In recent years, the world has witnessed a devastating decline in marine life due to disease outbreaks. More than five billion sea stars have perished globally, with some species experiencing over 90 percent population declines. The Bering Sea saw over 10 billion snow crabs starve from 2018 to 2021, prompting the unprecedented closure of a major U.S. fishery. Meanwhile, in southern New England, a shell-degrading disease coincided with the collapse of the lobster fishery in the early 2000s. The avian flu pandemic has also wreaked havoc, killing 97 percent of elephant seal pups in an Argentine colony in 2023.
These crises highlight the escalating threat of marine diseases and the urgent need for effective management strategies. Addressing this, a special edition of the Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society B has been released, offering a comprehensive collection of peer-reviewed studies on managing diseases in marine wildlife. This edition is co-edited by researchers from Bigelow Laboratory for Ocean Sciences, Hakai Institute, and the USGS Western Fisheries Research Center.
Understanding Marine Disease Ecology
The new publication delves into emerging pathogens, recent methodological advancements, the impacts of climate change, and opportunities for ecosystem-based management. It also provides guidelines for investigating new diseases. According to Maya Groner, Senior Research Scientist at Bigelow Laboratory and co-editor of the issue, “One theme that stands out in this issue is that it is possible to simultaneously learn about fundamental aspects of the ecology and evolution of infectious marine diseases while also evaluating management opportunities. This approach is critical as changing conditions contribute to increased disease spread.”
Historically, marine disease ecology has lagged behind terrestrial disease studies. Resource managers have struggled to track, predict, and manage marine diseases, with few studies offering tailored management solutions for oceanic challenges. However, recent advances in genomic and AI tools, along with ocean modeling, have revitalized the field, enabling scientists to diagnose, characterize, and monitor disease spread more effectively.
Advancements and Challenges
Building on a 2016 edition of Philosophical Transactions focused on marine disease ecology, the new publication highlights recent advances and the integration of traditional epidemiology with novel technologies. Alyssa Gehman, a PI research scientist at Hakai Institute and co-editor, stated, “With the growing awareness of the consequences of major marine disease outbreaks, we are seeing great advances in our ability to quantify and detect disease events across a wide range of species, which is demonstrated in this issue.”
The articles primarily address diseases affecting wild populations, which pose logistical, scientific, and financial challenges. Some studies explore threats to aquaculture, such as a deadly virus impacting the oyster industry in Europe. Others investigate broad impacts and strategies to enhance ecosystem resilience, like coral reefs, against disease.
Economic and Ecological Significance
Many species studied hold significant economic, ecological, or cultural value, from the iconic American lobster to the sunflower sea star, a keystone predator in kelp forests. The diseases discussed are often influenced by environmental conditions, such as rising temperatures and changing salinity levels.
The issue emphasizes translating scientific discoveries into practical management strategies to mitigate high-impact diseases. Topics include molecular tools for identifying emerging diseases, strategies for investigating diseases of unknown origin, modeling disease drivers in remote ocean areas, and evaluating species reintroduction post-outbreaks.
Collaborative Efforts and Future Directions
Key takeaways from the studies include the importance of observer networks, efficient information sharing, regular disease monitoring, and proactive screening. These lessons underscore the necessity of continued funding and collaboration between management agencies and research institutions.
“Collaborations between scientists and resource managers will be essential for efficiently translating knowledge into action,” Groner said.
David Paez, a quantitative biologist with the USGS Western Fisheries Research Center and co-editor, added, “The contributions in the issue reflect the benefit of collaborations between managers, industry, and academics for effective response to disease emergencies. While much more work is needed, there is hope that we are slowly building the infrastructure to adequately respond to management needs.”
As the understanding of marine disease ecology evolves, the insights and strategies outlined in this special edition could prove pivotal in safeguarding marine ecosystems and the communities that rely on them.
