Download Oyster Research at Horn Point Laboratory

Oyster Research at Horn Point Laboratory
(Cambridge, MD)
Ben Schulman
Windsor Knolls Middle School (FCPS)
ESEP Teacher Research Fellowship 2004-05
Principle Investigators:
Dr. Roger Newell
Dr. Victor Kennedy
Dr. Joan Manuel
Researchers:
Christie Stevens (Predation)
Chris Kelly (Reef Formation)
Oyster Research at Horn Point Laboratory
I. Larval Behavior
II. Predation Studies
III. Reef Formation
Experimental set-up
Mesocosms (2.1 m)
Desk-top Columns (0.5 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 speeds
at 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 Analysis
Desk-top Columns
 The movements of the
larvae are filmed and
recorded onto DVD.
Software programs help
sort and analyze
images.