Details of Award
NERC Reference : NE/J016675/1
[AGRIFOOD] Predicting the current and future consequences of emerging fish diseases in aquatic ecosystems
Training Grant Award
- Lead Supervisor:
- Prof. R Britton, Bournemouth University, Faculty of Science and Technology
- Grant held at:
- Bournemouth University, Faculty of Science and Technology
- Science Area:
- Freshwater
- Overall Classification:
- Freshwater
- ENRIs:
- Biodiversity
- Global Change
- Natural Resource Management
- Science Topics:
- None
- Abstract:
- Emerging infectious diseases are associated with pathogens that have recently increased in incidence and impact, or geographic or host range. They pose a greater threat to hosts specifically and biodiversity generally when compared with pathogens responsible for endemic diseases due to the absence of co-evolution, leading to potentially high transmission rates and virulence. In co-evolved fish host: parasite relationships, infections tend to negatively impact host fitness and have indirect ecological consequences through changes in the strength of competitive and trophic relationships. How hosts respond to introduced pathogens lacking co-evolution is less clear. Whilst predictions are of strong negative effects on host survivorship, these do not always occur. Co-evolved fish parasites have important roles in shaping the structure of foodwebs and so the energy flow through aquatic ecosystems. The role of introduced fish parasites in shaping and/ or disrupting food web structure and energy flow is, however, not understood. Recent evidence suggests parasitized hosts will suffer from the adverse effects of asymmetric competition with non-infected conspecifics and feed lower in the foodweb. However, the implications of this for non-host populations and trophic relationships are unknown. Moreover, the influence of climate change on these relationships has not been quantified, despite it potentially resulting in shifts in parasite: host equilibriums. These perspectives are crucial in the regulation and management of emerging fish diseases in England and Wales. Here, the Environment Agency has the regulatory responsibility of these in wild fish populations. This lack of knowledge on the impacts of the dual challenges of emerging fish diseases and climate change on wild fish and fisheries is inhibiting their regulation which remains based more on precautionary principles than evidence-based science. Not only is this a concern environmentally, but it may also be causing undue business restrictions in the fish movement industry that is currently worth at least #70 million per annum. Consequently, the PhD will work with the Environment Agency as the CASE partner. The research will empirically determine the host responses to infections by emerging fish parasites in current and future climatic conditions, and how these subsequently impact trophic interactions, food web structure and energy flow within aquatic ecosystems. Data will then be used in predictive models to identify current and future consequences of emerging fish diseases. The parasite:host systems to be used are the cestode Bothriocephalus acheilognathi and nematode Philometroides sanguineus in the hosts common carp Cyprinus carpio and crucian carp Carassius carassius respectively. Empirical data on pathological and ecological impacts of the parasites will be obtained through field studies. Full factorial experiments will test hypotheses in pond mesocosms and tank aquaria in which temperatures can be regulated to provide data on parasite and host responses to thermal challenge (representing climate change). Host fish will be produced using captive fish of known parentage in controlled infections to eliminate issues of genetic and infection confounds. Outputs will then be used to inform policymakers and their associated management programmes via the CASE partner. An important aspect of the studentship is the training plan. This will be delivered jointly by both the university and CASE partner. It will comprise a modular component and on-the-job training in academic and research areas to ensure the student is capable and competent in applied and theoretical work. The role of the CASE partner is then important in also delivering non-academic training in aspects such as fisheries policy, modern environmental regulation and climate change mitigation strategies.
- NERC Reference:
- NE/J016675/1
- Grant Stage:
- Completed
- Scheme:
- DTG - directed
- Grant Status:
- Closed
- Programme:
- Open CASE
This training grant award has a total value of £69,472
FDAB - Financial Details (Award breakdown by headings)
| Total - Fees | Total - Student Stipend | Total - RTSG |
|---|---|---|
| £13,812 | £48,285 | £7,376 |
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