Abstracts

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LIST OF MEETING ABSTRACTS

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Oral | Posters

Oral Presentations

 

 

Day: 2, Session: 2, Talk: 1

STURE ABRAHAMSSIB MEMORIAL LECTURE: Melanization: An Evolutionary Conserved Innate Immune System

Kenneth Söderhäll

Although invertebrates lack the complexity of the adaptive immune system and rely solely on innate immunity their amazing diversity, abundance and evolutionary success argue for a highly efficient defense system against infections. Innate immune responses include phagocytosis, synthesis of antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) and activation of proteolytic cascades that lead to melanization (the prophenoloxidase activating system,ProPO-¬-system) and blood coagulation. The ProPO system is a proteolytic enzyme cascade, which is activated by minuscule amounts (picogram per l) of cell wall products from microorganisms (LPS, PGN and glucans) and subsequently generates immune factors such as for example peroxinectin. The proPO-¬-cascade requires careful regulation by a spatial and temporal control to avoid dangerous side effects. All of the steps in the proPO-¬-cascade are shared with the proteinase cascade leading to the activation of the Toll pathway for production of antimicrobial peptides. Recently we showed that caspase 1 is involved in release and regulation of proPO and that fragments from proPO are antibacterial and further that white spot syndrome virus inhibits the proPO-system and avoids the immune system and can replicate. I will in my talk give a history of our work on melanization.

 

 

Day: 2, Session: 3, Talk: 1

KEY NOTE: Natural Born Killers: The Oomycetes as Important Pathogens of Animals

Gordon Beakes

The oomycete “fungi” belong to the Straminipile/Alveolate/Rhizaria superkingdom and are closely related to the golden-brown algae. They used to be thought of as predominantly freshwater saprotrophs or parasites of plants. Over past two decades molecular phylogeny has radically altered the way we view the oomycetes. There are a number of early diverging, non oogamously reproducing, clades that contain mostly marine parasites of nematodes, crustaceans and seaweeds, many of which have extra-ordinarily elaborate infection structures. The Haliphthorales are important pathogens of crustaceans, that can result in significant losses in marine aquaculture systems. The major divergence in the oomycete lineage came with the splitting off of the Peronosporalean and Saprolegnialean lines. The former are largely terrestrial, often soil born or plant pathogens and are characterised by their periplasmic oogenesis (which requires exogenous sterols) and often vesiculate discharge of zoospores. The latter, encompass most of the familiar water mould genera, and include the basal Leptomitales and the more familiar Saprolegniales, that contain general such as Aphanomyces, Achlya and Saprolegnia. The Aphanomyces clade is particularly interesting as it encompasses clades that are predominantly animal pathogens (including A. astaci), plant pathogens and saprotrophs. It also includes several genera that parasitize invertebrates such as rotifers (Aquastella) and nematodes (Sommerstorrfia). The evolutionary equivalent in the Peronosporalean lineage appears to be the Pythiaceous clades that include pathogens of nematodes (Lagenidium, Myzocytiopsis), crustaceans (Salilagenidium) and vertebrates (Paralagenidium, as well as the more familiar saprotrophs and plant pathogens (Pythium spp.). The overall evolutionary significance of these findings will be discussed.

 

 

Day: 2, Session: 3, Talk: 2

Crayfish Plague in Spain: Origin and Epidemiology

Laura Martín-Torrijos, Rezinciuc S, Kokko H and Diéguez-Uribeondo J

The aphanomycosis is responsible for the decline of the 5 native species of crayfish in Europe. In the early 1970s, two North American crayfish species, i.e., the signal crayfish, Pacifastacus leniusculus, and the red swamp crayfish, Procambarus clarkii, were introduced into the Iberian Peninsula. Since then, countless cases of the crayfish plague have decimated the native populations of crayfish, Austropotamobius pallipes. In this study, we have analyzed clinical samples from more than 100 cases of aphanomycosis that have occurred in Spain since 1991 until today. We have used sequence analysis to identify the different genetic lineages of A. astaci responsible for the crayfish plague outbreaks in Spain. The results show a direct relationship of crayfish plague outbreaks with the presence of either signal or red swamp crayfish. Thus, in North Spain, where the signal crayfish is more abundant most samples tested positive for the genetic lineages PsI (specific signal crayfish), while in South, Central and Eastern regions where the red swamp crayfish is more abundant, the genetic lineage of A. astaci responsible for the crayfish plague was Pc (specific red swamp crayfish). The results demonstrate once more that these two North American crayfish species are responsible for native crayfish outbreaks in Spain and that their populations represents chronic focuses for spread of the pathogen A. astaci.

 

 

Day: 2, Session: 3, Talk: 3

Pitfalls in the Application of Molecular Methods for the Diagnosis of Crayfish Plague

Satu Viljamaa-Dirks, Heinikainen S, Riva R and Pelkonen S

Crayfish plague, a highly contagious disease of the European crayfish species, is caused by the oomycete Aphanomyces astaci. Aphanomyces astaci is a parasite of the North-American crayfish species. It resides in the cuticle of its host and spreads by zoospores. In the case of acute illness of the European crayfish, the production of zoospores is massive and the crayfish in the vicinity are effectively infected. However, the virulence of the A. astaci strains is variable and even a latent infection in the highly susceptible European host is possible. Before the development of molecular methods the diagnosis of crayfish plague relied on the cultivation of the causative oomycete, a complicated and often unsuccessful process. Specific PCR based methods improved the diagnostic results considerably even enabling the quantitation of the pathogen load and the further characterization of the strain. At the same time they present new challenges in interpreting the results. Standardized protocols especially concerning sampling schemes are lacking, as well as external quality controls. In addition, freshwater environment and the crayfish within can contain numerous unknown organisms that may interfere with the detection and characterization of A. astaci. A few examples are given concerning the problems arising from the insufficient validation of the molecular methods.

 

 

Day: 2, Session: 3, Talk: 4

The Crayfish Plaue Pathogen, Aphanomyces astaci: Pathways, Vectors and Potential Consequences of its Spread in the Introduced Ranges

Agata Mrugala, Kozubíková-Balcarová E, Chucholl C, Kawai T, Kouba A, Svoboda J, Veselý L, Viljamaa-Dirks S and Petrusek A

Introduction of the crayfish plague pathogen, Aphanomyces astaci to Europe is responsable for substantial declines in native European crayfish populations. Although the research on A. astaci dates back to the beginning of the 20th century, knowledge about its introduction pathways, vectors and reservoirs has still many gaps. The presentation will summarize some recent advances in A. astaci research, which resulted from projects undertaken during the first author’s PhD studies. Several North American crayfish species, natural hosts of A. astaci, are used globally for stocking and aquaculture. Therefore, they may pose a threat to endemic crayfish diversity, as happened in Europe. As the first such documented case, we confirmed A. astaci infections in populations of the red swamp crayfish Procambarus clarkii and the signal crayfish Pacifastacus leniusculus in Japan where crayfish plague might have contributed to declines of the endemic crayfish Cambaroides japonicus. Apart from aquaculture, the aquarium trade constitutes a major introduction pathway of crayfish species to and within Europe, and may facilitate A. astaci spread if infected crayfish are released from household aquaria. After screening for pathogen presence in various non-European crayfish species from German ornamental trade, we confirmed that aquarium trade represents a source of A. astaci. Moreover, even ornamental crayfish of non-American origin may contribute to crayfish plague spread, if widely traded species exhibit elevated resistance. We experimentally demonstrated that the Australian yabby Cherax destructor seems indeed less susceptible to A. astaci than European crayfish species, and its release may result in formation of new pathogen reservoirs.

 

 

Day: 2, Session: 3, Talk: 5

Host-pathogen Network Analysis of Saprolegniales: Host Preference and Specificity of Aphanomyces astaci

Jose V. Sandoval Sierra and Diéguez-Uribeondo J

Ecological network analyses are allowing a better understanding of the biodiversity complexity. This type of analyses provides a systematic way of representing, characterizing, and comparing the complexity of the ecological communities and their interactions, where the species are represented by nodes and the interactions by links between nodes. The Saprolegniales (Oomycetes) comprise the crayfish plague pathogen Aphanomyces astaci, and their species have complex network interactions with their of hosts. In this study, we have applied ecological network analyses to a total of 1362 isolates corresponding to 51 species of Saprolegniales isolated from 107 species of different hosts, e.g., crustaceans, insects, amphibians, turtles, fish (both from embryonic and adult stages) as well as plants. The results showed that specialization indexes of Saprolegniales species (d) ranged from 0.51 to 1.00. The Shannon diversity (t = 58.502, df = 1962.4, p < 0), and niche overlap values (t = 192.05, df = 1421.5, p < 0), and the index for complementary specialization (H2’) (t = -190.55, df = 1847.60, p < 0) appear to indicate that some species posse high host specialization, e.g., A. astaci, which have a higher specialization index of 0.95 for freshwater crayfish species. The results also show that, in Saprolegniales, the preference and specificity for host species have been often overlooked due to the fact that the majority of the species also have a saprotrophic lifestyle.

 

 

Day: 2, Session: 4, Talk: 1

Scenarios for Aphanomyces astaci Adaptations to Native and Alien Crayfish Host in Europe

Japo Jussila, Kortet R, Vainikka A, Kokko H and Makkonen J

We present here potential scenarios for A. astaci adaptation to native hosts. These are based on high, intermediate or low A. astaci virulence levels, which result in different mortality levels among the host crayfish and help understanding the main factors influencing virulence evolution. A high A. astaci virulence and the resulting high mortality level in the hosts allows high level of sporulation, i.e. transmission in A. astaci, but raises the risk of eradicating the whole host population. Intermediate A. astaci virulence and resulting on average intermediate, but strongly environment-dependent mortality level within the host population could either risk killing all hosts when mortality is intensified by a co-infection or unfavourable environmental conditions, or the parasite might sometimes have low possibilities for infecting new hosts in cases of low mortality. This could result in periods of failed reproduction or exhausting the host population, but turn out as the favoured strategy in a network of connected lakes. Low A. astaci virulence and the resulting low level mortality imposed to host population would increase the risk of cessation of infection as sporulation would likely be very low or even non-existent, as might be the case during latent infections carried by native crayfish. In the case of A. astaci infecting invasive crayfish in Europe, the adaptation scenarios are simpler and favor highly virulent A. astaci. The continuous selection for higher virulence occurring in A. astaci in alien crayfish hosts likely prevents any evolution towards lower virulence and adaptation to native European hosts as long as the alternative habitat, i.e. invasive crayfish, dominates in availability. Another potential outcome of adaptation is that the A. astaci will evolve towards two different species, one adapting to the native and one to the invasive hosts.

 

 

Day: 2, Session: 4, Talk: 2

Crayfish Plague in Japan

Martin-Torrijos L, Sandoval-Sierra J, Makkonen J, Jussila J, Kokko H, Kawai T and Javier Diéguez-Uribeondo

Crayfish plague caused by the oomycetous pathogen Aphanomyces astaci is chronically carried by a number of North American species of freshwater crayfish, such as Pacifastacus leniusculus and Procambarus clarkii. These two species have been previously introduced into Japan. The only native freshwater crayfish species of Japan Cambaroides japonicus is highly susceptible to this pathogen and has experienced a continuous decline during last decades. So far crayfish plague outbreaks have only been reported in Europe but in other regions of the world where chronic carriers’ have been introduced. In this, work we report the first case of crayfish plague in Cambaroides japonicus in Japan, which constitutes the first crayfish plague case reported outside Europe. Preserved samples in ethanol from an outbreak occurred in Hokkaido Island were histologically studied and analyzed using disease diagnostic ITS and mitochondrial DNA based primers. Phylogenetic analyses of the obtained sequences indicated that the A. astaci strain causing the outbreak belong to the PC phylogenetic lineage, and was most likely transmitted from Procambarus clarkii in inhabiting in the near vicinity.

 

 

Day: 2, Session: 4, Talk: 3

A Survey of Various Wild Crayfish Populations in Germany and Austria Reveals New Insights into the Spread and Diversity of Aphanomyces astaci

Jörn Panteleit, Keller NS, Jussila J, Kokko H, Makkonen J, Schulz R, Theissinger K and Schrimpf A

The crayfish plague agent, Aphanomyces astaci, is one of the main causes for the numerous losses of native European crayfish populations due to mass mortalities caused by the disease agent throughout Europe. Different genetic lineages of A. astaci have been introduced to Europe independently with repeated introductions of different American non-indigenous crayfish species (NICS). Some of these lineages have shown to be more detrimental to the indigenous crayfish species (ICS) than others. We studied crayfish from 26 locations (in total 427 samples) in Germany and Austria for possible A. astaci infection using quantitative real- time PCR. Additionally, we used microsatellite and sequence analysis to identify the different genetic lineages of A. astaci. We could identify A. astaci infections in 15 crayfish populations (a total of 26% of samples were showing A. astaci DNA). Aphanomyces astaci lineages of seven populations were also identified. In particular, three findings are of special interest: (i) the Up lineage, a recently discovered novel variant by Grandjean et al. (2014), was present in at least two crayfish populations in Austria. (ii) A population of stone crayfish (Austropotamobius torrentium) in Austria was infected by two genetic lineages of A. astaci (PsI and Up lineages), and (iii) the Pc lineage revealed mutations in the mitochondrial LSU- gene in a population of A. torrentium that lives in a stream which also contains a population of signal crayfish (Pacifastacus leniusculus). Our study provides insights into the current situation and diversity of A. astaci in the studied area.

 

 

Day: 2, Session: 4, Talk: 4

Identification of an Austropotamobius pallipes Population with Higher Resistant to the Crayfish Plaque Pathogen, Aphanomyces astaci

Laura Martín-Torrijos and Diéguez-Uribeondo J

The crayfish plague pathogen Aphanomyces astaci is responsible for the decline of the native crayfish species of Europe. This pathogen is believed to be endemic of North America where it seems to have coevolved with its hosts. Thus, North American crayfish species exhibit a high resistance to this pathogen, while species from other regions of the world are highly susceptible. Recent field and laboratory observations appeared to indicate that some populations of the native species, Austropotamobius pallipes, of the Pyreneans might have a higher degree of resistance to A. astaci than others. Consequently, the objective of this study was to test their susceptibility by challenging 8 selected populations with zoospores of an A. astaci strain AP03 isolated from the North American species, Procambarus clarkii. The results show that there are significant differences in susceptibility to crayfish plague (P<0,001) among the selected A. pallipes populations. The majority of the populations showed high mortality rates. However, one population exhibited a 100% survival during the three months monitoring-period. Histological analyses revealed a high immune reaction in tissues examined, e.g., encapsulation and melanization of hyphae, similar to that found in North American resistant species. These results represent to our knowledge, the first observation of native European crayfish showing high resistance towards this pathogen. The identification of this population is of key importance for the management of these endangered species, and represents a crucial step forward towards the elucidation of the factors involved in the immune reaction against this devastating pathogen.

 

 

Day: 3, Session: 1, Talk: 1

KEY NOTE: Parametric Models to Trace the Spatiotemporal Evolution of Populations and Lineages

Isabel Sanmartín

Parsimony approaches were for many years the only option available for inferring the biogeographic history of populations, species, and lineages. The development in recent years of parametric approaches based on probabilistic models of range evolution has revolutionized the discipline, widening the range of questions that can be addressed with genetic and spatial data. These models, typically based on continuous-time discrete state Markov chain processes, are inspired by models used in phylogenetic studies to trace the evolution of a character in a phylogeny, but here the character states are the geographical ranges of the species. Unlike parsimony approaches, they allow integrating time and other sources of evidence (species’ ecology, Earth history) and account for the uncertainty in phylogenetic and ancestral state reconstruction. Here, I review these approaches, their rapid growth, and current challenges. Some models, such as maximum-likelihood DEC and derivatives, provide detailed reconstructions of the history of individual lineages, including numerous types of biogeographic processes (extinction, range expansion, dispersal, speciation), at the expense of computational efficiency. Other class of models use Bayesian inference to jointly estimate phylogenetic relationships, divergence times, and ancestral ranges given molecular data and the geographic location of sequences. Because of their simple underlying biogeographic model, and the use of Bayesian MCMC to ease computational tractability, these models have become very popular in phylogeography to answer a wide range of questions, from routes of viral spread to historical patterns of gene flow across populations. In my talk, I will focus on the use of these models to test hypotheses in macroevolution and ecology using datasets of multiple lineages inhabiting the same region and a hierarchical Bayesian approach to account for species-specific differences. Finally, I will describe recent advances, including the development of time-heterogeneous models to incorporate the temporal dynamics of the dispersal process, partitioning the contribution of abiotic factors to migration rates, or the use of non-stationary models to model mass extinction events.

 

 

Day: 3, Session: 1, Talk: 2

The Complete Genome Sequence of the Marbled Crayfish

Frank J. Lyko

The parthenogenetic all-female marbled crayfish (Procambarus virginalis) is a potent invader of freshwater ecosystems and also represents a novel research model. Marbled crayfish originated from slough crayfish (Procambarus fallax) through an evolutionary recent “macromutation” involving triploidization and concomitant (epi-)genetic changes. We have now used high-coverage Illumina sequencing to establish a first de novo draft assembly with a length-weighted median scaffold size (N50) of 40 kb. We determined the genome size at approximately 3.5 Gbp and identified >12,000 annotated genes. Further analyses initially focused on meiosis and DNA methylation factors to provide a mechanistic understanding of parthenogenetic reproduction and phenotypic variation, respectively. Comparative genome analysis of several individuals from diverse sampling sites demonstrated the clonality of the marbled crayfish population and confirmed autopolyploidization of the P. fallax genome as the underlying event for the triploidy of the P. virginalis genome. Finally, we also used whole-genome bisulfite sequencing to characterize the marbled crayfish epigenome at single-base resolution. The results demonstrate methylation specifically at CpG dinucleotides, consistent with a role in epigenetic gene regulation. DNA methylation was found at many genes and was particularly enriched in long and evolutionarily conserved genes, suggesting a role in the fine-tuning of gene expression programs. Our current activities focus on comparative methylome analyses for the identification of epigenetic variants that may underpin saltational speciation and rapid adaptation of marbled crayfish.

 

 

Day: 3, Session: 1, Talk: 3

The Transcriptome of Noble Crayfish Astacus astacus: An Excellent Tool and a Reference for Further Gene Expression Studies

Theissinger K, Falckenhayn C, Blande D, Toljamo A, Gutekunst J, Makkonen J, Jussila J, Lyko F, Schrimpf A, Schulz R and Hokko H

The native noble crayfish (Astacus astacus Linné, 1758) is one of the keystone species in European freshwater ecosystems, which population trend is currently in decline due to invasive North American crayfish species and the deadly disease, crayfish plague (Aphanomyces astaci), carried and spread by them. We have recently published an annotated transcriptome of the noble crayfish from four combined tissues, including the abdominal muscle, hepatopancreas, ovaries and green glands. A total of 194 million 100 bp read pairs were generated in RNA-seq made on Illumina HiSeq. The transcriptome was assembled de novo using Trinity software, producing 158,649 non-redundant transcripts. Lowly expressed transcripts were filtered out leaving 45,415 transcripts of which 14,559 were containing open reading frames with predicted gene function. Of these, 13,770 transcripts were assigned at least one gene ontology term. The Transrate software realigned 91% of the total reads to the assembly and the BUSCO analysis then indicated the assembly being 64% complete. This first de novo transcriptome assembly is an important foundation for future genomic research on the noble crayfish. The RNAsequencing analysis coupled with functional annotation and relative expression analysis will enable the comprehensive identification of genes that are up- or downregulated for example by different environmental stress factors or diseases.

 

 

Day: 3, Session: 1, Talk: 4

Genomics-informed Development of Molecular Markers for Genotyping the Crayfish Plague Pathogen, Aphanomyces astaci

Diana Minardi, Studholme DJ, van der Giezen M and Oidtmann B

Aphanomyces astaci is an animal parasite and causal agent of crayfish plague, a disease listed by the World Organisation for Animal Health. Aphanomyces spp. are water moulds belonging to the class Oomycota and this genus contains primary pathogens of plants and animals as well as opportunistic and saprotrophic species. Aphanomyces astaci was first introduced into Italy from the U.S. in the late 19^th century and rapidly spread in Europe causing the decline of native crayfish. Random amplified polymorphic DNA PCR (RAPDPCR) on isolates of A. astaci distinguished five genotypes (A, B, C, D and E). No discriminatory morphological or physiological characteristics are available and widely used markers such as ITS, LSU and COI failed to discriminate between genotypes. There are some practical drawbacks to genotyping by RAPD-PCR, not least the requirement for pure cultures. Therefore, we used whole genome sequencing (WGS) on multiple A. astaci isolates to catalogue DNA single nucleotide variants (SNVs) to be exploited as new diagnostic methods, in aid of detection and prevention of crayfish plague. By designing primers surrounding genotype-specific SNVs, amplifying the DNA fragment by PCR and exploiting enzymatic restriction digestion, we were successfully able to distinguish genotypes on pure cultures. This approach was subsequently used on historical crayfish samples available in our laboratories to validate the reliability of this method. Once tested and validated, this method offers a new tool for diagnostics and epidemiological studies aimed at understanding the history and spread of crayfish plague in Europe.

 

 

Day: 3, Session: 2, Talk: 1

The Annotation of two Aphanomyces mitochondrial Genomes from A. astaci and A. invadans

Makkonen J, Vesterbacka A, Martin F, Jussila J, Diéguez-Uribeondo J, Kortet R and Kokko H

The genus Aphanomyces (Saprolegniales, Oomycetes) includes species in both aquatic and terrestrial environments. Two important pathogens and aquatic species are Aphanomyces astaci, the cause of crayfish plague and its close relative and Aphanomyces invadans, which causes the epizootic ulcerative syndrome on fish. In this study, we have assembled and annotated the first mitochondrial genomes of Aphanomyces from the whole genome shotgun sequence reads (PRJNA187372; PRJNA258292, respectively). The assemblies were generated from A. astaci Pc-genotype strain APO3 and A. invadans strain NJM9701. The sizes of these mtDNAs were 49,489 bp and 49,061 bp for A. astaci and A. invadans, respectively. The species shared similar genetic content and organization encoding 36 proteins, two ribosomal RNAs, three putative open reading frames and 33 transfer RNA’s of 19 amino acids for peptide synthesis. Both species also had a large inverted repeat region (LIR) of approximately 12 kb, the LIR contained large and small ribosomal subunits and eight protein coding genes. These annotated mitochondrial genomes serve as a valuable genetic backbone for further development of diagnostic methods, genotyping and phylogenetic and migration studies of the parasitic species of Aphanomyces.

 

 

Day: 3, Session: 2, Talk: 2

How do Invasive Species Cope with Different Environmental Conditions? A Proteomic Study of two Alien Crayfish: Procambarus clarkii and Procambarus fallax f. virginalis

Francisco J. Oficialdegui, Roessink I, Biron D, Boyero L, Clavero M, Peeters ETHM and Sánchez MI

Invasive species are often able to cope with variety environmental conditions enabling them to expand to new habitats. Once introduced and successfully established those invasive species, often threaten native species in their ecosystems. New environmental conditions may act as selective pressures that drive organismal adaptation and evolution. However, alongside genetic adaptation, invasive organisms also show a high degree of plasticity in response to environmental challenge. To elucidate whether epigenetic mechanisms allow an organism to respond to the environment, we study how individuals of two invasive crayfish species respond to environmental challenges by means of a cutting-edge proteomic approach. Our objective is to investigate which types of proteins and how many of each type are expressed when individuals are exposed to different environmental conditions. Our target species are two invasive crayfish, i.e. the red swamp crayfish, Procambarus clarkii; and the parthenogenetic marbled crayfish, Procambarus fallax f. virginalis. The use of a parthenogenetic species will allow us to assess whether changes in protein expression are uniquely due to plasticity (as individuals are genetically identical). We conduct an experiment in which we expose the two crayfish species to treatments consisting of different combinations of temperature and water velocity for several days. After exposure, individuals will be collected and immediately subjected to tissue extraction from the muscle, gills and hepatopancreas to examine the proteome responses. Here, we will present the details of the experimental setup and hypotheses tested as well as any available results.

 

 

Day: 3, Session: 2, Talk: 3

Comparing Classic Crayfish Cage Surveillance with eDNA Water Monitoring During an Ongoing Crayfish Plague Outbreak in Norway

David Strand, Johnsen SI, Rusch J, Knudsen SW, Agersnap S, Larsen W, Rask-Møller P and Vrålstad T

The use of environmental DNA (eDNA) for detection and quantification of aquatic organisms is a rapidly growing field with a great potential for streamlined inventory- and monitoring purposes. The TARGET-project aims at implementing eDNA approaches for monitoring the red-listed Astacus astacus and its threats. In 2014-2016, we followed an outbreak of crayfish plague in the Norwegian Halden watercourse which had resulted from illegal transfer of Pacifastacus leniusculus. A surveillance program based on cages containing noble crayfish was already established, thus the spread of disease was monitored by observing and diagnosing mortalities in the cages, and water samples were collected regularly. Water (~5 L) was filtered on-site through glass fiber filters, and each sample was analysed using species specific qPCR assays for the crayfish plague pathogen Aphanomyces astaci, and the crayfish A. astacus and P. leniusculus. eDNA from all three species was successfully detected in the water samples. Crayfish plague spores was detectable in the water before the caged crayfish succumbed to the disease. The infection source (signal crayfish), representing a scarce P. leniusculus population (0.11 CPUE) in the southern part of the lake, was detected at trace levels. Furthermore, eDNA from noble crayfish was readily detected and increased in quantity during the mortalities, before decreasing to trace levels about 4-8 weeks after the outbreak. Our study demonstrates an efficient and non-invasive approach for combined eDNA monitoring of native crayfish and its threats (invasive crayfish and crayfish plague) from the same water samples.

 

 

Day: 3, Session: 3, Talk: 1

Physiological Responses of Freshwater Crayfish (Cherax albidus Clark 1936) when Exposed to Various Salinities of Ocean Water and Inland Saline Water

Anthony J. Cole, Fotedar R and Hoang TC

The yabby (Cherax albidus Clark 1936) is a subject of aquaculture in Australia and has a considerable tolerance to salinity. Inland saline water shows far higher salinity fluctuations than freshwater, and is commonly low in potassium. Two independent experiments, each using a different water type, investigated the effects of different salinities, 0 (control), 2, 4, 8 and 16 ppt of two water types, ocean water and inland saline water, on stress physiology of yabbies over two weeks. 20 yabbies were stocked in 5 200L tanks with independent shelters and monitored for their physiological responses using haemolymph and tissue samples. Haemolymph osmolality of yabbies remained the same as control at low salinities. Osmolality increased in 16 ppt salinity after 256 hours in both experiments. The osmoregulatory capacity of yabbies decreased significantly as salinity increased. The yabbies were found to hyper-regulate their haemolymph until 8 ppt, while the haemolymph was isosmotic to the medium at 16.63 ppt in ocean water and 15.88 ppt in inland saline water. Health Condition was the same or better in inland saline water than in ocean water, in terms of hepatopancreatic energy content and organosomatic indices. This suggests that potassium deficiency was not present in C. albidus cultured in inland saline water. These results indicate that yabbies were tolerant to salinities up to 8 ppt and to inland saline water for 256 hours, but were intolerant to 16 ppt after 256 hours in both water types.

 

 

Day: 3, Session: 3, Talk: 2

Survival, Recovery and Cardiac Activity of Three Crayfish Invaders Under Sub-zero Temperature

Yazicioglu B, Kuklina Iryna, Buřič M, Císař P and Kozák P

The effect of acute exposure to subzero temperature on the heart rate and recovering capacity of three invasive crayfish species (Orconectes limosus, Pacifastacus leniusculus, Procambarus clarkii) was investigated. These species are successful invaders in European freshwater ecosystems, in many respects due to adaptability to the wide range of environmental conditions including tolerance to temperature changes. The experiments were designed to evaluate cardiac activity (based on using of non-invasive sensor), survival and recovery of crayfish after short-term (30 min) and prolonged (60 min) exposure to sub-zero temperature (-18 ºC). All O. limosus and P. leniusculus died within following 12 hours after both short and longer exposure. In contrast to them, all P. clarkii successfully survived freezing, thawing and subsequently recovered after short-term exposure, while a quarter of the P. clarkii specimens successfully recovered even after prolonged exposure. In all tested species heartbeat was measurable several hours post exposure, although cardiac activity gradually declined in O. limosus and P. leniusculus after reaching the point of no return. The heart rate of P. clarkii decreased the most abruptly and the recovery to nearly pre-exposed state took longer time (˜ 35 min) than for O. limosus (˜ 25 min) and P. leniusculus (˜ 28 min). During freezing-thawing cycle both species demonstrated smoother heartbeat decline and faster heartbeat recovery to a non-return point, that can explain the mortality observed in O. limosus and P. leniusculus. Faster responsiveness to acute conditions and more gradual subsequent recovery of P. clarkii, as reflected in the heart rate course, seems to be more successful strategy for survival. Our findings can shift the knowledge in terms of understanding of wider ecological distribution of P. clarkii as well as insight into mechanisms of invasive crayfish adaptability.

 

 

Day: 3, Session: 3, Talk: 3

The Mineral Content of Cherax quadricarinatus in Souteast Queensland and Northeastern New South Wales

Leyton J. Tierney, Wild CH and Furse JM

The freshwater crayfish Cherax quadricarinatus, is native to northern Queensland, the Northern Territory and southern New Guinea. Within Australia, the species has been translocated from its native habitats in the North to other parts of the Continent, but in particular throughout centraleastern Australia. In southeast Queensland and northeastern New South Wales, a number of feral populations of C. quadricarinatus have established in natural waterbodies and municipal reservoirs. The presence of these large and evidently self-sustaining populations, and the apparent continued spread of the species, has raised concerns about threats these feral populations might pose to other species and ecosystems. While Cherax quadricarinatus is the world’s most intensively studied species of freshwater crayfish, and there is a wealth of information available on aquaculture and physiology of the species, the wild biology and ecology of this species remains very poorly understood. As part of a broader study on the distribution and wild ecology of this species, C. quadricarinatus were collected from waterbodies of various types, with differing underlying substrates and physicochemical characteristics within southeast Queensland and the northeast of New South Wales. These collections permitted analysis of mineral content of 108 C. quadricarinatus from 5 different populations in the study area using the loss-by-ignition method. We will present the results of this study and discuss differences in mineral content between populations. We will also discuss the implications of these results in the context of this species as an aggressive and successful invader of non-native habitats in Australia and elsewhere.

 

 

Day: 3, Session: 3, Talk: 4

Return to Crayfish High School: Long-term Monitoring of Crayfish Populations at the UCC Outdoor School 2011 to 2016

Premek Hamr, Wong E

The life history of a population Cambarus robustus was studied as a part of on-going long-term monitoring at the Upper Canada College outdoor school in Norval, Ontario. Data on the synchrony of seasonal reproduction, population structure and age of maturity were obtained from regular spring sampling in the Credit River draining into Lake Ontario. This second report focuses on yearly samples from 2011 to 2016 and compares then to the first phase, which included samples from 2008 to 2010 (Hamr & Sit, 2011). A particular emphasis was placed on tracking the proportions of Form I and II males as well as females with and without glair glands in the population. Analysis of the data supports the findings of in the first phase of the study in terms of reproductive/maturity size, maturity, synchrony of breeding as well as yearly growth. As in the first phase, asynchronous individuals of both sexes were found in all spring/summer samples from 2011 to 2016. The percentage of asynchronous individuals (ie: females with no glair and males in From 2) was variable from year to year and ranged between 4 and 49% in males and 4 to 45% in females, however the percentage was similar in both sexes in a given year.

 

 

Day: 3, Session: 3, Talk: 5

Crayfish Role in a Canyon-shaped Reservoir: Case Study from the Nýrsko, Czech Republic

Veselý L, Bláha M, Buřič M, Fořt M, Pešek V, Kozák P, Ruokonen TJ, Ercoli F and Kouba A

Trophic webs in almost every ecosystem contain many units, which are linked together and in aquatic systems crayfish are one of the most important. They are considered keystone species as well as ecosystem engineers there and may represent up to 85 % of benthos biomass. Their omnivorous diet complicated evaluation of their position in the food chain. Using carbon and nitrogen stable isotopes we investigate the trophic role of noble crayfish (Astacus astacus) in canyon-shaped reservoir. We sampled all units of food chain (fish, zoobenthos, zooplankton, primary producers, and detritus) using wide range of methods such as manual collection, angling, trapping, and scuba diving. Our results revealed that role of crayfish changes during ontogeny. Also crayfish diet varied between season (spring, summer, autumn) and habitats (rubble slopes/ beaches). Additionally, we found that crayfish are an important component in nutrient cycles due to their ability to connect different depth zones of reservoir.

 

 

Day: 4, Session: 1, Talk: 1

KEY NOTE: Crayfish and Companions Across the Tree of Life

Pablo Vargas

Crayfishes are not actually crustaceans. Well, the term Crustacea should not be used because crustaceans do not form a single evolutionary (monophyletic) group without insects. However, a more inclusive group of Hexapoda (mostly insects) + former Crustacea named Pancrustacea is currently recognised in the Tree of Life. In this presentation we will go across the natural classification of living organisms to find out where crayfishes and travel companions (pathogenic moulds, Rhizaria diseases, invasive angiosperms, toxic cyanobacteria blooms, humans) are placed in the Tree of Life.

 

 

Day: 4, Session: 1, Talk: 2

Crayfish Ecological Diversity and Conservation Across a Synthetic Phylogeny

Keith Crandall

Habitat preference is an intricate component the ecology and biology of freshwater organisms, and likely has a central role in driving diversification dynamics and geographic distributions. Freshwater crayfish are highly valuable members of aquatic ecosystems around the world with diverse ecological requirements and habitat affinities. As an ecologically diverse and well-studied group of organisms, crayfish are an excellent system in which to explore the relationship among ecological and evolutionary variables, capitalizing on the phylogenetic synthesis approach. We test for a correlation between habitat-preference and lineage diversification rates, geographic range-size and current extinction risk. The evolutionary history of freshwater crayfish was marked by multiple radiations that may have been prompted by ecological opportunity. While we recovered a strong signal of correlation between habitat-type and geographic range size, we recovered only weak support for differential lineage diversification rates and current extinction risk. This phylogenetic synthesis framework has proven useful in testing evolutionary hypotheses in this group and will provide a platform for future studies in the systematics and evolution of other invertebrate lineages. Additionally, the synthetic phylogeny provides a framework for taxonomic revisions to adjust taxonomy to better reflect established phylogenetic relationships. We propose such a taxonomy, highlight important changes, and provide a comprehensive assessment of crayfish diversity.

 

 

Day: 4, Session: 1, Talk: 3

Low Local Crayfish Diversity and High Species Turnover in Lowland Streams may be Influenced by a Few Widely Distributed Crayfish Species

William R. Budnick, Harlan AR, Pasco TF, Kelso WE and Kaller MD

Crayfish are a numerous and diverse group of decapods that occupy multiple niches in lowland streams. However, the diversity of Louisiana crayfishes (~39 species) is poorly understood and is based on sporadic and voluntary reporting. Thus, average local diversity (a-diversity) and compositional turnover among localities (ß-diversity) have never been rigorously quantified or mapped. Herein, we quantify crayfish diversity using diversity indices, multiplicative hierarchical diversity partitioning, and variance in community composition among localities. Our data source from 59 wadeable streams in Central Louisiana sampled during summer 2013 and 2014 and span an area of approximately 24,000 km2 (~15% of state area), 5 major river drainages and 14 watersheds. Average a-diversity among all sites was characterized by low richness (typically 2-3 species) and extreme unevenness. Average a-diversity was typically lower than expected by random chance at drainage and watershed scales, whereas ß-diversity was typically greater than expected at both scales. Species turnover was the predominant beta diversity pattern at all spatial scales, but species loss (nestedness) increased relative to turnover at drainage and watershed scales. Finally, most variance in community composition resulted from variation in relative abundances of Procambarus clarkii,, Procambarus (Pennides) species, Orconectes lancifer, and Cambarellus puer. Our results suggest distributions and relative abundances of P. clarkii, O. lancifer and Procambarus (Pennides) species may play a deterministic role through competition and dispersal in diversity structuring of our study area. Future research will examine whether suppressed local diversity and enhanced turnover is a general feature of crayfish assemblages among lowland stream ecosystems.

 

 

Day: 4, Session: 1, Talk: 4

Range Expansion of the Signal Crayfish (Pacifastacus leniusculus) in a Recently Invaded Region in Croatia and Potential for its Control

Sandra Hudina, Galić N, Kutleša P, Duplić A and Maguire I

The signal crayfish, Pacifastacus leniusculus has recently been introduced to the Korana River, a karstic river in the central part of Croatia, where it presents an alarming threat to its native crayfish diversity. In this study, we explored the dynamics of range expansion of the signal crayfish in the Korana River and developed an individual-based model (IBM) to explore different options for management of its populations. In 3 years, the invasive range of the signal crayfish increased 2.5 times, while dispersal rate was similar in both upstream and downstream direction. At former invasion fronts crayfish abundance increased 5 times and was translated into significant reduction of signal crayfish size (total length) in these populations. The IBM was based on the species basic life history and simulated multiyear population dynamics. We explored management scenarios for periods of 10 years that differed in catch per unit effort (CPUE), trapping period and frequency. Considering a catch effort of 10% of all individuals in the population > 60 mm, model simulations suggested that the most effective management option would be to harvest one week per month each year of the 10 year period. This would drive the population to 5% of the baseline, i.e. non-harvested abundances. The next best alternative is to harvest every year for a limited number of months (June – November). Both of these findings are conditional on a constant CPUE. We also discuss model results with a varying CPUE, and highlight the applicability of population models in invasive species management.

 

 

Day: 4, Session: 2, Talk: 1

Do you Suffer from a Lack of Historic Crayfish Data?

Susan B. Adams

Do you suspect that a crayfish species was extirpated from your study area but lack the historic data to prove it was ever there? Do you lay awake at night wondering if a crayfish species is native or introduced to your study area, or wondering how long an introduced crayfish has been there? The answers to your questions may be waiting in your friendly, neighborhood fish museum. Recent work I conducted with colleagues demonstrated that fish guts may provide valuable information about crayfishes in large water bodies. Furthermore, in the USA, fishes have been collected and curated in museums more intentionally over much longer periods than have crayfishes. Therefore, a gold mine of historic crayfish data should be sitting in museums…in the guts of preserved fishes. I examined crayfishes from fish guts in museums to examine historic crayfish distributions where data from direct crayfish sampling were lacking. I will share what I found, the fishes and sizes that were most informative, and discuss both potential uses and disadvantages of the method.

 

 

Day: 4, Session: 2, Talk: 2

The First Evidence of Co-occurrence Between Native Crab and Crayfish in Italy

Elena Tricarico, Cianferoni F, Stasolla G, Inghilesi AF, Zoccola A, Innocenti G and Mazza G

In the Italian freshwater ecosystems, the crab Potamon fluviatile and the white-clawed crayfish Austropotamobius pallipes complex can live in sympatry in some streams, but do not usually occupy the same stream section or pond, suggesting a sharp segregation of the two species. The first instance of the co-occurrence of these two native crustaceans, sharing the same stream area, is here reported for Central Italy. No evidence of agonistic behavioral patterns has been observed. Co-occurrence may be favoured by the crayfish and crabs size, since in the shared area the size of both species is slightly smaller if compared with their size up and downstream, where the species singularly occur. Further observations are needed to better assess the stability of this cohabitation through time.

 

 

Day: 4, Session: 2, Talk: 3

Investigation of a Localized Decline in Freshwater Crayfish Paranephrops planifrons in the Upper Waikato River, New Zealand

Susan J. Clearwater, Quinn JM and Kusabs IA

In 2014, we investigated a suspected localized decline of the native freshwater crayfish Paranephrops planifrons (or koura) in an 80 km section of the upper Waikato River extending from Huka Falls to Atiamuri dam. We used a combination of dive surveys, trapping, and literature review in an initial investigation of: a) crayfish abundance in the mainstem of the upper river, and; b) the local influence of increasing populations of two species of predatory fish on crayfish abundance. The surveyed section of the mainstem included three dams and associated lakes used for hydroelectricity generation. There are five more “hydro lakes” downstream. We established that only moderate to low densities of crayfish remain in the upper 4 km of the surveyed section. No crayfish were found in the remaining 76 km. A literature review of information on the eight Waikato River hydro lakes indicates that crayfish densities decreased around the mid to late 1990’s and are now low or absent. The decline in crayfish abundance was generally coincident with the establishment of catfish Ameiurus nebulosus (exotic species) in the early 1990’s and the stocking of native elvers (juvenile longfin eel Anguilla dieffenbachii and juvenile shortfin eels A. australis) in the hydro lakes from 1992 onwards. The present study was focussed on the potential impact of catfish and eels, however, other factors may be causing, or contributing to the decline of crayfish in the upper Waikato, for example disease, or loss of edge habitat due to flowramping for hydro power generation.

 

 

Day: 4, Session: 3, Talk: 1

The Effects of the Invasive Week Singapore Daisy of the Native Australian Freshwater Crayfish Tenuibranchiurus glypticus Riek

James M. Furse, Houston AJ and Wild CH

The native freshwater crayfish, Tenuibranchiurus glypticus, typically inhabits coastal Melaleuca swamps and is distributed from Maryborough (Queensland), to Wooli (New South Wales). Tenuibranchiurus glypticus is listed as “Endangered” on the IUCN Red List, primarily due to a highly fragmented distribution and habitat clearing/loss; specifically drainage of their swamps and development. It is therefore important to identify and understand any new or additional threats to allow effective management/conservation of this species in its remaining small, isolated habitat fragments. The invasive weed, Singapore daisy (Sphagneticola trilobata – Asteraceae), is successfully established in many parts of the world, including some of the seasonally inundated Melaleuca swamps which T. glypticus occupies in Southeast Queensland. The densely-matted nature of this weed is a potential problem for these small crayfish, smothering their habitat, possibly restricting access to burrows and limiting oxygen transfer at the air-water interface. The objectives of this study were to investigate if: (1) invasion of Melaleuca swamps by Singapore daisy renders them unsuitable habitat for Tenuibranchiurus, and (2) Singapore daisy infestations in Melaleuca swamps can be successfully controlled or eradicated using a primary control method of herbicide application. One hundred and fourteen paired plots of weed and no weed areas were surveyed for presence of T. glypticus across 2 sites in Southport, Queensland. We will present our findings and discuss any effects the weed is having on the presence and abundance of these crayfish. We will also discuss the effectiveness of herbicide as a control method for Singapore daisy in seasonally inundated Melaleuca swamps.

 

 

Day: 4, Session: 3, Talk: 2

White-clawed Crayfish (Austropotamobius italicus, Faxon) Effects on Macroinvertebrate Communities from Mediterranean Limestone Mountain Streams

Juan Antonio Arce, Alonso F, Camacho A and Rico E

The white-clawed-crayfish was well widespread over most of drain basins from the Iberian Peninsula in the past, but habitat destruction and exotic species-mediated diseases put it at risk of extinction during last decades, being remnant populations restricted to headwaters and small tributaries. Crayfish are generally recognized as omnivores, displaying an opportunistic foraging behavior on steam biota, among which macroinvertebrates play a main role. To better understand A. italicus interactions with benthic macroinvertebrate headwater communities we designed a field study in a permanent mountain stream from Central Spain, where three-month mesocosm-based experiments were carried involving crayfish densities usual in nature. Neither positive nor negative impacts of A. italicus on macroinvertebrates were evident in terms of richness, abundance and biomass, although some particular taxa resulted affected. Upstream recolonization, drift processes and particular evasiveness traits of many taxa were proposed as main compensation mechanisms displayed by macroinvertebrates to keep stable populations along time under theoretical crayfish predation. As a whole, and together with the absence of impacts on epilithic algae showed by previous studies, A. italicus should not be considered as a bioturbator agent in compositional, structural and functional terms for limestone headwaters. Therefore, restocking actions involving this species in suitable water courses are recommended, presumably not posing a risk on local benthic communities.

 

 

Day: 4, Session: 3, Talk: 3

Uptake and Transfer of Microcystins in Noble Crayfish in Lake Steinsfjorden, a Cyanobacterial (Planktothrix) Dominated Lake

Johannes Rusch, Strand D, Haande S, Ballot A, LØvberg KE, Samdal IA, Miles CO and Vrålstad T

The Norwegian Lake Steinsfjorden, a major fishery-lake for noble crayfish, is often affected by cyanobacterial blooms caused by microcystin (MC) producing Planktothrix. A recent study demonstrated the presence of microcystins in noble crayfish originating from this lake. However, little is known about the impact of toxic cyanobacteria on crayfish health and crayfish as food-source. We have investigated the presence of MC in noble crayfish from Lake Steinsfjorden, and elucidated whether MCs are transferred and accumulated in vital organs and the edible parts. In 2015, crayfish were captured each month from June to October. Water samples were taken simultaneously. Tissue samples from tail muscle, intestine, stomach, and hepatopancreas were harvested for MC-analysis using an in-house method for enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). MC-analysis results for tissues and water samples were compared. Stomach, intestine and hepatopancreas contained the highest concentrations of MCs, respectively, suggesting that the crayfish acquire large amounts of MCs through diet, which is transferred to the hepatopancreas. The tail muscle contained very low MC-concentrations, with a tendency to decline towards the autumn where the measured MC-concentrations in the water dropped substantially. Results indicate that a normal portion of boiled crayfish tails (~100 g muscle) from Lake Steinsfjorden in 2015 was well below the tolerable daily intake (TDI) limit for MCs (0.04 µg/kg body weight) for adults. However, removal of the intestine from the tails seems a reasonable food safety precautionary measure for consumption of crayfish from cyanobacterial-dominated waterbodies, since the intestine would more than triple the MC-content if not removed.

 

 

Day: 4, Session: 3, Talk: 4

Could Crayfish Care About Safety of Beer? - A Long Way from the Research to the Practical Use

Pavel Kozák, Kuklina I, Kouba A, Voldřich M, Dědič R, Janoušek J, Aliaksandr P and Císař P

Over the past decades, ecological status of the freshwater crayfish has been drastically changing from the sensitive indicator of aquatic environment to the tolerant species which can survive the wide range of unfavourable conditions, but despite all conventions on being or not being the proper bioindicators, crayfish are still regarded as essential aquatic community playing various key roles in the freshwater ecosystem. We developed a system for monitoring of etho-physiological status of crayfish combining analysis of the heart rate and detection of movement as basic parameters. Monitoring of cardiac activity is done with the aid of a non-invasive sensor and locomotion of crayfish is recorded by cameras enabling analysis of the complex data by a software developed particularly for this purpose. A range of stimuli where crayfish showed response to both adverse and common environments were successfully tested. We examined crayfish reactions to such chemicals as chloramine, chlorides, nitrites, as well as to the various natural stimuli (odours of food, conspecifics, predators and others). This monitoring technique is easy due to absence of long and complicated analyses, since measured parameters, locomotor and cardiac activity, are evaluated in a real time. The sophistication of such biomonitoring is consisted in reliable combination of behaviour and physiology that affords an opportunity of detection of individual animals reaction to environmental changes. After registration of the whole system as national patent, the first yield of its practical application was an agreement with the local South Bohemian brewery where the biomonitoring system is expected to guard the water used for production of beer.

 

 

Day: 5, Session: 1, Talk: 1

Predicting Harvest of the Non-native Signal Crayfish in Swedish Lakes: A Role for Changing Climate?

Lennart Edsman, Bohman P, Sandstrom A, Nystrom P, Stenberg M, Hertonsson P and Johansson J

The North American signal crayfish (Pacifastacus leniusculus) was introduced to Sweden in the 1960ies for the fishery. It has had negative effects on native ecosystems by spreading the disease crayfish plague but, despite population collapses lately, it has also had a high commercial and recreational value. To better predict how climate warming will affect population dynamics of this cool-water crayfish, we explored the role of temperature and density dependence as explanatory factors of the subsequent years’ catch rates of commercially sized signal crayfish in four Swedish lakes. We found air temperatures to be good proxies for water temperatures in all lakes. We could only obtain water temperature data for one lake, and winter temperature data were therefore only included in the analysis of catch-per-unit-effort patterns in this lake. Our results show that increasing temperatures will potentially affect the population dynamics of cool-water freshwater crayfish species such as the signal crayfish. We found that the population dynamics of signal crayfish are lake-specific and could be affected by the temperature either during recruitment at the juvenile stage, the survival and growth of adults, or both. Increased fluctuations in water temperature during winter may potentially influence adult survival. To better predict the effects of global warming on the dynamics of cool-water crayfish populations, future studies should investigate recruitment in crayfish along temperature gradients and the influence of variations in water temperature on winter mortality.

 

 

Day: 5, Session: 1, Talk: 2

Influence of a Relationship Between Selected Trace Elements and Natural Productivity on Growth and Yield of Marron in a Commercial Farm

Smita S. Tulsankar and Fotedar R

The impact of the relationship among trace elements, natural productivity and the productivity of the aquacultured species is unknown. Data were collected from four marron ponds from an established commercial farm in Manjimup (34.2455°S, 116.1443°E), south-west of Western Australia. Approximately 155 kg of 90-130 g marron/pond were stocked for 12 months. The tri-monthly water samples were collected to investigate the role of 12 pre-selected trace elements viz. manganese, silicon, magnesium, calcium, iron, phosphorus, zinc, selenium, sulphur, copper, aluminium and cobalt on the natural productivity and marron yield. The results showed that phytoplankton density had a strong correlation with aluminium (R2= 0.927) but a weak correlation with iron (0.611). Manganese, magnesium and iron were the only three trace elements showing a strong correlation with zooplankton density. Phytoplankton diversity showed a strong correlation with manganese and iron but weak correlation with aluminium, whereas zooplankton diversity showed a strong correlation with zinc. A strong correlation was observed between wet weights of zooplankton and phytoplankton with aluminium and zinc respectively. Dry weight of zooplankton had a strong correlation with manganese, magnesium, and iron. Wet weight and dry weight of zooplankton showed a significant (P<0.05) correlation with phytoplankton density and diversity. A strong correlation was observed between marron yield at harvest and manganese, magnesium, iron, copper, phytoplankton density and species diversity, and zooplankton density, species diversity and dry weight. In conclusion, trace elements in the marron pond influenced the primary, secondary productivity of the ponds and in turn marron yield.

 

 

Day: 5, Session: 1, Talk: 3

Polyphenols as Feed Additives: A New Tool to Prevent Diseases in Farmed Crayfish?

Marina Paolucci, Parrillo L, Scioscia E, Coccia E, Siano F, Pagliarulo C, Voloe MG, Jussila J, Makkonen J and Varricchio E

Polyphenols are a large class of chemical compounds with antioxidant properties, derived from plants. Epidemiological, clinical and nutritional studies strongly support the evidence that dietary phenolic compounds enhance human health by lowering the risk of most common degenerative and chronic diseases that are known to be caused by oxidative stress. Although some polyphenols are employed as feed additives to reduce free radicals and therefore to improve the oxidative stability and quality of the meat, their application in animal nutrition is a field largely unexplored. In this study, we present some encouraging preliminary data on the effects of polyphenols extracted from two agricultural wastes (olive mill waste water, chestnut skin) and from three different types of honey (chestnut, acacia and clover) tested in vitro against two pathogenic aquatic fungal isolates, Aphanomyces astaci and Fusarium avenaceum, that cause different diseases in native European crayfish, with a high mortality rate and severe economic repercussions. Moreover, olive mill waste water (OMWW) was tested in a long term feeding trial on the crayfish Astacus leptodactylus. Our results show in vitro inhibitory effects, of agricultural waste extracts on Aphanomyces astaci and Fusarium avenaceum. In vivo, OMWW enriched diets improved parameters of growth performance, feed utilization, survival and nutritional status, as well as immunological parameters (phenoloxidase activity, superoxide anion production) in crayfish. These results, although preliminary, encourage to promote their use in the prevention and treatment of fungal diseases. Our next step would be to test the efficacy of polyphenols on crayfish challenged with pathogens.

 

 

Day: 5, Session: 1, Talk: 4

Harvesting New Zealand Freshwater Crayfish (Paranephrops zealandicus): Five Years of Harvest Data and the Implications for Population Dynamics and Stock Management

John Hollows

A 102 m² earthen pond was stocked with 65 ~35-gram freshwater crayfish (Paranephrops zealandicus) in 2010. The pond was harvested at the end of each summer growing season from 2012 to 2016. All crayfish >45grams were measured and removed, while all smaller crayfish and berried females were measured and released back into the pond. The number of crayfish <45 grams captured on each harvest year increased from 11 (2012) to 232 (2016). The number of crayfish >45 grams captured each year ranged from 18 to 31 crayfish, with highest numbers caught in 2016. Similarly, the number of berried females caught each year ranged from four to ten, with the highest number caught in 2016. The size of berried females decreased from ~50grams (2013 and 2014) to ~32 grams (2016). There was no difference in the crayfish sex ratio over all harvest years (~45 to 55%). The data suggest that the current harvest model has created a high density and stunted population of freshwater crayfish. This finding may be related to a lack of food resource, since the majority of ~32-gram crayfish sourced from other high density ponds, grew to >45 grams after one growth season in new ponds. Suggested management approaches to address this issue include the reduction in juvenile crayfish density and biomass annually, and increasing the food resource through the planting of aquatic plants.

 

 

Day: 5, Session: 2, Talk: 1

The Use of a Traditional Māori Harvesting Method, the Tau Kōura, for Monitoring of Freshwater Crayfish (kōura, Paranephrops planifrons) Populations in the Te Arawa Lakes, New Zealand

Ian A. Kusabs

Freshwater crayfish (Paranephrops planifrons) are endemic to New Zealand where they are known locally by the Māori name ‘kōoura’. Kōura are an important component of lake food webs and support important customary fisheries for Māori in the Te Arawa lakes of New Zealand. Anecdotal evidence suggests that kōura populations have declined markedly since European settlement in the late 19^th Century. Environmental factors implicated in this decline include, introductions of exotic fish and plants and eutrophication. Until recently, there was a lack of quantitative information on kōura abundance and ecology that made it difficult for tribal and government agencies to manage kōura populations in the lakes. However, development and use of the tau kōura, a traditional Māori harvesting method, has led to a resurgence of research and monitoring on lake-kōura populations. This method involves the placement of bracken fern bundles on the lake bed for kōura to take refuge in. It has advantages as a monitoring tool over conventional methods, as it samples all kōura size classes, can be used in turbid waters and at a wide range of depths, and does not require expensive equipment or specialised expertise. The tau kōura is now the principal method used to collect data on kōura populations in the Te Arawa and Taupō lakes. It has been used to determine environmental factors influencing kōura abundance and distribution, in the development of sustainable fisheries regulations, and in resource management decision-making.

 

 

Day: 5, Session: 2, Talk: 2

New Advances in Astacid Juvenile Feeding Research: Development of Practical Diets

José M. Carral, Fuertes JB, Celada JD and Sáez-Royuela M

The drastic reduction of wild populations during the last five decades due to crayfish plague, loss of habitat and pollution, has led to growing interest on development of astacid crayfish culture in Europe. Production of juvenile crayfish under controlled conditions would increase the possibilities of success in both restocking programs and crayfish supply for human consumption. Considering that the first period of exogenous feeding is the most critical factor for further survival and growth, our research group has formulated and developed a specific practical diet for juvenile astacid, which allows for acceptable results. Drawing on this diet, experiments to determine the optimal protein content were carried out. Fish meal is the main protein ingredient used in aquaculture but it is widely recognized that fisheries pressure on wild stocks to cover its increasing demand is unsustainable. For this reason, the possibilities of replacement of fishmeal by alternative protein sources (soybean protein, pea protein concentrate poultry byproduct meal and feather meal). After periods between 80 and 100 days from the onset of exogenous feeding, good survival rates (mean around 74% in grouped animals) and growth were obtained.

 

 

Day: 5, Session: 2, Talk: 3

Identify Factors Influencing the Variability of Survivorship of Juvenile Redclaw Crayfish Cherax quadricarinatus

Damian Rigg

Aquaculture production of redclaw has shown great promise for a number of years but has failed to live up to its promise due to high variability in survival and growth and therefore inconsistency in commercial outcomes and yields. Recently there has been some work done to intensify aspects of the industry and develop a hatchery system to produce consistent high quality craylings for stocking out into ponds. We now need to look at the techniques and procedures that will provide reliable production of hatchery-reared craylings, that in turn support predictable yields and survivorship through grow out. My PhD research will focus on the hatchery production of craylings and subsequent nursery phase to produce advanced juveniles. I will examine: dietary requirements, feeding husbandry, feeding morphology, temperature, stocking density, and intraspecific predation factors. In this first study the aim was to identify the dietary requirements which optimise the numbers of juvenile crayfish produced in a hatchery environment and their subsequent survivorship. Feeding redclaw from the 2nd post-hatch moult (crayling) is thought to promote growth and better survivorship through the subsequent juvenile stages. We tested a manufactured diet developed by CSIRO based on the broad body of nutrient requirement information in the literature, against three other commonly used crayling feeds i.e. blood worms, frozen Artemia and commercial post larval shrimp feed. Data and analyses of survival and growth over 4 weeks are presented.

 

 

Day: 5, Session: 3, Talk: 1

KEY NOTE: Crayfish Conservation in the Alps: Strategies and Lessons Learnt

Leopold Füreder

Crayfish have played a significant role in the social and cultural activities of Europe since the Middle Ages, today however, native populations have disappeared or are highly threatened. Also in the Alpine countries, the autochthonous crayfish Astacus astacus, Austropotamobius pallipes and A. torrentium have been exposed to various threats and their populations still are strongly decreasing, mostly as a consequence of human activities. Several species protection programs have been carried out in different areas of the Alps implementing measures to enhance the situation of the indigenous species. This study aimed at documenting these activities for the support of the three autochthonous and endangered crayfish species. As these measures are being applied on three different species, in several states with different legislation, we reviewed and compared the specific management plans for crayfish conservation. Most had in common a comprehensive survey of the species’ distribution in the regions, their populations’ phenotypical and genotypical characterization, their habitat conditions and threats as well as suggestions for their protection. Based on these data, species and country specific conservation measures where summarized and now, after several years of the implementation of these programs evaluated on their success and deficits.

 

 

Day: 5, Session: 3, Talk: 2

People's Perception of Crayfish

Bram Koese

Different audiences in The Netherlands were invited to ‘draw a crayfish’ at the beginning of a lecture. On average, people mentally reproduce crayfish with 7.04 legs (range: 0-14) and 1.67 clawed legs (range: 0-8). However, there seems to be consistent variation in perception between different groups of people (e.g., children, men and women). Various concepts of a crayfish will be discussed. Other than aqcuiring drawings and data, asking people to draw crayfish can significantly increase the interest in your lecture.

 

 

Day: 5, Session: 3, Talk: 3

Effects of Flood-control Impoundments on Community Assemblages of Stream Crayfish

Zanethia C. Barnett

Over half of the world’s rivers have seen changes in the magnitude and timing of flows due to water regulation and increased water usage, affecting the diversity and abundance of stream organisms. I tested whether flood-control impoundments altered crayfish assemblage up and downstream of impoundments in two impounded creeks (Little Bear and Cedar creeks) and one unimpounded creek (Rock Creek) northern Alabama, USA. Crayfish and fish were sampled and physiochemical variables were measured at 6 - 8 sites along each creek in 2015. Crayfish abundance and diversity (species richness) differed between impounded and unimpounded creeks, as well as up and downstream of impoundments. Catch-per-unit-effort (CPUE) of Orconectes validus was higher in Rock Creek than impounded creeks in both the spring and fall. Upstream of impoundments also showed higher CPUE of Orconectes erichsonianus than sites downstream. In Rock Creek, crayfish diversity at the site furthest downstream was significantly greater than at the three furthest upstream sites. There was no difference in the diversity at similar distances up and downstream of impounded creeks, except the furthest up and downstream sites in Little Bear Creek (p<0.05), with diversity being greater downstream. Fish predators of crayfish were significantly greater in impounded than unimpounded creeks. Water temperatures and percent dissolved oxygen were higher in impounded than unimpounded creeks. Turbidity was higher downstream than upstream of impoundments. Crayfish diversity and abundance in thousands of stream kilometers are being affected by dams, which will influence freshwater and riparian ecosystems by impacting the important functions that crayfish provide.

 

 

Day: 5, Session: 3, Talk: 4

The Conservation of the White-clawed crayfish, Austropotamobius pallipes in South West England

Jen Nightingale

The white-clawed crayfish, Austropotamobius pallipes (Lereboullet 1858) has suffered severe declines within the South West of England. One of the main threats is due to the invasive signal crayfish Pacifastacus leniusculus (Dana 1852), which was introduced into UK crayfish farms in the mid 1970’s. In response to this decline, The South West Crayfish Partnership (SWCP) was formed in 2008; comprising Bristol Zoological Society, Buglife, Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (Cefas), the Environment Agency and Wildlife Trusts. The SWCP implements landscape scale, strategic conservation for A. pallipes, in an attempt to safeguard the future of this species in South West England. The conservation effort has four main strands: (1) Ark sites: safe refuges established throughout the South West, for translocation of a proportion of the most highly threatened whiteclawed crayfish populations; (2) Crayfish captive breeding facility: established at Bristol Zoo, which provides plague-free A. pallipes brood stock for ark site release, reintroductions, research and outreach; (3) Communication strategy: running in tandem with the other two elements, targeting key audiences such as anglers, restaurants, students, school children and zoo visitors; and (4) Invasive crayfish control: Cefas have spent the past two decades developing a variety of techniques to control the invasive crayfish species within the UK. This presentation will cover the key elements of the conservation programme, evaluating its success to date and the impact it has made to preserving white-clawed crayfish within South West England.

 

 

Day: 5, Session: 3, Talk: 5

Conserving White-clawed crayfish Austropotamobius pallipes in an Upland Catchment in Yorkshire, A Case Study

Stephanie Peay

White-clawed crayfish were abundant throughout the catchment of the River Ribble in northwest England until an outbreak of crayfish plague caused the loss of the population in most of the catchment. Some relict fragments of population survived in semi-isolated areas and show signs of recovering. Restocking was carried out successfully in one tributary and another stocking carried out to establish an ‘ark site’ population in an isolated part of the catchment. The reintroduced population expanded to approximately 4 km range in six years, with an expanding peak abundance detected by trapping four years after stocking. In another tributary initial stocking too high up in the headwaters was unsuccessful and necessitated restocking further downstream in a stretch with lower gradient and more flow. Future constraints and opportunities are discussed.

 

 

Day: 5, Session: 4, Talk: 1

The Future of Endangered Austropotamobius torrentium (Schrank 1803) in the Light of Protected Areas and Habitat Fragmentation: A Case Study from the Carpathians

Lucian Pârvulescu, Iorgu EI, Satmari A, Zaharia C, Drǎguț L, Krapal AM, Popa OP and Popa LO

Fragmentation is one of the most challenging issues in conservation ecology. The aim of this work fits within the goal to find reliable methods for its assessment in freshwater habitats through a case study on the endangered stone crayfish, Austropotamobius torrentium (Schrank 1803). We focused on 17 populations in the Danube basin, from which 297 individuals were sampled and genotyped. Genetic variation and genetic structure were analysed based on 5 polymorphic DNA microsatellite loci. By following rivers linearity, the connectivity between the populations was assessed by determining the geographical distance. Next, based on ecological data from the known populations in Romanian Carpathians, we built an ecological model in order to find the most suitable predictors describing the species distribution. We developed a Random Forest model with catchment CORINE land-cover (as a surrogate for habitat quality), slope, altitude and mean multiannual temperature as predictors. We used this model to predict the species occurrence to the entire river network connecting the target populations, thus obtaining a third type of distance, an ecological one. Only one population showed significant deviation from Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium. Genetic variation, expressed by mean expected heterozygosity (HE) ranged between 0.422 and 0.752. AMOVA analyses show that the diversity between populations corresponds to 44% of total variability. High levels of genetic differentiation among populations were confirmed by high average FST and RST values (0.2896 and 0.4856 respectively). We found the best explanation of the inadvertences between molecular and geographical distances was provided by the ecological component, thus highlighting the importance of ecological approaches in the assessment of fragmentation. This case study points out a practical method for the assessment of ecological fragmentation, and also suggests that the communication pathways for freshwater organisms are of high importance for the preservation of diversity in populations.

 

 

Day: 5, Session: 4, Talk: 2

Environmental Education and Awareness, Fundamental Tool in the Conservation of the Native Crayfish

Núria Valls, Llamas S and Comas O

The Association of Defence and Study of Native Fauna & Flora (ADEFFA) runs a conservation program of the native crayfish in the Llobregat river basin since 2005, including the study of populations, captive breeding, repopulation, removing invasive species, land custody contracts, habitat preservation and environmental education. All activities within the conservation program run from the Generalitat de Catalunya. ADEFFA believes that environmental education is an essential tool in the conservation of the native crayfish, especially in the fight against the spread of invasive crayfish species. The main objective of ADEFFA’s environmental education program is to present the risk factors that threat native crayfish populations and how people can contribute to their conservation. The activities are focused to general public, schools, and specific groups such as fishermen, hikers, etc. A highlight of the activities that has been under development for 5 years is the “Day of the invading crab catch at Merlès River. Has a main purpose, which is the environmental awareness of the participants related to the introduction of invasive crayfish species. Explaining how this species affect native crayfish, how invasive species deteriorate river ecosystems and the need for public to collaborate not expanding invasive species are the main goals of the date. Two or three dates are held annually. The activity takes place overnight and it is aimed at all ages. The result is a great success of participation, more tan 200 persons per event, a high disclosure in nearby villages and around 25000 crabs caught (mainly American signal crayfish) since 2010. A pioneering experience that is worth to be known.

 

Poster Presentations

 

 

POSTER 1

Adaptive Response to Early Dominance of an Acute Invader? A Case Study of Native Crayfish

Lele S-F and Pârvulescu L

Successful invasive species compete for the same existing resources with related native species, frequently driving the latter to the cusp of extinction because of a lack of adaptive response. In this paper we analysed the behavioural relationships between two species of crayfish, the native Astacus leptodactylus and the invasive Orconectes limosus in an ongoing invasion process in the Lower Danube. We tested the species’ ability to acquire food and shelter in laboratory experiments in both intra and interspecific confrontations. Moreover, we extended the investigation in the field by collecting biometrical data from crayfish individuals in old, new and non-invaded Danube sectors in order to compare the crayfish body fitness. The innate aggressive behaviour of the invasive crayfish reveals a pattern directed even towards its congeners, while the native species displays a more tolerant conspecific behaviour. With respect to interspecific confrontation, the invasive crayfish males and females exhibited prone sex-specific dominance behaviour regarding shelters. A roughly balanced behaviour was noticed for intersexual confrontations, larger specimens being slightly more dominant. The results of this study also highlight that the occupancy of a shelter is more disputed than food resources, which appear to be opportunistically achieved. Field data revealed better body fitness indexes in non-invaded sites but also in growing populations in old invaded Danube sector. Considering those results, we hypothesise that the stress caused by dominance might lead to acute decrease of the invaded native populations biological quality and thus increasing the incidence of the crayfish plague which consequently resulted in the declines. Further investigations may reveal if there is any hope for recovery of the native species.

 

 

POSTER 2

Crayfish Epibionts Branchiobdella sp. on the Stone Crayfish in the Czech Republic

Vlach P and ŠrámkováL

This contribution evaluates the occurrence of crayfish epibionts Branchiobdella inhabiting stone crayfish in the Czech Republic. The study was conducted in 8 localities (from app. 40 known localities), respecting its natural range in the country. In total, we determined 723 individuals of 4 species: Brynchiobdella pentodonta,/i>, B. hexodonta, B. parasita and B. astaci. B. pentodonta dominated (403 ind.) in the whole sample, and also B. parasite,/i> occurred frequently (316 ind.). On the other hand, B. hexodonta was recorded only three times and B. astaci only once in the left tributary of Novosedlský brook in Upper Palatine Forest. The most variable locality was Huníkovský brook with 3 recorded Branchiobdella species - B. parasita, B. pentodonta and B. hexodonta, whose occurrence was recorded only in this stream. B. parasita was mostly the dominant species, or occurred equally to B. pentodonta in the stream Chýlava. On the contrary, in Zubrina, the abundance of B. pentodonta prevailed. The highest abundance of Branchiobdella sp. was recorded in Zubrina (17 ind. per one crayfish on average), conversely the lowest number in Medvedí brook was observed (0.3 ind. per crayfish). Moreover, we found out that B. pentodonta significantly preferred its position on crayfish chelae, whereas B. parasita inhabited the whole crayfish body equally, except for chelae. The last findings could correspond with interspecific competition between both species.

 

 

POSTER 3

White-clawed Crayfish (Austropotamobius pallipes) Endangered Species Sampling Methods: Efficiency and Disruptions in the Balance

Olarte N, García-Arberas L and Alvaro A

The distribution of Austropotamobius pallipes in Biscay (Basque Country) is being increasingly restricted. After crayfish plague and the effects of many further threats, this specie is found in small headwater creeks away from the main streams. The species inhabits in small populations, generally isolated and fluctuating number of individuals. The main characteristic of these river stretches with a little flow is that they do not allow trap sampling methodology and so, other methods based on night viewing are used to get data to calculate population estimates. Two small rivers were sampled for 5 years. In this study, we have compared the values obtained by night viewing from river-bank (CPUEs) with manual searching on one pass (CPUEc). We have also correlated these methods with the estimate population size obtained by Removal method (ABUNDANCE). Both indirect estimates were highly correlated with ABUNDANCE, being stronger CPUEs-ABUNDANCE relationship (p=0.80; R2 =0.64) than CPUEc-ABUNDANCE one (p=0.67; R2 = 0.46). Night viewing is an acceptable strategy for population estimates without a direct interaction with the individuals. This strategy may optimize sampling, as it lets increasing the efficiency in effort and time and minimizing the perturbation generated with catching activity.

 

 

POSTER 4

PIT Tagging Effect on Noble Crayfish (Astacus astacus L.) Survival

Kaldre K and T Paaver

A laboratory experiment was conducted to assess the potential impacts of 1.5 X 7 mm passive integrated transponder (PIT) tags on survival of noble crayfish (Astacus astacus L.). 30 noble crayfish (mean TL 96.9 ± 4.4 mm, 26 females and 4 males) were internally implanted with PIT tags and were kept together with untagged (as control) 30 crayfish (mean TL 96.0 ± 5.4 mm, 23 females and 7 males) in three 1 m³ tanks (10 tagged and 10 untagged crayfish in each) and maintained for 219 days at room temperature with a light regime of 16 h: 8h LD. 31 noble crayfish originated from a natural lake and 29 noble crayfish originated from a crayfish farm. 90% of tagged crayfish and 77% of untagged crayfish died during the experiment. The highest survival rate (30%) was observed in the third tank where the mean TL (93.4 ± 4.9 mm) was smaller than in the first (97.6 ± 3.0 mm) and in the second tank (98.5 ± 5.0 mm) where the survival rates were 10%. All survived crayfish originated from the crayfish farm. We can assume that smaller crayfish tolerate tagging better and the farmed crayfish survive better than wild ones.

 

 

POSTER 5

Mate Choice in Spiny-cheek Crayfish (Orconectes limosus, Rafinesque 1817): Females Prefer Males from the Same Population, Males not

Kubec J, Kouba A, Kozák P and Buřič M

Investigating of different effects on mate choice belong to major principles in behavioural and ecological studies. The mate choice is often based on recognition of conspecifics and social experiences (e.g. hierarchy, aggression or fighting), which play important roles in decision-making. In crayfish, it is known that females, which have large energy cost, are more choosy than males. We analysed mate selection of the spiny-cheek crayfish (Orconectes limosus) in the laboratory conditions. Our objective was to explore the effect of different origin of individuals (three geographically separated populations) on preference in mate choice. Both sexes were divided into triad groups (male with a familiar and unfamiliar female; female with a familiar and unfamiliar male). Our results suggest that spiny-cheek crayfish females choose mates from the familiar population, whereas males do not exhibit any specific preference between conspecifics from all. Our study offers information around reproductive behaviour that previous experience enables invertebrate females to easier decision making. While the males confirmed hypothesis about lesser selectivity. This study has the potential for future research on the largely overlooked field of mate choice in invertebrates.

 

 

POSTER 6

Epifauna on Freshwater Crayfish (Crustacea: Decapoda) in Croatia

Dražina T, Maguire I, Korša A, Špoljar M and Klobučar G

The crustacean exoskeleton is well known substratum for associate species - epibionts. During 2014 and 2015, we have studied epifauna on six different freshwater crayfish species collected from continental and mediterranean regions of Croatia (Europe). Four of them are autochthonous (Astacus astacus, Astacus leptodactylus, Austropotamobius pallipes, Austropotamobius torrentium) and two allochthonous invasive species (Pacifastacus leniusculus and Procambarus fallax f. virginalis). The epibiont samples were collected from the exoskeleton surface and from the crayfish gill cavity. The aims of this research were: (i) to analyse epifaunal assemblage on different freshwater crayfish and (ii) to compare epifauna among different crayfish populations, especially between autochthonous and allochthonous species. A total of 44 different epifaunal taxa were recorded. The most abundant group was Ciliophora, with Vorticella campanula and Epistylis sp. as the most frequent taxa. Rotifera was the most diverse group and 16 different taxa were identified. Four rotifer species (Lepadella astacicola, L. branchiola, L. parasitica and Dicranophorus hauerianus) were determinated as specific inhabitants of certain crayfish species and these rotifers were found exclusively on autochthonous species. Branchiobdellidans were constant crayfish epibionts, and for the first time the North American species Xirogiton victoriensis has been recorded in Croatia. Representatives from Catenulida, Gastrotricha, Nematoda, Bivalvia, Hirudinea, Tardigrada, Crustacea, Hydrachnidia and Chironomidae were also recorded as epibionts on freshwater crayfish. Results of this study suggested the separation of epifaunal assemblage between autochthonous and allochthonous crayfish, as well as the separation of epifauna among autochthonous species. Our results indicate highly diverse, complex and specific epifaunal assemblage on different crayfish populations. Thus, multiple relationships between crayfish host and epibionts will be the topic of further studies.

 

 

POSTER 7

The stone crayfish in the czech republic: lost-and-found in last seven years

Vlach P, Fischer D and Svobodová J

Within the period 2012-2015, an intensive research concerning: 1. mapping the occurrence of stone crayfish; 2. monitoring of presently known populations; 3. an evaluation of ecological demands of this species, was carried out. This contribution focuses on newly described localities, losses of some populations, and populations affected by a dramatic decrease in population densities in some localities. Moreover, the contribution introduces a hypothesis or/and particular reasons for that decrease or extinction. The extinction in Úpor brook and Hýskovský brook has already been published; recently we have recorded the following losses: Zákolanský brook, Bertínský brook, Vlcí brook, Kornatický brook, Hrádecký brook, and Medvedí brook. Whereas the combination of crayfish plague and (probably) low water quality caused the total mortality in lower part of the Zákolanský brook, crayfish plague outbreak killed crayfish in Kornatický and Hrádecký brook in 2015. Conversely, there was a lethal concentration of BOD5 in Vlcí brook. Also dramatic droughts in 2015 influenced the population densities in Chocenický and Prešínský brook. The mass mortality in Klabava was caused by a combination of stream acidification and toxic metal accumulation. The reasons for other losses are mostly speculative. On the other hand, within the mapping campaign, we found more than 10 new populations of stone crayfish. Nevertheless, the newly recorded occurrences correspond with a present range of this species in the Czech Republic.

 

 

POSTER 8

Fine Structure of the Spermatozoon in Three Species of (Arthropoda: Crustacea: Decapoda) Cambarus robustus, Orconectes propinquus and Orconectes rusticus: A Comparative Biometrical Study

Yazicioglu B, Hamr P, Kozák P, Kouba A and Niksirat H

The ultrastructure of spermatozoa in three species of cambarid crayfish, including Cambarus robustus, Orconectes propinquus, and Orconectes rusticus were studied and compared with eight previously studied species from different crayfish families using morphological features and biometrical data. The ultrastructure of spermatozoa show a generally conserved pattern including an acrosome and nucleus in the anterior and posterior parts of the cell, respectively, radial arms that wrap around the nucleus, and the whole cell is enclosed by an extracellular capsule. The most outstanding morphological feature in spermatozoa of three studied cambarid crayfish is the crest-like protrusions in the anterior part of the acrosome that can be used as one of the features for distinguishing the members of this family. Results of biometrical data reveal that acrosome size in the representatives of Parastacidae are the smallest, while representatives of Astacidae show the biggest acrosome. The acrosome size in species belonging to Cambaridae occupy an intermediate position between the two other families of freshwater crayfish. In conclusion, a combination of morphological features and biometrical data of spermatozoa can provide an effective tool to distinguish different species of the freshwater crayfish.

 

 

POSTER 9

Metabolic Rate of Cambarellus montezumae (Crustacea: Cambaridae): Effects of Size and Seasonal Changes

Latournerié-Cervera JR, García-Padilla GM, and Estrada-Ortega AR

The measurement of metabolic rate is a key element of a species energy balance. The evaluation of respiratory metabolism in natural conditions, allows us to know the energy requirement of the animal for different processes including growth, activity, reproduction, among others. The objective of this study was to know the element (R) of the energy budget equation: C = P+R+F+U (IBP, 1968) in Cambarellus montezumae, during hot rainy season (May – August) and transitional months (September – October) in the area of study. Recently collected samples of crayfish (n=15) representing small, medium and large sizes of both sexes were employed in respirometry experiments, using a closed respirometer. The temperature and water quality were similar to the conditions of the sampling site. Two measurement periods were used: (noon and evening). Average routine metabolic rate was used for comparisons (QO₂: mg O₂/g. dry weight/h) and was converted to cal/g.dw/day using the Q_ox=3.31 cal/mgO₂ (Brafield & Solomon, 1972). Comparisons for size and month were made by ANOVA factorial (3 X 6) and Tukey test post hoc (p<0.05). Significant differences were obtained by month and size. QO₂ was similar between the months of the rainy season, with a temperature average range of (22.3 ± 1.6°C) and had a significant decrease (p<0.05) in October. Relationships of QO₂ – WW were calculated for all months using a potential model. We discuss results in relation to energy requirements of the species for growth and reproduction and its potential use for intensive management.

 

 

POSTER 10

The Impact of Streetlights on an Aquatic Invasive Species: Artificial Light at Night Alters Signal Crayfish Behaviour

Thomas JR, James J, Newman RC, Riley WD, Griffiths SW and Cable J

Artificial light at night (ALAN) can alter the behaviour, communication and orientation of animals, and could interact with other stressors to affect biodiversity. Invasive, non-native species are one of the largest threats to freshwater biodiversity; however, the impact of ALAN on such species is unknown. This study assessed the effects of ALAN at ecologically relevant levels on the behaviour of a globally widespread invasive species, the signal crayfish (Pacifastacus leniusculus). Crayfish were exposed to periods of daylight, control (<0.1 lx) and street-lit nights to test two hypotheses: (1) signal crayfish under natural conditions are nocturnal animals and (2) ALAN reduces the duration of crayfish activity and intraspecific interactions, whilst increasing their propensity to use shelter. Our results confirm that signal crayfish are largely nocturnal, showing peak activity and interaction levels during control nights, whilst taking refuge during daylight hours. However, when exposed to ecologically relevant simulated light pollution from a streetlight at night, activity and interactions with conspecifics were significantly reduced, whilst time spent sheltering increased. Global anthropogenic changes such as ALAN may alter the life history traits and behaviour of invasive species and ultimately influence their impact on invaded ecosystems. The results of the present study suggest that ALAN could reduce the success of signal crayfish in urban areas, by drastically reducing their nocturnal activity. This study is the first to show an impact of ALAN on the behaviour of an invasive, non-native species, and provides information for the management of invasive crayfish in areas where ALAN is prevalent.

 

 

POSTER 11

Life History and Population Ecology of Signal Crayfish, the New Invader in Northern Italy

Ghia D, Fea G, Gruppuso L, Bo T, Candiotto A, Fenoglio S and Sacchi R

The occurrence of the signal crayfish Pacifastacus leniusculus in the Valla stream, north-western Italy, was one of the first reports of this invasive alien species in Italy. Since 2009 signal crayfish was spreading upstream from the artificial lake formed by a dam for hydroelectric purpose. We studied the signal crayfish population in this novel environment by trapping sessions during a year. Five sampling sites were located along the invaded range of the Valla stream, along more than 10 km. At each site, six baited traps were set once a month for two days, from April 2015 to March 2016. All signal crayfish were removed from the watercourse. Crayfish were sexed, weighted and the following morphometric parameters were measured: total length (TL), and cephalothorax length (CL). We trapped overall 433 females (mean TL: 84.7 mm) and 428 males (mean TL: 85.5 mm). Crayfish activity was correlated with water temperature. Egg-bearing females occurred from early November and hatching in late May. Sex ratio was about 1:1 in all sites except the most downstream one, where females were more abundant; and more females were caught during summer months. Crayfish TL and condition factor fluctuated during the year, but both decreased significantly moving upstream. Management actions should be promoted to limit its spreading overall within watercourses potentially suitable.

 

 

POSTER 12

Analysis of Abundance, Fecundity and Allometric Relationships from Cambarellus montezumae Females During an Annual Cycle

Latournerié-Cervera JR, García-Padilla GM, Estrada-Ortega AR and Arana-Magallón F

Cambarellus montezumae population at Xochimilco, Mexico City, is in serious problems of disappearance. This species was highly appreciated and it was regularly consumed as part of the diet of the Xochimilcas and Mexican people. Nowadays, crayfish is very scarce in this area. As a part of a collaboration research, UNAM and UAM universities have undertaken the project of assessment and rescue of native species in the area of Xochimilco. In this study, we analyze the female population of C. montezumae during an annual cycle. 42 berried females were collected in ten months of sampling (January – October). Abundance varied significantly by sampling month (p<0.05). 76.2% of females were collected during hot rainy season (April – August). Description and analysis of these females were made through: total and cephalothorax length, (TL and CTL). Large and width of abdomen, wet weight, ovigerous mass weight and number of eggs. Minimum, maximum and average values for TL, WW and number of eggs were: (28.31, 43.21, 34.5) mm, (0.58, 1.91, 0.99) g, and 13, 150 and 46.9 eggs respectively. Distributions of TL and WW were positive skewness. Allometric relationships were calculated for WW – TL (potential model, r²=0.93), CTL – TL (linear model, r²=0.86). Fecundity – TL was positive correlated (r=0.68, p<0.05). Also positive and significant correlations (p<0.05), were obtained for abdomen width and length – TL and female abundance – temperature. Ovigerous mass weight was higher on April and number of eggs per female was bigger on September. We discuss results in relation to scarcity of berried females, the decrease in the number of eggs per female, the size of first maturity, and anthropogenic impacts in the study area.

 

 

POSTER 13

Some Aspects of the Dynamic Population of a Mexican Crayfish Species, Cambarellus montezumae (Saussure) from Xochimilco

Latournerié-Cervera JR, García-Padilla GM, Estrada-Ortega AR and Arana-Magallón F

At Xochimilco's Lake, still remains a wild population of Cambarellus montezumae crayfish. This population has been declining in the last decades, because of fragmentation and loss of habitat, overexploitation, pollution, competition and predation by alien species. In this study, we analyze dynamic population of this species through indicators of abundance, meristic indexes (wet weight, WW; total length, TL; and cephalothorax length, CTL); frequency of TL distributions, cohort´s growth rate, sex ratio and allometric relationships in crayfishes of both sexes. A total of 1345 C. montezumae crayfish, were collected during a twelve-month sampling, at Xochimilco channels in 2011 annual cycle. W.W. varied between (.01 – 1.53) g, and TL (6.47 – 41.21) mm, significant differences (p<0.05) were found by sex and month. Abundance was higher during hot rainy season (April – August). Significant differences were detected in total sex ratio population (Female:Male) being almost (2:1). Allometric relationships: WW- TL and WW - CTL - were better adjusted by a potential model, and CTL – TL by a linear model. Two cohorts were identified through the annual cycle (the one at April and second in August), and growth rate was calculated for both of them using TL frequency distributions. We discuss dynamic population of this species in relation to habitat changes and anthropogenic disturbances, which have led almost to its collapse and disappearance.

 

 

POSTER 14

Detection of Invasive Crayfish Populations by Environmental DNA in Fishponds from the Natural Park of Brenne

Mauvisseau Q, Coignet A, Delaunay C, Pinet F, Bouchon D and Souty-Grosset C

Environmental DNA (eDNA) is a powerful method for assessing the presence and the distribution of invasive aquatic species. We used this tool in order to detect and monitor several invasive crayfishes Procambarus clarkii, Orconectes limosus and Pacifastacus leniusculus,/i> present or likely to invade the fishponds of the Natural Regional Park of Brenne, one of the most important wetland in France and listed as an International RAMSAR wetland zone since 1991 We designed specific primers for each crayfish species, and set up an experimental aquarium approach to confirm the specificity of the primers and the sampling protocol. We analysed samples taken in the Natural Regional Park of Brenne in 2014 and 2015. The field experiment has proven the reliability of the eDNA detection method. Both experiments confirm that qPCR using SybrGreen protocol with the same primers give better reliable results that with TaqMan protocol. After optimization of the eDNA detection in water samples, it is concluded that sampling must be made during the main period of activity of crayfish, i.e. in summer. This method is a powerful tool for establishing the presence or absence of invasive species in the numerous ponds (more than 2000) in the National Regional Park of Brenne.

 

 

POSTER 15

Reproductive Cycle of the Marble Crayfish from an Established Population in Croatia

Cvitanić M, Hudina S and Maguire I

The marble crayfish (Procambarus fallax f. virginalis) is a relatively new non-indigenous crayfish species that has established populations in Europe. Until today, it is the only known decapod species with parthenogenetic reproduction. Established population of marble crayfish was recently discovered in a gravel pit in Northwest Croatia. Apart from parthenogenetic reproduction, the invasion success of this species stems from its early maturation, and higher fecundity compared to other crayfish species. Therefore, the aim of this study was to examine the year cycle of the marble crayfish in Croatia, and its potential (number of ovarian eggs) and realized fecundity (number of pleopodal eggs and juveniles). Our results show that all 140 examined individuals were reproductively active during the whole sampling period. Peaks of reproduction activity were recorded from September to November, when both individuals with pleopodal eggs or juveniles as well as individuals with ripe ovarian eggs were recorded. The smallest reproductively active female was 40.81 mm TL, while reproductive output increased with size (TL). The average number of ovarian eggs was 297. The average number of pleopodal eggs was 15% lower than the number of ovarian eggs, while number of juveniles attached to pleopods was reduced by 50% from ovarian egg count. This represents a lower brood loss compared to other crayfish species. Due to almost constant reproduction, early maturation and relatively high potential and realized fecundity in an established population in Croatia, the marble crayfish represents a major threat to the surrounding waterbodies and their native crayfish fauna.

 

 

POSTER 16

Assembly and Annotation of the Marbled Crayfish Genome

Gutekunst J, Falckenhayn C, Gatzmann F, Raddatz G and Lyko F

Marbled crayfish (Procambarus virginalis) are the only freshwater crayfish known to reproduce by cloning (apomictic parthenogenesis). Notably, among genetically identical offspring raised in the same environment distinct phenotypic differences can be observed. These characteristics render the marbled crayfish an interesting laboratory model. A prerequisite for introducing this triploid arthropod as a new model organism and focus of this thesis is the identification of its complete genome sequence. We experimentally determined the genome size at approximately 3.5 Gbp by k-mer analysis and flow cytometry. High coverage sequencing data (~70X) of one individual female was used for a first de novo draft assembly with a length weighted median scaffold size (N50) of 40 kb. Assessing genome completeness using the benchmarking software BUSCO we were able to identify 56% complete and 21% fragmented (out of 2675) conserved single-copy arthropod orthologs. Single nucleotide variations (SNP) analyses of four additionally sequenced individuals from different strains confirmed clonal reproduction and enabled us to describe genomic characteristics such as triploidity and common genotypes. By interspecies comparisons to the closest relative, the sexually reproducing Procambarus fallax, and preliminary automatic genome annotation of about 15,000 protein coding transcripts we found potential alterations in meiosis related genes. These findings provide new insights into mechanisms of parthenogenesis. Genomic data and manual curation services are, after registration, publicly accessible at our Marmorkrebs webserver (http://marmorkrebs.dkfz.de).

 

 

POSTER 17

North American Branchiobdellida (Annelida: Clitellata) or Crayfish Worms in France: The Greatest Diversity of These Alien Ectosymbionts in Europe

Parpet JF and Gelder SR

Over the last five years, biomonitoring of freshwater bodies resulted in alien crayfishes being collected from the Garonne, Loire, Seine and Rhône basins in France. These crayfishes (Pacifastacus leniusculus (Dana, 1852), Procambarus clarkii (Girard, 1952), Orconectes limosus (Rafinesque, 1817)) from North America also carried ectosymbionts of the order Branchiobdellida (Annelida, Clitellata) or crayfish worms. Initially we reported (Gelder et al., 2012) the distribution in France of Xironogiton victoriensis Gelder and Hall, 1990, Cambarincola gracilis Robinson, 1954 and Cambarincola okadai Yamaguchi, 1933 on the signal crayfish, P. leniusculus, indigenous to the Pacific Northwest of North America; additional information is included here. Signal crayfish found in the Seine basin also carried Triannulata magna Goodnight, 1940, and this is the first record of this species in Europe. Louisiana red swamp crayfish, Pr. clarkii, were collected in the Adour basin along with their endemic, Cambarincola mesochoreus Hoffman, 1963. This is the first report of both host and branchiobdellidan in France. A unique host/branchiobdellidan combination was discovered when western North American X. victoriensis was observed on eastern North American spiny cheek crayfish, Orconectes limosus (Rafinesque, 1817). Although France has the most reported alien branchiobdellidan species in Europe, a number of other countries also have established North American branchiobdellidan populations. The impact of these alien species on the endemic Branchiobdella spp. is unknown, but warrants concern and further study, besides investigating their impact on other invertebrates in the freshwater ecosystem.

 

 

POSTER 18

No Species Recognition Between Two Alien Crayfish Species?

Tricarico E, Coignet A and Souty-Grosset C

Crayfish rely on odours for finding a resource, detecting predators and recognizing species. Species that are not co-evolved could not chemically recognize each other. The red swamp crayfish Procambarus clarkii and the spinycheek crayfish Orconectes limosus, both native to North America where they occupy different areas, have coexisted in the “Parc Naturel Régional de la Brenne” (Centre Region, France) since 2007 but in different ponds. Behavioural observations were conducted in October 2014 and April 2015 to assess if P. clarkii and O. limosus are able to chemically recognize individuals of both sexes belonging to the same or other species. In experimental individual aquarium, records of behaviour of 20 Procambarus males and 20 Orconectes males were made of 3-min observation bouts for each of two sequential phases: (a) the “water” phase, following the introduction of 10 mL of well water, (b) the “smell” phase, following the introduction of 10 mL of well water conditioned by (1) P. clarkii male, (2) P. clarkii female, (3) O. limosus male and (4) O. limosus female odour. The time spent by each crayfish in locomotion and other activities (feeding, cleaning), and the time spent in one of three postures (raised, intermediate, or lowered) were recorded every 15 s. Crayfish seem able to recognize the conspecific of the same sex (males), and not the heterospecific, underlying the absence of species recognition in these two species that separately evolved.

 

 

POSTER 19

Invader showdown: interference competition between Orconectes immunis and Pacifastacus leniusculus

Wendler F and Chucholl C

Alien crayfish are among the most damaging invaders of European inland waters and changes in the crayfish fauna should be monitored prudently. Here, we investigated for the first time direct aggressive interactions and competition for shelter between alien calico crayfish, Orconectes immunis, and signal crayfish, Pacifastacus leniusculus, which are highly invasive in Central Europe. Specifically, we monitored bouts of interspecific 1:1 combinations in laboratory experiments and offered limited shelters in a similar setting. In size- and sex-matched combinations, O. immunis won significantly more interactions than P. leniusculus; however, O. immunis females were inferior to size-matched P. leniusculus males. Similarly, P. leniusculus males were dominant over 4 mm smaller O. immunis males in chelae size-matched bouts. Both species showed a similar affinity to the provided shelter, but O. immunis was dominant in the shelter competition experiments in both sexes. The dominance of O. immunis males in size-matched combinations may be related to their greater 'resource holding potential' due to larger chelae size than P. leniusculus males. Orconectes immunis females, however, featured similar sized chelae than size-matched P. leniusculus females, and their dominance can best be explained by higher inherent aggression of O. immunis. Based on these results, O. immunis can be expected to outcompete similar sized P. leniusculus. However, since the latter invader grows considerably larger than O. immunis, and gained dominance at a size advantage of 4 mm, outcomes of interactions in the field may be much more complex, presumably also due to contrasting life-history strategies.

 

 

POSTER 20

Novel Microsporidian Infection in the Japanese Endemic Crayfish Cambaroides japonicus

Pretto T, Tanaka, Diéguez-Uribeondo J and Kawai T

The endemic crayfish, Cambaroides japonicus (de Haan, 1841) is the only native crayfish species in Japan. The rapid decreasing of its native range, which comprises Hokkaido and the Northern Honshu, led the Environmental Agency in Japan to consider C. japonicus as an endangered species. During a monitoring survey on the distribution of C. japonicus,/i> in Hokkaido in 2011, a specimen with atypical whitish appearance of the abdominal musculature were observed in Lake Toyoni and porcelain disease (Thelohania sp.) has been suspected. A focused survey conducted in Lake Toyoni in 2013 revealed the presence of macroscopically affected crayfish with a prevalence of 6.3%. Ethanol fixed C. japonicus were analyzed and muscle samples for molecular analysis were taken from 8 affected specimens. The small subunit ribosomal DNA (SSU rDNA), amplified with generic microsporidian primers (Weiss and Vossbrinck, 1998), was sequenced and compared with other marine, freshwater and terrestrial Microsporidia. Histological analysis of the abdomen revealed high densities of ovoid single spores, not contained inside a sporophorous vescicle, in striated muscle cells of the pleonal extensor and flexor muscles. No spores were recorded in the intestinal musculature nor in the ventral ganglia. The affected muscle fibers were frequently surrounded by haemocytic infiltration and sporadic melanization. The phylogenetic analysis of the SSU rDNA placed this undescribed microsporidium between members of the class Marinosporidia (Vossbrinck and Debrunner-Vossbrinck, 2005), distant from the microsporidia of other European and Australian crayfish. Further studies are needed to describe the developmental stages and the ultrastructural features of this microsporidium.

 

 

POSTER 21

Genetic Diversity and Differentiation of Wild Populations and Captive Stocks of the Noble Crayfish (Astacus astacus L.) in Estonia

Gross R and Kaldre K

There are about 20 crayfish farms in Estonia which produce and sell noble crayfish for restocking and enhancement of natural waterbodies and/or for human consumption. So far, the origin of captive stocks and their genetic characteristics have not been studied and likewise, there is lack of information about genetic diversity and population structure in a wild. The aim of this study was to evaluate genetic diversity and population genetic structure of captive stocks and wild populations of the noble crayfish in Estonia. A total of 1923 individuals from six crayfish farms and 38 natural lakes and rivers in Estonia were analyzed using 19 polymorphic tetranucleotide repeat microsatellite markers. For comparison, two populations from Czech Republic were included. The results showed that Estonian noble crayfish populations were on an average less variable than the Czech populations and formed two clear genetic clusters according to their geographic origin (Island of Saaremaa and mainland Estonia). The captive stocks were genetically similar to the wild populations of the same region and displayed no significant loss of genetic variability. However, two captive stocks possessed increased levels of inbreeding. The results of the study will be used for improving conservation and management plans of the noble crayfish in Estonia.

 

 

POSTER 22

Positive Selection of Beautiful Invasives: Long-term Persistence and Bio-invasion Risk of Ornamental Crayfish

Chucholl C and Wendler F

Following a distinct peak interest to keep freshwater crayfish in home aquaria in the mid-2000s, the aquarium trade has become a novel introduction pathway for alien crayfish species in Central Europe. Here, we provide an update on the German ornamental crayfish trade approximately one decade after the `crayfish hype´ to explore the long-term implications in terms of bio-invasion risk. Specifically, species’ availability and potential invasiveness, as well as the determinants of availability were assessed. In July 2015, a total of 31 online shops offered 28 crayfish species, which represents a decline of 24% in species diversity compared to the late 2000s. In addition, the estimated rate of import of new species has considerably flattened and approaches pre-hype values (< 1 species · y^-1). However, the risk associated with the offered species, as assessed by a risk screening tool (FI-ISK), has not decreased compared to the late 2000s. Long-term availability in the trade (covering one decade) was primarily determined by bright coloration, the ability to reproduce under warm aquarium conditions, and a preference for lentic habitats. Species featuring such traits are likely to persist in the aquarium trade and include four high-risk species, most notably invasive and crayfish plague-carrying red swamp crayfish (Procambarus clarkii) and Marmorkrebs (Procambarus fallax f. virginalis). Persistent propagule pressure from aquaria has substantially contributed to the establishment of both species in Central Europe, stressing the need for effective pathway management.

 

 

POSTER 23

Presence of Branchiobdellida in Five Population of Native Crayfish in Northern Italy: Preliminary Results

Fea G, Ghia D, Mazza L, and R Sacchi

Branchiobdellid annelids are commensal symbionts associated with crayfish populations, knowledge of their dispersion and distribution is generally scarce. The aim of this research was to identify the species of Branchiobdella isolated on the crayfish in different populations, and the prevalence among the species. We collected white-clawed crayfish Austropotamobius pallipes complex during the autumn 2013 from five creeks in Northern Italy. Worms were removed by inserting one-sidedly crayfish into a container with salty water (35 ppt): 1-minute each for claw, abdomen and cephalothorax; then branchiobdellids were placed into separate vials. The branchiobdellids identified, were Branchiobdella italica, Branchiobdella parasita, Branchiobdella astaci, Branchiobdella hexodonta and Branchiobdella pentodonta. We also found coexsistence of two or more species of Branchiobdella on crayfish at the same location. 46% of worms were present on abdomen and 40% cephalothorax while 14% were on claw. In all the populations studied at least two species of worms were detected and one crayfish was found to support four species of Branchiobdella.

 

 

POSTER 24

Effect of Pharmaceuticals on Crayfish

Shaliutina O and Bláha M

The release of human pharmaceuticals and personal care products into aquatic ecosystems continues to be a serious environmental problem. There is a staggering list of pharmaceuticals that have been detected in surface water, groundwater and tap water. These compounds typically modify the physiology or behavior, of the intended target system, without lethal effect. The wide range of entry points into freshwater systems reaffirms that animals living within those habitats face continuous exposure to pharmaceuticals, even if only at low doses. Crayfish are a crucial invertebrate in freshwater ecosystems. They are omnivorous, and occupy a key position in the trophic web as both predator and prey. With the importance of crayfish to their ecosystems, the introduction of pollutants such as pharmaceuticals, could have negative effects to crayfish populations. For example, pharmaceuticals can cause a mediating aggressive behavior. It has been demonstrated that crayfish injected with serotonin (antidepressant) fights lasted considerably longer. Also, the lasting impact of pharmaceuticals leads to immune system function decline, which greatly increases the mortality rate. Moreover, they can slow down synthesize and release of hormones from the X-organ sinus complex, and thus influence molting, gonad development, water balance, blood glucose, etc. However, despite all data the impact of pharmaceuticals on particular developmental stages, mortality, growth rate and postembryonic development of crayfish had not yet been fully explored. Therefore, we provide an overview about the known effects of pharmaceuticals on crayfish and demonstrate that these effects could be quite multifaceted.

 

 

POSTER 25

Photoperiod Affects Light/Dark Preference and Exploratory Behaviour in Noble Crayfish (Astacus astacus)

Abeel T, Platteaux I, Roelant E, Adriaen J and Vervaecke H

Artificial day-night cycles are known to affect crayfish growth, behaviour and physiological stress levels in aquaculture. Based on the protocol by Fossat et al. (2015), who validated decreased exploratory behaviour and raised photophobia as stress-induced anxiety-like behaviours in Procambarus clarkii, we evaluated the effect of different photoperiods on noble crayfish activity and light/dark preference in an aquatic plus maze. We kept 135 two-summer-old crayfish in a recirculating aquaculture system and exposed them to five different photoperiods: hours light/dark (L:D) 0:24, 8:16, 12:12, 16:8 and 24:0. All animals had access to brushes and PVC pipes as shelters. After 144 days, the crayfish were submitted to the plus maze test. During a ten minute period, each individual’s location was scored every five seconds. Exploratory behaviour was assessed by quantifying the number of movements between different locations in the maze. Light/dark preference was determined by the time spent in the dark or lit arms. A linear mixed model for the different outcomes was fitted using tank as a random intercept and treatment as a fixed effect. Crayfish kept in 24L showed a higher amount of movements (43.6±4.3 mean±stdev) than individuals from all other treatments (ranging from 30.9±2.4 in L16:D8 down to 23.3±3.3 in L12:D12, p=0.0004). They also spent more time in the lit arms of the maze (43.40±1.74%) than animals from the 24D treatment (25.07±4.22%) (p=0.040). These results show that continuous light stimulates exploratory behaviour and continuous darkness causes more neophobia towards lit areas.

 

 

POSTER 26

The River Barle Signal Crayfish Project: Assessing the Potential of Male Sterilisation as a Signal Crayfish Control Technique

Green N, Stebbing P, Bentley M, Andreou D and Lane M-R

This poster will present the methods and results to date of the River Barle Signal Crayfish Project which aims to test the effectiveness of a Sterile Male Release Technique in controlling signal crayfish on a 1.5km stretch of the River Barle Site of Special Scientific Interest, south west England, UK, between 2015 and 2017. The methodology consists of the intensive trapping and removal of all crayfish apart from dominant males (above 40mm carapace length) which are manually sterilised (vasectomised) and returned to the river. Two types of trap are used, standard funnel traps and novel artificial refuge traps which have proved far more effective and less biased than funnel traps. Detailed sampling of crayfish density, fish and invertebrates is taking place in the study area and a control site throughout and beyond the trial period. Laboratory experiments are investigating various aspects of mating behaviour including mate choice and female monoandry. The results feed into a PhD study guided by Bournemouth University, the Centre for Environment, Fisheries Aquaculture Science (CEFAS) and the Environment Agency. Trapping is being carried out by a group of 40 volunteers, many of them local people with an interest in the river. If the method is successful, the project aims to pass ownership on to local stakeholders so it can be continued over the long term without relying on external funding - a trial of this approach is also underway.

 

 

POSTER 27

Eradicating Signal Crayfish with a Biocide: What Worked, What Didn’t

Peay S

In its introduced range in Europe signal crayfish Pacifastacus leniusculus has become invasive, with impacts on indigenous crayfish and other fauna. Where a new population is detected while it is still localised there is the potential to carry out a biocide treatment to try to eradicate the population. During 2004 to 2012 six treatments with natural pyrethrum have been carried out in Scotland and England, followed by intensive monitoring for five years to determine outcome. Results show there were two confirmed successes and one probable (after three years monitoring, ongoing) and three sites where complete eradication was not achieved. Treatments and relevant factors are outlined and key lessons learned.

 

 

POSTER 28

Management of the Native White-clawed Crayfish, Austropotamobius pallipes, in the Province of Girona

Montserrat J, Macias M and Torres F

The native white-clawed crayfish (Austropotamobius pallipes) was a species commonly found in most watercourses in the basins of the rivers Fluvià, Ter and Muga until the end of the 1970s, when the crayfish plague Aphanomyces astaci arrived, a water mould that led to the disappearance of almost all the populations in these river basins. The white-clawed crayfish populations are currently found in second-order or larger seasonal rivers and fast-flowing streams where, due to some kind of natural barrier (drought in the lower reaches of the watercourse, cliffs, etc.), the fungus was unable to grow. Moreover, during the 1990s, the red swamp crayfish (Procambarus clarkii) population expanded rapidly in the basin and the situation became far worse, since the North American species is both a carrier of the crayfish plague and resistant to this fungal disease. Later, the signal crayfish (Pacifastacus leniusculus) arrived in the Ter River and the spinycheek crayfish (Orconectes limosus) arrived in the Muga River Basin, both species being carriers of the pathogen Aphanomyces astaci. This situation means relict populations of the white-clawed crayfish cannot expand and are forced to survive in the most inaccessible seasonal rivers and fast-flowing streams, facing the danger of a new outbreak of crayfish plague.