Thursday July 8, 2010

7:00 AM: Breakfast

8:00 – 11:30AM: Tour of the Mangrove, Dump, and Sewage Treatment Plant

We traveled from the water to the mangroves to the top of the watershed. It was an illustration of the ecological communities, stressors, and problems in the local area. Our tour demonstrated both high- and low-tech solutions. The trip through the marsh of the sewage treatment plant was the most unpleasant envirovet experience yet…I got destroyed by fire-ants!

12:00 PM: Lunch

1:00 – 2:00 PM: Shrimp/Prawns

Presenter: Dr. Davidson

Davidson explained the form, function, and health problems of shrimp/prawns. He also touched upon the management of ecosystems for their health and long-term sustainability.

2:00 – 3:00 PM: Horseshoe Crabs

Presenter: Dr. Matt Allender, University of Illinois CVM

Horseshoe Crabs are a keystone species in their environment and used extensively in the research of endotoxins. Allender gave an overview of the form, function, and health problems for this species. He also went over humane treatment and methods for euthanasia of this species.

3:00 – 4:00 PM: Sea Urchins

Presenter: Dr. Haskell

Haskell is a leading expert on Sea Urchins. He discussed their form, function, and health problems. Much like the previous lectures he also explained the management of ecosystem, humane treatment, and euthanasia.

4:00 – 5:00 PM: Invasive Species, Impacts on Aquaculture Systems, Management and Prevention.

Presenter: Dr. Davidson

5:00 – 6:00 PM: dinner

6:00 – 8:30 PM: Laboratory

We got hands on experience in the comparative anatomy and bleeding of aquatic invertebrates. The lab also included hematology euthanasia, necropsy, morphology, and health assessments.

Evening:

It was past 9:00 by the time we got back to the hotel. Instead of heading to bed we went to the pool to eat some of our remaining patients (oysters). We had a few beers, ate oysters, and socialized with the faculty.