Seaweed aquaculture is a growing industry in Tasmania, with bull kelp (Durvillaea potatorum) identified as a key species for future development. A thorough understanding of disease risks and potential pathogens is crucial for successfully cultivating any species, including seaweed. Few studies have examined the core microbial community of D. potatorum to determine what constitutes a healthy baseline microbiome and identify changes associated with disease. This information is particularly pertinent given that aquaculture trials have commenced, and white-spot disease has already been observed in cultured populations.
This project will therefore seek to establish a baseline understanding of the microbiome and epifauna load of bull kelp in Tasmania. Samples will be collected from natural populations across Tasmania during both summer and winter, as well as from plants recently out-planted into aquaculture trial environments (both healthy and exhibiting white-spot disease). These samples will be eDNA profiled using the Nanopore system at IMAS. Any observed epifauna on plants will also be collected and identified to the lowest taxonomic level. The variability in microbiome composition and epifauna loads between summer, winter, and aquaculture settings will be compared to establish a baseline from which to manage future disease risk.
