Speaker: Dr. Andrea Tarnecki, Staff Scientist and Microbiology Division Lead, Mote Marine Laboratory, Sarasota, Florida
Abstract: Host-associated bacteria within the microbial consortium known as the microbiota influence organismal health, and the bacterial community structure is indicative of host health status. Maintaining a balanced microbiota dominated by commensals and mutualists (eubiosis) is vital to adequate nutrition, proper immune function, and disease prevention. Harnessing these benefits has become a priority within the fields of environmental science, aquaculture, and medicine. On the other hand, alteration from a ‘healthy’ microbiota, termed dysbiosis, is associated with immunosuppression and increased disease susceptibility. Assessing microbiota changes during stressor events such as oil spills and harmful algal blooms can provide insight into sublethal impacts of these disturbances on aquatic organisms. Additionally, marine bacteria are an underexplored source of beneficial compounds that can alleviate the negative effects of these environmental stressors.
This seminar provides an overview of Dr. Tarnecki's research, highlighting projects exploring the influence of oil and dispersant, sources of fish meal, and probiotics on fish microbiota structure, and bioprospecting of marine bacteria for medicinal and mitigation purposes.
