Mentor: Jack Costello, Providence College
Co-Mentor: Sean Colin, Roger Williams University

Project Location

Marine Biological Laboratory, Woods Hole

Project Description

Medusae, more commonly known as jellyfish, play an important role in coastal marine systems such as Narragansett Bay. Jellyfish are impactful predators that feed by sieving surrounding prey-filled water through their tentacles. But how do they control their locations to maintain themselves in favorable feeding conditions such as small embayments? Our research program evaluates the mechanical processes that jellyfish use to maneuver while swimming. This involves analysis of video sequences taken of species common in Narragansett Bay (Aurelia aurita, Cyanea capillata, Clytia sp.) collected both in the laboratory and underwater to measure swimming mechanics of jellyfish. Our results will enable us to understand the mechanisms used by these animals to control their motion in the water column. This information will be helpful for evaluating the conditions that favor persistence of these animals in the field as well as contributing to understanding how animals negotiate highly dynamic tidal regimes such as those in Narragansett Bay.

The summer 2021 research will involve image analysis, data acquisition and analysis, figure and manuscript generation. We currently have most of the necessary video from prior research. The research this summer will focus on analysis and interpretation of existing images. However, we may need to collect new image sequences to resolve gaps in our knowledge. Our goal is to develop these data into a series of publishable manuscripts. This process will likely involve distance meetings with science colleagues in the fields of fluid physics and biological oceanography.

Additional Information

• Video: Dr. John “Jack” Costello, professor of biology at PC, explains his research of jellyfish and the practical applications of the findings.