Ben SchulmanWindsor Knolls Middle School (FCPS) ESEP Teacher Research Fellowship 2004-05

Principle Investigators: Researchers:Dr. Roger Newell Christie Stevens (Predation)Dr. Victor Kennedy Chris Kelly (Reef Formation)Dr. Joan Manuel

Oyster Research at Horn Point LaboratoryOyster Research at Horn Point Laboratory(Cambridge, MD)(Cambridge, MD)

Oyster Research at Horn Point Laboratory

II. Predation Studies

III. Reef FormationI. Larval Behavior

Experimental set-up

Desk-top Columns (0.5 m)

Mesocosms (2.1 m)

Context:The Chesapeake Bay’s population of the Eastern Oyster (C. virginica) has recently fallen to less than 1% of historic levels. Recent restoration efforts have included attempts to improve water quality and augment existing reefs with hatchery produced stocks of oyster spat. The states of Maryland and Virginia are currently pursuing a policy of introducing a new oyster species to replace the Eastern Oyster.

Problem:If the Asian Oyster were introduced into the Chesapeake Bay, would the larvae have the appropriate behavioral responses for the prevailing environmental conditions.

Research Objectives: Determine the behavior of larvae (and possible differences between species) in response to variations in light, temperature, and salinity. Compare vertical distribution in the water column. Measure swimming and sinking speeds.

Desk-top Columns

12 columns measuring 5 cm2 x 50 cm.

Each designed to maintain three distinct salinities.

Used to analyze larval responses to encounters with haloclines of higher & lower salinities.

Measure larval swimming and sinking speedsat different temperatures and salinities.

Mesocosms Mesocosm constructed

from plastic and a styrofoam float suspended in a 10,000 liter water tank.

Each contains 350 L of water and extends to a depth of 2.1 m.

Used to rear larvae from Trochophore stage (~30 um) to Pediveliger (~240 um) stage.

Over the 18 day development cycle, the vertical distribution of larvae is observed with respect to depth and light.

Data Collection and AnalysisDesk-top Columns

The movements of the larvae are filmed and recorded onto DVD. Software programs help sort and analyze images.