PLANS IIPLankton And Nutrient Studies

for the Chesapeake Bay

What is PLANS IIA NOAA-funded collaboration between:

CBNERRMorgan State University, PEARLThe Society for Ocean Sciences

An inquiry-based learning program to build an understanding of the sources, impacts and possible control strategies for nutrient enrichment of the Chesapeake Bay and Patuxent River

Nutrient Limitation in the Chesapeake

Bay

Nutrient Limitation in the Chesapeake Bay

1. What are the different types of plankton and why are they important?

2. What nutrient (N or P) controls the growth of algae at any particular point in time and location in the Bay?

3. What are the processes and mechanisms that cause the limiting nutrient to vary seasonally?

4. What nutrient sources are the most critical to control on local / regional scales?

Preparation PhaseUnderstand the different

types of plankton and the role they each play in the Chesapeake Bay ecosystem

Review the sources and impacts of nutrient enrichment

Introduce the concept of nutrient limitation

Design a “nutrient limitation” Bioassay

Viewing a Live Plankton Sample

Action PhaseLocation – CBNERR

Collect: Water quality data Water samples Plankton samples Dredge samples

View plankton samples microscopically

Set up and carry out an oyster feeding experiment while at CBNERR Site

Return to classroom and set up a nutrient limitation bioassay

Reflection PhaseReview / analyze data from

nutrient limitation Bioassays

Employ appropriate web resources to develop a local and regional perspective on sources of N and P (Discussion)

Participate in Capstone Activities