Comparing the Prevalence of Ichthyophonus in Organ Tissues of Pacific Halibut (Hippoglossus stenolepis)

My project will take place the summer of 2013, where I plan to take samples from highly vascularized organs such as the heart, kidney, and liver. The samples will be cultured, then viewed under a microscope for the presence of Ichthyophonus. My target species will be Pacific Halibut collected in Homer, Alaska. Comparing the prevalence will be important in determining if Ichthyophonus is localized to one particular organ and how it will physiologically affect Pacific Halibut.

Brad Tyler: I have lived in Alaska my entire life. I enjoy hiking, snowboarding, and traveling. I am interested in marine epidemiology which led me to the study of Ichthyophonus.