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National Observer
2 days ago
- Health
- National Observer
Distant Covid cousin correlates with calamitous oyster die-offs
A previously-unknown virus distantly related to Covid is "strongly associated" with mass die-offs of farmed Pacific oysters in BC, researchers have found. The virus showed up in about two-thirds of the dead and dying oysters the research team collected during a mass die-off on two oyster farms in BC in 2020. Wild oysters collected near the farms weren't infected, hinting at a possible link between the virus and the mass die-offs. The virus — Pacific oyster Nidovirus 1 — is specific to oysters, and doesn't pose a health risk to humans. "We have not demonstrated a causative effect between this virus and mortality at this point, but they're highly associated," said Curtis Suttle, a study co-author and professor of earth, ocean and atmospheric sciences, botany, microbiology and immunology, and the Institute for the Oceans and Fisheries. Pacific oysters are the primary shellfish farmed in BC, with the industry worth about $16 million in 2023. In recent years, the province's oyster farmers have lived under the threat of so-called "summer oyster mortality syndrome," a phenomenon where up to 90 per cent of a crop of oysters die within a few days of each other right before reaching market size. The mass die-offs are closely linked to higher water temperatures. As the climate crisis has deepened, BC's average water temperatures have increased by between 0.2°C and 0.6°C, particularly in shallow waters where oysters grow best. Climate change is also causing more extreme temperature swings — ocean heatwaves — which stress the bivalves further, said Suttle. "It's been pretty devastating for our industry," said Nico Prins, executive director of the BC Shellfish Growers Association. "This summer oyster mortality syndrome is a cascade of various stressors that just combine to just be too much for the poor animal to deal with, and they die." He doesn't think the virus will be a "smoking gun" pinpointing the cause of the mass die-offs, but could help offer more insight. Suttle said that his team found that farmed Pacific oysters in Europe and Asia were also routinely infected with the virus, but those infections weren't linked to mass die-offs. A previously-unknown virus distantly related to Covid is "strongly associated" with mass die-offs of farmed Pacific oysters in BC, researchers have found. But Suttle said the findings should be a reminder that oyster farmers need to be cautious about moving oyster seed — baby oysters — between farms and bodies of water. Most oyster farms don't produce their own seed, instead requiring a labour-intensive process where seed producers induce spawning in broodstock, then grow the larvae into small oysters that are sold to farms. Once at the farms, the oysters are suspended in underwater cages, where they grow to market size. Fisheries and Oceans Canada has few restrictions on where oyster seed can be sold and BC only has a handful of oyster seed producers. Stricter rules apply to older oysters, which can only be moved from farm to farm within specific zones, explained Prins. Jessie McMillan, operations manager at Manatee Holdings, one of BC's oyster seed producers, said that while he'll "definitely be paying attention" to emerging research about the virus, he isn't panicked. "There's no way to predict if it's a causative agent," he explained. Oysters stressed by heat or other well-known factors could be more susceptible to carrying the virus, even if they're asymptomatic. He's more concerned about problems that cause known stress to the shellfish, such as harmful chemicals and bacteria that lax provincial and federal pollution and wastewater regulations allow to enter the ocean, as well as climate change.
Global News
05-08-2025
- Health
- Global News
B.C. scientists discover new virus in farmed Pacific oysters during mass die-off
Scientists at the University of British Columbia have discovered a previously unknown virus in farmed Pacific oysters during a mass die-off in B.C. in 2020. The paper, published on Monday in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, said that while mass die-offs have been attributed to various factors, including viruses, in many cases, there is no definitive cause. 'We've recently seen annual mass die-offs in B.C. and elsewhere of Pacific oysters, the most widely farmed shellfish worldwide,' said first author Dr. Kevin Zhong, research associate in the UBC Department of earth, ocean and atmospheric sciences (EOAS). 'Often, we don't know the cause.' The researchers collected 33 oysters from two farms in B.C. during a mass die-off in 2020, as well as 26 wild oysters from 10 nearby sites. Story continues below advertisement RNA analysis revealed the presence of a previously unknown virus, Pacific Oyster Nidovirus 1 (PONV1), in 20 of the dead and dying farmed oysters, according to the research. However, the virus was not found in healthy wild oysters, which suggested the virus was killing the oysters. Get daily National news Get the day's top news, political, economic, and current affairs headlines, delivered to your inbox once a day. Sign up for daily National newsletter Sign Up By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy 'This discovery highlights how little we know about viruses infecting invertebrates in general and oysters in particular,' said senior author Dr. Curtis Suttle, professor of earth, ocean and atmospheric sciences, botany, microbiology and immunology, at the Institute for the Oceans and Fisheries. 'It's important to investigate mass die-offs in oysters to determine what causes disease. Similar to humans, disease and death is not caused by a single factor, but prevention is not possible until the causes are known.' 2:09 Health Matters: Dozens sickened after eating BC oysters The nidovirus, which is found in a wide range of animals, is only the second nidovirus found in bivalves. Story continues below advertisement It can be found in humans, for example, SARS-CoV-2, a nidovirus, causes COVID-19. The virus, which has one of the largest RNA genomes on record, according to the research, is so genetically different from other nidoviruses that the research team has proposed a new family, Megarnaviridae, or 'large RNA viruses' PONV1, which the team is proposing to name Megarnavirus gigas, or 'large RNA virus giant.' Suttle said these large RNA viruses appear to be specific to oysters, so humans are not at risk of contracting the virus. However, the team said this discovery is a reminder that oyster farmers should use an abundance of caution when moving juvenile oysters as little is known about what causes disease in the bivalve molluscs. 'This research is not a cause for alarm,' Suttle added. 'Rather, this is a meaningful step forward in advancing our understanding of oyster health and supporting the long-term sustainability of shellfish aquaculture.' Pacific oysters are the primary shellfish species grown in B.C., with an estimated value of $16 million in 2023.
Eater
11-06-2025
- Business
- Eater
A Portland Boathouse Is Reopening As a Kid-Friendly Destination for Fish Sandwiches
A year-round indoor and outdoor restaurant on Hayden Island is set to open in less than a month. Pal's will open in early July with all day, seven days a week service. Donald Kenney, raised in Oregon and one of the partners behind the project, is one of the minds behind the buildout and the menu. Hayden Island sits in the Columbia River as a natural divider between Washington and Oregon states. In the mornings from 7 to 11 a.m. it'll be coffee and pastries, with grab-and-go items meant to provide what a grocery store might. Then a lunch and dinner-focused menu will be on throughout the afternoon until 10 p.m. This will be the only upscale outdoor restaurant on the island of about 4,000 people, including the houseboat residents. That menu is seafood-forward as can be. There'll be Oregon albacore tuna salad, oversized fish sandwiches with the goods spilling out the side, and Oregon's own Bay shrimp on a local rendition of a lobster roll. The fish comes breaded in Panko and dusted in kettle chips, shoved between those comically tiny buns. Dungeness crab should make an appearance when it's in season. There's soft serve on deck, too. Fellow business partner and cocktail wiz Sean Ford is behind the no-joke drinks program. He's got his own cocktail syrups company, was the Teardrop general manager, and is part-owner of various bars. He's rolling out classics including the Dark and Stormy alongside more inventive beverages like a Banoffee Bahama Mama riff served with Hamilton dark rum, banana liqueur, a shot of soft serve, and a spoon. For his part, Kenney helped open the lakeside resort the Suttle Lake Lodge & Boathouse in Sisters back in 2015. The resort and restaurant sits by the 380-acre Suttle Lake in the Deschutes National Forest. The idea was to bring an egalitarian and approachable food option that kids would remember stopping at once they're older. Much of that same energy is brought to Pal's by Kenney and his team. The vibe is going for somewhere between the original Dairy Queen's and Maine's classic Bagaduce Lunch. He's got the opportunity thanks to a friend who owns the Pal's space asked him if he'd be able to run that Suttle Lodge playbook on Hayden Island. The space is a some 40-year-old leasing office in the marina. The building and grounds are getting a facelift into a big lawn with space for kids and families to sit and enjoy the food. Kenney got this idea from his experiences working in Austin, Texas where he says it's much more common for wide open private spaces that are attached to a restaurant. Pistils Nursery is helping design the buildout and provide plant life. The hope is for families to come here again and again, to spend warm days down by the water eating soft serve late into the night.'I see the kids running around throwing food for the geese to eat,' Kenney says, 'and people pulling their boats up for a bite to eat.' Pal's (515 NE Tomahawk Island Drive, Portland) will open in early July. Opening hours are 7 to to 10 p.m. everyday. See More: Portland Restaurant Openings
Yahoo
29-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Erne Boxing Club host memorable night of international boxing
Last Friday, a packed crowd at the Westville Hotel in Enniskillen enjoyed a thrilling and unforgettable evening of international boxing. The event, hosted by Erne Boxing Club in collaboration with the IABA (Irish Athletic Boxing Association) High-Performance Unit, saw Ireland's Elite Boxing Team face off against a visiting team from Austria. Despite some last minute withdrawals due to injuries and travel issues there were ten highly entertaining contests that included seven international contests and three supporting contests featuring Erne boxers. The night's action got underway with Erne's Ben Millar taking on Jack Willis (Gateway Sligo BC) in a 50kg Youth Contest. Millar made a fast start peppering his opponent with hard jabs to take control of the contest. After landing with unanswered combinations on several occasions he forced his brave opponent to take two stsnding counts and the referee to halt the contest in round two, handing Millar an RSC victory. Next up saw home favourite Cameron Suttle against the heavy-punching Alex McAleer (Ballyshannon BC) in a 67kg Senior Welterweight contest. Suttle established control of the contest working away behind the jab and held a solid guard to defend against his opponent's soild counter attacks. The good jab work from Suttle bloodied his opponent's nose and a good volley of punches forced his opponent to take a standing count. McAleer fought back gamely and had a good spell on top but Suttle rallied again forcing further nose damage and his opponent to take another standing count. The contest was subsequently called off afterwards handing Suttle an RSC win in round three. In the final supporting contest, Erne's Anthony Malanaphy took on Naoise McManus (Dumsna BC) in another 67kg Welterweight contest. McManus had beaten Anthony's clubmate Cameron Suttle earlier in the season and so he was on something of a revenge mission. For two rounds Malanaphy showed his subline skillset peppering McManus with his eye-catching long-range punches and his trademark uppercuts when in close. However, in round three Malanaphy opted to stand and trade with McManus who got inspired by his success and it resulted in an uncomfortable last round for the home favourite. However, Malanaphy dug deep and deservedly collected a unaminous 5-0 points win. This contest was followed by some traditional Irish Dancing from talented dancing sisters Chloe and Charley Gilmurray who entertained the visitors and large crowd. Following the parade of the two international teams, rising country singing star Cara McGillion sang great renditions of Danny Boy and Amhrán na bhFiann. Ireland's Gavin Ryan beat Michel Marinkovic (Austria) in the opening international contest at Bantamweight and Lee McEvoy followed that with a victory over Eric Banas at Featherweight. Next up was the main attraction Rhys Owens v Mery Ayan (Austria) in a Lightweight contest. Owens received a rapturous applause on his way to the ring and started the contest a bit nervously. Ayan took advantage and got the better of the early exchanges. However, Owens warmed into the contest and once he found his range he started to land with hurtful body shots. The opening round was very close but some sharp three-punch eye-catching combinations from Owens would have seen him edge the first session. In round two, Owens was buoyant and was now relishing the occasion. He applied constant pressure and although his Austrian opponent fought back gamely he was simply being outgunned and overwhelmed by the Erne starlet. Quality Owens combinations that mixed shots from body to head force Ayan to take a standing count and on resumption there was no let up. Owens knew he had his man going and continued to apply pressure and after landing with another hurtful combination the contest was called off handing him an RSC victory in round two. The large crowd raised the roof as Owens hand was officially raised in victory. There were a further two wins and two reverses for team Ireland in the final four team contests as the hosts romp to a 5-2 victory in the team match. Luke Hall (Ireland) beat Alfred Nana (Austria) by unanimous decision at Welterweight. Matthew McCole beat Rahman Altamirov (Austria) by RSC in round three at Light- Middleweight. Jason Clancy (Ireland) lost to Lucky Aimufa (Austria) by Split Decision 3-2 at Light-Heavyweight. Brian Kennedy (Ireland) lost to Micael Derouchie (Austria) by Unanimous Decision 5-0. Event organiser and Erne Boxing Club Head Coach Sean Crowley said: "It was a fantastic night for the club and a great night for Fermanagh. We have so many people and businesses that supported us to thank that we don't know where to start. "Our four boxers that competed tonight boxed absolutely brilliantly and impressed in front of the National coaches. "To get four wins out of four and especially to see Rhys win in an international vest in front of the home fans made all the stress and many tireless hours of unpaid work worthwhile for me, the club coaches and all the volunteers that made this event possible. "We did a great job of showcasing the beautiful county of Fermanagh and with further support could bring a major international competition like a European Championship in the future- that would be a great way to relaunch the new Lakeland forum when it reopens. "I just want to finish on behalf of the club by thanking all those key people that helped out, we are indebted to you."
Yahoo
24-04-2025
- Yahoo
'Assault of any kind is disturbing': Seattle bar brawl suspect arraigned
The Brief A man accused of assaulting a bartender, groping women and driving under the influence in Capitol Hill faced a judge on Wednesday. Anthony Suttle, 41, pleaded not guilty to charges of assault and obstruction of police of an officer. SEATTLE - A man accused of assaulting a bartender at a karaoke bar in Capitol Hill, groping women, driving under the influence and assaulting an officer faced a judge on Wednesday morning. The backstory Police say 41-year-old Anthony Suttle assaulted an officer who took him to a hospital to get a blood draw after he was arrested for allegedly driving under the influence early Tuesday morning. Suttle pleaded not guilty to charges of assault and obstruction of police of an officer. Prior to his arrest, Suttle was at The Crescent Lounge in Capitol Hill where police say groped women and threw a keg at a bartender. "Assault of any kind is disturbing. It affects you, but thankfully, physically no one was hurt," said David Munden, a manager at The Crescent Lounge. Munden says after Suttle groped women at the bar, the bartender told him to leave. "[Suttle] ripped his jacket off ranted and raved, knocked a bunch of stuff off of the bar," said Munden. Surveillance footage shared with Fox 13 shows the heated exchange between Suttle and the bartender which lasted only a few minutes before Suttle eventually leaves and is arrested by SPD. "We have an absolute zero tolerance on anything like that," said Munden. Munden doesn't believe Suttle targeted the LGBTQ+ community. Prior to the brawl, Munden says his staff did not recognize Suttle but they do now, and he is no longer allowed back into the business. "[The Crescent Lounge] has been a safe place for everybody in our community for many decades, and we will keep it that way," said Munden. The Source Information in this story is from Seattle Police, the Crescent Lounge and FOX 13 Seattle reporting. Boeing 737 reportedly rejected overseas, FOX 13 finds matching jet in Seattle China retaliates against Trump's tariffs Gov. Bob Ferguson signs bill restricting armed forces from entering WA Fast Ferry cuts loom as Washington faces budget crisis To get the best local news, weather and sports in Seattle for free, sign up for the daily FOX Seattle Newsletter. Download the free FOX LOCAL app for mobile in the Apple App Store or Google Play Store for live Seattle news, top stories, weather updates and more local and national coverage, plus 24/7 streaming coverage from across the nation
