Pathogenic Vibrios and Microbiome in On-bottom and Off-bottom Oyster Culture as Affected by Weather Events and Environmental Conditions

The goal of this project is to investigate the effects of aquaculture practices (on-bottom and off-bottom culture), weather events, and environmental factors on levels of Vibrio parahaemolyticus (Vp) and V. vulnificus (Vv), and microbiomes in oysters and their surrounding water collected from the Chesapeake Bay and the Delaware Inland Bays to enhance aquaculture, seafood safety and water quality research, education and extension at two historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs).The specific objectives are:1) to evaluate the microbiomes in on-bottom and off-bottom oyster and water samples using 16S rRNA and shotgun metagenomic techniques2) to determine levels of Vp and Vv in on-bottom and off-bottom oysters and water using Most Probable Number (MPN)-qPCR, and targeting Vp (tlh, tdh, and trh) and Vv (vvhA and vcgC) gene markers.3) to measure physicochemical parameters in water and correlate levels of Vp, Vv and microbiomes in on-bottom and off-bottom oyster and water samples during regular harvesting season, before, and after major weather events4) To share the research findings with the public, aquaculture/seafood industry and regulatory agencies through training and development of extension/outreach materials.5) to increase capacity and enhance student educational and leadership opportunities.