[Seminar] The R&D pathway to growing aquaculture through innovative technologies

Speaker: Professor Dean R. Jerry, Tropical Futures Institute, James Cook University Singapore, Australian Research Council Hub for Supercharging Tropical Aquaculture through Genetic Solutions, James Cook University, Townsville, Australia.

Hosted by: Dr. Roger Huerlimann, OIST Marine Climate Change Unit

Abstract: As the farming of aquaculture species matures the industry is progressively adopting innovation to increase productivity and lower risk due to disease and environmental perturbations. Technologies based on artificial intelligence and machine learning, rapid diagnostics, biosensors, and integration of genomic data are being developed in efforts to obtain precise information on the health and well-being of the cultured species, along with allowing finer-scale management of the production system. (...)

[Seminar] When does taxonomy matter?

Speaker: Professor Andrew Baird, Chief Investigator in the ARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies at James Cook University

Hosted by: Professor Timothy Ravasi, OIST Marine Climate Change Unit

Abstract: Molecular approaches have revolutionised our understanding of the systematics and evolution of most branches on the tree of life, including corals. Over the last twenty-five years molecular research has revealed that few of the 18 families and 111 genera recognised by Veron (2000) were monophyletic. New techniques and vision promise a more robust and consistent species level taxonomy, but it will take time and there is always likely to be some uncertainty. It is therefore important to establish when taxonomy matters and when it does not. (...)

[Seminar] The neurobiological effects of ocean acidification on a cephalopod

Speaker: Jodi Thomas, ARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, James Cook University, Townsville, QLD Australia.

Hosted by: Professor Timothy Ravasi, OIST Marine Climate Change Unit

Abstract: The uptake of anthropogenic carbon dioxide (CO2) by the ocean is causing seawater CO2 levels to rise, changing ocean chemistry in a process known as ocean acidification (OA). OA can affect a variety of physiological processes, life history traits and behaviours of fish and marine invertebrates. As invertebrates comprise the vast majority of marine diversity, are essential for key ecosystem processes and support human livelihoods, OA-induced effects of marine invertebrates could have ecological, social and economic consequences.(...)

[Seminar] Rise of the turfs: the simplification of marine ecosystems under ocean acidification by Dr. Ben Harvey, Tsukuba University

Speaker: Dr. Ben P. Harvey, Assistant Professor at the Shimoda Marine Research Center, University of Tsukuba

Hosted by: Professor Timothy Ravasi, OIST Marine Climate Change Unit

Abstract: Human activities are rapidly changing the structure of coastal marine ecosystems, but the ecological consequences of these changes remain uncertain. Natural analogues of futuristic conditions are increasingly being used to assess the likely effects of rising atmospheric CO₂ emissions on marine ecosystems. (...)

[Seminar] "Coral reef fish in a changing world: evolutionary potential and ecological limitations" by Philip L. Munday and Jennifer M. Donelson

[SEMINAR]

"Coral reef fish in a changing world: evolutionary potential and ecological limitations"

Philip L. Munday and Jennifer M. Donelson

ARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, James Cook University, Townsville, QLD Australia.

Many short-term experiments have demonstrated the potential impacts of ocean warming and acidification on marine organisms. However, longer-term experiments are needed to test the capacity for acclimation and adaptation to these stressors. In this talk we will describe unique multigenerational experiments being used to test the effects of warming and acidification on coral reef fishes and explore their capacity for thermal plasticity and adaptation.(...)

[Seminar] "Epigenetics for thermal plasticity in a reef fish" by Dr Taewoo Ryu, APEC Climate Center, Republic of Korea

Title: Epigenetics for thermal plasticity in a reef fish

Name: Taewoo Ryu

Affiliation: APEC Climate Center, Republic of Korea

Abstract:

Elevated ocean temperature exacerbates physiology and survival of many marine organisms. Recent studies showed that some species can fully restore the physiological traits either within one or after multiple generations depending on the populations. Uncovering cellular mechanisms of such phenotypic plasticity is important to understand and predict species’ or populations’ response to climate change. We tried to identify epigenetic mechanisms related to within- and transgenerational plasticity using the high and low latitude population of Great Barrier Reef fish, Acanthochromis Polyacanthus, which showed thermal acclimation at the first or second generations, respectively. By sequencing genome and DNA methylomes of fish reared in the control and future predicted temperatures (+1.5 and +3 °C) at the whole genome level, differentially methylated genomic regions and related genes were identified. Functions related to nutrient homeostasis, cardiovascular capacity, and development and were significantly enriched among differentially methylated genes of high latitude F1 population, which were scarcely enriched among those of low latitude F2 population, indicating highly coordinated regulation of these functions for within- compared to transgenerational plasticity.