Effects of host-introduction events on the dispersal and diversity of eukaryotic and prokaryotic microbial communities in the marine animal host Delphinapterus leucas

Megafaunal hosts offer a unique evolutionary context in the global transport and distribution of their microbial symbionts in the marine environment. However, little is known regarding the transmission of host-associated microbes among host individuals as climate change dynamics increase population overlap. The following project combines prokaryotic and eukaryotic microbiome analyses to elucidate microbial transfer between marine animal hosts when they are confronted with the introduction of a new host population. Using beluga whales (Delphinapterus leucas) as a representative marine animal host maintained under professional human care and taking advantage of a sampling regime surrounding controlled host introduction events, this study evaluated the dynamics of microbial interchange with sociality between resident and introduced hosts over time. Analyses includes oral, blowhole, and respiratory exhalate samples from D. leucas individuals taken: (1) Prior: samples taken from initial hosts prior to arrival of new hosts; (2) Arrival: samples taken continually within days of introduction event, and (3) Post-Habitation: samples collected bi-monthly (2x/30 days) extending twelve months after study initiation. Samples also include water collected from the habitat throughout the study period. While preliminary, this study enhances our understanding of host-associated transmission and dispersal of host-associated microbes in the marine environment.

Presentation Preference: Oral

Primary Presenter: Susan Smith, Sea Research Foundation, Mystic Aquarium (susan.smith@uconn.edu)

Authors:

Susan Smith, Sea Research Foundation, Mystic Aquarium  (susansmith@mysticaquarium.org)

Kayla Evens, University of Oregon  (toogoodtobesue@gmail.com)

Tracy Romano, Sea Research Foundation, Mystic Aquarium  (tromano@mysticaquarium.org)