Protection of agriculture: this study will evaluate parasites from birds and mammals collected from aquaculture farms in arkansas and texas

This continuation expands our current cooperative agreement assessing the impacts of blackbirds and waterbirds on sport fish and bait fish aquaculture. First, we will conduct comparative studies of parasitology on birds of the same species, analyzing individuals collected from aquaculture facilities alongside those foraging in terrestrial habitats to gain insights into potential transmission pathways. Second, we will examine mammalian predators collected from fish farms to investigate the parasites they may introduce to aquaculture systems. Additionally, we will employ 16S and COI metabarcoding techniques, derived from edna sampling, to facilitate comprehensive community assessments by sequencing and compiling the diverse organisms present at each aquaculture facility. By integrating life history reports of free-living and parasitic organisms, we will systematically identify and quantify the associated risks posed by each parasite and pathogen to our farmed fish stocks. With these holistic assessments, we can better advise fish farmers on targeted damage management practices aimed at removing specific fish predators, ultimately enhancing the health and product ivity of aquaculture operations.