Browsing by Author "Phelps, Nicholas B. D."

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Alfalfa leaf protein concentrate: A sustainable protein source for aquaculture feeds
(2019) Samac, Deborah A; Coburn, Jessica E M; Phelps, Nicholas B. D.; Wells, M Scott
Interest in local, sustainable aquaculture is continuing to expand across the United States. To ensure profitability and high consumer acceptance, a plant-based non-GMO source of protein is needed for replacing fishmeal in aquaculture diets. Most replacements in current use are derived from seeds, and often contain undesirable antinutritional components. Alfalfa (Medicago sativa) is a high biomass perennial legume that is grown across the U.S. for use in animal feeds. We evaluated the yield and composition of protein concentrates derived from fresh alfalfa foliage. Furthermore, a commercial alfalfa protein concentrate (APC) was used to replace fishmeal in diets for yellow perch (Perca flavescens) and rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss). Weight gains, growth rate, and feed conversion ratios were measured.
Antimicrobial Residues in Farmed Shrimp
(Food Policy Research Center, 2014-09) Lee, James; Phelps, Nicholas B. D.
A Bi-Level Model for State and County Aquatic Invasive Species Prevention Decisions, Minnesota, 2022
(2022-03-04) Haight, Robert, G.; Yemshanov, Denys; Kao, Szu-Yu; Phelps, Nicholas B. D.; Kinsley, Amy, C; robert.haight@usda.gov; Haight, Robert, G.; Minnesota Aquatic Invasive Species Research Center (MAISRC); University of Minnesota, School of Public Health; Department of Veterinary Population Medicine; Canadian Forest Service, Great Lakes Forestry Centre, Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, Canada; USDA Forest Service, Northern Research Station, St. Paul, MN, USA
These data contain a bi-level model for determining how a state planner can efficiently allocate inspection resources to county managers, who independently decide where to locate inspection stations. We apply the model to a hypothetical allocation problem for the state of Minnesota. The model includes the infestation status of 9,182 lakes, of which 471 are infested with zebra mussel, starry stonewort, or Eurasian watermilfoil, and estimates of annual numbers of high-risk boat movements from infested to uninfested lakes.
Carp Edema Virus Host Range Study in Lake Swartout and Outbreaks in four other lakes
(2021-03-02) Tolo, Isaiah; Phelps, Nicholas B. D.; tolo0007@umn.edu; Phelps, Nicholas; Minnesota Aquatic Invasive Species Research Center (MAISRC)
Mass mortality events of common carp (Cyprinus carpio, carp) associated with carp edema virus (CEV) alone or in coinfections with koi herpesvirus (KHV), is an emerging issue. Despite recent outbreaks of CEV in wild carp populations, the host range of North American species has not been well studied. To that end, we intensively sampled carp (n = 106) and co-habiting native fish species (n = 5 species; n = 156 total fish) from a CEV-suspect mass-mortality event of carp in a small Minnesota lake (Lake Swartout). Additionally, fecal and regurgitant samples (n = 73 each) from double-crested cormorants (Phalacrocorax auritus, DCCO) were sampled to test the potential of DCCO to act as a vector for virus transmission. CEV was confirmed to be widespread in the Lake Swartout carp population during the outbreak with high viral loads and histological confirmation, suggesting that CEV was the cause of the mortality event. There were no detections of CEV in any native fish species; however, DCCO regurgitant and fecal samples were positive for CEV DNA. In addition, three CEV-positive and one CEV+KHV-positive mortality events were confirmed with no observed mortality or morbidity of non-carp species in other lakes. This study provides evidence that CEV infection and disease may be specific to carp during mortality events with mixed-species populations, identifies DCCO as a potential vector for CEV, and further expands the known range of CEV, as well as coinfections with KHV, in North America.
Data and code in support of: Release of live baitfish by recreational anglers drives fish pathogen introduction risk
(2022-06-06) McEachran, Margaret C.; Phelps, Nicholas B. D.; Drake, D. Andrew R.; Mladonicky, Janice M.; Picasso, Catalina; phelp083@umn.edu; Phelps, Nicholas B. D.; Department of Fisheries, Wildlife, and Conservation Biology; Department of Veterinary Population Medicine; University of Minnesota Gabbert Raptor Center; Fisheries and Oceans Canada Great Lakes Research Laboratory
This repository contains supplementary information, simulation data, and R computer code to accompany the manuscript titled "Release of live baitfish by recreaional anglers drives fish pathogen introduction risk." The purpose of this project was to quantify the risk of fish pathogen introduction, conceptualized as the number of fish infected with a priority pathogen released in a given year of fishing, under a range of conditions.
Data for Open water dreissenid mussel control projects: lessons learned from a retrospective analysis
(2022-08-15) Dahlberg, Angelique, D.; Waller, Diane, L.; Hammond, David; Lund, Keegan; Phelps, Nicholas B. D.; edge0023@umn.edu; Dahlberg, Angelique, D.; Minnesota Aquatic Invasive Species Research Center (MAISRC)
Dreissenid mussels are one of the most problematic aquatic invasive species (AIS) in North America, causing significant ecological and economic impacts in waterbodies where established. To date, dreissenid mussel control efforts in open water have included physical, biological, and chemical methods. The feasibility of successfully managing or even eradicating dreissenid mussels in lakes is relatively undocumented and unstudied in freshwater management literature. Additionally, control efforts are sometimes stymied by perceptions that the impacts to nontarget species will be unacceptable. The published literature evaluating both these two aspects is limited. Here, we present information on 33 open water dreissenid mussel control projects in 23 lakes across North America. Projects were categorized as rapid response eradication (n=16), established population eradication (n=8), suppression (n=3), or research (n=6).
Data for refining copper concentrations using the Biotic Ligand Model to maximize zebra mussel control while minimizing non-target effects
(2023-10-12) Dahlberg, Angelique D.; Waller, Diane L.; Severson, Todd J.; Barbour, Matthew T.; Meulemans, Matthew; Wise, Jeremy K.; Bajcz, Alex W.; Jankowski, Mark; Phelps, Nicholas B. D.; edge0023@umn.edu; Dahlberg, Angelique D.
Copper in various forms can be toxic to aquatic organisms at high concentrations and has been used as a pesticide in lake management since the early 1900s. Managers have recently extended this use to control aquatic invasive species, including zebra mussels (Dreissena polymorpha). Because copper toxicity changes with changing concentrations of water chemistry parameters (e.g., pH, temperature, and other cations such as Ca2+ and Mg2+), using the same copper concentration to target the same species in two different waterbodies could have different outcomes. However, past zebra mussel control projects have selected copper concentrations irrespective of water chemistry differences. We demonstrate, in a two-part study, how measuring water chemistry parameters and using the Biotic Ligand Model (BLM) can help predict a site-specific copper concentration that will kill zebra mussels while minimizing effects on non-target species. We first tested the application of the BLM for predicting the effects of a copper concentration on non-target species. We found that Daphnia magna (daphnia) had a 50% chance of survival at 9.50 µg Cu/L (i.e., the 50% lethal concentration, LC50), within our BLM-predicted range of 3.38-16.95 µg Cu/L LC50 values. Given the accuracy of our prediction, in the future, managers could make similar predictions and tailor copper concentrations to their management goals. Secondly, we measured zebra mussel larvae (veliger) mortality at added copper concentrations ranging from 0-191 µg Cu/L and assessed exposure–response using a logistic regression model that also included water chemistry parameters. This model can be applied to future projects; using it, managers can predict the amount of copper in a particular waterbody that will kill a predetermined proportion of zebra mussels and simultaneously predict what non-target effects to monitor or expect.
Data in support of: AIS Explorer: Intervention Impact - An application for planning cost-effective AIS prevention programs
(2024-01-22) Angell, Nichole R; Bajcz, Alex; Kinsley, Amy; Keller, Reuben; Phelps, Nicholas B. D.; nangell@glc.org; Angell, Nichole R.; Minnesota Aquatic Invasive Species Research Center (MAISRC)
The movement of aquatic invasive species (AIS) between waterbodies is often facilitated by overland transport on recreational boats. Once established, AIS can have detrimental ecological effects that are difficult or impossible to manage. Prevention is the most cost-effective AIS intervention strategy, with many management agencies focused on implementing spread prevention techniques such as boater education, watercraft inspection, and hot water decontamination. Given resource constraints, deciding which spread prevention techniques to implement and where to place them is a decision fraught with uncertainty. In this study, we collected data for, developed, and tested a new application entitled “Intervention Impact” for the AIS Explorer, an online AIS program-planning dashboard (www.aisexplorer.umn.edu). The application assists AIS managers by simulating scenarios derived from user-defined lake-level budgets, effort, and effectiveness of interventions, enabling them to make comparisons. The outputs provide estimates for risk reduction and infestations averted for both zebra mussel and starry stonewort in Minnesota lakes. We demonstrate the utility of this application using the conditions of Cass County, Minnesota, USA as a case study. Our simulation outputs highlight the tradeoffs of each prevention strategy applied given budget constraints and demonstrate that value of a data-driven approach to guide the implementation of cost-effective prevention plans.
Improved diagnosis and management of viral hemorrhagic septicemia virus in fish
(2013-02) Phelps, Nicholas B. D.
Viral hemorrhagic septicemia virus (VHSV) is a highly contagious and pathogenic virus, affecting more than 70 farm raised and wild fish species worldwide. A new viral strain (VHSV-IVb) has proven both virulent and persistent, spreading throughout the Great Lakes of North America and to inland water bodies in the region. As this new biological hazard continues to grow, so too must our understanding of the disease. The focus of this dissertation is to improve diagnostic capacity and management of VHSV-IVb to rapidly respond to outbreaks, prevent further dissemination, and scientifically justify current prevention strategies. To better understand the geographic distribution of the virus, we used a modified real time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (rRT-PCR) assay for high-throughput testing of fish for VHSV. The assay was shown to be twice as sensitive as the gold standard, virus isolation, and did not cross react with other viruses found in fish. In addition, the diagnostic turnaround time was reduced from 28-30 days for virus isolation to 2-4 days for rRT-PCR. To demonstrate the usefulness of the rRT-PCR assay, 115 high priority water bodies in Minnesota were tested by both methods from April 2010 - June 2011. All survey sites tested negative for VHSV by both methods. The survey results have informed fisheries managers on the absence of VHSV in Minnesota and have better prepared them for the eventual arrival of the disease. In addition, the results demonstrate the value of this rRT-PCR as a surveillance tool to rapidly identify an outbreak so that it can be controlled in a timely manner. The aforementioned rRT-PCR assay (Phelps et al. 2012) along with another (Jonstrup et al. 2012), were evaluated for the potential for sample-induced inhibition from common diagnostic samples, including kidney/spleen, entire viscera, and ovarian fluid. The detection of high, medium, and low VHSV-IVb dilutions in each tissue type was not affected using the assay by Jonstrup et al (2012). However, using the assay by Phelps et al. (2012), the detection of VHSV-IVb was decreased for the kidney/spleen samples spiked with low virus levels and increased for the ovarian fluid spiked with medium virus levels. Entire viscera, the tissue type most likely to inhibit the rRT-PCR reaction, did not affect the sensitivity of virus detection for either assay. The emergence of VHSV-IVb in the Great Lakes region has resulted in unprecedented regulatory response to better manage the disease. In Minnesota, all VHSV-susceptible fish must be inspected annually prior to intra or interstate movement - a significant bottleneck for the aquaculture industry. In 2009, Minnesota enacted legislation requiring fish for regulatory health inspections to be collected by a Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (MNDNR) approved individual. The so-called Fish Health Collector could be 1) an American Fisheries Society - Fish Health Section Fish Health Inspector or Pathologist, 2) an accredited veterinarian with approved training, or 3) an individual (i.e. MNDNR field biologist) with approved training. In response, a fish health collector training workshop was developed for veterinarians and field biologists to fulfill the MNDNR requirements. A manual was developed to supplement a full-day workshop and provide the basic information and references to perform a fish health collection. This training resulted in a sufficient number of fish health collectors, well distributed across Minnesota, now available to rapidly respond to a disease outbreak and better serve the regulatory needs of the aquaculture industry. In the USA, current state and federal fish health regulations target the spread of VHSV-IVb through movement restrictions of live fish but largely ignore the potential for the virus to be spread through the commercial distribution and use of frozen baitfish from VHSV-IVb positive regions. Some state laws do require treatment of frozen baitfish to inactivate VHSV and additional methods have been proposed, but there have been few scientific studies examining the efficacy of these treatments. In an effort to evaluate these treatments, bluegills were challenged with VHSV-IVb, frozen to represent standard industry methods, disinfected by various treatments, and tested for infectious VHSV-IVb using virus isolation. The virus was isolated from 70% of fish subjected to three freeze thaw cycles. All other treatment methods were effective in inactivating the virus, including treatment with isopropyl alcohol, mineral oil, salt with borax, and dehydration. Dehydration followed by rehydration is rapid and effective, and therefore, seems to be the best option for inactivating VHSV-IVb present in frozen baitfish while maintaining their usefulness as bait. Monitoring or regulating all risk factors for the transmission of VHSV is an infeasible task. A semi-quantitative risk assessment model was utilized to focus VHSV management efforts in Minnesota. The risk of VHSV introduction to major watersheds in Minnesota was directly correlated with proximity to Lake Superior, the only VHSV-positive waterbody in the state. Although the current regulations are uniform across Minnesota, the risk varied for specific locations within the watersheds. For example, the introduction of game fish for stock enhancement (a common fisheries management practice) was found to be a significant risk factor for VHSV introduction into public waterbodies and waterbodies frequently used for wild baitfish harvest. Aquaculture facilities with strict biosecurity programs and frequent health inspections received the lowest risk scores and were largely considered protected and of low risk for VHSV introduction. These results suggest the current management strategy, based on political boundaries, should be reevaluated. A risk-based management strategy would better allocate efforts to watersheds or specific waterbodies at higher risk and relax efforts in areas of lower risk of VHSV introduction in Minnesota.
KHV disease data from wild Cyprinus carpio from Lake Elysian (Le Seuer, MN) and cohabitation disease trial of Cyprinus carpio, Pimephales promelas and Carassius auratus
(2020-09-28) Tolo, Isaiah; Phelps, Nicholas B. D.; phelp083@umn.edu; Phelps, Nicholas; Minnesota Aquatic Invasive Species Research Center (MAISRC)
Koi herpesvirus (KHV) is an important pathogen worldwide and a common cause of mass mortality events of wild common carp (Cyprinus carpio) in North America, however reference strains and genomes obtained from wild carp are not available. Additionally, it is unclear if fishes native to North America are susceptible to KHV infection due to incomplete susceptibility testing. Here we present the first North American type strain and whole genome sequence of KHV isolated from wild carp collected from a lake with history and recent incidence of carp mortality. Additionally, the strain was used in an in-vivo infection model to test the susceptibility of a common native minnow (Pimephales promelas) and goldfish (Carrasius auratus) which is invasive in North America. Detection of KHV DNA was confirmed in the tissues of a single fathead minnow but the same tissues were negative for KHV mRNA and samples from exposed fathead minnows were negative on cell culture. There was no detection of KHV DNA or mRNA in goldfish throughout the experiment. KHV DNA in carp tissues was reproducibly accompanied by detection of KHV mRNA and isolation on cell culture. Additionally, environmental KHV DNA was detected on all tank filters during the study. These findings suggest that fathead minnows and goldfish are not susceptible to KHV infection and that detection of KHV DNA alone in host susceptibility trials should be interpreted with caution
Network connectivity patterns of Minnesota waterbodies and implications for aquatic invasive species prevention
(2020-10-28) Kao, Szu-Yu; Enns, Eva A; Tomamichel, Megan; Doll, Adam; Escobar, Luis E; Qiao, Huijie; Craft, Meggan E; Phelps, Nicholas B. D.; phelp083@umn.edu; Phelps, Nicholas B D; Minnesota Aquatic Invasive Species Research Center (MAISRC); Division of Health Policy and Management, School of Public Health, University of Minnesota; Odum School of Ecology, University of Georgia; Department of Fish and Wildlife Conservation, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University; Key Laboratory of Animal Ecology and Conservation Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences; Department of Veterinary Population Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Minnesota
The data contains simulated boater movements across lakes in the state of Minnesota (MN). The data were simulated based on the boater inspection program conducted by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources in 2014-2017. Using the inspection survey, we employed machine learning technique, XGBoost, to construct three predictive boater movement models. First, we predicted the number of boater traffic on a lake for a year. Second, we predicted the boater connection between any pair of lakes in MN. Third, we predicted the number of boaters between two lakes that were predicted to have connection.
R Code, Data, and Output Supporting: Facilitating effective collaboration to prevent aquatic invasive species spread
(2023-09-05) Bajcz, Alex, W.; Kinsley, Amy; Haight, Robert; Phelps, Nicholas B. D.; bajcz003@umn.edu; Bajcz, Alex W.; Minnesota Aquatic Invasive Species Research Center (MAISRC); Veterinary Population Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine; USDA Forest Service, Northern Research Station; Department of Fisheries, Wildlife, and Conservation Biology
This repository contains R code, raw and processed data, and associated outputs supporting the results reported in: Kinsley, A, Bajcz A, Haight R, and Phelps N. 2023. Facilitating effective collaboration to prevent aquatic invasive species spread. Biological Invasions [in press]. In brief, this repository provides the inputs, code, and documentation for our process of generating optimization models, using linear integer programming (LIP) in R, that would find optimal placement patterns for watercraft inspection stations to thwart the movement of boats at risk of carrying aquatic invasive species from one lake to another within the state of Minnesota, given certain assumptions about how jurisdictional authority operates within the state.
Supplementary files for an expert-based risk ranking framework for assessing potential pathogens in the live baitfish trade
(2022-05-06) McEachran, Margaret C.; Travis, Dominic A.; Phelps, Nicholas B. D.; Sampedro, Fernando; thom4412@umn.edu; McEachran, Margaret C.; Minnesota Aquatic Invasive Species Research Center (MAISRC)
The purpose of this study was to develop a “hazard identification” and ranking tool to identify the pathogens that pose the highest risk to wild fish from the release of live baitfish by recreational anglers in freshwater systems. We developed a screening protocol and semi-quantitative stochastic risk ranking framework by combining published data with expert elicitation (n=25) and applied the framework to identify high-priority pathogens for the bait supply in Minnesota, USA. Normalized scores were developed for seven risk criteria (likelihood of transfer, prevalence in bait supply, likelihood of colonization, current distribution, economic impact if established, ecological impact if established, and host species) to characterize a pathogen’s ability to persist in the bait supply and cause impacts to wild fish species of concern. Of an initial list of 33, 15 potential pathogens met the criteria for inclusion and were evaluated using the semi-quantitative framework. The generalist macroparasite Schizocotyle acheilognathi was identified as presenting highest overall threat to wild Minnesota fish, followed by the microsporidian Ovipleistophora ovariae, and viral hemorrhagic septicemia virus. Our findings contribute to the development of risk-based prevention and surveillance methods in support of front-line managers charged with maintaining both the aquatic sporting industry and sustainable, healthy natural resources in Minnesota. In addition, the ranking framework provides a standardized conceptual framework for prioritizing management as novel disease needs emerge.
Supporting data for "A chemical prioritization process: Applications to contaminants of emerging concern in freshwater ecosystems (Phase 1)"
(2022-09-08) Deere, Jessica R; Streets, Summer; Jankowski, Mark D; Ferrey, Mark; Chenaux-Ibrahim, Yvette; Convertino, Matteo; Isaac, E.J.; Phelps, Nicholas B. D.; Primus, Alexander; Servadio, Joseph L; Singer, Randall S; Travis, Dominic A; Moore, Seth; Wolf, Tiffany M; deere007@umn.edu; Deere, Jessica R
These data describe contaminants of emerging concern (CECs) detected in subsistence fish species and freshwater ecosystems on the Grand Portage Indian Reservation and adjacent 1854 Ceded Territory in Northeastern Minnesota, USA. They also contain chemical-specific information, including acute toxicity, endocrine activity, physicochemical properties, and frequency of occurrence data used to prioritize detected CECs based on their potential environmental hazard.
Survey of anglers who had a fishing license in the 2018-2019 fishing season
(2022-03-28) McEachran, Margaret C.; Hofelich Mohr, Alicia; Lindsay, Thomas; Phelps, Nicholas B. D.; Fulton, David; phelp083@umn.edu; Phelps, Nicholas; Minnesota Aquatic Invasive Species Research Center (MAISRC); Department of Fisheries, Wildlife, and Conservation Biology; Liberal Arts Technology and Innovation Services (LATIS)
This is a dataset containing responses to a 2019 mailed paper survey of recreational anglers in Minnesota, USA. The release of live baitfish by anglers has been identified as a high-risk pathway for aquatic invasive species due to the potential for invasive fish, invertebrates, or pathogens to be release simultaneously with the baitfish. Consequently, the release of live baitfish is illegal in many jurisdictions, but little is known about compliance rates or motivations for illegal release. To assess the incidence of live baitfish release, we administered a mailed survey to a random sample of anglers who held a 2018-2019 annual fishing license and received 681 responses. To mitigate potential recall bias, we also administered 345 intercept surveys at waterbody access sites around the state asking anglers about the current day’s behaviors. Four hundred and eighty-one (72%) of the mailed survey respondents reported that they used live baitfish and of those, 99 (20%) reported that they release their leftover live baitfish into the water at least some of the time. Of the anglers surveyed at waterbody access sites, 59 (19%) were using live baitfish on the day they were surveyed and of those, 11 (18%) released their leftover baitfish into the water. The reasons provided for release included convenience and a misperception that released baitfish benefit the recipient ecosystem. Given the many millions of fishing trips that occur every year, the current rate of illegal baitfish release results in many chances for invasive species introduction. However, there is also significant opportunity for management interventions aimed at changing perceptions and providing convenient disposal alternatives to illegal release to reduce the risk presented by this pathway. This data is being released in accordance with the terms of our funding and to facilitate review of the paper prior to publication.

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