Dear Parasitologist,
Within the context of the Parasitology Module, a new national project is being initiated. This project follows the footsteps of the perch parasite survey in Canadian fresh waters. Given that Canada has more coastline than any other country in the world, it was thought appropriate to establish a national survey of parasites of estuarine fishes (threespine sticklebacks and related species). Sticklebacks are widespread, extending into fresh water; easy to collect; and relatively simple to examine. It is hoped to build up an extensive data base to contribute to our knowledge of the distribution of fish parasites in Canada across a continental scale.
Informally, much support has been expressed for this project. We even have non-parasitologists willing and eager to participate in this program within their undergraduate field and laboratory courses. The potential exists to expand the project along international lines, as Norwegian parasitologists are considering a similar survey in conjunction with our own. This survey provides an excellent opportunity for our parasitologists to interact professionally beyond annual meetings, for involving students in large-scale scientific projects, and for establishing a data base unobtainable to individual scientists with which questions pertaining to environment, ecology and evolution may be addressed. On behalf of the Parasitology Module Steering Committee, I hope that many of you choose to participate in this unique study and encourage your graduate and undergraduate students to become involved as well.
Sincerely,
David J. Marcogliese, Chairman
Parasitology Module Steering Committee
November 4, 1996
Invitation Introduction Protocol
The threespine stickleback (Gasterosteus aculeatus) is among the most widely distributed fishes in Canada. It is found on both the east and west coasts, in Hudson Bay, and in the eastern Arctic. It is a euryhaline species, occurring in marine coastal areas, brackish waters and in freshwater inland into Lake Ontario.
This species is an ideal model with which to examine the distribution of parasites on a regional scale across Canada. It is easy to catch with very simple collecting gear, and it does not require much time to examine specimens in sufficient numbers. In addition, there already exists a limited data base on parasites found in threespine sticklebacks from both the east and west coast.
It is intended to build a national data base on the distribution and abundance of stickleback parasites. Such a data base may be used to examine questions pertaining to the biogeography of sticklebacks and their parasites, the local and regional distribution of stickleback parasites, and the use of parasite assemblages as environmental and biodiversity indicators.
Participants may collect wherever they choose, and may design their own sampling program around questions of particular interst to them or their students. In addition, participants are urged to collect from sites recognized by the Ecological Monitoring and Assessment Network, where data on environmental variables and biological diversity of flora and fauna are also being monitored over the long term. A list of current and proposed sites is included. Further information on this network may be obtained by writing the Ecological Monitoring Coordinating Office, Canada Centre for Inland Waters, P.O. Box 5050, Burlington, Ontario, L7R 4A6; or via the internet (http://www.cciw.ca/eman/).
Initially, surveys will concentrate on macroparasites. After the project has been in operation for a period of time, protozoans and myxozoans will be surveyed. In addition, the survey will be expanded to include all species of stickleback, thus introducing a phylogenetic component to the work. However, participants may include these aspects of the survey at any time if they so desire.
Participants are free to use their data as they see fit. However, all data will be deposited into a national data base, where contributors may make use of the complete data set for any questions they may wish to address. Such an arrangement allows the contributor to make use of a much larger data set in terms of geographic scale and sample size. The project provides an excellent opportunity for teachers to bring a simple research project into the classroom laboratory, as a class can complete a survey of stickleback parasites from one or more sites within the limited time alloted for laboratory sessions. Professors are also encouraged to recruit their graduate students into this national project, so that the next generation of parasitologists will be initiated early into cooperative activities on a national scale.
Invitation Introduction Protocol
1. Collect 30 fish from any one site in August or September.
2. Measure total length of each fish. Record weight and sex.
3. Examine for macroparasites (protozoans and myxozoans not obligatory).
4. For protozoans and myxozoans (if required), make smears on slides of discrete cysts, skin, gills, muscle, and internal organs. Examine each smear using a compound microscope at 400X for 5 min. For blood parasites, use only fresh fish, make smears, and examine 10 fields at 400X.
5. Fix parasites.
5. Label vials with parasite, host no., site in host, geographic location, date, fixative.
6. Unidentified parasites may be sent to D.J. Marcogliese (see below). The following data should be collected:
Send data to:
Dr. David J. Marcogliese
Environment Canada St. Lawrence Center
105 McGill St., 7th Floor
Montreal, Quebec H2Y 2E7
Tel: 514-283-6499
Fax: 514-496-7398
Email: MARCOGLIED@CPCSL.AM.DOE.CA
Invitation Introduction Protocol