Ascension : Conservation Weekly - By Susanna Musick
Submitted by The Islander (Conservation Office) 20.09.2007 (Article Archived on 04.10.2007)

The Conservation Department is working with fish pathology expert Dr. Wolfgang Vogelbein from the Virginia Institute of Marine Science to learn what is happening to the Ascension grouper.

Ascension grouper study

The Conservation Department is working with fish pathology expert Dr. Wolfgang Vogelbein from the Virginia Institute of Marine Science to learn what is happening to the Ascension grouper. Initial observations suggest that the grouper may be suffering from an opportunistic bacterial infection. Fish normally have bacteria and fungi present on their body. However, with stressful events like spawning or a seasonal change in water temperature, the fish can become vulnerable to bacteria and grow ill or die. Fish suffering from a bacterial or fungal infection will show symptoms like those seen on sick grouper on Ascension: “popeye” or distended eyeballs, white patches on scales, and white mouths and tails. In rare cases, consumption of raw, diseased fish can make humans ill.

Currently, the Conservation Department is quantifying grouper strandings on Ascension’s beaches. Further aspects of the study will involve dissection and analysis of the diseased grouper. When completed, the results of the analysis will be shared with the public. Any questions about the study can be directed to the Head of the Conservation Department, Susanna Musick, at x6359.