Oregon Sea Grant

Fisheries and Seafood

Effect of Vibrio tubiashii on West Coast Shellfish

Chris Langdon
Hatfield Marine Science Center
Coastal Oregon Marine Experiment Station
Oregon State University
2030 SE Marine Science Dr
Newport, OR 97365-5294
Phone: 541-867-0231
Fax: 541-867-0345
Email
On the Web:
OSU Molluscan Broodstock Program
Co-PI: Claudia Hase, OSU Veterinary Medicine

In 2007 and 2008, high concentrations of a highly pathogenic species of bacteria, Vibrio tubiashii, were reported in Oregon’s coastal waters. Production of oyster larvae and seed by oyster hatcheries was dramatically reduced. Normally, West Coast oyster farmers produce oysters with an annual dock-side value of about $85 million. At present, we do not know what other species of shellfish are affected by V. tubiashii.

This project addresses this very serious problem facing the oyster industry and possibly populations of wild shellfish species on the West coast. Dr. Langdon is working to determine the pathogenicity of V. tubiashii and study the response of the Pacifc oyster (Crassostrea gigas) Olympia oyster (Ostrea conchaphila) and mussel (Mytilus trossulus) to V. tubiashii.

Results will benefit extensive efforts on the West Coast to restore populations of the Olympia oyster as well as contribute to a better understanding of the effect of V. tubiashii on recruitment and population dynamics of wild mussel populations. Langdon hopes to apply the study’s results to improve management of oyster and mussel populations in hatcheries and in the field.

Learn more ...

• Shellfish on Acid, Terra, Februar 2011
• The Fine Art of Growing Oysters - Oregon's Agricultural Progress, Fall 2009
• Offshore Aquaculture in the Pacific Northwest (C. Langdon, Ed.) Whitepaper from a 2008 forum at the HMSC.

See also:

Oceans & Human Health