Meeting Abstract

132-1  Sunday, Jan. 8 10:15 – 10:30  Chronic impairment of cardiorespiratory function and swim performance of red drum (Sciaenops ocellatus) following acute exposure to naturally weathered crude oil JOHANSEN, JL*; ESBAUGH, AJ; University of Texas Marine Science Institute; University of Texas Marine Science Institute jacob.johansen@utexas.edu http://goo.gl/NvyvhC

Acute exposure to crude oil can significantly impair swim performance and cardiorespiratory function of larval and juvenile fish; however, little is known about the capacity for recovery. Red drum is a commercially important apex predator native to the Gulf of Mexico which was directly exposed to the 2010 Deep Horizon oil spill. Here we examine recovery from exposure to naturally weathered oil-water accommodated fractions. We focused on swimming performance, aerobic scope (ASc), and the capacity to repay oxygen debt following exhaustive exercise (EPOC), which are critical for success of all life stages of fishes. Swimming performance and ASc determine the capacity to hunt prey and evade predators, while EPOC determine the capacity to rapidly repeat these activities. All performance measures were compromised after a 24h critical exposure causing a 10-13% reduction in swimming performance and 18% reduction in ASc. No signs of recovery were found up to six weeks’ post-exposure.