biology – Advisor: Brian Bowen Global population connectivity of the silky shark, Carcharhinus falciformis Authors: Derek Kraft, Melanie Hutchinson, Brian Bowen, Stephen Karl Abstract: Successful management of species with global distributions, like the silky shark Carcharhinus falciformis, pose special challenges, and requires knowledge of regional population structure. Galvan-Tirado et. al. (2013) found weak but significant population structure between the Eastern Pacific and the Western Pacific populations. Currently this is the only literate on population structure of silky sharks. C. falciformis has a distribution and habitat use which overlaps a number of commercial tuna fisheries, and they account for more than 90% of the total shark bycatch in tropical tuna purse seine fisheries in the western and central Pacific. In addition to high rates of bycatch, silky sharks are also extensively targeted in shark fisheries off the Pacific Coast of Central America and in the Indian Ocean. A recent stock assessment in the Pacific Ocean found that spawning biomass, total biomass, and recruitment have all declined, indicating that fishing mortality has surpassed the maximum sustainable yield. Ongoing 53 fishing pressure is likely to further reduce recruitment, and further accelerate the global decline. Therefore, resolving the global genetic architecture of this species is essential for outlining regional structure of stocks and gauging the level of genetic exchange between neighboring jurisdictions, an essential foundation for successful management. To illustrate global silky shark population structure and connectivity, I will carry out molecular analyses using both newly collected samples as well as an extensive globally sourced collection (n=1600). My results will characterize the global phylogeography of silky sharks and identify regional stocks, the fundamental units of wildlife management. Claire Lager Marine Biology – Advisor: Paul Jokiel Temporal trends in the relationship between terrestrial and marine health Authors: Claire Lager, Ku'ulei Rodgers, and Paul Jokiel Abstract: The link between watershed health and adjacent coral reef health has been well established especially in tropical islands. A comparison of the Hawaiʻi Watershed Health Index (WHI) and the Hawaiʻi Reef Health Index (RHI) shows a strong overall correlation between watershed and reef condition. Reef condition is often the result of multiple disturbances over time as has occurred in Kāneʻohe Bay. It is expected that a change in land use and an increase in urbanization will produce a negative trend in reef condition. Data from two long-term monitoring projects, the Coral Reef Assessment and Monitoring program (1999-2012) and the Maragos Survey Sites (1971-2010) provide benthic data for Kāneʻohe Bay over the past 40 years. Sites from both programs will be reassessed in 2015 to provide a more comprehensive data set. Historical data from 1971-2015 on land use in the 9 ahupuaʻa of the Koʻolaupoko watersheds on Oʻahu will be compared to historical and current reef condition in adjacent Kāneʻohe Bay to describe the role of temporal trends in the relationship between terrestrial and marine health. Abby Lapointe Biology - Advisor: Les Watling A Tale of Two Oceans: Systematics and biogeography of bamboo corals in the deep sea off Tasmania Authors: Abby Lapointe & Les Watling Abstract: The deep-sea communities off Tasmania, Australia in the Southwest Pacific display high diversity, although much of this diversity has yet to be described. Deep-sea bamboo corals (Family Isididae; subfamily Keratoisidinae) are a widely distributed group of gorgonian octocorals, commonly found in the 54 deep sea below 200 m, with the deepest specimens collected at 4700 m. Specimens were collected from the seamounts off Tasmania at depths of 729 to 3950 m and taxonomic analyses reveal high diversity in the bamboo corals in this region. Eight new species and three new genera are described, and the genus Bathygorgia Wright, 1885 is resurrected and distinguished from Keratoisis. The deep-sea bamboo corals of the Tasmanian Seamounts have a striking resemblance to, and are perhaps the same species, as specimens collected in areas of large geographic separation, notably on seamounts in the North Atlantic. Áki Láruson Biology – Advisor: Floyd Reed Identifying pockets of genomic divergence in a globally distributed metapopulation Authors: Áki Jarl Láruson, Floyd Reed Abstract: As global declines in biodiversity continue it becomes especially important to understand how and why diversity originates, and how it may be protected; understanding genomic divergence is the key to understanding how biodiversity originates and is maintained. Targeted exon capture allows for the simultaneous acquisition of multiple candidate genes potentially involved in adaptive divergence. The globally distributed echinoderm genus Tripneustes is a preferred group for studying patterns of genomic divergence. The pan-tropical distribution is split into two physically separated metapopulations (the Atlantic and the Pacific), and newly identified cryptic divergence in the absence of clear physical barriers is present within each ocean. In order to generate a gene database for a non-model organism, cDNA from multiple individuals was sequenced, assembled, and annotated when possible. Theoretical protein function was also estimated with fully novel sequences. Using this reference, targeted probes will be used in the anchored hybridization of genomic DNA (exon capture) from across the global distribution of Tripneustes. This approach provides unprecedented power to resolve patterns of genetic divergence while simultaneously allowing for the identification of factors driving adaptation. Elizabeth Lenz HIMB – Advisor: Ruth Gates Long-term persistence in octocoral communities in St. John USVI Authors: EA Lenz, L Bramanti, HR Lasker, PJ Edmunds Abstract: As coral reefs continue to be impacted by anthropogenic activities, longterm studies are essential in determining how the structure and function of their benthic communities change. The decline in abundance of scleractinian corals 55 over the past 3 decades in the Caribbean has raised the possibility that other important benthic taxa beyond macroalgae are inversely changing in abundance. To test the hypothesis that octocorals have changed in abundance since 1992, we used photoquadrats over 20-y from reefs (7–9-m depth) at 6 sites along the south shore of St. John, USVI. Octocorals were counted in 0.25 m-2 photoquadrats at 2–3 y intervals and identified to genus or family. Overall, there was variation over time in population density of octocorals (pooled among taxa, Antillogorgia spp., Gorgonia spp., and plexaurids) at each site with densities unchanged or increased over 20 years; where increases in density occurred, the effects were accentuated after 2002. We expanded the local-scale analysis to the Caribbean by compiling data for octocoral densities from 32 studies for reefs ≤ 25-m depth from 19682013. Statistically we found no change in octocoral abundance over time. Together with data from the whole Caribbean, the present analysis suggests that octocorals have not experienced a decadal-scale decline in population density, which has occurred for many scleractinian corals. Katie Lubarsky Marine Biology – Advisors: Megan Donahue/Erik Franklin Investigating the effects of Submarine Groundwater Discharge on the water chemistry and carbonate dynamics of two shallow reef flats in Maunalua Bay, Oahu Authors: Katie Lubarsky Abstract: Submarine Groundwater Discharge (SGD) is an understudied but important source of fresh water into coastal systems, particularly on tall volcanic islands such as Hawaii. Nutrient-rich SGD enters Maunalua Bay through discrete seeps, delivering high levels of nitrate and phosphate, and unique carbonate signatures to the coastal reef flat. The groundwater itself, as well as the uptake and processing of the SGD-derived nutrients by the reef flat biota, will alter the water chemistry across the gradient of groundwater influence, which will in turn affect key metabolic processes of organisms such as corals and the bioeroding organisms that break them down. My work aims to understand how the SGD in Maunalua Bay affects pH variation, coral growth rates, and bioerosion rates across the reef flat. I hypothesize that the SGD will drive large diel pH fluctuations, which will vary spatially with the strength of the groundwater signal, with higher fluctuations in areas with higher SGD influence. As pH levels and variation are key players in carbonate dynamics, I hypothesize that coral accretion rates will vary with a similar spatial pattern, with lower calicification rates found in areas with more SGD. Likewise, based on recent findings that pH variation is the strongest driver of bioerosion rates (Silbiger et al., in press), I expect bioerosion to be highest in areas with strong groundwater influence, and vice versa. The results of 56 my research will help to further our knowledge of coastal carbonate dynamics and highlight some of the biological effects of SGD in Hawaii. Christian Macaspac Biology – Advisor: Masato Yoshizawa Establishing the housing system of blind cavefish, Astyanax mexicanus, and the live-imaging of its enhanced mechanosensory lateral line Authors: Christian Macaspac, Masato Yoshizawa Abstract: Cave-dwelling fish show remarkable changes in many traits including foraging and sensory-based behaviors to adapt to the dark cave environment. Astyanax mexicanus is a model cave-dwelling fish with sighted surface-dwelling (surface fish) and blind cave-dwelling (cavefish) forms. The surface ancestors of cavefish were trapped in caves millions of years ago, and altered multiple morphological and behavioral traits. One of such cave-associated traits is the vibration attraction behavior (VAB). This is the ability of fish to swim towards the source of a water disturbance in darkness, a crucial advantage for feeding in the dark. VAB has a tuning peak at 35 Hz, which is produced by prey, allowing cavefish to feed without a light source. Therefore, VAB is an adaptive foraging trait that evolved in the dark, food-sparse cave environment. From genetic and ablation analyses, superficial neuromasts at the cavefish eye orbit area are the major sensory receptors in VAB expression. However, it is largely unknown which physical property of these small populations of superficial neuromast makes them a major receptor for VAB. Here, we will describe how we are developing a new A. mexicanus colony in the Univ. Hawaii, and a high speed-live imaging system to track the movements of ~ 100 neuromast at the cheek region using a new labeling technique of fluorescent micro-sphere. Tayler Massey Marine Biology – Advisor: Cynthia Hunter The effect of ocean warming on the coral communities of Ka'ohao (Lanikai) Authors: Tayler Massey, Cynthia Hunter, Thomas Oliver, Peter Marko Abstract: Coral bleaching is a natural phenomenon that occurs as a result of stressful environmental factors including, but not limited to, increased sea temperatures and solar irradiance. An unprecedented bleaching event occurred in the Main and Northwestern Hawaiian Islands during Fall of 2014, in which Hawaiian corals reacted with differing levels of response, recovery, and mortality. This project began as a result of predictions from NOAA’s Coral Reef Watch program and aimed to document the extent of this event through monitoring and community participation in order to better understand bleaching susceptibility in 57 corals at Ka'ohao (Lanikai), Oahu. In situ data loggers were used to measure seawater temperature from July-November 2014. Weekly surveys of 60 individual coral colonies recorded colony health over time at 6 sites using Coral Watch color reference scores and photographs. Surveys began in August 2014 and are ongoing. Additionally, video transects were conducted during and after bleaching to measure extent of bleaching by species. Bleaching affected (minimally to severely) over 90% of the corals at Ka'ohao, including Porites, Montipora, and Pocillopora. Visible bleaching at Ka'ohao differed by species, among and within colonies, and by location in the water column with no apparent trend related to any one variable. Recovery was variable in Porites, Montipora, and Pocillopora meandrina, but P. damicornis colonies exhibited complete mortality due to temperature stress. Further analyses will include examining genetic diversity among corals and symbionts in an attempt to reveal other explanations of such perplexing bleaching responses. Marie McKenzie Geography – Advisor: Thomas W. Giambelluca Climate Monitoring Network on Maunakea – Master Station at Summit and Lower Satellite Stations Authors: Thomas W. Giambelluca, Fritz Klasner, Steven Businger Abstract: Maunakea, a dormant shield volcano on the Big Island of Hawai’i, rises 13,796 feet above sea level, making it the highest point in the Pacific Basin. From sea floor to summit, it’s the tallest mountain in the world. The high elevation, low air and light pollution, as well as dry weather year round make it the best location in the world for astronomy observations. The summit is home to 13 ground based telescope facilities. It supports 11 species of arthropods found nowhere else on Earth. Most noted of these is the Wēkiu bug, whose habitat has been altered by the infrastructural development on the mountain. Arthropod habitat model development has highlighted gaps in climate information, for example, lack of climate precipitation data, snow data and reliable temperature data. Furthermore, in tropical regions, precipitation is the most variable climate component due to topography and local winds. Although existing weather stations associated with the telescopes meet some weather and climate monitoring needs, it cannot address the full range of issues needed due to technological limitation and site design. Therefore, the need to monitor the weather and climate in a long-term and well-calibrated way is critical for management of the ecosystems on the slopes of Maunakea. The purpose of this project is to develop a climate monitoring strategy that will ultimately address the conservation, cultural, historic, and scientific values of high-elevation areas on Maunakea, as well as address needs of surrounding users in land management, agriculture, and sciences. 58 Anthony Montgomery Hawaii Institute of Marine Biology – Advisor: Robert Toonen Predicting age frequency distributions for Antipathes griggi in the Hawaiian Islands Authors: Anthony Montgomery, Robert Toonen Abstract: Hawaii has had an active black coral fishery since 1958. During this time, periodic monitoring of the population within the Auau Channel, Maui has occurred since 1975 (Grigg 1976). Monitoring has consisted of measuring the age frequency distribution over time (1975, 1998, 2001, 2004, and 2010) and has shown a decline in both larger individuals and smaller individuals from the population. However, the historical data has not been utilized for predicting future demographic changes in the population. We examined the potential of using key demographic information from an observed population to predict a future age frequency distribution. This is important for resource managers so that appropriate management actions can be taken prior to significant impact to the population. In 2001, a potential decline in recruitment was observed and again later in 2004, but to date, the observed decline in recruitment has not been quantified nor utilized in predicting the future impacts to the population. We used the measured age frequency distributions from 2004 and 1998 to predict the age frequency distribution in 2010 and compared the predicted and observed distributions. Our preliminary analysis will show that it is feasible to use estimated measures of recruitment and mortality rates to predict future age frequency distributions. A predictive model will be further developed and tested in 2016. Kelsey Pavlosky MBBE – Advisor: Dr. Andre Seale Tilapia: A model for osmoregulation Authors: Pavlosky K, Yamaguchi Y, Lerner DT, Grau EG, Seale AP Abstract: Osmoregulation is the process by which complex organisms, including humans, maintain osmotic homeostasis. Cellular structures and proteins function best within an ideal range of temperature, pH and blood ion concentration. Without the ability to osmoregulate, many organisms would die as their proteins lost functional shape, causing subsequent failure of cells to conduct activity vital to sustaining life. Osmoregulation is a metabolically costly process--in marine and estuarine fish the demands of osmoregulation in extreme cases can exceed 50% of metabolic output; for mammals, the energetic cost of osmoregulation is second only to that of thermoregulation. As a euryhaline species capable of surviving in a range of salinities, Mozambique tilapia (Oreochromis mossambicus) are an ideal model for observing the effects of environmental salinity changes on physiology, 59 and for exploring the endocrine pathways mediating osmoregulation. The proposed project expands upon prior research aimed at characterizing physiological and endocrine effects of rearing Mozambique tilapia in salinity conditions simulating those of a tidal environment in contrast with steady state freshwater (FW) or seawater (SW) conditions. Experiments will focus on comparing across rearing salinities a number of physiological and endocrine parameters associated with osmoregulation and growth, such as plasma osmolality, concentration of circulating hormones and levels of gene expression of both hormones and receptors essential to these processes. Raphael Ritson-Williams Biology – Advisor: Ruth Gates Patterns of Coral Bleaching and Recovery in Kaneohe Bay, October 2014 Authors: Raphael Ritson-Williams, Laura Núñez-Pons, Chris Wall, Ruth D. Gates Abstract: In September of 2014, there were unusually high seawater temperatures in near-shore marine habitats around the Hawaiian archipelago. In October, patterns of coral bleaching were documented throughout Kaneohe Bay, on the east side of Oahu. Surveys at three reefs showed that approximately 76.4 % and 38.9 % of corals were bleached on the top and reef slopes of the patch reefs, respectively. Bleaching susceptibility surveys were conducted at nine reefs and more than 90 % of the colonies in the genus Pocillopora were bleached. Bleaching was less severe in the genera Montipora, Pavona, Fungia, and Porites with only 30-60 % of colonies affected. Leptastrea purpurea was the most resistant species, with less than 1 % of colonies showing signs of bleaching. 150 individual colonies of Montipora capitata, Porites compressa and Pocillopora damicornis were monitored for recovery and photographed every three weeks. After three months, only 3 corals had died, and all Porites compressa and Pocillopora damicornis colonies had re-browned and appeared almost completely recovered. However, colonies of Montipora capitata took longer to regain their symbionts. The bleaching event in 2014 was an important community-scale stress event, and illustrated that some coral species are more susceptible to bleaching as well as more capable of a rapid recovery than others. Overall, the corals in Kaneohe Bay were resilient to the bleaching event in 2014. Orion Rivers Microbiology – Advisor: Dr. Sean Callahan Describing the role of HetN as a Paracrine Signal in Anabaena sp. Strain PCC 7120 Authors: Orion S. Rivers, Patrick Videau, Sean M. Callahan 60 Abstract: An organism’s ability to create a pattern of terminally differentiated cells is central to developmental biology. Formation and maintenance of a periodic pattern of nitrogen-fixing cells called heterocysts by the filamentous cyanobacterium Anabaena sp. strain PCC 7120 is a model used to study the complex process of differentiation. In this work, genetic mosaic filaments that consisted of cells engineered to produce one of the developmental regulators flanked by target cells capable of reporting the activity of the developmental regulator were used to investigate the intercellular movement of patS- and hetNdependent inhibitory activity. We provide evidence that the inhibitor HetN is a paracrine signal with a signal range of several cells. These results are consistent with symplastic transport of a paracrine hetN-dependent signal between cells of Anabaena. Roberto Rodriguez Molecular Biosciences and Bioengineering – Advisor: Dr. Daniel Jenkins Spatial Tracking and Performance Analysis of Herbicide Ballistic Technology Authors: Roberto Rodriguez, Dr. Daniel Jenkins, Dr. James Leary Abstract: Since 2012, the Herbicide Ballistic Technology (HBT) platform, deployed from a Hughes 500D helicopter, has been utilized in a focused approach to treat nascent patches of Miconia calvescens (Miconia) in areas of the East Maui Watershed (Hawaii, USA). The HBT platform has the capability to treat individual plant targets with encapsulated herbicide from long range (~30m), which allows for simultaneous treatment of weed targets while conducting low-level aerial surveillance of heterogeneous landscapes in remote watersheds. GIS analyses of operational GPS data provides performance statistics related to the searched area and plant targets treated. Recently, the development of novel tracking sensors, attached to the electro-pneumatic applicator (i.e., paintball marker), has resulted in collection of additional information related to target treatment. The HBT logger detects the discharge of projectiles, providing an exact account of dose to target. Tracking the orientation of the marker (i.e., tilt and azimuth) relative to the applicator position coupled with laser based distance measurements provides a mechanism to determine the target location. We highlight the capabilities for building operational intelligence relevant to landscape scale invasive species management. We also address the challenges of this analytical approach related to inaccuracies of the GPS (e.g., horizontal and spherical) as well as the terrain models (10m DEM and available LiDAR) providing limited analytical reliability while demonstrating progressive improvements from the current data management process. 61 Vittoria Roncalli Zoology – Advisors: Daniel K. Hartline, Petra H. Lenz The effect of the harmful dinoflagellate Alexandrium fundyense on the fitness of the calanoid copepod Calanus finmarchicus Authors: Vittoria Roncalli Abstract: In the last decade, the increasing frequency and magnitude of harmful algal blooms has represented a serious problem for local economies and public health worldwide. Inshore and offshore waters of the Gulf of Maine (USA) are seasonally dominated by the toxic dinoflagellate Alexandrium fundyense, which is responsible for paralytic shellfish poisoning (PSP) in humans. The calanoid copepod Calanus finmarchicus co-occurs with A. fundyense during spring and summer blooms. At this time, C. finmarchicus population abundances are high, dominated by immature copepods preparing for diapause and actively reproducing adults. High survival has been reported for copepods exposed to the dinoflagellate, however, little is known about possible sub-lethal effects. In this study, C. finmarchicus adult females were fed a diet containing low (LD) or high (HD) doses of A. fundyense for a total of 7 days in two independent experiments to assess the effect on the copepod fitness as measured by survival rate and reproductive success. As expected, consumption of the dinoflagellate had no effect on survival. However, fewer viable eggs were produced in both experimental treatments. After 7 days, the females fed with LD and HD had produced only 40% of the number of viable eggs compared with the control females in July. These results suggest that blooms of A. fundyense can represent an environmental challenge for C. finmarchicus, with a negative effect on copepod population growth. Mark Royer Biology – Advisor: Kim Holland Thermoregulation strategies of the Scalloped Hammerhead shark Authors: Mark Royer, Kim Holland, Carl Meyer, Melanie Hutchinson, James Anderson, Daniel Coffey Abstract: Scalloped hammerhead sharks (Sphyrna lewini) are ectotherms, lacking the retial systems and internalized red muscles used by lamnid and thresher sharks for thermoregulation. Despite their ecothermy, an ongoing tagging study has shown that adult scalloped hammerheads make frequent repeated dives past the thermocline to depths down to 1250m with temperatures as low as 4oC, presumably to forage. Factors limiting the duration of these dives are not known, but temperature is hypothesized to be a limiting factor. Excursions into cold water can reduce muscle power output, cardiac function and visual acuity. The large 62 body of adult S. lewini may allow for enough thermal inertia to conduct yo-yo dive foraging in cold waters. A temperature-accelerometer tagging package will be used to address the question; do scalloped hammerheads employ any additional physiological strategies besides thermal inertia to reduce body heat loss while they extend their time at cold depths and reduce rewarming times in the mix layer? Evidence of behavioral and physiological thermoregulation will be examined by measuring core muscle temperature along with ambient water temperature and swimming performance under natural conditions. This method was tested on the bluntnose sixgill shark (Hexanchus griseus), a large bodied ectothermic shark that inhabits different thermal environments due to diel vertical migration in deep waters off the Hawaiian Islands. Christina Runyon Microbiology – Advisor: Callahan Black Band Disease of Kaua‘i Authors: Christina Runyon, Blake Ushijima, Silvia Beurmann, Patrick Videau, Amanda Shore-Maggio, Thierry Work, Greta Aeby, Sean Callahan Abstract: In 2011, The Eyes of the Reef community reporting program received reports of a disease affecting Montipora on Kaua’i. An investigation was initiated in accordance with Hawai‘i’s Rapid Response Contingency Plan. Surveys preformed by coral biologists from UHM and pathologists from USGS confirmed the report, finding corals exhibiting lesions resembling black band disease (BBD) at outbreak levels (7.5% prevalence). Histology revealed a mixed assemblage of cyanobacteria and gliding bacteria in association with cell necrosis. BBD has been reported in the Caribbean, and Indo-Pacific but, this was the first report of BBD in Hawai’i. BBD is a tissue loss disease caused by a microbial consortium with three key players: filamentous cyanobacterium, sulfide-oxidizing bacteria and sulfate-reducing bacteria. The objectives of this study were to confirm whether the disease was BBD, examine the distribution of the disease around Kaua’i, ascertain the degree of disease virulence, find an effective treatment in the field, We confirmed the presence of the three dominant bacterial players of BBD from the disease lesions: a cyanobacteria similar (99% sequence identity) to Pseudoscillatoria coralii strain identified from BBD in other Indo-Pacific regions, a sulfide-oxidizer (Beggiatoa sp.) identified in BBD worldwide and several sulfatereducing bacteria (Vibrio sp.). Aquaria studies confirmed infectivity of lesion material (94.4% infection rate). Surveys conducted around Kaua’i revealed BBD was widespread (23 of 47 survey sites), affected three species of Montipora (M.capitata, M.patula, and M.flabellata), with average prevalence at 0.075(SE±0.05) A lesion occlusion method of treatment was effective in the reduction of colony mortality. 63 Joseph Sanchez Geography – Advisor: Camilo Mora Where are all the species?: predicting species richness using higher taxa richness Authors: Joseph Sanchez, Camilo Mora, Les Watling Abstract: Knowing the numbers of species within an area is essential for developing efficient conservation measures and advancing ecological theories. However, our understanding of the numbers of species across taxonomic groups from the local to global scale, is poor, especially for highly diverse taxa. Fortunately, numerous studies have reported strong relationships between the numbers of species and numbers of higher taxa within an area and have advocated for the use of the counts of higher taxa to predict the species richness of that area. However, there is a lack of comparative studies to assess if; 1.) there is any commonality in the relationship between species and higher taxa across distinct taxonomic groups, 2.) the tendencies from local scale models are scaledependent and 3.) if models fitted to these relationships can be extrapolated to make a reliable prediction on the numbers of species found globally. Here we evaluate the efficacy of the use of higher taxa to predict the species richness of twelve taxonomic groups, from the local to global scales. We do this by analyzing 282,549 species records, collected from 838 sites, representing records from all continents and oceans. Pairwise tests revealed no general pattern in the model tendencies across groups, even within closely related taxa. Higher taxa richness was a strong indicator of species richness, explaining 57-98% of the variation of species richness across sites. Although the species-higher taxa relationships were robust to variations in site area, extrapolation of regression trends yielded unreliable global estimates. Eva Schemmel Biology – Advisor: Alan Friedlander Got Gonads? Engaging fishermen in the monitoring and management of Hawaiiʻs nearshore fisheries Authors: Eva Schemmel & Alan Friedlander Abstract: We are working with local fishermen to combine traditional ecological knowledge and community monitoring with scientific assessment to better understand and protect valuable marine resources in Hawaii. Through this process we developed monitoring programs to identify fish spawning seasonality to help inform community-based management. Using a variety of methods we are able to determine the best methods to use in communities for local fisheries monitoring and spawning season assessment. These monitoring programs have 64 been successful in evaluating seasonal, monthly, and daily ecological cycles of harvested fish species, and are being used to develop sustainable harvest practices at the community level. Furthermore, this information is being used to determine temporal and spatial variation in reproductive characteristics and timing of spawning for resource species among several locations across a broad geographic area within the Main Hawaiian Islands (Hanalei Bay, Kauai, Maunalua Bay, Oahu, West Maui, and Kīholo Bay, Hawaii). This approach is providing reproduction information needed for local resource management for several nearshore species of fishes with the ultimate goal of enhancing community stewardship of Hawaii’s precious marine resources. Alessandra Shea Geography – Advisor: Camilo Mora Impacts of Bleaching and Disease on Coral Species Composition Authors: Alessandra Shea, Camilo Mora Abstract: Coral disease outbreaks and bleaching events are becoming more prevalent and therefore influential shapers of coral reef composition globally. Many of these outbreaks are attributed to climate change and increasing direct anthropogenic influence, such as runoff or pollution. By having differential effects over species, these outbreaks are expected to alter the composition and functioning of coral reefs, in turn affecting their delivery of goods and services and even the success of current conservation strategies. For this study, we use data from all US Pacific Territories between 2007 and 2012 from the NOAA Pacific RAMP dataset to study how coral reef composition has changed in response to coral disease and bleaching while also considering several climatic (e.g., temperature, irradiance) and anthropogenic factors (e.g., land use change, human population). Our results show higher prevalence of infected and bleached corals in close proximity to human settlements. Although in some cases even isolated reefs have been impacted highlighting the role of variables operating at much larger scales. The results highlight the importance of local management practices as well as a concerted global effort to ameliorate large-scale stressors such as climate change. Amanda Shore-Maggio Microbiology – Advisor: Sean Callahan Sources of Montipora White Syndrome Pathogens in Kāne‘ohe Bay Authors: Amanda Shore-Maggio, Silvia Beurmann, Blake Ushijima, Sean Callahan, Greta Aeby 65 Abstract: Disease is an emerging problem to coral reef ecosystems worldwide. Yet, the basic mechanisms of disease epidemiology in corals are poorly understood. For infectious diseases, reservoirs or vectors that allow the spread of pathogens in the environment influence disease dynamics. Identifying sources of coral pathogens would be important for predicting and mitigating disease outbreaks. Montipora White Syndrome (MWS) is a coral disease that caused significant mortality in Kāne‘ohe Bay and is known to be caused by bacterial infections. Seawater, terrestrial freshwater/sediment, and marine organisms in Kāne‘ohe Bay were sampled and tested for the presence of three known bacterial pathogens of MWS using molecular techniques. Coral pathogens were identified from several marine organisms, including blue-spotted goby (Asterroptyerx semipunctatus), hinge-beak shrimp (Cinetorhynchus sp.), feather duster worms (Sabellastarte spectabilis), butterflyfish (Chaetodon lunulatus), and the coral host (Montipora capitata). Coral pathogens have also been identified from seawater and from Kāne‘ohe Stream. With the presence of coral pathogens in multiple biotic and abiotic sources in Kāne‘ohe Bay, it is likely that corals have frequent exposure to bacterial pathogens. Additionally, the presence of bacterial pathogens in healthy coral suggests that M. capitata may serve as a reservoir for opportunistic pathogens that cause disease when stressful conditions lower coral defenses. Victoria Sindorf Marine Biology – Advisor: Dr. Robert Richmond Detecting Acute and Chronic Stress Responses in Corals Exposed to Algal Chemicals – Towards a Better Understanding of Coral-Algae Interactions on the Reef Authors: Victoria Sindorf, Robert Richmond Abstract: Invasive algae mats like those common in Kāne‘ohe Bay, O‘ahu, are known to negatively affect coral health and recruitment through a variety of mechanisms including shading, abrasion, oxidative stress, and allelopathic interactions. Algae-induced stress has thus far been documented through changes in photosynthetic efficiency and coloration (bleaching) of the coral, and these studies have been largely accomplished through experimental manipulation, inflicting acute stress on coral nubbins. Few studies have investigated the stress response of corals chronically exposed to algae-induced stress, and fewer have used molecular methods to demonstrate and quantify this stress. This pilot study investigates the molecular, sub-lethal stress response of the reef-building coral Porites compressa in natural chronic contact with the invasive alga Kappaphycus alvarezii. Shotgun proteome sequencing identifies differentially expressed proteins between tissues directly in contact with algae and tissues from the same colony that are not in contact with algae. These findings highlight specific metabolic processes (oxidative damage response, porphyrin metabolism, xenobiotic 66 detoxification, and protein metabolic condition) that are affected by chronic contact with algal thalli. Kinetic enzyme activity assays support these findings and demonstrate differences in enzyme activity between conditions. This research serves to better characterize the mechanisms leading to coral mortality during coral to algae phase shifts and paves the way for further research into species and chemical specific interactions on the reef. Nadia Stanis Botany – Advisor: Dr Orou Gaoue The Future of Native Hawaiian Vegetation: Assessing Restoration Success and Youth Engagement at Limahuli Preserve, Kaua'i Authors: Nadia Stanis, Orou Gaoue Abstract: Combined pressures of habitat destruction, introduced species and isolation have created a crisis of biodiversity loss on the Hawaiian Islands. To face native species losses we must create replicable monitoring efforts, determine drivers of plant community growth, and cultivate our next generation of natural scientists. This study assesses the success of ecological restoration efforts and youth engagement at Limahuli Preserve on Kauaʻi Island. This study tests the hypotheses that (1) native plant establishment success (including species diversity, abundance and community structure) will improve with intensity of management and time elapsed since out-planting, (2) invasive species abundance is a primary driver of native plant community establishment and (3) student ecological knowledge and attitudes about STEM fields will improve with increased participation in and exposure to restoration ecology. We established monitoring plots in areas of differential restoration treatments and measured native plant density, and microhabitat characteristics data including invasive species cover, substrate, slope and canopy cover. To determine the benefits of youth engagement, we administered baseline and follow-up Likert scale surveys and assessments on science learning and attitudes and analyzed changes for significance. Ecological results indicate that restoration success improves with the length of time since out-planting and decreasing invasive species cover. Sociological results suggest that field-based outreach has a positive effect on science learning and perceptions of STEM careers. The results of this study will advance current restoration and plant reintroduction knowledge, inform current management of threatened Hawaiian landscapes, and progress our understanding of how students learn and engage with science. Mary Tardona Geography – Advisor: David Beilman 67 Response of peat-forming ecosystems of the Western Antarctic Peninsula to recent climate change Authors: Mary Tardona, David W. Beilman, Zicheng Yu, and Julie Loisel Abstract: Amplified warming and related environmental changes in the high latitudes have a complex geographic pattern, with the Western Antarctic Peninsula experiencing one of the fastest rates of recent warming globally. To better understand the response of terrestrial Antarctic ecosystems to polar change, we studied organic soil profiles from 13 aerobic peatbank ecosystems on seven islands along the peninsula from 67.6 to 64.2°S. Peatbank ecosystem ages obtained by radiocarbon measurements of organic matter from peat profile bases are found to be as old as 2,750 years, but typically <65 to 1,000 years old. Organic carbon storage ranges from 6.1 to 21.3 kgC/m. Growth rates of ~2.5 mm/yr were determined by measuring ‘bomb spike’ radiocarbon from nuclear weapons testing that peaked in the 1960s. Values of moss bank organic matter δ13C show progressively more depleted δ13C values; in which depletion increases up to 3.0‰ over recent decades, with the most recent decade displaying strong inter-annual departures to more positive and negative δ13C values. Overall increase in source-independent discrimination is 1.7‰, consistent with published records from other locations and an increase in photosynthetic activity at the regional scale. Our results imply several recent changes in Antarctic peat forming ecosystem processes including formation of new moss banks, increased accumulation rates, inter-annual sensitivity, and high variability in source-independent discrimination. These changes are complex but affected by contemporary climate changes of the region including increasing temperatures over the past century. Lillian Tuttle Biology – Advisor: Mark Hixon Invasive lionfish learn to avoid a “spicy” prey fish Authors: Tuttle, L.J., and M.A. Hixon Abstract: Invasive red lionfish (Pterois volitans) are voracious, generalist predators of Atlantic coral-reef fishes. There is concern that lionfish may consume cleaner gobies (Elacatinus spp.): ubiquitous, conspicuous, and ecologically important species that clean parasites off of other reef fishes. We conducted two laboratory experiments to test whether or not (1) juvenile lionfish and native groupers eat E. genie, and (2) lionfish learn not to eat E. genie, which have a putative skin toxin. Nearly half of invasive lionfish (n=14 of 31) and native graysby grouper (Cephalopholis cruentata, n=11 of 23) ate E. genie, all of which hyperventilated for several minutes post-consumption. During the second experiment, most lionfish (n=18 of 24) either successfully ate the goby, or ate it and spit it out immediately, 68 hyperventilating in either case. After eating E. genie, lionfish experienced elevated ventilation rates over twice as vigorous (mean=141 opercular beats/minute) and for 6 times as long (mean=12 minutes) as those experienced after eating similarly sized and shaped non-toxic prey (bridled goby Coryphopterus glaucofraenum). During subsequent exposures of the same lionfish to E. genie over the course of two weeks, lionfish would often approach the goby closely, then turn away without striking. These data are consistent with those of manipulative experiments conducted on coral patch reefs that found no effect of lionfish on Elacatinus spp. abundance. Due to their distastefulness, E. genie may be one of the few fishes on Atlantic coral reefs that escape the jaws of invasive lionfish. Blake Ushijima Microbiology – Advisor: Sean Callahan Identification of Vibrio coralliilyticus strain OCN014 as the etiological agent of disease for an outbreak of Acropora white syndrome at Palmyra Atoll Authors: B. Ushijima; P. Videau; D. Poscablo; J. W. Stengel; A. H. Burger; S. Beurmann; G. S. Aeby; S. M. Callahan Abstract: Increasing reports of coral disease around the word illustrate an emerging threat to reefs that are already vulnerable to climate change. In 2010, the pristine coral reefs at the Palmyra Atoll National Wildlife Refuge experienced their first reported outbreak of the disease Acropora white syndrome (AWS). The disease predominantly affected the coral Acropora cytherea, one of the major reef-building species in the area. AWS caused lesions of tissue loss, and, in this study, resulted in a case fatality rate of 55% after one year for A. cytherea. The etiological agent of disease was isolated, identified as Vibrio coralliilyticus strain OCN014, verified to be pathogenic, and re-isolated from experimentally infected specimens. Under laboratory conditions, OCN014 induced tissue loss in 85% of A. cytherea fragments within one to four days post-exposure. The minimal infectious dose and the effect of temperature on infection was determined, and a genetic screen was used to identify genes involved in infection. In addition, a nonpathogenic strain of Vibrio nereis that inhibited the growth of OCN014 was isolated from a healthy A. cytherea fragment. When fragments of A. cytherea were inoculated with V. nereis prior to exposure to OCN014, virulence was reduced by roughly 80%. This study describes the identification of an etiological agent responsible for a coral disease outbreak, an investigation of pathogenesis, and the discovery of a coral-associated bacterium that reduces infection rates by the pathogen. Lauren Van Heukelem Marine Biology – Advisor: Dr. Celia Smith 69 Can we control invasive algal abundances with a native herbivore, in mixed stands of native/invasive algae? Authors: Lauren Van Heukelem, Co-Author: Dr. Celia M. Smith Abstract: Tropical island ecosystems and their human residents depend on the multiple stable-state reef community that provides food, protection from storms and income via tourism. Worldwide, overfishing and eutrophication via urbanization of nearby lands have led to record losses of coral dominated reefs. On these reefs, impacts of eutrophication push algal growth rates above rates of herbivore grazing. In most cases, few grazers are left. Such appears to be the case for Waikīkī’s reef, where the marine plant community is dominated by the invasive species Acanthophora spicifera, Avrainvillea amadelpha, and Gracilaria salicornia. In an effort to identify ways to restore this reef to a better balance, feeding preferences of the native urchin Tripneustes gratilla were examined to establish feeding preferences on native vs. introduced seaweeds found in the Waikīkī region. Urchins were placed in tanks with continuous flow and offered a pair-wise combination of a native and an invasive algal species over a 24 hour period at the Anuenue Fisheries Research Center. In total, 15 urchins were used and three replicate runs were conducted between Oct. 25th and Nov. 15th, 2014. In most cases, the urchins grazed the invasive species A. spicifera and G. salicornia more readily than native species, with the exception of native Microdictyon setchellianum and Gracilaria cornopifolia. Future work will include caging experiments in areas of mixed plant assemblages to test the outcomes of previous studies. Such tests are important to validate the use of urchins as biocontrol agents for regions with mixed native and invasive algal assemblages. Melissa Van Kleeck Zoology - Advisor: Brenden Holland Plasticity, adaptation, and their implications for prey-associated head-size variation in an invasive lizard Authors: Melissa J Van Kleeck, Luciano M Chiaverano, Brenden S Holland Abstract: Biological invasions are recognized as a primary driver of large–scale changes in global ecosystems. However, elucidation of underlying causes leading to population level variation in species undergoing range expansion is important, and can be challenging. Island invasions provide opportunities to investigate micro-evolutionary variation as they occur, and allow investigation of roles of environmental factors in differentiation. This study addresses ecomorphological variation in skull size within and among populations of an ecologically destructive invasive predator, the Jackson’s chameleon (Trioceros jacksonii xantholophus), and evaluates the potential roles of key environmental components in phenotypic differentiation. We used four size-corrected measurements of chameleon skull 70 morphology (n=319), from multiple Hawaiian Islands, to assess phenotypic variation among and within islands. Head size (PC1) was compared among islands using ANOVA, and its association with factors such as rainfall and exploited prey hardness was assessed by correlation analysis. Head size differences were revealed among islands and correlated with variation in hardness of arthropod prey exploited (from gut contents). The results suggest that in slight but significant morphological differences revealed among introduced island populations, we may be seeing insipient ecomorphological adaptation to local habitat differences. We also observed intra-island morphological variation (where gene-flow could be ongoing), which may be a result of plasticity in head size characteristics. Understanding rates and mechanisms of adaption of introduced species to novel environments may help predict how establishment and spread due to changing climate or other anthropogenic factors will impact ecosystems in the future. Lindsay Veazey Zoology – Advisor: Rob Toonen Jump Around: Using Gibbs Sampling to Predict Scleractinian Coral Presence in the Mesophotic Zone Authors: Lindsay Veazey Abstract: Biologists often face the problem of adequately representing variability within a system using imperfect models and sparse data. The implementation of a Gibbs sampling, a method of Bayesian inference, is a particularly useful option when considering the analysis of less-than-ideal datasets. A "jumping" algorithm allows efficient, robust exploration of posterior probability distributions. I will review my work to date predicting the distributions of four prominent mesophotic coral genera using on depth as a predictor. Kirill Vinnikov Biology – Advisor: Dr. Kathleen Cole De novo assembly and characterization of the first whole transcriptome for goby fishes (Teleostei: Gobiiformes) Authors: Kirill Vinnikov Abstract: Gobies (Teleostei: Gobiiformes) represent the second largest order of fishes with more than two thousand described species living in various marine, brackish and freshwater habitats. By some reasons, many goby species are highly specialized for unique microniches and have developed distinctive morphological traits, while other gobies have much broader ecological preferences and exhibit much less morphological diversity. Clear understanding of what processes and 71 mechanisms may influence the divergence of gobies on both macro- and microevolutionary scales requires a good reference genome with a reliable gene annotation. Unfortunately, no such reference exists for gobies nowadays. In the current study, I am carrying out a de novo whole transcriptome analysis based on high-throughput sequencing of the amphidromous goby species, Stenogobius hawaiiensis. Nearly 170M of 150 bp paired-end reads have been sequenced from three RNA-seq cDNA libraries using HiSeq 2500 (Illumina). After quality trimming, adapter and bacterial contamination removal, all reads were assembled with Trinity, generating 282,812 contigs. The final assembly contained 168,720 contigs that were remained after filtering misassemblies, differentially spliced isoforms and paralogous genes. Over 93% of reads were mapped back to the final assembly using Bowtie2 and showed 46x average coverage level across all contigs. The contigs were then blasted against several protein and nucleotide databases, and over 20,000 of their sequences have showed significant similarity with already known genes. The resulted dataset of annotated transcripts should provide the first comprehensive reference basis for future genomic studies within the order of goby fishes. Rachael Wade Botany – Advisor: Alison Sherwood Morphological and molecular assessment of the invasive mudweed Avrainvillea sp. in the Hawaiian Islands Authors: Rachael M. Wade, Yue Tang, Alison R. Sherwood Abstract: Biological invasions, including non-native seaweeds, are a critical threat to Hawai‘i’s marine ecosystems, and can result in significant negative effects on native flora and fauna. The siphonous green alga Avrainvillea is a common seaweed found throughout the tropics and is noted for its large holdfast that can make up more than 50% of an individual plant’s biomass. Due to its robust holdfast, this alga has the capability to significantly alter the benthic habitat by collecting sediment, and if settled on coral, can smother them through sedimentation. Avrainvillea was first identified in Hawaiian waters in 1989 and was identified as A. amadelpha. In 2004, a large population of A. amadelpha was discovered from 28 to 80 meters during deep-water exploration off the south shore of O‘ahu, suggesting that A. amadelpha may actually be native to Hawai‘i and has recently moved into shallower coastal regions. Molecular analysis of two chloroplast gene regions supports that while they are closely related, shallow Avrainvillea populations are divergent from the deep population. Additionally, morphological assessment combined with molecular analyses suggest that the original identification of the alga as A. amadelpha is most likely incorrect and that it may have been confounded by the high morphological plasticity of the alga. 72 Correct identification of this alga is still underway, and is crucial given that Avrainvillea poses such a grave threat to Hawai‘i’s marine ecosystems. Nyssah Walker Biology – Advisor: Kevin Bennett Self-assembled magnetic structures as a model of emergent properties in biology Authors: Nyssah Walker, Edwin Baldelomar Abstract: Emergent properties are critical to the origins, functions, and evolution of life. Organic and inorganic systems contain interacting energy states as a result of interaction with energy sources from the environment, such as thermal energy. To understand and potentially predict the collective, emergent properties of collections of structures in a thermal environment, we have developed a number of magnetically interacting shapes that respond and bond to each other in the presence of environmental energy due to geometric properties. The pieces were designed to balance steric hindrance--in the form of 3D-printed plastic casings-and magnetic attraction/repulsion from rare-earth magnets to generate predictable modes of binding that can be tuned by applying different levels of vibrational (thermal) energy. Several interesting fundamental principles are observed that may be applied to understand the physical requirements for emergent properties in living systems. Christopher Wall SOEST/Marine Biology – Advisor: Dr. Ruth Gates Evidence that elevated pCO2 perturbs protein metabolism in two juvenile stages of a tropical reef coral Authors: Wall, C.B., and P.J. Edmunds Abstract: Early life stages of the coral Seriatopora caliendrum were used to test the hypothesis that high pCO2 perturbs protein metabolism and depresses dark respiration rates in coral recruits. First, the contribution of protein anabolism to respiratory costs under high pCO2 was evaluated by measuring the aerobic respiration of coral recruits with and without the protein synthesis inhibitor emetine following 1 to 4 days at 45 Pa versus 77 Pa pCO2. Second, protein catabolism at 47 Pa and 90 Pa pCO2 was evaluated by measuring the flux of ammonium (NH4+) from juvenile colonies in darkness. Two days post settlement, recruit respiration was affected by an interaction between emetine and pCO2 (reduced 63% and 26% at 45 Pa and 77 Pa pCO2), indicating protein anabolism is a significant metabolic cost in young coral recruits and is affected by high pCO2. Additionally, juvenile coral colonies (≤ 4cm diameter) showed net uptake of NH4+ 73 at 45 Pa pCO2, but net release of NH4+ at 90 Pa pCO2, indicating protein catabolism and/or NH4+ recycling were affected by high pCO2. Together, these results support the hypothesis that high pCO2 affects corals in part through perturbed protein metabolism. Michael Wallstrom Biology – Advisor: Dr. Floyd Reed Invasive algal mats of the island of O’ahu and the unique sponge communities that inhabit them Authors: Michael A. Wallstrom Abstract: Sponges are an important aspect of, and contribute too many processes within the reef ecosystem. With the predicted declines in coral cover and dramatic shifts in former coral dominated reef ecosystems, sponges may continue to play an important role in a shifting environment; which warrants further research into the response and resilience of sponges under these altered conditions. However, not only have sponge species diversity been radically understudied relative to other marine organisms in the Indo-Pacific, many questions have surfaced as to the future of sponges under anthropogenic induced stress and how they will affect coastal marine ecosystems. In an established invasive algal mat on O’ahu a common type of sponge was observed. Upon further investigation it was found that this sponge was from an undescribed taxon. It was also found in multiple locations around O’ahu. This sponge has the potential to be a major player in invasive algal mats and future altered marine ecosystems around Hawai’i making it a candidate for further investigation. Here I present a species phylogeny of several sponges found within invasive algal mats, with partial description of the undescribed taxon; as well as suggest further investigation into 1) the degree of connectivity between communities through pelagic larval dispersal (hypothesizing that different algal communities are made up of the same suite of sponge species) and 2) the degree of recruitment, or lack thereof, of endemic species into the invasive mats (hypothesizing that the mat associated sponges are primarily nonnative species), which can be tested phylogenetically. Morgan Winston Marine Biology - Advisor: Erik Franklin Identifying what is essential about Essential Fish Habitat: A case study of Hawaiian Coral Reef Fish Authors: Morgan S. Winston Abstract: Fish survival and reproduction are critically linked to the health of their surrounding environment. In order to protect fish populations while sustaining 74 commercial and recreational fisheries, the 1996 Magnuson-Stevens Act mandated that regional fisheries management councils describe and monitor impacts on essential fish habitat (EFH), which has been defined as the waters and substrate necessary to a species for spawning, breeding, feeding or growth to maturity. The EFH identified by the Western Pacific Fisheries Council for coral reef fish in the main Hawaiian Islands is extremely broad and necessitates further refinement, given the wide range of function purposes that fish utilize the environment for and the underlying factors that influence habitat selection, which can not only vary between life history stages, but also between fish populations. Using a newly adopted four-tier system for EFH, we will present a methodology and preliminary results for priority species that identifies their distribution, abundance, and reproductive potential by habitat. Describing EFH for these species on a detailed and precise scale is critical for the development of habitat conservation tools, and useful to fisheries management councils, as a comprehensive approach to protecting fish populations in the Hawaiian Archipelago. Johanna Wren Oceanography – Advisor: Robert J Toonen Comparison of two oceanographic circulation products on modeled population connectivity in the Hawaiian Archipelago Authors: Johanna L.K. Wren, Donald R. Kobayashi, Yanli Jia and Robert J. Toonen Abstract: The majority of Hawai‘i’s marine animals have a biphasic lifestyle with a dispersive larval stage and a reef-associated adult form. Understanding connectivity of marine organisms is imperative to effectively manage and protect marine ecosystems, but little is known about the dispersal patterns of marine larvae in the Hawaiian Archipelago. We can examine dispersal of pelagic propagules released from coral reef habitat around the main and northwest Hawaiian Islands using a lagrangian particle transport model coupled with currents generated by an oceanographic circulation model. There are a number of different current models available, and we often have to choose between models with either a high temporal or spatial resolution, or between a simulation model and an assimilation product. In this study we look at connectivity patterns generated using two different ocean circulation models at two different resolutions further our understanding of how different models influence connectivity patterns in Hawaii. We compared connectivity matrixes generated using five years of daily currents from a 1/12th degree HYCOM model, a 1/25th degree HYCOM model and a 1/25th degree MITgcm model. The connectivity matrixes, independent of current model, show an isolation-by-distance pattern for the Hawaiian Archipelago. We see a significant correlation between matrixes which explains 85% of the variation. Knowing how different current products influence connectivity patterns is valuable 75 when interpreting data and choosing the optimal current product when designing experiments. Nicole Yamase Marine Biology – Advisor: Dr. Celia Smith The effects of elevated temperature on the growth and photosynthetic rate of the green alga Microdictyon setchellianum Authors: Nicole Yamase and Dr. Celia Smith Abstract: Studying the physiological ecology of dominant invasive macroalgae has been important to understanding the basis for changes to reef communities in Hawai‘i. The native green alga Microdictyon setchellianum can be a dominant reef plant across the Hawaiian archipelago, yet its rates of growth and photosynthesis remained unstudied until 2013. We began by characterizing growth rates and aspects of the physiological ecology of M. setchellianum by manipulating seawater temperature across a range from 30 ºC -36 ºC in outdoor, open system mesocosms. Temperature was monitored using HOBO data loggers. Specific Growth Rate (SGR) was calculated as increases in wet weight over seven days (g g-1 d-1). Photosynthetic parameters were measured using a Walz’s Junior Pulse Amplitude Modulated (PAM) Fluorometer. Results showed a decrease in growth rate and photosynthetic parameters, e.g., maximal rates of electron transport (ETRmax), in water temperature above 34 ºC. Based on previous experimentation, M. setchellianum is a shade-tolerant plant that can grow in a wide range of temperate and irradiance regimes. In oligotrophic conditions, the plant can sustain growth comparable to other abundant native and non-native species, suggesting a basis for ecological success by M. setchellianum in healthy ecosystems. Future experiments are planned to examine this alga’s ability to grow in elevated CO2 as a single factor and as synergistic temperature and CO2 factors to better understand the projected changes expected by 2100. Julie Zill Marine Biology Program – Advisor: Megan Donahue Proposed research: Moray eels inconspicuously dominate overfished reefs Authors: Julie Zill Abstract: I hypothesize that on overfished reefs, there is an undocumented shift of predominant predators from large jacks, sharks and monk seals to cryptic, nocturnal mesopredators that are not often targeted by fishermen: moray eels. The success of moray eels may partly be due to release from intraguild predation, which helps them grow until they can reach a size refuge from other predators (including humans). Invasive peacock grouper [roi] may also be a symptom of 76 mesopredator release, and native eels and invasive roi share a symbiotic relationship that may have co-facilitated their success. Despite being the largest predator seen on the average dive around Oahu, their cryptic nature precludes relative abundance data from being accurately recorded in typical visual surveys. I plan to compare not only the biomass of moray eels between overfished and unfished regions, but also their relative piscivory importance among reef predators. Understanding the trophic effects of overfishing on reef communities is important when managing for their recovery. Janna Zoll Biology – Advisor: H. Gert de Couet Functional Characterization of Drosophila PRAF Proteins Authors: Janna Zoll, Heinz Gert de Couet, and Zhaotong Xu Abstract: Proteins of the prenylated Rab acceptor family (PRAF) belong to a highly conserved family of membrane proteins that are thought to regulate intracellular transport by interacting with Rab GTPases. Rab GTPases are responsible for the molecular identity of membrane vesicles and coordination of vesicle trafficking. PRAF proteins were found to promote the dissociation of Rab proteins from GDP dissociation inhibitor (GDI). Thus, they act as GDI displacement factors (GDFs), facilitating the association of Rab GTPases with their respective membranes. PRAF2 was found to be upregulated in specific human cancers, but its function is still unknown. In order to functionally characterize the two Drosophila PRAF members, transgenic strains containing fluorescently-tagged PRAF1 and PRAF2 were constructed and classical mating schemes were used to express both genes in the same tissues. Selected tissues will be processed for immunofluorescent labeling, and subcellular localization and interaction with specific Rab GTPases will be examined using laser scanning confocal microscopy. To investigate if Drosophila PRAF members are required for development and survival, the effects of downregulating PRAF expression using gene-specific RNA-mediated interference (RNAi) will be analyzed. 77
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