Research Projects

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Principal Investigator:
Joel E. Baker
Co-Principal Investigator:
Summary:

Provide predictive information for management needs on sediment contamination effects on living resources

Principal Investigator:
Matthew C. Fitzpatrick
Co-Principal Investigator:
Andrew J. Elmore, Appalachian Laboratory, University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science
Summary:

By looking at the biological communities living in streams across Maryland, scientists can learn a lot about the health of these waterways. In this study, researchers are drawing from state data to map the distribution of fish and small animals in streams across Maryland and the factors that potentially influence that distribution, such as urban growth. Such a map could be used to pinpoint particular stream reaches that are particularly sensitive to the negative effects of development. 

Principal Investigator:
Mario N. Tamburri
Co-Principal Investigator:
Gregory M. Ruiz, Smithsonian Environmental Research Center
Summary:

The basic objective of our proposed work is to quantify the effectiveness of deoxygenation in removing ballast water organisms while reducing ballast tank corrosion and to provide the information required to evaluate the feasibility of Venturi Oxygen Stripping as a cost-effective ballast water treatment. Specifically we proposed to:

  • Quantify levels of mortality for planktonic organisms found in Chesapeake Bay (zooplankton, phytoplankton, and microbes) after treatment with the Venturi Oxygen Stripping system a function of time after exposure to hypoxia.
  • Quantify corrosion rate of carbon steel under deoxygenated conditions and establish corrosion mechanism.
Principal Investigator:
Matthew P. Hare
Co-Principal Investigator:
Kennedy T. Paynter, Jr., University of Maryland, College Park
Summary:

Several concrete objectives will be met by this work. First, spatial variation across Chesapeake Bay will be examined more extensively and with larger samples than previously, using multiple DNA markers that have proven useful in other oyster studies, and using a sampling strategy that supports tests of isolation by distance. Second, we will examine the extent to which recruitment processes create temporal variation by comparing adults and new recruits at each site. This study is preliminary in that it is designed to reveal genetic patterns that can be informative about demographic processes. The uncertainty associated with previous Chesapeake oyster studies, and the recent changes in the population warrants this preliminary approach.

Principal Investigator:
William C. Boicourt
Co-Principal Investigator:
Summary:

To improve the database of current measurements for surface waters in the Louisiana Coastal Current, to describe the temporal evolution of surface layer water properties (salinity, temperature, nutrients, suspended particulate matter, chlorophyll) following a patch of water, and to support the refinement and calibration of models.

Principal Investigator:
Gerardo R. Vasta
Co-Principal Investigator:
Summary:

Our current proposal is focused on continuing the application of our quantitative molecular (PCR) diagnostic techniques for practical field purposes regarding the etiology of this oyster disease in the Chesapeake Bay. This includes the identification of P. marinus strains (Types I and II), Perkinsus species and the certification of disease-free oyster seed. The validation of our PCR-based diagnostic assay and a comparison of its performance with the fluid thioglycollate assay (FTM) revealed not only that the PCR-based diagnostic assay is species-specific and far more sensitive than FTM, but that FTM is not specific for P. marinus FTM detects as positive other Perkinsus spp present in the Chesapeake Bay of yet undetermined virulence for Crassostrea virginica.

Principal Investigator:
Yonathan Zohar
Co-Principal Investigator:
Summary:

To develop a simple and generic treatment for inducing sterility in farmed fish, that is based on altering the migration pattern of GnRH neurons during early development using gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). The hybrid striped bass will be the studied model. This goal includes the following objectives: I. Study the early development of the GnRH and GABA systems and of the gonads. II. Study the effect of GABA and agonists on the establishment and expression of the GnRH system. III. Study the effect of GABA and agonists, and of altered GnRH development patterns, on gonadal development, associated endocrine factors and growth rate. IV. Optimize and scale up a GABA-based treatment for the induction of sterility in hybrid striped bass and other farmed species.

Principal Investigator:
David A. Wright
Co-Principal Investigator:
Rodger Dawson, Chesapeake Biological Laboratory, University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science
Summary:

Specific objectives will be to map the usage patterns of Dimilin in the northeast Chesapeake Bay catchment area, and monitor Dimilin run-off at two field sites. Bioassay results from two crustacean species at these field sites will be compared with bioassay data from a (Dimilin-free) reference site. End points from these and laboratory bioassays will characterize the role of food in Dimilin bioavailability and will form the basis of hazard assessment for this compound's specific mode of action. Chemical application, run-off and toxicity data will be combined as a model risk assessment for non-point source pesticide run-off.

Principal Investigator:
Douglas Lipton
Co-Principal Investigator:
Summary:

To provide training and a basic understanding of environmental valuation and related economic principals, and their role in the management of the Chesapeake Bay to individuals involved in Bay management and decision-making.

Principal Investigator:
Edward D. Houde
Co-Principal Investigator:
Stephen B. Brandt, Chesapeake Biological Laboratory, University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science
Summary:

We hypothesize that abundant pelagic fishes, principally the bay anchovy and menhaden, are the major consumers of plankton production in the Chesapeake Bay, forming a key link in the pathway from primary production to harvestable fish resources. To test this hypothesis and to compare/contrast the ecology of the two species in the Maryland portion of the Bay, we will estimate seasonal biomasses and abundances of anchovy and menhaden, and define their trophic relationships, growth statistics and production in relation to the physical structure of the environment. Schooling pelagic fishes, principally bay anchovy and menhaden, are hypothesized to be major consumers of plankton production in the Chesapeake Bay and form a key link in the pathway from primary production to harvestable fish.

Principal Investigator:
Lance Yonkos
Co-Principal Investigator:
Carys Mitchelmore, Chesapeake Biological Laboratory, University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science; Johan Schijf, Chesapeake Biological Laboratory, University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science
Summary:

The eastern oyster, Crassostrea virginica, has historically been a species of tremendous importance to the Chesapeake Bay economically and ecologically and provides numerous ecosystem services, including water filtration, habitat and food for many other Bay species. Significant hatchery and aquaculture efforts are currently underway to recapture the economic and ecological benefits of a robust oyster population within Chesapeake waters, whether for human consumption or to promote improvements in water quality and benthic habitat. The presence of microplastics (MP) in Bay waters may negatively impact these efforts.

Principal Investigator:
Reginal M. Harrell
Co-Principal Investigator:
Kyle J. Hartman, West Virginia University; John M. Jacobs, NOAA Cooperative Oxford Laboratory; Mark A. Matsche, Maryland Department of Natural Resources, Cooperative Oxford Cooperative Laboratory
Summary:

The Chesapeake Bay’s striped bass fishery is the region’s second-most profitable fishery, although populations of these fish have declined in some years, partly because of overfishing. Researchers are validating a new and non-lethal tool, called BIA, that can be used to assess the nutritional status of striped bass caught in the estuary. The tool could give fisheries managers a dependable method of determining the health of the Bay’s striped bass, helping those experts to manage the fishery more effectively.

Principal Investigator:
Louis Plough
Co-Principal Investigator:
Matthew B. Ogburn, Smithsonian Environmental Research Center
Summary:
Anadromous alosine fishes (river herrings and shads) are critically important to ecosystem function, economies, and cultures of coastal communities, but have seen major declines in the mid-Atlantic region and the Chesapeake Bay in particular. We have developed and demonstrated the effectiveness of new monitoring tools for river herring (alewife and blueback herring) including environmental DNA (eDNA) and sonar image-based run counts that are rapidly improving our ability to study these species. However, additional eDNA monitoring of American shad and hickory shad, which lacks baseline data, is needed to establish habitat use in rivers across the mid-Atlantic.
Principal Investigator:
Lawrence W. Harding, Jr.
Co-Principal Investigator:
Wayne E. Esaias, Goddard Space Flight Center, NASA
Summary:

The objective of the proposed research is to use ocean color data from aircraft remote sensing to determine the distribution of chlorophyll in Chesapeake Bay. We will use a combination of the data from aircraft overflights with two instruments, the Ocean Data Acquisition System (ODAS) and the SeaWiFS Aircraft Simulator (SAS II), with those from Shipboard and satellite studies to assess the relationship of principal forcing functions in the Bay to seasonal and interannual variations in phytoplankton abundance. A series of 25-30 flights is proposed for 1996. Spanning late February through October. This project represents a continuation of the regional remote sensing program we have developed in recent years.

Principal Investigator:
Cynthia C. Gilmour
Co-Principal Investigator:
Gerhardt F. Riedel, Academy of Natural Sciences Estuarine Research Laboratory
Summary:

The objective of this study is to assess the fate, bioavailability and transport of metals and metalloids in dredge spoils applied to wetlands. Specifically, we will examine six of the Chesapeake Bay Program Toxics of Concern (Cu, Pb, Cd, Cr, Hg, As) in a restored marsh that has previously received dredge spoils (Kenilworth Marsh) and in a control marsh (Dueling Creek) within the Anacostia River. We will also examine two metals that serve as models for particular modes of redox cycling (Fe, Mn).

Principal Investigator:
Lora Harris
Co-Principal Investigator:
Lisa A. Wainger, Hongsheng Bi, Chesapeake Biological Laboratory, University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science
Summary:

Large investments in water quality and fisheries monitoring on the Potomac River have resulted in extensive datasets that cover a long time period. In this ongoing project, researchers have created a model that can use these data to answer questions and help with the management and restoration of the estuary.

Principal Investigator:
Roger I.E. Newell
Co-Principal Investigator:
David G. Kimmel, East Carolina University; Mitchell Tarnowski, Maryland Department of Natural Resources
Summary:

Researchers have developed a model to predict which locations have the greatest likelihood of receiving above-average oyster spatfall (settling of larvae onto hard substrate), taking into account the effect of wet versus dry years. This model would allow managers to better focus restoration efforts by identifying the locations where oyster bar rehabilitation will result in the greatest increase in oyster abundance. The model also should be useful to commercial aquaculture operators seeking to maximize their production.
 

Principal Investigator:
Leone Yisrael
Co-Principal Investigator:
Summary:

Globally, there has been a consistent increase in the volume of hypoxic waters along coasts. Hypoxia can have numerous negative impacts on ecosystems such as modifying nitrogen and phosphorus cycling, altering food webs, degrading fisheries, and making coastal habitats uninhabitable to many economically and ecologically important fish species. Yet, hypoxia is not universally harming marine organisms. Rather some have benefitted from the effects of hypoxia since it can generate regime shifts, where certain species leave habitats since they can no longer tolerate the environmental conditions, leading to other tolerant organisms moving into those oxygen-limiting waters. The Atlantic Brief Squid, Loliguncula brevis, is one such organism.

Principal Investigator:
Robert S. Anderson
Co-Principal Investigator:
Summary:

This project will produce the initial molecular and functional characterization of antimicrobial peptides in Crassostrea virginica, thus supplying unique insight into mechanisms of disease resistance. We hypothesize that antimicrobial peptides play a significant role as protective, cytotoxic effector molecules in oysters comparable to that documented for other invertebrate and vertebrate species,. The prominent role of antimicrobial defenses in other metazoans, as well as our recent demonstration of several antimicrobial peptides in C. virginica serum, provides the rationale for this proposed study. The activity of the peptides will be tested against a panel of bacteria, yeasts and protists, including the oyster pathogens Vibrio anguillarum and Perkinsus marinus.

Principal Investigator:
Thomas Miller
Co-Principal Investigator:
Summary:

The blue crab, Callinectes sapidus, serves an important ecological and economic role in the Chesapeake Bay. Projected climate change scenarios, however, will fundamentally disrupt the existing ecological and economic pattern and may have profound impacts on management regimes and social patterns for coastal communities who rely on the blue crab fishery. This project looks to use data from environmental experiments to forecast the population level impacts of climate change on blue crab in the Bay.

Principal Investigator:
Elka Porter
Co-Principal Investigator:
Jeffrey Cornwell, Horn Point Laboratory, UMCES; Lawrence Sanford, Horn Point Laboratory, UMCES
Summary:

The potential for net nitrogen removal due to oyster aquaculture is strongly related to the transport and fate of oyster biodeposits. Biodeposits exported from aquaculture sites may enhance denitrification rates elsewhere while mitigating the impacts of organic matter over-enrichment at the aquaculture site, and/or suspended biodeposit organic matter may be denitrified in the water column. Both processes are currently not well understood. We propose a 6-wk ecosystem experiment in six shear-turbulence-resuspension-mesocosm (STURM, Porter et al. 2018a) tanks with tidal resuspension to address these questions. Three tanks will receive daily oyster biodeposit additions to mimic an aquaculture site and three tanks will not in order to represent background natural conditions.

Principal Investigator:
Anson H. Hines
Co-Principal Investigator:
Gregory M. Ruiz, Richard W. Osman, Smithsonian Environmental Research Center; Lucius G. Eldredge, Bishop Museum
Summary:

Objectives: We propose to focus on tropical and subtropical sites that are of particular importance to U.S. trade interests and that are strategically positioned for biogeographic considerations.

Principal Investigator:
Anson H. Hines
Co-Principal Investigator:
Jeffrey A. Crooks, Smithsonian Environmental Research Center
Summary:

The overall goal of this research project is to assess the importance of coastwise transport of invasive species established in west coast ports and bays.

Principal Investigator:
Mitchell Pavao-Zuckerman
Co-Principal Investigator:
Matthew Wilfong, University of Maryland College Park (UMCP)
Summary:

Urban stormwater runoff remains on the of the primary sources of nutrients, sediments, and other pollutants in receiving waters, like the Chesapeake Bay. Stormwater best management practices (BMPs) and green infrastructure (SWGI) have been implemented in urban and suburban areas to re-establish ecosystem functions lost because of urbanization. SWGI treatment trains provide sequential infiltration and treatment of stormwater on the landscape prior to export into nearby waterways and groundwater.

Principal Investigator:
Caroline Solomon
Co-Principal Investigator:
Patricia Glibert, Horn Point Laboratory, University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science
Summary:

The Anacostia River is among the most polluted tributaries in Chesapeake Bay. With substantial algal blooms and bacterial contamination, it has placed those who recreate on the water at considerable health risk. The first phase of a recently completed, multi-billion dollar infrastructure project, the Anacostia River Tunnel, which will retain and divert sewage and storm water effluent is due to be operational by March 2018. The tunnel project is award-winning from the perspective of the engineering community, but the environmental outcome is yet to be determined. While it may be years before the full infrastructure project is complete or full ecosystem recovery is seen, changes in phytoplankton and bacteria should be clearly evident in these first two years of project implementation.

Since 1977, Maryland Sea Grant has funded scientific research relevant to the Chesapeake Bay and the Maryland residents who conserve, enjoy, and make their living from it. We strive to fund projects that both advance scientific knowledge and offer practical results benefiting ecosystems, communities, and economies throughout the Chesapeake Bay region.

Click on an individual project to find out more. Search current and past research projects here.

The Blue Crab: Callinectes Sapidus

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