R/ZM-03

Swimming and settlement behavior in the quagga mussel

Principal Investigator:

Victor S. Kennedy

Start/End Year:

1993 to 1995

Institution:

Horn Point Laboratory, University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science

Co-Principal investigator:

Thomas C. Malone, Horn Point Laboratory, University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science

Topic(s):

Oysters

Description:

To examine the behavioral repertoire of the introduced quagga mussel to determine if some advantage can be taken of this knowledge to avoid fouling of industrial water delivery systems. The objectives in Year 1 are to refine culture protocols for the rearing of quagga mussel larvae. Study swimming behavior of quagga mussel larvae in relation to gravity, temperature, salinity, and dissolved oxygen. The objectives in Year 2 are to complete study of swimming behavior. Study settlement behavior of quagga mussel pediveligers in relation to light and substrate orientation.

Featured Research Project

Determining the Resiliency of Juvenile Oysters to Estuarine Stressors and Climate Change: Implications for Restoration and Aquaculture Programs

Researchers will examine how Eastern oysters (Crassostrea virginica) respond to acidification of Chesapeake Bay waters caused by climate change and to low-oxygen (hypoxic) conditions. Understanding these responses is important to ensure success in efforts to restore the Bay’s wild oyster population and expand oyster aquaculture.