Presentation Abstract
Aquaculture is an important part of Canada’s economy, and open net-pen Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) aquaculture is a key facet of this industry. Chemotherapeutants, including anthelminthics, are often used in salmon aquaculture to prevent the loss of stock due to various pathogens. The formulation SLICE® (active ingredient: emamectin benzoate) and ivermectin (IVM) are two chemicals used in salmon aquaculture in Canada to treat and prevent sea lice infestations. SLICE® and IVM have low water solubilities and long half-lives in sediment (225 d and >100 d, respectively). Due to the persistence of these pesticides and their tendency to accumulate in marine sediments, it is crucial to understand the long-term effects of these compounds on wild benthic fauna, including fish. The sublethal effects of these chemotherapeutants on the Pacific benthic teleost Starry Flounder (Platichthys stellatus) using a sediment exposure system were examined. Ecologically relevant endpoints were assessed including: swim performance, growth, aerobic scope, Na+/K+-ATPase activity, metabolites such as glucose and lactate, the whole-tissue metabolome, as well as their camouflage and avoidance behaviour and their ability to perceive and avoid these pesticides. This work employed several novel methods for assessing the effects of chemicals on benthic marine species exposed in sediments, and will contribute to risk estimations that these chemotherapeutants pose to benthic Pacific fish fauna. These findings will also aid in the development of policies, regulations, and guidelines associated with the use of these chemotherapeutants; balancing efforts to minimize sea lice infection rates on the farmed Atlantic salmon and increasing yield, while minimizing risks to benthic species living below open-net pens.
Session Title
Session 1.1B: The Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry of the Salish Sea Ecosystem
Conference Track
Contaminants, Plastics, Microplastics, Toxicology & Stormwater
Conference Name
Salish Sea Ecosystem Conference (2020 : Online)
Document Type
Event
SSEC Identifier
2020_abstractID_5142
Start Date
21-4-2020 10:30 AM
End Date
21-4-2020 12:00 PM
Genre/Form
conference proceedings; presentations (communicative events)
Subjects – Topical (LCSH)
Aquaculture industry--Canada; Atlantic salmon--Effect of chemicals on--Salish Sea (B.C. and Wash.); Benthic animals--Effects of chemicals on; Antiparasitic agents--Toxicology
Geographic Coverage
Salish Sea (B.C. and Wash.); Canada
Rights
Copying of this document in whole or in part is allowable only for scholarly purposes. It is understood, however, that any copying or publication of this document for commercial purposes, or for financial gain, shall not be allowed without the author's written permission.
Type
Text
Language
English
Format
application/pdf
Included in
Fresh Water Studies Commons, Marine Biology Commons, Natural Resources and Conservation Commons, Terrestrial and Aquatic Ecology Commons
Sublethal effects of the sea lice pesticides ivermectin and SLICE® on starry flounder behaviour and physiology when exposed to contaminated sediments
Aquaculture is an important part of Canada’s economy, and open net-pen Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) aquaculture is a key facet of this industry. Chemotherapeutants, including anthelminthics, are often used in salmon aquaculture to prevent the loss of stock due to various pathogens. The formulation SLICE® (active ingredient: emamectin benzoate) and ivermectin (IVM) are two chemicals used in salmon aquaculture in Canada to treat and prevent sea lice infestations. SLICE® and IVM have low water solubilities and long half-lives in sediment (225 d and >100 d, respectively). Due to the persistence of these pesticides and their tendency to accumulate in marine sediments, it is crucial to understand the long-term effects of these compounds on wild benthic fauna, including fish. The sublethal effects of these chemotherapeutants on the Pacific benthic teleost Starry Flounder (Platichthys stellatus) using a sediment exposure system were examined. Ecologically relevant endpoints were assessed including: swim performance, growth, aerobic scope, Na+/K+-ATPase activity, metabolites such as glucose and lactate, the whole-tissue metabolome, as well as their camouflage and avoidance behaviour and their ability to perceive and avoid these pesticides. This work employed several novel methods for assessing the effects of chemicals on benthic marine species exposed in sediments, and will contribute to risk estimations that these chemotherapeutants pose to benthic Pacific fish fauna. These findings will also aid in the development of policies, regulations, and guidelines associated with the use of these chemotherapeutants; balancing efforts to minimize sea lice infection rates on the farmed Atlantic salmon and increasing yield, while minimizing risks to benthic species living below open-net pens.
