| dc.description.abstract | Literature Review: Jellyfish of the Class Hydrozoa (hydromedusae), phylum Cnidaria are vastly understudied due to their size and simple morphology, even though they have a significant impact on the environment and fisheries industry. Hydromedusae were collected three times a week from March 2017 through February 2018 using plankton tow. In the laboratory, medusae were isolated from other planktonic organisms, counted, photographed, using a Leica microscope and identified to the lowest possible taxonomic level using morphology. Total DNA was then extracted and Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) was performed to amplify the 16S mitochondrial gene. Sequencing will be performed at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi (TAMUCC). Once returned, the DNA sequence will be run through BLAST web application for species identification. Number of Hydromedusae collected during the sampling period will be compared with those collected before hurricane Harvey. Thesis Statement: This project is targeted toward a) monitoring the biodiversity and abundance of hydromedusae in Galveston Bay after Hurricane Harvey, b) correlate their blooms with specific abiotic factors such as water temperature and salinity. Theoretical Framework: This study is a part of a long-term monitoring process to better understand and map the biodiversity, blooms, and seasonal changes of jellyfish populations in the Galveston Bay. Project Description: This project aims to monitor jellyfish abundance and biodiversity in Galveston Bay. Samples were taken three days/week from March 2017 to April 2018. Medusae were sorted in the laboratory, counted, photographed and barcoded for the mitochondrial 16S gene, to assess cryptic diversity. Abundance of medusae were correlated with abiotic factors. All data were then compared with similar datasets from previous years (specifically from September 2015 to April 2017) collected by former students in the Miglietta’s Laboratory at Texas A&M University at Galveston. The final aim is to compare medusae patterns of diversity and abundance across years, and specifically look for the impact that major hurricane Harvey may have had on gelatinous zooplankton. This research is part of a long-term monitoring effect to: 1. Describe hydromedusae diversity in the Galveston Bay using morphological characteristics and the ~600bp fragment of the large ribosomal subunit of the mitochondrial RNA (lsu-rRNA, 16S). 2. Determine which abiotic factors correlate with their bloom, characterized by their seasonality in the Galveston Bay. 3. Understand the effects of major hurricanes on biodiversity, abundance, and seasonality of medusae. | |
