VIMS

Recreational Fishing

Mycobacteriosis and Recreational Fishing

Objective:To coordinate research and recreational fishing activities to help determine the prevalence of mycobacteriosis disease.

VIMS received a grant from the Virginia Saltwater Recreational Fishing Development Board to determine the prevalence of mycobacterioisis in striped bass and to concurrently compare three detection approaches: histology, quantitative bacteriology, and molecular methods using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and nested PCR. Recreational anglers interacted with VIMS investigators by supplying fish caught at striped bass fishing tournaments and by individual anglers. In addition to contributing to the success of the study, assistance in collection by recreational anglers reduced the cost of sampling and enhanced communication between recreational anglers and researchers.

Principal Investigators: