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Few estuaries remain unaffected by water management and altered freshwater deliveries. The Caloosahatchee River Estuary is a perfect case study for assessing the impact of altered hydrology on natural oyster reef (Crassostrea virginica) populations. The watershed has been highly modified and greatly enlarged by an artificial connection to Lake Okeechobee. Accordingly, to generate data to support water management recommendations, this study monitored various oyster biometrics over 15 years along the primary salinity gradient. Oyster reef densities were significantly affected by both prolonged high volume freshwater releases creating hyposaline conditions at upstream sites and by a lack of freshwater input creating hypersaline conditions at downstream sites. Low freshwater input led to an increase in disease caused by Perkinsus marinus and predation. Moderate (< 2000 cfs) and properly timed (winter/spring) freshets benefited oysters with increased gametogenesis, good larval mixing, and a reprieve from disease. If high volume freshets occurred in the late summer, extensive mortality occurred at the upstream site due to low salinity. These findings suggest freshwater releases in the late summer, when reproductive stress is at its peak and pelagic larvae are most vulnerable, should be limited to < 2000 cfs, but that longer freshets (1-3 weeks) in the winter and early spring (e.g., December-April) benefit oysters by reducing salinity and lessening disease intensity. Similar strategies can be employed in other managed systems, and patterns regarding the timing of high volume flows are applicable to all estuaries where the management of healthy oyster reefs is a priority.

Few estuaries remain unaffected by water management and altered freshwater deliveries. The Caloosahatchee River Estuary is a perfect case study for assessing the impact of altered hydrology on natural oyster reef (Crassostrea virginica) populations. The watershed has been highly modified and greatly enlarged by an artificial connection to Lake Okeechobee. Accordingly, to generate data to support water management recommendations, this study monitored various oyster biometrics over 15 years along the primary salinity gradient. Oyster reef densities were significantly affected by both prolonged high volume freshwater releases creating hyposaline conditions at upstream sites and by a lack of freshwater input creating hypersaline conditions at downstream sites. Low freshwater input led to an increase in disease caused by Perkinsus marinus and predation. Moderate (< 2000 cfs) and properly timed (winter/spring) freshets benefited oysters with increased gametogenesis, good larval mixing, and a reprieve from disease. If high volume freshets occurred in the late summer, extensive mortality occurred at the upstream site due to low salinity. These findings suggest freshwater releases in the late summer, when reproductive stress is at its peak and pelagic larvae are most vulnerable, should be limited to < 2000 cfs, but that longer freshets (1-3 weeks) in the winter and early spring (e.g., December-April) benefit oysters by reducing salinity and lessening disease intensity. Similar strategies can be employed in other managed systems, and patterns regarding the timing of high volume flows are applicable to all estuaries where the management of healthy oyster reefs is a priority.

Understanding the population dynamics of invasive species, such as the green mussel Perna viridis (Linnaeus, 1758), can aid in explaining the success of newly introduced populations and help predict the potential for spread. During a two-year field study of established populations in the invaded region of southwest Florida, year round gametogenesis and continuous spawning capabilities were observed through histological analysis of mussels collected monthly. This was supported by overall stable energetic reserves as measured through proximal biochemical composition (protein, glycogen and lipid content). However, egg outputs in the summer (6.4 x 10(6) +/- 2.6 x 10(6) eggs / female) were significantly higher than egg outputs of winter-spawned mussels (7.7 x 10(4) +/- 1.4 x 10(4) eggs / female). Stability in biochemical composition, suggests temperature and food availability were sufficient year round, allowing for the maintenance of reserves and active gametogenesis. Protein ranged from 409.0-628.0 mg g(-1), glycogen from 44.3-158.5 mg g(-1) and total lipids from 7.4-13.5 mg g(-1). Year-round reproductive capabilities supported by sufficient energy reserves may help explain the rapid colonization and high densities of green mussels along the southeastern United States and suggests the potential for competition with native species, particularly the eastern oyster Crassostrea virginica (Gmelin, 1791).

Understanding the population dynamics of invasive species, such as the green mussel Perna viridis (Linnaeus, 1758), can aid in explaining the success of newly introduced populations and help predict the potential for spread. During a two-year field study of established populations in the invaded region of southwest Florida, year round gametogenesis and continuous spawning capabilities were observed through histological analysis of mussels collected monthly. This was supported by overall stable energetic reserves as measured through proximal biochemical composition (protein, glycogen and lipid content). However, egg outputs in the summer (6.4 x 10(6) +/- 2.6 x 10(6) eggs / female) were significantly higher than egg outputs of winter-spawned mussels (7.7 x 10(4) +/- 1.4 x 10(4) eggs / female). Stability in biochemical composition, suggests temperature and food availability were sufficient year round, allowing for the maintenance of reserves and active gametogenesis. Protein ranged from 409.0-628.0 mg g(-1), glycogen from 44.3-158.5 mg g(-1) and total lipids from 7.4-13.5 mg g(-1). Year-round reproductive capabilities supported by sufficient energy reserves may help explain the rapid colonization and high densities of green mussels along the southeastern United States and suggests the potential for competition with native species, particularly the eastern oyster Crassostrea virginica (Gmelin, 1791).

Understanding the population dynamics of invasive species, such as the green mussel Perna viridis (Linnaeus, 1758), can aid in explaining the success of newly introduced populations and help predict the potential for spread. During a two-year field study of established populations in the invaded region of southwest Florida, year round gametogenesis and continuous spawning capabilities were observed through histological analysis of mussels collected monthly. This was supported by overall stable energetic reserves as measured through proximal biochemical composition (protein, glycogen and lipid content). However, egg outputs in the summer (6.4 x 10(6) +/- 2.6 x 10(6) eggs / female) were significantly higher than egg outputs of winter-spawned mussels (7.7 x 10(4) +/- 1.4 x 10(4) eggs / female). Stability in biochemical composition, suggests temperature and food availability were sufficient year round, allowing for the maintenance of reserves and active gametogenesis. Protein ranged from 409.0-628.0 mg g(-1), glycogen from 44.3-158.5 mg g(-1) and total lipids from 7.4-13.5 mg g(-1). Year-round reproductive capabilities supported by sufficient energy reserves may help explain the rapid colonization and high densities of green mussels along the southeastern United States and suggests the potential for competition with native species, particularly the eastern oyster Crassostrea virginica (Gmelin, 1791).

Worldwide, introductions of exotic species to new regions is of rising concern which can lead to catastrophic ecosystem alterations through competition with native species and disruption in energy flow. Perna viridis is a recently introduced bivalve species to US coastal waters and has vigorously spread throughout the southeastern US. However, little information regarding population structure and response to local environmental factors has been reported. Red tide blooms formed by the toxic dinoflagellate Karenia brevis are frequent along the Gulf coast of Florida and as a recently introduced species, it is unclear what tolerance P. viridis has toward these events and associated brevetoxins (PbTx). Further, as an invasive species ecological concerns have risen regarding potential for spread and competition with native bivalve species, particularly the eastern oyster Crassostrea virginica. This study aimed to characterize the population dynamics of established P. viridis populations and their response to naturally occurring K. brevis blooms. This was completed through monitoring of growth, mortality, juvenile recruitment, gametogenesis and biochemical composition (protein, glycogen and lipid) throughout a three year monitoring period to evaluate the effects of K. brevis blooms. Additionally, tissue PbTx concentrations were analyzed to determine uptake, accumulation and elimination rates. Data collected from the field and information reported in the literature were used to create a functional DEB model to predict individual growth and reproduction of P. viridis under environmentally realistic conditions. Prior to onset of the first K. brevis bloom event, P. viridis showed rapid growth rates (6 – 11 mm month-1) and high survival (mortality <1%). However, during K. brevis blooms growth rate dropped significantly and bioaccumulation of PbTx in the soft tissue was observed. High tissue PbTx concentrations persisted long after bloom dissipation and high rates of mortality, Dans le monde entier les introductions d'espèces dans de nouvelles régions constituent une préoccupation écologique croissante ; ces introductions peuvent conduire à des modifications drastiques des écosystèmes, entre autres du fait de la compétition avec des espèces indigènes et également par la modification des réseaux de flux d'énergie dans les écosystèmes. La moule verte Perna viridis est une espèce récemment introduite dans les eaux côtières américaines et qui s'est rapidement disséminée le long des côtes du Sud-Est des États-Unis. Cependant, il n'existe pour le moment que très peu d'informations concernant la structure des populations, et leur dynamique en réponse à la variabilité environnementale locale. Les efflorescences de marées rouges formées par le dinoflagellé toxique Karenia brevis sont fréquentes le long des côtes de Floride bordant le Golfe du Mexique, et la tolérance de P. viridis a l'égard de ces événements et des brévitoxines (PbTx) associées n'est pas connue. En outre, comme P. viridis est une espèce invasive, la potentielle concurrence (ressources trophiques, espace, ...) avec des bivalves indigènes comme l'huître Crassostrea virginica, est une préoccupation majeure dans les systèmes côtiers de Floride. Cette étude vise à caractériser la dynamique des populations établies de P. viridis populations établies et leur réponse aux efflorescences naturelles de K. brevis. Les effets des efflorescences à K. brevis ont été évalués à partir des résultats d'un suivi de la croissance, de la mortalité, du recrutement, de la gamétogenèse et de la composition biochimique des tissus (protéines, glycogène et lipides) durant trois ans. En outre, les concentrations en PbTx dans les tissus ont été analysées afin de déterminer l'absorption, l'accumulation et des taux d'élimination de ces toxines. Par ailleurs, les données recueillies sur le terrain et des informations de la littérature ont été

Worldwide, introductions of exotic species to new regions is of rising concern which can lead to catastrophic ecosystem alterations through competition with native species and disruption in energy flow. Perna viridis is a recently introduced bivalve species to US coastal waters and has vigorously spread throughout the southeastern US. However, little information regarding population structure and response to local environmental factors has been reported. Red tide blooms formed by the toxic dinoflagellate Karenia brevis are frequent along the Gulf coast of Florida and as a recently introduced species, it is unclear what tolerance P. viridis has toward these events and associated brevetoxins (PbTx). Further, as an invasive species ecological concerns have risen regarding potential for spread and competition with native bivalve species, particularly the eastern oyster Crassostrea virginica. This study aimed to characterize the population dynamics of established P. viridis populations and their response to naturally occurring K. brevis blooms. This was completed through monitoring of growth, mortality, juvenile recruitment, gametogenesis and biochemical composition (protein, glycogen and lipid) throughout a three year monitoring period to evaluate the effects of K. brevis blooms. Additionally, tissue PbTx concentrations were analyzed to determine uptake, accumulation and elimination rates. Data collected from the field and information reported in the literature were used to create a functional DEB model to predict individual growth and reproduction of P. viridis under environmentally realistic conditions. Prior to onset of the first K. brevis bloom event, P. viridis showed rapid growth rates (6 – 11 mm month-1) and high survival (mortality <1%). However, during K. brevis blooms growth rate dropped significantly and bioaccumulation of PbTx in the soft tissue was observed. High tissue PbTx concentrations persisted long after bloom dissipation and high rates of mortality, Dans le monde entier les introductions d'espèces dans de nouvelles régions constituent une préoccupation écologique croissante ; ces introductions peuvent conduire à des modifications drastiques des écosystèmes, entre autres du fait de la compétition avec des espèces indigènes et également par la modification des réseaux de flux d'énergie dans les écosystèmes. La moule verte Perna viridis est une espèce récemment introduite dans les eaux côtières américaines et qui s'est rapidement disséminée le long des côtes du Sud-Est des États-Unis. Cependant, il n'existe pour le moment que très peu d'informations concernant la structure des populations, et leur dynamique en réponse à la variabilité environnementale locale. Les efflorescences de marées rouges formées par le dinoflagellé toxique Karenia brevis sont fréquentes le long des côtes de Floride bordant le Golfe du Mexique, et la tolérance de P. viridis a l'égard de ces événements et des brévitoxines (PbTx) associées n'est pas connue. En outre, comme P. viridis est une espèce invasive, la potentielle concurrence (ressources trophiques, espace, ...) avec des bivalves indigènes comme l'huître Crassostrea virginica, est une préoccupation majeure dans les systèmes côtiers de Floride. Cette étude vise à caractériser la dynamique des populations établies de P. viridis populations établies et leur réponse aux efflorescences naturelles de K. brevis. Les effets des efflorescences à K. brevis ont été évalués à partir des résultats d'un suivi de la croissance, de la mortalité, du recrutement, de la gamétogenèse et de la composition biochimique des tissus (protéines, glycogène et lipides) durant trois ans. En outre, les concentrations en PbTx dans les tissus ont été analysées afin de déterminer l'absorption, l'accumulation et des taux d'élimination de ces toxines. Par ailleurs, les données recueillies sur le terrain et des informations de la littérature ont été

In 2009, over six million people attended an LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender) Pride parade in 110 cities in the U.S. This dissertation is the first comprehensive sociological study of the Pride parade phenomenon. I draw together observations of six LGBT Pride parades across the country, interviews with parade participants, and content analysis of crowd photographs. I add to this an investigation of the first Pride events in New York City and Los Angeles in 1970. Integrating cultural sociology with the study of social movements, I describe Pride parades as cultural protest tactics that aim to achieve cultural, rather than legal/political, equality. I examine both external and internal dimensions of Pride parades. Externally, I analyze the cultural messages communicated through these events and the ways these messages contest wider culture. Internally, I analyze the ways that Pride parades are a site to build collective identity among LGBT people and their straight allies. I conclude by outlining a theoretical framework for the study of other cultural protest tactics and suggest multiple avenues for future research.