Week 5 - Fish Health Unit:White Claw Crayfish Plague Monitoring and Blue Mussel Unusual Mortality Event
I spent the week working closely with the Fish Health Unit on the White Claw Crayfish Plague Monitoring and on a blue mussel (Mytilus edulis) Unusual Mortality Event. During this time I conducted my first plate of rtPCR analysis on eDNA samples from a monitored catchment, and assisted with the dissection and histological review of blue mussels from Wexford Harbour to determine the cause of a mass mortality event.
The Fish Health Unit is responsible for monitoring and investigating the health of both wild and farmed fish and shellfish populations in Ireland. As part of this mission, they conduct molecular biology techniques, such as real time polymerase chain reaction (rtPCR), to detect the presence of specific pathogens or diseases from tissue and environmental DNA (eDNA) samples.
My first experience performing an rtPCR analysis was both challenging and rewarding. After extracting eDNA samples from a local catchment, I carefully performed the rtPCR procedure, which amplifies and detects the presence of targeted genetic material. The results of this analysis provided valuable insights into the health of the aquatic ecosystem and the potential presence of harmful pathogens like Aphanomyces astaci .
In response to reports of a mass mortality event among blue mussels (Mytilus edulis) in Wexford Harbour, the FHU team was called to investigate the situation and identify the potential cause. As part of this effort, mussel samples were dissected and a histological review was conducted of the tissue.
During the dissection process, I carefully examined the internal structures of the mussels, looking for signs of disease and other abnormalities. I then prepared tissue samples for histological analysis, a process that involves preserving tissues in Davidson's Solution, sectioning, and staining the tissues for microscopic examination. The aim was to uncover the factors contributing to the unusual mortality event and provide recommendations for mitigating future occurrences.
My time with the Fish Health Unit at the Marine Institute has highlighted the critical role that our team plays in safeguarding the health of aquatic ecosystems and ensuring the sustainability of Ireland's aquaculture. The teams uses cutting-edge molecular techniques and conducts thorough investigations into unusual mortality events to contribute vital knowledge that informs management decisions and helps protect the future of aquatic resources.
I am grateful for the opportunities I have had to participate in impactful research and contribute to monitoring the health of aquatic species in Irish waters. Through their continued efforts, I am confident that the work conducted by the FHU will continue to advance our understanding of fish and shellfish health and help us to preserve these ecosystems.
Learn more about molecular biology and the Fish Health Unit below:
https://www.fishhealth.ie/fhu/
https://www.fishhealth.ie/fhu/about-us/national-reference-laboratory
https://www.fishhealth.ie/fhu/news-media/news/update-crayfish-plague-ireland-0#:~:text=National%20Crayfish%20Plague%20Surveillance%20Programme,-In%20an%20effort&text=This%20surveillance%20programme%20uses%20the,(34%20areas%20in%20total)
