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David Bushek David Bushek
Assistant Professor
 Marine and Coastal Sciences
Haskin Shellfish Research Laboratory
6959 Miller Ave
Port Norris, NJ 08349
Phone: 856-785-0074 x127
Fax: 856-785-1544
Email: bushek@hsrl.rutgers.edu
Website: vertigo.hsrl.rutgers.edu/bushek.html

Expertise Summary
  Research Interest Key words: Estuarine and coastal ecology Molluscan ecology, genetics and parasitology Shellfish aquaculture Research Statement: Bivalve mollusks often serve prominent roles in the ecology of estuarine and coastal ecosystems. For example, the eastern oyster Crassostrea virginica is a reef-forming, filter feeding bivalve that lives in estuaries along the east and gulf coasts of North America. Oyster reefs perform a variety of ecological roles that contribute significantly to the structure and function of the coastal ecosystems in which they exist. They form a unique habitat that supports an abundance of taxonomically diverse species. They stabilize banks and bottom sediments and serve as both active and passive filters as waters pass over them. Moreover, the metabolic activity of the oysters and other organisms associated with the reefs actively couple benthic and pelagic communities. In a broad sense, the ecological role of oyster reefs is gaining appreciation, but much remains to be learned. One focus of my research aims to enhance our understanding of the ecological impact of bivalves, particularly the eastern oyster, at the population, community and ecosystem levels. Many bivalves and other mollusks also support important commercial fisheries or are commercially farmed and harvested for various forms of exploitation (e.g., food, medicine, jewelry). The natural population of many species have declined dramatically due to decades, even centuries, of over fishing and habitat loss/degradation. Today, most of these species continue to face high fishing pressure and habitat loss. In addition, many also face increasing levels of parasitism and disease. Aquaculture has and continues to relieve some of the pressure on natural populations, but has its own set of environmental impacts, positive and negative. Parasites and disease, nonetheless plague many aquaculture and restoration efforts. Understanding host-parasite dynamics and disease processes at all levels (molecular, cellular, organism, population, community, and ecosystem) is crucial to the development of successful management strategies. Bivalves and their parasites do not exist in a vacuum, but within a complex ecosystem. With that in mind, the predominant thrust of my research concerns host-parasite interactions in bivalve mollusks.

Research Projects
  • Understanding Ecological aspects of Shellfish Pathogens to Improve Management
  • DETECTION AND CONTROL OF SHELLFISH DISEASE

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