Marine Resource Issues
Sabellid Infestations of California's Aquaculture Facilities

From Carolyn Friedman:

Specifics

Date: Thu, 21 Aug 1997 16:59:13
To: Andy Cohen
From: Carolyn Friedman
Subject: Re: Caroline's response
Cc: bml@ucdavis.edu, Ben, Bill Cox Work, Carrie, Christine Pattison, Erik Knaggs, Frank H, Kim McKee, Kristine, Marija V, Martin Chen, Mary Larson, Pete Haaker, Pete K, Rob Collins, Ron Warner, Tom Moore

Hi Andy,

I know it's difficult to get all of the information accurate when trying to coalesce information from a variety or sources. But you must keep in mind that Carrie and Armand may not know all of the "ins and outs" of the Department. I found ~four inaccuarcies or omissions in your letter:

1. The statement that "infested abalone were freely transferred between facilities", while true, failed to indicate that the the worm was undetected for, many years, was initially misidentified as Polydora (14-20 species in this genus in California), and it was thought that the problems were due to an anomolous spike in fecundity and infestations. Thus, transfers continued and resulted in all farms being infested. These transfers occurred before many of the farms and CDFG were aware of a problem. In my mind, these facts are key in accurately describing the situation.
2. As I mentioned to you on the phone, CDFG took action in 1995. I don't recall if I gave you specifics but they were as follows: I held 2 training workshops for biologists in CDFG to learn to identify the worm. The initial workshop was co-taught by Armand Kuris and Carrie Culver. We held meetings to discuss how to deal with this problem (Carrie and/or Armand attended some of these meetings, if I recall correctly). A Directors' Disease Advisory Committee meeting was held in July of 1995 to address the issue and make recommendations. Thereafter, in July, we initiated the examination of abalone for transfer between facilities.
3. The statement that "Aquaculture activities in general are inadequately regulated to prevent the introduction of harmful non-indigenous organisms into the California environment" is inaccurate. Aquaculture is very heavily regulated. For example, permits are required from the Coastal Commission, regional Water Quality Control Boards, the State Lands Commission, the US Coast Guard, the Army Corps of Engineers (including 5 agencies, e.g., EPA and USFWS discharge standards, etc.), and in a few cases through the National Marine Sanctuaries. Abalone are inspected prior to or at the point of entry into CA. Indeed, a bigger risk of unwanted species introductions is that of the seafood industry in which there is little (or no?) inspection of animals for diseases or pests prior to importation. Live fish, and shellfish are found in many of today's restaurants and marketplaces.
4. Your statement that "in 1996 researchers found the African sabellid worm established in the ocean in CA..." is inaccurate. Armand Kuris and Carrie Culver have found the worms off Cayucos, but there is at present, no evidence that the worms will become established there. An established populations is, by definition, able to sustain itself after the original source is removed. While the sabellids may or may not be established, there is no scientific evidence to support or refute it at this point in time.

My statements to our BML list are not meant to indicate that the introduction of exotic species (unintentional introduction of pests/diseases) should be condoned or taken lightly. However, I do not condone scientists blindly accepting the word of another scientist, regardless of his/her reputation. As I indicated in the note, a more positive approach is for individuals to write their own letters requesting that a problem be adequately addressed. This may actually have more impact; and I think would be more constructive. In addition, criticism of CDFG should be accurate. Many biologists, pathologists and other personnel in CDFG have spent a great amount of time trying to deal with the introduction of the sabellid worm. More time, personnel, and money need to be focused on the problem. Hopefully, your letter, despite some inaccuracies, will help stimulate motion regarding this issue.

Please feel free to contact me.

Carolyn