Marine and Atmospheric Sciences.

Chair: Patricia M. Biesiot, University of Southern Mississippi

Vicechair: Chet Rakocinski, University of Southern Mississippi

THURSDAY MORNING

Forrest II

8:50 Introduction

9:00 RECRUITMENT OF EARLY BLUE CRAB STAGES AS AN INDICATOR OF NURSERY HABITAT VALUE AT FIVE INSHORE LOCATIONS

Chet F. Rakocinski * and Donna M. Drury, University of Southern Mississippi, Gulf Coast Research Laboratory, Ocean Springs, MS 39566

Different types of nursery habitat presumably contribute disproportionately to the stock-recruitment relationship of blue crab (Callinectes spp.). Although seagrass is known to be an important blue crab nursery habitat, recruitment dynamics for other inshore habitats are less well-known. Using suction sampling, we compared nursery habitat value for early stages of blue crab among five inshore locations in Mississippi Waters. Seven sites distributed among the five locations represented various types of nursery habitat, including up-estuary submerged aquatic vegetation, flooded Spartina marsh-edge, and unvegetated subtidal sediment. Site-specific variation in abundances and size distributions of early juvenile blue crabs reflected effects of important habitat and hydrological features on blue crab recruitment. The highest densities of early blue-crab stages were observed at the mouth of Old Fort Bayou from habitat defined as flooded Spartina with mixed shell/detritus substrate. Densities of small (post-settleme nt) (<6 mm CW) and large (>6 mm CW) crabs varied differently among sites; densities of small crabs varied temporally, reflecting two monthly pulses of peak settlement over the 6 week study period. Overall, densities of large crabs did not vary temporally; however, temporal coupling between small and large stages occurred at some sites. Currents as well as active movements of early stages likely play important roles in blue crab recruitment dynamics.

9:15 EFFECTS OF DISSOLVED OXYGEN CONCENTRATION ON BUDDING OF AURELIA AURITA AND DRYMONEMA DALMATINUM SCYPHISTOMAE

Brian D. Ortman (1) *, W. Monty Graham (2), Harriet M. Perry (3), and Patricia M. Bieisiot (1), (1) University of Southern Mississippi, Hattiesburg, MS 39406; (2) Dauphin Island Sea Lab, Dauphin Island, AL 36528; and (3) University of Southern Mississippi, Gulf Coast Research Laboratory, Ocean Springs, MS 39566

The effect of dissolved oxygen concentration ([DO]) on budding of Aurelia aurita and Drymonema dalmatinum was investigated as part of a project to examine the effects of environmental variables on scyphozoan asexual reproduction. Laboratory raised polyps were placed individually into separate wells of a six-well tissue culture plate. Groups of five replicate plates, for a total of 30 polyps per treatment, were immersed in airtight containers that were bubbled with nitrogen gas to achieve low [DO]. The experimental levels were 3.5, 2.5, 1.5, and 0.5 mg/l; the control [DO] was air saturated (~6.3 mg/l at ~24-25[degrees]C). In a previous study, we found that salinities >25 ppt and temperatures >20[degrees]C with a frequent (three times per week) feeding regime resulted in successful budding in both species. Therefore, scyphistomae in the present study were kept at 35 ppt, 24-25[degrees]C, and fed 48 h-old Artemia nauplii three times per week. Newly budded polyps were counted three times per week for the duration of the two-week experimental period. The [DO] was monitored every 8 h to ensure that the appropriate levels were maintained. Results are incomplete; however, the rate of successful budding appears to decrease with decreasing [DO].

9:30 APPLICATION OF NON-STATIONARY TIME SERIES ANALYSIS TECHNIQUES TO MISSISSIPPI SOUND DATA

Catherine R. Edwards * and Cheryl Ann Blain, Naval Research Laboratory, Stennis Space Center, MS 39529

Harmonic analysis methods have dominated time series analysis in oceanography. However, physical processes analyzed using Fourier methods are rarely both linear and stationary, conditions for proper application. Alternate spectral analysis tools must be used in data analysis of nonlinear or non-stationary signals. Two newer methods are explored with respect to processes in the Mississippi Sound: the continuous wavelet transform (CWT) and the Huang-Hilbert transform (HHT). Wavelet analysis is based on a convolution of the signal with a mother wavelet into frequency space. Power spectra of the wavelet transform provide the time-varying frequency analysis desired of non-stationary processes. Huang-Hilbert analysis decomposes the signal first through a process known as Empirical Mode Decomposition (EMD). Application of the Hilbert transform to the resultant components yields the energy-frequency-time distribution. Time series of instantaneous frequency from either method allows more complete study of transient si gnals, which serves to clarify the dynamics involved in non-stationary and nonlinear processes. Both methods are applied to coastal circulation processes in the Mississippi Sound, the utility of both techniques are evaluated using statistical significance tests, and the underlying dynamic processes are examined.

9:45 CARBON INCORPORATION PATTERNS IN VERTICALLY MIGRATING POPULATIONS OF THE RED TIDE DINOFLAGELLATE, KARENIA BREVIS

Xuemei Bai (1)*, Steven E. Lohrenz (1), Donald G. Redalje (1), and Gary J. Kirkpatrick (2), (1) University of Southern Mississippi, Stennis Space Center, MS 39529, and (2) Mote Marine Lab, Sarasota, FL 34236

Prior laboratory studies and modeling have provided evidence that the migratory behavior of the red tide dinoflagellate, Karenia brevis, is strongly influenced by cellular biochemical fluxes. Here, we report results of measurements of the incorporation of photosynthetically fixed inorganic (14)C into major subcellular end products in migrating populations of K. brevis during bloom events in Florida coastal water in 2000 and 2001. Samples were incubated with bicarbonate in simulated in situ conditions on board ship, and determinations were made of (14)C-incorporation into low molecular weight materials (LMW), lipid, carbohydrate + nucleic acids, and protein. Measurements were also made of incorporation of (1'4C into the nitrogen transport amino acids, glutamine and glutamate. Carbon flux showed systematically higher proportion in carbohydrate + nucleic acids and lower proportion in protein in surface samples compared to that in deep samples. Responses to nutrient-enrichment exhibited enhanced protein incorpora tion in both surface and deep populations and decreased incorporation into carbohydrate + nucleic acids. Therefore the ratio of protein/carbohydrate + nucleic acids appeared to provide an index of population physiological state. Carbon flux into glutamate and glutamine exhibited higher relative incorporation in deep populations as compared to surface populations. Our results support arguments that vertical migration behavior can be influenced by variations in cellular biochemical state.

10:00 Break

10:15 DEVELOPMENT OF RAPID, SENSITIVE BIOMARKERS FOR ASSESSING IMPACT OF CHEMICALS IN COASTAL ESTUARIES

Julia S. Lytle (*) and Thomas F. Lytle, University of Southern Mississippi, Gulf Coast Research Laboratory, Ocean Springs, MS 39566

Rapid municipal and industrial growth along the nation's coastlines has resulted in degradation of coastal ecosystems. Environmental toxicants from municipal and industrial wastes, runoff from agricultural and recreational activities, and intense development activities are responsible for the degradation of these ecosystems. Often degradation of these ecosystems is not recognized early in the degradation process resulting in loss of integrity and function. Development of biomarkers that indicate exposure to toxic chemicals at the lower levels of biological organization have been developed using primarily animal test species. Use of estuarine plants as test species is very limited due to the lack of development and difficulties in their culturing. This paper reports the development and use of several good test species that can be used for monitoring estuarine health including a screening process for evaluating estuarine sediments. Estuaries are recipients of a wide range of herbicides which make the use of pl ant test species a more sensitive indicator than an animal species.

10:30 CHEMICAL ANALYSIS OF AQUARIUMS

Marcus Hennis' (1) (*), Sara Pelleteri (2), and Howard Walters (2), (1) Cooperative Intern Program, Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College-Jackson County Campus, Gautier, MS 39553, and (2) University of Southern Mississippi, J.L. Scott Marine Education Center and Aquarium, Biloxi, MS 39530

10:45 COMPARATIVE LIPID ANALYSIS OF MYSIDS AMERICAMYSIS BAHIA AND A. ALLENI FROM TIDAL MARSHES OF THE MISSISSIPPI SOUND

This project was to test the water quality in the tanks in the J.L. Scott Marine Education Center and Aquarium. The parameters included: pH, salinity, oxygen content, and temperature to determine the optimal range for marine life. An oxygen meter was used to find the levels of oxygen that is present in the water. A pH meter was used to determine the pH and the temperature. A pH meter tests the level of hydrogen ions that are present within the water. Each week tests were administered on the tanks to determine changes in pH, oxygen content, salinity, and temperature. These data were then recorded each week on a chart for analysis.

J. Michelle Melnick (1) (*), Patricia M. Biesiot (1), and Richard W. Heard (2), (1) University of Southern Mississippi, Hattiesburg, MS 39406, and (2) University of Southern Mississippi, Gulf Coast Research Laboratory, Ocean Springs, MS 39566

The mysids Americamysis (=Mysidopsis) bahia and Americamysis alleni are common demersal inhabitants of shallow tidal marshes along the Mississippi Sound. Because these two species co-occur in some areas, we believe that they compete for the same food resources. To test whether they have the same pattern of lipid storage, we performed lipid analysis of different life history stages for both species, including juveniles, males, non-gravid females, and gravid females. Specimens were collected during high tide in August 2002; water depth was ~0.7 m, salinity was ~25 ppt, and temperature was ~28[degrees]C. For each sample, we typically pooled 4-6 individuals and extracted the total lipids using standard methods. In general, A. bahia is slightly larger than A. alleni in terms of wet weight and has more total lipid per individual. However, when lipid content is normalized on the basis of wet weight, juvenile and male A. alleni had more lipids than those of A. bahia. This study must be repeated seasonally to confirm whether or not these observations hold true year round.

11:00 AN OVERVIEW OF SPECTRAL ANALYSIS WITH APPLICATIONS TO THE SEASONAL SIGNAL IN THE FLORIDA CURRENT

Kevin McKonel (1) (*), Vladimir Kamenkovich (1), Harley Hurl-burt (2), and Tammy Townsend (2), (1) University of Southern Mississippi, Stennis Space Center, MS 39529, and (2) Naval Research Laboratory, Stennis Space Center, MS 39529

The written history of the Florida Current dates back almost 500 years. Ponce de Leon wrote that the current was so swift, his ships were unable to stem it. Explorers, sailors, and scientists have spent a good portion of these last 500 years trying to understand the flow in the Florida Current. One prominent feature that has been extensively studied in recent years is the seasonal signal in the Florida Current. Up to this date, no satisfactory explanation for the forcing of this seasonal signal has been found. It is only recently that computer models have been able to produce time series of sufficient length to allow the study of annual features in ocean currents. The Naval Research Labs (NRL) Layered Ocean Model (NLOM), a global 1/32 degree model, is one model that is able to produce transport time series that allow the study of annual signals. Using 25 year volume transport time series from different areas in the Intra-Americas Sea, and spectral analysis, I will talk about a possible explanation for this s easonal signal. A large part ofthis research entails the use and understanding of spectral analysis, which I will also briefly address.

11:15 Divisional Business Meeting

THURSDAY AFTERNOON

Forrest II

1:00 COMPARATIVE BIOCHEMISTRY OF THE STOMATOPODS SQUILLA EMP USA AND SQUILLA CHYDAEA: OVARIAN COMPOSITION

Julie A. Kamp (1*), Patricia M. Biesiot (1), and Harriet M. Perry (2), University of Southern Mississippi, Hattiesburg, MS 39406, and (2) University of Southern Mississippi, Gulf Coast Research Laboratory, Ocean Springs, MS 39566

1:15 PROGRESSION OF FISH THROUGH A TIDAL MARSH IN THE MISSISSIPPI SOUND OVER A ONE-YEAR PERIOD

Studying the changes that female crustaceans undergo before spawning is an effective way to define reproductive health and gonadal development. In the present study, we examined the morphological and biochemical changes that occur in ovaries of the mantis shrimps Squilla empusa and Squila chydaea; these species co-occur in several regions of the Gulf of Mexico. Although reproductive behavior and anatomy have been studied in S. empusa, nothing is known about S. chydaea. The specimens used in the present study were collected off the coast of Texas during June 2002. They were frozen aboard ship and kept frozen until analyzed in the lab. Ovarian development in Squila is divided into three easily identifiable stages: I, no development; II, developing ovaries in the thorax and abdomen; III, ripe ovaries fused at the telson. These stages can be assessed externally by color changes along the dorsal surfaces of the abdomen and the ventral surface of the telson. We measured the biochemical composition (total lipid, protein, and carbohydrate) of stage II and stage III ovaries from S. empusa and S. chydaea to determine if both species showed similar patterns of biochemical composition during ovarian development. Preliminary analysis ofthe data indicates some species-specific differences.

Michelle Branson' (1) *, Ryan McCoyl (1) *, Tiffany Smith (1), Harriet M. Perry (2), Kirsten Larsen (2), (1) Cooperative Intern Program, Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College--Jackson County Campus, Gautier, MS 39553, and University (2) of Southern Mississippi, Gulf Coast Research Laboratory, Ocean Springs, MS 39566

Marshes provide essential habitat for a wide variety of fish species. They are a source of both food and protection for the fish. Some fish are permanent residents of the marsh while others are transient visitors. For this study the progression of fish species using the marsh edge was documented over a one-year period. The marsh site used for this study was comprised of two plant species, Spartina alterniflora and Juncus roemerianus. Twice monthly a beam plankton trawl was pulled 100 meters along the marsh edge. The samples were brought back to the lab and preserved in a 10% formalin solution for a minimum of 24 hours. All fish were removed from the sample, identified, measured ([+ or -] 1 mm), and weighed (+ or - ]0.1 g). Resident versus transient fish species and seasonal recruitment of larval and juvenile fishes were determined.

1:30 INDUSTRIAL AND AGRICULTURAL HEAVY METAL THREATS TO BELIZE CORAL REEFS

Thomas F. Lytle* and Julia S. Lytle, University of Southern Mississippi, Gulf Coast Research Laboratory, Ocean Springs, MS 39566

Belize has the world's second largest coral reef and is a primary tourist attraction. There is fear that development in coastal regions may threaten these sensitive biological communities. A study of impact of man on this reef began in 2001 to identif regions of pollutants that could be transported offshore to the reefs. Agriculture, industries, location of population centers and sewage treatment networks revealed 29 sites in Belize that could pose some eventual threat threats. The first group of analyses included the heavy metals: Co, Ag, Cu, Fe, Ni, Mn, Pb, Zn, and Cd. Haulover Creek, with its industries in the largest city, Belize City, contained Cu four times that found at other sites except in Rio Hondo near the Mexican industrial city of Chetumal where Cu exceeded other sites by 20-fold. These two sites had values of Zn far exceeding other sites. A site near an abandoned sugar refinery on New River had the highest levels of Ni and it along with estuarine sediments near Chetumal had excessive levels of P b. There was little evidence of major transport of metal loads across coastal bays to the barrier islands and to the coral reefs from this initial study, however future analyses of petroleum residues and pesticides may suggest more caution than metal data.

1:45 ANALYSIS OF SWIMMING BEHAVIOR BY GELATINOUS ZOOPLANKTON IN ALTERED GRAVITY CONDITIONS: CTENOPHORE AND CNIDARIAN MEDUSA

Christina Watters *, Brian Robinson, Brittney Hemba, Michael Dodge, Jennifer Anderson, Brian D. Ortman, and Patricia M. Biesiot, University of Southern Mississippi, Hattiesburg, MS 39406

We studied the swimming behavior of two species of gelatinous zooplankton, a comb jelly Mnemiopsis mccradyi (Phylum Ctenophora) and a hydrozoan jellyfish medusa Nemopsis bachei (Phylum Cnidaria), under the altered gravity conditions generated aboard NASA's KC-135 aircraft. Both species use a statocyst to detect changes in gravity (geotaxis) and a photoreceptor to detect changes in light (phototaxis). Previous studies by other scientists have investigated the function of these sensory organs under normal gravity conditions on Earth (1-g). However, nothing was known about the relationship between these organs in providing orientation cues during periods of altered gravity. We investigated the effects of both microgravity (~0-g) and hypergravity (~2-g) conditions in combination with ambient cabin lighting and with a brighter, directed light source. Both species tended to move upward during the periods of microgravity and downward during the periods of hypergravity. The directed light source appeared to provide a directional cue that aided in orientation and movement for both species in microgravity but only for Mnemiopsis in hypergravity. This supports our hypothesis that light cues can be used for orientation when the statocyst does not function properly. Although we believe that the observed behaviors were active rather than passive responses, further studies are planned to confirm this hypothesis.

2:00 Break

2:15 Divisional Poster Session

WATER QUALITY CHARACTERIZATION AT THREE SITES IN THE DAVIS BAYOU WATERSHED, JACKSON COUNTY, MISSISSIPPI 

Amanda Bowman (1) *, Christine Trigg (2), Faye Mallette (2), and Harriet M. Perry (2), (1) Cooperative Intern Program, Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College-Jackson County Campus, Gautier, MS 39553, and University (2) of Southern Mississippi, Gulf Coast Research Laboratory, Ocean Springs, MS 39566

This study characterized the quality of the water at three sites in the Davis Bayou watershed in Jackson County. Within this small water body, there is the potential for localized enrichment due to industrial and aquacultural activities. For this study, water quality was examined weekly at each of the three sites during the fall and winter of 2002. Water temperature, salinity, and dissolved oxygen were measured in the field using a YSI dissolved oxygen meter. Water samples for chemical analysis were collected using a 2.5 L Niskin bottle. Water quality parameters examined included pH, ammonia, nitrite, nitrate, orthophosphate, and total phosphate. Concentrations were measured in the laboratory using standard methods of chemical analyses. Concentrations of each water quality parameter at the three areas were statistically analyzed to determine if there were significant differences in the water quality among the three sites.

A COMPARATIVE STUDY OF BLOCKING HIGH INDEX AND AIR-SEA INTERACTIONS DURING CONTRASTING HURRICANE SEASONS OVER THE GULF OF MEXICO

Roberto Cancel III and R.S. Reddy, Jackson State University, Jackson, MS 39217

This study undertakes the task to relate the Blocking High Index (BHI) and Heat Flux to the amount of tropical activity in the Gulf of Mexico during the hurricane seasons of 1995, with strong activity, and 2002, with low to moderate activity. In this study, we utilized standard meteorological data, such as air temperature, water temperature, barometric pressure, and wind speed, from the National Data Buoy Center in order to calculate the Blocking High Index and Heat Flux. The data was collected from three strategically located buoys, buoy 42001, 42002, and 42003, in the Gulf of Mexico for May through November of 1995 and 2002. In calculating the Blocking High Index, we subtracted the average pressure reading from the observed pressure, BHI = (PO - P(). The Heat Flux was calculated with HF = (CPCD{(TS-TA)}U as the formula. By analyzing the collected data and the calculations from the study, we hypothesize that the higher the Blocking High Index, the more likely the tropical activity will be suppressed and vice versa. The study also supports the previous hypothesis (Reddy et al. 1999) that the higher the Heat Flux, the more likely the tropical activity will develop and vice versa.

PREDICTION AND DIAGNOSTICS OF STRUCTURE AND DYNAMICS OF HURRICANE ISIDORE 2002 OVER THE GULF OF MEXICO REGION USING A MESOSCALE NUMERICAL MODEL FOR STORM SIMULATION AND AIR-SEA INTERACTION EQUATIONS

Suseela R. Reddy and Alexander Schwartz *, Jackson State University, Jackson, MS 39217

Previous studies by Reddy et al. (1999 & 2001) suggested that the air-sea interactions, including heat, momentum, and latent heat fluxes play a significant role in the birth and growth of tropical cyclones/hurricanes, Hurricane Opal and Hurricane Roxanne 1995, over the Gulf of Mexico. They have identified that sea surface temperature is one of the factors for the hurricane intensification. In the present study, we investigate air-sea interactions for a selected hurricane over the Gulf of Mexico, Hurricane Isidore 2002, using numerical modeling with Penn State/NCAR MM5. This modeling system is a useful research tool that is used for diagnostics on hurricane structure, movement, and prediction. Deadly winds, storm surges, and floods are all natural foes of human inhabitation. Although modern technology has been a great helping-hand in tracking hurricanes, predicting the formation, movement, and strength of a hurricane has never been an easy task. Several computational models have been developed for this reason, yet it is merely a guess. Meteorologists rely on models to simulate and predict the weather circulation patterns as close to reality as possible, and along the way corroborate time and space efficiency issues. Predicting a hurricane's strength and its track could provide early warnings that could save life and property. The authors gratefully acknowledge support from the NASA/FAR Program, Grant--NAS13-99012, and the NASA/HBCU Renewal Energy and Technology Utilization Project, Grant-NAGS--12021.

PROGRESSION OF PENAEID SHRIMP THROUGH A TIDAL MARSH IN THE MISSISSIPPI SOUND OVER A ONE-YEAR PERIOD

Tiffany Smith (l) *, Michelle Branson (1), Ryan McCoy (1), Harriet M. Perry (2), and Kirsten Larsen (2), (1) Cooperative Intern Program, Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College-Jackson County Campus, Gautier, MS 39553, and (2) University of Southern Mississippi, Gulf Coast Research Laboratory, Ocean Springs, MS 39566

Larval penaeid shrimp hatch in the open Gulf and recruit into estuaries during their post- larval stages. Marshes are a source of both food and protection for these small shrimp. Shrimp remain in the marsh until their late juvenile stage, when they begin to move back into open waters. There are three commercial penaeid shrimp species in the Mississippi Sound: brown (Farfantepenaeus aztecus), pink (Farfantepenaeus duorarum), and white (Litopenaeus setiferus). For this study the recruitment of the three shrimp species to the marsh edge was documented over a one-year period. The marsh site used for this study was comprised of two plant species, Spartina alterniflora and Juncus roemerianus. Twice monthly, a beam plankton trawl was pulled 100 meters along the marsh edge. The samples were brought back to the lab and preserved in a 10% formalin solution for a minimum of 24 hours. Penaeid shrimp were removed from the sample, identified, measured ([+ or -] 1 mm), and weighed ([+ or -]0.1 g). Seasonal recruitment to th e marsh edge and length frequency distributions for the three shrimp species were compared.