Meeting Abstract

36.4  Sunday, Jan. 5 08:45  Environmental Impact on hemic neoplasia, growth and reproductive output in the softshell clam (Mya arenaria). BOETTGER, S.A.; West Chester University aboettger@wcupa.edu

Hemic neoplasia a disease in bivalve mollusks characterized by highly mitotic hemocytes is one of the six most destructive molluscan diseases. Efforts to link the onset of this fatal disease to environmental or physiological factors have depended on data collected from natural populations, generally following a catastrophic event. Studies documenting chronic neoplasia development are needed due to changes in the marine environment and differences between individual locations. In this study we examine the development of neoplasia in the soft shell clam, Mya arenaria, at 3 sites of know environmental, contaminant and sediment qualities in Maine and Massachusetts. Deployment of healthy, hatchery raised Mya arenaria for 12 months allowed us to document the highest frequency of neoplasia development, establish physiological factors such as decrease of phagocytic ability (immune response), growth and reproductive output and compare them to environmental factors such as temperatures, sediment characteristics and contaminant levels. Sediment levels of heavy metals have previously been linked to neoplasia development and indicate vulnerability of juvenile clams to environmental stress induced by heavy metal contamination, which decreases their immune defenses. (NOAA Saltonstall/Kennedy NA08NMF4270215)