The Distribution of Perkinsus marinus in Gulf Coast Oysters: Its Relationship with Temperature,Reproduction, and Pollutant Body Burden

Oysters from 48 Gulf of Mexico sites were examined for presence and infection intensity of the endoparasite, Perkinsus (= Dermocystidium) marinus (Mackin, Owen and Collier, 1950) as part of NOAA's Status and Trends Mussel Watch Program. Prevalence exceeded 75% at 25 sites. Infection intensity did not vary with sex or reproductive stage. Latitude, total polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) content and industrial and agricultural land use significantly affected the parasite's distribution. PAH and pesticide concentrations were latitudinally dependent, suggesting an impact of spawning frequency on uptake and depuration. P. marinus analysis complements the use of pollutant body burden for determining change in environmental quality because it responds differently than pollutant body burden to the biology and ecology of the oyster.