Project:

Identification of Seaweed and Algae in Glen Cove

Students:

Kathleen Wetterer, Julia Petrizzo

School:

Glen Cove High School, Nassau

Mentors:

Kerry Bunyan

Abstract:

Seaweed most commonly flourishes in saltwater whereas other types of algae most commonly thrive in freshwater. Seaweed attaches itself to rocks and other hard substances in such environments (Tabitha Njogu, 2019). Kelp, also known as brown algae, is extremely common in saltwater environments along rocky coastlines whereas green algae (Chlorophyta) is most abundant in freshwater habitats. On Long Island, brown seaweed such as Sargassum, also known as gulfweed, and laminaria (kelp) are most common. With this, we are looking to identify the variations of seaweed and algae in the waters of Glen Cove, specifically at Garvies Point Beach, Dosoris Pond, Garvies Point Pond, and Prybil’s Beach. We will be going to these sites and collecting a total of 20 different samples between the locations.To determine the different species of seaweed and algae within Glen Cove, we will be using a technique called DNA barcoding. The region of identification will be the RBcL gene located in the chloroplast

Poster:

Team samples: