Developing an experimental challenge model for gill disease caused by gelatinous zooplankton

Harmful zooplankton, such as jellyfish or cnidarians, play an important role in gill disease development, but there is a lack of scientific and technical understanding of the interactions between gelatinous zooplankton and fish gills that can only be obtained through a lab-based challenge model using lab-reared organisms. Such a model does not exist, so we set out to develop one. We were able to produce a pre-determined quantity of gelatinous zooplankton at a pre-determined point in time, transport them, and challenge salmon with these live gelatinous zooplankton, and present initial results. Currently we are optimizing the model. When developed further, the model is intended to be used as a tool to improve understanding of the role of gelatinous zooplankton in gill disease, identify host responses and assess techniques to mitigate the effects of gelatinous zooplankton on gill health.