COASTAL MARINE SCIENCES (CMARS) WORKSHOP Impact of Land Use on Water Quality and Aquatic Life

1. COASTAL MARINE SCIENCES (CMARS) WORKSHOP Impact of Land Use on Water Quality and Aquatic Life In Maryland’s Chesapeake and Coastal Bays OVERVIEW Dynamics of Zooplankton Community in Maryland Coastal Bays and Their Driving Mechanisms The purpose of the CMAR workshop is to help promote environmental literacy for all students by involving teachers in the research being done through the Center for the Integrated Study of Coastal Ecosystem Processes (CREST) program at UMES. The CREST program is made up of a collaborative group of researchers working together to determine the effects of land use and climate patterns on the water quality and aquatic life in Maryland’s Chesapeake and Coastal Bays. It is an excellent opportunity for teachers to increase their knowledge base and participate in actual lab and fieldwork related to each of the subprojects associated with this program. Chesapeake Bay Maryland’s Coastal Bays The goal of subproject three is to examine the zooplankton found within the Coastal Bays. Researchers collect water samples from designated sites to be analyzed in the lab to determine microscopically, the types and numbers of zooplankton present within the water column. The scientists are also studying the gut contents of bay anchovies to gain a better understanding of the role of zooplankton in Coastal Bay ecosystems. Physiological effects of hypoxia and environmental contaminants on Atlantic croaker in the Chesapeake and Coastal Bays Land Use and Climate Variability: Effects on Nutrient Dynamics in the Coastal Waters  A The goal of subproject four is to determine how hypoxic conditions, brought on by eutrophication, are affecting the health of larger fish species within the Chesapeake Bay. The researchers use Atlantic croaker as a target species for the study. The croaker are brought into the lab and exposed to controlled hypoxic conditions. Blood chemistry and necropsies are conducted to detect changes in the croakers’ immunological, reproductive and endocrine functions. The goal for subproject one is to research land use and climate patterns within Maryland’s Chesapeake and Coastal Bay Watersheds to determine what effects these variables have on the Bays’ water quality. Researchers use GIS technology to develop models that accurately reflect the land use within each watershed and predict how it will affect future nutrient loading into the Chesapeake and Coastal Bays. Using YSI meters and the HACH method, scientists collect data on water quality parameters and nutrient levels from designated sampling sites. Effects of Environmental Factors on Blue CrabC. sapidus and its Relation to Infection by Hematodinium sp. Understanding the Dynamics of Phytoplankton and Macroalgae Species Including HABs in Maryland Coastal Bays The goal of subproject five is to examine the prevalence of an invasive species of dinoflagellate, Hematodinium perezi, in the Chesapeake and Coastal Bays. Hematodinium is an internal parasite known to infect the blue crab, compromising its immune defenses and frequently resulting in death. In order to confirm the presence and concentration of the parasite, researchers use plankton tows to collect specimens from designated testing sites along the Coastal Bays. The samples are brought to the lab where scientists use PCR and electrophoresis to determine the existence of the microbe in each sample. The goal of subproject two is to study the phytoplankton and macroalgae found within Maryland’s Coastal Bays. Scientists work in the field to collect both phytoplankton and macro algae from designated sampling sites. Once in the lab the samples are analyzed to determine which species are present and in what concentrations. The data collected is used to look for correlations between eutrophic conditions, HABs, and water quality parameters in the bays. SPECIAL THANKS AND ACKNOWLEDGMENT: UMES AND CREST Program Scientist and Graduate Students Kathy Richardson: Photography Captain Chris Webster: Boat Captain