Coliform Bacteria Monitoring in Fish Systems: Current Practices in Public Aquaria

Abstract

Public aquaria evaluate coliform indicator bacteria levels in fish systems, but the purpose of testing, testing methods, and management responses are not standardized, unlike with the coliform bacteria testing for marine mammal enclosures required by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. An online survey was sent to selected aquaria to document current testing and management practices in fish systems without marine mammals. The information collected included indicator bacteria species, the size and type of systems monitored, the primary purpose of testing, sampling frequency, test methods, the criteria for interpreting results, corrective actions, and management changes to limit human exposure. Of the 25 institutions to which surveys were sent, 19 (76%) responded. Fourteen reported testing for fecal indicator bacteria in fish systems. The most commonly tested indicator species were total (86%) and fecal (79%) coliform bacteria, which were detected by means of the membrane filtration method (64%). Multiple types and sizes of systems were tested, and the guidelines for testing and corrective actions were highly variable. Only three institutions performed additional tests to confirm the identification of indicator organisms. The results from this study can be used to compare bacterial monitoring practices and protocols in fish systems, as an aid to discussions relating to the accuracy and reliability of test results, and to help implement appropriate management responses.

Received August 23, 2015; accepted December 29, 2015

Acknowledgments

The authors would like to thank the following institutions for their participation in this study: Adventure Aquarium (Camden, New Jersey), Alaska SeaLife Center (Seward, Alaska), Aquarium of the Pacific (Long Beach, California), Audubon Aquarium of the Americas (New Orleans, Louisiana), Georgia Aquarium (Atlanta), Monterey Bay Aquarium (Monterey, California), Mystic Aquarium (Mystic Connecticut), New England Aquarium (Boston), Newport Aquarium (Newport, Kentucky), North Carolina Aquariums at Pine Knoll Shores (Pine Knoll Shores), Roanoke Island (Manteo, North Carolina), Fort Fisher (Kure Beach, North Carolina), The Seas with Nemo and Friends at Epcot (Orlando, Florida), Shedd Aquarium (Chicago), South Carolina Aquarium (Charleston), Virginia Aquarium and Marine Science Center (Virginia Beach), Atlantis (Paradise Island, Bahamas), Aquarium du Québec (Quebec), Biodôme de Montreal (Montreal), and Vancouver Aquarium (Vancouver).