Submitted by David J. Marcogliese (Chair), 18 May 2010
No one from the module or the CSZ attended the meeting of the Biological Survey of Canada (BSC) in Winnipeg this past October. The Canadian Museum of Nature is no longer supporting the secretariat, and the former head finished his contract in September. The last news we had is that a Memorandum of Understanding was established with the CMN to provide some administrative support until April. A new MOU is supposed to come into effect. Basically, the BSC is a now non-profit volunteer-run organization. They are currently trying to develop fund-raising activities. Given this situation, the question should be raised about whether the section should maintain the Steering Committee (essentially, a committee of 1).
There has been no progress on the latest project (parasites of mammals) during the past year. International Biodiversity of Stickleback Parasites Project Major advances have been made on the stickleback project. Data sets from various sites in New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island have been completed. Identification of parasites from my sites in the Saguenay and Gros Morne has been completed. A global database on presence/absence, abundance and prevalence, with approximately 80-120 entries, is currently being analyzed by collaborators (Robert Poulin, David Thieltges, Chris Blanar).
A collaboration has been established with Derek Zelmer to analyze this database.
Our directory is maintained on the Parasitology Section website (http://www2.biology.ualberta.ca/parasites/indexen/directoryi.htm). Al Shostak (University of Alberta) maintains the site. Members can update the directory with recent changes or additions electronically via the web site. Parasitologists are encouraged to update their coordinates and biographical information in the directory, if it is out of date.
In 2009, the Council of Canadian Academies’ Expert Panel on the State and Trends of Biodiversity Science in Canada carried out a Survey of Taxonomic Expertise in Canada. We have encountered huge delays in processing voucher specimens at the Canadian Museum of Nature, largely because curatorial staff was assigned exhibition preparations for the opening of the newly-renovated building. We are now considering using the ROM for all our voucher material. They have a trained parasitologist (Claire Healey) and have informed us that they can process samples quickly.
No one from the module or the CSZ attended the meeting of the Scientific Committee of the Biological Survey of Canada (BSC) in Ottawa this past April. The Canadian Museum of Nature is apparently cutting support for the existing Terrestrial Arthropods Module by 75%, without any financial commitment beyond 31 March 2010. They are pursuing alternate models with broader taxonomic focus and other sources of funding.
There has been no progress on the latest tproject (parasites of mammals) during the past year.
In 2008, the final of five years of sampling took place in Parc de la Mauricie and fish were processed for parasites. In addition, data from missing New Brunswick samples have been located and are being processed by colleagues.
The electronic database for parasites of perch was lost a result of a computer theft a few years ago. Data have now been re-entered into an electronic database.
Our directory is maintained on the Parasitology Section website (http://www2.biology.ualberta.ca/parasites/indexen/directoryi.htm). Al Shostak (University of Alberta) maintains the site. Members can update the directory with recent changes or additions electronically via the web site. Parasitologists are encouraged to update their coordinates and biographical information in the directory, if it is out of date.
Submitted by David J. Marcogliese (Chair), 21 May 2008
No one from the module or the CSZ attended the meeting of the Scientific Committee of the Biological Survey of Canada (BSC) in Ottawa this past April. The BSC is undergoing reorgnaization. It must expand and broaden its scope if it is to retain museum support. Unofficially, they may expand to include the botanists.
The latest project undertaken by the committee is to develop recommended protocols for the monitoring of parasites in various host groups in Canada. Protocols are developed in conjunction with the Ecological Monitoring and Assessment Network (EMAN) and are posted in English and French on their web site (http://www.eman-rese.ca/eman/ecotools/protocols/). Scott Gardner (Harold W. Manter Laboratory of Parasitology, University of Nebraska, Lincoln) and Susan Kutz (University of Calgary) have agreed to jointly complete the protocols for parasites of mammals. An initial draft has been submitted, which must be edited. Development of these protocols within a national framework permits us to interact more effectively with colleagues outside parasitology, provides an international forum for our community’s efforts, and encourages incorporation of parasitology into ecological and environmental programs.
A second parasite faunal survey (National stickleback parasite survey) following up on the perch survey was initiated in November 1996. Parasitologists across Canada are encouraged to participate in this survey, and to bring it to the attention of their students. Further information and protocols can be found at the Parasitology Section website, under Module (http://www2.biology.ualberta.ca/parasites/indexen/modulei.htm). Send data to Dr. David Marcogliese, Environment Canada, St. Lawrence Centre, 105 McGill St., 7th Floor, Montreal, Quebec (Tel: 514-283-6499; Fax: 514-496-7398; Email: david.marcogliese@ec.gc.ca). The survey expanded internationally as a core project of IBOY (the International Biodiversity Observation Year, 2001-02) and has been endorsed by the International Council for the Exploration of the Seas, the Biological Survey of Canada, the Biodiversity Committee of the CSZ, and the Biodiversity Science Board of Canada. Potential participants to date include > 40 scientists from 15 countries (Canada, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, Germany, Japan, Iceland, Iran, Lithuania, Norway, Russia, Turkey, Ukraine, United Kingdom, and United States). The project continues to attract new participants and data continue to be collected. In 2007, the fourth of five years of sampling took place in Parc de la Mauricie and fish were processed for parasites. One major development of note is that we have developed a hierarchical Access database for standardizing data entry by all contributors. The database was tested by a project participant, and now has to be debugged.
Our directory is maintained on the Parasitology Section website (http://www2.biology.ualberta.ca/parasites/indexen/directoryi.htm). Al Shostak (University of Alberta) maintains the site. Members can update the directory with recent changes or additions electronically via the web site. Parasitologists are encouraged to update their coordinates and biographical information in the directory, if it is out of date.
Submitted by David J. Marcogliese (Chair), 24 May 2007
On 19-20 April 2007, Dr. Marcogliese attended the meeting of the Scientific Committee of the Biological Survey of Canada (BSC) in Ottawa. The important news is the Hugh Danks is retiring as head of the Biological Survey. A job search was made for a one-year replacement, who will be Dr. Andrew Smith (currently a research associate at the CMN, studying South American scarab beetles). The Canadian Museum of Nature is undergoing another 5-year strategic planning activity, and now may be an opportune time to get some activities incorporated into the BSC. Funding for travel was provided by research budgets within Environment Canada.
The latest project undertaken by the committee is to develop recommended protocols for the monitoring of parasites in various host groups in Canada. Protocols are developed in conjunction with the Ecological Monitoring and Assessment Network (EMAN) and are posted in English and French on their web site (http://www.eman-rese.ca/eman/ecotools/protocols/). Scott Gardner (Harold W. Manter Laboratory of Parasitology, University of Nebraska, Lincoln) and Susan Kutz (University of Calgary) have agreed to jointly complete the protocols for parasites of mammals. An initial draft has been submitted, which must be edited. Development of these protocols within a national framework permits us to interact more effectively with colleagues outside parasitology, provides an international forum for our community's efforts, and encourages incorporation of parasitology into ecological and environmental programs.
A second parasite faunal survey (National stickleback parasite survey) following up on the perch survey was initiated in November 1996. Parasitologists across Canada are encouraged to participate in this survey, and to bring it to the attention of their students. Further information and protocols can be found at the Parasitology Section website, under Module (http://www2.biology.ualberta.ca/parasites/indexen/modulei.htm). Send data to Dr. David Marcogliese, Environment Canada, St. Lawrence Centre, 105 McGill St., 7th Floor, Montreal, Quebec (Tel: 514-283-6499; Fax: 514-496-7398; Email: david.marcogliese@ec.gc.ca). The survey expanded internationally as a core project of IBOY (the International Biodiversity Observation Year, 2001-02) and has been endorsed by the International Council for the Exploration of the Seas, the Biological Survey of Canada, the Biodiversity Committee of the CSZ, and the Biodiversity Science Board of Canada. Potential participants to date include > 40 scientists from 15 countries (Canada, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, Germany, Japan, Iceland, Iran, Lithuania, Norway, Russia, Turkey, Ukraine, United Kingdom, and United States). The project continues to attract new participants and data continue to be collected. In 2006, the third of five years of sampling took place in Parc de la Mauricie and fish were processed for parasites. One major development of note is that we have developed a hierarchical Access database for standardizing data entry by all contributors. The database was tested by a project participant, and now has to be debugged.
Our directory is maintained on the Parasitology Section website (http://www2.biology.ualberta.ca/parasites/indexen/directoryi.htm). Al Shostak (University of Alberta) maintains the site. Members can update the directory with recent changes or additions electronically via the web site. Parasitologists are encouraged to update their coordinates and biographical information in the directory, if it is out of date.
Submitted by David J. Marcogliese (Chair), 5 May 2006
On 20-21 April 2006, Dr. Marcogliese attended the meeting of the Scientific Committee of the Biological Survey of Canada (BSC) in Ottawa. No one attended the fall meeting as it was held in Canmore, Alberta. The BSC has been holding a smaller fall meeting in conjunction with the annual meeting of the Entomological Society of Canada to cut expenses. On October 26, 2005, Dr. Marcogliese participated in a strategic planning session for the Biological Survey of Canada at the Canadian Museum of Nature Natural Heritage Building in Aylmer, Quebec as the CSZ representative. The meeting was attended by representatives of museums and scientific societies from across the country. This session constituted one component of an evaluation process on the part of the museum. It also may in part be in preparation for the retirement of the head of the BSC. The purpose was to address the following questions:
Funding for travel was provided by research budgets within the St. Lawrence Centre, Environment Canada.
The latest project undertaken by the committee is to develop recommended protocols for the monitoring of parasites in various host groups in Canada. Protocols are developed in conjunction with the Ecological Monitoring and Assessment Network (EMAN) and are posted in English and French on their web site (http://www.eman-rese.ca/eman/ecotools/protocols/). Scott Gardner (Harold W. Manter Laboratory of Parasitology, University of Nebraska, Lincoln) and Susan Kutz (Western College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon) have agreed to jointly complete the protocols for parasites of mammals. Development of these protocols within a national framework permits us to interact more effectively with colleagues outside parasitology, provides an international forum for our community’s efforts, and encourages incorporation of parasitology into ecological and environmental programs.
A second parasite faunal survey (National stickleback parasite survey) following up on the perch survey was initiated in November 1996. Parasitologists across Canada are encouraged to participate in this survey, and to bring it to the attention of their students. Further information and protocols can be found at the Parasitology Section website, under Module (http://www2.biology.ualberta.ca/parasites/indexen/modulei.htm). Send data to Dr. David Marcogliese, Environment Canada, St. Lawrence Centre, 105 McGill St., 7th Floor, Montreal, Quebec (Tel: 514-283-6499; Fax: 514-496-7398; Email: david.marcogliese@ec.gc.ca). The survey expanded internationally as a core project of IBOY (the International Biodiversity Observation Year, 2001-02) and has been endorsed by the International Council for the Exploration of the Seas, the Biological Survey of Canada, the Biodiversity Committee of the CSZ, and the Biodiversity Science Board of Canada. Potential participants to date include > 40 scientists from 15 countries (Canada, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, Germany, Japan, Iceland, Iran, Lithuania, Norway, Russia, Turkey, Ukraine, United Kingdom, and United States). The project continues to attract new participants and data continue to be collected. In 2005, the second of five years of sampling took place in Parc de la Mauricie and fish were processed for parasites. One major development of note is that we have developed a hierarchical Access database for standardizing data entry by all contributors. This will facilitate incorporation of the data into the central system. The database is designed so that those contributors who do not have Access can download some software that permits data entry in the appropriate format. This system now remains to be tested by volunteer contributors.
Our directory is maintained on the Parasitology Section website (http://www2.biology.ualberta.ca/parasites/indexen/directoryi.htm). Al Shostak (University of Alberta) maintains the site. Members can update the directory with recent changes or additions electronically via the web site. Parasitologists are encouraged to update their coordinates and biographical information in the directory, if it is out of date.
Submitted by David J. Marcogliese (Chair), 11 May 2005
On 21 April 2005, Dr. Marcogliese attended the meeting of the Scientific Committee of the Biological Survey of Canada (BSC) in Ottawa. No one attended the fall meeting as it was held in Charlottetown, PEI. Funding for travel was provided by research budgets within the St. Lawrence Centre, Environment Canada.
The latest project undertaken by the committee is to develop recommended protocols for the monitoring of parasites in various host groups in Canada. Protocols are developed in conjunction with the Ecological Monitoring and Assessment Network (EMAN) and are posted in English and French on their web site (http://www.eman-rese.ca/eman/ecotools/protocols/). Scott Gardner (Harold W. Manter Laboratory of Parasitology, University of Nebraska, Lincoln) and Susan Kutz (Western College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon) have agreed to jointly complete the protocols for parasites of mammals. Development of these protocols within a national framework permits us to interact more effectively with colleagues outside parasitology, provides an international forum for our community's efforts, and encourages incorporation of parasitology into ecological and environmental programs.
A second parasite faunal survey following up on the perch survey was initiated in November 1996. Parasitologists across Canada are encouraged to participate in this survey, and to bring it to the attention of their students. Further information and protocols can be found at the Parasitology Section website, under Module (http://www2.biology.ualberta.ca/parasites/indexen/modulei.htm). Send data to Dr. David Marcogliese, Environment Canada, St. Lawrence Centre, 105 McGill St., 7th Floor, Montreal, Quebec (Tel: 514-283-6499; Fax: 514-496-7398; Email: david.marcogliese@ec.gc.ca). The survey expanded internationally as a core project of IBOY (the International Biodiversity Observation Year, 2001-02) and has been endorsed by the International Council for the Exploration of the Seas, the Biological Survey of Canada, the Biodiversity Committee of the CSZ, and the Biodiversity Science Board of Canada. Potential participants to date include > 40 scientists from 15 countries (Canada, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, Germany, Japan, Iceland, Iran, Lithuania, Norway, Russia, Turkey, Ukraine, United Kingdom, and United States). The project continues to attract new participants and data continue to be collected. In 2004, David Marcogliese signed a five-year agreement with the Parc de la Mauricie to study parasites of sticklebacks as indicators of ecological integrity. This agreement will permit some official involvement in the project by Environment Canada as well as guarantee some funding, and thus serve to accelerate its progress. Those willing to participate in this international collaboration are welcome to join.
Our directory is maintained on the Parasitology Section website (http://www2.biology.ualberta.ca/parasites/indexen/directoryi.htm). Al Shostak (University of Alberta) maintains the site. Members can update the directory with recent changes or additions electronically via the web site. Parasitologists are encouraged to update their coordinates and biographical information in the directory, if it is out of date.
Submitted by David J. Marcogliese (Chair), 29 June 2004
On 22-23 April 2004, Dr. Marcogliese attended the meeting of the Scientific Committee of the Biological Survey of Canada (BSC) in Ottawa. No one attended the fall meeting as it was help in Kelowna, BC. Funding for travel was provided by research budgets within the St. Lawrence Centre, Environment Canada.
The latest project undertaken by the committee is to develop recommended protocols for the monitoring of parasites in various host groups in Canada. Protocols are developed in conjunction with the Ecological Monitoring and Assessment Network (EMAN) and are posted in English and French on their web site (http://www.cciw.ca/eman). Scott Gardner (Harold W. Manter Laboratory of Parasitology, University of Nebraska, Lincoln) and Susan Kutz (Western College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon) have agreed to jointly complete the protocols for parasites of mammals. Development of these protocols within a national framework permits us to interact more effectively with colleagues outside parasitology, provides an international forum for our community's efforts, and encourages incorporation of parasitology into ecological and environmental programs.
A second parasite faunal survey following up on the perch survey was initiated in November 1996. Parasitologists across Canada are encouraged to participate in this survey, and to bring it to the attention of their students. Further information and protocols can be found at the Parasitology Section website, under Module (http://www.biology.ualberta.ca/parasites/indexen/modulei.htm). Send data to Dr. David Marcogliese, Environment Canada, St. Lawrence Centre, 105 McGill St., 7th Floor, Montreal, Quebec (Tel: 514-283-6499; Fax: 514-496-7398; Email: david.marcogliese@ec.gc.ca). The survey expanded internationally as a core project of IBOY (the International Biodiversity Observation Year, 2001-02) and has been endorsed by the International Council for the Exploration of the Seas, the Biological Survey of Canada, the Biodiversity Committee of the CSZ, and the Biodiversity Science Board of Canada. Potential participants to date include > 40 scientists from 15 countries (Canada, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, Germany, Japan, Iceland, Iran, Lithuania, Norway, Russia, Turkey, Ukraine, United Kingdom, and United States). In 2003-04, the project attracted four new members and new data were collected. In Canada, David Marcogliese received a grant of $10,000 from EMAN in the fall of 2003 to finish processing samples that were collected in Canadian national parks. Those willing to participate in this international collaboration are welcome to join.
Our directory is maintained on the Parasitology Section website (http://www.biology.ualberta.ca/parasites/indexen/directoryi.htm). Al Shostak (University of Alberta) maintains the site. Members can update the directory with recent changes or additions electronically via the web site. Parasitologists are encouraged to update their coordinates and biographical information in the directory, if it is out of date.
There are still outstanding guides in the series initiated by Leo Margolis and Bob Kabata. Rough drafts exist for the leeches (Ron Davies) and protozoans (Ras Khan), and the nematodes (Hisao Arai) and cestodes (Hisao Arai & Mick Burt) are in progress.
A new national initiative may be of concern to Canadian parasitologists. The National Wildlife Disease Strategy is a collaborative initiative to develop a coordinated and integrated approach to wildlife disease management in Canada. Federal, provincial and territorial departments and agencies are working with non-government organizations, universities, and industry to finalize and implement this national plan. The Strategy includes six goals: the prevention of emergence of new wildlife diseases; the early detection of new wildlife diseases; rapid response to new wildlife diseases; effective disease management; education and training; and communication. Officials in the public health, agriculture and trade, and wildlife resource management sectors developed draft action plans for each of the goals at the workshop. Please note that the draft Strategy and the summaries of the draft action plans are now posted on the Canadian Wildlife Service website. The address is http://www.cws-scf.ec.gc.ca/cnwds/index_e.cfm (English) and http://www.cws-scf.ec.gc.ca/cnwds/index_f.cfm (French). Concerned persons are encouraged to comment on it.
Submitted by David J. Marcogliese (Chair), 9 May, 2002
The Parasitology Module Steering Committee presently is composed of the following members: Dr. David Marcogliese (chair and Past Chair of Parasitology Section), Dr. Martin Adamson, Dr. Hisao Arai, Dr. Dan McLaughlin, and Dr. Al Shostak (Directory). On 11-12 October 2001 and 18-19 April 2002, Dr. Marcogliese attended the meetings of the Scientific Committee of the Biological Survey of Canada (BSC) in Ottawa. Funding for travel was provided by research budgets within the St. Lawrence Centre, Environment Canada.
The latest project undertaken by the committee is to develop recommended protocols for the monitoring of parasites in various host groups in Canada. Protocols are developed in conjunction with the Ecological Monitoring and Assessment Network and are posted on their web site (http://www.cciw.ca/eman). Two new protocols are now up in English and French:
Scott Gardner (Harold W. Manter Laboratory of Parasitology, University of Nebraska, Lincoln) and Susan Kutz (Western College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon) have agreed to jointly complete the protocols for parasites of mammals. Development of these protocols within a national framework permits us to interact more effectively with colleagues outside parasitology, provides an international forum for our community's efforts, and encourages incorporation of parasitology into ecological and environmental programs.
A second parasite faunal survey following up on the perch survey was initiated in November 1996. Parasitologists across Canada are encouraged to participate in this survey, and to bring it to the attention of their students. Further information and protocols can be found at the Parasitology Section website, under Module (http://www.biology.ualberta.ca/parasites/indexen/modulei.htm). Send data to Dr. David Marcogliese, Environment Canada, St. Lawrence Centre, 105 McGill St., 7th Floor, Montreal, Quebec (Tel: 514-283-6499; Fax: 514-496-7398; Email: david.marcogliese@ec.gc.ca). The survey is a core project of IBOY (the International Biodiversity Observation Year, 2001-02) and is endorsed by the International Council for the Exploration of the Seas, the Biological Survey of Canada, the Biodiversity Committee of the CSZ, and the Biodiversity Science Board of Canada. Potential participants to date include 36 scientists from 13 countries (Canada, Czech Republic, Denmark, Germany, Japan, Icel and, Iran, Lithuania, Norway, Russia, Ukraine, United Kingdom, and United States). Those willing to participate in this international collaboration are welcome to join. The IBOY web site may be contacted at http://www.nrel.colostate.edu/IBOY.
In 2001, sticklebacks were collected numerous sites in eastern and western Canada, western United States, Russia, Iceland, Germany, United Kingdom, Norway and the Faroe Islands. In Canada, numerous collections were made at various national parks which provided some financial and in-kind support. More collecting is planned for 2002 from both new and previously-sampled sites and regions. Many of the project participants will meet at a workshop scheduled to take place during the International Congress of Parasitology to be held August 5 in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. At this workshop, participants will evaluate progress, examine data acquired to date, and discuss project planification and direction for the future.
Our directory is maintained on the Parasitology Section website (http://www.biology.ualberta.ca/parasites/indexen/directoryi.htm). Al Shostak (University of Alberta) maintains the site. Members can update the directory with recent changes or additions electronically via the web site. Parasitologists are encouraged to update their coordinates and biographical information in the directory, if it is out of date.
There are still outstanding guides in the series initiated by Leo Margolis and Bob Kabata. Rough drafts exist for the leeches (Ron Davies) and protozoans (Ras Kahn), and the nematodes (Hisao Arai) and cestodes (Hisao Arai & Mick Burt) are in progress.
There are tremendous efforts internationally to develop bioinformatics for biodiversity. Canada is participating in North American initiatives. One important goal is to digitize collection data bases and authoritative species lists as part of an international biological data monitoring system incorporating geographic information systems. The All-Species Foundation was impressed by how the Canadian parasitological community responded to an outside request about salmon parasites. However, none of our information is digitized, and it has been suggested that making our numerous publications and databases available on-line would truly demonstrate the value of parasitology to the rest of the scientific community.
Submitted by David J. Marcogliese (Chair), 11 May, 2001
The Parasitology Module Steering Committee presently is composed of the following members: Dr. David Marcogliese (chair), Dr. Martin Adamson, Dr. Hisao Arai, Dr. Dan McLaughlin, Dr. Al Shostak (Directory), and Dr. David Cone (perch project and Past Chair of Parasitology Section).
On 12-13 October 2000 and 26-27 April 2001, Dr. Marcogliese attended the meetings of the Scientific Committee of the Biological Survey of Canada (BSC) in Ottawa. Funding for travel was provided by research budgets within the St. Lawrence Centre, Environment Canada.
The latest project undertaken by the committee is to develop recommended protocols for the monitoring of parasites in various host groups in Canada. Protocols will be developed in conjunction with the Ecological Monitoring and Assessment Network and will be posted on their web site (http://www.cciw.ca/eman). The final version of protocols for parasites of birds written by Dan McLaughlin (Concordia University) has been submitted and is undergoing translation before posting on the EMAN web site. Tim Goater (Malaspina University-College) and Cam Goater (University of Lethbridge) and preparing the final revision to the protocols for parasites of amphibians and reptiles. The next step is to recruit someone to do parasites of mammals. Development of these protocols within a national framework permits us to interact more effectively with colleagues outside parasitology, provides an international forum for our community’s efforts, and encourages incorporation of parasitology into ecological and environmental programs.
A second parasite faunal survey following up on the perch survey was initiated in November 1996. Parasitologists across Canada are encouraged to participate in this survey, and to bring it to the attention of their students. Further information and protocols can be found at the Parasitology Section website, under Module (http://www.biology.ualberta.ca/parasites/indexen/modulei.htm). Send data to Dr. David Marcogliese, Environment Canada, St. Lawrence Centre, 105 McGill St., 7th Floor, Montreal, Quebec (Tel: 514-283-6499; Fax: 514-496-7398; Email: david.marcogliese@ec.gc.ca). The project submitted to the international biodiversity organization DIVERSITAS, to complete a stickleback parasite survey across the northern hemisphere in 2001-2002 was accepted for IBOY (the International Biodiversity Observation Year). Potential participants to date are from Russia, Norway, Iceland, Czech Republic, United Kingdom, Japan, United States, and Canada. A Collaborative Research Opportunities Grant application has been submitted to NSERC to cover Canadian participation in IBOY. Those willing to participate in this international collaboration are welcome to join. The IBOY web site may be contacted at http://www.nrel.colostate.edu/IBOY.
Our directory is maintained on the Parasitology Section website (http://www.biology.ualberta.ca/home.htm). Al Shostak (University of Alberta) maintains the site. Members can update the directory with recent changes or additions electronically via the web site. Parasitologists are encouraged to update their coordinates and biographical information in the directory, if it is out of date.
The perch project, coordinated by Dr. David Cone (St. Mary’s University), was designed to inventory parasites of yellow perch from a variety of habitats across Canada. Submissions are still welcome, and we encourage parasitologists to participate. Send data to Dr. David Cone (Dept. of Biology, Saint Mary’s University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, B3H 3C3; Email: cone@husky1.stmarys.ca).
There are still outstanding guides in the series initiated by Leo Margolis and Bob Kabata. These include leeches (Ron Davies), protozoans (Ras Kahn), nematodes (Hisao Arai) and cestodes (Mick Burt). NRC Press is apparently showing interest in publishing monographs again.
There are tremendous efforts internationally to develop bioinformatics for biodiversity. Canada is participating in North American initiatives. One important goal is to digitize collection data bases and authoritative species lists as part of an international biological data monitoring system incorporating geographic information systems. Various systematic societies will be asked to provide authoritative species lists. The question we must ask is: do we wish to participate in these activities (or be left behind)? Another biodiversity related project has been suggested. Hisao Arai has proposed that in cases where parasites of fish have not been identified to species, we return to the type locality and examine parasites from the type host to clarify identifications.
Submitted by David J. Marcogliese (Chair), 3 May, 2000
The Parasitology Module Steering Committee presently is composed of the following members: Dr. David Marcogliese (chair), Dr. Martin Adamson, Dr. Hisao Arai, Dr. Dan McLaughlin, Dr. David Cone (perch project) and Dr. Ras Khan (Past President of Parasitology Section).
On 21-22 October 1999 and 13 April 1999, Dr. Marcogliese attended the meetings of the Scientific Committee of the Biological Survey of Canada (BSC) in Ottawa. Funding for travel was provided by research budgets within the St. Lawrence Centre, Environment Canada.
The latest project undertaken by the committee is to develop recommended protocols for the monitoring of parasites in various host groups in Canada. Protocols will be developed in conjunction with the Ecological Monitoring and Assessment Network and will be posted on their web site (http://www.cciw.ca/eman). The final version of protocols for parasites of freshwater fishes written by David Marcogliese (St. Lawrence Centre, Environment Canada) for the EMAN team organizing freshwater protocols now has been posted on the EMAN web site (http://www.cciw.ca/eman-temp/research/protocols/99_freshpara/). Dan McLaughlin (Concordia University) is preparing the protocols for parasites of birds, and Tim Goater (Malaspina University-College), those for parasites of amphibians and reptiles. Unfortunately, our partner preparing protocols of parasites of mammals was forced to drop the project, and we are now soliciting volunteers to prepare this document. Development of these protocols within a national framework permits us to interact more effectively with colleagues outside parasitology, provides an international forum for our community’s efforts, and encourages incorporation of parasitology into ecological and environmental programs.
A second parasite faunal survey following up on the perch survey was initiated in November 1996. Data sets have been submitted from Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Quebec, and British Columbia. Further collections are being made in these areas as well as in Ontario. Parasitologists across Canada are encouraged to participate in this survey, and to bring it to the attention of their students. Further information and protocols can be found at the Parasitology Section website, under Module (http://www.biology.ualberta.ca/parasites/indexen/modulei.htm). Send data to Dr. David Marcogliese, Environment Canada, St. Lawrence Centre, 105 McGill St., 7th Floor, Montreal, Quebec (Tel: 514-283-6499; Fax: 514-496-7398; Email: david.marcogliese@ec.gc.ca). The project submitted to the international biodiversity organization DIVERSITAS, to complete a stickleback parasite survey across the northern hemisphere in 2001-2002 was accepted for IBOY (the International Biodiversity Observation Year). Potential participants to date are from Russia, Norway, Finland, Czech Republic, United Kingdom, Japan, United States, and Canada. The next step is to obtain funding to proceed with this international effort. Those willing to participate in this international collaboration are welcome to join. The IBOY web site may be contacted at http://www.nrel.colostate.edu/IBOY.
Our directory is maintained on the Parasitology Section website (http://www.biology.ualberta.ca/home.htm). Al Shostak (University of Alberta) maintains the site. Members can update the directory with recent changes or additions electronically via the web site. Parasitologists are encouraged to update their coordinates and biographical information in the directory, if it is out of date.
The perch project, coordinated by Dr. David Cone (St. Mary’s University), was designed to inventory parasites of yellow perch from a variety of habitats across Canada. New samples in 1999 include perch from sites along the St. Lawrence River in Quebec and Ontario. Submissions are still welcome, and we encourage parasitologists to participate. Send data to Dr. David Cone (Dept. of Biology, Saint Mary’s University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, B3H 3C3; Email: cone@husky1.stmarys.ca).
There are still outstanding guides in the series initiated by Leo Margolis and Bob Kabata. These include leeches (Ron Davies), protozoans (Ras Kahn), nematodes (Hisao Arai) and cestodes (Mick Burt). Hisao Arai (University of Calgary, retired) is pursuing potential means of publication.
There are tremendous efforts internationally to develop bioinformatics for biodiversity. Canada is participating in North American initiatives. One important goal is to digitize collection data bases and authoritative species lists as part of an international biological data monitoring system incorporating geographic information systems. Various systematic societies will be asked to provide authoritative species lists. The question we must ask is: do we wish to participate in these activities (or be left behind)?
Submitted by David J. Marcogliese (Chair), 7 May, 1999
The Parasitology Module Steering Committee presently is composed of the following members: Dr. David Marcogliese (chair), Dr. Martin Adamson, Dr. Hisao Arai, Dr. Dan McLaughlin, Dr. David Cone (perch project), and Dr. Ron Podesta (Past President of Parasitology Section).
On 22-23 October 1998 and 15 April 1999, Dr. Marcogliese attended the meetings of the Scientific Committee of the Biological Survey of Canada (BSC) in Ottawa. Funding for travel was provided by the Canadian Museum of Nature (CMN) in exchange for assistance with development and curation of the parasitology collection, specifically to evaluate the potential usefulness of the CWS collections (see section on CMN below). This work was completed, so the museum will no longer fund the trips to the BSC meetings. Funding may be available for other committee members to attend the BSC meetings if they had work to do with the collections at the same time.
The latest project undertaken by the committee is to develop recommended protocols for the monitoring of parasites in various host groups in Canada. Protocols will be developed in conjunction with the Ecological Monitoring and Assessment Network and will be posted on their web site (http://www.cciw.ca/eman). The final version of protocols for parasites of freshwater fishes was submitted by David Marcogliese (St. Lawrence Centre, Environment Canada) to the EMAN team organizing freshwater protocols. Dan McLaughlin (Concordia University) has has submitted a first draft of protocols for parasites of birds. Tim Goater (Malaspina University-College) and Mike Patrick (Penn State University, Pennsylvania) are currently working on protocols for parasites of amphibians and reptiles, and mammals, respectively. Development of these protocols within a national framework permits us to interact more effectively with colleagues outside parasitology, provides an international forum for our community’s efforts, and encourages incorporation of parasitology into ecological and environmental programs.
Our directory is maintained on the Parasitology Section website (http://www.biology.ualberta.ca/home.htm). Al Shostak has developed a method by which members can update the directory with recent changes or additions electronically via the web site. Parasitologists are encouraged to update their coordinates and biographical information in the directory, if it is out of date.
The perch project, coordinated by Dr. David Cone (St. Mary’s University), was designed to inventory parasites of yellow perch from a variety of habitats across Canada. New samples in 1998 include perch from the St. Lawrence River, Quebec, and upstate New York. Submissions are still welcome, and we encourage parasitologists to participate. Send data to Dr. David Cone (Dept. of Biology, Saint Mary’s University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, B3H 3C3; Email: cone@husky1.stmarys.ca).
A second parasite faunal survey following up on the perch survey was initiated in November 1996. Data sets have been submitted from Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and Quebec, and samples have been collected in British Columbia. Parasitologists across Canada are encouraged to participate in this survey, and to bring it to the attention of their students. Further information and protocols can be found at the Parasitology Section website, under Module (http://www.biology.ualberta.ca/parasites/indexen/modulei.htm). Send data to Dr. David Marcogliese, Environment Canada, St. Lawrence Centre, 105 McGill St., 7th Floor, Montreal, Quebec (Tel: 514-283-6499; Fax: 514-496-7398; Email: david.marcogliese@ec.gc.ca). In addition, a project was submitted for funding to the international biodiversity organization DIVERSITAS, to complete a stickleback project across the northern hemisphere in 2001 for IBOY (the International Biodiversity Observation Year). Potential participants to date are from Russia, Norway, the United Kingdom, Japan, the United States, and Canada.
The Great Smokey Mountains National Park in Tennessee/North Carolina was committed to doing an All-Taxa Biodiversity Inventory (ATBI). However, the program is ecologically based to cater to local ecologists, and not all taxa were to be incorporated (a Some-Taxa Biodiversity Inventory). There was to be no or minimal support for systematics work. In response, the coordinators of the Parasitology Taxonomic Working Group resigned, and the project is virtually dead.
The Systematics Research Graduate Supplements are offered by different organizations to supplement NSERC postgraduate scholarships to promote research into systematics. Participating organizations include the the Centre for Biodiversity and Conservation Biology at the Royal Ontario Museum, the Nova Scotia Museum of Natural History, the Lyman Entomological Museum at McGill University, the Alberta Provincial Museum, the Royal British Columbia Museum, the Canadian Museum of Nature, the Eastern Cereal and Oilseed Research Centre of Agriculutre and Agri-Foods Canada, and the St. Lawrence Centre of Environment Canada. More information can be found at the NSERC website (http://www.nserc.ca).
Last year, it was brought to the Parasitology Section’s attention that there are excellent parasite collections available in the CMN containing specimens and data. Among the best include collections initially made by the Canadian Wildlife Service from caribou (NWT), Dall sheep (NWT), spotted sandpipers (NB), gannets (Que., Nfld.), and snow geese (Que.). Interest has been expressed by certain parties to work on the Dall sheep and the snow geese. Inventory of the material available and further information can be obtained from Judith Price at the CMN (613-566-4263).
The CMN has established a Visiting Fellowship Program for visitors to the museum to perform collections-based research. Stipends can be awarded up to $1500 to offset travel and accomodation costs. A total of $8500 is available. Applications are due April 30. There are certain criteria which must be met, but it should be noted that research on invertebrate taxa, including parasites, is a priority. Details are available from Dr. Mark Graham, Director of Research Services (Canadian Museum of Nature, PO Box 3443, Station D, Ottawa, Ontario, K1P 6P4; Email: mgraham@mus-nature.ca).
Another important development is that the CMN has run into structural problems with their new building. Although the building was constructed on time and on budget, the collection wing does not adhere to seismic standards (1.5 x the regular norms). It is not known how the required renovations will affect different collections. Certain collections may be unavailable for a period of time. Those planning on using material in the next year should send in their requests as soon as possible. Costs for the renovations will be assumed by the insurance company of the engineering firm involved in the error.
Submitted by David J. Marcogliese (Chair), 15 May, 1998
The Parasitology Module Steering Committee presently is composed of the following members: Dr. David Marcogliese (chair), Dr. Martin Adamson, Dr. Hisao Arai, Dr. David Cone (perch project), Dr. Dan McLaughlin, and Dr. Mike Belosevic (Past President of Parasitology Section).
On 23-24 October 1997 and 16-17 April 1998, Dr. Marcogliese attended the meetings of the Scientific Committee of the Biological Survey of Canada (BSC) in Hull. After the October meeting, an agreement was reached with the Canadian Museum of Nature (CMN) whereby the Museum would finance our participation at the BSC meetings in exchange for assistance with development and curation of the parasitology collection. Another development of importance to the parasitological community is the potential initiation of an NSERC postgraduate fund for systematic research. The Federal systematics Partnership, composed of representatives from the various government resource departments and chaired by Dr. Mark Graham (CMN) currently is pursuing the possibility of establishing funding for graduate-level research into biosystematics. There is every indication that NSERC postgraduate scholarships will be established, whereby NSERC contributes 70% and interested partners 30%. Such a program already exists for Forestry, and new potential partners include Environment, Agriculture, universities, the private sector, and others.
The latest project undertaken by the committee is to develop recommended protocols for the monitoring of parasites in various host groups in Canada. Protocols will be developed in conjunction with the Ecological Monitoring and Assessment Network and will be posted on their web site (http://www.cciw.ca/eman). Protocols for marine parasites were independently produced by the Huntsman Marine Sciences Centre and are already posted. A second draft of protocols for parasites of freshwater fishes was submitted to the EMAN team organizing freshwater protocols. Tim Goater (Malaspina University-College) and Mike Patrick (Seton Hill College, Pennsylvania) have agreed to develop protocols for parasites of amphibians and reptiles, and mammals, respectively. Most recently, Dan McLaughlin (Concordia University) has agreed to develop protocols for parasites of birds. Development of these protocols within a national framework permits us to interact more effectively with colleagues outside parasitology, provides an international forum for our community's efforts, and encourages incorporation of parasitology into ecological and environmental programs.
Our directory will be maintained on the Parasitology Section website (http://www.biology.ualberta.ca/home.htm). At present, Al Shostak is developing a method by which members can update the directory with recent changes or additions electronically via the web site. The question of distribution of this list to outside users requires attention.
The perch project, coordinated by Dr. David Cone (St. Mary's University), was designed to inventory parasites of yellow perch from a variety of habitats across Canada. New data sets continue to be acquired. Submissions are still welcome, and we encourage parasitologists to participate. Send data to Dr. David Cone (Dept. of Biology, Saint Mary's University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, B3H 3C3).
A second parasite faunal survey following up on the perch survey was initiated in November 1996. Information was sent to all parasitologists in Canada with interests in fish parasites. The project is coordinated by Dr. D. Marcogliese (St. Lawrence Centre, Environment Canada). It was decided to initiate a survey of parasites of sticklebacks, emphasizing the threespine stickleback (Gasterosteus aculeatus) but including other species. As sticklebacks occur in freshwater, brackish and coastal marine habitats across Canada, it was thought that they would be appropriate hosts for a new national project. Response has been very positive, with data being collected from both the Pacific and Atlantic coastal areas, as well as by international colleagues. We are currently exploring a planning strategy for database management, perhaps through use of the world-wide web. Parasitologists across Canada are encouraged to participate in this survey, and to bring it to the attention of their students. For copies of the protocol, contact Dr. David Marcogliese, Environment Canada, St. Lawrence Centre, 105 McGill St., 7th Floor, Montreal, Quebec (Tel: 514-283-6499; Fax: 514-496-7398; Email: david.marcogliese@ec.gc.ca).
The Great Smokey Mountains National Park in Tennessee/North Carolina has committed to doing an All-Taxa Biodiversity Inventory (ATBI). Dr. Dan Brooks (University of Toronto) has been asked to organize one of the Taxonomic Working Groups (TWIGs). At present, a total of 18 TWIGs has been proposed. The TWIG for Endoparasites of Vertebrates was the first to assemble its core membership, and has been used as a model for the ATBI. The Canadian presence is substantial in this TWIG and others, and Dr. David Marcogliese, among others, has been asked to act as a core person in the endoparasite TWIG. This ATBI will be generously funded over many years, and there will be substantial opportunities for parasitologists and their students to become involved. Here is a unique opportunity to demonstrate the value of parasitology in conservation and biodiversity initiatives, and to enhance its professional and public profile. A proposal is currently being drafted to present to the American Society of Parasitologists for endorsement.
In examining some of the collections of the CMN, it was discovered that there are very good collections which could be incorporated into projects for graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, faculty, and other researchers. Collections vary as to availability of protocols, quantitative data, identification of material, availability of slides, and condition of preserved material. Among the best include collections initially made by the Canadian Wildlife Service from caribou (NWT), Dall sheep (NWT), spotted sandpipers (NB), gannets (Que., Nfld.), and snow geese (Que.). The CMN appears receptive to funding projects which would permit them to process some the massive backlog of material which is not properly catalogued. Potential avenues for funding include graduate student summer stipends and support for faculty on sabbatical leave, among others. Inventory of the material available and further information can be obtained from Judith Price (613- 566-4263).
Submitted by David J. Marcogliese (Chair), May 16, 1997
The Parasitology Module Steering Committee presently is composed of the following members: Dr. David Marcogliese (chair), Dr. Martin Adamson, Dr. Hisao Arai, Dr. David Cone, Dr. Barb MacKinnon, and Dr. Susan Bower (Past President of Parasitology Section).
On 17-18 October 1996 and 17-18 April 1997, Dr. D. Marcogliese attended the meetings of the Scientific Committee of the Biological Survey of Canada (BSC) in Ottawa. Important developments that directly affect the module revolve totally around the lack of funding for module activities, including participation at BSC meetings. The Canadian Museum of Nature has been unable to directly support our participation at BSC meetings since October 1995. The Department of Fisheries and Oceans funded the April 1996 meeting, the BSC the October 1996 meeting and Environment Canada the April 1997 meeting. Hugh Danks of the BSC Secretariat has written a request to Environment Canada that they continue to support Dr. Marcogliese's participation at BSC meetings while he remains chair of the Parasitology Module Steering Committee. One immediate drawback caused by this situation is that funding for other steering committee members to attend BSC meetings is not available. Moreover, any further developments and progress made on behalf of the parasitology module in the immediate future will have to come from our own initiatives. It is unlikely that other organizations will come to our aid due to the present economic climate and the general lack of support for systematic research and whole-organism biology in Canada. The Canadian Museum of Nature maintains its intellectual commitment to a parasitology module, but the issue remains a lack of resources.
Dr. Marcogliese and Dr. M.D.B. Burt of the Huntsman Marine Sciences Centre (HMSC) participated in the 3rd annual meeting of the Ecological Monitoring and Assessment Network 21-25 January 1997 in Saskatoon. EMAN is in the process of developing standardized protocols for monitoring the flora and fauna of different habitat types across Canada. Procedures for monitoring parasites, written by Dr. M. Burt with outside consultation, have been incorporated into the standardized sampling protocols for marine sites, developed primarily by the HMSC. Procedures for monitoring parasites in freshwater habitats are currently being developed by Dr. D. Marcogliese for freshwater monitoring protocols. The freshwater protocols are organized for EMAN by Dr. David Rosenberg and colleagues at the Freshwater Institute, Department of Fisheries and Oceans, Winnipeg. In addition, the National Stickleback Parasite Survey (see below) has been posted on the EMAN Internet site (http://www.cciw.ca/eman/ and click on "Forum").
The second edition of the Directory of Parasitologists of Canada was published in the summer of 1996 under the auspices of the Canadian Society of Zoologists (Parasitology Section), the Canadian Museum of Nature and the Biological Survey of Canada. Publication was funded by the Zoological Education Trust of the Canadian Society of Zoologists. A total of 100 persons responded of the 279 surveys which were distributed. The directory included data on the demographics of parasitologists in Canada, as well as information on their research activities, organized by host and parasite groups. Copies are available from Dr. Barb MacKinnon, Department of Biology, University of New Brunswick, Fredericton, NB.
The directory is now posted on the Internet. It can be accessed via the Parasitology Section website (http://www.biology.ualberta.ca/parasites/home.htm). The advantage of posting the directory on the Internet is that it greatly increases distribution (the parasitology section website is cross-linked with international parasitology sites). Moreover, it permits immediate editing and updating for late submissions, relocations and other changes, so that we can maintain a current data base. Modifications and additions should be sent to Dr. Al Shostak, whose email address can be found within the Parasitology Section website.
The survey of taxonomic expertise in parasitology and of interest in national faunal projects on parasites in Canada has been completed and the results tabulated and evaluated by Dr. Al Shostak. In summary, results are as follows:
1 There are few broad-based taxonomic experts, and many are in or approaching retirement.
1Remaining expertise is concentrated on smaller taxa, or taxa of certain host groups.
1Taxonomic expertise in Nematoda, Insecta and apicomplexan protozoans appears strong.
1Taxonomic expertise in Platyhelminthes and Acanthocephala is limited.
1There is little training in parasite systematics outside of individual supervision, which is declining due to retirements.
1Gaps exist in our knowledge of all parasite groups in Canada, some worse than others.
1Interest in participating in large-scale national collaborative projects appears strong.
1Difficult to find persons to initiate and coordinate such projects.
The survey results may be viewed at the Parasitology Section website (see address above) or obtained from Dr. David Marcogliese, Environment Canada, St. Lawrence Centre, 105 McGill St., 7th Floor, Montreal, Quebec. Original survey results are deposited in the Archives of the Parasitology Section, Canadian Society of Zoologists.
The perch project, coordinated by Dr. David Cone, was designed to inventory parasites of yellow perch from a variety of habitats across Canada. A summary report and analysis will be completed in the upcoming year. New data submissions are still welcome, and we encourage parasitologists to participate. Send data to Dr. David Cone, Saint Mary's University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, B3H 3C3.
A second parasite faunal survey following up on the perch survey was initiated in November 1996. Information was sent to all parasitologists in Canada with interests in fish parasites. The project is coordinated by Dr. D. Marcogliese. It was decided to initiate a survey of parasites of sticklebacks, emphasizing the threespine stickleback (Gasterosteus aculeatus) but including other species. As sticklebacks occur in freshwater, brackish and coastal marine habitats across Canada, it was thought that they would be appropriate hosts for a new national project. Response to date has been limited but positive, with potential participants, including non-parasitologists, in both the Atlantic and Pacific regions, and in central Canada. In addition, EMAN has posted the survey on its Internet site (see above). Given that sticklebacks are easy to collect and examine, they make ideal organisms for class projects, and for those willing to participate but unable to invest a great deal of time in national initiatives. Parasitologists across Canada are encouraged to participate in this survey, and to bring it to the attention of their students. For copies of the protocol, contact Dr. David Marcogliese, Environment Canada, St. Lawrence Centre, 105 McGill St., 7th Floor, Montreal, Quebec (Tel: 514-283-6499; Fax: 514-496-7398; Email: david.marcogliese@ec.gc.ca).
The Canadian Museum of Nature has relocated its collections and staff (except for the exhibitions) to the new facilities in Aylmer. They are in the process of re-evaluating the development of collections. Criteria such as specimen category, historical value, and relevance to research in Canada will be applied more strictly to evaluate specimens offered to the museum. Type specimens and voucher material are given higher priority than "unpublished" material. A potential problem regarding submission of specimens is presented by the prohibitive costs associated with mailing fluid-preserved specimens under the Transport of Dangerous Goods regulation. It is not known how this will affect museum services, but the issue is being examined in search of an economical solution.
Parasitology-related activities continue. The museum currently is completing the inventory of slide-mounted and fluid preserved material from the Institute of Parasitology and the Canadian Wildlife Service collections. In addition, Judith Price will be enrolled in the Marine Parasitology course at the Huntsman Marine Sciences Centre this summer.
Submitted by David J. Marcogliese (Chair), May, 1996
On 26-27 October 1995 and 18-19 April 1996 Dr. D. J. Marcogliese attended the meeting of the Scientific Committee of the Biological Survey of Canada (BSC) in Ottawa. The most important item discussed was the success of the Ecological Monitoring and Assessment Network (EMAN), which held its second national meeting in Halifax in January. EMAN has been instrumental in establishing national sites in a variety of habitats to monitor ecological and environmental change. Dr. Marcogliese and Dr. M.D.B. Burt of the Huntsman Marine Science Centre, St. Andrews, New Brunswick, participated at the EMAN meeting and were involved with establishing protocols for parasitological monitoring in marine and freshwater sites.
The implementation phase of the Canadian Biodiversity Strategy, originally intended to be ready in April 1996, has been significantly delayed. There is no word on when it is to be presented.
The Canadian Museum of Nature continues to experience reductions in its operating budget. These reductions have important implications for the eventual establishment of an official Parasitology Module in the BSC. For the last two years, the steering committee has experienced reductions in the financial support provided by the Museum for a representative to attend the BSC meetings. While the Museum continues to pledge its intellectual support for our activities, its financial support to aid us in establishment of a module is diminishing. If support is reduced or eliminated, our participation at these meetings will be eliminated, and our visibility on the national scene becomes greatly compromised. The decreased support by the Museum thus has serious implications for the parasitology community to continue projects on a national scale, and to establish a Parasitology Module within the BSC. Thus, the committee recommends that the Parasitology Section of the Canadian Society of Zoologists express its concern and disappointment to the National Museum over this decline in financial support during the last two years.
This project, designed to inventory parasites of yellow perch from a variety of habitats across Canada, has been in operation for four years. Dr. David Cone will analyze the data and write a report for publication. After data analysis, a decision will be made on what direction, if any, the project will take. Preliminary analysis has revealed some very interesting biogeographic patterns. Directory and Survey
The List of Taxonomic Expertise and gap analysis is approximately 50% complete. This project should also be completed during the upcoming summer. The following summarizes the data processed to date: Protozoa: poorly known with few experts; Monogenea, Digenea, Cestoda, Acanthocephala: poorly to moderately known with few experts; Nematoda: well known with many experts; Crustacea: well known for certain groups with few experts; Insecta: well known with several experts.
Our subcommittee (Drs. Martin Adamson and Hisao Arai) continue to try to find a publisher for outstanding volumes of the Guides to the Parasites of Fishes of Canada. Fortunately, Dr. Leo Margolis was able to obtain funding for the volume on digeneans.
A first draft of the revised Directory of Parasitologists in Canada has been completed. It is anticipated that the final version will be ready for publication in the next few months. It is hoped that publication costs will be paid for by the Biological Survey of Canada.
Dr. Dan Brooks is actively involved in the parasitological component of the All-Taxon Biodiversity Inventory (ATBI) project in Costa Rica. With Dr. Sherwin Desser, among others, he conducted a training course for 50 parataxonomists in Costa Rica in February. Dr. Brooks is international coordinator of the Parasite Taxonomic Working Group (TWIG), and he and Dr. Desser will be training the new curator for the new national parasite collection being started at the Instituto Nacional de Biodiversidad (INBio).
Because many of our projects are winding down, it is thought that this is an appropriate time to introduce a new national project for parasitology. Dr. Marcogliese has proposed for a new inventory project to follow up and compliment the perch project. Recognizing that Canada has more coastline than any other country in the world, and borders on three oceans, it is proposed to do an inventory of stickleback parasites across all habitats. These fishes also occur in marine, brackish and fresh waters. Some baseline data exist from the Pacific and Atlantic coasts. Sticklebacks are easy to collect using the simplest forms of equipment (dip nets and minnow traps). Large samples are obtainable, and they are excellent models for class projects, both in terms of ease of processing and as laboratory models. Their phylogeny is well-studied. Thus, it is proposed to undertake a new inventory of threespine stickleback (Gasterosteus aculeatus) parasites across as many habitats and on as many coasts as possible in Canada, and relate the distribution and abundance of their parasites to environmental conditions (including pollution) and biogeographic patterns. Initially, surveys will be conducted on metazoan parasites and from accessible habitats. However, it is intended to eventually expand the survey to included protozoan and myxozoan parasites, and all stickleback species (fourspine stickleback Apeltes quadracus, ninespine stickleback Pungitius pungitius, blackspotted stickleback Gasterosteus wheatlandi, brook stickleback Culaea inconstans); to collect from remote areas; and to seek funding for a national team grant for participants. A basic outline of project protocols will be developed during the summer. This project drew praise from many members of the BSC, and indeed guaranteed annual participation from one member in Newfoundland. Meanwhile, the steering committee urges the members of the section to consider participation in this study, and to promote participation among their students, now and in the future.
David J. Marcogliese (Chair)
Barb MacKinnon
Hisao Arai
Al Shostak
David Cone
Richard Arthur (Past-President of Parasitology Section )
Al Shostak will be leaving the committee after he has completed the List of Expertise. Dr. Martin Adamson will replace him.