Mentor: Anabela Maia (Rhode Island College)

Project Location

Rhode Island College

Project Description

This project will look at the metabolism and growth rate of Narragansett Bay fish species exposed to anthropogenic pressures such as increased temperature, turbulence, and pollutants throughout their lifecycle. The species studied will be Stenotomus chrysops (scup) and Menidia menidia (Atlantic silversides). Standard respirometry techniques will be used to determine the energetic requirements of raising these fish in varying temperatures, turbulence regimes, and pollution levels. The total length of each of fish, RNA:DNA ratios and otolith growth will also be recorded at several stages of their life for the different treatments. The results of this study are important to help determine how climate change is impacting keystone species of Narragansett Bay. This information can help determine ways to protect these species and build predictive distribution models.

This project involves:

• field work
• lab work

Available for SURF Flex?

Yes

Required/preferred skills

Knowledge of fish husbandry, some physiology background (e.g. animal or human physiology course) preferred.

2022