Home Donate Now Gift Shop Contact Us In Memoriam Thanks for Your Support HSWRI in the News Research Activities Community Outreach Scientific Presentations Scientific Publications Projects Funded New or Renewing Hubbs-SeaWorld Society Members...Thanks for your support! Alice and Brad Andrews Anonymous Jennine and Jim Antrim Michael Barnes - Wells Fargo Advisors, LLC Beach Improvement Committee of Brevard County Chevron Jan and John Driscoll Julie and Pete Ensor United Anglers of Southern California Sally and Hal Furman, II Mari and Todd Gutschow Jo and Tom Hazard Eve Hearne ChinYeh and Ambassador Charles Hostler Karen Boudreau and Dr. Thomas Jensen Dr. Robert Laughlin Trudy and Michael Pearlman Ingrid Poole Terry Prather John Reilly Ocean Innovations San Diego Project Pacific, Inc. Dixie and Jerry Sansom SeaWorld & Busch Gardens Conservation Fund SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment Jill and Bill Shedd Peggie R. Shedd Marine Trust The Cox Kids Foundation Fund at The San Diego Foundation San Diego Gas & Electric Company Seaforth Sportfishing Landing Hubbs-SeaWorld Society Members share in and contribute to the Institute's most fundamental vision: recognition that our oceans sustain our life on Earth and provide profound environmental, economic and social benefits to society. It is these individuals who offer invaluable leadership in realizing many of our most ambitious goals. For more information on how to join the Hubbs-SeaWorld Society, please call Karen Terra at 619-226-3881. HSWRI is on Facebook and Twitter! become a HSWRI Facebook Fan! Follow us: www.twitter.com/hswri or @hswri Donate Now Every day in local laboratories and outposts in far away lands, the scientists at Hubbs-SeaWorld Research Institute work so that human and animal populations may share a vibrant and healthy environment. Our vision is a world that can sustain its rich biodiversity to ensure a lasting prosperity for future generations. But we need your help. Please help us in our quest to leave behind a world that is a little better than we found it by making a tax-deductible online contribution today. Whatever amount you can give and whatever area of HSWRI science you choose to support, your gift will truly make a difference If you would like to talk about gifts of cash, stock, property and other estate planning options that might offer you a tax benefit this calendar year, please call Karen Terra at 619-226-3881. Click here for more information. Wish List 2011 Please let us know if you are able to donate or purchase a "wish list" item for the Institute: Truck or SUV that seats four		Click here to read this update online In This Issue In Memoriam It is with great sadness that we note the passing of two of the Institute's long-time friends and colleagues: Edward L. Fike on August 26 and Dr. Richard Ford on June 27. We were honored to have Ed Fike (at left), former San Diego Union-Tribune Editorial page editor, serve as a Trustee from October 1998 to September 2008 and as a member of our Science Committee from October 2004 until his retirement from our Board. Our special event, A Tribute to Ed Fike, was held November 5, 2005 at SeaWorld. Ed was a true gentleman with a keen wit and a marvelous ability to turn a phrase. A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. September 23 at First United Methodist Church in Mission Valley. In lieu of flowers the family has suggested donations be made to Hubbs-SeaWorld Research Institute. For more information on Ed, please see this article from SignOnSanDiego. Dick Ford (at right) received his MA in Ichthyology at Stanford University, and his Ph.D. in Marine Biology at Scripps Institute of Oceanography (UCSD). He served as Professor of Biology at San Diego State University for 35 years, and influenced many undergraduates, serving as Chair of the committees for 38 graduate students including Don Kent and Mark Drawbridge. Dick Ford helped conceptualize and define the research protocols which guided the Ocean Resources Enhancement and Hatchery Program since its inception and he managed several other research programs based here at HSWRI. We were honored to have him serve as a Senior Research Fellow at HSWRI. Thanks for Your Support After 21 years of exemplary service and commitment to the Institute's mission, Hubbs-SeaWorld Research Institute trustee Arthur DeFever (at left with Don Kent) announced his retirement from the Institute's board. Art's dedication has had a profound impact on our ability to conduct leading marine research. The scientists, staff and Trustees extend to Art their heartfelt gratitude for his commitment and dedication to marine research. Thanks to all who participated in the Bill Poole Memorial Angling Tournament on July 30 & 31. It was a tremendous success, raising over $60,000 for Hubbs-SeaWorld Research Institute. The tournament is named in honor of the long-range fishing pioneer and sportsman and friend of the Institute, Bill Poole. Fishing began on Friday night with lines in at 6 p.m. and lines out on Saturday at 6 p.m. While we were able to catch a number of white seabass for our broodstock collection, many of the anglers, especially the group that went out on the EXCEL Long Range Sportfisher struggled with some rough water and were not so lucky this year, with the exception of High Sportboat category and High Tournament category winner Goran Kirouski who caught a 36 pound Albacore caught aboard the EXCEL, 100 miles south of Point Loma. (Photo: Louie Zimm and Goran Kioruski) (Photo from left to right: Don Hansen, Don Kent, Ingrid Poole, Bill Shedd) The Awards Barbecue on Sunday, July 31 took place on the bayside patio of Hubbs-SeaWorld Research Institute's Mission Bay laboratory. The event was open to all and the nearly 300 guests who attended were delighted to discover that it was not your average barbecue fare. Chefs from the Chefs de Cuisine Association prepared a gourmet feast that included California and tuna sushi rolls, abalone seaweed salad and delicious cultured-fish tacos, grilled on-site. In addition, the guests enjoyed tours of the Institute's hatchery operations, a terrific assortment of opportunity drawing and silent auction prizes and visits from some of SeaWorld's most adorable animal ambassadors. The event raised awareness of the Institute's white seabass replenishment program and over $60,000 in support of its research efforts. Many thanks go out to our major sponsors, Ingrid Poole/EXCEL, SeaWorld, Project Pacific, AFTCO Manufacturing Company, Seaforth Sportfishing, SDG&E, David Wirth, Chefs de Cuisine Association, and an anonymous donor. For more photos of the event, please visit our online photo gallery. HSWRI hosted its annual Hubbs-SeaWorld Society Family Barbecue at SeaWorld San Diego's Nautilus Pavilion Patio on Tuesday, August 16, where nearly 200 donors, special friends, and staff enjoyed a fun summer evening get-together. Along with special SeaWorld critter visits including an adorable sloth (see photo at right), a visit from Shamu, volleyball and other games for the kids, and scientist-led, behind-the-scenes tours , guests were treated to research displays of current HSWRI science programs. Guests also had the opportunity to explore the park, including the new Turtle Reef exhibit (featuring an interactive wall display with data from HSWRI sea turtle research programs) and reserved seating at the evening Shamu show, 'One Ocean.' Special thanks to President of SeaWorld San Diego and HSWRI trustee John Reilly and his SeaWorld team for helping to make this event such a memorable experience! This fun event is just one of the many benefits of being a Hubbs-SeaWorld Society member. Members enjoy exclusive invitations to events throughout the year, including an annual January/February whale watching trip with HSWRI scientists, and holiday events at the Institute's Mission Bay lab. Aside from the benefits and privileges associated with membership, you will be setting a wonderful example for others to follow as we continue on our mission "to return to the sea some measure of the benefits derived from it." To learn more about becoming a part of this rewarding program, please visit the Society page on our website. HSWRI in the News May 2 - Don Kent is quoted at png.com in "Hubbs-SeaWorld wants to bring fishing hatchery to Pensacola." May 3 - WSRADIO.com Mike Shane "Building a Sustainable World: Current Trends in Aquaculture and Marine Research - Hubbs-SeaWorld." May 4 - Don Kent was interviewed via telephone by Pensacola Channel 3 - ABC Webcast regarding a potential hatchery in Pensacola, Florida. May 16 - Dr. Brent Stewart's whale shark research was featured on WWF.com in "WWF starts whale shark monitoring and research program in "Teluk Cenderawasih." (Photo: Dr. Brent Stewart tagging a whale shark) May 18 - HSWRI and San Diego Oceans Foundation transferred 11,500 white seabass fingerlings from the hatchery in Carlsbad to grow out pens at Grape Street in San Diego. Watch the fish transfer on YouTube.com. May 22 - WWF.com Dr. Brent Stewart "Taking a closer look at 'the gentle giant' in Teluk Cenderawasih." May 31 - Don Kent was quoted in San Diego Union-Tribune in "Tuna Ranchers Seek Future in San Diego." June 2 - Don Kent was quoted in Fox 5 San Diego in "Fish farmer hopes to revive local tuna industry." June 6 - Dr. Brent Stewart's research was featured on WWF.com in "WWF-Indonesia Boosts Efforts to Protect Largest Fish on Earth." June 9 - The HSWRI Marine Mammal Stranding Team responded to a stranding reported in TCPalm.com "Rare Beaked Whale Carcass Found on Fort Pierce Beach." June 9 - The Orange County Register reported on the HSWRI white seabass in "Classroom-reared fish are turned out to sea." See photo at right. June 10 - Mike Shane was on the Rod & Reel Radio Show on June 10 to discuss the Ocean Resources and Enhancement Hatchery Program. June 13 - The HSWRI Marine Mammal Stranding Team was noted in True Blue News' "Harbor Branch Helps Rescue Dolphin Calf." June 21 - Dr. Brent Stewart was a member of the release and tracking team of Maude the sea turtle, rehabilitated by SeaWorld San Diego. A video of the release is on Fox 5 San Diego "SeaWorld Returns Sea Turtle to Ocean." June 21 - California Aquaculture Association notes HSWRI aquaculture team in "City Works to Reel in Hatchery." July 1 - Dr. Brent Stewart received the prestigious Explorers Club 2011 Lowell Thomas Award. "The Explorers Club Announces the 2011 Lowell Thomas Awards" July 1 - The HSWRI aquaculture team was featured in Hatchery International's article on "US scientists test techniques for shipping yellowfin tuna eggs and larvae." July 11 - KPBS.org "Fish Farming Gets Boost Locally from Federal Government." July 11 & 12 - HSWRI President Don Kent met with NOAA Administrator Dr. Jane Lubchenco at the Leon Raymond Hubbard, Jr., Marine Fish Hatchery in Carlsbad, CA, to discuss technology transfer for advancing domestic aquaculture. NOAA and the San Diego Union Tribune both released articles: "NOAA announces aquaculture initiative to enable domestic seafood production and create jobs in coastal communities", "U.S. oceans chief in S.D. pledges support for fish farming." Photo: Dr. Jane Lubchenco with Don Kent at the Hatchery in Carlsbad July 12 - NorthCountyTimes.com "Aquaculture initiative pushes jobs, environmentally friendly seafood." July 12 - SeafoodNews.com reported on Dr. Jane Lubchenco's visit in "NOAA head visits Hubbs-SeaWorld aquaculture facility to support domestic aquaculture program." July 12 - KPBS.org "Is It Time To Move Fish Farming Into Open Waters?" July 12 - San Diego Union-Tribune "Fish Farm Help Pledged by Oceans Chief." July 25 - HSWRI's annual fundraising event "The Bill Poole Memorial Angling Tournament" was noted in San Diego Union-Tribune's "Family fun on the hook for two fishing events." August 1 - SignOnSanDiego.com announced "Hubbs researcher joins world's elite explorers" about Dr. Brent Stewart's receipt of the Lowell Thomas Award. August 2 - SeaWorld Blog "Explorers Club Honors Hubbs-SeaWorld Research Institute Scientist" August 12 - SportFishing.com "Five Fishery Bright Spots" August 12 - Newport Independence "Hatch and Release: Stocking Up on White Sea Bass." August 28 - Dr. Brent Stewart was featured in the San Diego Union-Tribune "Local explorers comb world's oceans, deserts, mountains." September 1 - San Diego's District 6 Newsletter to the community featured an article on Dr. Brent Stewart's research, "You Stay Classy, District 6." September 14 - Dr. Ann Bowles appeared on San Diego's CBS 8 in "Like Surfers, Dolphins Flip Out Over Big Waves, Too." September 15 - The HSWRI Marine Mammal Stranding Team was mentioned in The Daytona Beach News' "Volunteers invited to annual Coastal Cleanup in Volusia, Flagler." September 16 - A 10' Risso's dolphin stranded itself in New Smyrna as reported by The Daytona Beach News in "Dolphin Beaches Itself in New Smyrna." HSWRI Marine Mammal Stranding Team members responded to the call. Research Activities Dr. Brent Stewart continues his research studies on the whale shark. This video shows Brent's work in Papua New Guinea. To date, there have been five shipments of yellowfin tuna (Thunnus albacares) eggs, larvae (see photo at right), and juveniles from the Inter-American Tropical Tuna Commission (IATTC) in Achotines, Panama, to the HSWRI main laboratory in San Diego, CA. The research is part of a project to develop hatchery technologies for the successful rearing of yellowfin and other tuna species in Southern California. HSWRI research scientists were able to "close the life cycle" of California yellowtail (Seriola lalandi) when hatchery-bred F1 offspring of wild broodstock held at the Institute began spawning semi-regularly in late spring, producing a healthy second (F2) generation of larvae and juveniles. Producing vibrant second-generation fish is a key milestone in any aquaculture program. Although these fish would not be suitable for wild release because of their 'domestication', they are ideal for hatchery-to-table operations which can ease pressure on wild stocks. Don Kent traveled to Pensacola, Florida on June 20 to meet with Mayor Ashton Hayward to discuss a potential fish hatchery in Pensacola to replenish fish stocks in the Gulf of Mexico (see related media in the HSWRI In the News section). On June 21, Don Kent, Dr. Pam Yochem, Dr. Brent Stewart, Karen Terra and Bethany Smith attended a ribbon cutting ceremony and movie premiere at the new Turtle Reef at SeaWorld San Diego (SWSD). Dr. Stewart assisted with the satellite tracking component of the exhibit and assisted SeaWorld aquarists with a sea turtle release. The sea turtle, nicknamed 'Maude' (see photo at left), was outfitted with a satellite transmitter by Dr. Stewart and NOAA Fisheries collaborators; you can follow Maude's movements on our Facebook posts and website. Exterior construction on a holding facility for red drum (Sciaenops ocellatus), at HSWRI's laboratory located near the Brevard County Coconut Point Sanctuary was completed and a Certificate of Occupancy was obtained this spring. Four 5-m diameter tanks placed on the pad in the interior are nearly complete, requiring plumbing, electrical hook-up, and decking. Red drum are one of Florida's most important sportfish, and are a target species for the Florida Marine Fisheries Enhancement Initiative. Drs. Pam Yochem and Brent Stewart traveled to San Nicolas Island July 5-11 and August 25-29 where they conducted their annual sea lion pup count and collected biomedical samples from sea lions and elephant seals for virology studies. Mark Drawbridge, Dr. Kristen Gruenthal and Federico Rotman attended a meeting July 11-12 at the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission in St. Petersburg, FL, to help in planning and execution of the Florida Marine Fisheries Enhancement Initiative. The HSWRI Marine Mammal Stranding Team has responded to over 26 whale and dolphin strandings since April including: 2 pygmy sperm whales, 2 unusual beaked whales, 13 pilot whales that stranded in the Florida Keys, and the rescue/disentanglement/post-release monitoring of a well-known Mosquito Lagoon bottlenose dolphin (Rio). Unfortunately, Rio became entangled once again and perished before an HSWRI/SeaWorld Orlando team coordinated by NOAA Fisheries could capture him. Wendy Noke Durden conducted eight boat-based photo-identification surveys encompassing Mosquito Lagoon and the Halifax River. This summer, HSWRI Marine Mammal Stranding Team is pleased to welcome four summer interns who are working diligently to assist in the examination of bottlenose dolphin cranial morphology/pathology, the creation of a photo-identification catalogue and updated educational materials. See photo at right. Community Outreach Monday afternoons from June 20 through August 15, HSWRI hosted 30 SeaWorld San Diego Career Campers. Students received tours of the Institute's aquaculture facilities and bioacoustics lab. Special thanks to our bioacoustics interns and aquaculture staff for conducting these special behind the scenes tours. On April 15th, Hubbs-SeaWorld Research Institute again hosted a sleepover event for 'BEWiSE (Better Education for Women in Science and Engineering), a program designed to encourage middle school-aged girls to pursue a career in one of the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) disciplines. Participants enjoy a themed keynote address at dinner, spend the evening participating in workshops, and participate in team-building activities led by a cadre of volunteer chaperones. Workshops this year included 'Decoding DNA', led by Dr. Rebecca Rivera and volunteer Celeste Benham during which he girls extracted DNA from bananas and strawberries using common household ingredients in order to understand a few facts about our molecular biology (see photo at right). Dr. Ann Bowles also organized workshops on two topics for the BeWiSE program, "Whale Song and Dolphin Talk" (presented by USD students and HSWRI volunteers Juliette Nash and Nicole Grimaud) and "Penguin Love and Conservation" (delivered with the assistance of Linda Henry, SeaWorld San Diego aviculturist supervisor, and a Magellanic penguin). Keri Maull led a workshop on fish husbandry and nutrition entitled "Growing Live Feeds". Dr. Pam Yochem gave the keynote address at the event. See photos of the event at www.SDSA.org. Over 80 donors, trustees, staff and friends of the Institute gathered at the Institute's Mission Bay Lab for an evening "Meet & Greet" reception on April 29. Guests were provided with special behind-the-scenes laboratory tours, along with presentations on bioacoustics, ecology, aquaculture and ocean health. On July 10, Dr. Rebecca Rivera and Dr. Ann Bowles participated in the American Association of University Women's "Tech Trek", a math and science camp designed to develop interest, excitement and self-confidence in young women who will enter eighth grade in the fall. They met on the Muir Campus at UCSD with over 100 participants in five 20-min sessions, answering questions about their careers, working in science, and topics in their disciplines. Megan Stolen travelled to Pensacola Florida to teach at a stranding workshop that included attendees from several Gulf states. Megan also taught necropsy skills and data collection to a workshop group in St. Petersburg and at a week-long veterinary workshop at the University of Florida. Dr. Brent Stewart is featured in "Channel Islands - Treasure of the Sea", a DVD that will run in the Channel Islands National Park visitor's center, discussing his marine mammal research on the island. Watch this full-length video, narrated by Kevin Costner. Carlsbad Hatchery tours April 5: Bill Hoenig seafood/Aquaculture Mexico April 28: Ashton Hayward, Mayor of Pensacola, FL April 18, May 4, 12: Beth Pearson's and Ray Wolcott's classes from Palomar College toured the Carlsbad hatchery May11, 19: Carlsbad High School teacher Todd Muilenberg brought three of his marine science classes to the hatchery June 29, July 6: Children from the Jefferson Elementary School toured the hatchery July 1: Children from the Agua Hedionda Lagoon Foundation's Discovery Summer Camp toured the hatchery July 11: National Atmospheric and Oceanic Administration (NOAA) Administrator Dr. Jane Lubchenco, colleagues, and member of the local press received a special VIP tour of the hatchery Mission Bay tours May 25: Members of the Sefton Foundation received an update on the computer upgrade funded by their foundation, and Dr. Ann Bowles presented an acoustics lab demonstration during their tour of the Mission Bay facility. June 10: Don Kent provided a tour of the Mission Bay lab to President of SeaWorld San Diego and HSWRI trustee John Reilly and CEO of Bumblebee Tuna Chris Lischewski. August 30: Bill Street, Corporate Curator of Conservation and Education at SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment and Director of Education at Busch Gardens Tampa, toured the Mission Bay lab and Carlsbad hatchery with President, Don Kent and HSWRI senior staff. Florida tours May 13: The Cummings family (friends of trustee Ken Wright) toured HSWRI research sites at SeaWorld Orlando with Wendy Noke Durden. May 20: SeaWorld Parks and Entertainment and SeaWorld Busch Gardens Conservation Fund representatives Bill Street and Glenn Young visited and toured the Melbourne laboratory. Scientific Presentations Dr. Ann Bowles delivered a lecture on April 9 to the Torrey Pines Docent Society, "Birds and the Sound of Power - Perspectives on the Effects of Highway and Jet Noise on Threatened and Endangered Species", describing HSWRI research on noise effects in the San Diego area. Mike Shane gave a presentation on the white seabass enhancement program to the Rancho Bernardo Angling Club on June 6. Drs. Rebecca Rivera and Pam Yochem attended the 42nd Annual International Association for Aquatic Animal Medicine (IAAAM). Las Vegas, NV May 7-12th, 2011. Several presentations and posters involving marine mammal biomedical research by HSWRI scientists and collaborators were featured, including: Characterization of Otariid herpesvirus 3 in pinnipeds and its detection in California sea lions (Zalophus californianus) using quantitative PCR. Authors: Rebecca Rivera, Stephanie Venn-Watson, Frances Gulland, Judy St. Leger, Pamela K. Yochem, Hendrik H. Nollens and James F.X. Wellehan Jr. Epidemiology of bottlenose dolphin astroviruses: multi-population surveys for presence of antibodies and virus. Authors: James FX Wellehan Jr, Stephanie Venn-Watson, Pamela K. Yochem, Judy St. Leger, Randall Wells and Rebecca Rivera Investigation of bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) for HFG gene-related hemochromatosis. Authors: Brianne E. Phillips, Stephanie Venn-Watson, Linda L. Archer, Hendrik H. Nollens and James F. X. Wellehan Jr. Diarrheal epizootics among California sea lions (Zalophus californianus): lessons learned about diagnostics, quarantine, and public health. Authors: Forrest Gomez, Cynthia R. Smith, Rebecca Rivera, James F. X. Wellehan, Jr., Jenny Meegan, Eric Jensen, Aron Hall, Jan Vinje, Collette Fitzgerald and Stephanie Venn-Watson Scientific Publications Hayward, L.S., A. Bowles, J.C. Ha, and S.K. Wasser. In press. Impacts of Acute and Long-term Vehicle Exposure on Physiology and Reproductive Success of the Northern Spotted Owl. Ecosphere, the online journal of the Ecological Society of America Galaviz, M.A., A. García-Gasca, M. Drawbridge, C.A. Álvarez-González, L.M. López, 2011. Ontogeny of the Digestive Tract and Enzymatic Activity in White Seabass, Atractoscion nobilis, Larvae. Aquaculture 318:162-168. Jirsa, D., A. Davis, K. Stuart, and M. Drawbridge. 2011. Development of a Practical Soy-based Diet for California yellowtail, Seriola lalandi. Aqua Nutr 17:e869-e874. Smiley, J.E., M.A. Drawbridge, M.S. Okihiro, and R.S. Kaufmann. In Press. Acute Effects of Gas Supersaturation on Juvenile Cultured White Seabass (Atractoscion nobilis). Trans Am Fish Soc. Durden, W.N., E.D. Stolen, and M.K. Stolen. 2011. Abundance, Distribution and Group Composition of the Indian River Lagoon Bottlenose Dolphin, Tursiops truncatus, Using an Aerial Survey. Aquatic Mammals 37: 175-186. James F. X. Wellehan Jr., Rebecca Rivera, Linda L. Archer, Celeste Benham, Jennifer K. Muller, Kathleen M. Colegrove, Frances M.D. Gulland, Judy A. St. Leger, Stephanie K. Venn-Watson, and Hendrik H. Nollens. 2011. Characterization of California Sea Lion Polyomavirus 1: Expansion of the Known Host Range of the Polyomaviridae to Carnivora. Infection, Genetics and Evolution. Available in PubMed: Infect Genet Evol. 2011 Jul;11(5):987-96. Epub 2011 Mar 29. Projects Funded Mark Drawbridge and Kevin Stuart, in collaboration with Drs. John Hyde and Suzanne Kohin at the NOAA NMFS Southwest Fisheries Science Center, received funding from NOAA Aquaculture for two separate studies: 1) estimate and compare the genetic diversity in wild and captive stocks of California yellowtail (Seriola lalandi) in preparation for selective breeding experiments and 2) increase larval survival and juvenile quality of captive-bred yellowtail, primarily through microbial management. In a separate collaboration with Dr. Hyde, Dr. Kristen Gruenthal is receiving funding to consult on a third NOAA Aquaculture project to study the population genetic structure of pink abalone (Haliotis corrugata) in the Southern California Bight. Dr. Gruenthal also received funding from a NOAA Species of Concern Internal Grant to define the population genetic structure of green abalone (Haliotis fulgens), a species chosen for restoration via captive breeding, in the Southern California Bight. Dr. Brent Stewart received funding from Japan Underwater Films for a whale shark filming and tagging project in Donsol, Philippines (March - April 2011) for Japanese television program. Mark Drawbridge received funding from UCSD for the third year of a three-year study of alternative dietary proteins in marine finfish in the US. This project is the most comprehensive study of alternative dietary proteins ever conducted on marine finfish in the US, using an innovative blended protein substitution, which allows measurement of interactive and additive effects. Drs. Pam Yochem and Rebecca Rivera received funding from the University of Florida to assist in detection and impact assessment of novel viruses in Navy marine mammals, focusing on the organization of data from ongoing work for publication. Paula Sylvia and Don Kent received funding from Pacifico Aquaculture to assist in aquaculture grow out trials of striped bass and white seabass at Todos Santos Island, Mexico. This project will be the first commercial-scale test of these species in Baja. Wendy Noke Durden, working with the HSWRI development team, received a grant from Brevard County Tourism and Development Committee to assist with marine mammal stranding response in Brevard County. Drs. Pam Yochem and Rebecca Rivera received a small contract for marine mammal virology studies from The Marine Mammal Center. Wendy Noke Durden, working with the HSWRI development team, received a grant from the SeaWorld & Busch Gardens Conservation Fund for dolphin research in east central Florida. The project will involve boat surveys, evaluations of stranded dolphins, and laboratory analysis to enhance understanding of dolphin population structure, habitat use and movement patterns. The grant will support assessments of dolphin population health and potential impacts of human activities, and will develop baseline data on reproductive biology of dolphins along the east coast of central FL. Mark Drawbridge received funding for a fish nutrition project from the Western Regional Aquaculture Center. The project seeks to increase the growth, fitness and survival of at least two species of marine finfish with high potential for commercial aquaculture on the West Coast through optimizing feed types and composition, and delivery methods. The research will evaluate cost efficiency and fish performance (growth, survival, quality).